In today’s world, digital connectivity is no longer a privilege—it is a necessity for sustainable development. Technology has the power to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the United Nations is calling for an urgent push toward equitable digital transformation. The latest UN Secretary-General’s annual report underscores this urgency, citing the 2024 UN E-Government… [Read More]
Botswana Charts a Roadmap for Decent Work and Responsible Investment
Botswana has taken a major step toward ensuring that trade and investment drive inclusive growth and decent work, with a three-day national workshop held in Gaborone from 16–18 September. The event, titled “Advancing Decent Work (SDG 8) through Responsible Business Conduct and Respect for International Labour Standards in Trade and Investment,” brought together representatives from… [Read More]
AI and Digitalization Could Create Thousands of Jobs in the Arab States—If the Transition Is Inclusive
A new International Labour Organization (ILO) report projects that digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) could deliver significant economic and employment gains across the Arab States—if countries adopt inclusive, forward-looking policies. The study underscores the importance of ensuring that women, youth, and vulnerable groups are not left behind as the region embraces a rapidly evolving digital… [Read More]
UN Turns 80 Amid Global Turmoil: Leaders Urge Unity, Peace, and Renewal
The United Nations marked its 80th anniversary with a solemn ceremony in New York as world leaders gathered for the annual General Assembly debate. The historic chamber was darkened and bathed in blue light to honor the milestone, reflecting on the organization’s founding mission of peace and cooperation. General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock recalled how… [Read More]
UN High-Level Week Opens with Powerful Call to Turn Women’s Rights Promises into Action
The United Nations General Assembly’s high-level week began with a powerful celebration of women’s empowerment, marking the 30th anniversary of the landmark Beijing Declaration—a global blueprint for advancing women’s rights. Only the fifth woman to preside over the UN General Assembly in its 80-year history praised the courage of those “who fought for every phrase,… [Read More]
Nature-Based Tourism: A Billion-Dollar Pathway to Jobs, Growth, and Conservation
Well-planned, well-managed nature-based tourism is emerging as a powerful engine of economic growth and sustainable development. Tourist spending on activities, transportation, food, and accommodation creates ripple effects across local economies, generating jobs, strengthening value chains, and driving private sector growth. In destinations rich in natural assets but limited in economic opportunities, this form of tourism… [Read More]
Minderoo Donates US$1M to Shield Humanitarian Heroes Amid Rising Global Threats
On the eve of the United Nations General Assembly, the Minderoo Foundation has pledged US$1 million (A$1.52 million) to protect frontline aid workers risking their lives in conflict zones. Dr Andrew Forrest AO signed the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, underscoring the urgent need to safeguard those delivering life-saving assistance in the world’s… [Read More]
Coventry Secures £1M Lifeline to Empower Vulnerable Young People with Skills for the Future
Coventry has secured a major funding boost of over £1 million to help transform the lives of the city’s most vulnerable young people, thanks to nearly £250,000 in new government support. The investment will fuel life-changing education and training opportunities, focusing on those aged 19–24 from disadvantaged backgrounds or with Education, Health and Care Plans… [Read More]
African Development Bank and AU Commission Launch Continental Food Safety Initiative
The African Development Bank and the African Union Commission (AUC) have launched the Strengthening Food Safety Standards and Nutrition in Africa (SFNA) project, aimed at enhancing food security, public health, and trade across the continent. The project was officially introduced during a workshop held from 26-29 August in Nairobi, Kenya, addressing the high burden of… [Read More]
IDB Supports Enhanced Public Services and Urban Infrastructure in El Salvador
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $170 million loan to help El Salvador strengthen the economies of the Santa Tecla and La Libertad districts by improving access to quality public services and urban infrastructure. The program will focus on revitalizing municipal markets in both districts, ensuring they are universally accessible and climate-resilient, while… [Read More]
Honduras to Strengthen Sustainable Forest Management with IDB Support
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $25 million loan to support forest conservation and restoration efforts in Honduras. The project, titled “Sustainable and Resilient Agroforests,” aims to promote forestry and agroforestry practices that increase forest cover, enhance community forestry through sustainable management and income diversification, and strengthen the institutional capacity of the Honduran… [Read More]
IDB Approves $177 Million Loan to Strengthen Peru’s Prison System
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a loan of up to $177.3 million to support the rehabilitation of Peru’s prison population by modernizing prison system management, professionalizing personnel, and expanding programs for rehabilitation, education, employment, and treatment. The project, titled Comprehensive Improvement of Social Reintegration Services in Peru, will be led by the Ministry… [Read More]
WFP Welcomes Pledges by Over 40 Governments to Expand National School Meal Programmes
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed commitments from more than 40 governments made over the past two years to expand national school meal programmes, bringing the world closer to the goal of ensuring every child receives a nutritious meal at school by 2030. As the host of the School Meals Coalition Secretariat and… [Read More]
Tajikistan Reduces Poverty but Job Creation and Inequality Remain Challenges
Tajikistan has made significant strides in reducing poverty over the past decade, with the national poverty rate falling from 56% in 2010 to about 20% in 2024, according to a new World Bank report, the Tajikistan Poverty and Equity Assessment. Over the same period, the share of the middle class has grown more than fourfold,… [Read More]
World Bank Group Closes Inaugural Securitization Transaction, Unlocking Private Investment for Emerging Markets
The World Bank Group, through its private sector arm, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has successfully closed its first-ever securitization transaction, marking a major milestone in efforts to mobilize private capital for emerging markets. The transaction introduces a new model to attract institutional investment while allowing the World Bank Group to recycle its capital and… [Read More]
Amended International Health Regulations Enter into Force
Today marks a significant milestone in global health governance as the amended International Health Regulations (IHR) officially enter into force, reflecting renewed international commitment to cooperation during public health emergencies. These amendments are shaped by lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and aim to strengthen preparedness, coordination, and equity in response to global health risks…. [Read More]
Making a Splash at the 9th Global Conference on Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries
From October 1-3, 2025, more than 40 partners from the IDRC-supported AQUADAPT initiative will convene in Bangkok, Thailand, for the 9th Global Conference on Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries (GAF9). The gathering will explore how research on nature-based solutions can advance gender justice and climate resilience in aquaculture and fisheries. Women and other marginalized groups… [Read More]
Thriving Rural Communities Are the Foundation of Global Security, IFAD Emphasizes at UN General Assembly
In an increasingly unpredictable global economy, investments in the socio-economic transformation of rural areas are essential to building a more stable and prosperous world. This is the message Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is bringing to the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, urging the international community to… [Read More]
Building a Brighter Future Through Robotics: How LYBOTICS Empowers Libya’s Youth
Growing up in Libya, I witnessed first-hand how the potential of young people often goes untapped. In a country facing challenges across education, employment, and technology, I realized that building a better future meant investing in youth today. My journey began with a simple belief: technology and innovation can transform lives. I wanted to create… [Read More]
Thailand Celebrates Milestone in Localizing SDGs Through Data-Driven Community Investment
Thailand marked a significant step in its journey to localize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the closing of the Joint SDG Fund project, “Partnership to Accelerate SDG Localization in Thailand.” Led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UN-Habitat, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, the project bridged local data gaps and… [Read More]
Philippines Launches Comprehensive Freedom of Association Training to Strengthen Labour Rights
The Philippines has taken a major step to strengthen fundamental rights at work with the launch of a new comprehensive Freedom of Association (FOA) training resource. Developed jointly by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), and crafted in consultation with workers and employers, the initiative aims to raise… [Read More]
30 Years Advancing Gender Equality: Progress, Challenges, and the Road Ahead
Three decades after the landmark Beijing Declaration on women’s rights, the world has seen notable advances, yet women and girls continue to face widespread discrimination and violence. Ahead of the UN General Assembly commemoration on 22 September, UN Women and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) warned that global gender equality targets… [Read More]
UN, AU, and EU Leaders Unite to Boost Peace, Stability, and Development Across Africa
The United Nations, African Union, and European Union have pledged closer cooperation to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges, from conflict resolution to climate change and economic development. The commitment came during their sixth trilateral meeting at UN Headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the General Assembly high-level week, culminating in a joint communiqué… [Read More]
