The European Union has invested significantly in research and innovation to support the global transformation of agri-food systems. A policy brief analyzing 15 completed projects funded between 2014 and 2024 highlights how these initiatives, aligned with EU frameworks like the Green Deal, Farm to Fork strategy, and the Global Gateway Strategy, have strengthened local research… [Read More]
Antonio Guterres Raises Alarm Over Global Human Rights Abuses
United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres has warned that human rights are under attack globally, describing a world where the rule of law is being steadily replaced by the rule of force. He emphasized that this erosion is deliberate and often driven by those holding the greatest power, leaving millions to suffer through violence, discrimination, and… [Read More]
Moldova’s Green Transition: Why Local Solutions Matter
Moldova’s green transition is often discussed in terms of policy reforms, investments, and alignment with European standards. While these elements are important, the deeper challenge lies in systemic coherence. True coherence cannot be imposed externally—it must be cultivated from within the country. This perspective is informed both by experience in climate policy implementation and by… [Read More]
Ukraine Recovery: $588 Billion Needed Over 10 Years
The updated joint Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA5), issued by the Government of Ukraine, the World Bank Group, the European Commission, and the United Nations, highlights the scale of reconstruction required as the full-scale Russian invasion enters its fifth year. The assessment reports that direct damage in Ukraine has now surpassed $195 billion, up… [Read More]
Updated Report Reveals Ukraine’s $588B Reconstruction Needs
Four years into Russia’s invasion, Ukraine faces unprecedented reconstruction and recovery challenges. An updated joint Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA5) released by the Government of Ukraine, the World Bank Group, the European Commission, and the United Nations estimates that, as of 31 December 2025, Ukraine will require nearly $588 billion (€500 billion) over the… [Read More]
Apply Now: Green Assist Supports Green Investment Initiatives
On 23 February 2026, CINEA launched a new call for projects under Green Assist, the EU advisory initiative aimed at supporting the development of sustainable investment projects across Europe. With a total budget of €3 million, the call offers tailored advisory support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), helping them develop and scale their green… [Read More]
EU/Israel: Calls Grow for Palestinians’ Rights to Lead Peace Agenda
Amnesty International has called on EU foreign ministers to ensure that their meeting on 23 February with Nikolai Mladenov, Director-General of the Board of Peace and High Representative for Gaza, prioritizes the rights of Palestinians. The organization stressed that the EU must address the structural flaws of the Board of Peace mechanism and ensure its… [Read More]
Finland Grants €20M to Strengthen Humanitarian Response in Ukraine
At the start of 2026, Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs prioritized humanitarian assistance to address urgent crises worldwide, with a particular focus on Ukraine, major refugee situations in Africa, and humanitarian needs in the Middle East. Out of a total €72 million in humanitarian aid allocated this year, €20 million has been earmarked specifically for… [Read More]
Advancing Adolescent Health in Central and West Africa
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) launched the webinar series “Thriving in Safety: Advancing Adolescent Health and Rights and Ending Gender-Based Violence in Central and West Africa” to strengthen adolescent health and rights, marking the 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action. The series aimed to foster knowledge exchange,… [Read More]
Introducing the GSMA Innovation Fund for Sustainable Mobile Solutions
The GSMA has launched the Innovation Fund for Green Transition for Mobile, targeting small and growing enterprises across Africa, Central and South America, and South and Southeast Asia. The fund aims to address the dual challenge of advancing digital inclusion while promoting the clean energy transition, alongside exploring innovative solutions for refurbished handsets. By integrating… [Read More]
Leading the Fight Against AMR: Ghana Advances People-Focused Strategies in Africa
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines, making infections harder or impossible to treat. This silent crisis is among the world’s top ten global health threats. AMR makes once-curable infections more difficult and costly to treat, placing immense pressure on health systems and endangering lives. Globally,… [Read More]
WHO Hosts Global Experts in Brazzaville to Boost Filovirus Clinical Care
The World Health Organization (WHO), with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), convened a five-day Filovirus Disease Optimized Supportive Care Workshop in Brazzaville to update and harmonize clinical management guidelines for filovirus diseases (FVD). The workshop brought together 50 clinicians, researchers, and public health specialists from around the world to strengthen preparedness… [Read More]
UN Alerts: 280,000 Displaced Amid Escalating South Sudan Fighting
The recent escalation of fighting in South Sudan has intensified risks for civilians and aid workers, with three humanitarian personnel killed between 7 and 16 February in Jonglei and Upper Nile states, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Despite repeated commitments by authorities to allow relief operations, access to… [Read More]
Ministers Celebrate Key Step Forward for Endangered Bird Conservation
A major milestone has been reached in Ireland’s efforts to protect vulnerable ground-nesting bird species, as 170 landowners have committed to conservation management through the Breeding Waders European Innovation Partnership (EIP). This initiative brings over 2,340 hectares of land under active management to support breeding waders, including the Eurasian Curlew, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Northern Lapwing, Common… [Read More]
20 Years of the Maritime Labour Convention: Ensuring Workers’ Rights at Sea
The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), a landmark treaty that has significantly improved working and living conditions for seafarers worldwide while promoting fair competition in global shipping. Adopted on 23 February 2006 through a unique tripartite consensus… [Read More]
Asia Migrant Workers Struggle in Fishing and Seafood Processing
A regional survey conducted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights persistent challenges faced by migrant workers in Asia’s fishing and seafood processing industries, emphasizing the urgent need to ratify and implement international labour standards on recruitment, work in fishing, and forced labour. The study, titled “Towards fair seas: Recruitment and working conditions for migrant… [Read More]
Updated Report: Ukraine’s Recovery and Reconstruction Needs
Four years into Russia’s invasion, Ukraine faces unprecedented recovery and reconstruction needs, with the updated Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA5) estimating costs at nearly $588 billion (€500 billion) over the next decade, almost three times the country’s projected 2025 nominal GDP. This assessment, prepared jointly by the Government of Ukraine, the World Bank Group,… [Read More]
World Bank Partnership Boosts Job Creation in Papua New Guinea
PORT MORESBY, February 23, 2026 – The World Bank Group has launched a six-year partnership with Papua New Guinea to support key reforms and investments aimed at creating jobs, improving public services, and building long-term resilience. This collaboration, formalized through the approval of the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) on February 17, 2026, will guide World… [Read More]
Congo Basin Countries Chart Carbon Market Strategies
Six countries of the Congo Basin—Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Republic of Congo—have launched Strategic Roadmaps for Carbon Market and Climate Finance in the Forest Sector. Developed with support from the World Bank, these roadmaps aim to transform the region’s forest wealth into engines for climate-resilient growth, sustainable… [Read More]
Malawi Economy Outlook: Unlocking Private Sector Growth
LILONGWE, February 24, 2026 — Malawi’s economy faces persistent challenges after years of high inflation, widening fiscal and external deficits, and declining exports, according to the World Bank Group’s latest Malawi Economic Monitor (MEM), Getting Reforms Right. With 270,000 young people entering the labor market annually but only around 40,000 formal jobs created, generating employment… [Read More]
Timor-Leste Uses Data-Driven Census to Boost Social Protection and Reduce Child Stunting
The Government of Timor-Leste, in collaboration with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI), and the National Institute of Statistics of Timor-Leste (INETL), has launched a major data-driven initiative to modernize the country’s social protection system and improve maternal and child nutrition outcomes. In 2026, INETL will… [Read More]
SME Success Stories Worldwide: Insights Nepal Can Adopt (II)
This second part of the analysis highlights additional global best practices that Nepal can adopt to strengthen its SME ecosystem. While Part I focused on financing and regulation, this section emphasizes digital infrastructure, public procurement, human capital, innovation, inclusion, and systemic measurement as key pillars for SME growth. Countries like the USA, Canada, Germany, Australia,… [Read More]
Small Grants, Big Lessons: Sustainability in Global Health
Philanthropy has long faced the challenge of ensuring that investments create lasting change rather than short-term results. This issue has become especially urgent in global health, where funding pressures and deep cuts make it critical for donors to support programs that local governments can sustain independently. Ensuring long-term impact requires strategies that promote local ownership… [Read More]

























