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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Government of Norway, has launched a new initiative to support rural communities in frontline areas of Ukraine. The project will focus on Chernihivska, Dnipropetrovska, and Mykolaivska oblasts, regions where rural households and small-scale farmers continue to face challenges from the ongoing… [Read More]

Sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages are becoming increasingly affordable in many countries due to persistently low tax rates, contributing to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancers, and injuries, particularly among children and young adults. The World Health Organization (WHO) has released two global reports highlighting the urgent need for governments to strengthen taxes… [Read More]

Violence continues to escalate in Sudan, with recent attacks leaving dozens of civilians dead. Local reports indicate that at least 19 people were killed during a ground assault in the Jarjira area of North Darfur, while a drone strike in Sinja, the capital of Sennar state, claimed another 10 lives and injured nine more. The… [Read More]

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the UN and its partners have been providing critical support to people in need, complementing the Ukrainian government’s assistance. This aid reaches city residents facing repeated drone and missile strikes, communities near the frontline, and those evacuated to safer areas. The appeal emphasizes support… [Read More]

The UN report, *We lost everything – even hope for justice*, finds that a legacy of impunity for wartime abuses continues to profoundly affect survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in Sri Lanka. Many endure long-term physical injuries, psychological trauma, and social exclusion. The report draws on over a decade of UN monitoring and consultations with… [Read More]

Ketia and her husband, both teachers, were able to support their three children before Hurricane Melissa swept through the Caribbean in October. The storm devastated their coastal community of Petit Goâve, leaving them without furniture, a car, or most of their possessions. Ketia’s family is now among approximately 225,000 people receiving assistance from the UN… [Read More]

Today, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced an investment of over $345,000 to the Government of British Columbia for its project “Equitable Access to Personal Health Information.” This initiative aims to improve access to health services in French for Francophone communities across the province. The funding supports the Government of British Columbia in… [Read More]

The Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) plays a key role in Canada’s economy, hosting thousands of businesses that produce essential goods, create high-quality jobs, and drive innovation. To support these local manufacturers and innovators, the Government of Canada is investing in advanced technologies, expanding production capabilities, and promoting smarter, more sustainable solutions. Today, the… [Read More]

The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan have announced a combined investment of $9.7 million to support crop research in Saskatchewan in 2026. This funding includes $7.2 million through the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) to support 39 new crop research projects and $2.5 million through the Strategic Research Initiative (SRI) to address the long-term management of… [Read More]

Cultural organizations play a key role in bringing communities together, strengthening local economies, and preserving Canadian identity. Recognizing this, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, announced an investment of over $50,000 for three cultural groups in the Okanagan to support festivals, community events, and Canadian-authored… [Read More]

Ireland has announced a €42 million aid package for Palestine in 2026, marking an increase from €36 million in 2025. Of this amount, €20 million will be provided as core funding to UNRWA to support essential services for Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, and the wider region. An additional €2 million will support… [Read More]

The UK government has launched its first-ever Town of Culture competition, aiming to restore pride in communities and drive local economic growth as part of its broader Plan for Change. The initiative invites small, medium, and large towns to submit Expressions of Interest by 31 March 2026, giving them the chance to showcase their local… [Read More]

Philanthropic capital plays a crucial but often underdiscussed role in financing the energy transition, particularly as a catalyst for early-stage companies and innovative technologies. Rather than serving as an end in itself, philanthropic capital is designed to leverage additional investments, helping scale solutions in carbon reduction, renewable energy, and job creation. By supporting companies at… [Read More]

Adaptation finance for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) remains far below the levels needed to address climate vulnerabilities. Public funding is stagnating or declining, while private flows are difficult to access and rarely reach the communities most exposed to climate impacts. Governments and local actors are calling for a faster,… [Read More]

The global economy is showing greater resilience than expected despite ongoing trade tensions and policy uncertainty, according to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report. Global growth is projected to remain broadly steady, easing to 2.6% in 2026 before rising slightly to 2.7% in 2027, representing an upward revision from earlier forecasts. This resilience… [Read More]

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved three projects in India’s Assam state aimed at increasing resilience to extreme weather, improving governance and service delivery, and equipping more than four million students with skills for the workforce. These initiatives target Assam’s unique position as a gateway to Southeast Asia, enhancing regional trade and… [Read More]

The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) and the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) have launched a new phase of their partnership aimed at scaling co-financing, mobilising private capital, and accelerating Africa’s economic transformation. The initiative was formalised during a High-Level Consultation Meeting at the AfDB headquarters in Abidjan, which created a platform to shift from fragmented… [Read More]

The illegal wildlife trade is rapidly evolving, expanding into new regions and targeting different species in response to growing demand. Digital marketplaces and social media platforms have amplified the reach of traffickers, increasing the scale and complexity of this illicit trade. In response, policymakers and conservation organizations are collaborating globally to regulate wildlife trade, protect… [Read More]

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, is investing up to US$100 million in a green bond issued by KASIKORNBANK Public Company Limited (KBank), marking IFC’s first investment in the Thai bank. The bond aims to promote sustainable, resource-efficient practices, create jobs, and support innovation across key sectors of Thailand’s economy…. [Read More]

In January 2025, the US government abruptly paused all foreign assistance, disrupting the delivery of life-saving HIV medicines and prevention services to millions of people. A UNAIDS report warns that without urgent action, there could be an additional six million new HIV infections and four million AIDS-related deaths by 2029. In response, The Global Fund… [Read More]

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Ideas Grant scheme has awarded Peter Mac more than $7.5 million to support five innovative cancer research projects. These grants are highly competitive and aim to fund research that addresses specific questions, promoting breakthroughs in understanding and treating cancer. Acting Executive Director of Cancer Research, Professor Jayesh… [Read More]

The humanitarian system is currently facing unprecedented pressure, driven by protracted crises, climate-related shocks, and limited resources. These challenges are testing not only the sector’s capacity to respond but also how actors work together. In this context, strategic partnerships are essential mechanisms to adapt, innovate, and deliver more coordinated, accountable, and locally led humanitarian responses…. [Read More]

Conflict-related sexual violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has surged, while support for survivors has dramatically declined. Armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed M23, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), and the Congolese military, are using sexual violence as a weapon of war, exploiting ethnic tensions, abductions, and attacks on civilians. Survivors face extreme challenges,… [Read More]