The African Development Bank Group’s Board of Directors has approved EUR 117 million in financing for Benin to implement the Support Programme for the Economic Development of Local Authorities (PADECT). The initiative, running from 2026 to 2031, aims to transform Benin’s 77 municipalities into dynamic centers of private investment and job creation. The funding package… [Read More]
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Caribbean Prepares for Tropical Storm Melissa with WFP Emergency Assistance
As Tropical Storm Melissa moves across the Caribbean, bringing heavy rains and strong winds, the World Food Programme (WFP) is coordinating with regional governments and partners to minimize the storm’s impact and assist vulnerable communities. With forecasts warning that the storm could intensify into a major hurricane, WFP’s focus is on anticipatory and preparedness actions… [Read More]
Belize Receives IDB Support to Improve Coastal Water Quality in Caye Caulker
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $10 million investment loan and a $500,000 grant to support Belize in improving coastal water quality in Caye Caulker. The financing, endorsed by the IDB’s Board of Executive Directors, falls under the IDB CLIMA initiative — a performance-based pilot program that rewards countries for achieving climate and… [Read More]
South Korea Partners with IDB Group on New Cooperation Package for Sustainable Growth in the Americas
The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) and the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Korea have announced a new cooperation package designed to boost innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The initiative, unveiled during the 7th Korea-LAC Business Summit in Seoul, celebrates 20 years of collaboration since… [Read More]
Eswatini: Cuban Man’s Hunger Strike Reveals Human Toll of Unlawful US Transfer Agreement
Amnesty International has raised alarm over the indefinite hunger strike of Roberto Mosquera del Peral, a Cuban national deported from the United States to Eswatini in July 2025, who is protesting his ongoing detention at Matsapha Correctional Centre. The organization’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, described the situation as a clear… [Read More]
ASEAN Leaders Must Act on Myanmar’s Worsening Crisis and Regional Scam Compounds, Says Rights Group
Amnesty International has called on ASEAN member states to prioritize human rights in regional decision-making as leaders gather for the bloc’s 47th Summit in Malaysia. The organization urged ASEAN to take decisive action to address the worsening crisis in Myanmar, nearly five years after the military seized power. According to Amnesty, the human rights situation… [Read More]
Time to Reclaim Human Rights Principles in Online Freedom of Expression, Says UN Expert
A United Nations expert has raised alarm over the growing control of freedom of expression online by powerful political and corporate actors. Irene Khan, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, presented her report to the General Assembly, warning that the current shifts threaten the safety and rights of billions who rely… [Read More]
El Salvador Collaborates with PAHO and Global Banks to Enhance Primary Health Care Services
The Ministry of Health of El Salvador (MINSAL), with the support of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the World Bank (WB), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), organized a two-day technical workshop to strengthen coordination and advance the implementation of the country’s primary health care (PHC) model. The event, held on October 16–17 in… [Read More]
Guyana Marks Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Week 2025 with National Awareness Campaign
Guyana has launched a national campaign titled “Let’s End Child Pregnancies” to raise awareness and reduce adolescent pregnancies across the country. The initiative, organized by the Healthy Life Course Unit of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in collaboration with the Adolescent Health Unit of the Ministry of Health, was inaugurated at the Sophia Health… [Read More]
Breaking the Silence: Young Leaders Address Commercial Impacts on Mental Health
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) marked World Mental Health Day 2025 by hosting a groundbreaking youth-led forum in Bridgetown, Barbados, under the theme “Breaking the Silence: Commercial Determinants of Mental Health.” The event, held on 10 October 2025, brought together young people, government representatives, and partners from across the Eastern Caribbean to explore how… [Read More]
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: PAHO Trains Health Workers on New Childhood Vaccines
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) conducted a weeklong national training in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to strengthen the country’s immunization programme following the introduction of three new childhood vaccines—hexavalent (Hexa), pneumococcal conjugate (PCV10), and rotavirus (RV)—in July 2025. The initiative, organized by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment with technical support… [Read More]
PAHO and UNICEF Lead Regional Drive to End Violence Against Children in Latin America and the Caribbean
Governments, civil society, youth representatives, and international partners from Latin America and the Caribbean reaffirmed their joint commitment to end violence against children and adolescents during a high-level regional consultation organized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and UNICEF. Despite progress, the region continues to face alarming rates of violence — with nearly two-thirds… [Read More]
Caribbean Development Bank Calls for Urgent Action on Irrigation to Safeguard Food Supply
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has renewed its commitment to advancing food and income security in the Caribbean through sustainable irrigation investments. At the closing session of the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum during the 2025 World Food Forum, CDB Vice President for Operations, Dr. Isaac Solomon, underscored the urgent need for climate-resilient water infrastructure to bolster… [Read More]
£12,000 Grant from Sizewell C Fund Backs Innovative Food Waste Initiative
The SAX Community Fridge in Saxmundham has received a £12,117 grant from the Sizewell C Community Fund to continue its efforts in reducing food waste and strengthening community ties. The volunteer-led initiative redistributes surplus food from supermarkets, bakeries, and greengrocers, offering it to local residents during regular community drop-in sessions held behind The Old Bank… [Read More]
Bezos Earth Fund Invests $2M in AI-Driven Food Research at UC Davis and AHA
The Bezos Earth Fund has awarded a $2 million grant to the University of California, Davis, the American Heart Association, and their partners to advance the development of “Swap it Smart,” an AI-powered recipe formulation tool. The project is part of the Earth Fund’s AI for Climate & Nature Grand Challenge and aims to revolutionize… [Read More]
$2.7 Million in Federal Funding Boosts Community-Led Port Development
Ten community-led organizations across South King County, Beacon Hill, and the Duwamish Valley will receive a total of $2.7 million in funding through the Port of Seattle’s South King and Port Communities Fund Economic Opportunities for Communities (EOC) Program. The initiative aims to connect underrepresented communities to living-wage jobs and careers in port-related industries such… [Read More]
World Bank Resumes Funding to Uganda After Two-Year Freeze
The World Bank has approved more than $2 billion in new financing for Uganda, ending a two-year suspension imposed after the country enacted anti-LGBTQ legislation. Announced in Kampala by Treasury Secretary Ramathan Ggoobi, the funding will support major infrastructure and energy projects over the next three years. The decision marks the World Bank’s formal resumption… [Read More]
UNDP and Spain Partner to Rebuild Ukraine’s Schools Through Community Engagement
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, in collaboration with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), has introduced a new, community-driven approach to rebuilding schools across the country. This innovative model, guided by the “Build Back Together” principle, places local communities at the heart of the reconstruction process. By beginning recovery with… [Read More]
Why Sex Education Remains a Divisive Topic in Many European Countries
In Croatia, about 80 percent of children and young people now learn about sexuality from the internet, according to a recent study by the Croatian Institute of Public Health. This has raised concern among equality ombudswoman Višnja Ljubičić, as comprehensive sex education still has not been added to the national curriculum. While countries like Sweden… [Read More]
Hurricane Melissa Nears Landfall: Jamaica Urged to Prepare for Impact
Hurricane Melissa is expected to make landfall in Jamaica as a powerful Category 4 or 5 storm, possibly on Monday or Tuesday, marking what could be the strongest hurricane to ever hit the island. According to Esther Pinnock, Communications Officer for the Jamaica Red Cross, heavy rainfall and hurricane conditions are anticipated to begin as… [Read More]
Top 5 Things Everyone Should Know About Storms and Hurricanes
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season continues to pose a significant threat across the Americas, with Hurricane Melissa currently moving slowly toward Jamaica. Out of the 19 storms forecast for this year, 13 have already formed, including four hurricanes and three that reached major hurricane status. These extreme weather events raise urgent questions about how storms… [Read More]
Funding Crisis Forces One-Third of Organizations to Suspend Anti-Violence Projects
A new UN Women report titled At Risk and Underfunded warns that widespread funding cuts are threatening the survival of women’s rights organizations that play a vital role in ending violence against women and girls. Based on a global survey of 428 women’s rights and civil society organizations, the report reveals that government aid reductions… [Read More]
Health Leaders Urge Government to Provide £3bn to Save NHS from Cuts
Health leaders in England have warned that the National Health Service (NHS) could face cuts to services and jobs unless up to £3 billion in additional funding is provided to meet unplanned expenses. According to the NHS Confederation and NHS Providers, this shortfall stems from unbudgeted costs such as redundancy payments, the financial impact of… [Read More]
