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According to Francine Pickup, a representative of the United Nations Development Programme (United Nations Development Programme), recent military escalation in the Middle East has significantly worsened poverty in Iran and Lebanon, reversing years of development progress in a short time. The remarks were made during a discussion titled “The Middle East Crisis and its Impacts… [Read More]

As hurricane season approaches, The Home Depot Foundation is supporting community preparedness and recovery efforts by investing more than $5.5 million in grants to nonprofit partners focused on disaster resilience, response, and long-term rebuilding. The grants, combined with mitigation training for partner organizations, are intended to support communities through the full disaster cycle: preparedness, emergency… [Read More]

What is happening in Latin America?: 5 trends that should concern us A Venezuelan family sought refuge in Ecuador after being forced to leave their country, where they still face challenges integrating, including xenophobia.Photo credits: Santiago Arcos / ProLACTimestamp: 21 May 2026Locations: AmericasTopics: Protection, Conflict Between July and December 2025, the ProLAC Initiative monitored protection… [Read More]

Escalating violence in South Sudan is triggering a rapidly worsening humanitarian emergency in Akobo County, Jonglei State, according to a new warning from the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The conflict, which began in December 2025, has led to mass displacement, the collapse of basic services, and growing risks of catastrophic malnutrition as communities approach IPC… [Read More]

Media and communication scholars worldwide have an exciting new funding opportunity to advance their work. The Wahlgrenska Foundation has officially opened its call for applications for the 2026 research funding programme. Aimed at supporting innovative projects that examine the evolving role of media in society, the foundation will award six general research grants worth SEK… [Read More]

The protection situation in Latin America continues to deteriorate, according to a new regional monitoring report conducted between July and December 2025 by the ProLAC Initiative, which analyzes conditions across eleven countries and warns of a sustained increase in violence, forced displacement, and barriers to accessing international protection. The report describes a regional landscape marked… [Read More]

The world’s newest nation, South Sudan, continues to struggle with deep instability, poverty, and weak infrastructure more than a decade after gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. Despite hopes for political transition and planned elections, ongoing insecurity and limited state capacity have left major gaps in essential services. The country, home to around 11 million… [Read More]

United Nations agencies have intensified emergency operations in the eastern region of Democratic Republic of the Congo following a new Ebola outbreak that has prompted urgent cross-border health and humanitarian action. The outbreak, declared on 15 May 2026 in Ituri province, has triggered rapid deployment of medical supplies, logistics support, and community protection measures coordinated… [Read More]

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union have completed the rehabilitation of four key religious heritage sites in the Korçë region of Albania, marking a major milestone in efforts to strengthen cultural tourism and local economic development. The restoration works were carried out under the Albania Infrastructure and Tourism-Enabling Project… [Read More]

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a financing package of up to €50 million in partnership with QNB Leasing to support green investment and economic recovery in earthquake-affected regions of Türkiye. The initiative is part of the Türkiye Green Economy Financing Facility III (GEFF III), a €1 billion programme designed to… [Read More]

Mozambique has introduced a new digital irrigation monitoring system designed to improve agricultural water management and strengthen climate resilience across the country. The Irrigation Performance Assessment and Diagnostic Tool (IPADT) was developed in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International Water Management Institute, and Mozambique’s National Irrigation Institute. The… [Read More]

Darragh O’Brien has announced €29.5 million in funding for community-led climate initiatives under Phase 2 of the Community Climate Action Programme, reinforcing the country’s push toward locally driven climate solutions. The funding, delivered through the Climate Action Fund and administered in partnership with local authorities, will support community groups across Ireland in developing projects that… [Read More]

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has highlighted a series of regional initiatives aimed at transforming agrifood systems across Europe and Central Asia through stronger cooperation, innovation, and sustainable investment. Discussions took place during the Thirty-fifth Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Europe, held in Dushanbe from 11–15 May 2026, where… [Read More]

New Zealand has announced a new government-backed support package designed to help small and medium-sized businesses strengthen resilience, improve continuity planning, and prepare for economic disruption. The initiative was unveiled by Cameron Brewer during the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce conference as part of the government’s broader strategy to support business growth and long-term economic… [Read More]

New Zealand is strengthening its border security capabilities through major new investments announced under Budget 2026, aimed at combating drug trafficking, illegal tobacco trade, and transnational organized crime. Casey Costello said the government is responding to growing threats posed by international criminal networks targeting New Zealand and the wider Pacific region. The government will invest… [Read More]

A regional policy forum held in Bangkok has brought together healthcare and social protection experts from across Asia and the Pacific to strengthen efforts toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Universal Social Protection (USP). The two-day event, held on 12–13 May 2026, was organized by the International Labour Organization in collaboration with the ASEAN Institute… [Read More]

Nepal is moving forward with a national Just Transition Strategy and Action Plan designed to align climate action with employment growth, social protection, and economic resilience as part of its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0). The initiative brings together the Government of Nepal, workers’ and employers’ organizations, businesses, climate experts, civil society groups, development… [Read More]

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a new climate accountability resolution by an overwhelming majority, marking a significant step toward strengthening international climate justice and state responsibility for climate-related human rights impacts. The resolution follows the landmark 2025 advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which stated that governments have legal obligations… [Read More]

  The World Bank Group has announced plans to more than double its annual guarantee issuance in Africa to $6.4 billion by 2030 through its Guarantee Platform managed by Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency. The initiative aims to attract private investment into key sectors across Africa, including agribusiness, energy, infrastructure, healthcare, digital services, finance, and trade…. [Read More]

The European Investment Fund has committed €200 million to Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners to support the expansion of biomethane and advanced bioenergy production across Europe. The investment will support Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners’ Advanced Bioenergy Fund II (ABF II), a new infrastructure fund focused on developing large-scale biogas facilities using anaerobic digestion technology. The projects aim to… [Read More]

World Bank has warned that Yemen’s economy continues to deteriorate as conflict-related pressures, declining humanitarian aid, and ongoing structural challenges push the country deeper into crisis. According to the Spring 2026 edition of the Yemen Economic Monitor titled Pushing Against the Tide, Yemen’s real GDP contracted by 1.5% in 2025 and is expected to shrink… [Read More]

A healthcare initiative supported by the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund, World Health Organization Somalia, and Action Against Hunger is helping transform maternal and child healthcare access in Mogadishu through an integrated “one-stop-shop” medical approach at Makkah Hospital. The initiative combines maternal healthcare, nutrition support, vaccinations, and child health services under one roof, allowing… [Read More]

United Nations Development Programme has launched a new regional dialogue initiative aimed at strengthening the role of faith-based leaders in preventing violent extremism in digital spaces across Asia. The First Regional Forum of the Faith-Based Leaders Regional Dialogue Process on Preventing Violent Extremism in the Digital Space was held in Bangkok from 12–14 May 2026…. [Read More]