Concern Worldwide has expressed strong support for the increased allocation in Ireland’s Budget 2026 for official development assistance (ODA). The additional funding comes at a critical time when other countries are reducing their aid budgets, making Ireland’s commitment a significant gesture in global humanitarian support. Dominic Crowley, CEO of Concern Worldwide, highlighted that Ireland’s continued… [Read More]
New Climate Adaptation Projects Mark Deepening UK-Malaysia Partnership
The UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Seema Malhotra, launched two new climate adaptation initiatives with Malaysia at the Forest Learning Centre in Kuala Lumpur on 6 October. The event was also attended by Datuk Mas Rizal bin Mohd Hilmi, Deputy Secretary General of Malaysia’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability. These initiatives aim to… [Read More]
Start Fund to Strengthen Anticipatory Flood Action in Guatemala
The United Kingdom, through the Start Fund Network, has provided £300,000 (approximately US$402,600) to support anticipatory flood response in Guatemala. The funding will be administered by CADENA, which will collaborate with vulnerable communities to prevent a potential humanitarian crisis. The initiative specifically targets communities in high-risk areas near rivers and regions prone to landslides and… [Read More]
UK Government Invests £20 Million to Support Local Museums and Communities
Millions of people across England are set to benefit from a £20 million investment in civic museums through the government’s Museum Renewal Fund. The funding is aimed at protecting opening hours, safeguarding jobs, and ensuring that local museums can continue to tell the national story at a community level. A total of 75 museum organisations,… [Read More]
Budget 2026: Minister Heydon Achieves 9% Funding Increase, Department Receives Over €2.3 Billion
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, TD, announced Budget 2026 allocations for his Department, securing an additional €170 million, which brings the total departmental vote to over €2.3 billion. He emphasized that the budget provides significant support to farmers, fishers, and foresters, reflecting the Government’s strong commitment to protecting and growing Ireland’s… [Read More]
Ireland Strengthens International Aid and Global Engagement, Says Tánaiste
Tánaiste Simon Harris welcomed the significant allocations in Budget 2026 aimed at supporting Irish citizens and enhancing Ireland’s presence and influence globally. The budget includes almost €10 million to open five new Embassies and Consulates under the Global Ireland 2025 Strategy, along with a €2.5 million allocation to support international market diversification. These measures are… [Read More]
Ireland’s Housing and Heritage Sector Receives Unprecedented €11 Billion in Budget 2026
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has been allocated a record €11.275 billion in Budget 2026, marking a 20% overall increase in funding. This unprecedented package aims to boost housing supply, support local government, enhance planning, and conserve Ireland’s natural and built heritage. Housing capital investment alone exceeds €9 billion, reflecting the government’s… [Read More]
Historic €7 Billion Investment in Children and Disability Services Announced in Budget 2026
Budget 2026 delivers an unprecedented package of over €7 billion to support children, disabled people, and vulnerable groups in Ireland, marking a 15% increase on the previous year. The Department of Children, Disability, and Equality will receive funding to strengthen key services, improve accessibility, and reduce inequality. A total of €3.8 billion has been allocated… [Read More]
Minister O’Brien Unveils €1 Billion+ Investment in Budget 2026 to Drive Ireland’s Net-Zero Future
Minister Darragh O’Brien has secured nearly €1.1 billion in Ireland’s Budget 2026 to accelerate the country’s energy transition, support climate action, and underpin its journey to a net-zero future. This investment reflects a strong commitment to sustainability, decarbonization, and environmental protection, while ensuring energy affordability and resilience for all households and communities. A record €558… [Read More]
Why Visibility Is the First Step Toward True Inclusion
The SDG7 Action Forum emphasized a critical truth: without visibility, there is no inclusion. Women remain largely invisible in energy data, and this invisibility perpetuates inequality, limiting their participation in and benefits from the clean energy transition. To achieve a just and sustainable energy future, women must be recognized, counted, and empowered as central actors… [Read More]
Psychologist Helps Survivors Heal and Rebuild Trust in Trinidad and Tobago
Livia Rincón, a clinical psychologist in Trinidad and Tobago, dedicates her life to supporting survivors of exploitation and human trafficking, particularly children. Each session she conducts reveals painful stories, and she carefully balances empathy with resilience, recognizing the importance of staying grounded to help others heal. Originally from Venezuela, Livia moved to Trinidad and Tobago… [Read More]
How One Individual Is Revolutionizing Mental Health Services in Somaliland
For decades, Somaliland had no dedicated mental health department, and public awareness of mental health issues was almost nonexistent. Services were scarce, and funding was virtually impossible to secure. This began to change due to the persistent efforts of Dr. Yacoub Aden Abdi, a psychiatrist who returned to Somaliland in 2019 through IOM’s Migration for… [Read More]
Upskilling Youth Drives Green and Digital Innovation in Thailand’s Construction Industry
New research by the International Labour Organization (ILO) has identified key gaps and opportunities to upskill and reskill young workers in Thailand’s construction sector. On 7 October 2025, government officials, industry leaders, academic representatives, and workers’ organizations convened in Bangkok to review and provide feedback on the initial findings. The study focuses on developing industry-led… [Read More]
World Bank: Generating Jobs and Growth in East Asia and Pacific Requires Bolder Reforms
The East Asia and Pacific region continues to outperform much of the world, but creating more quality jobs and sustaining growth will require ambitious reforms amid ongoing global uncertainties, according to the World Bank’s October 2025 East Asia and Pacific Economic Update. Regional growth is projected at 4.8 percent in 2025, slightly down from 5.0… [Read More]
Boosting Jobs and Economic Growth Through Entrepreneurship in Latin America and the Caribbean
Latin America and the Caribbean face a persistent low-growth cycle, but the World Bank’s new Latin America and the Caribbean Economic Review: Transformational Entrepreneurship for Jobs and Growth highlights entrepreneurship as a key driver to create jobs, boost productivity, and accelerate innovation. The region’s growth is forecast at 2.3 percent in 2025 and 2.5 percent… [Read More]
Investing in Jobs Crucial for Boosting Economic Growth in Europe and Central Asia
Economic growth in Europe and Central Asia (ECA) has slowed but the region has demonstrated resilience despite ongoing global and regional challenges, according to the World Bank’s latest Europe and Central Asia Economic Update: Jobs and Prosperity. Regional GDP is projected to grow by 2.4 percent in 2025, down from 3.7 percent in 2024, largely… [Read More]
World Bank: Timely Reforms Essential for Bangladesh’s Inclusive Growth
Bangladesh’s economy rebounded in the second half of FY25 after early-year disruptions, driven by strong exports, record remittances, and a rise in foreign exchange reserves, according to the World Bank’s latest Bangladesh Development Update. The report notes that while the country is expected to maintain medium-term growth, urgent reforms are essential to sustain momentum and… [Read More]
World Bank: Sri Lanka’s Economic Recovery Still Fragile Amid Ongoing Challenges
Sri Lanka’s economy has shown signs of improvement, with recent performance indicating a steady recovery. However, the World Bank warns that this recovery remains incomplete, as growth continues to lag behind pre-crisis levels and poverty rates remain significantly higher than before the crisis. Sustaining the recovery will require maintaining macroeconomic stability, implementing structural reforms, and… [Read More]
South Asia’s Economy Remains Robust but Faces Impending Slowdown
South Asia’s economy is expected to grow strongly at 6.6 percent in 2025, maintaining its position as the world’s fastest-growing region. However, a slowdown is projected ahead, with growth forecast to ease to 5.8 percent in 2026, according to the World Bank’s latest South Asia Development Update: Jobs, AI, and Trade. The report warns that… [Read More]
World Bank: Sub-Saharan Africa’s Growth Remains Steady but Job Creation Lags
Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy continues to demonstrate resilience, with growth projected to reach 3.8 percent in 2025, up from 3.5 percent in 2024. The modest acceleration is driven by easing inflationary pressures and a gradual recovery in investment despite ongoing global economic uncertainty. The number of countries facing double-digit inflation has dropped significantly—from twenty-three in late… [Read More]
MENA, Afghanistan, and Pakistan See Improved Economic Prospects
The World Bank’s latest economic report on the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAAP) highlights signs of recovery and an improved outlook for the region. Economic growth is projected to reach 2.8 percent in 2025 and 3.3 percent in 2026. Despite this positive momentum, the report cautions that global uncertainty, changing trade policies,… [Read More]
ADB Chief Calls for Collective Action to Advance Clean Energy and Modernize Ports
Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda called for unified global action to integrate science, policy, and finance to advance clean energy across Asia and the Pacific. Speaking at the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum in Kyoto, Mr. Kanda announced that ADB is reviewing its Energy Policy to… [Read More]
Indonesia’s Workers Rise Up: Protests Expose Deepening Modern Slavery Crisis
Tens of thousands of workers across Indonesia have taken to the streets, demanding fair wages, safer working conditions, and stronger labour rights. The nationwide protests have drawn attention to growing concerns about modern slavery, as weak labour protections continue to leave millions vulnerable to exploitation. At the heart of public anger is the controversial Omnibus… [Read More]
