Thailand marked a significant step in its journey to localize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the closing of the Joint SDG Fund project, “Partnership to Accelerate SDG Localization in Thailand.” Led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UN-Habitat, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, the project bridged local data gaps and… [Read More]
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Philippines Launches Comprehensive Freedom of Association Training to Strengthen Labour Rights
The Philippines has taken a major step to strengthen fundamental rights at work with the launch of a new comprehensive Freedom of Association (FOA) training resource. Developed jointly by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), and crafted in consultation with workers and employers, the initiative aims to raise… [Read More]
30 Years Advancing Gender Equality: Progress, Challenges, and the Road Ahead
Three decades after the landmark Beijing Declaration on women’s rights, the world has seen notable advances, yet women and girls continue to face widespread discrimination and violence. Ahead of the UN General Assembly commemoration on 22 September, UN Women and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) warned that global gender equality targets… [Read More]
UN, AU, and EU Leaders Unite to Boost Peace, Stability, and Development Across Africa
The United Nations, African Union, and European Union have pledged closer cooperation to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges, from conflict resolution to climate change and economic development. The commitment came during their sixth trilateral meeting at UN Headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the General Assembly high-level week, culminating in a joint communiqué… [Read More]
‘Tidal Wave of Emotion’: Young Turkish Writer Wins Top UN Ocean Conservation Prize
Fifteen-year-old Reyyan Demiriz from Türkiye has captured first prize in the UN young writers’ competition, triumphing over 1.6 million entries from 65 countries. Her winning piece, described by Universal Postal Union (UPU) Director General Masahiko Metoki as a “tidal wave of emotion,” reflects the deep bond between humanity and the ocean. Organized by the UPU… [Read More]
UN Chief Warns of Escalating Crisis in Sudan’s El Fasher
UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Saturday issued a stark warning over the rapidly worsening situation in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, highlighting mounting risks to civilians trapped in the city. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have tightened their siege on El Fasher for over 500 days, with attacks on civilians intensifying in… [Read More]
UN Summit on Palestine: What You Need to Know Before World Leaders Meet
As Gaza endures nearly two years of conflict, with the latest Israeli ground offensive in the north, global attention is turning to the United Nations. On September 22, world leaders will convene at UN Headquarters in New York for a summit, sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at reviving the long-stalled two-State solution—one Israeli,… [Read More]
UN Security Council Deadlocks on Iran: Sanctions Relief Bid Fails Amid Global Tensions
The UN Security Council on Friday rejected a proposal to continue sanctions relief for Iran under the 2015 nuclear deal, exposing deep divisions over the so-called “snapback” mechanism. The resolution, tabled by the Council president, the Republic of Korea, garnered only four votes in favor—from Russia, China, Algeria, and Pakistan—falling short of the nine votes… [Read More]
Youth Lead the Green Revolution: EU and UNDP Launch Agro Eco Club at Tashkent State Agriculture University
The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in close collaboration with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Agriculture, have inaugurated the Youth Agro Eco Club at Tashkent State Agriculture University. This initiative is designed to inspire and empower the next generation of environmentally conscious specialists, equipping them to advance sustainable agriculture and champion environmental… [Read More]
Cultivating Innovation: EU-UNDP Empower Farmers and Youth in Uzbekistan’s Agri-Food Sector
The EU-AGRIN project, implemented in Uzbekistan by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the European Union and in close partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, is driving transformative change in the country’s agri-food sector. A recent workshop with specialists from the Italian Council for Agricultural Research and Analysis of Agricultural Economics (CREA)… [Read More]
Moldova-EU Trade Boost: Steps Toward Duty-Free Access for Key Agricultural Exports
The European Union is moving towards eliminating customs duties on seven Moldovan agricultural products, taking a major step to increase trade and market access for Moldova. On 18 September, the EU Council adopted a position to be presented at the EU–Moldova Association Committee in Trade Configuration, focusing on products that are not yet fully liberalised… [Read More]
Change Makers in Action: Local Initiatives Tackling Suicide and Building Mental Resilience
Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) has announced the local organisations selected to receive funding through its Change Makers: Pitching for Prevention initiative, supporting community-driven projects aimed at reducing suicide risk and strengthening mental wellbeing. The program funds three projects in the Hunter region, three in the Central Coast, and… [Read More]
Understanding the EU’s Global Gateway: Why Civil Society Must Pay Attention
When the European Union introduced the Global Gateway in 2021, it positioned the initiative as a strategic response to a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. Unlike traditional funding instruments, Global Gateway is designed to mobilize up to €300 billion in investments by 2027, with a focus on key sectors such as digital infrastructure, climate and energy,… [Read More]
Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh Launch New UK-Japan MUSUBI Programmes to Empower Youth and Strengthen Ties
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attended a reception at the British Embassy in Tokyo to mark the launch of new UK-Japan partnership programmes under the MUSUBI Initiative, a unique public-private collaboration designed to foster the next generation of leaders in both countries. The event highlighted the deepening friendship and shared values between the United… [Read More]
UK Targets Georgia-Linked Supporters of Russia with Fresh Sanctions Amid Ukraine War
The UK has imposed new sanctions on Georgia-linked individuals and businesses backing Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine, aiming to disrupt the Kremlin’s network of international support. With Russia facing mounting setbacks in Ukraine, the Kremlin is increasingly relying on proxies in third countries, including Georgia, to sustain its war effort and propaganda operations. Two oil… [Read More]
Canada Joins Global Effort to Protect Humanitarian Workers
Canada has officially endorsed the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, an initiative led by Australia, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding those delivering life-saving aid in conflict zones. Humanitarian workers are increasingly targeted during armed conflicts, placing their lives at risk and affecting the delivery of essential assistance. In 2024 alone, 383 humanitarian workers… [Read More]
Haiti: FAO and CERF Launch Emergency Initiative to Boost Rural Food Security Amid Crises
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), has launched an emergency initiative in Haiti’s North and Centre departments to support the most vulnerable households facing escalating displacement, deportations, and worsening climatic shocks. The programme targets displaced persons, deportees from the Dominican… [Read More]
Sudan Launches Nationwide Livestock Vaccination to Protect 9.4 Million Animals Amid Food Crisis
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Government of Sudan, has kicked off the 2025 national livestock vaccination campaign to safeguard the livelihoods of over three million pastoralists and agro-pastoralists across the country, which is currently facing a severe food crisis. Scheduled to run from October 2025 through… [Read More]
UNESCO and Himachal Pradesh Launch HP-FUTURES Project to Transform Education Across 124 Schools
UNESCO, in partnership with the Government of Himachal Pradesh, has marked a key milestone in the HP-FUTURES (Foundation for Upskilling, Teacher Excellence, Understanding, Readiness, Equity, and Sustainability) project with the conclusion of its First Steering Committee Meeting. The meeting finalised the work plan and set key directions for implementation, aiming to reach 124 schools, including… [Read More]
#LeadingSDG4Youth Campaign Showcases Good Practices in Meaningful Youth Engagement in Education
The SDG4 Youth & Student Network is hosting an online event to highlight entities that have demonstrated promising practices in advancing youth engagement in education. This initiative follows the nominations of #LeadingSDG4Youth champions and is part of Phase 2 of the campaign. The event aims to showcase the journeys and lessons learned by these champions,… [Read More]
EU Pledges EUR 5 Million to Boost Trade Support for Least-Developed Countries
The European Union (EU) has committed EUR 5 million to the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), marking the start of Phase Three of the initiative aimed at helping least-developed countries (LDCs) harness trade for sustainable growth. This contribution builds on over a decade of EU support, totaling nearly USD 25 million, and was announced on 16… [Read More]
Lighting the Way: Lighthouse Fund Backs Groundbreaking Climate-Health Innovators Across Asia
AVPN has announced the first grantees of its Climate x Health Lighthouse Fund, a pioneering initiative designed to bridge the critical financing gap where climate change and public health intersect. Launched earlier this year in partnership with the Bayer Foundation, Prudence Foundation, India Health Fund, PATH, Dalberg, MovingWorlds, and SingHealth Duke-NUS, the fund is mobilising… [Read More]
New Funding Round Opens for Community Projects to Protect the Environment and Build Resilience
Financial grants of up to US$50,000 are now available for local organisations to implement projects that conserve the natural environment while strengthening community resilience and improving livelihoods. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Small Grants Programme (SGP), with funding from the Government of Australia and the Global Environment Facility, has issued a national Call for… [Read More]
