The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) recorded a milestone year for its risk-sharing framework (RSF) in Central Asia and Mongolia, significantly expanding access to finance for local businesses. Under the RSF model, the EBRD shares up to half of the credit risk on loans issued by partner financial institutions, enabling banks to extend… [Read More]
EBRD Invests €6M to Boost ABN-MB Growth in Uzbekistan
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is strengthening competition and private sector development in Uzbekistan’s food-service industry through new financing for ABN-MB Group, a leading operator of coffee shops and restaurants across the country. The initiative aims to enhance operational capacity and improve market efficiency in the rapidly growing hospitality sector. Under the… [Read More]
Saint Kitts and Nevis Boosts Biosafety with PAHO Support
In January 2026, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in partnership with the Caribbean Society for Biosafety and Biosecurity (CSBB), conducted a four-day mission in Saint Kitts and Nevis to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity in public and private laboratories. This initiative is part of the Pandemic Fund project for Eastern Caribbean Countries, which supports national… [Read More]
PAHO Strengthens Biosafety in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 13 February 2026 – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) continued its support to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ national laboratory system through a technical mission under the Pandemic Fund Project for Eastern Caribbean Countries. The initiative focuses on strengthening core capacities required under the International Health Regulations (IHR… [Read More]
PAHO Belize Honored for Disaster Risk Reduction Leadership
PAHO Belize was honored with the Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction Award at the UK-Belize Climate and Nature Legacy Awards 2026, recognizing its leadership in strengthening climate resilience in the health sector. The award, funded by the UK Climate & Nature Diplomacy Fund and presented at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Belmopan, highlighted PAHO… [Read More]
Grenada Partners with PAHO to Advance National Mental Health Reform
The Ministry of Mental Health, Wellness and Religious Affairs of Grenada, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), recently held a technical meeting to advance the country’s mental health reform and finalize its National Mental Health Policy. The meeting brought together senior officials from the Ministry and PAHO’s technical team, including Dr. Taraleen… [Read More]
Trauma-Sensitive Reporting in MENA: A Journalist’s Guide
Journalists in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) often report on traumatic events while experiencing trauma themselves, facing conflicts, corruption, and gender-based violence daily. Despite this exposure, mental health support in newsrooms is rare, and the psychological toll is frequently dismissed as part of the job, fostering a culture of silence. In December 2025,… [Read More]
Urgent Shelter Response in Gaza: IOM and Muslim Charity Step In
Geneva/Amman, 18 February 2026 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Muslim Charity are providing urgent support to displaced Palestinian families in Gaza by delivering emergency tents to those living without safe or adequate shelter. A contribution of USD 300,000 from Muslim Charity will allow IOM to procure and distribute 448 tents, reaching an… [Read More]
Urgent Shelter Response in Gaza: IOM and Muslim Charity Step In
Geneva/Amman, 18 February 2026 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Muslim Charity are providing urgent support to displaced Palestinian families in Gaza by delivering emergency tents to those living without safe or adequate shelter. A contribution of USD 300,000 from Muslim Charity will allow IOM to procure and distribute 448 tents, reaching an… [Read More]
$91 Million Appeal Targets Support for Migrants in Africa
A new USD 91 million appeal has been launched to support migrants travelling along key migration routes in Africa, with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) leading the effort alongside 48 partners. The appeal aims to provide life-saving assistance to migrants from the Horn of Africa moving along the Eastern Route to Yemen and the… [Read More]
IOM Launches Ramadan Fund to Support Vulnerable Migrants Worldwide
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched its second annual Ramadan campaign, “Share the Blessings,” expanding the Islamic Philanthropy Fund (IPF) to support migrants and displaced families affected by crises. Building on last year’s initiative in Sudan, the campaign now extends assistance across multiple emergency contexts, addressing growing humanitarian needs driven by conflict, climate… [Read More]
High Seas Treaty Explained: Protecting Our Oceans Beyond National Borders
The ocean, one of the most biodiverse spaces on Earth, covers over two-thirds of the planet’s surface and houses more than 90 per cent of Earth’s habitat by volume. International seabeds and high seas are unique in that no single country has jurisdiction over them. Instead, a complex system of international laws and cooperation seeks… [Read More]
How Five Black Leaders Are Redefining Climate Action for a Just Future
Black leaders across the U.S. are driving innovative, community-rooted climate action that centers equity, health, and justice. These leaders combine scientific expertise, policy advocacy, organizing, and coalition building to address environmental challenges that disproportionately affect communities of color, while ensuring those communities play a central role in developing solutions. Their work spans clean energy, flood… [Read More]
Free School Meals: Why Eligible Children Aren’t Receiving Them
Research shows that around 215,000 children in England are not receiving the free school meals they are entitled to, missing out on the nutritional, educational, and financial benefits these meals provide. Families face multiple barriers, including stigma, shame, and the administrative burden of applying, which prevents many eligible children from accessing their entitlement. To address… [Read More]
RIF Allocates $80 Million to Advance Critical Minerals Initiatives
The New Zealand Government has allocated $80 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support the development and processing of domestic critical minerals, according to Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Regional Development and Resources Minister Shane Jones. Critical minerals play a vital role in modern life, underpinning technologies in clean energy, electronics, aviation, and medical… [Read More]
Zanzibar Drives Jobs and Entrepreneurship with Business Training
In Zanzibar, many young people face challenges securing employment after graduation, as technical skills alone often do not lead to income-generating opportunities, particularly where business planning, financial literacy, and marketing knowledge are limited. To address this gap, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Vocational Training Authority Zanzibar (VTA) have partnered to integrate practical, workplace-relevant… [Read More]
Indonesia Updates Fixed-Term Contract Rules for Garment Industry
The Ministry of Manpower in Indonesia, with support from the Better Work Indonesia (BWI) programme—a joint initiative of the ILO and IFC—has updated regulations on Fixed-Term Employment Contracts (PKWT) under Law No. 6/2023 on the Omnibus Law. The revised guidelines aim to harmonize the understanding and application of PKWT, strengthening legal certainty, enhancing productivity, and… [Read More]
Social Partners in India Unveil Strategic Roadmap for Ethical and Responsible Business
Employers’ and workers’ organizations in India have taken a significant step in promoting Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) for decent work with the presentation of a Bipartite Roadmap, in the presence of ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo. The roadmap is the result of a year-long engagement between these social partners and outlines shared priorities and joint… [Read More]
Cambodia Boosts Reintegration Programs for Returning Migrant Workers
Phnom Penh – A new initiative led by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in partnership with Cambodia’s Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, aims to assist an estimated 20,000 returning migrant workers in reintegrating into the local economy. The 24-month project, titled “Promoting employment of… [Read More]
Japan Funds WFP to Deliver Food and Nutrition Aid to Displaced Families in Rwanda
KIGALI – The World Food Programme (WFP) has received a contribution of over USD 666,000 (around RWF 970 million) from the Government of Japan to provide lifesaving food assistance to refugees, asylum seekers, and returnees in Rwanda. The announcement was made at a ceremony in Kigali attended by Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Nakajo, Rwanda’s Permanent Secretary… [Read More]
Joint UN Mission Reaches Cut-Off Areas with Life-Saving Assistance in Sudan
A United Nations inter-agency convoy led by the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, and UNDP has successfully reached Dilling and Kadugli in South Kordofan, delivering life-saving humanitarian assistance to over 130,000 people. This marks the first major aid delivery to the area in three months, addressing critical shortages that have persisted in these communities. The… [Read More]
ADB and Prima Launch Vanuatu Cable for Connectivity and Disaster Resilience
PORT VILA, VANUATU (18 February 2026) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a financing package with Prima Limited to develop the 411-kilometer Tamtam submarine cable connecting Port Vila, Vanuatu, to Lifou, New Caledonia. The project aims to enhance telecommunications services across Vanuatu and strengthen natural hazard early warning systems through advanced sensor technology…. [Read More]
World News: Guterres on Fair Energy, Ramadan in Gaza, South Sudan Crisis
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the global dependence on fossil fuels remains a critical threat to stability and prosperity, criticizing attempts by some fossil fuel interests to slow the clean energy transition and spread misinformation. He emphasized that nations leading the shift to renewable energy will shape the future global economy. Guterres called… [Read More]
