Livestock systems across Asia and the Pacific are facing growing pressure from multiple overlapping challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation, zoonotic diseases, and rising demand for animal-source foods. At the same time, millions of people across the region continue to experience food insecurity and cannot afford a healthy diet. In response, governments, scientists, and development… [Read More]
Pretoria Hosts Launch of South Africa Health Financing Report
South Africa’s National Department of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office, officially launched the first Health Financing Progress Matrix (HFPM) report in Pretoria on 19 March 2026. The launch brought together key partners and stakeholders to present the report’s findings and begin discussions on practical ways to strengthen the country’s… [Read More]
Tanzania Launches Emergency Medical Team Initiative with National Training
The United Republic of Tanzania has taken an important step toward strengthening its emergency preparedness and response systems by conducting a week-long induction training for Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) in Zanzibar. The initiative marks the formal start of efforts to build a nationally coordinated, rapidly deployable medical response team capable of addressing public health emergencies… [Read More]
Singapore Faces Pressure to End Charges Against Government Critic
The Singapore government is facing growing calls from human rights organizations to immediately drop all criminal charges against government critic Jay Ish’haq Rajoo and repeal the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA). Rajoo has become the first person to face criminal prosecution under POFMA since the law came into force in October 2019,… [Read More]
UN Urges Coordinated Approach to Middle East Conflict Violations
Human Rights Watch used the 61st regular session of the UN Human Rights Council to warn of escalating dangers to civilians across the Middle East and to call for a coordinated, comprehensive, and impartial response to all violations linked to the widening regional conflict. The statement was delivered during an urgent debate held on 25… [Read More]
Council of Europe Adopts New Social Rights Declaration
The Council of Europe and its member states have adopted a new declaration in Chișinău, Moldova, reaffirming their commitment to protecting and advancing social rights at a time of growing political uncertainty across Europe. Known as the Chișinău Declaration, the agreement comes against a backdrop of rising authoritarianism, expanding anti-rights political agendas, and increasing concern… [Read More]
Japan Flag Desecration Law Raises Free Speech Concerns
Japan’s ruling coalition is moving to introduce a new law that would criminalize the desecration of the national flag, raising serious concerns about its potential impact on freedom of expression. On March 17, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), together with its coalition partner the Japan Innovation Party, announced plans… [Read More]
UN Urges Reparations for Slavery in New Resolution
The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a new resolution calling for action to address the enduring legacy of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, with a strong emphasis on reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent. Spearheaded by Ghana on behalf of the 54-member African Group, the resolution was approved with 123… [Read More]
UK Backs Tay Cities Region with £20M for Creative Tech Growth
The UK government has announced that the Tay Cities Region in Scotland will receive up to £20 million to accelerate growth in its creative technology sector, with the investment aimed at boosting local innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening the regional economy. The funding will support the area’s growing reputation as a hub for creative and… [Read More]
UK Invests £1 Billion in Health Protection Under New Pandemic Strategy
The UK government has published a new Pandemic Preparedness Strategy aimed at significantly strengthening the country’s readiness for future pandemics, alongside its response to Module 2 of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry. The strategy signals a major overhaul of the UK’s pandemic planning framework and is backed by around £1 billion in health protection investment. It… [Read More]
Technology Drives Safer Digital MSME Lending in Ghana
In Ghana, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of the economy, accounting for more than 90 percent of all businesses. Despite their importance, many small businesses continue to struggle to access the credit they need to grow. Nearly 70 percent of MSMEs do not survive beyond their first five years, largely because… [Read More]
Dialogue Advances Ratification of ILO Work in Fishing Convention
The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the European Commission (EC) have launched the first major event under the new Partnership for Decent Work in Fisheries, bringing together governments, employers, workers’ organizations, international institutions, and civil society in Brussels to strengthen labour protection in the fishing sector. The meeting marked the first-ever gathering of the partnership… [Read More]
Green, Digital Skills Push Youth Employment in Construction
The Philippines’ construction sector is facing a growing skills gap as it adapts to both digitalization and climate-related demands, raising concerns that many young workers could be left behind if they are not properly prepared. In response, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and its partners are working to place youth at the centre of the… [Read More]
Cambodia Advances Occupational Safety and Health in the Workplace
Labour inspectors and provincial officers in Cambodia are now better equipped to support enterprises in creating safer and healthier workplaces through the adoption of occupational safety and health management systems (OSH-MS). This progress follows a two-day Training of Trainers session held in Phnom Penh on 12–13 March 2026, organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO)… [Read More]
AfDB Approves $5.65M for Off-Grid Renewable Energy in Africa’s Fragile States
The African Development Bank Group’s Board of Directors has approved a $5.65 million reimbursable grant from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) to launch the Peace Renewable Energy Certificate (P-REC) Aggregation Facility, an innovative initiative designed to support mini-grid development in Africa’s most fragile and energy-poor countries. The facility is being introduced as a… [Read More]
Honduras includes mangroves and seagrasses in new climate commitments
Honduras has strengthened its climate ambitions by recognizing the conservation value of coastal wetlands such as mangrove forests and seagrass meadows in its latest nationally determined contribution (NDC). These ecosystems play a critical role in storing carbon, protecting coastlines, and supporting both biodiversity and coastal communities. With more than 600 miles of shoreline along the… [Read More]
UK introduces cap on overseas political donations and bans crypto contributions
The UK Government has announced landmark measures aimed at protecting the country’s democratic processes from foreign financial influence and interference. The reforms, which are set to come into force immediately, include a new annual cap on political donations from overseas electors and a ban on cryptocurrency donations to political parties and candidates. Under the new… [Read More]
Lidl GB donates £110,000 to support local charities
Lidl GB has announced a further £110,000 donation to local charities through its community investment programme, marking another milestone in the retailer’s efforts to support communities across the United Kingdom. The initiative involved store colleagues selecting charities within their local areas, with each chosen organisation receiving a one-off donation of £500. In addition, charities connected… [Read More]
Nepal and Afghanistan reveal risks of sudden global health aid cuts
A recent perspective published in Public Health Challenges highlights how abrupt reductions in international health aid can severely disrupt essential healthcare services in vulnerable countries. The study, written by Nepalese author Animesh Ghimire, examines the experiences of Nepal and Afghanistan to show how sudden donor withdrawal can affect contraception, nutrition, vaccination, primary healthcare, and disease… [Read More]
UNICEF, MBRGI and CIFF launch $300M global effort to fight child malnutrition
The UNICEF, in partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, has announced a major US$300 million partnership aimed at saving millions of children from malnutrition worldwide. The initiative will begin with a joint US$100 million contribution from MBRGI and CIFF, which UNICEF will use to mobilize… [Read More]
IFRC warns Middle East conflict raising humanitarian supply costs
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is increasingly disrupting humanitarian supply chains, making it both more expensive and slower to deliver essential aid to vulnerable communities worldwide. According to the organisation, its global supply chain hub in Dubai continues to… [Read More]
Sweden announces $26M humanitarian aid package for Ukraine
Sweden has announced a new support package for Ukraine in 2026 worth about $26 million, focusing on humanitarian assistance, children’s needs, and mental health services as the country continues to face the impact of Russia’s ongoing invasion. The announcement was made by the Government of Sweden on March 24, outlining a package designed to address… [Read More]
Communication Foundation launches grant to improve NGO donor messaging
Nonprofits looking to strengthen how they communicate with donors can now apply for a new grant designed to improve fundraising narratives and support long-term sustainability. The Communication Foundation has launched the Donor Proposition Review Grant, which will provide selected organisations with a free communications assessment valued at €2,500. The initiative aims to help NGOs better… [Read More]
