Education and business leaders in Michigan are calling for a coordinated overhaul of the state’s education system, arguing that long-term economic growth depends on sustained improvements in student outcomes and stronger alignment across early childhood, K–12, and higher education. The discussion took place at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference, where leaders from education, philanthropy, and… [Read More]

Brazzaville — May 28, 2026 — Africa is stepping up efforts to regulate and process its critical minerals, but experts warn the continent must move beyond reactive policies to anticipate global industrial shifts. Countries like Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Guinea are tightening controls on lithium, cobalt, and bauxite exports, aiming to capture more value… [Read More]

Thirty-seven community development organizations across Detroit are joining forces under a new $27 million initiative designed to strengthen neighborhoods, expand affordable housing, and support long-term community growth. The initiative, launched by Enterprise Community Partners, marks Phase III of the Community Development Organization Fund and represents the largest collaborative effort of its kind in the city…. [Read More]

Climate adaptation leaders are urging governments and communities to place human mobility at the center of climate resilience planning as extreme heat, rising energy costs, and worsening environmental conditions continue to reshape communities across the United States. The discussion took place during the 2026 National Adaptation Forum, one of the country’s largest gatherings focused on… [Read More]

Douala — May 28, 2026 — Cameroon has approved 453 private investment projects between 2014 and 2024, valued at nearly CFA1.9 trillion, according to figures released by the Investment Promotion Agency (API). Despite the impressive capital commitments, employment outcomes remain far below expectations. Project promoters had announced plans to create 180,000 jobs during the period, but only… [Read More]

Health specialists from across the Americas gathered in Bogotá, Colombia, for a regional meeting organized by the Pan American Health Organization to strengthen yellow fever surveillance and improve outbreak preparedness across the region. The four-day meeting brought together experts in epidemiology, immunization, entomology, clinical management, laboratory surveillance, and risk communication from more than 10 countries…. [Read More]

Brazil is leading a new South-South cooperation initiative with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to strengthen field epidemiology training and epidemic intelligence capacities across Africa. The initiative, supported by the Pan American Health Organization and Brazil’s Ministry of Health, focuses on improving public health emergency preparedness through digital learning platforms, hybrid training… [Read More]

Yaoundé — May 28, 2026 — The Yaoundé City Council has announced plans to allocate CFA6.8 billion from its 2025 budget surplus to road and urban infrastructure projects in 2026. The decision was unanimously approved during the 26th session of the Yaoundé Urban Community Council, reflecting the city’s commitment to improving transport and urban services. Mayor Luc… [Read More]

The Pan American Health Organization and the Mundo Sano Foundation have signed a new technical cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening disease elimination efforts and expanding cervical cancer prevention programs across the Americas. The agreement was signed in Madrid by PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa and Mundo Sano Foundation President Silvia Gold during an official visit focused… [Read More]

The Pan American Health Organization and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States are convening a regional workshop in Saint Lucia aimed at strengthening access to essential medicines and health technologies across the Eastern Caribbean. The two-day meeting brings together health officials, procurement specialists, and technical experts to improve the availability, affordability, and quality of medicines… [Read More]

Brazzaville — May 28, 2026 — The African Development Bank (AfDB) projects Africa’s economic growth to slow modestly to 4.2 percent in 2026, before rebounding to 4.4 percent in 2027, in line with the level recorded in 2025. The forecast was released in the African Economic Outlook 2026 during the Bank’s annual meetings. The slowdown is attributed… [Read More]

Health experts, policymakers, and international health officials gathered in Bogotá for the “Better Care for Non-Communicable Diseases” workshop organized by Colombia’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the Pan American Health Organization. The workshop focused on addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses,… [Read More]

Norway’s evolving security landscape took center stage at the 2026 Security Forum South, where policymakers, diplomats, researchers, and defense officials gathered to discuss rising geopolitical threats and regional preparedness across the Nordic-Baltic region. The forum, held during Norway’s “Total Defence” year, focused on strengthening cooperation between governments, local authorities, NATO partners, businesses, and academic institutions… [Read More]

Columbus, Ohio — May 28, 2026 — Researchers at Ohio State University have found genetic traces of 54 different viruses in ordinary indoor dust, opening up a potential new frontier in disease surveillance. The study, published in Building and Environment, suggests that dust could serve as a record of viral circulation within schools, offices, and residential halls…. [Read More]

More than 800 delegates from over 80 countries gathered in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for Sharks International 2026, the world’s largest conference dedicated to shark, ray, and chimaera science and conservation. Hosted by Blue Resources Trust with support from the Save Our Seas Foundation, the event marked the first time the global conference was held in… [Read More]

Colón, Panama — May 27, 2026 — A group of 23 young people from Colón Province have completed a ten‑week training program dedicated to safeguarding the underwater cultural heritage of the Panamanian Caribbean. The initiative, titled Youth for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, was organized by UNESCO in partnership with Panama’s Ministry of Culture and supported… [Read More]

  A growing body of research is highlighting the hidden impact of menstrual stigma on girls’ education, mental well-being, and school participation across developing countries. New findings from Madagascar show that targeted school-based interventions can significantly improve academic performance and reduce stress among adolescent girls. The study, led through collaboration with J-PAL Africa and humanitarian… [Read More]

Geneva — May 28, 2026 — The Earth’s climate is changing faster than at any point in human history, but leading scientists say there are reasons for both urgency and hope. In a conversation hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), climate researcher Katharine Hayhoe and UNEP Chief Scientist Andrea Hinwood discussed the realities of the… [Read More]

Dublin — May 27, 2026 — Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary have unveiled Ireland’s new Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2026–2030, setting out a five‑year plan to reduce poverty and strengthen social inclusion nationwide. The launch took place at the Social Inclusion Forum in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, attended by over 250 participants in… [Read More]

Dublin — May 28, 2026 — Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD has announced the allocation of €5.2 million under Round 4 of the Healthy Ireland Fund (HIF) for 2026. Each of Ireland’s 31 local authorities will receive €75,000 to support outcome‑based initiatives aimed at improving health and wellbeing… [Read More]

Dublin — May 28, 2026 — Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD has announced capital grants worth €228,065 to eight arts and culture organisations across Ireland. The funding, provided under Stream E of the Cultural Capital Scheme, will support the upgrading and development of facilities, strengthening the country’s cultural infrastructure. Stream E, launched in… [Read More]

Dublin — May 29, 2026 — Bord Bia has officially opened submissions for the National Organic Awards 2026, inviting Ireland’s organic food and drink producers to showcase their achievements. The biennial awards, held in association with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, will take place on September 24, 2026 at the Bord Bia Global Hub… [Read More]

Bishkek — May 27, 2026 — Experts from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan gathered in Bishkek for a three‑day technical workshop organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to advance the development of food systems‑based dietary guidelines. The initiative is part of FAO’s multi‑country project on addressing malnutrition through agrifood systems transformation. The… [Read More]