Over 100 Congolese companies are now better equipped to compete for procurement opportunities with the African Development Bank (AfDB), following an information and awareness seminar held in Brazzaville on 24 September 2025. The event comes as part of preparations for the Bank’s Annual Meetings scheduled for May 2026 in Brazzaville. The seminar, led by the… [Read More]
African Development Bank Signs $144.7M Deal with Niger to Expand Energy Access and Boost Economic Growth
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the Government of Niger have signed a $144.7 million financing agreement to expand energy access, strengthen economic competitiveness, and enhance long-term resilience. The deal was signed in Abidjan by AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah and Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, who also serves as Minister of… [Read More]
How to Lead a Good Enough Transformation | Practical Climate Action for Communities
Climate change is here, and its impacts are impossible to ignore – from rising temperatures and extreme weather to shrinking biodiversity and widening social inequalities. The need for a “green transition” to sustainable practices is urgent, yet big institutions and policies often move too slowly. Enter the Good Enough Transformation (GET) initiative – a new… [Read More]
IFAD Achieves Landmark US$1 Billion in Sustainable Bonds to Boost Development
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has surpassed US$1 billion in sustainable bond issuances since its first issuance in June 2022. This milestone was reached with the twelfth bond issued in September 2025, marking a significant expansion of IFAD’s ability to finance rural development projects globally. By the end of 2024, the first US$646… [Read More]
How Water Management Drives Sustainable Economic Development
The 11th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Multi-Stakeholder Water Dialogue took place in Maseru, Lesotho, from 29 to 30 September 2025. The discussions reviewed progress in water-related initiatives under the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus framework, focusing on how water security and integrated planning can strengthen the region’s new smart economic corridors. The aim was to ensure… [Read More]
Bahrain Contributes USD 200,000 to Support Women Entrepreneurs in Global Trade
The Kingdom of Bahrain has contributed USD 200,000 to the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, a global initiative aimed at strengthening the participation of women-led businesses in international trade. The contribution was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed at the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva on 29 September. The… [Read More]
Historic $150 Million Donation from The Moody Foundation Boosts UCC-Affiliated HBCU
In celebration of Huston-Tillotson University’s 150th anniversary, Ross Moody, trustee and vice president of The Moody Foundation, announced a transformative $150 million gift at the university’s opening convocation on September 18, 2025. This donation comes at a time when federal support for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at public universities is facing scrutiny, and nearly… [Read More]
Energy Department Pledges $365 Million to Revitalize Puerto Rico’s Power Grid
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the reallocation of up to $365 million to address Puerto Rico’s ongoing power grid crisis, aiming to provide reliable and affordable energy for the island’s 3.2 million residents. The funding will support essential repairs and emergency measures to strengthen grid stability and harden critical infrastructure. The DOE’s… [Read More]
Indonesia Moves to Ratify ILO Convention 188 by 2026 to Protect Fishers’ Labour Rights
The National Geographic Society and the Chubb Charitable Foundation have launched Blue Boundaries, a seven-year, multi-million-dollar partnership focused on protecting critical ecosystems at the intersection of land and water. Supported by the largest single grant in the Society’s 137-year history, the initiative targets freshwater wetlands, coastal systems, and reefs through a combination of scientific research,… [Read More]
Safeguarding Fishers’ Rights: Indonesia Targets ILO Convention 188 Ratification by 2026
The Indonesian Ministry of Manpower, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the labour rights of both domestic and migrant fishers. On 30 September 2025, a high-level tripartite stakeholders meeting was convened in Jakarta, bringing together representatives from key government ministries, employers’ associations, and trade unions to discuss… [Read More]
US Tariffs Push ASEAN Closer to China as UN Warns Billions in Exports at Risk
The United States’ recent tariff measures are expected to have severe consequences for Southeast Asian economies, with Vietnam and Cambodia among the most vulnerable. Both countries are heavily dependent on the US as a key export market, making them especially exposed to shifts in American demand. A UNDP report warned that Cambodia could see a… [Read More]
Pakistan Eyes Viet Nam’s $400 Billion Export Model for Economic Growth
Pakistan is exploring how to transform its economy by learning from Viet Nam’s remarkable export-led growth. UNDP in Pakistan and Viet Nam recently co-facilitated a knowledge exchange during Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal’s visit to Viet Nam, bringing together experts to discuss lessons from Viet Nam’s economic journey. Over the past three decades, Viet Nam increased… [Read More]
Three Bhutanese Cities to Adopt Flood-Resilient Urban Planning Measures
Bhutan has launched a landmark project to enhance urban flood resilience in collaboration with the Royal Government, UNDP, and support from the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Led by the Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management (DLDGM), the initiative targets critical urban infrastructure in Thimphu, Phuentsholing, and Samtse, cities home to over a… [Read More]
$38 Million Lifesaving Projects Launched by Korea and UN to Restore Services in Syria
The Republic of Korea, in collaboration with four United Nations agencies, has launched a comprehensive assistance package worth US$38 million to support vulnerable communities across Syria. The initiative aims to address urgent needs in health, education, food security, and infrastructure while promoting long-term resilience and recovery. The support reflects Korea’s commitment to stand alongside Syria,… [Read More]
Rethinking Development: A Global Call for Sustainable Progress
For generations, development has quietly driven global progress, extending life expectancy, combating diseases, and enabling millions more girls to access education. However, the systems that once sustained human development are now under immense pressure. In 2024, global military spending reached a record US$2.7 trillion, yet security continues to deteriorate. The world faces overlapping crises, including… [Read More]
EU to Enhance Financial Education and Expand Investment Opportunities Across Member States
The European Commission is advancing the Savings and Investments Union to provide tangible benefits for all EU citizens through improved financial literacy and accessible investment opportunities. The initiative includes two key proposals: a financial literacy strategy aimed at enhancing citizens’ financial awareness throughout their lives, and a blueprint for simple, user-friendly investment tools. The financial… [Read More]
Human Rights at Risk as Internet Access Disrupted in Afghanistan
Human Rights Watch has raised serious concerns over the Taliban’s nationwide internet shutdowns in Afghanistan, which began in mid-September 2025 and were fully implemented by the end of the month. The blackout has severely disrupted access to education, commerce, media, and healthcare services, undermining the livelihoods and fundamental rights of millions of Afghans. Taliban officials… [Read More]
Foreign Influence Registration Scheme Now Mandatory in UK, Russia and Iran on Enhanced Tier
The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) in the UK will come fully into effect on 1 October 2025, following a three-month grace period that began on 1 July. The scheme is designed to enhance national security by ensuring transparency of foreign political influence, deterring covert activities by hostile states, and enabling earlier intervention by police… [Read More]
UK Pledges $36 Million to Support Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh at UN General Assembly
The United Kingdom has highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting Rohingya refugees and other minorities in Myanmar, eight years after the conflict began. Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, praised Bangladesh for its continued generosity in hosting the refugees while emphasizing that systematic blockages of aid and trade have pushed malnutrition… [Read More]
International Nuclear Energy Summit Announced by Swedish Government
On 7 October 2025, Sweden will host a high-level summit on new nuclear energy in the Baltic Sea region, led by Minister for Energy, Business and Industry Ebba Busch along with several ministerial colleagues. Finland’s Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala will co-host the event. The summit reflects strong regional interest in nuclear… [Read More]
Government Boosts Ukraine Innovation Initiative with SEK 300 Million Funding
The Swedish Government has expanded its defence innovation initiative for Ukraine, doubling funding to SEK 300 million through support package 20. The initiative, managed by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, focuses on identifying, testing, and funding solutions that address critical defence needs, particularly against drone and aerial threats. A panel of experts from Sweden and… [Read More]
Government Unveils Civil Support Package to Aid Ukraine Amid Ongoing Challenges
The Government of Sweden has announced a new civil support package for Ukraine totaling SEK 1.145 billion for 2025, aimed at addressing the country’s most pressing reconstruction, development, and humanitarian needs ahead of the approaching winter. This package focuses on strengthening Ukraine’s resilience amid ongoing Russian aggression while providing critical assistance to vulnerable populations. Key… [Read More]
Sweden Increases Humanitarian Aid Commitment with SEK 775 Million Funding
Sweden has announced a comprehensive humanitarian support package of SEK 775 million to strengthen international aid in response to the worsening global crisis. War, conflict, famine, and displacement are affecting millions of people worldwide, while funding for life-saving efforts is declining. The new package, presented in cooperation with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida),… [Read More]
