The World Bank has approved a new loan to support the expansion of Colombia’s Multipurpose Cadaster, a key instrument for modernizing land administration. By updating cadastral information nationwide, the initiative aims to strengthen land tenure security, improve local government finances, and enhance public investment. Citizens and municipalities will benefit from better access to cadastral services,… [Read More]
Business
Asian Development Bank Strengthens Indonesia’s Clean Energy Shift
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $470 million results-based loan to Indonesia’s state electricity company, PLN, to accelerate the country’s transition to clean and renewable energy. The program, known as the Accelerating Indonesia’s Clean Energy Transition Program—Phase 1, aims to support Indonesia’s shift toward low-carbon growth and help the nation strengthen its long-term… [Read More]
Infosys Introduces AI-First GCC Framework to Power Next-Gen Innovation Centers
Infosys announced the launch of its new AI-First GCC Model, a specialized offering designed to accelerate the creation and transformation of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) into AI-powered innovation hubs. The new model aims to help enterprises position their GCCs as strategic assets that enhance innovation, agility, and competitiveness in an AI-driven world. The offering builds… [Read More]
How Agriculture Can Drive Climate Action: Turning Ambition Into Real Impact
Agriculture in Europe and Central Asia faces growing risks from climate change, affecting food production, rural livelihoods, and ecosystems. However, the sector also offers significant opportunities to advance low-emission and climate-resilient development. To strengthen regional cooperation and collective climate action, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) convened the Fourth Regional Climate… [Read More]
Ghana Advances Development Goals Through Intelligent De-Risking of Private Sector Finance
Micro, small, and medium enterprises are central to Ghana’s economy, yet many business owners continue to face major barriers to financial inclusion. Although MSMEs generate most of the country’s employment and economic activity, many operate informally, lack financial literacy, and cannot access traditional financial services. As a result, they frequently rely on high-interest digital loans… [Read More]
Malaysia Launches Sustainability Training to Support Employers with New Compliance Demands
The International Labour Organization has supported the launch of a new sustainability training package designed to help Malaysian employers adapt to rising compliance standards. Introduced during an orientation session hosted by the Malaysian Employers Federation in Kuala Lumpur, the programme was developed by the University of Malaysia and will be officially launched in early 2026…. [Read More]
Ontario Announces $16.5 Million Investment to Protect Tariff-Affected Workers and Employers
The Ontario government has announced a $16.5 million investment through the Ontario Together Trade Fund to support companies and workers affected by U.S. tariffs. This funding will help businesses strengthen their resilience, expand production capacity and bring critical supply chains back to Ontario. The first round of funding includes eight projects representing over $120 million… [Read More]
Government of Canada Boosts Francophone Entrepreneurship and Bilingual Skills in Southern Ontario
The Government of Canada has announced more than $1 million in new investments to strengthen bilingual workforce development and support Francophone entrepreneurship across southern Ontario. The funding aims to build inclusive and resilient communities by creating meaningful employment opportunities for official language minority communities and newcomers, while addressing the talent needs of local businesses. The… [Read More]
Advancing decent work in East Africa: ILO IMPLEMENT’s impact in Kenya and Uganda
In October, over 60 representatives from governments, social partners, and civil society in Kenya and Uganda participated in a series of activities under the ILO IMPLEMENT project, funded by the Government of Flanders, Belgium, to advance decent work through trade and investment policy. The programme, facilitated by experts from the ILO Research Department and the… [Read More]
Government of Canada Invests in Women’s Sports to Strengthen Communities and the Economy
The Government of Canada has announced its intention to invest up to $5.45 million in the growth of the Northern Super League (NSL), Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league. The announcement was made during the NSL Final at BMO Field in Toronto, a landmark event that celebrates not only sporting excellence but also community pride,… [Read More]
New Tourism Adaptation Plan Unveiled to Boost Climate Resilience in the Sector
Ireland has launched its first Tourism Sectoral Adaptation Plan for 2025–2030, reflecting the government’s commitment to helping communities, ecosystems, and businesses respond to rising climate risks. The plan was developed in response to recent extreme weather events, which have highlighted the urgent need for stronger climate resilience across the country. As tourism remains a vital… [Read More]
Africa-Asia Platform Unveiled by Japan and AfDB to Drive Youth Innovation and Startups
The African Development Bank has launched the Africa-Asia (A-A) Platform, a new initiative aimed at strengthening knowledge transfer, technology exchange and innovation between the two regions. The rollout ceremony took place at the United Nations University in Tokyo and brought together senior leaders from the African Development Bank Group, the University of Pretoria and the… [Read More]
From Farms to Frontlines: How Women Are Driving Climate Solutions in Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, with floods, droughts, heatwaves, and storms increasingly disrupting landscapes and livelihoods. While global frameworks such as CEDAW, the Beijing Platform for Action, and the SDGs stress that gender equality is key to sustainable food systems and climate action, climate impacts affect women disproportionately. Women constitute over… [Read More]
Indigenous Activists Storm COP30 Summit in Brazil, Demand Stronger Climate Action
Hundreds of people joined an Indigenous-led protest during the second day of the COP30 UN climate summit in Belem, Brazil, drawing attention to growing tensions over the Brazilian government’s claim that Indigenous voices are central to the event. The protest escalated when dozens of Indigenous activists forced their way into the conference venue after a… [Read More]
UK Invests £21 Million to Strengthen Cyber Security Through Advanced Hardware Technology
The UK government has announced up to £21 million in new funding to boost cyber security by embedding advanced protections directly into the hardware of digital systems. This investment, delivered through Innovate UK and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, will help ensure that everything from critical infrastructure to household devices benefits from stronger,… [Read More]
How Swapy Is Transforming Last-Mile Delivery with Uruguay’s First Electric Battery Swap Network
Uruguay, already recognized as a global leader in clean energy, is accelerating its shift toward sustainable mobility through a new initiative supported by the Renewable Energy Innovation Fund (REIF). Implemented by UNIDO in collaboration with the Resident Coordinator’s Office, UN Women, UNDP, and national partners, REIF is driving the country’s Second Energy Transition. A major… [Read More]
Ontario Launches New Student and Family Support Offices in Every School Board
The Ontario government is introducing a new requirement for all school boards to establish Student and Family Support Offices to give parents and guardians a clearer and more efficient way to address concerns about their child’s education. These offices are intended to help families navigate complex or unresolved issues after initial discussions with teachers and… [Read More]
Mongolia Streamlines MSME Regulations with Support from the ILO
Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) make up nearly 70 percent of Mongolia’s total employment, yet many struggle to access public services due to lengthy and complex procedures. To help address these issues, the ILO, together with key ministries, held a workshop on 28 October 2025 aimed at improving MSME registration and licensing processes. The… [Read More]
How Digital Transformation and Public Sector Reform Are Accelerating Western Balkans’ EU Integration and Economic Development
The Western Balkans—comprising Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia—are undergoing rapid transformation as they modernize public institutions and embrace digital technologies. Despite global uncertainties, the region continues to experience steady economic growth supported by improvements in governance, increased business confidence, and expanding job opportunities. As the countries move closer to European… [Read More]
Asian Development Bank Launches Türkiye Operations, Targets $3 Billion Yearly Financing for 2026–2027
The Asian Development Bank has officially launched its operations in Türkiye following high-level meetings between ADB President Masato Kanda and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara. During the discussions, ADB reaffirmed its intention to provide $3 billion annually in project financing for 2026 and 2027, supporting Türkiye’s national development priorities. President Kanda emphasized Türkiye’s strategic… [Read More]
Palestinian NGO Denied Appeal on UK F-35 Export Ruling to Israel
A Palestinian human rights organization, Al-Haq, has been denied permission to appeal a UK court ruling that permitted components of F-35 fighter jets to be exported indirectly to Israel. Al-Haq, based in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, had previously challenged the UK’s Department for Business and Trade over its decision to exempt F-35 parts from a… [Read More]
€30 Million Funding Mobilised by EIB Global and ZICB to Strengthen Zambian Agri-Businesses
The European Investment Bank’s international arm, EIB Global, and Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank (ZICB) have signed an agreement to mobilise a combined €30 million to support private sector development in Zambia’s agricultural sector. The announcement was made during the EU-Zambia Lobito Corridor Business Forum in the presence of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and EU Commissioner… [Read More]
Strengthening EU-Laos Relations Through Sustainable Tourism Dialogue
The European Union Delegation to Lao PDR, in collaboration with the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Laos, hosted the EU–Laos Business Talk & Networking event in Luang Prabang to mark the 50th anniversary of EU–Laos relations. The event was co-chaired by Mr. Mark Gallagher, EU Ambassador to Lao PDR, and Mr. Bounleua Sinxayvoravong,… [Read More]
