Geneva – Mexico has shown political commitment to combat and prevent torture, and significant progress has been acknowledged by the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) following their third visit to the country. However, experts highlighted ongoing gaps between the legal frameworks and policies in place and their practical implementation. Since the SPT’s previous… [Read More]
World Bank Boosts Bolivia’s Social Protection System with US$200 Million Financing
The World Bank Group has approved a US$200 million loan to support Bolivia’s efforts to protect households most affected by the ongoing economic crisis and to strengthen the country’s social protection system. The financing aims to make social assistance more effective, efficient, and resilient, while improving preparedness for future shocks and emergencies. The operation supports… [Read More]
The Gambia at Risk of Rolling Back Anti-FGM Laws on International Awareness Day
As global attention focuses on ending female genital mutilation (FGM), The Gambia faces a pivotal legal battle that could reverse its 2015 ban on the practice. The Supreme Court is currently hearing arguments that, if successful, would strip women and girls of their legal protection from FGM. The urgency of this moment is underscored by… [Read More]
World Bank Invests US$150 Million to Improve Water, Sanitation, and Power in Gabon
The World Bank has approved US$150 million in financing from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support Gabon’s Access to Basic Services and Performance Improvement Project. The operation aims to modernize water and electricity services, expand universal access, and strengthen the financial sustainability of service providers, while contributing to climate adaptation and mitigation… [Read More]
World Bank Approves US$95 Million to Expand Sustainable and Inclusive Finance in Nepal
The World Bank has approved a US$95 million operation to help expand access to finance for more than 100,000 small and medium enterprises in Nepal, supporting job-led growth and strengthening financial inclusion. Approved by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors, the financing aims to address key barriers faced by underserved businesses while promoting private… [Read More]
Uganda Charts Pathway to a Just and Sustainable Transport Future
As Uganda pursues long-term economic transformation, any major changes—such as modernizing or greening its transport systems—must be implemented in a way that safeguards livelihoods and expands opportunities for all. The Uganda Just Transition Framework (2025) provides the national blueprint for achieving this goal, outlining how government, communities, and development partners can ensure that no one… [Read More]
US$350 Million World Bank Support Strengthens Lebanon’s Social Protection
The World Bank has approved US$350 million in new financing to support Lebanon’s economic and financial recovery by strengthening social protection systems, promoting economic inclusion, and accelerating the digital transformation of public services. The financing package, approved by the World Bank Board of Executive Directors, aims to help the country meet the urgent needs of… [Read More]
Net Zero Planning: Making Council Climate Ideas Investable
Through Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living Programme, local authorities across the UK are adopting new approaches to accelerate the journey from net zero planning to delivery, helping transform ideas into projects that can attract external investment. The Planning, Pipeline and Finance campaign draws on insights from programme partners to show how councils can better align… [Read More]
How Community Energy Empowers Local Authorities to Drive Net Zero Goals
Community energy projects are increasingly being recognised by local authorities across the UK as a powerful tool to advance net zero ambitions while delivering tangible social, economic, and environmental benefits. Supported by Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living Programme, the Carbon Trust highlights how locally led energy initiatives can reduce carbon emissions, lower energy bills, and… [Read More]
WFP Gains €2 Million EU Support for Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh
The United Nations World Food Programme in Bangladesh has received an additional EUR 2 million from the European Union to sustain critical food and nutrition assistance for Rohingya refugees and host communities. The funding, provided through the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, brings the EU’s total contribution to WFP… [Read More]
EU Funding Powers KARNO’s €82.5 Million Heat Network Projects
The signing of an “ELENA” agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) will support Belgian developer KARNO in the large-scale deployment of decarbonized heating and cooling solutions, advancing the energy transition. ELENA is an energy efficiency grant program funded by the European Commission’s InvestEU program and implemented by the EIB’s Advisory Services. Amid the energy… [Read More]
WHO–EU Boosts Frontline Surgical and Emergency Care in Ukraine
As the full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches its fifth year in February 2026, health-care facilities in frontline regions continue to operate under severe strain. Hospitals in Chernihiv, Kherson, Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Sumy face constant pressure due to ongoing hostilities, regular shelling, and a sustained influx of patients requiring urgent medical and surgical care. In December… [Read More]
PAHO Introduces Regional Health Initiatives to French Caribbean Student
Bridgetown, Barbados, 3 February 2026 – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in collaboration with United Nations agencies in Barbados, hosted a group of visiting French Caribbean students for an orientation session on PAHO’s regional work, with a particular focus on the French territories. Around 30 students and their chaperones from EduCarib Mobility, an organization… [Read More]
EU-Funded Agri-Food Programme Showcases Progress and Investment Pathways in Iraq
Partners of the European Union-funded Agri-food Business Development Programme convened in Baghdad at a high-level event organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to review progress made across Iraq’s agri-food value chains and explore pathways for increasing private sector investment. The event brought together national authorities, international partners, and private sector… [Read More]
Building Skills in the Americas: PAHO Introduces Virtual Reality Laboratory for Respiratory Virus Monitoring
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched a virtual reality (VR) platform aimed at building capacity and enhancing preparedness in public health laboratories across the Americas for the surveillance of influenza and other epidemic-prone pathogens. The immersive tool was introduced at the Severe Acute Respiratory Infections Network (SARInet plus) regional laboratory meeting in Brasília,… [Read More]
Burundi Families Reclaim Stability and Security Amid Recovery Efforts
Almost two years ago, Gatumba village in western Burundi was devastated by heavy rains triggered by the El Niño climate phenomenon, which caused floods affecting nearly 300,000 people nationwide. Among those impacted was 39-year-old Jeanine Ndabazaniye, a mother of ten, who lost her home and belongings. Today, she and other displaced residents are gradually rebuilding… [Read More]
NZ-UAE Collaboration Accelerates Growth in Advanced Tech Sector
New Zealand has launched a science partnership with a leading UAE university aimed at enhancing the country’s advanced engineering and modelling capabilities. Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti said the collaboration will create high-value jobs, encourage economic growth, and improve climate risk management. By combining New Zealand’s research expertise with the UAE’s strengths… [Read More]
Hill Country Receives $28 Million Boost for Erosion Control Projects
The New Zealand Government has committed nearly $28 million to support erosion control projects in the country’s hill country, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. This funding, provided under the Hill Country Erosion Programme (HCEP), is intended to protect productive land from the impacts of severe weather, maintain soil health, and limit downstream damage…. [Read More]
Expanding Opportunities for Decent Work: ILO Highlights Just Transition Integration
A new ILO report, “Mapping just transition in NDC 3.0: Global trends across 123 countries”, highlights a significant increase in references to just transition, employment, and decent work in the latest Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). While the report acknowledges this progress, it emphasizes the critical need to focus on implementation, including labour-related policies that support… [Read More]
Strengthening Youth Employment: ILO and WAEMU Forge Key Partnership
The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) have reinforced their partnership to promote youth employment during a high-level meeting held on 3 February 2026 at the WAEMU Commission headquarters in Ouagadougou. The discussions centered on a joint ILO-WAEMU programme for 2026–2030, which is currently being developed to support… [Read More]
Mongolia Boosts SME Safety with New Occupational Health Training Programs
The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the OSH Center, conducted a comprehensive occupational safety and health (OSH) training for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Baganuur district of Mongolia. The program consisted of a two-day practical classroom session followed by in-factory consulting for four to six weeks, allowing participants to apply OSH… [Read More]
Second Chance Schools Gain Momentum as ILO and EU Collaborate Regionally
The International Labour Organization (ILO), with financial support from the European Union, held a webinar on 5 February 2026 to discuss the role of Second Chance Schools (E2C) in promoting inclusion and employability for young people not in employment, education, or training (NEET) across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. NEET youth account… [Read More]
Environment Agency Cautions Residents About Persistent Flood Threats
The Environment Agency has urged the public to remain alert to ongoing flood risks following Storm Chandra and subsequent heavy rainfall. Unsettled weather is expected to continue across the country, with a Met Office yellow rain warning currently in place for parts of South West England. Heavy rain is forecast to persist over the weekend,… [Read More]
