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]
Europe’s Space Industry to Scale Up with EIB’s New Space TechEU Initiative
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has launched Space TechEU, its first dedicated financing programme for the European space sector, as part of the broader TechEU initiative to foster innovation and the development of new technologies. The announcement was made at the European Space Agency’s triannual Council of Ministers meeting in Bremen. The programme aims to… [Read More]
Minister Jerry Buttimer Unveils 2024 Annual Report for Community Services Programme in Ireland
Minister of State Jerry Buttimer TD launched the Community Services Programme (CSP) 2024 Annual Report on 26 November 2025, highlighting the programme’s impact on communities across Ireland. The report features case studies of CSP-supported organisations, demonstrating how funding supports local services, strengthens communities, and builds resilience. It emphasizes the role of CSP in creating employment… [Read More]
New Hepatitis B Birth Dose Vaccine Introduced in Ethiopia to Protect Newborns
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 25 November 2025 – Ethiopia has officially launched the national introduction of the Hepatitis B Birth Dose (HepB BD) vaccine, a major step toward strengthening newborn immunization and preventing mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B virus. The rollout is supported technically and financially by the World Health Organization (WHO), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance,… [Read More]
€170 Million Boost for Irish Companies Through European Space Programmes
Ireland is investing over €170 million in European Space Agency (ESA) programmes through 2030, aiming to strengthen Irish companies’ presence in the rapidly growing global space industry. The investment was announced by Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon, during an ESA meeting in Bremen, Germany, which brought together ministers from… [Read More]
CCNF Flags UNHCR for Excluding Local NGOs in Rohingya Response Plan
The Cox’s Bazar CSO NGO Forum (CCNF) has raised concerns over UNHCR’s 2026–2029 partnership plan for the Rohingya response, accusing the agency of sidelining local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and thereby undermining their capacity. The forum also criticised the World Bank’s USD 700 million support package for similarly excluding local civil society organisations (CSOs) in its… [Read More]
