The National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa has announced the successful conclusion of its funding call under the Belmont Forum Collaborative Research Action (CRA) initiative, selecting 10 transdisciplinary research projects led by African institutions. This effort, undertaken in partnership with the Belmont Forum, aimed to support research addressing climate change vulnerability across the continent,… [Read More]
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Health Experts Warn: Polio Can Still Be Ended Despite 30% Funding Drop
Global health officials have emphasized that eradicating polio remains possible despite significant funding cuts, outlining plans to cope with the shortfall. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), a partnership that includes the World Health Organization and the Gates Foundation, faces a 30% budget reduction in 2026 and a $1.7 billion funding gap projected through 2029…. [Read More]
Over €46 Million from EIB to Enhance Energy, Transport, and Municipal Services in Ukraine
More than €46 million in EU-guaranteed funding has been disbursed to support Ukrainian cities in maintaining and restoring essential urban services and critical infrastructure amid the ongoing war. The financing targets energy-efficient public buildings, urban transport systems, and municipal services to ensure continuity for citizens. Cities benefiting from the support include Dnipro, Kamianske, Kovel, Kremenchuk,… [Read More]
Empowering Fact-Checkers: “Digital Detectives” Kicks Off Uzbekistan Training Program
On 20 October 2025, the “Digital Detectives” project launched a two-day training in Uzbekistan designed to prepare participants to become trainers themselves, enabling them to conduct similar workshops for journalists and fact-checkers across the country. The training aimed to combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills to enhance professional growth and strengthen the fact-checking ecosystem. During… [Read More]
Strengthening Indigenous Economies: Ontario Invests Over $3 Million
The Ontario government is investing $3.2 million to launch the next intake of funding applications under the Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF), aimed at supporting Indigenous businesses, communities, and organizations to boost economic growth and create jobs across the province. The program forms part of Ontario’s broader plan to foster prosperity and opportunities for Indigenous… [Read More]
Green Transition Fund Expands with UK and ASEAN Clean Energy Initiative
The UK Mission to ASEAN has officially launched the Clean and Just Energy Transition Pillar of the ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund (GTF) during the 25th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF). Officiated by UK Ambassador to ASEAN Helen Fazey and Yanuar Fajari, Head of the Energy and Minerals Division at the ASEAN Secretariat, the initiative marks… [Read More]
Over One Million People Return to Khartoum as Sudan’s Recovery Remains Fragile
Between November 2024 and September 2025, over one million people returned to Khartoum, Sudan, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). These families are seeking to rebuild their lives after months of displacement caused by ongoing conflict. Ugochi Daniels, IOM Deputy Director General for Operations, highlighted that while the return of families reflects resilience,… [Read More]
Global Forests See Positive Signs as Deforestation Slows Over Ten Years
Nearly 500 million hectares of forest—equivalent to about 750 million football pitches—have been lost globally since 1990. However, deforestation has slowed in every region of the world over the past decade, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Deforestation refers to the loss of forest cover or its conversion to other uses, such… [Read More]
DR Congo Faces Surge in Sexual Violence Against Women, UN Reports
Speaking to journalists at the UN Office in Geneva, Shoko Arakaki, director of humanitarian affairs at the UNFPA, highlighted a sharp rise in sexual violence against women and girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Essential services have been severely disrupted, and incidents of rape and conflict-related sexual violence have surged by a third… [Read More]
Congo Reports Declining Cholera Cases Amid Ongoing Response
The cholera outbreak in Congo is showing significant signs of decline, with no confirmed cases reported between 15 and 16 October 2025. This progress reflects the strengthened response efforts led by the Ministry of Health and Population, supported by partners including the World Health Organization (WHO). Improved treatment and care have been key to reducing… [Read More]
Advancing Public Health in Africa: WHO and Africa CDC Deepen Collaboration
Addis Ababa, October 6, 2025 — The World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO) and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have signed a landmark framework to strengthen their collaboration on disease prevention, health security, and universal health coverage across the continent. The agreement provides a strategic platform to… [Read More]
World Food Day 2025 in Ghana: Promoting Sustainable Food and Nutrition
Ghana joined countries worldwide to commemorate World Food Day 2025 under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.” The national celebration, held at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) in Accra, brought together government officials, development partners, farmers, civil society, and media to reflect on collective efforts toward building… [Read More]
IOM Signs MoU with CCCPA to Advance Regional Peace, Security, and Migration Management
In Aswan, Egypt, on 19–20 October 2025, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Fifth Edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development. The agreement underscores a shared commitment to advancing sustainable peace, inclusive… [Read More]
Promoting Decent Work: ILO Calls for Socially Just Multilateral Cooperation
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is set to play a leading role at the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), held in Qatar from 4 to 6 November 2025, aiming to strengthen a new multilateralism that delivers tangible progress on decent work and social justice. Building on the Fourth International Conference on Financing for… [Read More]
Driving Digital Inclusion: Pacific Islands Unite for Connectivity for All
In June 2025, representatives from nine Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) — including Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Palau — gathered in Koror, Palau, for a regional workshop focused on Promoting and Measuring Universal and Meaningful Connectivity (UMC). The three-day event brought together policymakers, statisticians, regulators, and telecom… [Read More]
APGF Initiative: Bridging Investment Gaps for ASEAN’s Regional Power Grid
The ASEAN Power Grid Financing (APGF) Initiative is a major regional effort aimed at creating an integrated transmission network to accelerate renewable energy development across Southeast Asia. Achieving the vision of a fully interconnected ASEAN Power Grid by 2045 is estimated to require around US$800 billion in generation and transmission investments. The initiative brings together… [Read More]
APGF Initiative: Boosting Investment in the ASEAN Power Grid
The ASEAN Power Grid Financing (APGF) Initiative is a major regional program designed to develop an integrated transmission network and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy across Southeast Asia. Achieving the ASEAN Power Grid vision by 2045 will require around US$800 billion in investments in both generation and transmission infrastructure. APGF brings together governments, utilities,… [Read More]
Shaping the Next Generation: Health and Skills for Young People
UNESCO and the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NACTVET) have partnered to strengthen health and well-being education across Tanzania’s technical and tertiary institutions. The initiative aims to create safer, healthier, and more inclusive campuses by integrating life skills and health education into everyday learning, building on the successful rollout of UNESCO’s… [Read More]
Post-Conflict Syria: Reconstruction Costs Soar to $216 Billion
Syria’s post-conflict reconstruction is estimated to cost $216 billion after more than thirteen years of war, according to a new World Bank report. The Syria Physical Damage and Reconstruction Assessment 2011–2024 evaluated damage across infrastructure, residential, and non-residential buildings nationwide, covering the period from 2011 to 2024. Direct physical damages are estimated at $108 billion,… [Read More]
Grassroots Initiative Continues the Fight Against Hunger and Food Poverty
Wiltshire’s Positive Community Action (PCA) has reached a significant milestone by cooking 8,000 free meals for vulnerable people in the Marlborough and Pewsey area, reaffirming its commitment to tackling food poverty and social isolation. The community group, founded to address deprivation and support those in need, relies on a dedicated team of volunteers who have… [Read More]
Human Rights Concerns Rise Over Ecuador’s Violent Crackdown on Protests
Ecuadorian police and security forces have been accused of using excessive force and restricting freedom of assembly in response to anti-government protests that began in mid-September 2025. According to Human Rights Watch, the demonstrations—led by the country’s largest Indigenous organization—erupted after President Daniel Noboa’s decision to remove diesel fuel subsidies, which increased prices by more… [Read More]
Tobago Strengthens Sargassum Management with Support from Japan and UNDP
Tobago has received new equipment to help tackle the recurring problem of sargassum seaweed that affects the island’s coastline during certain times of the year. The handover ceremony, held on Tuesday, marked a collaborative effort between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Trinidad and Tobago and the Government of Japan. Director of the Tobago… [Read More]
Congo Basin Forests Worth Trillions: Report Calls for Increased Global Investment
A new World Bank report highlights the immense economic, environmental, and climate value of the Congo Basin forests, home to the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest spanning six countries. The report reveals that the value of forest ecosystem services nearly doubled over two decades, increasing from $590 billion in 2000 to $1.15 trillion in 2020, while… [Read More]
