Many upper-middle-income economies are now approaching a critical stage in their development journey, where achieving high-income status requires more than continued investment and technology adoption. At this stage, growth must increasingly be driven by innovation, allowing firms to generate higher productivity, create better-paying jobs, and sustain inclusive economic progress for a more educated workforce. This… [Read More]

In September 2025, the World Bank and the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) entered into a formal partnership through a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening collaboration on river basin and transboundary water management. This agreement builds on years of knowledge exchange, including analytical work on Australia’s experience in managing water for economic, environmental, and cultural… [Read More]

Policy makers require up-to-date poverty data to make informed decisions on budgets, program targeting, and evaluation of economic outcomes. However, in many countries, the latest household surveys containing consumption data are outdated, while newer surveys often lack this critical component. As a result, poverty measurement becomes indirect, and key policy choices are made without reliable… [Read More]

Migrants and refugees in crisis-prone regions such as the Thai-Myanmar border often remain excluded from formal health systems, leaving major gaps in health security and universal health coverage that became especially visible during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, collaborative initiatives like the ANISE network have emerged to strengthen preparedness and improve health outcomes for displaced… [Read More]

The World Economic Forum’s Industry Strategy Meeting in Munich took place in March amid an acute global energy shock, triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the largest emergency oil stock release in the International Energy Agency’s history, with Brent crude surpassing $120 a barrel. Against this backdrop, energy and finance leaders… [Read More]

The concept of Futures Literacy and Foresight (FLF) highlights how people’s imagination of the future strongly shapes present-day decisions, often without conscious awareness. The authors argue that in a time of uncertainty, complexity, and rapid change, there is a growing need to develop the ability to question, unlearn, and reframe assumptions about the future. This… [Read More]

West Northamptonshire Council is launching a £260,000 funding programme to support charities, social enterprises, faith groups, and community organisations across the region by strengthening their capacity, skills, and long-term sustainability. The initiative will deliver a Local Infrastructure Organisation (LIO) grant aimed at helping voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) groups—particularly small, micro, and resident-led… [Read More]

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting decent work and social cohesion in the Sahel region following a high-level mission by Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo to Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from 5 to 15 April 2026. The visit strengthened engagement with governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, the United Nations, and… [Read More]

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has launched a new season of its “Business is not as usual” webinar series, bringing together senior leaders from Employers’ and Business Membership Organizations (EBMOs) to discuss how business institutions can adapt and lead in a rapidly evolving global environment. Launched on 17 April 2026, the series provides a platform… [Read More]

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that Haiti’s food insecurity crisis remains severe, with more than 5.8 million people—around 52% of the population—facing crisis levels or worse of hunger, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis. Among them, over 1.8 million people are experiencing emergency-level food insecurity, struggling… [Read More]

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and ILX Management B.V. (ILX) have completed their first joint transaction, marking a key milestone in their 2023 partnership aimed at mobilising European institutional capital for climate-aligned infrastructure across Africa. ILX has invested $40 million through a funded risk participation in an AfDB-arranged $140 million senior debt facility supporting… [Read More]

Nearly one billion people in Africa still lack access to clean cooking, relying heavily on charcoal, firewood, and kerosene. This widespread dependence exposes households to toxic smoke containing particulate matter and carbon monoxide, with women and children facing the highest health risks. In Sub-Saharan Africa, about four in five households still do not have access… [Read More]

Australians for Mental Health (AFMH) has welcomed the Federal Government’s $517 million Disability Peer Support and Connections Program, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening community-based mental health support across Australia. The initiative aims to fund organisations delivering peer support, capacity building, and social connection services for people with disability under the age of… [Read More]

Vulnerable communities across Malawi are facing severe humanitarian consequences after weeks of intense rainfall triggered widespread flooding across the country. The disaster, which has unfolded throughout March, has affected more than 200,000 people, with tens of thousands displaced as homes, farmland, and essential infrastructure have been destroyed. One of the worst-affected areas is Chikwawa District… [Read More]

The United Kingdom has announced £20.5 million in new humanitarian assistance to support Lebanon’s crisis response, marking a significant expansion of its ongoing aid efforts. The funding was unveiled by UK Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer during his visit to Lebanon, where he also renewed calls for a ceasefire and urged continued diplomatic… [Read More]

Almost 4.5 million people have fled Sudan since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, making it the world’s largest and fastest-growing displacement crisis. According to a joint statement by NGO networks and the East and Central Africa Inter Agency Working Group, refugees are often exposed to violence, exploitation, and severe hardship during their journey,… [Read More]

Lower-income countries have reached a record milestone by contributing US$302 million in 2025 toward Gavi-supported vaccine programmes, reflecting a significant rise in domestic investment in immunisation. According to new data from Gavi, this marks the highest annual contribution to date and comes amid global aid cuts and increasing pressure on external health financing. Over the… [Read More]

The UAE has launched a Dh100 million fund aimed at strengthening the non-profit sector and enhancing its contribution to national development. Announced by Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Empowerment, the initiative is designed to support organisations working in areas such as education, health, environment, community development, and family welfare, while also helping them generate… [Read More]

Hundreds of grassroots organisations across England have received funding through the latest Common Ground Awards, with more than £2 million allocated to 211 community groups. The support recognises local efforts to strengthen social cohesion, reduce divisions, and create opportunities for people from different backgrounds to connect and build trust within their communities. The Common Ground… [Read More]

The Anti-Corruption Action Centre (AntAC), together with partner civil society organisations, has launched a new EU-funded initiative titled “Frontline for Justice: Civic Action to Safeguard Rule of Law and Institutional Integrity.” The project aims to strengthen oversight of justice sector reforms in Ukraine by monitoring legislation, protecting the independence of anti-corruption and judicial institutions, tracking… [Read More]

The United Kingdom, through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and the International Finance Corporation have signed a four-year agreement to strengthen agribusiness financing and job creation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The initiative is designed to expand access to finance for small and medium enterprises, support farmers, and stimulate investment across agricultural value… [Read More]

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and Banco Santander Brasil have announced a strategic partnership to support Brazil’s Eco Invest program, a government-led initiative aimed at attracting foreign private capital to accelerate the country’s transition toward a resilient and sustainable economy. The program is coordinated by Brazil’s Ministry of Finance and Ministry of… [Read More]

Biovac, a leading South African vaccine manufacturer, has secured a major financing package from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the EIB Group, and the European Commission to establish Africa’s first end-to-end multi-vaccine manufacturing facility. The investment combines a $20 million IFC senior loan with additional mobilization underway and a €75 million quasi-equity investment from the… [Read More]