The World Bank has approved a $150 million IDA credit to support the continuity of essential health and education services in Mali, addressing the country’s recent climate, security, and economic challenges. The Emergency Access to Essential Services Project will fund the operational costs of national and regional health facilities, provide essential vaccines and medicines, and… [Read More]
Boosting Food Systems and Job Creation Through Innovation
The World Bank Group has approved the fourth phase of the West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP), a $46 million initiative called Accelerating Innovation and Catalyzing Capacity for Resilience in Africa (AICCRA–FSRP4), to strengthen food security and boost job creation across Africa. The program, financed by the IDA, the PHRD Global South Pillar, and… [Read More]
World Bank Backs Tunisia’s Social Protection Programs for Families in Need
The World Bank and the Government of Tunisia are strengthening the country’s social protection system with US$90 million in additional financing for the Tunisia Social Development Promotion Support Project. This new support aims to help vulnerable households build better opportunities, access livelihoods, and enhance the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of Tunisia’s social protection programs. The… [Read More]
World Bank: Smart Investments Drive Jobs and Growth in Seychelles
Seychelles has achieved one of Africa’s strongest economic performances, and a new World Bank–Government of Seychelles report highlights how smart, resilient investments and reforms can sustain growth, create quality jobs, and safeguard livelihoods. The Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) warns that without action, rising environmental and climate-related risks could reduce GDP by more than… [Read More]
World Bank Backs Waste Management Reform in Montenegro
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved a €40 million loan to Montenegro to strengthen solid waste management, improve community living conditions, and support a cleaner, more attractive business environment. The Montenegro Waste Management Reform Project aims to modernize waste services, enhance institutional capacity, and align the sector with European Union standards, focusing on… [Read More]
New Initiative to Boost Yields and Jobs for 5 Million Filipino Farmers
At least five million farmers in the Philippines are expected to benefit from a new initiative aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, promoting diversification, and enhancing the climate resilience of agrifood systems. The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved funding for the Philippines Sustainable Agricultural Transformation Project (PSAT) to support sector-wide reforms that modernize farming… [Read More]
Myanmar Earthquake Survivors Face Hunger Amid New Global Shocks
As Myanmar marks one year since the devastating earthquake last March, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warns that recovery is being threatened by new global shocks. Rising fuel, food, and fertilizer prices linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis are pushing vulnerable families closer to hunger. WFP monitoring shows that in Sagaing and… [Read More]
$8M IDB Grant Strengthens Small Farmers and Rural Producers in Mexico
Small farmers in nine Mexican states will receive support to enhance their resilience against extreme weather through an $8 million investment grant from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The grant, approved by the IDB’s Board of Executive Directors, will finance nature-based agricultural projects that protect soils, water, and ecosystems while strengthening farm-level resilience, safeguarding rural… [Read More]
ADB and Lao PDR Strengthen 60-Year Partnership for Sustainable Growth
Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda met with Lao PDR President Thongloun Sisoulith to mark 60 years of partnership and outline a vision for the country’s sustainable growth. ADB announced nearly $1 billion in planned financing over the next three years to support Lao PDR’s transition from Least Developed Country status. Mr. Kanda emphasized… [Read More]
AfDB Launches $209M Strategy to Strengthen Lesotho’s Economy
The African Development Bank Group launched its Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for the Kingdom of Lesotho, outlining a comprehensive development programme for 2025 to 2030. The launch in Maseru brought together senior government officials, diplomats, civil society representatives, and private sector stakeholders. Backed by an indicative operations programme valued at $209 million, the strategy prioritizes… [Read More]
East Africa Boosts Agriculture with AfDB-Backed Early Warning Initiative
The African Development Bank Group, together with key partners, convened a workshop to assess progress and plan the next phase of a regional agriculture initiative benefiting Burundi, Comoros, Somalia, and South Sudan. The Strengthening Emergency Preparedness and Response to Food Crisis (SEPAREF) project, funded by the Bank and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization… [Read More]
African Development Bank Backs Sustainable Ferry Transport in The Gambia
The African Development Bank Group has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable infrastructure in The Gambia with the commissioning of a new green ferry under the $20.56 million Banjul Port Expansion Project, financed through the African Development Fund. The ceremony, held in Barra and presided over by President Adama Barrow, brought together senior government officials, development… [Read More]
Lebanon Sees Surge in Psychological Distress, IRC Steps Up Aid
Beirut, Lebanon, March 26, 2026 — The sharp escalation of hostilities in Lebanon has intensified an already fragile situation, forcing people to flee their homes and increasing psychological distress across the country. Even before the current violence, Lebanon faced one of the highest rates of mental health conditions in the region, with nearly half the… [Read More]
China Pledges $1.1M for WTO Accession and LDC Support
In 2026, the government of China pledged USD 1.1 million (around CHF 900,000) to support the WTO’s Least-Developed Countries (LDCs) and Accessions Programme, also known as the China Programme, as well as the WTO’s general fund for technical assistance. The contributions were formalized on 25 March in Yaoundé, where WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and China’s… [Read More]
Circular Economy in Argentina’s Producers Network
Agribusiness in Argentina is facing growing challenges due to rising global food demand, climate change, and environmental pressures. Circular economy models offer a promising approach to address these issues by improving resource efficiency, minimizing waste, and supporting sustainable development. This chapter examines the potential of circular economy practices within the Argentine agribusiness sector, focusing on… [Read More]
Shaping Community Health: Mental Health Perspectives
This briefing summarises reflections from mental health trust leaders on the development of neighbourhood health services in England. It draws on engagement since the publication of the 10-year health plan (10YHP) to explore how the government’s ambition for integrated, community-based care is being interpreted locally, its implications for mental health services, and the opportunities and… [Read More]
15 Countries Join Panama Workshop to Strengthen Avian Flu Monitoring in the Americas
Veterinary professionals from 15 countries in the Americas gathered in Panama City for the first in-person workshop of the Latin America Edition 2025/2026 of the Regional Program for the Systematic Education of Veterinary Services (ProgRESSVet). The workshop focused on strengthening epidemiological surveillance and early detection of avian influenza. Participants had been engaged in the program’s… [Read More]
Adapting Climate Finance in China: Lessons from Mitigation
China’s growing exposure to climate hazards underscores the urgent need for investment in adaptation to safeguard sustainable economic growth. As the world’s second-largest economy and the largest developing country, China faces overlapping climate risks that threaten public health, infrastructure, key industries, and its long-term prosperity. In 2024 alone, natural disasters caused approximately USD 58 billion… [Read More]
Georgia Public Health Review: Insights from Four States
State representatives in Georgia conducted a review of the state’s public health system to identify strengths, gaps, and potential reforms. The resulting report highlighted significant disparities in services across the state, noting that rural health departments often provide fewer services than urban counterparts and face workforce shortages. To begin addressing staffing challenges, legislation now allows… [Read More]
Aid Agencies Warn: Millions Displaced, Funding at Risk
International aid agencies have called for urgent funding as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East causes mass displacement and puts severe strain on already limited humanitarian resources. Since February 28, an estimated 3.2 million people have been displaced in Iran and 1 million in Lebanon, reflecting the rapidly escalating scale of the crisis. The… [Read More]
Parametric Flood Insurance Now Protects Lagos Residents
The Lagos State government has launched a parametric flood-risk insurance policy covering up to 4 million vulnerable people, securing up to US$7.5 million for flood response and recovery. This initiative is part of the Tripartite Agreement Programme, a public-private partnership involving the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Insurance Development Forum (IDF), and Germany’s BMZ… [Read More]
GBFF Launches $73M Global Biodiversity Projects
The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) has approved 20 new project preparation grants across 25 countries, including 16 accessing the GBFF for the first time. With a total of $73.4 million programmed, this fifth selection round expands both the geographic reach and thematic ambition of the GBFF, covering Latin… [Read More]
João Varela Women’s Strength Embodied by Isabel
In João Varela, Cabo Verde, the once arid and rocky lands have been transformed into thriving vegetable plots, thanks to the efforts of Isabel Rodrigues, 65, and her determination to cultivate hope through hard work. Isabel recalls spending years clearing stones, battling drought, and preparing the land, despite skepticism from others, ultimately turning it into… [Read More]
