The European Union has launched a €4.7 million partnership with UNESCO to expand community-based skills development and literacy training in Afghanistan. The initiative aims to strengthen economic empowerment by reaching 7,500 youth and adults, including both returnees and host community members, across five provinces. It is designed to meet locally identified needs through flexible and… [Read More]
Addressing Mining Abuses: A Global Opportunity for Change
In northern Zambia earlier this year, 29-year-old Norbert Amoya discovered dead fish and foul-smelling river water, a result of a major mining disaster. On February 18, a dam at a Chinese copper mine burst, releasing toxic waste into a tributary of Zambia’s largest river. The disaster has threatened the local ecosystem, jeopardized livelihoods for millions,… [Read More]
Women in Argentina Confront Increasing Violence and Safety Risks
Argentina is facing a growing crisis of gender-based violence, with domestic violence reports rising significantly. Data from the Office of Domestic Violence (OVD) of Argentina’s Supreme Court show that at least 39 percent of cases involve severe or repeated abuse, frequent episodes, or injuries indicating a high likelihood of ongoing harm. Feminist observatories have also… [Read More]
IRC Warns: Reduced Aid in West Africa Puts Women and Girls at Increased Risk of Gender-Based Violence
Across Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria, more than half of gender-based violence (GBV) survivors supported in early 2025 have lost access to essential services due to broad funding cuts. In Menaka, Mali, nearly 90% of survivors’ cases remain unresolved. Burkina Faso’s Sahel and North regions have 52% of GBV cases unaddressed, leaving over 500… [Read More]
Environmental Improvement Plan Criticized as “Insufficient”
The UK government has unveiled its new Environmental Improvement Plan, which ministers describe as a “step change in restoring nature.” The plan replaces the previous version and sets out ambitious targets aimed at reducing pollution, restoring natural habitats, and protecting the environment. It is intended to guide national efforts to meet legally binding environmental commitments… [Read More]
UK Government Pulls Financial Support for Mozambique LNG Project Amid Controversy
The UK government has decided to withdraw funding for a major and controversial gas development in Mozambique, a move welcomed by Friends of the Earth. Business Secretary Peter Kyle announced the reversal of a 2020 decision by Boris Johnson’s government to provide $1.15 billion in support for the liquefied natural gas project through UK Export… [Read More]
Ethiopia Launches New Strategy to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
Ethiopia has launched its fourth National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), reinforcing its commitment to addressing this urgent global health threat. The plan positions Ethiopia among African nations with concrete strategies to combat AMR, which occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites develop resistance to drugs designed to eliminate them. The initiative received support… [Read More]
UK Aid Faces Challenges as Bond Flags FCDO Staffing Cuts
Following the announcement that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) will reduce its workforce by 25%, Bond, the UK network for NGOs in international development, has warned that further reductions could significantly undermine the delivery of UK Official Development Assistance (ODA). The cuts, amounting to 1,885 job losses so far, come before the FCDO… [Read More]
England Unveils HIV Action Plan 2025 to 2030 to Strengthen Prevention and Care
England’s HIV Action Plan 2025 to 2030 represents a nationwide commitment to ending new HIV transmissions, building on decades of progress in prevention, testing, and treatment. Developed by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in collaboration with UKHSA, NHS England, local authorities, and voluntary sector partners, the plan is informed by extensive stakeholder… [Read More]
Minister Gwarube Launches R496 Million Education Outcomes Fund, DA Expresses Support
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has welcomed the launch of South Africa’s R496 million Education Outcomes Fund by the Minister of Basic Education, marking the country’s largest outcomes-based investment in Early Childhood Development (ECD). The fund aims to provide young children with a strong foundation for future learning and success. The Education Outcomes Fund will enable… [Read More]
AFWC25 Launches in The Gambia Highlighting Africa’s Commitment to Forest Innovation
The 25th Session of the African Forestry and Wildlife Commission (AFWC25) opened in Banjul, The Gambia, calling on African countries to strengthen political commitment and scale up innovation in protecting and restoring forests and wildlife. Organized by the FAO and hosted by The Gambian government, the week-long meeting focuses on “Innovative and Inclusive Forest and… [Read More]
€300 Million EIB-Prysmian Agreement to Accelerate Europe’s Energy Security and Digital Transition
The European Investment Bank has approved a €300 million financing package for Prysmian to support its European research and development activities from 2025 to 2028, with the first tranche of €200 million already signed. The financing aims to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions that enhance energy efficiency, network security, and digital infrastructure while contributing… [Read More]
Bosnia and Herzegovina to Get First Renewable Energy Communities Backed by EU and Germany
The EU for Collective Action for Energy Transition project has been launched to establish Bosnia and Herzegovina’s first renewable energy communities. Supported by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and implemented by GIZ, the €3.5 million initiative brings together government institutions, local authorities, civil society, and citizens to… [Read More]
Joint SDG Fund Showcases Uzbekistan’s Global Accelerator at New York Event
The deep dive session held on 20 November 2025 by the Permanent Missions of Uzbekistan and Germany, together with the Joint SDG Fund, showcased Uzbekistan’s progress under the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions. The discussion highlighted the country’s focus on formalization as one of its key pathways to speed up… [Read More]
Sri Lanka Cyclone Ditwah: IOM Launches Rapid Response for 209K Displaced
The International Organization for Migration has intensified its support to Sri Lanka as the country faces one of its most devastating natural disasters in nearly two decades. Cyclone Ditwah has caused severe flooding and landslides, leaving more than 350 people dead, over 360 missing, and nearly 1 million affected. More than 209,000 people have been… [Read More]
How Social and Solidarity Economy Organizations Drive Resilience During Crises
The ILO marked the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 by hosting a global webinar on the role of the social and solidarity economy in crisis response. Drawing on experiences from Jordan, the Philippines, Viet Nam and Kenya, the discussion demonstrated how social and solidarity economy organizations can act as core components of national resilience systems… [Read More]
How Workplaces Are Reducing HIV Testing Gaps in Men and Promoting Better Health
A new ILO report highlights the powerful role workplaces can play in expanding HIV testing and treatment, especially for men and groups often excluded from health services. Released on World AIDS Day, the report shows how the ILO’s Voluntary Counselling and HIV Testing for Workers initiative has become a key driver of inclusive health and… [Read More]
World AIDS Day: ILO Urges Stronger Workplace Equality Amid Conflict
In Ukraine, the ongoing full-scale war has heightened the importance of workplace equality, health protection, and dignity for both workers and employers. Despite the difficult conditions, progress in the Kyiv region under the ILO’s Transitional Cooperation Strategy shows that meaningful improvements are possible when local authorities and social partners remain committed. The war has made… [Read More]
Kiribati Secures $10 Million ADB Grant for Sustainable Development and Ocean Protection
The Asian Development Bank has approved a $10 million policy-based grant to support Kiribati in strengthening public sector management, expanding women’s financial inclusion, and improving environmental protection. The grant forms part of the Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Recovery Program, which continues earlier reforms aimed at building a more resilient and inclusive economy. ADB highlighted that… [Read More]
G20 Summit: Norway Commits NOK 3.1 Billion to Boost Africa’s Development
Norway reaffirmed its long-standing support for Africa’s low-income countries by pledging NOK 3.1 billion to the African Development Fund’s seventeenth replenishment. The announcement was first made during the Global Citizen Now: Johannesburg event and later reinforced in a meeting between Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and African Development Bank Group President Dr Sidi Ould… [Read More]
IFRC Warns of Increasing Psychological Toll on Families After Hurricane Melissa
One month after Hurricane Melissa, communities across Jamaica and Cuba continue to face severe psychological impacts. People report high levels of stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, persistent fear, and grief linked to the loss of homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) notes that thousands are seeking… [Read More]
Apply Now: Funding Available for Sustainable Community Projects
The Sustainability Fund is now open for applications from community organisations, schools, social enterprises, and businesses for projects that align with Christchurch City Council’s climate change objectives and targets. The Fund seeks to support initiatives that address climate challenges, help communities understand and prepare for climate impacts, promote a just transition to a low-emission economy,… [Read More]
£50,000 Fund Introduced to Support Nature Recovery and Wildlife Protection
Westmorland and Furness Council has launched a new £50,000 Nature Recovery Fund to support the protection and restoration of local wildlife and habitats across the region. The fund is intended for projects that aid the recovery of priority species, control or eradicate invasive non-native species, or support pollinators, as outlined in the recently published Cumbria… [Read More]
