The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is facing a severe funding crisis and urgently requires at least $300 million (CHF 240 million) by the end of the year to prevent a major deficit. Filippo Grandi, the UNHCR High Commissioner, reported that nearly 5,000 employees have already lost their jobs this year due to budget cuts, and… [Read More]
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OSCE Marks 50 Years of Helsinki Accords, Calls for Upholding Democracy and Human Rights
The OSCE marked the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act by emphasizing the need to recommit to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law to address global challenges. Governments, international organizations, and civil society gathered in Warsaw for a 10-day Human Dimension Conference, organized by the 2025 Finnish Chairpersonship with… [Read More]
EU Investments in Ukraine Secured Through EIB-SAPO Partnership
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Ukraine’s Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation on transparency and integrity, aiming to protect EU investments and ensure the responsible use of funds for Ukraine’s recovery. This initiative builds on the EIB’s broader collaboration with Ukrainian law enforcement and oversight… [Read More]
Sustainable Fisheries in Focus as EU and São Tomé and Príncipe Extend Partnership
The European Union and São Tomé and Príncipe have renewed their long-standing 40-year partnership on fisheries by signing a new four-year protocol. This agreement allows EU vessels to fish up to 6,500 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species annually in the waters of São Tomé and Príncipe. The protocol also includes increased EU financial… [Read More]
$11 Million in Grants Awarded by North Carolina Arts Council to Boost Arts Across the State
The North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), has announced $11 million in grant awards for fiscal year 2025–26. A total of 373 grants will support nonprofit arts organizations, schools, after-school programs, municipalities, and individual artists across all 100 counties, with funding amounts ranging from $2,000… [Read More]
SADC and Partners Urge Increased Funding for Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
The Southern African Development Community (SADC), in partnership with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), Sweden, and several UN agencies including UNAIDS, UNICEF, UNFPA, and WHO under the 2gether4SRHR initiative, convened a Multisectoral Consultative Forum on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and the Demographic Dividend from 1–3 October 2025 in Lusaka, Zambia. The event,… [Read More]
World Food Day 2025: Why It Matters and How the World Is Taking Action Against Hunger
World Food Day, first celebrated in 1979, is observed every year on October 16 to raise awareness about global hunger and promote action for a sustainable future for food, people, and the planet. The 2025 celebration holds special significance as it marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)…. [Read More]
10 Major Challenges African Women Confront in 2025
Gender inequality remains one of the greatest barriers to eradicating extreme poverty, with Africa being among the regions most affected. Despite global progress, no country has yet achieved full gender equality. Across the continent, millions of women face significant obstacles that affect their health, safety, education, and economic empowerment. Organizations like Concern and leaders such… [Read More]
Is Ending Poverty Possible? Global Efforts and Challenges Explained
The question of whether it is possible to end poverty has long inspired debate and action worldwide. Global leaders and organizations like the United Nations assert that poverty can indeed be eradicated through deliberate human effort and collective will. Nelson Mandela famously stated that poverty, much like slavery and apartheid, is man-made and can be… [Read More]
Thousands of Mongolian Educators Protest for Higher Pay and Education Funding
In Ulaanbaatar’s main square, thousands of teachers and education support personnel held a peaceful demonstration outside the Parliament building, demanding a basic salary increase for teachers to 3.5 million tugrik and adequate funding for the education sector. Currently, teachers earn between 1.2–1.4 million tugriks, while education support staff receive below 1 million tugriks, figures many… [Read More]
Kenya to Launch Sovereign Wealth Fund and Infrastructure Fund for National Development
Kenyan President William Ruto has unveiled plans to establish a sovereign wealth fund and an infrastructure fund, aiming to increase investment in key sectors while avoiding further public debt accumulation. This move comes as Kenya seeks a more sustainable financing strategy after years of borrowing to fund large-scale infrastructure projects, which has left the country… [Read More]
EIB Supports Evides for Future-Proof and Sustainable Water Infrastructure in the Netherlands
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €200 million loan agreement with Dutch water company Evides Waterbedrijf to support the provision of safe and high-quality drinking water to over 2.5 million residents across the provinces of Zuid-Holland, Zeeland, and the western part of Noord-Brabant, as well as to supply industrial water. The financing, supported… [Read More]
Strengthening Quebec’s Critical Minerals Sector: Canada’s Investment Plan
Today, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced that Arianne Phosphate Inc. has received conditional approval for an investment of up to $735,000 through the Critical Minerals Research, Development and Demonstration (CMRDD) program. This funding forms part of the Government of Canada’s $80.3-million investment, announced by Prime Minister Carney at the… [Read More]
Funding Opportunity: Supporting Indigenous Engagement in Clean Energy and Critical Minerals Projects
Canada is advancing its position as a global leader in sustainably sourced minerals while promoting Indigenous reconciliation, partnerships, and regional economic growth. In line with this strategy, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced a call for proposals for the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF) Indigenous Grants stream, offering up to… [Read More]
Government of Canada Modernizes Budget Approach for Long-Term Impact
Canada is adapting its federal budgeting approach to meet the challenges of a changing global economy. The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue, announced the introduction of a new Capital Budgeting Framework designed to separate day-to-day operational spending from long-term capital investments. This framework will guide decisions on projects that generate enduring… [Read More]
Community Boost: UK Connect Fund Distributes £300K+ to Northern Ireland and Great Britain Projects
Community projects across the UK are set to benefit from the Northern Ireland Office’s (NIO) Connect Fund, with initiatives focusing on youth leadership, environmental issues, and tackling health inequalities and poverty among the first successful applicants. Nine community groups have been awarded a total of £300,000 from the Connect Fund’s £1 million allocation, aimed at… [Read More]
£1 Million Competition Launched to Revolutionize Active Travel in the UK
Organisations and businesses in England can now apply for a share of £1 million in funding to support innovative initiatives that encourage walking, wheeling, and cycling. The Active Travel Innovation Fund, announced by Active Travel England (ATE) on 6 October 2025, offers grants of up to £100,000 per successful project. The funding targets small to… [Read More]
Amid Funding Challenges, Indian NGOs Embrace Small Donor Support
Indian non-profits are increasingly turning to small, regular donations from the public, a model known as “everyday giving,” to address declining funding from traditional institutional and foreign sources. This trend is highlighted in the Udarta: Everyday Giving Report 2025, a comprehensive study developed by 13 social sector organizations and guided by over 50 collaborators, which… [Read More]
Girls on the Frontlines: Leading Change Amid Global Crises
On this International Day of the Girl, the focus is on celebrating the courage and leadership of girls worldwide, particularly those living amid crisis and conflict. Girls like Sandra Patricia Aguilar Carabalí in northern Cauca, Colombia, are challenging exclusion and taking active roles in protecting their land, communities, and peace. Three decades after the Beijing… [Read More]
Ending Conflicts Starts with Women: Prioritizing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda
Women and girls around the world have been sending clear calls for peace, and UN Women channels these messages into its work. Evidence shows that when women are included at the negotiating table, peace agreements are more likely to be inclusive, durable, and sustainable. However, 25 years after the launch of the Women, Peace and… [Read More]
Exploring Industrial Relations: ILO Launches Inaugural Summer School on Social Dialogue
The International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO), with support from the French Government and in collaboration with the ILO, held the inaugural Summer School on Social Dialogue from 16 to 19 September 2025 in Turin, Italy. The event brought together over 60 participants from governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, enterprises, and academia to explore… [Read More]
Africa’s Industrial Future: Empowering Workers Through Skills Development
The International Labour Organization (ILO) emphasized the importance of skills development and lifelong learning for inclusive industrialization during the inaugural Industrial Skills Week Africa (ISWA), held from 9 to 10 September 2025 in Lusaka, Zambia. Organized by the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) in collaboration with the Government of Zambia, the event focused on accelerating… [Read More]
Celebrating International Coffee and Tea Day 2025: Supporting Fair Labor in Lao PDR
Coffee and tea enthusiasts gathered in Luang Prabang, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, from 3–5 October 2025 to celebrate International Coffee and Tea Day, a weekend dedicated to honoring the nation’s growing coffee and tea culture and the millions of workers behind every cup. Under the theme “Coffee and Tea for Better Lives: Embracing Collaboration for… [Read More]
