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A major seawall upgrade at Golden Beach in Caloundra has been completed, strengthening coastal protection while improving public spaces for residents and visitors. The project forms part of a $6.3 million investment to protect the coastline and enhance the foreshore area. The reconstruction was funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Funding… [Read More]

The United Nations refugee agency has called for urgent expansion of refugee resettlement programmes, warning that millions of displaced people remain without safe and lasting solutions. UNHCR says the number of refugees needing resettlement continues to exceed the available places offered by countries. According to UNHCR’s latest assessment, around 2.4 million refugees worldwide are expected… [Read More]

United Nations officials have urged stronger international action to support peace efforts and prevent worsening hunger in Yemen. During a briefing to the UN Security Council, officials warned that continued conflict, funding shortages and humanitarian challenges are putting millions of lives at risk. UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg said that although the 2022… [Read More]

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has partnered with Valu to increase access to energy-efficient household solutions and support Egypt’s transition toward a greener economy. The partnership includes a loan of up to EGP 600 million to help households invest in renewable energy, energy-saving technologies and electric mobility solutions. The financing will allow… [Read More]

UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) has strengthened efforts to improve sustainable ocean planning through a new expert working group focused on advancing global ocean governance. The initiative brings together international experts to support countries in managing ocean resources through science-based approaches. The second session of the IOC Working Group on Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management… [Read More]

The European Union and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) have joined forces to strengthen global ocean observation through a new International Alliance supporting the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). The initiative aims to improve access to ocean data, enhance climate resilience and support sustainable ocean management worldwide. The partnership is part of the EU’s OceanEye… [Read More]

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has adopted a new global labour standard aimed at protecting workers in the growing platform economy. The Convention on Decent Work in the Platform Economy introduces new safeguards for people working through digital platforms, including delivery workers, ride-hailing workers and online freelancers. The new convention was adopted during the International… [Read More]

The Philippines has introduced a new green skills training programme to help young workers prepare for the future of sustainable construction. The initiative focuses on building practical knowledge in sustainable materials, renewable energy and climate-resilient design as the country works toward a greener construction sector. The programme is being delivered through the ILO-Korea Partnership Programme… [Read More]

The New Zealand Government has announced an additional $14.5 million investment to expand homelessness support services and provide greater assistance for people sleeping rough. The funding will strengthen outreach programmes, extend existing initiatives and introduce support services in six new locations across the country. The investment will build on current homelessness responses, including Housing First,… [Read More]

The New Zealand Government has announced a $14.1 million investment to expand predator control efforts and protect threatened native wildlife across the South Island. The funding, provided through the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, will support large-scale conservation work led by the Department of Conservation. The investment comes as South Island beech forests experience… [Read More]

The New Zealand Government has announced a $2 million funding boost to expand the Wasp Wipeout programme and protect native biodiversity across the country. The investment, supported through the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, will help increase wasp control efforts in visitor areas and important ecological sites. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said the funding… [Read More]

The New Zealand Government has launched a review into the funding system for Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), examining whether the current insurance levy model remains suitable for the organisation’s expanding responsibilities. Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has asked the Department of Internal Affairs to assess whether alternative funding approaches could provide a… [Read More]

Communities across Africa are building a more secure future through sustainable agriculture, fish farming, and skills development programmes that improve nutrition, strengthen livelihoods and promote self-reliance. With support from Bread and Water for Africa®, local partners in countries including Zambia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Malawi and Sierra Leone are creating long-term solutions for vulnerable children and… [Read More]

The Government of India and the Bihar government are launching new initiatives to strengthen inland fisheries development, including an Integrated Aqua Park in Bhojpur and a regional centre of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in Patna. The projects, backed by an investment of ₹31.21 crore, aim to modernise aquaculture practices, improve fish production and… [Read More]

India and France have launched the India–France ATL Bridge, a new initiative aimed at connecting school innovation ecosystems and encouraging global collaboration among young innovators. The programme links India’s Atal Tinkering Labs with a newly established school innovation laboratory in France to promote technology education, creativity and entrepreneurship. The ATL Bridge creates a platform where… [Read More]

The Government of India is establishing a new technology centre in Gaya, Bihar, to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), expand advanced manufacturing capabilities, and create new opportunities for industrial development in the region. The upcoming facility in Khizirsarai will be developed with an investment of ₹170 crore and will provide modern manufacturing services,… [Read More]

Four major greenway projects in Ireland’s border region are set to move forward following new funding under the Shared Island Greenways Development Fund. The investment aims to improve sustainable transport links, support tourism, and strengthen economic opportunities for communities across the island. The funding will help progress four key greenway schemes: Sligo to Enniskillen, Lifford… [Read More]

Ireland has announced the first wave of projects supported by a €1 billion housing infrastructure fund designed to accelerate home construction and unlock new residential development across the country. The Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF) will support 82 infrastructure projects that are expected to directly enable the delivery of 86,000 new homes while creating the… [Read More]

California’s ambitious high-speed rail project is facing renewed scrutiny after updated estimates showed a dramatic rise in potential costs, turning what was once promoted as a $33 billion transportation transformation into one of the most expensive infrastructure projects in the United States. The California High-Speed Rail project was approved by voters in 2008 with the… [Read More]

Land restoration is becoming increasingly urgent as ecosystems around the world face growing pressure from climate change, drought, and human activity. More than 2 billion hectares of land are already degraded, affecting billions of people and threatening biodiversity, food security, and water supplies. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) highlights that restoring damaged ecosystems requires… [Read More]

Countries around the world are making progress in transforming global commitments on chemical safety and waste management into practical solutions that protect people and the environment. Through national initiatives, communities are adopting safer practices, strengthening regulations, and building systems to manage hazardous substances more effectively. Chemicals are essential to modern life, supporting industries such as… [Read More]

Jordan has achieved a major milestone in ecosystem restoration as its community-based rangeland rehabilitation efforts transform degraded landscapes into thriving natural areas. The restoration initiative around the Royal Botanic Garden near Amman has been recognized as a United Nations World Restoration Flagship, highlighting its success in restoring biodiversity while supporting local communities. When the botanical… [Read More]

Workplace well-being is increasingly being recognized as a critical factor in the success of development projects, according to a new analysis from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Experts argue that protecting workers’ physical and mental health is not simply an employee benefit but a fundamental requirement for achieving sustainable project outcomes. The growing focus on… [Read More]