The African Guarantee Fund (AGF) and Women’s World Banking (WWB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening women’s role in Africa’s economy by expanding access to finance and support for women-led businesses. The partnership highlights the shared commitment of both organizations to advancing women’s economic empowerment through finance, technical support, and advocacy…. [Read More]
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TCS Layoffs: IT Giant Offers Up to Two Years’ Severance Amid Restructuring and AI Push
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT services firm, is offering severance packages of up to two years’ salary to employees affected by its latest restructuring exercise, according to a Moneycontrol report. The move comes as the company seeks to realign its workforce with emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, and evolving client demands. The layoffs… [Read More]
U.S. Government Freezes $18 Billion in New York City Infrastructure Funds
The U.S. government has frozen roughly $18 billion in federal funding for New York City infrastructure projects, citing possible violations of constitutional rules tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. The Office of Management and Budget confirmed the freeze, which affects major initiatives including the Second Avenue Subway extension and the Hudson River Tunnel…. [Read More]
Australia’s Food Security Strategy: Progress on the Plate, But Key Ingredients Missing
In 2023, Australia launched a parliamentary inquiry into food security, inviting submissions from farmers, health experts, community groups, and advocates. The response was overwhelming, with 188 submissions underscoring both the urgency of the issue and the depth of expertise available to guide solutions. Two years later, the federal government is developing a national food security… [Read More]
PAI Secures €3.6 Billion to Extend Nestlé Ice Cream Joint Venture
European private equity firm PAI Partners has raised €3.6 billion ($4.2 billion) in fresh equity to strengthen its ice cream venture with Nestlé SA, enabling it to retain ownership of the business for a longer horizon. As part of the deal, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) will join as a minority co-investor in Froneri,… [Read More]
UN Experts Demand China Stop Criminalising Uyghur Cultural Expression
United Nations experts have voiced deep alarm over China’s continued repression of Uyghur and other minority cultural expression, warning that artistic and academic work is being treated as a threat to national security. Highlighting recent cases, the experts cited the imprisonment of 26-year-old Uyghur songwriter Yaxia’er Xiaohelaiti (Uigga) and the enforced disappearance of prominent scholar… [Read More]
Italy: EIB and Intesa Sanpaolo Sign €750 Million Deal to Boost Renewable Energy and Supply Chain
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Intesa Sanpaolo, through its IMI Corporate and Investment Banking Division, have signed two major financial agreements worth a combined €750 million to accelerate the development of renewable energy in Italy and across the EU. The agreements are expected to help finance the construction of renewable energy plants with a… [Read More]
EIB Provides €300 Million Loan to Support Ukraine’s Energy Security and Green Transition
The European Investment Bank (EIB), the bank of the European Union, has signed a €300 million loan agreement with Ukraine’s state-owned energy company, Naftogaz, to bolster the country’s energy security and resilience ahead of winter. The financing will help replenish Ukraine’s long-term gas reserves, ensuring stable energy supplies for households and businesses despite continued Russian… [Read More]
Ukraine and EU Launch Structured Dialogue with Business on Accession Path
The European Union and Ukraine are deepening cooperation with the Ukrainian business community as part of the country’s path toward EU accession. At the High-Level Dialogue “Ukraine’s Economy on the Path to the EU” in Kyiv, senior representatives of the Ukrainian Government and Parliament, the EU, and EU Member States met with leaders from business,… [Read More]
UEFA and Gavi Team Up to Launch Vaccine Awareness Campaign in Africa
UEFA and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, have joined forces to launch an innovative vaccine awareness campaign that harnesses the unifying power of football to build trust in immunisation across Africa. With the support of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and its member associations, the initiative—called Goal Getters—will use youth football tournaments to teach children… [Read More]
FAO commits to new animal health and sustainability plans
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) today announced a series of major initiatives to strengthen animal health and advance the sustainability of the livestock sector, following three days of global dialogue at its second Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation. The conference, held at FAO headquarters in Rome, brought together policymakers,… [Read More]
Fishery Committee for the Central and Eastern Atlantic (CECAF) holds 10th Scientific Sub-Committee to promote sustainable fisheries management
The Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF) today opened its 10th Scientific Sub-Committee (SSC) session in Mindelo, Cabo Verde, bringing together 40 participants from 22 CECAF member countries, regional organizations, and international experts. The gathering provides a platform to review and synthesize the latest information on the state of small pelagic and demersal… [Read More]
Strengthening National Capacity in Crop Monitoring Systems in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is taking a major step in modernizing its agricultural statistics through the integration of Earth Observation (EO) technologies. This week, the country is hosting a training workshop organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), bringing together national experts for hands-on sessions aimed at enhancing the capacity to generate timely,… [Read More]
Reviving Hope in Mwenezi: Women Farmers Rebuild Their Future Through the Nourish and Thrive Project
Women farmers in Zimbabwe are restoring their livelihoods through a partnership between France, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Vision, and the Government of Zimbabwe, working to revive community gardens, improve nutrition, and strengthen resilience to climate shocks. For more than a decade, women in five villages in Mwenezi had… [Read More]
Third Call for Proposals Launched Under Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund
Diversity and inclusion have long been central to Canada’s prosperity. For decades, Black-led and Black-serving organizations across the country have advocated to dismantle systemic barriers to social and economic inclusion affecting Black communities. Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister Responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario,… [Read More]
Canada Implements UN Sanctions Against Iran Over Nuclear Activities
Canada has announced the implementation of United Nations sanctions against Iran in response to its ongoing nuclear proliferation activities, which continue to pose a serious threat to regional and international security. Despite repeated international calls to limit its nuclear program to peaceful purposes and to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran… [Read More]
UK Re-Elected to ICAO Council; Assembly Rejects Russia’s Candidacy
The United Kingdom has been successfully re-elected to Part 1 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council, a position it has held since the organisation’s inception. Membership on the ICAO Council provides the UK with a key platform to advance global aviation policy, ensuring the safety, security, and sustainability of international air travel, while… [Read More]
Government Launches Black History Month with Ethnic Minority Leaders to Advance Race Equality
As Black History Month begins, Minister for Equalities Seema Malhotra and Baroness Lawrence convened the first thematic roundtable of the Race Equality Engagement Group (REEG), highlighting the government’s commitment to collaborating with ethnic minority communities to drive meaningful change. The meeting brought together leaders from ethnic minority communities alongside representatives from the Department for Business… [Read More]
Minister McEntee Launches All-Island Schools’ History Competition
Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee, has officially launched the 2025 All-Island Schools’ History Competition, inviting learners from both primary and post-primary levels, as well as other educational settings across Ireland and Northern Ireland, to participate. The competition encourages students to connect historical events with contemporary themes, highlight forgotten local histories and under-represented stories,… [Read More]
Billions Worldwide Lack Basic Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Electricity in Health Care Facilities, WHO/UNICEF Warns
A new report from WHO and UNICEF, titled “Essential Services for Quality Care: Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Health Care Waste and Electricity Services in Health Care Facilities”, warns that billions of people globally rely on hospitals and clinics that lack basic services essential for safe and effective care. Launched at a high-level UN meeting on 24… [Read More]
UN Forum Urges Global Human Rights Movements to Unite Against Anti-Black Racism
The colour line persists in the 21st century, highlighting the urgent need to combat anti-Black racism globally, said Martin Kimani, Chairperson of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, during a presentation to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Kimani emphasized that human rights and anti-racist movements must unite more than ever to… [Read More]
Haiti’s New UN-Backed Gang Suppression Force: Key Facts and What It Means
As gang violence in Haiti continues to escalate, the UN Security Council has authorized a new Gang Suppression Force (GSF) to restore security and protect civilians. The multinational force will operate alongside Haitian authorities with a 12-month mandate and a target strength of 5,550 personnel. The GSF’s primary objectives include intelligence-led operations to dismantle armed… [Read More]
UN and Civil Society Urge Action for Age-Inclusive Societies on International Day of Older Persons
Member States, UN officials, and civil society leaders convened at UN Headquarters on Wednesday to advocate for age-inclusive societies, emphasizing that older persons should no longer be marginalized. The event marked the International Day of Older Persons and called for policies that ensure dignity, security, and meaningful opportunities for older individuals. “Every older person has… [Read More]
