Amnesty International has called on the Cuban government to end systematic gender-based violence against women human rights defenders, journalists, and activists, launching its new report, “They Want Us Silent, But We Keep Resisting: Authoritarian Practices and State Violence Against Women in Cuba.” The report documents a pattern of state repression targeting women engaged in activism,… [Read More]
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How Local Innovators and Mobile Industry Leaders Are Powering Africa’s Digital Health Transformation
The GSMA Mobile for Development team is conducting major research on how the mobile industry can advance digital health across varied economic contexts. October saw active engagement at the Africa HealthTech Summit and MWC Kigali, where digital health was a central theme. A strong message emerging from these events is that Africa’s digital health transformation… [Read More]
Aid Cuts Fuel Rising Hunger Among Displaced Communities in CAR and Cameroon
A convoy carrying returning families arrives in the Central African village of Beloko, marking the end of a long journey home for refugees like Nafissa, who fled violence more than a decade ago. After years in Cameroon, she and thousands of others are choosing to return to the Central African Republic (CAR) as support in… [Read More]
UNAIDS 2025 Report: Overcoming Disruptions to Revive the Global AIDS Response
The 2025 funding crisis has severely disrupted global HIV prevention and community-led services, particularly in vulnerable populations. UNAIDS’ new World AIDS Day report warns that the AIDS response is facing its most serious setback in decades, driven by abrupt reductions in international assistance and weakening global solidarity. External health funding is projected to decline by… [Read More]
New DEC $1 Million Grant Funding Launched to Reduce Air Pollution in EJ Communities
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced $1 million in grant funding for two projects aimed at reducing air pollution in disadvantaged and environmental justice communities. The funding comes from DEC’s Air Pollution Mitigation program and supports ongoing statewide community air monitoring efforts designed to better identify pollution sources and develop reduction strategies… [Read More]
EU-Backed Guarantee: EIB Group and Inecobank Expand Financing for Armenian SMEs
The EIB Group, consisting of the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund, is partnering with Inecobank to expand access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in Armenia. Through the EU4Business Guarantee Facility, backed by the European Commission, the EIB Group will provide a partial portfolio guarantee that is expected to benefit… [Read More]
Sweden Secures €500M EIB Investment to Boost Sandvik’s Mining and Machining Technologies
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved a €500 million loan to Sandvik to accelerate research and development in advanced mining, machining, and digital technologies between 2026 and 2029. The investment will support innovations in cutting technologies, tooling systems, battery-electric mining equipment, and automated and digitalised solutions for mining and rock excavation. Most of the… [Read More]
Brazil Signs PAHO Deal to Modernize Vaccines Through Revolving Funds
Brazil’s Ministry of Health has signed a new agreement with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to acquire updated vaccines through PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds, a pooled procurement system that helps countries secure affordable medical supplies. The signing took place in São Paulo during a meeting of the Health Economic-Industrial Complex, where PAHO highlighted ongoing… [Read More]
African Credit Rating Agency: Why It May Not Benefit Borrowers
The African Union plans to establish an African Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) in Mauritius next year, citing concerns about perceived anti-African bias from the dominant global rating agencies—Fitch, Moody’s, and Standard & Poor’s. The AU argues that these agencies, with little on-the-ground presence in Africa, evaluate African countries’ creditworthiness in ways that prioritize austerity over… [Read More]
African Workers at Risk: Trade Unions Call for Dedicated Humanitarian Fund
Trade unions across Africa are stepping up to play a more active role in fostering peace, stability, and democratic governance amid rising conflicts and political crises affecting at least 30 countries on the continent. African workers, who often bear the brunt of instability, are now committed to launching coordinated efforts in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and… [Read More]
Global HIV Fight Faces ‘Perilous Risks’ as UNAIDS Reports Funding Shortfalls
The 2025 UNAIDS report, Overcoming Disruption: Transforming the AIDS Response, warns that abrupt funding cuts have created “perilous risks” for the global HIV response, threatening the health and well-being of millions worldwide. Service disruptions have led to deaths among people living with HIV, left millions at high risk without access to prevention tools, and forced… [Read More]
Chui Ventures Closes First Fund to Drive Inclusive Economic Growth Across Africa
Chui Ventures, a Pan-African seed-stage venture capital fund with a gender-inclusive mandate, has successfully closed its debut Fund I at $17.3 million, exceeding its original target of $10 million. The fund supports African founders developing mass-market, tech-enabled solutions across Sub-Saharan Africa, with commitments from foundations, family offices, and over 30 high-net-worth individuals, including the Mastercard… [Read More]
USAID Funding Cuts Spark Conflict Between Lesotho and South African Organisations
The sudden USAID funding cuts earlier this year have created a deep conflict between two southern African organisations, MFDF (Mosepele Foundation Development Forum) and Mothers2Mothers South Africa (M2M), both caught in circumstances beyond their control. MFDF alleges that M2M, the prime implementer of the USAID-funded Bokamoso project, withheld funds, violated regulations, and exerted financial pressure… [Read More]
New Analysis Reveals Attempts to Weaken EU Water Regulations
A new report reveals how influential industry groups in Europe, including those in agriculture, energy, mining, and chemicals, are attempting to weaken the EU’s Water Framework Directive (WFD), which safeguards rivers, lakes, and groundwater from pollution. These sectors are pressuring the European Commission to use the upcoming Environmental “Omnibus” Package to roll back key protections… [Read More]
EU Funding Under Fire: NGOs Criticize Right-Wing MEPs’ Investigative Working Group
Ahead of the inaugural meeting of the European Parliament’s new scrutiny working group (SWG) on EU funding for NGOs scheduled for 26 November, environmental organisations have voiced strong concerns about the group’s mandate, composition, and purpose. They argue that the SWG’s narrow focus on NGOs, rather than all beneficiaries of EU funding, is unnecessary and… [Read More]
UNCTAD Sounds Alarm on Gaza’s Worst-Ever Economic Crisis
UNCTAD’s 2025 report on the economy of the Occupied Palestinian Territory highlights a catastrophic economic collapse in Gaza and a severe downturn in the West Bank. Deputy Secretary-General Pedro Manuel Moreno emphasized that decades of movement restrictions, compounded by recent military operations, have wiped out long-standing progress, leaving both regions facing prolonged devastation. Gaza, in… [Read More]
UNAIDS Report: HIV Response Suffers Major Global Backslide
UNAIDS has launched its 2025 World AIDS Day report, Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response, highlighting a severe decline in international HIV funding. OECD projections indicate that external health assistance could fall by 30–40 per cent in 2025 compared with 2023, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. Executive Director Winnie Byanyima emphasized the human cost… [Read More]
Join the 2026 Middle East Youth Summit in Makkah: Umrah and Networking with World Leaders
The Middle East Youth Summit (MEYS) 2026, organized by Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB), has officially opened registration for its international gathering of Muslim youth. Scheduled from March 30 to April 2, 2026, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, the summit carries the theme “Global Muslim Youth Collaboration for Sustainable Development.” It aims to bring together young… [Read More]
Every 10 Minutes a Woman Dies: Understanding the Surge in Global Femicide
Femicide, the gender-related killing of women and girls, represents the most extreme form of violence against females worldwide. A joint report by UN Women and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), released on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, highlights that femicide is increasing globally. Unlike general homicide, femicide… [Read More]
Northern Nigeria Faces Surge in Abductions and Insurgent Violence
Since 17 November, at least 402 people, primarily schoolchildren, have been abducted across four north-central Nigerian states—Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, and Borno—according to the UN human rights office, OHCHR. Of those kidnapped, only 88 have reportedly been freed or managed to escape. OHCHR has called on Nigerian authorities at all levels to take immediate and lawful… [Read More]
Violence Against Women: UN Reports Surge in Femicide and Online Abuse Worldwide
Ms. Tesfai recounted her experience of digital stalking during a UN event in New York commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. What began as anonymous online interactions escalated into physical stalking, with the perpetrator sending messages describing what she was wearing. Despite reporting the threats to the police, she was… [Read More]
Global Crisis: More Than 600 Million Children Face Domestic Violence, UNICEF Reports
UNICEF has warned that over 600 million children worldwide are exposed to violence at home, with the highest rates in Oceania, sub-Saharan Africa, and Central and Southern Asia. These figures reflect deep regional inequalities and the widespread abuse that women face globally. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized that the safety and autonomy of women… [Read More]
IDB Supports Uruguay in Strengthening National Road Infrastructure
WASHINGTON — The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a Conditional Credit Line for Investment Projects (CCLIP) of $675 million to support a program designed to optimize public spending, improve road asset management, and preserve Uruguay’s National Road Network (RVN). The initiative aims to strengthen infrastructure planning, ensure financial sustainability, and enhance the overall efficiency… [Read More]
