FundsChain is a blockchain-based platform developed by the World Bank to enhance traceability, accountability, and efficiency in tracking the use of project funds. The platform offers tamper-proof digital records, end-to-end tracking of transactions, and immediate access for project partners, streamlining financial management and operations across diverse systems that are often non-standardized and disconnected. By using… [Read More]
HSTRF: Strengthening Health Systems for Resilience and Transformation
Investments in health are a major driver of economic growth and job creation. By enhancing human capital and supporting productive, resilient populations, health services fuel economies and create millions of jobs, laying the foundation for stronger, more prosperous societies. The World Bank Group has set an ambitious goal to expand health services to 1.5 billion… [Read More]
House of Diplomacy and Dialogue’: UN Wraps Up High-Level Week Urging Peace and Climate Action
Over six days, 189 Member States, including 124 heads of state and government, addressed the United Nations from the iconic green marbled podium, highlighting both the urgency of today’s global challenges and the potential of collective action. UN officials emphasized that the high-level week demonstrated the continued relevance of the Organization, stressing that the true… [Read More]
India’s Growth Forecast Steady at 6.5% for FY2025–2026, Says ADB
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected India’s gross domestic product (GDP) to grow by 6.5% in both fiscal years FY2025, ending 31 March 2026, and FY2026, according to the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) September 2025. While the FY2025 forecast remains unchanged from July 2025, the FY2026 estimate has been revised downward from 6.7% to… [Read More]
Cambodia’s Economy Shows Resilience Despite Lower Growth Outlook, Says ADB
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has revised Cambodia’s growth forecast to 4.9% for 2025 and 5.0% for 2026, down from previous projections of 6.1% and 6.2%, respectively. The revision reflects economic challenges stemming from geopolitical tensions with Thailand and uncertainty in the United States export market. Despite these challenges, Cambodia is expected to maintain solid… [Read More]
China’s 2025 Economic Growth Unchanged as ADB Lowers Inflation Outlook
The economy of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is projected to grow by 4.7% in 2025, unchanged from the April forecast and close to the government’s target of around 5.0%, according to the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) September 2025 report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Growth is expected to moderate to 4.3% in… [Read More]
Developing Asia-Pacific Economic Growth to Slow Due to Changing Global Trade Landscape
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has slightly lowered its growth projections for developing Asia and the Pacific amid a shifting global trade environment shaped by tariffs and updated trade agreements. Economies in the region are now expected to grow by 4.8% in 2025 and 4.5% in 2026, down from the April forecasts of 4.9% and… [Read More]
Lao PDR’s Economy Expected to Grow 3.7% in 2025, Says ADB
Services are expected to remain the primary driver of economic growth in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) in 2025, with the sector projected to expand by 4.5%, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The tourism industry experienced a strong rebound, attracting 2.3 million visitors in the first half of the year, aided… [Read More]
WEF GAEA Awards Recognize UNDP and Lavazza’s Sustainable Coffee Initiative
The collaboration between the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the Government of Ecuador, and Lavazza has been selected as a finalist for the World Economic Forum’s GAEA Awards in the Moving Business for Climate Impact category, recognizing its efforts to address forest loss from coffee-related agricultural expansion. The partnership has introduced the world’s first nationally certified,… [Read More]
Nonprofits Seek Reduced Energy Bills to Sustain Essential Services
A recent report highlights that many charities in the UK are struggling under rising energy costs while facing increased demand for their services. Research by Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, and Thinks Insight & Strategy surveyed around 150 charities, revealing that over half fear potential closure within the next five years, and three… [Read More]
Decade-Long Wrongful Imprisonment of Tajikistan Lawyer Raises Human Rights Concerns
Tajikistan’s authorities have wrongfully imprisoned human rights lawyer Buzurgmehr Yorov for 10 years due to his work representing political opposition leaders, according to 11 international organizations. Yorov is currently serving a 23-year prison sentence, which has been repeatedly extended through new, politically motivated charges. Human rights groups are calling for his immediate release, along with… [Read More]
Rising Repression in Tanzania Poses Risks to Upcoming Elections
The Tanzanian government has intensified political repression ahead of the general elections scheduled for October 29, 2025, raising serious concerns about the fairness and credibility of the vote. Authorities have suppressed opposition parties and critics of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, restricted media freedom, and failed to ensure the independence of the electoral… [Read More]
Trump Administration’s Proposal to Reframe Global Asylum System Raises Safety Concerns
The Trump administration has proposed a “reframing” of the global asylum system, based on five principles: that nations have the right to control their borders, there is no inherent right to immigrate or receive asylum in a country of choice, refugee status is temporary, sovereign states determine whether conditions in a country of origin allow… [Read More]
Mongolia’s Economy Shows Resilience Amid Global Challenges
Mongolia’s economic growth is expected to be supported this year by a recovery in livestock numbers and the expansion of the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine. However, weaker coal exports and reduced government spending have prompted the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to revise down its growth forecasts. According to the September 2025 Asian Development Outlook report,… [Read More]
Botswana Could Unlock $116 Billion in National Wealth Through Reforms, Says AfDB
The African Development Bank has called on Botswana to implement strategic reforms to boost economic growth and unlock the nation’s estimated $116 billion in national wealth. The appeal was made during the launch of the Bank’s 2025 Country Focus Report for Botswana, titled “Making Botswana’s Capital Work Better for its Development”, held on September 16…. [Read More]
Equatorial Guinea Secures €73.27 Million AfDB Loan for Jobs and Skills Development
The African Development Bank Group’s Board of Directors has approved a €73.27 million loan to Equatorial Guinea for the first phase of the Human Capital Development Project in Support of Economic and Social Inclusion (PARCH 1). This five-year programme, running from 2025 to 2030, is designed to strengthen vocational training and expand employment opportunities for… [Read More]
AfDB Approves €100 Million Loan to Boost Côte d’Ivoire’s Cocoa Value Chain
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved a €100 million agricultural commodity financing facility for Sucres et Denrées Côte d’Ivoire, reinforcing the country’s position as the world’s leading cocoa producer while advancing sustainable agricultural practices. The package includes €25 million from the Africa Growing Together Fund, a co-financing initiative with… [Read More]
AfDB Promotes Stronger Economic Cooperation Between Africa and the Mediterranean
The African Development Bank reaffirmed its role as a key bridge between Africa and the world during the 10th Annual Conference on Development Economics, organized by the Italian Society of Development Economists and Fondazione Tor Vergata in Frascati, Italy, on September 15–16, 2025. The conference was held under the theme “Africa and the Mediterranean: Economic… [Read More]
AfDB Approves $500,000 Emergency Grant to Support Malian Refugees in Mauritania
The African Development Bank’s Board of Directors has approved a $500,000 emergency humanitarian grant to Mauritania to provide support for Malian refugees and their host communities in the vulnerable Hodh El Chargui region. The funding will focus on addressing urgent water, sanitation, and hygiene needs for refugees, returnees, and local populations. Nearly 36,000 people, more… [Read More]
LGBTQ+ and Women’s Groups Face Funding Cuts as Ottawa Plans Spending Reductions
LGBTQ+ and women’s groups in Canada are preparing for potential funding cuts in the federal budget scheduled for November. Activists have been encouraged by the minister overseeing Ottawa’s gender policy to speak out, and many organizations are ramping up advocacy efforts on Parliament Hill to safeguard programs supporting their communities. Mitzie Hunter, president of the… [Read More]
Record 4.3 Million Actions at Global Citizen Festival 2025 to Protect the Amazon and Advance Education and Clean Energy
The 2025 Global Citizen Festival in New York City marked a historic milestone as over 60,000 attendees united with world-renowned artists, leaders, and philanthropists to drive meaningful action on urgent global issues. The Festival, aligned with the United Nations General Assembly and Climate Week NYC, spotlighted Global Citizen’s core campaigns focused on protecting the Amazon… [Read More]
Global Fund Hails Switzerland’s Contribution to Strengthen Global Health
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has welcomed Switzerland’s early pledge of CHF 64 million to its Eighth Replenishment, covering the period 2026–2028. This renewed support underscores Switzerland’s commitment to saving lives, preventing the spread of infectious diseases, and strengthening health systems in vulnerable countries. The pledge also reflects Switzerland’s continued dedication… [Read More]
$5 Million Boost from Johnson & Johnson Foundation Strengthens Africa’s Community Health Workforce
The Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Foundation has announced a $5 million investment in the Africa Frontline First (AFF) Catalytic Fund, hosted by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB & Malaria, increasing its total commitment to $20 million. This investment supports the training and deployment of 200,000 professional community health workers (CHWs) across national health… [Read More]
