The traditional textile sector in Indonesia is a vital part of the country’s cultural heritage, but it struggles to compete with mass-produced fabrics. The challenge is compounded by a shrinking number of artisans, as younger generations show little interest in the time-consuming craft. Producing a single piece of traditional woven fabric can take up to… [Read More]
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World Bank Approves Financing to Boost Public Expenditure Efficiency and Transparency in Guatemala
The World Bank’s Executive Board has approved the project Smart Public Finance: Data-Driven Public Expenditure Management for Greater Efficiency to support Guatemala’s financial modernization. The initiative is designed to strengthen transparency, improve the efficiency of public spending, modernize financial systems, and ultimately enhance access and quality of services for Guatemalan citizens. The project represents a… [Read More]
Bangladesh Faces Mounting Health and Economic Risks from Rising Temperatures: World Bank Report
Bangladesh is facing growing health and economic risks due to rising temperatures, according to a new World Bank report. The study, titled “An Unsustainable Life: The Impact of Heat on Health and the Economy of Bangladesh,” analyzed national temperature and humidity trends from 1976 to 2023 and drew on a large 2024 household survey of… [Read More]
African Development Bank and Algeria Partner at IATF 2025 to Empower Startups and SMEs in Africa
The African Development Bank and Algeria’s Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Startups, and Micro-Enterprises have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration to accelerate the growth of startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa. The announcement came at the close of the fourth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025), held in Algiers from… [Read More]
African Development Bank to Host Africa Natural Capital Accounting Community of Practice Secretariat
The African Development Bank Group has announced that it will host the Secretariat of the Africa Natural Capital Accounting Community of Practice (Africa NCA-CoP). This move strengthens the Bank’s leadership in integrating natural capital into climate-resilient development strategies across Africa. The Secretariat will be based at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, where it will oversee… [Read More]
Gilde Healthcare Launches €100 Million Fund for Lower Mid-Market Healthcare Services
Gilde Healthcare, a private equity firm specializing in the healthcare sector, has announced the first and final close of its €100 million Healthcare Services fund, Gilde Healthcare Services II. The fund will focus on supporting the growth of healthcare service providers in the Benelux and Germany, targeting areas such as specialist clinics, elderly care, primary… [Read More]
European Union Congratulates Papua New Guinea on 50th Independence Anniversary
The European Union and Papua New Guinea share a long history of cooperation and partnership. The EU, which began in 1957 with six founding Member States and now counts 27, has been present in Papua New Guinea since 1977 through a diplomatic mission in Port Moresby and numerous collaborative programmes across the country. Over the… [Read More]
Kenya Strengthens Polio and Measles Surveillance with New KEMRI Laboratory
Kenya has inaugurated a newly upgraded World Health Organization (WHO)-accredited polio laboratory at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), marking a significant milestone in the country’s ability to detect and respond quickly to poliovirus and other epidemic-prone diseases. Supported by WHO and a grant from the Gates Foundation, the facility represents a crucial investment in… [Read More]
Trump’s Cuts Slash Global Labour Rights Funding by US$726 Million, Analysis Shows
More than US$726 million in funding to combat child labour, modern slavery and workplace repression is set to be eliminated under cuts pushed by the Trump administration, according to Equal Times. Experts warn the move will accelerate worker exploitation, union-busting and forced labour. Kelly Fay Rodriguez, former US Special Representative for International Labour Affairs, said… [Read More]
Global Trade Deal Secures Fish Stocks and Protects Coastal Jobs
The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (FSA), adopted by World Trade Organization (WTO) members, officially came into force on 15 September. This marks a significant milestone in efforts to protect marine resources while strengthening the global rules-based trading system. UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan emphasized that the agreement demonstrates the power of multilateral cooperation, prioritizing sustainability and… [Read More]
Kessner Capital Launches Africa’s First Private Credit Fund to Support SME Financing
Kessner Capital Management has launched its first private credit fund focused on Africa, aiming to provide growth capital to small and mid-sized businesses across the continent. This fund is positioned not just as a lending vehicle but as a long-term partner for businesses, emphasizing governance, transparency, and sustainable impact. The co-founders, Bruno-Maurice Monny and Benny… [Read More]
WIPO Global Innovation Index 2025: Switzerland, Sweden, US, South Korea & Singapore Lead; China Breaks Into Top 10
The World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 ranks Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore as the top innovators worldwide. They are followed by the United Kingdom, Finland, the Netherlands, Denmark, and China, which enters the top 10 for the first time. However, the report highlights a slowing… [Read More]
Bezos Earth Fund Invests $37.5M to Boost Pacific-Led Ocean Protection Efforts
The Bezos Earth Fund has announced $37.5 million in grants to support Pacific Island nations and territories in safeguarding over 835,000 square miles (2.16 million km²) of ocean across 12 countries. This funding is part of a broader effort to implement national and regional marine protection plans aligned with the Pacific’s shared vision of sustainably… [Read More]
Scouts Gather in Saudi Arabia for Global Messengers of Peace Youth Leadership Event
Sixty Scouts from across Saudi Arabia and around the world gathered in Riyadh this week for a three-day youth leadership event under the global Messengers of Peace initiative. The event, held from 14 to 16 September, focused on equipping young people with the skills and inspiration to drive positive change in their communities. Through workshops,… [Read More]
Nigeria’s Caring Africa Joins Morgan Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures Program
Caring Africa, a Nigerian nonprofit focused on technology and policy for the care economy, has been selected for the 2025 Morgan Stanley Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures program. This global innovation lab highlights ventures that are creating systemic social impact, and Caring Africa stands out as the only care tech initiative from Africa in this year’s… [Read More]
UN-Backed Probe Alleges Israel Committed Genocide in Gaza, Citing War Crimes
In a new and highly controversial report, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, has concluded that Israel is responsible for committing acts of genocide in Gaza. The report comes amid intensifying Israeli military operations in Gaza City and urges Israel, along with all other… [Read More]
UK’s Largest Social Science Festival Showcases Research Impact on Everyday Life
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Festival of Social Science returns for its 23rd year, offering the public a unique opportunity to explore how social science research shapes the world around us. Running from 18 October to 8 November, the festival features hundreds of free events across the UK, hosted by 41 universities and… [Read More]
UKRI Awards £120 Million in Future Leaders Fellowships to Top UK Researchers
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has announced the latest round of its prestigious Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF), awarding £120 million to 77 promising early-career researchers across the UK. These fellowships aim to empower the next generation of research and innovation leaders by providing them with the resources and support to lead cutting-edge projects. Among the… [Read More]
EU Expansion: Which Country Could Join the EU and Eurozone in 2028
Montenegro aims to join the European Union and the euro zone in 2028, according to Prime Minister Milojko Spajic. The small Balkan nation, which has seen its economy nearly double over the past five years, is also considering selling fresh government bonds to institutional or retail investors to support its economic growth. The EU has… [Read More]
Threatened Arts Venue Faces Closure Within Six Months
New Brewery Arts, a well-known arts venue in Cirencester, has issued a plea to the community to “use us or lose us,” warning that it could close within six months without new funding. Established in 1978 in the historic former Cirencester Brewery buildings, the charity has served the town for nearly 50 years, offering workshops,… [Read More]
UN Expert Urges Rights-Based Approach to Energy and Water Access
A UN expert has called for rights-based energy and water systems to prevent the commodification of water and move beyond traditional market-driven energy models. During the presentation of his report “Water and Energy Nexus” at the UN Human Rights Council, Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, highlighted… [Read More]
Pakistan Launches HPV Vaccine to Protect Girls Against Cervical Cancer
The Government of Pakistan, through its Federal Directorate for Immunization (FDI) and in partnership with Gavi, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign to protect adolescent girls from cervical cancer. This initiative represents a significant step in improving women’s health and advancing Pakistan’s goal to eliminate… [Read More]
Call for Expressions of Interest: Join the Multi-Hazard Research Network
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is inviting expressions of interest by 8 October 2025 to establish a Multi-Hazard Research Network (MHRN). The network is intended to provide rapid, high-quality evidence and expert advice to the FCDO and its partners, supporting timely and effective responses to emergencies. By informing evidence-based decision-making, the MHRN… [Read More]
