Forty-six women-led businesses in Mongolia have been selected as beneficiaries of the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, launched by the WTO Secretariat and the International Trade Centre (ITC) in 2024. The selected micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) were announced at an event in Ulaanbaatar on 25 August in partnership with the… [Read More]
Business
NUS Secures S$3 Million Mapletree Gift to Expand Service-Learning Courses and Support 60,000+ Seniors and Families
The National University of Singapore (NUS) has received a generous S$3 million pledge from global real estate company Mapletree Investments to strengthen its service-learning courses. This contribution will empower over 4,000 student volunteers annually to support more than 60,000 beneficiaries, including seniors and vulnerable families, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts among government, community, and… [Read More]
Flood Risk Management in the Western Balkans: Strategies and Success Stories
In the Western Balkans, floods in the Drin River Basin, which spans Albania, North Macedonia, and Montenegro, have long threatened communities, farmland, and infrastructure. With climate change accelerating, these floods are becoming more frequent, severe, and destructive, putting farmers, families, and small businesses at heightened risk. Residents like Robert Tonaj in Shkodër, Albania, have seen… [Read More]
Asia-Pacific Accelerates Climate Finance Efforts to Boost Resilience
Over 150 participants from 20 countries, including ministers of finance, development partners, UN agencies, private investors, and civil society representatives, gathered in Bangkok for the Inclusive Climate Finance Dialogue for a Resilient Asia-Pacific. Co-organized by the UNDP Climate Finance Network (CFN) and the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) with support from partners including the UK… [Read More]
$1.7 Million “Stronger Together” Package Supports Families, Communities, and Businesses
Frankston City Council has launched its $1.7 million Local Support Package as part of the 2025–2026 Stronger Together Annual Budget, aimed at providing direct cost-of-living relief to residents, families, and businesses. Mayor Cr Kris Bolam JP described the initiative as one of the most community-driven programs the Council has delivered, emphasizing that it reflects a… [Read More]
Costa Rica Drives Territorial Transformation Through Digital Innovation and Women’s Leadership
In Costa Rica, the Connection SDGs (Conexión ODS) initiative is transforming local communities by combining digital innovation with women’s leadership. By leveraging technology in everyday problem-solving, the programme empowers women entrepreneurs, community leaders, and municipalities to create more inclusive and sustainable futures. Since its inception, over 300 participants have enhanced their skills in digital literacy,… [Read More]
EIB Group Launches TechEU Platform to Simplify Financing for Europe’s Innovative Companies
The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group has launched the TechEU Programme, a landmark initiative designed to mobilise €250 billion in investment by 2027 to support start-ups, scale-ups, and innovative companies across Europe. At the heart of this effort is a fast-track financing system that simplifies the process for businesses to seek funding and ensures swift… [Read More]
World Bank Launches Education Project in Punjab to Benefit 4 Million+ Children
The World Bank has approved a US$47.9 million grant, funded by the Global Partnership for Education Fund, to enhance educational access and quality for children in Pakistan’s Punjab province. The support is aimed at improving participation among both girls and boys at pre-primary and primary levels, strengthening learning outcomes, and providing remedial support for elementary… [Read More]
WFP Highlights India’s Role in Global Hunger Fight as Western Aid Declines
Carl Skau, WFP Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, has emphasized India’s pivotal role in addressing global hunger as Western funding declines. Speaking to PTI, Skau highlighted that India’s homegrown food security solutions, such as grain ATMs, rice fortification, smart warehousing, and supply chain optimisation, are more applicable to crisis-hit regions in Africa and… [Read More]
White Rock Invests in Infrastructure Upgrades to Improve Stormwater Management
The City of White Rock is set to enhance stormwater management and protect local waterways through the Marine Drive Stormwater Improvements project, supported by a combined investment of more than $9.86 million from federal, provincial, and municipal governments. The project targets drainage upgrades along Marine Drive between Stayte Road and Finlay Street, including the installation… [Read More]
Jobs and Livelihoods Key to Building Resilience in Africa
The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) called for stronger action on job creation, skills development, and local capacity building as essential strategies for strengthening resilience in Africa. Their appeal was made during a high-level side event at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9)… [Read More]
Women’s Economic Empowerment: A Game Changer in the Fight Against Poverty
When women gain economic independence, communities thrive. Globally, unlocking women’s full potential in the workforce could generate a staggering $7 trillion boost to the global economy. From the Ground Up: Alice’s Journey Alice, a mother of five, fled conflict in her home region and landed in a displacement settlement with nothing. She began by doing… [Read More]
Kyndryl Announces $2.25 Billion Investment Plan to Expand Operations in India Over Three Years
Kyndryl, a leading provider of mission-critical enterprise technology services, has announced plans to invest $2.25 billion in India over the next three years. The investment aims to modernize essential technology infrastructure, expand artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives, and foster the development of the next generation of technology talent in the country. This growth builds on Kyndryl’s… [Read More]
Why Ghana’s Fight Against Illegal Mining Is Failing
Early in his tenure, in 2017, then Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo declared a moratorium on all small-scale gold mining to combat severe environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey.” He established an inter-ministerial committee on illegal mining and launched a joint military-police taskforce, Operation Vanguard, to enforce the ban. Initially intended to… [Read More]
Governor Hochul Unveils $52.6 Million in New York Broadband Infrastructure Funding
Governor Kathy Hochul announced $52.6 million in broadband infrastructure awards through New York State’s ConnectALL initiative. The funding, distributed across the Municipal Infrastructure Program (MIP), Affordable Housing Connectivity Program (AHCP), and Deployment Program County Partnerships, will directly connect 6,900 locations, including more than 24,000 households, businesses, and anchor institutions across 28 counties. Of these, 19,000… [Read More]
Governor Hochul Awards $11M+ for Clean Hydrogen Research and Development in New York
Governor Kathy Hochul announced over $11 million in funding for five clean hydrogen research and development projects in New York State. These projects aim to advance technology designs, reduce costs of hydrogen storage and distribution, explore large-scale storage opportunities, and deploy zero-emission hydrogen-powered transportation. The initiative addresses key barriers to adopting clean hydrogen as a… [Read More]
Driving Sustainable Development in Africa: Innovations from Four Leading Nations
Across Africa, countries are adopting innovative financial and social strategies to accelerate sustainable development and empower communities, with a focus on women and youth. By leveraging green finance, digital platforms, renewable energy, and results-based investment, these initiatives are redefining development approaches for the 21st century. In Cabo Verde, a small island developing state, the UN-supported… [Read More]
UK Industrial Strategy Invests Over £30 Million to Boost Northern Ireland’s Science and Tech Industries
Northern Ireland’s science and technology sectors are set to receive a major boost from the UK Government’s modern Industrial Strategy, with at least £30 million earmarked for innovative tech projects. The funding aims to strengthen local jobs, promote economic growth, and support key industries of the future, including cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries. Industry… [Read More]
AfDB, AfCFTA, and Africa50 Join Forces to Unlock $3.4 Trillion African Market via Infrastructure
The African Development Bank Group, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and Africa50 have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate infrastructure development across Africa and unlock the potential of the continent’s largest free trade area. The agreement, signed during the Africa50 General Shareholders Meeting in Maputo, establishes a framework for cooperation to… [Read More]
NEC and ClimateAi Partner to Develop Smart Farming Model for Africa
NEC Corporation and San Francisco-based startup ClimateAi have developed an AI-driven model designed to support smart farming in Africa by measuring the effectiveness of climate adaptation strategies for crops like cocoa and rice. The model integrates ClimateAi’s long-range climate forecasting with NEC’s agricultural technology to assess how climate change may impact crop yields and evaluate… [Read More]
Catalyst Fund: Driving Growth for Africa’s Climate Innovation Startups
Africa is facing pressing climate challenges, yet it also holds enormous potential to lead with climate-smart innovations that boost livelihoods and grow economies. Entrepreneurs across the continent are pioneering solutions ranging from solar-powered storage for smallholder farmers to cutting-edge carbon removal technologies, creating both social impact and investment opportunities. Central to this transformation is Catalyst… [Read More]
ILO Mission Boosts Public–Private Partnerships to End Child Labour in Agriculture in Northern Türkiye
The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with local authorities and private sector actors, has advanced efforts to eliminate child labour in seasonal agriculture in northern Türkiye. A high-level mission began in Ordu, bringing together provincial leaders, municipalities, education officials, and representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS), alongside the Association of… [Read More]
Australian Government Awards $50.4 Million in Grants to Boost Innovation
Since 2016, the Cooperative Research Centre Project (CRC-P) grants have played a key role in funding new technologies, products, and services that support Australian businesses. These grants are designed to back short-term, industry-led research projects that deliver practical, real-world solutions while addressing Australia’s National Science and Research Priorities. The latest round of funding is supporting… [Read More]
