The SMART Balkans Project has announced the opening of applications for the National Interventions Grant Program 2025, aimed at enhancing participatory democracies and Euro-Atlantic integrations in the Western Balkans. This initiative seeks to empower civil society organizations (CSOs) to foster peaceful and inclusive societies, with a deadline for applications set for October 21, 2024. Key… [Read More]

The Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP) has officially opened its applications, aiming to support privately-owned tourism enterprises in South Africa. This initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Tourism, encourages businesses to adopt sustainable practices by reducing energy and water consumption. The deadline for applications is set for February 28, 2025. Key Takeaways Deadline: Applications close… [Read More]

The SMART Balkans Project has announced the opening of applications for the National Interventions Grant Program 2025, aimed at enhancing participatory democracies and Euro-Atlantic integrations in the Western Balkans. This initiative seeks to empower civil society organizations (CSOs) to foster peaceful and inclusive societies, with a deadline for applications set for October 21, 2024. Key… [Read More]

The Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP) has officially opened its applications, aiming to support privately-owned tourism enterprises in South Africa. This initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Tourism, encourages businesses to adopt sustainable practices by reducing energy and water consumption. The deadline for applications is set for February 28, 2025. Key Takeaways Deadline for Applications:… [Read More]

Moldova has officially voted in favor of joining the European Union, with the referendum passing by a razor-thin margin. President Maia Sandu has accused Moscow of attempting to undermine the vote, highlighting concerns over foreign interference in the democratic process. Key Takeaways Moldova’s EU membership referendum passed with 50.3% voting "yes" and 49.7% voting "no."… [Read More]

The Center for Civil Society Promotion (CPCD) has released its 2024 report on the civil society environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges. The report will be presented at a conference in Banja Luka on October 29, focusing on the hurdles faced by civil society organizations (CSOs) and activists. Key Takeaways… [Read More]

Moldova has officially voted in favor of joining the European Union, with the referendum passing by a razor-thin margin. President Maia Sandu has accused Moscow of attempting to undermine the vote, highlighting concerns over foreign interference in the democratic process. Key Takeaways Moldova’s EU membership referendum passed with 50.3% voting "yes" and 49.7% voting "no."… [Read More]

Governments across Latin America are increasingly implementing restrictive laws targeting non-profit organizations, which are crucial for independent journalism. These measures, often justified as efforts to enhance transparency and protect national sovereignty, are stifling civil society and limiting the ability of journalists to operate freely. Key Takeaways New laws are emerging across Latin America, affecting non-profits… [Read More]

In a remarkable journey of self-discovery, Sambit Kumar Das left his lucrative job in the United States to revolutionize education for tribal children in Odisha. His initiative, Ek Asha, aims to provide a holistic learning experience that goes beyond traditional rote learning, focusing on creativity, critical thinking, and real-world skills. Key Takeaways Sambit Kumar Das… [Read More]

In a recent announcement, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee unveiled new housing regulations aimed at improving living conditions in the city. However, these reforms notably exclude the infamous "coffin homes," leaving many vulnerable tenants in precarious situations. Key Takeaways New regulations set minimum living standards for subdivided units but exclude coffin homes. Many tenants… [Read More]

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have initiated air strikes targeting Hezbollah’s banking systems in Lebanon, specifically focusing on the al-Qard al-Hassan institution. This operation comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing conflict in the region, prompting evacuation orders for numerous areas in Beirut. Key Takeaways IDF targets Hezbollah’s al-Qard al-Hassan banking system. Evacuation orders issued for… [Read More]

Governments across Latin America are increasingly implementing restrictive laws targeting non-profit organizations, which are crucial for independent journalism. These measures, often justified as efforts to enhance transparency and protect national sovereignty, are stifling civil society and limiting the ability of journalists to operate freely. Key Takeaways New laws are emerging across Latin America, affecting non-profits… [Read More]

Yemen is at a critical juncture as the United Nations warns that the country risks being further embroiled in the escalating regional conflicts, particularly due to the ongoing military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. UN officials have expressed grave concerns over the implications of Houthi attacks on international shipping, which could lead to catastrophic environmental… [Read More]

Governments across Latin America are increasingly implementing restrictive laws targeting non-profit organizations, which are crucial for independent journalism. These measures, often justified as efforts to enhance transparency and protect national sovereignty, are stifling civil society and limiting the ability of journalists to operate freely. Key Takeaways New laws are emerging across Latin America, affecting non-profits… [Read More]

Governments across Latin America are increasingly implementing restrictive laws targeting non-profit organizations, which are crucial for independent journalism. These measures, often justified as efforts to enhance transparency and protect national sovereignty, are stifling civil society and limiting the ability of journalists to operate freely. Key Takeaways New laws are being introduced across Latin America, affecting… [Read More]

In a pivotal legal confrontation regarding South Africa’s energy future, judgement has been reserved in the #CancelCoalCase. The Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance (VEJA) has emerged as a Friend of the Court, contesting the government’s controversial plan to procure an additional 1,500MW of electricity from coal. This initiative has raised significant health concerns among civil society… [Read More]

Japan’s financing of liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects globally has raised significant concerns regarding environmental degradation and human rights violations. A recent report by Friends of the Earth (FoE) Japan highlights the detrimental impacts of these investments, particularly through the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), which has allocated $18.6 billion to LNG production since… [Read More]

Governments across Latin America are increasingly implementing restrictive laws targeting non-profit organizations, which are crucial for independent journalism. These measures, often justified as efforts to enhance transparency and protect national sovereignty, are stifling civil society and limiting the ability of journalists to operate freely. Key Takeaways New laws are emerging across Latin America, labeled as… [Read More]

Yemen is at a critical juncture as the United Nations warns that the country risks being further embroiled in the escalating regional conflicts, particularly due to the ongoing military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. UN officials have expressed grave concerns over the implications of Houthi attacks on international shipping, which could lead to catastrophic environmental… [Read More]

Honiara, Solomon Islands – On October 14, 2024, the Solomon Islands Government, in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), launched the Solomon Islands Carbon Trading Policy Project. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive policy framework for carbon trading, enabling the country to engage effectively in carbon markets while promoting sustainable development. Key… [Read More]

Indonesian prosecutors have initiated an investigation into the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, focusing on potential corruption linked to the management of oil palm plantations. This inquiry is particularly concerned with a controversial amnesty program aimed at legalizing illegal plantations within forest areas. Key Takeaways The investigation targets the management of oil palm plantations from… [Read More]

In a poignant gathering, Mrs. Opeyemi Afolabi, a sickle cell warrior, shared her personal story of losing her job due to discrimination at the Grand Finale of Project Empower A Warrior, organized by the CrimsonBow Sickle Cell Initiative. The event aimed to empower individuals living with sickle cell anemia through financial support and entrepreneurship. Key… [Read More]