The White House has quietly removed the World Trade Organization (WTO) from a list of $4.9 billion in foreign aid cuts announced last Friday, following concerns from lawmakers, trade groups, and WTO leadership. Democratic lawmakers argued that the administration’s proposed cuts were illegal, as Congress had already authorized the funding, while trade groups warned that… [Read More]
Budget Execution in Health: Tackling Bottlenecks and Driving Solutions
Effective budget execution in health is critical for achieving universal health coverage and reaching 1.5 billion people with quality health services by 2030. Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, this report examines how budget execution impacts health service delivery, identifies common challenges, and offers practical recommendations for improvement. Country case… [Read More]
From Floods to Resilience: How Cambodia’s Gap Fund Builds Greener, Safer Cities
Cambodia is urbanizing rapidly, with nearly a quarter of its 17 million population now living in cities—a figure expected to reach 6 million by 2050. While urban growth has driven economic development and job creation, it has also intensified inequality and heightened vulnerability to climate impacts, particularly floods and extreme heat. In Phnom Penh, informal… [Read More]
World Bank Issues NOK 5 Billion Floating Rate Sustainable Development Bond
The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD, rated Aaa/AAA) has priced a 5 billion Norwegian krone-denominated floating rate Sustainable Development Bond, maturing on December 16, 2030. The bond carries a quarterly coupon of 3-month NIBOR plus 20 basis points and was issued at par. Nordea and SEB served as lead managers for… [Read More]
Investing in Nutrition: The Key to Building a Healthier, More Productive Guatemala
In Guatemala, chronic malnutrition continues to pose one of the country’s most pressing challenges, with 46% of children under the age of two suffering from it. This alarming rate means that nearly half of Guatemalan children face compromised physical, cognitive, and economic development even before beginning school, placing Guatemala among the most affected countries in… [Read More]
Advancing Digital Health in El Salvador: Innovation That Transforms Lives
In El Salvador, innovation is playing a crucial role in closing the health gap for people living with chronic non-communicable diseases in remote communities. A joint United Nations initiative, backed by the Joint SDG Fund, has demonstrated how digital tools can bring quality healthcare closer to those who need it most. By integrating technology into… [Read More]
Closing the Climate Finance Gap: Pathways to Resilience in Asia-Pacific
The Inclusive Climate Finance Dialogue for a Resilient Asia-Pacific, organized by the UNDP Climate Finance Network and UN Capital Development Fund with support from the UK FCDO and Sweden Sida, concluded last week after three days of discussions. The event brought together governments, financial institutions, private sector representatives and development partners to explore ways of… [Read More]
Aid Agencies Urge Global Support for Afghanistan After Devastating Earthquake
A 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday, killing 2,205 people, injuring thousands, and burying several villages under rubble. The disaster has placed enormous pressure on already stretched local rescue teams, with access to some of the hardest-hit areas like Kunar hampered by rockfalls and landslides. Aid agencies on the ground have warned that… [Read More]
Malawi Elections 2025: A Chance to End Human Rights Abuses
Amnesty International has urged Malawi’s presidential and parliamentary candidates to prioritize the promotion and protection of human rights before, during, and after the country’s general elections on 16 September. Ahead of the elections, the organization published a human rights manifesto highlighting eight key priorities for the incoming government, including the right to food, women’s rights,… [Read More]
Iceland Hosts Specialized Training for Refugee Law Practitioners
The UNHCR Representation for the Nordic and Baltic Countries is hosting a one-day online training aimed at strengthening the capacity of refugee law practitioners in Iceland. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, provides assistance and advocates for the rights of forcibly displaced and stateless people worldwide. In Iceland, UNHCR engages with the government, local authorities, civil… [Read More]
Burkina Faso Criminalizes Same-Sex Relationships Amid Human Rights Concerns
On September 1, 2025, Burkina Faso’s Transitional Legislative Assembly passed a law criminalizing consensual same-sex relations, marking a significant setback for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. Those found guilty under the new law could face two to five years in prison and fines. The legislation infringes upon LGBT people’s rights… [Read More]
World Relief Criticizes End of Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelan Nationals
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans who have been residing in the United States since at least March 2021. This policy change will take effect 60 days after the official notice is published, leaving many Venezuelans without lawful work authorization… [Read More]
Noem Allocates $110 Million in Federal Grants to Strengthen Security in Faith-Based Organizations
On August 19, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced $110 million in grants to over 600 faith-based organizations and nonprofits nationwide through FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). The funding aims to help houses of worship, schools, and community centers strengthen defenses against violent attacks, with eligibility extended to all faith-based organizations. The… [Read More]
EU and ASEAN Launch €30 Million Programmes to Protect Biodiversity
On the sidelines of the 1st ASEAN–EU Ministerial Dialogue on Environment and Climate Change in Langkawi on 4 September 2025, the European Union announced two regional programmes aimed at promoting nature-based solutions, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience across Southeast Asia. Together, these initiatives represent an EU contribution of EUR 30 million and are designed to… [Read More]
Saskatchewan Boosts Maternal Mental Health with New Funding Support
The Government of Saskatchewan is investing $100,000 annually in the Saskatchewan Perinatal Health Network (SaskPHN) to establish a province-wide maternal mental health support program. The initiative will offer free in-person and virtual peer support services for new and expecting parents across Saskatchewan, providing access to compassionate care during pregnancy and early parenthood. Mental Health and… [Read More]
Australia Pledges AUD 4 Million to Boost Safe Trade in Developing Nations
Australia is contributing AUD 4 million (approximately CHF 2.1 million) through the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) to help developing countries and least-developed countries (LDCs) benefit from global agriculture markets. This funding supports the STDF’s 2025–2030 Strategy, “Facilitating Safe Trade to Meet the Global Goals,” which aims to strengthen sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) capacities,… [Read More]
Transforming Panama’s Municipal Markets: Turning Waste into Sustainable Resilience
The municipal markets of Panama City are more than centers for trade—they are hubs of culture, food, and community, and increasingly, spaces for innovation in waste management. These markets generate significant organic waste, yet much of it remains edible, highlighting the contrast between food loss and persistent hunger in the country. Fundación Rescate de Alimentos… [Read More]
Feds Set to Release $185 Million in AmeriCorps Funding Within Weeks
Maryland was among more than two dozen states that recently claimed the federal government was withholding millions in AmeriCorps funding, marking a second round of cuts to the national service program since April. The dispute arose after AmeriCorps officials placed most of their headquarters staff on leave and dismissed thousands of members amid financial audit… [Read More]
US Approves $32.5 Million Aid to Support Nigeria’s Fight Against Hunger
The United States has approved $32.5 million in assistance to Nigeria to address hunger, marking a rare policy shift after most aid was suspended under former President Donald Trump. The funding, delivered through the US mission to Nigeria, will provide food and nutritional support to internally displaced people in conflict-affected areas. Northern Nigeria is facing… [Read More]
Viet Nam’s Human Development Journey: UNDP Highlights Grit and Perseverance
Viet Nam recently celebrated 80 years since its declaration of independence, a milestone reflecting the nation’s resilience and progress. This anniversary coincides with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, underscoring a shared history of collaboration between Viet Nam and the UN built on values such as dignity, equality, and the belief in human potential…. [Read More]
WHO Launches First Online Training for Urban Health Capacity Assessment Toolkit
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently conducted its first online training on the Urban Health Capacity Assessment and Response Resource Kit, engaging 58 practitioners and policymakers from 22 countries across all six WHO regions. Participants represented local and national governments, regional and global city networks, and civil society organizations, working together to strengthen cross-sectoral action… [Read More]
Odesa Nursery School Reopens with UNDP and Japan’s Support After War Damage
Kindergarten No. 141 in Odesa has reopened after more than two years of closure due to war damage, offering children a safe and renewed learning environment. The restoration of the facility was led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the Government of Japan. Of the kindergarten’s three buildings, one has been… [Read More]
Grassroots Justice Uncovered: Strategies from Informal Settlements Worldwide
IDRC and the Grassroots Justice Network have launched a freely available book titled Legal Empowerment in Informal Settlements: Grassroots Experiences from the Global South. The volume presents a collection of case studies showcasing how grassroots, community-led justice strategies—known as legal empowerment—are advancing human rights in urban informal settlements across the Global South. Residents of informal… [Read More]
