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]
Feeding Hope: How U.S. Aid Is Combating Hunger and Malnutrition Across Kenya
Kenya continues to battle a severe hunger and malnutrition crisis, with more than 18.7 million people—over one-third of its population—undernourished. Recurrent droughts, floods, and disease outbreaks have intensified the crisis. Yet, U.S. foreign assistance has emerged as a vital lifeline, helping millions of Kenyans access food, nutrition, and long-term resilience. U.S. Humanitarian Aid at Work… [Read More]
OSCE Urges Georgia to Uphold Human Rights and Protect Peaceful Protesters Amid Rising Civil Society Crackdown
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has raised serious concerns over the escalating human rights situation in Georgia following the country’s recent local elections. Amid reports of violence, detentions, and increasing restrictions on civic space, the organization has called on Georgian authorities to respect the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom… [Read More]
Nordic Nations Unite to Build a Global Coalition for Gender Equality and LGBTI Rights
The Nordic countries have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to gender equality and equal rights for LGBTI people by announcing the creation of a global coalition to promote these values worldwide. The decision came as the Nordic ministers for gender equality and LGBTI issues met in Hämeenlinna, Finland, on 7 October 2025, to address mounting global… [Read More]
Bangladesh’s Growth Mirage: Why the Nation’s “Poverty Reversal” Exposes a Fragile Foundation
The latest findings from the Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC) have shattered Bangladesh’s long-celebrated growth narrative. According to the survey, more than one in four Bangladeshis now live in poverty—an alarming rise from the 18.7% reported by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) in 2022. This steep increase signals not just an economic setback,… [Read More]
Rising Poverty in Iran: Over 80% of Households Now Below Global Benchmark
Iran faces a deepening economic crisis as recent data reveals that more than 80% of its households earn less than the global poverty threshold. This alarming development comes amid soaring inflation, a swift currency devaluation, and sluggish economic growth, raising grave concerns about the wellbeing of ordinary Iranians. Key Takeaways Over 80% of Iranian households… [Read More]
Boost in Resources Aims to Reduce Child Poverty Worldwide
The Scottish Government has announced increased multi-year funding for projects aimed at tackling child poverty across the country. Successful applicants to the third round of the Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund, now totaling over £1.8 million, will receive grants of up to £100,000 over two years to enhance local services and support for families. Since… [Read More]
Fort-de-France to Host Caribbean’s First Offshore Solar Installation
The Grand Port Maritime of Martinique (GPMLM), in collaboration with SolarinBlue, is set to launch the Caribbean’s first offshore floating solar installation near the Pointe des Grives container terminal in Fort-de-France Bay. The project, named Soley Blé, is part of the port’s broader decarbonization strategy, aiming to enhance energy autonomy and reduce carbon emissions while… [Read More]
Barbados Prepares for Global Certification to Eliminate Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B
Barbados is intensifying efforts to protect mothers and newborns from HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, aiming to achieve international certification for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV by the end of 2025. From September 30 to October 3, 2025, a team from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), along with a regional laboratory… [Read More]
Open Science Tools for Crisis Management Launched by UNESCO and CODATA
On 4 June 2025, UNESCO launched new resources in its Open Science Toolkit aimed at strengthening cross-border crisis data management. Developed in collaboration with CODATA’s International Data Policy Committee, the resources—comprising a Factsheet, Guidance, and Checklist—are built on the principles of the 2021 UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science. They are intended to help governments, UN… [Read More]
Morocco’s New Digital Hub Aims to Accelerate Technology and Innovation
Morocco is reinforcing its role as a leader in digital transformation through a strategic partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aimed at accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies across Arab and African nations. Central to this collaboration is the launch of the Digital for Sustainable Development (D4SD) Hub, introduced during the 80th United… [Read More]
REDD+ Success: Indonesia Sets Global Benchmark in Cutting Carbon Emissions
Indonesia has reinforced its global leadership in climate action through the successful implementation of the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) program. The country has achieved measurable reductions in emissions from the forestry and land-use sectors and received international recognition through Result-Based Payments (RBP) totaling USD 499.8 million, of which USD 340.7 million… [Read More]
Guinea-Bissau Revolutionizes Medicine Delivery with UNDP’s $3.5 Million Smart Solar Initiative
In Guinea-Bissau, a transformative initiative is reshaping the country’s healthcare delivery system. For years, ensuring that life-saving medicines reached both urban clinics and remote villages was a major challenge. A $3.5 million investment led by UNDP, with support from the Global Fund and partners including UN-Habitat, is addressing these gaps, advancing the country toward Sustainable… [Read More]
$60 Million Commitment by British International Investment to Green Investment Partnership in South-East Asia
British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, has committed $60 million to the Green Investment Partnership (GIP), managed by Pentagreen Capital, to support green and sustainable infrastructure projects in South-East Asia. The region faces an estimated annual requirement of $210 billion for climate-resilient infrastructure, a need that public finance alone… [Read More]
UNHCR Faces Funding Crisis, Slashes Close to 5,000 Positions
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is facing a severe funding crisis and urgently requires at least $300 million (CHF 240 million) by the end of the year to prevent a major deficit. Filippo Grandi, the UNHCR High Commissioner, reported that nearly 5,000 employees have already lost their jobs this year due to budget cuts, and… [Read More]
OSCE Marks 50 Years of Helsinki Accords, Calls for Upholding Democracy and Human Rights
The OSCE marked the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act by emphasizing the need to recommit to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law to address global challenges. Governments, international organizations, and civil society gathered in Warsaw for a 10-day Human Dimension Conference, organized by the 2025 Finnish Chairpersonship with… [Read More]
