Representatives from Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Peru, Tanzania, and Uganda gathered in Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 2 to 7 November 2025 to exchange experiences and develop practical strategies for strengthening Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work in the global coffee supply chain. The event, organized by the International Labour Organization through its Vision Zero Fund with… [Read More]
Lebanese Cooperatives Step Up Action to Combat Child Labour in Agriculture
The ILO, together with Lebanon’s Ministry of Agriculture’s General Directorate of Cooperatives, concluded a two-day training focused on strengthening the role of cooperatives in eliminating child labour in the agricultural sector. Held from 20–21 November 2025, the training brought together cooperative leaders, union representatives, business associations and government officials to help them better identify, prevent… [Read More]
Asian Development Bank Sanctions $142 Million to Protect Biodiversity in Fujian’s Coastal Cities
The Asian Development Bank has approved a CNY1,013.56 million (approximately $142.25 million) loan to strengthen climate resilience and protect biodiversity in the coastal cities of Fujian Province in the People’s Republic of China. The Fujian Coastal Cities Climate-Resilient Development and Biodiversity Conservation Project aims to reduce urban flood risks through nature-based solutions while enhancing the… [Read More]
Asian Development Bank Sanctions $846 Million to Enhance India’s Skills and Workforce Readiness
The Asian Development Bank has approved an $846 million loan to support the development of a future-ready workforce in India, particularly for its manufacturing and emerging technology sectors. The initiative will strengthen the government’s national skilling program by transforming Industrial Training Institutes across the country and improving the quality of technical education and training available… [Read More]
Asian Development Bank to Advance Low-Carbon Agricultural Development in Sichuan
The Asian Development Bank has approved a ¥1 billion (about $140.89 million) loan to support the development of low-carbon and climate-resilient agriculture in Sichuan Province, one of the People’s Republic of China’s key agricultural regions. The Sichuan Climate-Smart Low-Carbon Agriculture Development Demonstration Program is expected to benefit more than 750,000 people by improving agricultural resources,… [Read More]
African Water Facility Unveils Five-Year Plan to Advance Water Security Across the Continent
The Governing Council of the African Water Facility has adopted a new five-year strategy, marking an important step in strengthening water security and mobilising resources across the continent. The decision was made during the Facility’s 25th Governing Council Meeting, held in Cairo under the chairmanship of Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Dr. Hani… [Read More]
AfDB and Shanghai Ocean University Open 2026 Scholarship Applications for African Talent
The African Development Bank Group and Shanghai Ocean University are inviting qualified African nationals to apply for the 2026 SHOU Scholarship Programmes. This initiative supports the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy, which focuses on developing a new generation of African experts equipped to strengthen the continent’s institutional and technical capacities in fisheries, aquaculture, and marine resource management…. [Read More]
Funding Boost: Grants to Support Local Renewable Energy Initiatives
The Minns Labor Government has introduced a $5 million grant program aimed at supporting community energy groups and not-for-profit organisations to help more households reduce energy costs, adopt renewable technologies, and access government rebates and incentives. The Community Energy Activation Program will provide funding of up to $600,000 to eligible organisations, enabling them to expand… [Read More]
Boosting the Bioeconomy in Asia and the Pacific: Innovation and Investment Key
Bangkok – Asia and the Pacific is at a pivotal moment in advancing a sustainable bioeconomy, as countries seek to balance economic growth, resource efficiency, and climate resilience. Emerging innovations in bio-based industries, from renewable materials to sustainable agriculture and circular economy technologies, are increasingly seen as key drivers of regional competitiveness, environmental sustainability, and… [Read More]
Millions at Risk: Somalia Announces Drought Emergency Amid Failed Rainfall
On 10 November, the Federal Government of Somalia declared a drought emergency, appealing for urgent international assistance as conditions worsened across northern, central, and southern regions, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Puntland is among the hardest hit, with authorities estimating that nearly one million people require support, including… [Read More]
Defying Challenges: How Young Innovators Are Shaping Future Industries
Despite the high failure rate for startups, many young entrepreneurs remain undeterred, seeing the potential to make meaningful impact. Business management student Daniel Wu, for example, embraces the challenge, aiming to improve lives through his digital skills platform for rural youth, which teaches AI and software skills. His project reached the finals of the Innovation… [Read More]
4.6 Million Ukrainian Children Struggle for Education Amid Ongoing Conflict
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, children have faced severe disruptions to their education, with many unable to attend school safely or consistently. Frequent air raid alarms and hostilities have forced numerous schools, particularly in frontline areas, to close, leaving almost one million children reliant on online learning, according to UNICEF. In 2025… [Read More]
Peacebuilding Fund Reaches $1 Billion Milestone Amid Global Funding Challenges
The UN Peacebuilding Fund, a multi-donor trust fund, serves as the organization’s primary instrument to support countries emerging from or at risk of violent conflict. Operating alongside the Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Support Office, the Fund provides critical resources to strengthen peacebuilding efforts worldwide. The announcement of the Fund reaching the $1 billion milestone… [Read More]
Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza Limits Aid Delivery and Hospital Functioning
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric briefed reporters in New York, reporting that ongoing hostilities in parts of the Gaza Strip continue to cause casualties and repeatedly disrupt humanitarian operations. On Tuesday, the UN and its partners coordinated eight planned humanitarian movements with Israeli authorities, but only one was facilitated, while the remaining seven were impeded, denied,… [Read More]
Advancing Gender Equality: West Africa Focuses on Women in Agrifood Systems
Women play a central role in agrifood systems across sub-Saharan Africa, leading through innovation, entrepreneurship, and resilience. Despite their critical contributions, women face significant barriers in accessing and controlling essential resources, limiting their wellbeing and development. Gender inequalities remain a major obstacle to addressing hunger and poverty in the region, where over 307 million people… [Read More]
Political Commitment Drives Regional Health Emergency Readiness in the Western Pacific
COVID-19 and other recent health emergencies have underscored the importance of strong regional cooperation, demonstrating that even well-prepared countries cannot manage future crises alone. To strengthen preparedness, countries and areas in the Western Pacific are working to enhance regional tools, interoperable systems, and cross-border coordination. Through the Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework (APHSAF), 38… [Read More]
Building a Resilient Emergency Workforce: Turning Gaps into Action
Since the beginning of 2025, WHO has assisted countries across the Western Pacific in managing 72 acute health emergency events, emphasizing that a capable workforce is the foundation of any effective response. This commitment is reflected in initiatives such as the Global Health Emergency Corps, which aims to strengthen expertise and readiness across the region…. [Read More]
Flu Season Starts in WHO European Region: WHO Recommends Immediate Vaccination
Influenza season has begun around four weeks earlier than usual in the WHO European Region, but current patterns remain consistent with those seen during the 2022–2023 season. Activity levels vary across countries, with some experiencing early increases in cases while others have yet to see significant rises. Alongside influenza, continued circulation of COVID-19, RSV and… [Read More]
WHO Unveils Policy Brief on Improving Priority Setting for Tuberculosis Planning
The World Health Organization has released a new policy brief designed to help national tuberculosis programmes set clear priorities and allocate resources more effectively using evidence-based and people-centred approaches. The brief introduces a structured framework that promotes transparency, inclusion, data-driven decision-making and accountability, all of which are essential for equitable and impactful TB programme planning…. [Read More]
African Nations and Experts Endorse New 10-Year Health Workforce Roadmap
African countries have reached a unified agreement on the key priorities that will guide the Africa Health Workforce Agenda 2026–2035, marking a major milestone in efforts to transform how the continent plans for, trains and retains its health workers. During a regional consultation held in Pretoria from 24 to 26 November 2025, representatives from governments,… [Read More]
Ghana Strengthens School Health System Through WHO Global Standards Training
Ghana is advancing efforts to strengthen its school health system as it works to revise the national School Health Policy in alignment with the WHO-UNESCO Global Standards for Health-Promoting Schools. Supported by the World Health Organization and funded by Fondation Botnar, this process aims to ensure that schools provide safe, inclusive, and health-supportive environments that… [Read More]
Ghana Launches Landmark Quality of Care Report to Strengthen Health Services and Advance UHC
Ghana has strengthened its push toward Universal Health Coverage with the launch of its first National Quality of Care Report, a comprehensive assessment of the standard of health services across the country. Developed by the Ghana Health Service with support from the World Health Organization and funding from the United Kingdom, the report provides essential… [Read More]
Slovenia’s Affordable Housing Gets a Boost Through EIB Group–CEB Collaboration
The European Investment Bank and the Council of Europe Development Bank have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Slovenia’s national affordable housing agenda. The announcement was made during a major conference on Slovenia’s affordable housing journey, held with the participation of the Slovenian government and supported by the European Commission. This coordinated effort reflects recommendations for… [Read More]
