A new report by The Bridgespan Group, supported by the Institute of Philanthropy, The Rockefeller Foundation, and the Gates Foundation, highlights the world’s largest corporate givers and examines how they align social impact with business strategy. Among the top 20 global corporate donors, four Asian companies—The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust, Samsung,… [Read More]
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Vietnam Launches Responsible Business Training with ILO to Empower Trainers and Enterprises
The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), launched a Training of Trainers (ToT) program in Hanoi on 4–5 September to promote Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and responsible business conduct. The initiative aims to equip VCCI trainers from its extensive national network with the skills… [Read More]
North Kalimantan Launches Joint Inspection Team to Improve Fishing Sector Labour Standards
The Provincial Government of North Kalimantan, Indonesia, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), launched a Joint Inspection Team for Labour Norms onboard fishing vessels on September 9, 2025, in Tarakan City. The event, presided over by Governor Zainal Arifin Paliwang and represented by his expert staff, marks a key step toward improving labour… [Read More]
Zambia Hosts First-Ever Forum to Address Africa’s Industrial Skills Gap
Lusaka, Zambia, is hosting the first-ever Industrial Skills Week Africa (ISWA 2025) from September 9 to 10, focusing on addressing the continent’s industrial skills gap under the theme “Powering Africa’s Industrial Future: Skills for Innovation, Growth, and Sustainability.” The event is organized by the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) in collaboration with the Zambian government… [Read More]
Africa Sets Up Climate Justice Fund to Support Community-Led Environmental Action
The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) has officially launched the Climate Justice Impact Fund for Africa (CJIFA), a pioneering initiative designed to direct climate financing to grassroots communities across the continent. Introduced during the Second Africa Climate Summit, the fund represents a historic shift toward African-led climate financing, emphasizing locally-driven adaptation solutions rather than… [Read More]
World Bank Raises EUR 90 Million Through 7-Year Sustainable Development Bond for Japanese Investor
The World Bank, through its International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), has issued a EUR 90 million 7-year Sustainable Development Bond maturing in September 2032. The National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives (Zenkyoren) was the sole investor in the transaction. The proceeds from this bond will finance eligible sustainable development projects that generate… [Read More]
Accounting for Natural Capital: Africa’s Path to Resilient and Sustainable Development
Nature forms the foundation of economic growth, providing essential services such as climate regulation, flood prevention, agricultural productivity, and human health support. Despite their critical importance, these services have historically been absent from national accounting systems. However, a shift is occurring as countries increasingly measure and value nature’s contributions through natural capital accounting (NCA), with… [Read More]
Power in Perseverance: The Inspiring Journey of Women Entrepreneurs in Yemen
Power in Perseverance is an interactive photobook that vividly illustrates the entrepreneurial journeys of Yemeni women through striking visuals and engaging storytelling. Set against the backdrop of conflict and economic fragility, the collection highlights how women across Yemen are not just surviving but innovating, turning challenges into opportunities and adversity into action. Each photograph captures… [Read More]
World Bank: Sri Lanka Urged to Adopt Balanced Fiscal Policy for Sustainable Growth
Sri Lanka has undertaken one of the largest fiscal adjustments in its history, amounting to nearly 8 percent of GDP over three years. According to a new World Bank review, this adjustment was sharper and faster than most similar efforts worldwide since 1980. While these measures helped restore economic stability, they also placed a burden… [Read More]
Trump Seeks to Restrict Gender-Affirming Care for Federal Employees and Their Families
The Trump administration has announced plans to remove gender-affirming care from the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program starting in 2026. This decision will impact more than 8 million people, including federal employees, retirees, and their family members, significantly reducing access to necessary medical care for transgender individuals and undermining their dignity and rights. The… [Read More]
Niger: Islamist Militants Execute Civilians and Burn Homes in Deadly Attack
The Islamist armed group Islamic State in the Sahel Province (IS Sahel) has intensified attacks against civilians in Niger since March 2025, according to Human Rights Watch, committing atrocities that constitute war crimes under international humanitarian law. In at least five documented incidents across the Tillabéri region, the group executed more than 127 villagers and… [Read More]
Fiji Launches Agribusiness Incubation Center with EU Support to Boost Farming Innovation
Fiji has marked an important milestone in its economic development with the official launch of its first Agribusiness Incubation (ABI) Center. Designed as a hub for entrepreneurs, the center will provide critical support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the agricultural sector. It will offer business development services, training, mentorship, and improved access… [Read More]
Nepal Prime Minister Resigns After Deadly Youth Protest Crackdown, UN Calls for Calm
Nepal has been plunged into crisis after youth-led protests against corruption, nepotism, and social media restrictions spiraled into widespread violence. The demonstrations, branded as a “Gen Z protest,” began peacefully on Monday but escalated after police responded with gunfire, leaving most of the dead and injured among young demonstrators. Hospitals continue to treat many in… [Read More]
Mastercard Foundation Invests $235 Million in Canadian Post-Secondary Institutions to Advance Reconciliation
The Mastercard Foundation has announced $235 million in funding to 30 post-secondary institutions and national Indigenous-led organizations in Canada to mark the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report and Calls to Action. This investment recognizes their achievements in advancing education for Indigenous youth and highlights the critical role education plays in… [Read More]
Canada Invests $28.7 Million to Train Clean Energy Workers and Advance AI Research
Canada has announced major new investments to prepare workers for the future of clean energy while strengthening the country’s artificial intelligence research capacity. The federal government emphasized the importance of equipping Canadians with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving energy sector, while ensuring researchers and innovators have access to the advanced AI tools… [Read More]
Ireland Expands Humanitarian Support Across the Middle East, Says Minister Richmond
Ireland’s Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, has announced a new package of funding to strengthen humanitarian support across the Middle East. The commitment includes multi-million-euro contributions directed to UN agencies and UNICEF to address urgent needs in conflict-affected areas. Announcing the decision, Minister Richmond highlighted the dangerous and volatile situation… [Read More]
UN Experts Call on US to Grant Visas to Palestinian Officials to Support Peace Efforts
UN experts have urged the United States to grant Palestinian leaders visas ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York, stressing that excluding them undermines the role of the UN as a hub for global diplomacy, peace, and human rights. They highlighted that the US has a long-standing tradition of facilitating access to the… [Read More]
EU Grants 87 Million Lei in Electricity Compensation to Support Entrepreneurs
The European Union, through the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development (ODA), has provided Moldovan entrepreneurs with electricity compensation amounting to over 87 million lei between January and August 2025. This assistance is part of the Compensation Programme launched by the Government of the Republic of Moldova with EU financial backing, designed to support businesses facing increased… [Read More]
EIB Global Launches Innovation and Green Transformation Facility to Boost Western Balkans Economy
The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) has announced the launch of the Innovation and Green Transformation Facility (IGTF), a new initiative designed to accelerate sustainable private sector growth in the Western Balkans. The programme aligns with the EU Economic and Investment Plan and the New Growth Plan for the region, further supporting integration into the… [Read More]
North Macedonia Strengthens Climate Finance with Support from the GFS Programme
A recent market study conducted under the Greening Financial Systems (GFS) programme surveyed over 300 medium and large enterprises across key industries in North Macedonia to evaluate sustainability practices, climate risk exposure and green finance adoption. The findings revealed low levels of awareness about the green economy, with only 7 per cent of respondents identifying… [Read More]
Ireland Contributes €200,000 to Promote Safe and Inclusive Trade in Developing Nations
Ireland has announced a contribution of EUR 200,000 (approximately CHF 187,400) to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) to help strengthen sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) systems in developing countries. This latest funding brings Ireland’s total support to the STDF since 2007 to more than CHF 3.8 million. The contribution will help implement the STDF’s… [Read More]
Afghanistan Earthquake: 11,600 Pregnant Women in Urgent Need of Support
The earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on 31 August, followed by several aftershocks, has left an estimated 11,600 pregnant women in urgent need of assistance. Within hours of the disaster, UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, deployed emergency response and mobile health teams to assess needs and provide lifesaving healthcare and protection… [Read More]
KfW IPEX-Bank Arranges Syndicated Term Loan to Support Agrobank in Uzbekistan
KfW IPEX-Bank has successfully arranged a syndicated Term Loan Facility for Uzbekistan’s state-owned Agrobank, totaling EUR 120 million. The three-year facility is designed to refinance German and European exports and support the bank’s investments in green technologies, reflecting a targeted approach to sustainable and strategic financing. As Sole Bookrunner, KfW IPEX-Bank led the syndication process… [Read More]
