The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$9 million grant to support Tongan women in business ventures. The initiative aims to promote the growth of women-owned and women-led micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, providing them with the resources and guidance needed to expand their operations. According to Aaron Batten, regional director of ADB’s Pacific… [Read More]
Comau Receives €50 Million from Italy for Industrial Robotics and Advanced Automation Innovation
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €50 million financing agreement with Comau to support the company’s research, development, and innovation activities in robotics, advanced automation, machine tools, and digital technologies for multiple industrial sectors, including automotive, aerospace, construction, renewable energy, and logistics. The funding, concentrated at Comau’s facilities in Turin and Bari, aims… [Read More]
Iran Nuclear Dispute Leaves UN Security Council Split, Sanctions Continue
The UN’s chief diplomat, Rosemary DiCarlo, reported that despite intensified diplomatic efforts in the latter half of 2025, no consensus was reached on the future of the Iran nuclear programme. She emphasized that the optimal path for the international community remains a negotiated settlement that ensures a peaceful nuclear programme in Iran while offering sanctions… [Read More]
UN Warns of Widespread Pressure on Civilians Ahead of Myanmar Elections
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has warned that Myanmar’s upcoming military-controlled elections are being conducted amid heightened violence, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests, leaving no room for free or meaningful participation. He highlighted that the current environment suppresses fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. The first phase of… [Read More]
WHO South-East Asia Region: 2024 Overview of Influenza Preparedness and Response Activities
In 2024, Member States in the WHO South-East Asia Region (SEAR) continued implementing influenza preparedness measures in alignment with the WHO Global Influenza Strategy (2019–2030) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) framework, in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005). WHO’s efforts focused on achieving two key outcomes: ensuring the availability of improved global tools… [Read More]
Suicide Awareness: How Media Engagement Can Change the Narrative
The Ministry of Health and Social Services in Namibia reported that 1,474 Namibians have lost their lives to suicide over the past three years, highlighting the urgent need for responsible media reporting on the issue. This engagement with media houses was prompted by concerns over a possible suicide contagion following coverage of suicides by influential… [Read More]
World Bank Supports Armenia to Expand Affordable Housing for Refugees and Boost Mortgage Market
The World Bank has approved $250 million in financing for the Armenia Housing Response and Mortgage Market Enhancement Project, aimed at improving access to affordable housing for refugee households while strengthening Armenia’s housing and mortgage systems. The financing includes a $24.4 million grant from the Global Concessional Financing Facility and a $10 million grant from… [Read More]
WFP Expands Assistance to Displaced Communities in Eastern DRC Amid Funding Shortfalls
The United Nations World Food Programme is scaling up life-saving assistance for people displaced by escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, with more than 210,000 of the most vulnerable individuals targeted for immediate support. Although some food supplies have already been pre-positioned in affected areas, WFP has warned that additional funding is… [Read More]
Norway Supports WFP to Address Rising Food Insecurity in South Sudan
The United Nations World Food Programme has welcomed a contribution of NOK 128.6 million, equivalent to US$12.5 million, from the Government of Norway to support food and nutrition assistance in South Sudan. The funding will enable WFP to deliver life-saving assistance to vulnerable populations while strengthening community resilience and supporting essential services that underpin humanitarian… [Read More]
Djibouti Advances Sustainable Energy Through Solar Self-Consumption Initiatives
Djibouti’s abundant sunshine has long stood in contrast to its high electricity costs and limited energy access, with families and businesses facing some of the highest power prices in Africa due to complex and expensive generation systems. This situation has constrained economic opportunity, strained household budgets and limited reliable access to electricity, particularly in rural… [Read More]
ILO and Business Organizations Join Forces to Advance Global Environmental, Social and Governance Standards
The International Labour Organization has reported a significant rise in environmental, social and governance engagement among Employer and Business Membership Organisations, driven by growing demand from their members worldwide. Findings from a new ILO ACT/EMP survey show that ESG has evolved from a voluntary good practice into a core element of business competitiveness and resilience… [Read More]
€16.4 Million Boost for Diaspora Projects Announced by Ministers McEntee and Richmond
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee TD and Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond TD have announced the allocation of €16.4 million in Emigrant Support Programme funding to more than 530 projects worldwide in 2025. The funding reinforces the Government’s commitment to strengthening connections with Irish citizens and communities… [Read More]
Minister for Mental Health Highlights Christmas Mental Health Supports and Services
Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler T.D. has reminded the public that mental health support is available throughout the Christmas period, acknowledging that the festive season can be particularly challenging for many people. Pressures related to family expectations, financial strain, grief, and emotional stress can have a significant impact on mental wellbeing, making it especially… [Read More]
Lessons for Applying Beyond GDP Metrics at the National Level
The High-Level Expert Group on Beyond GDP has released an interim progress report proposing a framework to complement GDP by incorporating sustainability across economic, environmental, and social pillars, alongside resilience, institutional quality, and international cooperation. The report outlines illustrative indicators covering material well-being, health, education, environmental quality, subjective well-being, social capital, and governance, while also… [Read More]
World Bank and Caixa Partner to Promote Electric Bus Transition in Brazil
The World Bank has approved the first phase of the Brazil Electromobility Multiphase Programmatic Approach to support cities in modernizing public transport, improving service quality, and reducing emissions through the adoption of electric buses and related infrastructure. Implemented by Caixa Econômica Federal, Phase 1 represents a US$500 million investment aimed at accelerating cleaner and more… [Read More]
Sri Lanka Faces $4.1 Billion Losses from Cyclone Ditwah
Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka in late November 2025, caused an estimated US$4.1 billion in direct physical damage to buildings, agriculture, and critical infrastructure, equivalent to around 4 percent of the country’s GDP. The cyclone affected nearly 2 million people, including 500,000 families across all 25 districts, disrupting livelihoods, essential services, and the broader… [Read More]
Thailand to Enhance Job Creation and Biodiversity with World Bank Support
The World Bank’s Board approved the US$140.76 million Thailand Resilient Transport and Irrawaddy Dolphin Conservation Project (TRIP) to enhance flood- and storm-resilient transport links while supporting biodiversity conservation. The project aims to create job opportunities and improve economic access for 350,000 people, while safeguarding a critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin sub-population in Songkhla Lake. Co-financed with… [Read More]
Innovations Bringing Safe Water to 1.9 Million People Worldwide
In 2021, the Safe Water initiative set out to provide professional, sustainable, affordable, and safe water services to 1 million people in low-income households, health facilities, and schools across sub-Saharan Africa. By 2025, the program not only met its goal but surpassed it, reaching 1.95 million people across rural communities in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Uganda…. [Read More]
2025 in Review: Five Events That Left a Lasting Impact
In 2025, the Jacobs Foundation marked a pivotal year, collaborating with partners across research, government, and philanthropy to advance evidence-based strategies that strengthen learning systems and expand opportunities for children worldwide. The year highlighted the value of collaboration, innovation, and long-term commitment, laying the groundwork for continued efforts in 2026 to generate and apply evidence… [Read More]
Empowering Rural Women Farmers Through Gender-Responsive Funding
The International Centre for Environmental Health and Development (ICEHD) convened a high-level Climate Finance Workshop in Lagos to address the barriers rural women farmers in Nigeria face in accessing financial instruments and climate adaptation funding. The workshop, themed “Exploring Financial Resourcing for Women Farmers in Nigeria,” brought together 52 participants from civil society organizations, NGOs,… [Read More]
Early Childhood Development in Congo-Brazzaville: Insights and Lessons Learned
Congo Brazzaville is strengthening its efforts to provide vulnerable households with access to quality childcare through the Social Protection and Productive Inclusion of Youth Project (PSIPJ), financed by the World Bank in partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs (MASSAH). The project aims to create safe and affordable childcare environments while exploring opportunities for vulnerable… [Read More]
Driving Innovation: Kosovo Invests €1 Million in Promising Startups and SMEs
The Luxembourg Development Cooperation has announced a new call for proposals under the LuxAid Demonstration Fund (LDF), building on the success of its first edition in 2025. The initiative aims to accelerate the growth and impact of innovative digital and green solutions by well-established businesses in Kosovo, offering selected projects co-financing of up to EUR… [Read More]
Strengthening Kosovo’s Renewable Energy Standards: Lessons from Sweden
Kosovo is taking significant steps to advance its energy transition by enhancing the tracking and certification of renewable energy. From 11 to 13 November 2025, the Energy Regulatory Office of Kosovo (ERO), supported by LuxDev through the Energy Transition and Climate Mitigation project funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, conducted a study visit to… [Read More]
