As countries work to implement the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), increasing attention is being paid to how area-based conservation can support biodiversity while also benefiting human and animal health. The 1Health4Nature webinar, Beyond Protected Areas: understanding the role of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), held on 9 December 2025, explored how OECMs can complement… [Read More]
IUCN 2025 Congress Highlights: Insights for Eastern Europe and Central Asia
The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, held from 9 to 15 October, marked a milestone for global conservation, bringing together over 10,000 participants from 189 countries across more than 1,000 events. The Congress provided a platform for sharing innovative ideas, forging partnerships, and committing to bold conservation initiatives that will influence environmental… [Read More]
Climate Risks as Financial Risks: Lessons from Mongolia’s Experience
Climate change has emerged as a pressing economic and financial threat, no longer confined to environmental concerns. In Asia and the Pacific, nearly 85 per cent of people are projected to face multiple climate hazards even under the targeted 1.5°C warming scenario. Mongolia exemplifies these vulnerabilities, ranking 19th out of 171 countries on the Global… [Read More]
Year Ahead 2026: Five Deadly Diseases Threatening Children’s Health
In 2026, five deadly diseases—cholera, measles, malaria, tuberculosis, and diarrhoea—pose a major threat to children, as aid cuts, climate change, and conflict converge to reverse years of progress, according to Save the Children. Global health funding for low- and middle-income countries fell by at least 20% in 2025, hitting sub-Saharan Africa hardest. Health systems in… [Read More]
Stronger Together: Key Milestones and Achievements That Shaped 2025
Looking back on 2025, the year presented both remarkable achievements and significant challenges for global health. Despite major funding cuts and increasing threats to science and solidarity, WHO continued to lead global efforts, advocating for evidence-based health policies, pandemic preparedness, and expanded access to life-saving medicines. Governments advanced major initiatives, including the adoption of the… [Read More]
South Africa Secures Funding to Strengthen Conservation Efforts and Local Economies
South Africa, renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity—from the Succulent Karoo to the bushveld of Limpopo—has long struggled with ensuring that local communities benefit economically from this natural wealth. In response, a new US$46 million initiative titled “Securing Nature’s Contribution to People: Advancing Indigenous and Local Community Livelihoods, Cultural Practices, and Sustainable Land Management” has been… [Read More]
2025 in Review: 7 Inspiring Stories of Clean Energy and Climate Action
Reporting on climate change often focuses on alarming trends, but 2025 has also seen notable progress in clean energy and climate action. The year is set to be the joint-second warmest on record, with extreme weather events affecting Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, California, Texas, southern Europe, and Southeast Asia. Despite these challenges, several positive developments signal… [Read More]
UNCDF Gains Renewed Support from The Netherlands to Expand Investment Expertise in Emerging Markets
The Government of the Netherlands has renewed its funding support to the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), reinforcing the organization’s capacity to design and implement blended finance solutions that mobilize private capital in early-stage and last-mile markets across least developed countries, Small Island Developing States, and fragile contexts. This continued support ensures that UNCDF… [Read More]
US$9 Million Funding to Strengthen Women-Led Businesses in Tonga
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$9 million grant to support Tongan women in business ventures. The initiative aims to promote the growth of women-owned and women-led micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, providing them with the resources and guidance needed to expand their operations. According to Aaron Batten, regional director of ADB’s Pacific… [Read More]
Comau Receives €50 Million from Italy for Industrial Robotics and Advanced Automation Innovation
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €50 million financing agreement with Comau to support the company’s research, development, and innovation activities in robotics, advanced automation, machine tools, and digital technologies for multiple industrial sectors, including automotive, aerospace, construction, renewable energy, and logistics. The funding, concentrated at Comau’s facilities in Turin and Bari, aims… [Read More]
Iran Nuclear Dispute Leaves UN Security Council Split, Sanctions Continue
The UN’s chief diplomat, Rosemary DiCarlo, reported that despite intensified diplomatic efforts in the latter half of 2025, no consensus was reached on the future of the Iran nuclear programme. She emphasized that the optimal path for the international community remains a negotiated settlement that ensures a peaceful nuclear programme in Iran while offering sanctions… [Read More]
UN Warns of Widespread Pressure on Civilians Ahead of Myanmar Elections
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has warned that Myanmar’s upcoming military-controlled elections are being conducted amid heightened violence, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests, leaving no room for free or meaningful participation. He highlighted that the current environment suppresses fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. The first phase of… [Read More]
WHO South-East Asia Region: 2024 Overview of Influenza Preparedness and Response Activities
In 2024, Member States in the WHO South-East Asia Region (SEAR) continued implementing influenza preparedness measures in alignment with the WHO Global Influenza Strategy (2019–2030) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) framework, in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005). WHO’s efforts focused on achieving two key outcomes: ensuring the availability of improved global tools… [Read More]
Suicide Awareness: How Media Engagement Can Change the Narrative
The Ministry of Health and Social Services in Namibia reported that 1,474 Namibians have lost their lives to suicide over the past three years, highlighting the urgent need for responsible media reporting on the issue. This engagement with media houses was prompted by concerns over a possible suicide contagion following coverage of suicides by influential… [Read More]
World Bank Supports Armenia to Expand Affordable Housing for Refugees and Boost Mortgage Market
The World Bank has approved $250 million in financing for the Armenia Housing Response and Mortgage Market Enhancement Project, aimed at improving access to affordable housing for refugee households while strengthening Armenia’s housing and mortgage systems. The financing includes a $24.4 million grant from the Global Concessional Financing Facility and a $10 million grant from… [Read More]
WFP Expands Assistance to Displaced Communities in Eastern DRC Amid Funding Shortfalls
The United Nations World Food Programme is scaling up life-saving assistance for people displaced by escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, with more than 210,000 of the most vulnerable individuals targeted for immediate support. Although some food supplies have already been pre-positioned in affected areas, WFP has warned that additional funding is… [Read More]
Norway Supports WFP to Address Rising Food Insecurity in South Sudan
The United Nations World Food Programme has welcomed a contribution of NOK 128.6 million, equivalent to US$12.5 million, from the Government of Norway to support food and nutrition assistance in South Sudan. The funding will enable WFP to deliver life-saving assistance to vulnerable populations while strengthening community resilience and supporting essential services that underpin humanitarian… [Read More]
Djibouti Advances Sustainable Energy Through Solar Self-Consumption Initiatives
Djibouti’s abundant sunshine has long stood in contrast to its high electricity costs and limited energy access, with families and businesses facing some of the highest power prices in Africa due to complex and expensive generation systems. This situation has constrained economic opportunity, strained household budgets and limited reliable access to electricity, particularly in rural… [Read More]
ILO and Business Organizations Join Forces to Advance Global Environmental, Social and Governance Standards
The International Labour Organization has reported a significant rise in environmental, social and governance engagement among Employer and Business Membership Organisations, driven by growing demand from their members worldwide. Findings from a new ILO ACT/EMP survey show that ESG has evolved from a voluntary good practice into a core element of business competitiveness and resilience… [Read More]
€16.4 Million Boost for Diaspora Projects Announced by Ministers McEntee and Richmond
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee TD and Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond TD have announced the allocation of €16.4 million in Emigrant Support Programme funding to more than 530 projects worldwide in 2025. The funding reinforces the Government’s commitment to strengthening connections with Irish citizens and communities… [Read More]
Minister for Mental Health Highlights Christmas Mental Health Supports and Services
Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler T.D. has reminded the public that mental health support is available throughout the Christmas period, acknowledging that the festive season can be particularly challenging for many people. Pressures related to family expectations, financial strain, grief, and emotional stress can have a significant impact on mental wellbeing, making it especially… [Read More]
Lessons for Applying Beyond GDP Metrics at the National Level
The High-Level Expert Group on Beyond GDP has released an interim progress report proposing a framework to complement GDP by incorporating sustainability across economic, environmental, and social pillars, alongside resilience, institutional quality, and international cooperation. The report outlines illustrative indicators covering material well-being, health, education, environmental quality, subjective well-being, social capital, and governance, while also… [Read More]
World Bank and Caixa Partner to Promote Electric Bus Transition in Brazil
The World Bank has approved the first phase of the Brazil Electromobility Multiphase Programmatic Approach to support cities in modernizing public transport, improving service quality, and reducing emissions through the adoption of electric buses and related infrastructure. Implemented by Caixa Econômica Federal, Phase 1 represents a US$500 million investment aimed at accelerating cleaner and more… [Read More]
