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 $20 million. This investment supports the training and deployment of 200,000 professional community health workers (CHWs) across national health… [Read More]
Microsoft Blocks Israeli Military from Surveillance Tech: A Corporate Responsibility Turning Point
Amnesty International has welcomed Microsoft’s recent decision to restrict access for Israel’s Unit 8200 to certain Azure Cloud storage and AI services after an investigation revealed the technology was being used for mass surveillance of Palestinians. Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, emphasized the need for Microsoft to review all its contracts, sales, and… [Read More]
Iran’s Death Toll Surpasses 1,000 as Authorities Intensify Attacks on Right to Life
In 2025, Iranian authorities have executed over 1,000 people, marking the highest annual toll recorded in at least 15 years, according to Amnesty International. This number has already surpassed the total of 972 executions in 2024. The organization has called on Iran to impose an immediate moratorium on executions and urged the international community to… [Read More]
Amazon Conservation Strengthened: UNDP and Brazil Join Forces with Green Climate Fund
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MMA) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) have announced new investments under the Floresta+ Amazon Project, supported by the Green Climate Fund. The initiative provides over R$ 1.5 million (approximately US$280,000) in direct payments for environmental services to around 200 farmer families across 15 municipalities in Amazonas. These… [Read More]
Ebola in Kasai, DR Congo: UNICEF Delivers Life-Saving Vaccines and Assistance
UNICEF is intensifying efforts in Kasai province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as nearly 45,000 doses of the Ebola vaccine are dispatched to protect children and families amid the latest outbreak. Since the outbreak was declared on 5 September, 47 suspected and confirmed cases have been reported, including 14 children, and 25 people have… [Read More]
Building Resilience: Lessons from Zimbabwe’s Climate-Smart Irrigation for Smallholder Farmers
In Zimbabwe’s semi-arid districts, climate-smart irrigation schemes are helping farmers overcome erratic rainfall, increase harvests, and secure more stable incomes. Supported by FAO and its partners, these initiatives are enhancing community resilience to climate shocks while safeguarding natural resources. By combining infrastructure improvements with capacity-building, the programs are transforming how smallholders manage water, crops, and… [Read More]
Pastoralist Livelihoods and Climate Adaptation: Lessons from Somalia and Mali
In Africa’s drylands, the survival and well-being of pastoralist communities depend heavily on healthy rangelands, accessible feed, and resilient livestock. Livestock provide not only income and nutrition but also cultural identity and security during crises. However, persistent challenges such as droughts, feed shortages, conflict, and weak market systems threaten these livelihoods. Strengthening fodder and feed… [Read More]
