The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in collaboration with the Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB), farmer cooperatives, private sector partners, and development organizations such as IDH, has launched the pilot phase of the Food and Agriculture Resilience Mission Pillar 3 (FARM P3) in Rwanda. The initiative will focus on strengthening maize and soybean value chains… [Read More]
IOM Seeks $16.8M to Scale Up Earthquake Response in Afghanistan Before Winter
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is scaling up life-saving assistance following the powerful earthquakes that struck eastern Afghanistan. In line with the joint humanitarian appeal, IOM is urgently seeking USD 16.8 million to support 134,000 affected people, many of whom have been displaced. The country is already grappling with multiple crises, and the earthquakes… [Read More]
Thailand’s Labour Department Enhances Protection for Women Domestic Workers
Thailand’s Department of Labour Protection and Welfare (DLPW), with support from the ILO’s EU-funded PROTECT project, is advancing efforts to extend labour rights to domestic workers, most of whom are women. The initiatives focus on educating workers about their rights and strengthening the ability of labour inspectors to ensure effective enforcement across the country. A… [Read More]
Kazakhstan Strengthens National Capacity with ILO Labour Inspection Training Program
Kazakhstan is advancing its efforts to modernize labour inspection and strengthen compliance with international labour standards through a recent training-of-trainers course organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Turin, Italy. Supported by the ILO project on promoting occupational safety and health through social dialogue in the mining sector, four officials from the State Labour… [Read More]
Embracing Climate-Smart Growth: A Net Win for Uganda’s Future
Climate change poses a significant threat to Uganda’s economic future, with projections showing it could cut growth by up to 3.1% by 2050. This could push more than 613,000 people into poverty and force 12 million into internal migration. The World Bank Group’s Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) for Uganda, launched in Kampala, highlights… [Read More]
ADB Approves $135 Million to Boost Ocean Health and Water Security in Fiji
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $125 million concessional loan and a $10 million grant to help Fiji strengthen water security and improve ocean and environmental health. The Healthy Oceans and Water Security Improvement Project will focus on major upgrades to the Kinoya wastewater treatment plant in Suva, the development of a more… [Read More]
Nigeria: AfDB and ICRC Join Forces to Strengthen Water Access in Maiduguri
The Government of Borno State, in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has launched a new initiative to expand access to safe, resilient, and inclusive water services in Maiduguri. The partnership was announced at a roundtable on Tuesday, 10 September, marking one year since devastating… [Read More]
£4.75m Investment to Strengthen North Paddington Communities
North Paddington residents are set to benefit from a £4.75 million investment from Westminster City Council, aimed at improving community spaces and supporting grassroots projects that promote skills, jobs, and wellbeing. The funding combines a £4.5 million Community Capital Grants Fund with over £175,000 from the North Paddington Community Chest Fund. Together, the two streams… [Read More]
£170k Boost for East Lothian Community Facilities
More than £170,000 has been awarded to organisations across East Lothian to improve and develop community facilities. The funding comes from East Lothian Council’s Community Intervention Fund, which supports capital projects that help strengthen community life. Eight groups will benefit from the latest round of grants. Eskmuthe Community Rowing Club has received £10,000 towards the… [Read More]
EU to Back 350,000 SMEs with €17.5 Billion Energy Efficiency Push
More than 350,000 European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are set to benefit from a new €17.5 billion financing package by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, supported by the European Commission. The initiative, announced today in Brussels, aims to help SMEs cut energy bills, strengthen competitiveness, and advance Europe’s decarbonisation goals. Running from 2025… [Read More]
CSR Funding Strengthens Subhojanam Kitchens with New Equipment
Touch Stone Charities, an organization affiliated with the Hare Krishna Movement, has received kitchen equipment worth ₹3 lakh from PharmaZell Pvt. Ltd. as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The equipment was formally handed over by PharmaZell MD, Anant Dattatray Barbadhikar, to Nishkrinchan Bhakta Das, President of Touch Stone Charities. PharmaZell’s HR… [Read More]
Journalists Invited to Report on Polio Eradication in Africa Through UN Foundation Fellowship
The United Nations Foundation is seeking applications for its 2025 Polio Press Fellowship, offering journalists a unique opportunity to report on the critical efforts to eradicate polio across Africa. This fellowship aims to raise global awareness about the ongoing fight against polio and its connection to broader health initiatives. Key Takeaways Journalists can receive funding… [Read More]
US Tightens Visa Rules: Indian Students and Visitors Must Apply Domestically
The United States has implemented a significant change in its visa application policy, mandating that Indian students and visitors must now apply for non-immigrant visas exclusively within their country of residence or citizenship. This directive, issued by the Department of State on September 6, aims to streamline the process and potentially curb the practice of… [Read More]
India’s Poverty Reduction Efforts Significantly Impact Global Figures
The World Bank’s recent revision of the International Poverty Line (IPL) to $3 per day has revealed a significant impact from India’s updated poverty data. While the higher threshold was expected to increase global poverty numbers substantially, India’s own revised figures, reflecting improved survey methods and economic progress, have offset a large portion of this… [Read More]
Yemen’s Journalists Under Siege: Arbitrary Detentions, Torture, and Silencing Tactics Intensify
Journalists in Yemen are facing escalating dangers, with warring factions systematically targeting them through arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, torture, and intimidation. This crackdown severely curtails freedom of expression, forcing many journalists to flee the country or self-censor their reporting. Key Takeaways Warring parties in Yemen, including the Houthis, Southern Transitional Council (STC), and the Yemeni… [Read More]
UNICEF Appeals for US$22 Million to Aid Children and Families Affected by Earthquakes in Eastern Afghanistan
In response to the devastating 6.0+ magnitude earthquake that struck Kunar and Nangarhar provinces on 31 August, followed by multiple aftershocks, UNICEF has launched a US$22 million humanitarian appeal to support recovery efforts. The plan aims to reach 400,000 people—including more than 212,000 children—over the next six months with life-saving assistance. The disaster has left… [Read More]
The Asia Foundation Names 2025 William P. Fuller Fellows in Peacebuilding
The Asia Foundation has announced the 2025 cohort of William P. Fuller Fellows in Peacebuilding, recognizing three outstanding young leaders from Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka for their commitment to advancing peace, justice, and community resilience. The fellowship honors early and mid-career professionals who have demonstrated both leadership and promise in the field of… [Read More]
NITI Aayog and UNDP Host National Workshop on Strengthening Capacity for India’s Multidimensional Poverty Index
NITI Aayog, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), convened a one-day National Workshop on “The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): Strengthening Outreach and National Capacity” on 9 September 2025 in New Delhi. Organized under the NITI–State workshop series as part of the State Support Mission, the event highlighted India’s MPI journey while… [Read More]
Eldik Bank and UNDP Join Forces to Boost Green and Climate Finance in Kyrgyzstan
Eldik Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate Kyrgyzstan’s shift toward a green and climate-resilient economy. The agreement paves the way for closer cooperation on sustainable development, climate finance, and the creation of innovative financial products. The partnership will strengthen the banking sector’s ability to… [Read More]
Ukraine Expands Universal Design School to Champion Inclusive and Accessible Recovery
With support from the Government of Japan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine has launched a new cycle of the Universal Design School, an initiative dedicated to advancing inclusive and barrier-free recovery in the country. The programme is designed to ensure that Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts respond to the needs of all citizens, particularly… [Read More]
Mãezinha of Rincão: A Woman of the Sea Pioneering Change in Her Community
On the western coast of Santiago Island in Cabo Verde lies the tranquil fishing village of Rincão, where the Atlantic Ocean shapes the rhythm of daily life. Among the village’s modest homes and bustling fish markets, Maria Sábado Horta Fidalgo, known affectionately as Mãezinha, has carved out a remarkable path. At 44, she is more… [Read More]
Lighting Up Lives: How Clean Energy Is Revolutionizing Healthcare in Africa
In the small rural community of Mhandamabwe, Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe, healthcare used to arrive under the dim glow of candlelight. “We used to request mothers to bring candles and torches as part of delivery services. Installation of solar power has tremendously changed our services,” said Petunia Tshuma, acting Nurse-in-charge at Mhandamabwe Clinic, reflecting on the… [Read More]
Africa Accelerates School Meal Programmes: Millions of Students Benefit as Governments Take the Lead
Across Africa, millions of students are increasingly receiving nutritious school meals as governments take ownership of programmes formerly run by the World Food Programme (WFP), marking a transformative shift in child nutrition, education, and local food systems. At Olympic Secondary School in Nairobi’s sprawling Kibera informal settlement, 17-year-old Mercy Mmboga tends to rows of spinach… [Read More]
