The Government of Pakistan has approved a national Code of Practice on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) for the construction sector, marking a significant step toward improving worker safety in one of the country’s highest-risk industries. Developed through a tripartite process involving the government, employers, and workers, and supported by the ILO and Pakistan Engineering… [Read More]
Cameroon Youth Jobs Boosted by ILO Initiative
The visit of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Regional Director for Africa to Cameroon has reinforced cooperation aimed at expanding decent job opportunities for young people and women, in line with national employment priorities. During high-level discussions with government officials and social partners, both sides agreed to strengthen support for the Presidential Special Programme for… [Read More]
World Bank Project Aims to Modernize Panama Cadastre and Attract Investment
The World Bank Group has approved up to $60 million in financing to support Panama in modernizing its cadastral system, aiming to improve land administration, strengthen property services, and create a more attractive investment environment. The Panama Cadaster Transformation Program for Results will develop a modern, integrated digital cadaster system that consolidates land and property… [Read More]
Western Balkans Growth Slows as Job Creation Becomes Key Priority
Economic growth in the Western Balkans is projected to remain subdued in 2026 and 2027, according to the latest World Bank Group Western Balkans Regular Economic Report, as the region continues to face the spillover effects of the Middle East conflict, persistent inflation, and elevated global uncertainty. Combined growth across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo,… [Read More]
Solomon Islands and World Bank Sign Six-Year Development Partnership
A new six-year Country Partnership Framework between the World Bank Group and Solomon Islands aims to expand jobs and economic opportunities by improving connectivity, reducing business costs, and strengthening access to essential services. Covering FY2026 to FY2031 and aligned with national priorities, the program focuses on three main areas: improving transport and digital connectivity, expanding… [Read More]
Lebanon: Nearly One-Quarter Face Acute Food Insecurity Amid Escalation
A sharp escalation in violence in Lebanon has reversed recent improvements in food security and pushed the country back into crisis, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis released by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the FAO and WFP. The report estimates that 1.24 million people, nearly one in… [Read More]
Italy MUR Allocates €30 Million for International Joint Research Projects
Italy’s Ministry of University and Research (MUR) has allocated €30 million under the Three-Year Research Plan 2026–2028 to strengthen the internationalisation of the national research system and expand Italy’s participation in major European and global scientific cooperation programmes. The initiative is aimed at boosting collaboration in priority research areas and enhancing Italy’s competitiveness in international… [Read More]
Tripartite Experts Agree on Protecting Workers and Businesses from Climate Risks
Government, employer, and worker experts meeting at the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva have adopted the first-ever conclusions on occupational safety and health risks linked to extreme weather events and changing weather patterns. The agreement provides global guidance on how to better protect workers and enterprises from climate-related hazards across all sectors. The conclusions,… [Read More]
South Africa Boosts Labour Inspection System Amid Rising Psychosocial Risk Concerns
South Africa marked the 2026 World Day for Safety and Health at Work in Mbombela with renewed calls to strengthen labour inspection and enforcement systems, while placing greater focus on psychosocial risks in workplaces. Government, employers, workers and the International Labour Organization (ILO) jointly emphasized that workplace safety must go beyond physical hazards to include… [Read More]
Syria Strengthens Labour Market Data and Public Works for Recovery
A consultative workshop in Damascus has concluded with progress on designing a national public works programme for Syria, aimed at generating jobs, rebuilding infrastructure and supporting inclusive economic recovery. The initiative is being led by the Syria Development Fund and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, with technical support from the International Labour Organization… [Read More]
South Sudan Faces Severe Hunger Crisis Affecting Millions
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP), and UNICEF have warned of a rapidly deepening hunger crisis in South Sudan, where 7.8 million people—around 56 percent of the population—are projected to face high levels of acute food insecurity between April and July 2026. This places South Sudan among the countries with the… [Read More]
Increasing Private Investment in Climate Resilience
Climate change is accelerating globally, leading to more frequent extreme weather events, rising water and food insecurity, and growing health impacts. These changes are causing significant damage to infrastructure and ecosystems, along with major economic losses and increased threats to lives and livelihoods. As a result, the need for climate adaptation is rising sharply, especially… [Read More]
UNDP Boosts Community Livelihoods and Commerce in Jamaica
Six months after Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reports that recovery is steadily underway under its Jamaica Resilient Recovery Initiative (JARRI). The programme is helping hundreds of small and micro enterprises rebuild livelihoods while also restoring local markets and supporting community members through debris clearance and paid work opportunities. A… [Read More]
South Sudan Food Crisis Deepens with Millions Facing Acute Hunger
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP), and UNICEF have warned of a rapidly worsening hunger crisis in South Sudan, where 7.8 million people—around 56 percent of the population—are projected to face high levels of acute food insecurity between April and July 2026. This includes a sharp rise in the most extreme… [Read More]
Lifesaving Food Aid in Somalia Supported by Flexible WFP Funding
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has announced that it has received USD 18.7 million in flexible funding from Belgium, Canada, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, and Switzerland to sustain emergency food assistance in Somalia. This support will allow WFP to continue providing lifesaving food aid to drought-affected communities through July, after… [Read More]
EU Supports Reopening of Hostomel Primary School in Ukraine
A primary school in Hostomel, Kyiv oblast, has reopened after a major EU-financed renovation aimed at restoring education infrastructure damaged during Russia’s full-scale invasion. Primary School No. 1, which was heavily affected in the early phase of the war, has been rebuilt under a €613,000 project supported through the European Investment Bank (EIB), with €511,000… [Read More]
EBRD and EU Boost Support for Ukrainian Railways
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU), with additional support from the United Kingdom, are increasing financial assistance to Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) to strengthen Ukraine’s energy security, transport resilience, and critical infrastructure amid ongoing war-related damage. A €44 million EU investment grant under the Ukraine Investment Framework is being… [Read More]
IRC and Gavi ZIP Programme Delivers 30M Vaccine Doses
The International Rescue Committee (IRC), together with partners in the Gavi-funded REACH consortium, has announced that it has delivered over 30 million vaccine doses in fragile and conflict-affected settings, reaching more than 1 million children who had previously received no vaccines. The announcement was made in New York ahead of World Immunization Week 2026. Since… [Read More]
Urgent Action Needed on Fertiliser Shortages in Africa
The ongoing geopolitical conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran is disrupting global fertiliser trade flows, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for ammonia, urea, and other essential agricultural inputs. These disruptions are expected to significantly affect African farmers, who depend heavily on imported fertilisers to sustain food production across… [Read More]
Strengthening SMEs in Mozambique’s Expanding Energy Value Chain
The African Development Bank Group is organizing a high-level webinar focused on strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within Mozambique’s energy supply chains, particularly as the country expands its Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) sector. The discussion draws on insights from two initiatives, the Linkar Project and the Moz YWEB Start-Up Programme, which have been supported… [Read More]
South Sudan: Nearly 8 Million at Risk of Acute Hunger
Nearly eight million people in South Sudan are facing acute hunger as worsening conflict, displacement, and economic instability deepen an already severe humanitarian crisis, according to a recent United Nations report. The report warns that about 7.8 million people, representing 56% of the population, will experience high levels of food insecurity in the coming months,… [Read More]
Landmark Deal: EBRD Sells Giurgiulesti Port to Constanța
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has completed the sale of ICS Danube Logistics, the operator of Moldova’s Giurgiulesti International Free Port, to Romania’s state-owned Port of Constanța, which now becomes the sole owner of the facility. The transaction followed an international competitive tender process aimed at selecting a long-term strategic investor capable… [Read More]
EBRD and EU Boost Support for Ukrainian Railways
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU), along with support from the United Kingdom, are providing expanded financial assistance to Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) to strengthen Ukraine’s energy security, transport resilience, and critical infrastructure during the ongoing war. The support package includes a €44 million EU investment grant under the… [Read More]
