The World Bank Group has launched a $6 billion insurance-backed facility to expand lending to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in emerging markets, supporting job creation and private sector growth. Through this initiative, participating insurers share credit risk on a portion of eligible loans made by IFC, the World Bank Group’s private sector arm,… [Read More]
IFC Invests in Seraya Partners Fund II for Sustainable Southeast Asia Infrastructure
On 25 February 2026, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, announced a USD 25 million equity commitment to Seraya Partners Fund II, a private equity infrastructure fund managed by Seraya Partners. This commitment anchors the Fund’s Southeast Asia Emerging Markets sleeve, targeting critical infrastructure investments across Indonesia, Malaysia, the… [Read More]
Bangladesh Unveils Third National Faunal Red List
On 14 January 2026, the Bangladesh Forest Department (BFD) and IUCN Bangladesh officially launched the project “Updating the Faunal Red List of Bangladesh,” marking a key step in strategic national conservation planning. This initiative aims to provide an up-to-date assessment of the conservation status of the country’s wildlife, supporting evidence-based policymaking and biodiversity protection efforts…. [Read More]
Driving Nature-Positive Agriculture: IUCN and CGIAR Join Forces
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and CGIAR have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in transforming global food and agricultural systems towards a nature-positive approach. The partnership will focus on promoting sustainable production landscapes, land restoration, and the integration of biodiversity conservation into food and agricultural practices. With billions… [Read More]
BESTLIFE2030: €8M for 81 EU Biodiversity Projects
The second call for proposals under the BESTLIFE2030 Programme will channel over €8 million to support 81 locally led biodiversity projects across the European Union’s outermost regions (ORs) and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs). This milestone reflects strong interest in the Programme and contributes to the overall €23.4 million budget, which is expected to fund… [Read More]
Aid Groups Denied Entry to Gaza and West Bank by Israel
Israeli authorities plan to bar 37 international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) from operating in Gaza and the West Bank starting March 1, 2026, after the groups refused to provide lists of their staff and biodata under new registration requirements. Humanitarian organizations argue that these rules undermine the principles of neutrality and independence, threatening the delivery of… [Read More]
Marriage in Iraq: The Impact of the Personal Status Code
Iraq’s recently amended Personal Status Code has significantly weakened legal protections for women and girls, particularly by facilitating child marriage and creating a parallel religious legal system. Drawing on court observations and survivor testimonies, it is evident that unregistered religious marriages, previously illegal, are now legitimized, exposing underage brides to abuse and undermining state oversight…. [Read More]
Budget Bill C-15 Faces Scrutiny in Open Letter to Federal MPs
The resilience of Canadian democracy and the rule of law is both fragile and invaluable, serving as a cornerstone for protecting communities, sovereignty, and the economy. Bill C-15, presented as the federal government’s response to economic challenges, contains provisions that pose a direct threat to this constitutional framework, undermining the principles of democratic governance. Within… [Read More]
Angola Faces Backlash Over Bill Limiting Civil Society
Human Rights Watch has raised concerns over a bill passed by Angola’s parliament on January 22, 2026, aimed at regulating nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). The legislation, formally titled the Law on the Statute of Non-Governmental Organizations, grants broad administrative powers to the government, allowing authorities to authorize, monitor, suspend, and impose financial restrictions on NGOs. Human… [Read More]
Sudan Crisis: People with Disabilities Targeted in North Darfur
Human Rights Watch has documented systematic targeting, abuse, and killings of people with disabilities by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during and after their takeover of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, on October 26, 2025. Survivors and witnesses reported that RSF fighters singled out people because of physical or cognitive disabilities, accused them… [Read More]
Acute Hunger in Somalia Doubles Over the Past Year, Says Report
According to the latest analysis by the IPC food security monitoring platform, more than 1.8 million children under five in Somalia are at risk of acute malnutrition between now and June 2026. This alarming situation follows the failed October–December Deyr rains, which sharply reduced crop production, leaving poor farmers, pastoralists, and internally displaced people particularly… [Read More]
Concerns Grow Over Forced Returns of Burundian Refugees in Tanzania
As of November 2025, over 140,000 Burundian refugees were residing in neighbouring Tanzania, having fled years of civil unrest in Burundi. While thousands continue to return voluntarily, UNHCR officials warn that many still require international protection, particularly those fearing for their safety or political persecution, including members of the opposition and former military personnel. Up… [Read More]
Gaza Children Share Their Hopes for a Safe and Peaceful Future
Thousands of children in Gaza have participated in the “The Gaza We Want” initiative, expressing their hopes for peace and a better future through art, poetry, and models made from rubble caused by the ongoing conflict. Supported by UNICEF, the initiative engages children aged five to 18 to share their vision for rebuilding Gaza, which… [Read More]
$13.5 Million Granted for Preservation of Black Churches
The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a division of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has awarded $8.5 million in grants to 33 historically Black churches through its fourth annual Preserving Black Churches (PBC) program. This funding supports the preservation, stewardship, and long-term sustainability of sacred spaces that are central to Black faith, culture,… [Read More]
CEB and Türkiye Sign Loans to Boost Earthquake Resilience and Mobility
During Governor Carlo Monticelli’s first visit to Türkiye, the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) and the Ministry of Treasury and Finance signed two loan agreements totaling €280 million to enhance earthquake preparedness and sustainable urban transport in Istanbul. A €230 million loan will continue financing the Istanbul Seismic Risk Mitigation and Emergency Preparedness Project… [Read More]
Japan, UN-Habitat, JICA Partner to Boost School Disaster Resilience in KPK
The Government of Japan, UN-Habitat, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed an Exchange of Notes and a Grant Agreement on 11 February 2026 to strengthen the disaster resilience of educational infrastructure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. The initiative is funded through a grant of JPY 427 million (approximately USD 2.7 million) from the Government… [Read More]
$1 Million Grants Strengthen State’s Fight Against Human Trafficking
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is awarding $1 million in grants to five organizations leading the fight against human trafficking in the state. Administered through the Human Trafficking Response Unit, the funding will support providers offering direct services to survivors, including legal advocacy, staffing, community outreach, facility security, and professional development. Drummond emphasized that combating… [Read More]
Ukraine Conflict 4-Year Update: Civilian Deaths Climb, Aid Hits Low
Civilian deaths and injuries in Ukraine rose sharply in 2025, with more than 2,500 civilians killed and over 12,100 injured—a 31% increase compared to 2024 and 71% higher than in 2023. This escalation comes as humanitarian funding coverage fell to just 56% of projected needs, leaving millions of people who have endured four years of… [Read More]
Drought in Somalia 2026: Acute Hunger Levels Double, Warns Latest IPC Report
A new report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) highlights a sharp rise in hunger across Somalia following four consecutive seasons of failed rains and steep cuts in humanitarian funding. In January, an estimated 4.8 million people faced Crisis-level or worse acute food insecurity, with projections indicating that number could reach 6.5 million… [Read More]
EU Communicating Europe Initiative: Grant Applications Now Open
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, and the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, have announced that applications are now open for the 2026 Communicating Europe Initiative. This government-backed programme provides funding to voluntary organisations, educational institutions, and civil society groups for projects designed to increase… [Read More]
Funding Opportunity: Joint R&D Call for AI, Data and Quantum Tech
The Ministry of the Economy and the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR), in collaboration with Luxinnovation, have launched a new joint call for research and development (R&D) projects focused on Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Quantum Technologies. The initiative is designed to foster collaboration between companies and public research institutions, accelerate the deployment of advanced… [Read More]
Support for Local Communities: £100,000 Pledged to Voluntary Organisations
Cambridge City Council has pledged the equivalent of £100,000 to support voluntary and community sector organisations through its Match My Project initiative, which connects local community needs with businesses able to offer resources, skills, and support. This platform allows charities, social enterprises, grassroots organisations, and voluntary groups to request specific assistance—from funding to professional expertise… [Read More]
Royal Borough Boosts Community Projects with Innovation Funding
Eight more community organisations in the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead (RBWM) have received funding to deliver a range of programmes supporting wellbeing, inclusion, and community engagement. Funded activities include exercise classes, sports, peer support, crafts, community events, digital inclusion workshops, and play sessions for children, addressing diverse needs across the borough. The RBWM… [Read More]
