The International Labour Organization (ILO) welcomed the adoption of the Belém Political Package at the 30th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Endorsed by 195 countries, the Package is a landmark achievement that strengthens global efforts to advance climate action while promoting a just… [Read More]
Ethiopia Empowers TVT Instructors to Enhance Workforce Skills
A four-day ILO Core Skills Training in Jimma, Ethiopia, has strengthened the capacity of Technical and Vocational Training (TVT) instructors, curriculum developers, and career counsellors to deliver essential employability skills. The programme focused on practical skills such as communication, problem solving, teamwork, digital literacy, and green skills, equipping participants with hands-on methods and personalised action… [Read More]
Strengthening Safety and Health in Brazil’s Coffee Sector: Unions and Cooperatives Lead the Way
In Minas Gerais, Brazil, coffee cooperatives, smallholder farmers, and rural unions participated in capacity-building activities organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) through its Vision Zero Fund, in collaboration with Brazil’s Ministry of Labour and Employment and the National Confederation of Rural Salaried Workers (CONTAR), with co-financing from the European Union. Held between 28 and… [Read More]
From Nature Lover to Rural Business Owner: A Success Story in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Biljana Topić, a biologist and ornithologist from Šipovo in western Bosnia and Herzegovina, transformed her passion for nature into a viable enterprise after completing the ILO “Start and Improve Your Business” (SIYB) training this year. She developed a business plan, launched her own company, and brought to market a line of natural, cold-pressed fruit juices… [Read More]
November 2025 Rainbow Digest: Insights on Advocacy, Community, and Social Change
The EU Court of Justice has ruled that Poland must recognise same-sex marriages conducted abroad, specifically in the case of two Polish citizens married in Germany. The decision establishes that refusing recognition of such marriages violates EU law, particularly the fundamental right of freedom of movement for EU citizens. This ruling is a significant step… [Read More]
$10,000 Grant Supports Caribbean Journalist Reporting on Solar Energy
Across the Caribbean, initiatives are increasingly supporting journalists in covering climate justice, with a particular focus on renewable energy projects. A recent example is funding for a Trinidad and Tobago reporter to investigate the country’s emerging solar energy sector, highlighting how renewable energy development intersects with community-centered reporting. These efforts aim to bring attention to… [Read More]
Global Biodiversity Finance Facility Mobilizes $87M for Project Preparation in 34 Nations
The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) has approved 22 new project preparation grants across 34 countries, totaling over $87 million. This fourth round of grants prioritized support for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and projects involving international financial institutions (IFIs), aiming to direct biodiversity funding… [Read More]
New FAO-UNDP Study Evaluates Global National Adaptation Plans
A landmark side event at COP 30 highlighted the critical role of agrifood systems in national adaptation plans (NAPs) while revealing persistent gaps that hinder their full potential for climate action. The event, held on 20 November 2025, officially launched the SCALA-supported report Agrifood Systems in National Adaptation Plans – An Analysis, which outlines targeted… [Read More]
Jamaica Receives Initial USD 2 Million in UNDP Resilient Recovery Funding
Kingston, 24 November 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has mobilized an initial USD 2 million in Resilient Recovery grants to support Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa, aiming to restore community life, livelihoods, and advance the national vision for a resilient recovery. The grants follow a recent surge mission by UNDP’s global and… [Read More]
Strong Public Support for Climate Action Highlighted in UNDP Survey
A landmark global survey, UNDP’s Peoples’ Climate Vote 2024, reveals widespread public concern over climate change and strong demand for government action. Conducted across 77 countries and covering 87% of the world’s population, the survey found that 80% of respondents want their governments to take stronger climate action. Compared to last year, 53% of participants… [Read More]
Sustainable Agriculture Boost: UNDP Launches Wastewater Treatment Facility in Rural Damascus
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), supported by the Adaptation Fund and in partnership with Syrian ministries, inaugurated the Zibdeen Wastewater Treatment Plant in Eastern Ghouta, Rural Damascus. This project represents a significant step toward climate adaptation, sustainable water management, and livelihood recovery in Syria. Funded with US$4.89 million, the initiative included the rehabilitation of… [Read More]
World AIDS Day – 1 December 2025: Fighting Stigma, Supporting Communities
As the world marks World AIDS Day 2025 under the theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” the global community faces both opportunities and challenges in ending AIDS as a public health threat. Despite decades of progress, gains are being threatened by tightening financing, conflict, climate shocks, and growing inequalities. Persistent issues such as underinvestment… [Read More]
Justice at Risk: The Critical Role of the International Criminal Court
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is facing unprecedented challenges as governments including the United States and Russia take actions that undermine its mandate as the court of last resort for prosecuting the gravest crimes. Human Rights Watch emphasizes that ICC member countries must remain steadfast in defending the court to ensure impartial justice continues to… [Read More]
How Agent Networks Are Transforming Access to Financial Services in Ethiopia
In the bustling Piassa neighborhood of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, mobile money agent Ziyada Seid is helping her community engage with the digital economy. Operating from her small grocery store, she assists customers with paying utility bills, settling traffic penalties, and other digital financial services. Supported by Highlight Trading, a leading Ethiopian distributor collaborating with telecoms,… [Read More]
Overcoming Humanitarian Funding Shortfalls Through Mutualisation
The humanitarian sector is facing an unprecedented funding crisis, forcing organisations to find innovative ways to sustain operations. With global humanitarian needs reaching 300 million people in 2025 and funding covering only a fraction of these needs, aid actors are challenged to respond effectively with limited resources. Mutualisation, or resource pooling, has emerged as a… [Read More]
States Urged to Defend Civilians and Reinforce Mine Ban Treaty Commitments
The four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine have left the country heavily contaminated with antipersonnel landmines, causing hundreds of civilian casualties and posing long-term risks to local communities. Russia’s extensive use of these mines is widely recognized as unlawful, while Ukraine, despite being a state party to the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, has… [Read More]
Russian Government Labels Human Rights Watch as “Undesirable”
On November 28, 2025, Russia officially designated Human Rights Watch as an “undesirable” foreign organization, effectively banning its operations in the country. The announcement, made public by the Ministry of Justice, reflects a continuing pattern of repression by the Kremlin, according to Human Rights Watch. Philippe Bolopion, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, emphasized that… [Read More]
Wales to Receive £16 Billion Investment Boost, Thousands of Jobs Expected
Since the launch of the Summit, new investments in Wales have reached a total of £16 billion, spanning multiple sectors and creating thousands of jobs. Major international companies contributing to this investment include Vodafone, GE Aerospace Wales, Associated British Ports, RWE, Eni, Bad Wolf, and Vantage Data Centers, reflecting strong confidence in the Welsh economy…. [Read More]
Cambodia Strengthens Public Employment Services to Improve Skills Matching and Decent Work
Nearly 100 public employment services (PES) officials in Cambodia have received training to strengthen their competencies in delivering high-quality, efficient employment services. The initiative aims to create a more responsive and inclusive labor market, ensuring that vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, are not left behind. The training is a collaboration between the International Labour… [Read More]
WFP Receives Critical Support from France to Aid Refugees and Improve Women and Children’s Nutrition in Uganda
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has received a EUR 2 million contribution from the Government of France to enhance food security for refugees and improve nutrition for women and children in Uganda. Announced at a ceremony in Kampala with France’s Ambassador Virginie Leroy and WFP’s Country Director Lauren Landis, the funding will enable… [Read More]
Bangkok’s “Nextopia” Exhibition Highlights WFP’s Efforts Against Hunger in Asia
The exhibition in Bangkok, titled “Steps for Tomorrow – A Journey Towards Zero Hunger,” was launched by the United Nations World Food Programme and Siam Piwat to raise awareness about WFP’s efforts to combat hunger across the Asia-Pacific region. It highlights the scale of the crisis, with 69 million people facing acute hunger driven by… [Read More]
WFP Provides Emergency Food Assistance to Households Affected by Karail Fire
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has delivered emergency food assistance to families affected by the 25 November fire that swept through the Karail slum in Dhaka. Many families who lost their homes and belongings are now taking temporary shelter at a nearby Girls’ High School. Working closely with the Department of Disaster Management,… [Read More]
Italy, Dubai Humanitarian, and WFP Convene Second Conference for Nations Hosting Humanitarian Logistics Hubs
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dubai Humanitarian, and the United Nations World Food Programme co-hosted the Second Conference of Countries Hosting the World’s Humanitarian Hubs in Brindisi. The event marked 25 years of operations at the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot in Brindisi, celebrating its pioneering role in global humanitarian logistics… [Read More]
