The World Bank has approved the second phase of the Enhancing Public Financial Management through Information and Communication Technology and Skills Project to support the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) in strengthening the management of its public finances. The $17.5 million initiative, financed through a low-interest loan from the International Development Association (IDA), aims to… [Read More]
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WFP Scales Back Aid in Conflict-Hit Eastern DRC Amid Growing Hunger and Funding Gaps
At a press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Cynthia Jones, the World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), warned of a rapidly worsening hunger crisis across the country’s conflict-hit eastern provinces. The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report shows that the number of… [Read More]
Asian Development Bank Provides $100 Million to Enhance Fiscal Stability and Transparency in Sri Lanka
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $100 million financing package to support Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to strengthen macroeconomic resilience, fiscal governance, and sustainable growth following its recent economic crisis. The program aims to reinforce public expenditure management, improve revenue mobilization, and foster greater private sector participation to help the country maintain stability… [Read More]
ADB, ReNew Partner on $331 Million Solar-Wind-BESS Project to Deliver Round-the-Clock Clean Energy in India
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $331 million financing agreement with ReNew Vyoman Power Private Limited to develop an 837-megawatt (MW) wind-solar hybrid power plant with a 415-megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) in Andhra Pradesh, India. This large-scale renewable project will supply 300 MW of round-the-clock peak power and guaranteed baseload… [Read More]
ADF Approves $9 Million to Boost Climate Resilience and Flood Adaptation in Western Rwanda
The African Development Fund’s Board of Directors has approved a $9.4 million grant to the Republic of Rwanda to implement the Nature-Based Flood Adaptation Project. This initiative aims to strengthen climate resilience among communities and safeguard water infrastructure in the flood-prone western districts of Karongi and Rusizi. By focusing on nature-based solutions, the project will… [Read More]
Luxembourg, AfDB Deepen Collaboration to Drive Africa’s Sustainable Development
The African Development Bank Group President, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, and Luxembourg’s Finance Minister, Gilles Roth, have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation as preparations continue for the seventeenth replenishment of the African Development Fund (ADF-17), the Bank’s concessional financing arm. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank and IMF… [Read More]
UNHCR Chief Urges Increased Support for Refugees Amid Funding Shortfalls
In his final address to the UN General Assembly, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi called for stronger protection and increased funding for displaced populations worldwide. Grandi highlighted that, for the first time in nearly a decade, the global number of refugees and people fleeing war, violence, and persecution has decreased—from 123 million at… [Read More]
Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica, Wiping Out Nearly a Third of National Wealth
Hurricane Melissa has left 1.5 million Jamaicans affected and caused damage equivalent to 30% of the country’s GDP, marking it as the worst climate disaster in Jamaica’s history, UN officials said Thursday. The Category 5 storm generated nearly five million tonnes of debris across western Jamaica—roughly 500,000 truckloads—and has left communities struggling to recover. Authorities… [Read More]
UN Warns of Widespread Alleged Atrocities in Sudan’s El Fasher
The UN Special Adviser on genocide prevention has raised alarm over reports of widespread war crimes in Sudan’s El Fasher, as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia took control of the Darfuri capital after more than 500 days of siege. Chaloka Beyani, who recently assumed the role of Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General for… [Read More]
UN: Israel Blocks Over 100 Humanitarian Aid Requests in Gaza Since Ceasefire
The United Nations reported on Thursday that Israeli authorities have rejected more than 100 requests to deliver relief materials to Gaza since a ceasefire took effect nearly a month ago. Deputy UN Spokesperson Farhan Haq told journalists in New York that 107 aid requests—including blankets, winter clothing, and equipment for water, sanitation, and hygiene services—have… [Read More]
UN Warns Armed Conflicts Are Devastating Ecosystems and Livelihoods Worldwide
From Gaza to Ukraine and beyond, ongoing conflicts are not only causing widespread human suffering but also wreaking havoc on natural resources, including forests, farmland, and water systems. The environmental damage disrupts livelihoods, drives displacement, and fuels instability, often persisting long after hostilities end. Speaking to the UN Security Council, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Foreign Minister… [Read More]
Brazil Launches Tropical Forests Forever Fund to Boost Climate Action
Brazil has launched the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, a new initiative designed to place forest protection at the center of global climate efforts. Announced during a summit in Belém ahead of COP30, the fund aims to reward countries that successfully halt deforestation, making standing forests more valuable than cleared land. The facility could channel up… [Read More]
Doha Summit Urges Countries to Turn Social Pledges into Action
The Second World Summit for Social Development concluded in Doha on Thursday with calls for countries to move from commitments to implementation, ensuring the Doha Political Declaration translates into measurable progress on poverty reduction, decent work, and social inclusion. Speaking at the closing press conference, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock described the Summit as… [Read More]
Uganda Advances Integration of Communicable and Non-Communicable Disease Services
Uganda is taking decisive steps to integrate health service delivery for communicable diseases (CDs) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), addressing the country’s growing double burden of disease. Speaking at the three-day National Annual Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases Conference and the 19th Joint Scientific Health Conference, Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero emphasized the urgency… [Read More]
Nigeria Advances Towards Measles and Rubella Elimination by 2030
Abuja, Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to the global goal of eliminating measles and rubella by 2030. As Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria’s progress is critical not only for regional but also for global efforts. The comprehensive Integrated Measles–Rubella and Polio Vaccination Campaign demonstrates strong government leadership and collaboration with local and international partners… [Read More]
Nigeria, WHO, and Partners Renew Commitment to Eradicate All Forms of Polio by 2030
Abuja, Nigeria, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, is intensifying efforts to eliminate all forms of polio by 2030 through strong government leadership, community engagement, and targeted vaccination campaigns. Every year on 24 October, World Polio Day serves as a reminder of the global commitment to eradicate poliomyelitis, a disease… [Read More]
WHO Calls for Bold Financing and Access Strategies to Ensure Equitable Distribution of Novel TB Vaccines
A new World Health Organization (WHO) report, launched on the sidelines of the G20 Health Ministers Meeting in Limpopo, South Africa, urges urgent action to guarantee that novel tuberculosis (TB) vaccines reach adolescents and adults in high-burden countries. The report, Catalysing Solutions for Equitable Global Access for Sustainable Financing for Novel Tuberculosis Vaccines for Adults… [Read More]
WHO Launches Global Research Agenda to Strengthen Paediatric Clinical Trials
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new technical report, The Future of Paediatric Clinical Trials – Setting Research Priorities for Child Health, presenting a global research agenda aimed at addressing critical gaps in evidence for children aged 0–9 years. This initiative responds to WHO’s 2024 guidance on best practices for clinical trials, which… [Read More]
Lesotho Powers Ahead with Renewable Energy to Expand Inclusive Access
Lesotho is marking significant progress in its clean energy transition with the Renewable Lesotho Programme, which will celebrate tangible milestones on Thursday, 6 November 2025, at Itekeng Combined School in Pitseng, Thaba-Tseka. The school is among eight facilities electrified during the first year of the Access to Affordable Renewable Energy (AARE) initiative, implemented by UNDP… [Read More]
Brazil Pledges US$72 Million to Strengthen Global Immunisation Through Gavi
Brazil has announced a landmark pledge of US$72 million to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, for the organisation’s 2026–2030 strategic period, reaffirming its role as a key player in global health and vaccine manufacturing. The commitment underscores Brazil’s leadership in South–South cooperation and its dedication to protecting communities across Latin America and beyond. The announcement, made… [Read More]
Ideas and Pioneers Fund: Key Considerations for Applicants
The Ideas and Pioneers Fund team has shared insights from last year’s round to help potential applicants better understand what makes a successful submission. Last year, when the Fund reopened, it received an overwhelming 319 applications and awarded 30 grants. The range of bold, transformative ideas was inspiring, reflecting the Fund’s commitment to supporting innovative… [Read More]
Civil Society Under Threat: Georgian Human Rights Defenders Speak Out Against Crackdown
Civil society and human rights organizations in Georgia are facing increasing pressure from authorities, with shrinking civic space and growing legal restrictions threatening their work. Recently, the bank accounts of seven leading organizations were frozen, part of a broader campaign targeting and harassing civil society actors. The adoption of a new law criminalizing NGOs that… [Read More]
Norway Commits NOK 30 Billion to Tropical Forest Forever Fund to Protect Global Rainforests
Norway has announced plans to allocate up to NOK 30 billion to a new international initiative aimed at safeguarding the world’s tropical forests for generations to come. The Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) is designed to provide stable, long-term funding to countries working to reduce deforestation and protect vital ecosystems. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre… [Read More]
