Blended finance has emerged as a central strategy for financing sustainable development, especially in the aftermath of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4). The concept involves using public or philanthropic funds to reduce investment risks, thereby attracting private capital to areas that support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With developing countries facing… [Read More]
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Ireland’s National Development Plan Boosts Funding for Disability Services and Early Childhood Education
The updated National Development Plan (NDP) has significantly increased the allocation for Ireland’s Department of Children, Disability and Equality, raising the budget to nearly €800 million for the period 2026 to 2030. This marks a substantial rise from the €255 million allocated in the previous plan covering 2021 to 2025. This enhanced funding will support… [Read More]
African Development Bank and OPEC Fund Partner to Strengthen Environmental and Social Safeguards Across Africa
The African Development Bank and the OPEC Fund for International Development have launched a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing environmental and social safeguards across Africa. The initiative was inaugurated through a continent-wide capacity-building workshop held from 3–5 June 2025 at the OPEC Fund Headquarters in Vienna, Austria. The event convened over 50 development professionals from… [Read More]
The Gambia Secures $19.93 Million ADF Grant to Address Fragility and Boost Rural Opportunities
The African Development Bank Group has approved a $19.93 million grant for The Gambia under the Resilience Building – Vulnerable Youth and Women Support Project. The funding aims to improve access to essential social services in underserved areas and promote sustainable livelihoods, addressing the structural drivers of poverty, fragility, and irregular migration. This initiative falls… [Read More]
TUI Futureshapers Expands to Portugal and North Africa, Turning Social Issues into Business Opportunities
The TUI Care Foundation has launched two new initiatives under its global TUI Futureshapers programme, aimed at transforming social challenges into entrepreneurial opportunities in tourism. The latest projects target Portugal and North Africa, offering tailored support to aspiring social entrepreneurs seeking to develop sustainable tourism businesses. In Portugal, the new phase of TUI Futureshapers builds… [Read More]
$1.05B Raised by Zero Gap Fund to Accelerate UN Sustainable Development Goals
The Rockefeller Foundation has published its Zero Gap Fund: 2024 State of the Portfolio report, showcasing the role of catalytic capital in tackling global challenges. As of December 2024, the Zero Gap Fund (ZGF) had mobilized over $1.05 billion in private capital through 12 high-impact investments. By January 2025, the fund had fully committed its… [Read More]
France unveils $4.3m fund to tackle online GBV in Africa
France has announced a $4.3 million grant to address technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) against women across Africa and the Middle East. The funding, provided through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), is aimed at supporting feminist civil society organisations (CSOs) in combating digital forms of violence, including cyberstalking and image-based abuse. This initiative is part… [Read More]
Child Poverty Surge in Spain Leaves One-Third of Children Without Summer Breaks
Approximately 2.8 million children in Spain—around one in three—come from families that cannot afford a summer vacation. This situation reflects Spain’s position as the EU country with the highest child poverty rate. According to Save the Children, one in three Spanish households with children faces financial barriers that prevent them from accessing summer holiday experiences,… [Read More]
WHO Certifies Timor-Leste as Malaria-Free Nation
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially certified Timor-Leste as malaria-free, marking a significant public health milestone for the nation. This recognition places Timor-Leste among 47 countries and one territory globally that have achieved malaria-free status. It is also the third country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to receive this certification, following the Maldives… [Read More]
IDB Supports Major Water and Sanitation Improvements in Guyana
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a US$30 million Conditional Credit Line for Investment Projects (CCLIP) to support Guyana in improving its water and sanitation infrastructure. The initiative aims to strengthen the resilience, quality, and sustainability of drinking water and sewerage services provided by the national utility, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI). The program is… [Read More]
£150 Million Nuffield Foundation Funding to Tackle Major UK Social Issues
The Nuffield Foundation has launched a new Strategic Review supported by a £150 million funding commitment aimed at addressing the UK’s most pressing social and economic challenges. Over the next five years, it will invest £30 million annually to generate evidence and shape solutions to complex societal issues that are hindering the country’s long-term wellbeing… [Read More]
EU Commits €1.5 Million to Support IDPs and Nutrition Crisis Response in Nigeria’s North-East and North-West
In response to the recent conflict in Benue State, Nigeria, the European Union (EU) has committed €1.5 million to support affected populations. This funding includes €500,000 from the EU Humanitarian Office (ECHO) for rapid response and €1 million repurposed from the EU-funded SIDPIN project for long-term solutions. Key international agencies involved in implementing the response… [Read More]
European Union Allocates €150K for Honduras Flood Response Efforts
In response to the recent floods in Honduras, the European Union (EU) has allocated €150,000 (approximately 4.59 million lempiras) in humanitarian aid to support the most affected populations. The funding targets around 5,000 people in the department of Ocotepeque, one of the hardest-hit areas by the June floods. The floods and landslides in Ocotepeque caused… [Read More]
Rebuilding Lebanon’s Health Sector Amid Crisis: Global Partnerships in Action
Lebanon’s ongoing political, economic, and social crises have highlighted the urgent need for robust and sustainable healthcare solutions. In response, a high-level ceremony was held on July 23 at the Amel Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) in Bazourieh to launch the second phase of the SAQIRH project. Hosted by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD)… [Read More]
Inclusive Job Access in Kenya Boosted by ILO-Backed Online Employment Platform
Kenya has undertaken a significant modernization of the National Employment Authority Integrated Management System (NEAIMS), transforming it into an inclusive and accessible online portal for public employment services (PES). This overhaul aims to create a more efficient, user-friendly platform that meets the needs of all jobseekers, including vulnerable groups. Supported by the International Labour Organization… [Read More]
New Recognition for IUCN Med’s Leadership in Mediterranean Blue Economy
The IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation (IUCN Med) was honored with the 2025 Sustainability, Environment and Nature Award at the sixth edition of the Proa 2025 Awards held in Málaga. Organized by the Andalusian Maritime-Marine Cluster (CMMA), the awards recognize outstanding maritime and marine initiatives both in Andalusia and internationally. IUCN Med was awarded for… [Read More]
Mauritius Youth Lead Ocean Conservation Efforts at “Ocean” Film Screening
Over 200 youth and stakeholders gathered at Star Cinema Bagatelle in Mauritius for a screening of the documentary Ocean, narrated by Sir David Attenborough. Organized by IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office, Reef Conservation Mauritius, and Shoals Rodrigues under the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) initiative, the event aimed to raise awareness on marine… [Read More]
Ghana Launches Major Forest Restoration Initiative to Combat Climate Change and Boost Biodiversity
In 2024, Ghana advanced the implementation of the “Nature-based Climate Adaptation in the Guinean Forests of West Africa” (NbS) project, which is coordinated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and national partners. The initiative focuses on strengthening forest ecosystem resilience and improving local livelihoods through intensified community support, training, and restoration monitoring…. [Read More]
$100 Billion Africa Investment Agenda Targets Women and Youth Empowerment
Since 2022, the Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion (WYFEI 2030) Initiative has worked to create multi-stakeholder platforms advancing financial inclusion strategies specifically targeting African women and youth. As part of the African Women’s Decade on Financial and Economic Inclusion (2020–2030), the initiative aims to address longstanding systemic barriers to accessing capital and economic… [Read More]
New Canadian Investment Targets Economic Integration and Workforce Gaps
Canada has announced a significant investment of over $3.2 billion over three years to support newcomer integration and address labour market shortages. This funding will be distributed among more than 520 organizations outside Quebec. The initiative is part of the federal government’s broader plan to strengthen the economy by attracting global talent and filling critical… [Read More]
Morgan State University Reaches Historic $100M in Research Commitments
Morgan State University has achieved a historic milestone by surpassing $100 million in sponsored research funding for the first time, reaching $104.4 million in Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). This represents an 18% increase from the $88.5 million secured in FY24. The achievement marks significant progress toward the university’s strategic goal of obtaining R1 (very high… [Read More]
Michigan to Gain 287 New Homes as EGLE Awards $4.2 Million in Brownfield Grants
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has awarded a total of $4.2 million in Brownfield Redevelopment Grants to support six housing projects across the state. These initiatives will collectively add 287 new housing units while addressing environmental contamination at each site. In Pontiac, a $1 million grant will support the Auburn… [Read More]
Pontiac to Gain New Affordable Housing with EGLE Brownfield Redevelopment Grant
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is providing a $1 million Brownfield Redevelopment Grant to support the construction of 54 new units of low-income housing in Pontiac. The project, known as Auburn Place, will be developed on a vacant site located at 454 Auburn Avenue. The site was previously occupied by… [Read More]
