The World Bank has highlighted agribusiness accelerators as an important pathway for scaling agricultural innovation, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods for smallholder farmers. The initiative is part of the broader AgriConnect program, which aims to strengthen agricultural ecosystems through improved infrastructure, policy reforms, access to finance, and innovation-driven solutions. The report emphasizes that the future… [Read More]

India and the European Union have launched a joint €15.2 million (₹169 crore) research and innovation programme to advance electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling. Announced on May 5 under the India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Working Group on Green and Clean Energy Technologies, the initiative invites collaborative proposals focused on recycling EV batteries, with… [Read More]

One World Media has officially announced the nominees for the 2026 One World Media Awards, including the Women’s Solutions Reporting Award supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB). The awards celebrate outstanding journalism and storytelling focused on the Global South, recognizing media professionals who highlight underreported issues, challenge stereotypes, and inspire social change. A large… [Read More]

Humanitarian and development organizations have expressed shock and sadness over the killing of Wesam Qaid, Acting Executive Director of the Social Fund for Development (SFD) in Yemen. Wesam was abducted on 3 May and later found dead in Aden, a tragic loss for the development community. Wesam was widely respected for his leadership and dedication… [Read More]

The anniversary of the conflict in Sudan highlights both the immense needs and the collective efforts to respond. In North Darfur, Tawila has become a refuge for displaced families, with Debaneira camp now one of the largest, hosting thousands of individuals who fled Zamzam camp in El Fasher. Living conditions remain extremely strained, with limited… [Read More]

Suriname is strengthening its national efforts to eliminate the mother-to-child transmission of syphilis as part of broader regional health initiatives supported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The initiative focuses on improving maternal and child healthcare systems, increasing early detection, and ensuring timely treatment for pregnant women affected by syphilis. These measures are considered… [Read More]

The European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine have officially launched Phase II of the EU4Recovery initiative, a strategic partnership designed to support war-affected communities across Ukraine while advancing the country’s path toward European integration. The new phase builds upon the achievements of the first programme cycle, which supported more than… [Read More]

Gender stereotypes are deeply embedded in everyday life, shaping expectations about how people should look, behave, and contribute to society. They are not harmless cultural norms but powerful forces that restrict freedom, reinforce inequality, and enable violence. Under the CEDAW treaty, governments are obligated to eliminate these stereotypes. The committee responsible for monitoring compliance is… [Read More]

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has expressed serious concern over the persistent overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Australia’s criminal justice system. The Committee warned that the situation reflects systemic and structural racial discrimination affecting Indigenous communities across the country. (ohchr.org) According to information reviewed by the… [Read More]

The document pays tribute to four remarkable women recognized as the “Mothers of Africa” by Bread and Water for Africa® in honor of Mother’s Day. Each has dedicated her life to caring for orphaned and vulnerable children, creating safe havens and opportunities for thousands across sub‑Saharan Africa. Phyllis Keino of Kenya is celebrated as the… [Read More]

The United Nations has reported a sharp rise in civilian casualties in Ukraine after intensified attacks across several regions during the first week of May 2026. According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, at least 70 civilians have been killed and more than 500 injured in less than a week as violence… [Read More]

Bahrain and the United States have introduced a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council calling on Iran to stop attacks and threats against commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal is supported by Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, reflecting growing regional concern over security and stability in… [Read More]

Oil prices have risen sharply due to geopolitical tensions and disruptions in global energy markets, bringing renewed attention to the strong connection between fossil fuels, plastics and climate change. Since most conventional plastics are produced from oil and natural gas, higher energy prices are increasing the cost of manufacturing plastic products. This situation is encouraging… [Read More]

Hopolang Phororo, the UN Resident Coordinator in Namibia, has reflected on the UN’s role in supporting the country’s ambition to create 500,000 jobs. She emphasized that stronger coordination between partners and programmes, a clearer focus on proven approaches, and improved engagement with small businesses will better equip Namibia’s labour market to generate opportunities and absorb… [Read More]

The United Nations has raised concerns over worsening humanitarian crises in Somalia, Gaza, Ukraine and Tunisia, highlighting growing hunger, conflict impacts and human rights violations affecting millions of people. In Somalia, the World Food Programme (WFP) warned that severe drought, conflict and funding shortages are driving millions into acute food insecurity. Around 6.5 million people… [Read More]

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has launched its first significant risk transfer (SRT) transaction worth €1 billion, marking a major step in mobilising private capital and expanding lending capacity in emerging markets. The initiative, structured as a synthetic securitisation and branded “Mosaic,” is designed to transfer credit risk on a diversified portfolio… [Read More]

The Government of Bangladesh has reaffirmed its commitment to multilateral cooperation and sustainable development through a renewed contribution to the core resources of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The contribution reflects Bangladesh’s continued support for global development initiatives and its commitment to addressing complex international challenges through collective action. UNDP stated that flexible core… [Read More]

Bulgaria’s Sofia Airport is undergoing a major transformation through a long-term public-private partnership supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). With assistance from the EBRD’s Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility, the Bulgarian government successfully launched a 35-year concession aimed at unlocking investment, tourism and trade opportunities for… [Read More]

On 31 March 2026, the International Labour Organization (ILO) held a progress review meeting with Mongolia’s National Statistics Office (NSO) to advance efforts under the Formalization of the Informal Economy Project. The initiative builds on an e‑formalization assessment conducted in 2024, which explored the possibility of creating a national database of self‑employed workers by using… [Read More]

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), with support from the European Union (EU), has announced a JOD 10 million ($14.1 million) loan to Aqaba Digital Hub (ADH) in Jordan to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure and position it as a regional technology hub. Capital Bank of Jordan is also participating as a parallel… [Read More]

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has announced the three finalists for the 2026 EBRD Literature Prize, recognizing outstanding literary fiction translated into English from countries where the bank operates. The annual prize celebrates both authors and translators for bringing international literature to wider global audiences. The finalists for this year’s award include Akram Aylisli… [Read More]

During the 10th joint World Bank–French Development Agency Implementation Support Mission of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) in Abuja, stakeholders reviewed progress and reaffirmed the importance of strengthening rural connectivity and resilience across Nigeria. The mission, held from 4 to 8 May, brought together government representatives, development partners, and technical experts to… [Read More]

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Acba bank have signed a €50 million unfunded portfolio risk-sharing agreement aimed at improving access to finance for businesses in Armenia. The agreement was officially signed in London and is expected to strengthen support for the country’s private sector, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. Under the arrangement, the… [Read More]