The Democratic Alliance (DA) has welcomed the launch of South Africa’s R496 million Education Outcomes Fund by the Minister of Basic Education, marking the country’s largest outcomes-based investment in Early Childhood Development (ECD). The fund aims to provide young children with a strong foundation for future learning and success. The Education Outcomes Fund will enable… [Read More]
cat
AFWC25 Launches in The Gambia Highlighting Africa’s Commitment to Forest Innovation
The 25th Session of the African Forestry and Wildlife Commission (AFWC25) opened in Banjul, The Gambia, calling on African countries to strengthen political commitment and scale up innovation in protecting and restoring forests and wildlife. Organized by the FAO and hosted by The Gambian government, the week-long meeting focuses on “Innovative and Inclusive Forest and… [Read More]
€300 Million EIB-Prysmian Agreement to Accelerate Europe’s Energy Security and Digital Transition
The European Investment Bank has approved a €300 million financing package for Prysmian to support its European research and development activities from 2025 to 2028, with the first tranche of €200 million already signed. The financing aims to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions that enhance energy efficiency, network security, and digital infrastructure while contributing… [Read More]
Bosnia and Herzegovina to Get First Renewable Energy Communities Backed by EU and Germany
The EU for Collective Action for Energy Transition project has been launched to establish Bosnia and Herzegovina’s first renewable energy communities. Supported by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and implemented by GIZ, the €3.5 million initiative brings together government institutions, local authorities, civil society, and citizens to… [Read More]
Joint SDG Fund Showcases Uzbekistan’s Global Accelerator at New York Event
The deep dive session held on 20 November 2025 by the Permanent Missions of Uzbekistan and Germany, together with the Joint SDG Fund, showcased Uzbekistan’s progress under the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions. The discussion highlighted the country’s focus on formalization as one of its key pathways to speed up… [Read More]
Sri Lanka Cyclone Ditwah: IOM Launches Rapid Response for 209K Displaced
The International Organization for Migration has intensified its support to Sri Lanka as the country faces one of its most devastating natural disasters in nearly two decades. Cyclone Ditwah has caused severe flooding and landslides, leaving more than 350 people dead, over 360 missing, and nearly 1 million affected. More than 209,000 people have been… [Read More]
How Social and Solidarity Economy Organizations Drive Resilience During Crises
The ILO marked the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 by hosting a global webinar on the role of the social and solidarity economy in crisis response. Drawing on experiences from Jordan, the Philippines, Viet Nam and Kenya, the discussion demonstrated how social and solidarity economy organizations can act as core components of national resilience systems… [Read More]
How Workplaces Are Reducing HIV Testing Gaps in Men and Promoting Better Health
A new ILO report highlights the powerful role workplaces can play in expanding HIV testing and treatment, especially for men and groups often excluded from health services. Released on World AIDS Day, the report shows how the ILO’s Voluntary Counselling and HIV Testing for Workers initiative has become a key driver of inclusive health and… [Read More]
World AIDS Day: ILO Urges Stronger Workplace Equality Amid Conflict
In Ukraine, the ongoing full-scale war has heightened the importance of workplace equality, health protection, and dignity for both workers and employers. Despite the difficult conditions, progress in the Kyiv region under the ILO’s Transitional Cooperation Strategy shows that meaningful improvements are possible when local authorities and social partners remain committed. The war has made… [Read More]
Kiribati Secures $10 Million ADB Grant for Sustainable Development and Ocean Protection
The Asian Development Bank has approved a $10 million policy-based grant to support Kiribati in strengthening public sector management, expanding women’s financial inclusion, and improving environmental protection. The grant forms part of the Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Recovery Program, which continues earlier reforms aimed at building a more resilient and inclusive economy. ADB highlighted that… [Read More]
G20 Summit: Norway Commits NOK 3.1 Billion to Boost Africa’s Development
Norway reaffirmed its long-standing support for Africa’s low-income countries by pledging NOK 3.1 billion to the African Development Fund’s seventeenth replenishment. The announcement was first made during the Global Citizen Now: Johannesburg event and later reinforced in a meeting between Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and African Development Bank Group President Dr Sidi Ould… [Read More]
IFRC Warns of Increasing Psychological Toll on Families After Hurricane Melissa
One month after Hurricane Melissa, communities across Jamaica and Cuba continue to face severe psychological impacts. People report high levels of stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, persistent fear, and grief linked to the loss of homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) notes that thousands are seeking… [Read More]
Apply Now: Funding Available for Sustainable Community Projects
The Sustainability Fund is now open for applications from community organisations, schools, social enterprises, and businesses for projects that align with Christchurch City Council’s climate change objectives and targets. The Fund seeks to support initiatives that address climate challenges, help communities understand and prepare for climate impacts, promote a just transition to a low-emission economy,… [Read More]
£50,000 Fund Introduced to Support Nature Recovery and Wildlife Protection
Westmorland and Furness Council has launched a new £50,000 Nature Recovery Fund to support the protection and restoration of local wildlife and habitats across the region. The fund is intended for projects that aid the recovery of priority species, control or eradicate invasive non-native species, or support pollinators, as outlined in the recently published Cumbria… [Read More]
Call for Proposals: Enhancing Rwanda’s Macadamia Nuts Exports through Organic Certification – ELPS Initiative
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has launched the ELPS Call for Proposals 2025 to select an Implementing Partner for the initiative aimed at strengthening Rwanda’s macadamia nuts export value chain through organic certification. The intervention seeks to address the challenges and opportunities facing macadamia nut production in the country, with a focus on… [Read More]
Reports Warn the Global HIV Fight Has Reached a Critical Crossroads
On World AIDS Day, Frontline AIDS released its first country reports from the Transition Initiative, offering the clearest evidence so far of the impact of major international HIV funding cuts across Africa. The reports cover eight countries, five of which are active participants in the initiative. They reveal that Africa faced the steepest drop in… [Read More]
Civic Space in 2025: Key Threats to Democracy and Human Rights
Global assessments show a continued decline in civic space, democracy and human rights, with 2025 marking an acceleration of these negative trends. Severe cuts to official development assistance, a rise in anti-rights movements, growing hostility toward migrants and refugees, and new restrictions on protests have deeply affected civil society in the UK and around the… [Read More]
Mediterranean & Black Sea Report: Overfishing Declines, but Sustainability Challenges Persist
Fisheries sustainability in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea remains a concern, but the share of overfished stocks has fallen to its lowest point in ten years. This improvement coincides with the rapid rise of aquaculture, which has become a major source of aquatic food in the region. According to FAO’s 2025 State of Mediterranean… [Read More]
Global Food Security at Risk as FAO Flags Rising Transboundary Animal Diseases
The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), QU Dongyu, urged countries to strengthen global cooperation to prevent and control transboundary animal diseases (TADs), stressing that they now pose one of the most urgent threats to food security and economic stability. Speaking at an information session on the new Global Partnership Programme for Transboundary… [Read More]
Global Call: Assembly of States Parties Must Reject US Sanctions on the ICC
States are being urged to strongly oppose US threats and sanctions against the International Criminal Court as the 24th Assembly of States Parties opens in The Hague. Amnesty International warns that these actions undermine the Court’s independence and its ability to hold even the most powerful perpetrators accountable. The organization stresses that ICC member states… [Read More]
Viet Nam Marks World AIDS Day with Major Gains and Renewed Elimination Goals
Thirty-five years after reporting its first HIV case, Viet Nam has emerged as a regional leader in the HIV/AIDS response. As the country reaches the midpoint of its plan to end AIDS by 2030, it reflects both significant achievements and persistent challenges. The national journey mirrors the transformation of individuals like Pham Thi Hue, who… [Read More]
The Silent HIV Crisis in Europe: Rising Infections and Delayed Diagnosis
Europe is struggling to diagnose HIV early enough, with more than half of all cases in 2024 detected at a late stage when treatment is less effective and health risks are significantly higher. New data from ECDC and WHO/Europe show that this persistent testing gap, together with a growing number of undiagnosed infections, is threatening… [Read More]
PAHO Warns: Late HIV Detection Driving Higher AIDS Deaths in Latin America and the Caribbean
The Pan American Health Organization is urging countries across the Americas to strengthen their HIV response, emphasizing that nearly one-third of people living with the virus are diagnosed too late, when their immune systems are already severely compromised. This call, issued ahead of World AIDS Day, highlights the life-saving importance of early diagnosis, rapid initiation… [Read More]
