The European Investment Bank (EIB) Board of Directors has approved a €3 billion financing initiative to accelerate energy efficiency upgrades for low- and middle-income households and small businesses across Europe, in coordination with the new Emissions Trading System for buildings and road transport (ETS2). The program, developed in partnership with the European Commission, also covers… [Read More]
European Investment Bank Backs TWAICE with €24M Financing
TWAICE, a leading analytics platform for real-world battery energy storage operations, has secured €24 million in long-term venture debt financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB), supported by the InvestEU programme. The funding will accelerate TWAICE’s growth amid rising demand for predictive battery analytics across electric vehicle and energy storage markets, enabling operators to optimize… [Read More]
$18M Queensland Upgrade Ensures Clean Water for Carpentaria Residents
An $18.1 million investment has been announced to upgrade critical water infrastructure in the Gulf Country, aiming to provide a reliable, year-round water supply for residents across Carpentaria. This project includes the duplication of the raw water main servicing Normanton and Karumba, significantly improving water security in one of Queensland’s most remote regions. The infrastructure… [Read More]
Nepal Advances Jobs and Social Protection Roadmap 2026
Nepal is advancing a critical national agenda to accelerate job creation and expand social protection through a National Consultation and Validation Workshop on the proposed National Roadmap for Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions, held from 5–6 February 2026 in Kathmandu. The event was organized by the National Planning Commission (NPC) in partnership with… [Read More]
How the Joint SDG Fund Mobilizes Investments to Accelerate SDG Delivery
The Joint SDG Fund works across the UN system and with international financing partners to translate policy reform and coordination into scaled investment for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. UNCDF is a key delivery partner at country level, deploying grants, loans, and guarantees to complement UN-supported programmes. Multilateral development banks and other financing institutions are… [Read More]
Cambodia Launches Technical Group to Boost Jobs and Social Protection
The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training of Cambodia, in collaboration with the United Nations, launched the country’s first Joint Technical Working Group under the Global Accelerator for Jobs and Social Protection on 21 January 2026. The group provides a governance structure to coordinate operational and programmatic implementation of Cambodia’s National Roadmap for the Global… [Read More]
UK Government Supports Scotland’s Farmers and Rural Communities
The UK Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a more robust, profitable, and sustainable agriculture industry in Scotland while promoting economic growth in rural areas. Addressing the National Farmers’ Union Scotland’s (NFUS) annual conference, Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill highlighted efforts to support farmers, crofters, and the wider rural economy. Key initiatives include raising… [Read More]
UK Defence SMEs Showcase Innovations in First-Ever ‘Dragons’ Den’ Event
The UK Ministry of Defence hosted a first-of-its-kind Dragons’ Den-style event, allowing pioneering defence and dual-use technology firms to pitch directly to potential investors. Ten innovative UK SMEs presented their technologies to more than 100 venture capitalists, institutional investors, and defence stakeholders, showcasing solutions with both civilian and military applications. The event aimed to bridge… [Read More]
CNC Supports Major Cannabis Bust Worth £7.1M in Scotland
Police Scotland, with specialist support from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC), uncovered a sophisticated cannabis cultivation in Wick with an estimated street value of £7.1 million. The operation, conducted on 29 January 2026 at a derelict former school on West Bank Avenue, led to the discovery of over 5,900 cannabis plants and dried cannabis valued… [Read More]
OHCHR Warns of Funding Shortfalls, Launches $400 Million Global Appeal
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk launched a $400 million funding appeal in Geneva, warning that the world cannot afford a human rights system in crisis. Speaking on Thursday, he emphasized that while the financial cost of human rights work is low, the human cost of underinvestment is immeasurable. He described the UN… [Read More]
UN Welcomes $6 Billion US Funding Boost to End HIV/AIDS Globally
The United Nations agency leading the global effort to end HIV/AIDS welcomed the approval of a $6 billion US spending package, aimed at strengthening the fight against the disease after nearly a year of aid cuts. Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, said the funding will provide lifesaving support for millions of people in partner… [Read More]
UN Warns of Severe Food Crisis in North Darfur and Greater Kordofan
Acute malnutrition among children has reached catastrophic levels in parts of Sudan’s North Darfur and Greater Kordofan, according to UN-backed analysts. Conflict, mass displacement, and restricted humanitarian access are driving the country closer to a famine-risk emergency. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported that thresholds for acute malnutrition were surpassed in two areas… [Read More]
UN Reports Diplomatic Gains in DRC, Stresses Ongoing Security Risks
The United Nations has welcomed signs of progress in talks aimed at reducing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Qatar is facilitating negotiations between the Congolese government and the M23 armed group, which controls significant portions of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. These developments follow months of intense fighting that have… [Read More]
UN Calls for Stronger Support for International Police in Peacekeeping
The head of UN Peacekeeping, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, addressed the UN Security Council, highlighting the critical role of UN Police (UNPOL) in peace operations at a time of declining financial resources and increasing operational pressures. He emphasized that UNPOL officers serve with professionalism and courage in challenging environments marked by insecurity, political volatility, and complex risks…. [Read More]
UNFPA Highlights Community Action and Fatwas Against FGM in Africa
Olivia Albert, a 19-year-old from Tanzania, experienced female genital mutilation (FGM) at age 14, a practice once considered a normal rite of passage in her community. Speaking to UNFPA, she emphasized the lasting physical and emotional pain she endured and highlighted how survivor-led initiatives are helping shift attitudes. By participating in community dialogues, she now… [Read More]
Ireland Collects €8.5B in January Taxes Amid €9.7B Spending
In January 2026, Ireland collected €8.5 billion in tax revenue, representing a 0.6% increase compared to the same month in 2025. Income tax receipts reached €3.0 billion, up €30 million (1.0%), while VAT collections rose by €0.1 billion (3.3%) to €4.2 billion, reflecting strong post-Christmas consumer activity. Excise duties declined by €37 million (6.9%) to… [Read More]
New Local Partnerships to Boost Public Safety Nationwide
Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan has announced significant progress in the rollout of Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs) across Ireland. Members have been appointed to 34 Safety Partnerships, with 31 having held their inaugural meetings and elected their Chair and Vice Chair. The remaining partnerships are expected to be established by… [Read More]
Ireland Publishes Draft National Drugs Strategy 2026–2029
The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, has published the draft National Drugs Strategy for 2026-2029. This strategy presents an equitable and evidence-based response to drug use, reflecting the government’s commitment to reducing harms through a health-led approach. The draft has been informed by an independent evaluation… [Read More]
Ireland Activates National Emergency Group Amid Flood Risk
Ireland’s National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) met on Thursday to continue coordinating the national response to ongoing and forecast flooding, as severe weather conditions raise the risk of further impacts across multiple counties. The group has warned that flooding is likely today and tomorrow, with orange rain warnings in place for Dublin, Louth, Waterford and… [Read More]
FAO Launches Online Training on Land Consolidation
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched a free online learning course aimed at improving understanding and application of land consolidation and land banking, two key land policy instruments that support sustainable and efficient farming. The course was introduced during a webinar in Budapest and developed by the FAO Regional… [Read More]
WHO/Europe Shares Lessons on Affordable Mental Health Care
Mental health care needs are rising across the WHO European Region, placing growing strain on health systems already affected by long waiting times, workforce shortages and gaps in coverage. To help countries improve affordable access to mental health services, WHO/Europe has published four new policy briefs that examine how health financing reforms can reduce barriers… [Read More]
UNESCO Boosts Regional Tsunami Early Warning Capacity
The South China Sea Tsunami Advisory Center completed its 2025 short-term secondment programme, a two-month initiative aimed at strengthening regional cooperation on tsunami early warning and response. Organized by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO and hosted by China’s National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center in Beijing, the programme brought together tsunami warning specialists from Malaysia,… [Read More]
How Renewable Energy Can Drive East Asia’s Economic Growth
East Asia stands at a turning point in its energy and economic development. After decades of coal-driven industrial growth, the region now faces rising emissions, energy security risks and growing pressure to remain competitive in a low-carbon global economy. A new World Bank Group report, Green Horizon: East Asia’s Sustainable Energy Future, finds that the… [Read More]
