The African Development Bank Group and the Brazilian Cooperation Agency have signed a new strategic partnership agreement aimed at improving food systems, climate resilience, health, and economic development across Africa. The agreement, signed in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, establishes a framework for cooperation between the two institutions to deliver practical solutions to major development challenges facing… [Read More]
Bezos Earth Fund Invests $26 Million in Satellite System to Fight Wildfires
The Bezos Earth Fund has announced a $26 million investment to support FireSat, the world’s first satellite constellation designed specifically for global wildfire detection and prevention. The funding will help Earth Fire Alliance launch and operate the first three FireSat satellites, which are expected to begin monitoring wildfire risks from space in 2026. The technology… [Read More]
Lantmännen Opens SEK 25 Million Research Call for Future Farming and Food Systems
Lantmännen Research Foundation has launched its annual research funding call, offering SEK 25 million to support projects focused on agriculture, food, health, bioenergy, and green materials. The initiative aims to accelerate innovation and strengthen the future of sustainable farming and food systems by supporting researchers working on solutions with practical benefits for agriculture and the… [Read More]
Cameroon Launches Northern Farming Season to Address Food Security Challenges
Cameroon has officially launched its 2026 farming season in the northern regions as authorities work to increase agricultural production and strengthen food security in some of the country’s most vulnerable areas. The launch ceremony took place in Poli, located in the North Region, which forms part of Cameroon’s northern agricultural belt alongside the Adamawa and… [Read More]
Experimental mRNA Vaccine Offers Hope Against Deadly Hantavirus
Scientists have reported promising results from an experimental mRNA vaccine that could become a major breakthrough in protecting against Andes hantavirus, a rare but deadly virus with the ability to spread between people. A study published in The Lancet found that a single dose of the vaccine completely protected animals from severe Andes virus infection…. [Read More]
Zafiri Launches $176 Million Fund to Expand Renewable Energy Access Across Africa
Zafiri has officially launched with $176 million in commercial capital to accelerate energy access across sub-Saharan Africa by investing in private sector distributed renewable energy (DRE) companies. The blended permanent-capital vehicle was announced at the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, with the goal of supporting renewable energy businesses that provide electricity solutions… [Read More]
USDA Rural Development Announces Modernization Effort to Better Serve Rural Communities
The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Mission Area has announced a modernization and restructuring initiative aimed at improving customer service, expanding program accessibility, and strengthening support for rural communities across the United States. The effort will reorganize operations around improving efficiency, reducing administrative barriers, strengthening accountability, and ensuring federal resources reach rural communities… [Read More]
Rights Defender Killings Reach Record High as UN Warns of Growing Humanitarian Challenges
Attacks against human rights defenders, journalists, and trade unionists have reached record levels, according to a new report from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The report, Human Rights Count 2026, found that preliminary data indicates around 950 human rights defenders, journalists, and trade unionists were killed or forcibly… [Read More]
Hate Speech Is the First Step Toward Dehumanization, UN Chief Warns
Marking the 2026 International Day for Countering Hate Speech, António Guterres warned that hate speech remains a dangerous force that fuels discrimination, division, and violence against vulnerable communities worldwide. Guterres described hate speech as “the first step down the path of dehumanisation,” emphasizing that it is increasingly amplified through digital platforms and artificial intelligence. He… [Read More]
Worsening Hunger Could Push Millions Closer to Famine in 13 Global Hotspots
Millions of people across 13 countries and territories are expected to face worsening food insecurity between June and November 2026, according to a new report from Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Programme. The report identifies Sudan, South Sudan, Yemen and Palestine as the most severe hunger hotspots, while northeast Nigeria and Somalia… [Read More]
UN80 Reform Initiative Enters Key Phase as United Nations Pushes for Greater Efficiency and Impact
The United Nations’ UN80 reform initiative has entered a critical new stage, with officials focusing on implementing changes designed to make the organization more effective, coordinated, and responsive to global challenges. Launched by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in 2025, the UN80 initiative seeks to strengthen the UN system through improved efficiency, better mandate management, and… [Read More]
WHO Expands Ebola Treatment Capacity in DR Congo Amid Ongoing Outbreak
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expanded Ebola treatment and isolation capacity in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as health authorities continue efforts to contain an outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus. New measures include the expansion of isolation facilities for suspected cases, upgrades to treatment centers, the construction of… [Read More]
EBRD Expands Support for Uzbekistan’s Mortgage Market with $50 Million Loan
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has strengthened its partnership with the Mortgage Refinancing Company of Uzbekistan (UzMRC) by providing a US$50 million loan to support the growth of the country’s residential mortgage market and improve access to housing finance. The financing, which will be disbursed in synthetic local currency, is designed to… [Read More]
EBRD Provides $50 Million to Support Young Entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a loan of up to US$50 million to O’zsanoatqurilishbank (SQB) to expand financing opportunities for young entrepreneurs and small businesses across Uzbekistan. The funding is being provided through the EBRD’s Youth in Business (YiB) Programme for Central Asia and will focus on supporting micro, small,… [Read More]
EBRD Backs Digital Transformation of Uzbekistan Railways with €38.4 Million Loan
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is supporting the modernization of Uzbekistan’s railway sector through a new loan of up to €38.4 million for the digital transformation of the country’s national rail operator, O‘zbekiston temir yo‘llari (Uzbekistan Railways). The project aims to improve the efficiency, safety, and reliability of rail transport by introducing… [Read More]
EBRD Supports Electric Bus Expansion in Uzbekistan’s Nukus
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is helping the city of Nukus modernize its public transportation system through a major investment focused on clean and sustainable mobility. Under the project, the EBRD will provide a sovereign loan of up to US$37 million to support the acquisition of up to 112 electric buses, along… [Read More]
UN General Assembly President Highlights Kenya’s Inclusive Digital Transformation During DigiKen Visit
United Nations General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock visited the DigiKen innovation hub at PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute in Nairobi, highlighting Kenya’s efforts to use digital technology to create opportunities for youth, women, persons with disabilities, and entrepreneurs. The visit focused on the Digital Platforms Kenya (DigiKen) programme, an initiative supported by the UN Joint… [Read More]
EBRD and Uzbekistan Strengthen Partnership to Support Economic Growth and SMEs
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Government of Uzbekistan have signed a new enhanced cooperation agreement aimed at accelerating economic development, strengthening the private sector, and supporting sustainable growth across the country. The Enhanced Partnership Framework Agreement (EPFA) will deepen long-term collaboration between the two sides, focusing on building a competitive,… [Read More]
UNEP Calls for Greater Protection of Rangelands Supporting Billions Worldwide
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has called for urgent action to recognize, protect, and restore rangelands, highlighting their vital role in supporting communities, food systems, and ecosystems around the world. Speaking during World Desertification and Drought Day 2026 in Kenya, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen emphasized that rangelands cover more than half of the… [Read More]
Sustainable Farming Projects Bring Hope and Food Security to Communities Across Africa
Agricultural programs supported by Bread and Water for Africa® are helping vulnerable children and rural families across Africa build stronger, more sustainable futures through farming, nutrition, and skills development. Across Zambia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Malawi, and Sierra Leone, community-based initiatives are using fish farming, vegetable gardens, dairy production, irrigation systems, and agricultural training to improve… [Read More]
ILO and Switzerland Launch Initiative to Support Productivity and Decent Work in Ukraine
The International Labour Organization (ILO) and Switzerland have launched a new initiative to strengthen productivity, improve working conditions, and support economic recovery in Ukraine. The five-year “Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work” project will help Ukrainian enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, become more competitive while promoting safer workplaces and better employment opportunities. The initiative is… [Read More]
Governments Launch New ILO Platform to Promote Social and Solidarity Economy
Governments from across United Nations regional groups have launched the Group of Friends on the Social and Solidarity Economy at the International Labour Organization (ILO), creating a new platform to strengthen cooperation, share experiences, and advance social justice. The initiative brings together around 30 governments to support dialogue and collaboration on the social and solidarity… [Read More]
WFP Welcomes $800 Million U.S. Contribution to Fight Rising Global Hunger
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a major contribution of USD 800 million from the United States to support emergency food and nutrition operations as global hunger reaches critical levels. The funding will help WFP provide life-saving assistance to more than 38 million vulnerable people across at least 37 countries facing severe… [Read More]
