UN experts have expressed deep concern over reports of trafficking and forced labour affecting migrant workers on a citrus farm in Morphou, northern Cyprus. The abuses are described as large-scale and systematic, potentially impacting over 600 workers. According to the experts, intermediaries in the workers’ countries of origin, acting on behalf of the state-owned company… [Read More]
From the Ground Up: Innovative Climate Justice Approaches in Brazil
In August 2025, Brazil became a hub for climate philanthropy as Rio Climate Action Week coincided with a revitalised Black Philanthropy Month. Comic Relief representatives, including the Head of Climate Justice, Senior MEL Manager, and POP Fund Lead, visited São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to engage with partner organisations and thought leaders advancing climate… [Read More]
UKRI Launches First UK-Wide Birth Cohort Study in 25 Years
The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has announced the launch of the Generation New Era birth cohort study, the first UK-wide longitudinal study of children in 25 years. Funded with £42.8 million through the UKRI Infrastructure Fund and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the study will follow 30,000 children born in 2026 across… [Read More]
WFP Welcomes Donor Contributions to Support Life-Saving Aid in Northeast Nigeria
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed new donor contributions, including funding from the United States, which will support emergency food and nutrition assistance for communities affected by conflict in Northeast Nigeria. The region faces severe humanitarian challenges, with over 5 million people experiencing acute hunger and more than 2.5 million children malnourished…. [Read More]
Taoiseach Announces €9 Million Shared Island Funding for Two Bioeconomy Projects
Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, along with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon TD and Northern Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir MLA, announced €9 million in funding for two bioeconomy demonstration projects under the Shared Island Initiative. The announcement highlights the island-wide collaboration on sustainability and climate action,… [Read More]
Morocco Launches First National Strategy for Bird of Prey Conservation
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Morocco’s Agence Nationale des Eaux et Forêts (ANEF) have launched the country’s first National Strategy for the Conservation of Birds of Prey, covering the period 2024–2034, along with an action plan to protect twelve species of migratory and resident raptors. The launch took place in Tangier… [Read More]
Finland Can Achieve 2035 Carbon Neutrality While Boosting Economic Growth, Report Finds
A new report by Professor Emeritus Markku Ollikainen and his working group, prepared for the Kone Foundation’s Metsän puolella (“For the Woods”) initiative, finds that Finland can achieve its carbon neutrality target by 2035 through cost-effective measures that strengthen forest carbon sinks and complement them with technological sinks. These measures, which include promoting incentives to… [Read More]
Four Asian Companies Rank Among World’s 20 Largest Corporate Givers
A new report by The Bridgespan Group, supported by the Institute of Philanthropy, The Rockefeller Foundation, and the Gates Foundation, highlights the world’s largest corporate givers and examines how they align social impact with business strategy. Among the top 20 global corporate donors, four Asian companies—The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust, Samsung,… [Read More]
Vietnam Launches Responsible Business Training with ILO to Empower Trainers and Enterprises
The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), launched a Training of Trainers (ToT) program in Hanoi on 4–5 September to promote Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and responsible business conduct. The initiative aims to equip VCCI trainers from its extensive national network with the skills… [Read More]
North Kalimantan Launches Joint Inspection Team to Improve Fishing Sector Labour Standards
The Provincial Government of North Kalimantan, Indonesia, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), launched a Joint Inspection Team for Labour Norms onboard fishing vessels on September 9, 2025, in Tarakan City. The event, presided over by Governor Zainal Arifin Paliwang and represented by his expert staff, marks a key step toward improving labour… [Read More]
Zambia Hosts First-Ever Forum to Address Africa’s Industrial Skills Gap
Lusaka, Zambia, is hosting the first-ever Industrial Skills Week Africa (ISWA 2025) from September 9 to 10, focusing on addressing the continent’s industrial skills gap under the theme “Powering Africa’s Industrial Future: Skills for Innovation, Growth, and Sustainability.” The event is organized by the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) in collaboration with the Zambian government… [Read More]
Africa Sets Up Climate Justice Fund to Support Community-Led Environmental Action
The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) has officially launched the Climate Justice Impact Fund for Africa (CJIFA), a pioneering initiative designed to direct climate financing to grassroots communities across the continent. Introduced during the Second Africa Climate Summit, the fund represents a historic shift toward African-led climate financing, emphasizing locally-driven adaptation solutions rather than… [Read More]
World Bank Raises EUR 90 Million Through 7-Year Sustainable Development Bond for Japanese Investor
The World Bank, through its International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), has issued a EUR 90 million 7-year Sustainable Development Bond maturing in September 2032. The National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives (Zenkyoren) was the sole investor in the transaction. The proceeds from this bond will finance eligible sustainable development projects that generate… [Read More]
Accounting for Natural Capital: Africa’s Path to Resilient and Sustainable Development
Nature forms the foundation of economic growth, providing essential services such as climate regulation, flood prevention, agricultural productivity, and human health support. Despite their critical importance, these services have historically been absent from national accounting systems. However, a shift is occurring as countries increasingly measure and value nature’s contributions through natural capital accounting (NCA), with… [Read More]
Power in Perseverance: The Inspiring Journey of Women Entrepreneurs in Yemen
Power in Perseverance is an interactive photobook that vividly illustrates the entrepreneurial journeys of Yemeni women through striking visuals and engaging storytelling. Set against the backdrop of conflict and economic fragility, the collection highlights how women across Yemen are not just surviving but innovating, turning challenges into opportunities and adversity into action. Each photograph captures… [Read More]
World Bank: Sri Lanka Urged to Adopt Balanced Fiscal Policy for Sustainable Growth
Sri Lanka has undertaken one of the largest fiscal adjustments in its history, amounting to nearly 8 percent of GDP over three years. According to a new World Bank review, this adjustment was sharper and faster than most similar efforts worldwide since 1980. While these measures helped restore economic stability, they also placed a burden… [Read More]
Trump Seeks to Restrict Gender-Affirming Care for Federal Employees and Their Families
The Trump administration has announced plans to remove gender-affirming care from the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program starting in 2026. This decision will impact more than 8 million people, including federal employees, retirees, and their family members, significantly reducing access to necessary medical care for transgender individuals and undermining their dignity and rights. The… [Read More]
Niger: Islamist Militants Execute Civilians and Burn Homes in Deadly Attack
The Islamist armed group Islamic State in the Sahel Province (IS Sahel) has intensified attacks against civilians in Niger since March 2025, according to Human Rights Watch, committing atrocities that constitute war crimes under international humanitarian law. In at least five documented incidents across the Tillabéri region, the group executed more than 127 villagers and… [Read More]
Fiji Launches Agribusiness Incubation Center with EU Support to Boost Farming Innovation
Fiji has marked an important milestone in its economic development with the official launch of its first Agribusiness Incubation (ABI) Center. Designed as a hub for entrepreneurs, the center will provide critical support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the agricultural sector. It will offer business development services, training, mentorship, and improved access… [Read More]
Nepal Prime Minister Resigns After Deadly Youth Protest Crackdown, UN Calls for Calm
Nepal has been plunged into crisis after youth-led protests against corruption, nepotism, and social media restrictions spiraled into widespread violence. The demonstrations, branded as a “Gen Z protest,” began peacefully on Monday but escalated after police responded with gunfire, leaving most of the dead and injured among young demonstrators. Hospitals continue to treat many in… [Read More]
Mastercard Foundation Invests $235 Million in Canadian Post-Secondary Institutions to Advance Reconciliation
The Mastercard Foundation has announced $235 million in funding to 30 post-secondary institutions and national Indigenous-led organizations in Canada to mark the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report and Calls to Action. This investment recognizes their achievements in advancing education for Indigenous youth and highlights the critical role education plays in… [Read More]
Canada Invests $28.7 Million to Train Clean Energy Workers and Advance AI Research
Canada has announced major new investments to prepare workers for the future of clean energy while strengthening the country’s artificial intelligence research capacity. The federal government emphasized the importance of equipping Canadians with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving energy sector, while ensuring researchers and innovators have access to the advanced AI tools… [Read More]
Ireland Expands Humanitarian Support Across the Middle East, Says Minister Richmond
Ireland’s Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, has announced a new package of funding to strengthen humanitarian support across the Middle East. The commitment includes multi-million-euro contributions directed to UN agencies and UNICEF to address urgent needs in conflict-affected areas. Announcing the decision, Minister Richmond highlighted the dangerous and volatile situation… [Read More]
