Despite relatively high social protection coverage in Europe and Central Asia, significant gaps in adequacy and inclusiveness remain, according to a new International Labour Organization (ILO) report. While 85.2 per cent of the population benefit from at least one social protection measure, 14.8 per cent remain entirely unprotected. Strengthening social protection systems is increasingly critical… [Read More]
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Uzbekistan Boosts Labour Oversight with Intensive Training-of-Trainers Program
Uzbekistan is modernizing its labour inspection system through a recent training-of-trainers course held at the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ITCILO) in Turin, Italy. This initiative, part of the ILO project “Improving labour inspection and occupational safety and health systems in Uzbekistan,” enabled four officials from Uzbekistan’s State Labour Inspectorate to complete… [Read More]
IOM Highlights Migration as a Crucial Strategy for Climate Resilience at Africa Summit
At the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) in Ethiopia, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is emphasizing the importance of strategically integrating climate-driven migration into Africa’s adaptation and resilience efforts. More than 25,000 delegates, including African leaders and experts, are convening to address urgent climate priorities, with IOM advocating for migration as a tool to… [Read More]
Accion Closes $61.6M Fund to Boost Early-Stage Inclusive Fintech Startups
Accion has officially closed its $61.6 million Accion Venture Lab Fund II, LP, now rebranded as Accion Ventures, to invest in early-stage fintech companies addressing the needs of financially underserved populations globally. Managed by Accion Impact Management, the fund will target up to 30 new investments across Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, and… [Read More]
African Leaders Advocate for Increased Climate Investment at Ethiopia Summit
African leaders convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the second Africa Climate Summit, calling for a shift from traditional climate aid to climate investment. The summit emphasized that Africa should be seen not as a victim of climate change, but as a continent with significant investment potential. With a population exceeding one billion, African nations… [Read More]
EU Donates €6 Million to Improve Education for Afghan Children with Save the Children
The European Union has signed a EUR 6 million grant agreement with Save the Children to launch the “Facilitating Access to Knowledge, Hope, and Education Resilience (FAKHAR)” initiative. This funding will provide safe, inclusive, gender-responsive, and uninterrupted quality learning opportunities for Afghan children, particularly those out-of-school, living with disabilities, or from vulnerable groups. The FAKHAR… [Read More]
European Union Allocates SBD 226 Million to Improve Water and Sanitation in Solomon Islands
The European Union (EU) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have announced a €24 million (approximately SBD 226 million) funding package to upgrade the Solomon Islands’ urban water and sanitation systems. The announcement was made by European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, at the EU-Pacific Business Forum in Fiji on 5 September. Commissioner Síkela… [Read More]
EU Boosts Pacific Climate Resilience with Extra FJD 4 Million Funding
The European Union (EU) has announced an additional EUR 1.5 million (approximately FJD 4 million) in grant funding to support Fiji and fifteen other Pacific Island countries (PICs) in building green climate resilience into their Public Finance Management (PFM) systems. The announcement was made by European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, at the first-ever… [Read More]
Halo Launches $1M Enterprise Revolution Program for Select Global Organisations
Halo, a leading independent provider in Enterprise Service Management (ESM), has launched its new “$1M Forever” program, offering select organisations predictable, fixed ESM licensing costs for life. The initiative promises faster deployments, greater agility, and a level of partnership and support that traditional legacy vendors cannot match. The program targets large enterprises that are often… [Read More]
Deadly Ebola Returns to DRC’s Kasaï Province: Red Cross Launches Emergency Response
The Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially declared a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Kasaï Province. This marks the country’s 16th recorded Ebola epidemic and the first in the region since 2008. The outbreak was confirmed after the death of a 34-year-old pregnant woman on 20… [Read More]
Flutter UKI Pledges £7 Million Investment to Boost Community Sports
Flutter UKI is stepping up support for grassroots sports clubs through its Cash4Clubs programme, launching a £500,000 fund aimed at helping local organisations survive and thrive amid rising costs. Since 2008, Cash4Clubs has invested nearly £7 million in community sports across the UK and Ireland, and this year 250 clubs will have the chance to… [Read More]
Canada Invests $3.5 Million to Strengthen Northern Ontario’s Forestry Sector and Economy
The Government of Canada is investing $3,575,246 in ten forestry and economic resilience projects across Northern Ontario to support growth, innovation, and sustainability in local communities. This funding, announced by the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, comes through programs including the Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), Regional… [Read More]
Canada Funds Cutting-Edge Carbon Capture and Storage Projects in British Columbia
Canada is advancing its clean energy agenda with a focus on building a stronger economy while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced a $5.8 million investment to support made-in-Canada carbon management technologies. This includes $1.3 million to Svante to enhance testing capabilities and establish new… [Read More]
Canada Invests in Indigenous-Led Sport Programs Across Yukon
The Government of Canada is strengthening Indigenous communities across the country by investing in sport as a tool for social development and community well-being. Secretary of State (Sport) Adam van Koeverden announced an investment of $853,000 over two years to support sport and recreation opportunities across Yukon through the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous… [Read More]
Canada Provides $18.7 Million to Strengthen Communities in Northwest Territories
On September 8, 2025, the Government of Canada announced over $18.7 million in funding for the Northwest Territories to support the development of stronger and more connected communities. The investment focuses on essential infrastructure projects, including public transit, water systems, and local roads and bridges, providing the foundation necessary for communities to grow and thrive…. [Read More]
Girls in Tunisia Invited to Become British Ambassador for a Day
To celebrate International Day of the Girl on 11 October, the British Embassy in Tunisia is launching the “Ambassador for a Day” competition under the theme “The girl I am, the change I lead.” This national essay and video competition targets girls aged 15 to 18 and offers winners the opportunity to shadow the British… [Read More]
UK May Reduce Visas for Countries Refusing to Accept Returned Nationals
The UK has signaled that countries refusing to accept the return of individuals who are in the UK unlawfully could face reductions in the number of visas they are granted. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced that countries delaying or denying the return of people with no legal right to remain in the UK may see… [Read More]
£2 Million Funding Boost for Integrated Education in Northern Ireland
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, visited Integrated College Dungannon on 4 September to observe how integrated education in Northern Ireland promotes reconciliation and strengthens communities. During the visit, he engaged with pupils and teachers, toured the school, and planted an acorn tree in celebration of the college’s 30th anniversary. Established in… [Read More]
Guinea-Bissau Launches New Guidelines to Reduce Maternal Mortality
Guinea-Bissau has taken a significant step to reduce maternal mortality by launching its first-ever national guidelines for maternal health, aimed at improving care before, during, and after childbirth. Developed by the Ministry of Health with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, the framework seeks to curb maternal deaths, which currently stand at… [Read More]
UN Expresses Readiness to Support Nepal After Deadly Protests Over Social Media Ban
Protests erupted in Nepal after the government blocked more than 20 social media platforms, including WhatsApp, X, Facebook, and YouTube, for failing to register with the authorities. Demonstrations turned violent in the capital, Kathmandu, where police reportedly used tear gas and opened fire on protesters attempting to storm the parliament complex. Curfews have been imposed… [Read More]
North Shields Community Projects Win Small Grants to Mark 800th Anniversary
Twelve community projects in North Shields have been awarded over £11,500 in small grants to celebrate the town’s 800th anniversary in creative and inclusive ways. These initiatives are part of the wider North Shields 800 celebrations, which aim to bring people together through heritage, arts, and community events that honour the town’s past, present, and… [Read More]
DigiKen Inception Workshop Trains Trainers to Advance Digital Inclusion in Kenya
From 1 to 3 September, DigiKen-Digital Platforms Kenya convened partners and trainers to set the stage for rolling out transformative digital literacy training across the country. The 36-month initiative is led by UNESCO, in partnership with UNCDF, UN Women, and UNEP, under the guidance of the UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya and the Ministry of… [Read More]
IDB Commits $2.5 Billion and Launches Rapid Response Task Force for Security in Latin America and Caribbean
At the Regional Security and Justice Summit in Buenos Aires, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) announced a historic commitment of $2.5 billion in loans over the next three years to strengthen citizen security in Latin America and the Caribbean. The funding will focus on community protection, institutional strengthening, and efforts to curb illicit financing, marking… [Read More]
