The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved a $50 million project to support Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, aiming to modernize government services, enhance accessibility, and make public services more responsive to the needs of citizens and businesses. The initiative will promote innovation and investment in the country’s digital sector while strengthening the foundations for… [Read More]
Business
Sustainable Agriculture and Women’s Empowerment in Vietnam Supported by ADB and BIDV
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Viet Nam (BIDV) have signed a $250 million syndicated finance package to support sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture and expand access to finance for women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (WSMEs) in Viet Nam. The package includes $100 million from ADB’s… [Read More]
$21.9 Million African Development Bank Grant to Strengthen São Tomé and Príncipe’s Blue Economy
The African Development Bank Group’s Board of Directors has approved a $22 million grant to fund the Blue Economy and Fisheries Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Maintenance Project (BEFIRM) in São Tomé and Príncipe. The project aims to harness the archipelago nation’s vast maritime potential while addressing pressing food security challenges. The financing package combines resources from… [Read More]
Advancing Responsible Business Practices Through Malaysian Academia
make an informative summary paragraph wise excluding all the bullet points sub headings and internal links:The International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), held a one-day academic seminar on 17 December 2025 to enhance the integration of Responsible Business Conduct (RBC), labour rights, and Business and Human Rights (BHR) into… [Read More]
How MooMe Is Transforming Livestock Management Through Digital Efficiency
The global dairy sector is expanding rapidly, with more than 6 billion people consuming dairy products and demand continuing to rise, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Milk production provides a vital source of income for around 150 million households worldwide, most of them smallholders. This growth presents a significant opportunity to improve efficiency and… [Read More]
Asian Development Bank Provides $909.7 Million to Aid Türkiye’s Earthquake Recovery
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved two loans totaling $909.7 million to support Türkiye’s recovery from the February 2023 earthquakes. The financing aims to rebuild resilient infrastructure, promote manufacturing investments, and assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in creating jobs, boosting exports, and enhancing disaster resilience. The first project, Empowering Export-Oriented Enterprises with Long-Term… [Read More]
Georgia Launches First Sustainability-Linked Lari Bonds with ADB Backing Tegeta Transport
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has invested 41 million Georgian lari (approximately $15.2 million) as an anchor investor in Tegeta Holding’s sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs), marking the first SLBs issued in Georgian lari (GEL). This milestone supports sustainable transport and green mobility in the South Caucasus region, with the proceeds financing projects to reduce carbon emissions… [Read More]
Finland Commits Support for Africa’s Sustainable Economic Growth via African Development Fund
Finland will participate in the 17th replenishment of the African Development Fund (AfDF-17) to support sustainable economic growth and development in the continent’s poorest countries. The AfDF aims to reduce poverty by promoting economic and social development, financing climate-resilient infrastructure, strengthening administrative capacity, and supporting reforms that improve domestic revenue systems. Finland will contribute EUR… [Read More]
Indonesia’s Economy Shows Strong Resilience Amid Ongoing Global Uncertainty
Indonesia’s economy recorded solid growth of 5.0 percent during the first nine months of 2025 and is expected to sustain a similar pace through 2026 and 2027, supported by robust investment levels and strong net exports. This performance reflects the country’s continued macroeconomic stability despite a challenging global environment. According to the World Bank’s Indonesia… [Read More]
$1.45M Investment by Food Equity Fund Strengthens Community Organizations and Prepares 2026 Grant Overhaul
The City of Seattle is reinforcing its commitment to food equity by investing over $1.45 million in 23 community partners for 2026. These organizations provide free meals, share traditional food knowledge, support elders and youth, grow fresh produce, and strengthen local food systems. This funding maintains the high levels of investment from previous years while… [Read More]
BGS Secures Funding to Advance Malaysia’s Climate Adaptation and Sustainability Goals
Malaysia faces significant risks from rainfall-triggered landslides, driven by extreme weather conditions. Historical data from 1961 to 2024 records over 6,400 landslides, resulting in substantial loss of life and economic damages exceeding $1 billion. These risks are expected to grow due to climate change and rapid urbanisation, disproportionately affecting low-income households and small businesses. While… [Read More]
EIB Global to Back Bosnia and Herzegovina in Green and Social Impact Investments
The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) is set to provide guidance to the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina on green financing and enhance funding access for local companies. Through its Greening Financial Systems (GFS) technical assistance programme, EIB Global will advise the central bank on climate risk management, regulatory supervision, and improving green reporting… [Read More]
Global Leaders Pledge People-Centered Digital Transformation and Enhanced AI Regulation at UN
The high-level meeting marked the conclusion of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20), a process launched in the early 2000s to guide global cooperation on digital development, access, and inclusion. While the summit initially focused on connecting people to the internet, delegates noted that today the challenge has shifted to ensuring digital technologies,… [Read More]
Government of Canada Provides Over $12M to Help Quebec Businesses Manage Tariff Impacts
On 17 December 2025, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) announced investments totaling $12,043,213 to support 19 projects across Quebec under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI). The funding will benefit eight projects in the Mauricie region, six in Lanaudière, and five in Centre-du-Québec, helping businesses face challenges posed by tariffs. The Government of… [Read More]
REMIT PRIME Programme in Tajikistan Strengthened by IFAD and Bank Arvand Support
On 17 December 2025, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Bank Arvand signed a grant agreement to invest approximately €445,000 in the REMIT PRIME Central Asia Programme, an initiative aimed at helping rural communities in Tajikistan transform remittance flows from relatives abroad into sustainable economic opportunities. The REMIT PRIME Programme brings together IFAD,… [Read More]
ReguLens Uses AI to Deliver Policy Analysis and Advocacy Strategies in 60 Seconds
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has launched ReguLens, a new AI-powered digital platform designed to help employers and business membership organizations (EBMOs) deliver faster, smarter, and more evidence-based advocacy. Unveiled in Turin, Italy, the tool responds to growing challenges faced by EBMOs as they navigate an increasing volume of complex laws and regulatory proposals with… [Read More]
$23 Million ADF Grant to Boost Renewable Energy Access in Bosaso, Somalia
The African Development Fund has approved a $23.36 million grants package to bring clean and reliable electricity to Bosaso, Somalia. The project, titled Rehabilitation and Expansion of Bosaso Power Grid and Strengthening of Energy Sector Institutions, is funded through $9.62 million from the African Development Fund and $13.74 million from the Transition Support Facility. It… [Read More]
Understanding the African Development Fund: 5 Essential Questions Answered
The 17th replenishment of the African Development Fund (ADF-17), the concessional financing window of the African Development Bank Group, concluded its final meeting on 15 and 16 December 2025 in London. During the session, development partners announced their financial commitments to support 37 low-income African countries, at a time when official development assistance faces growing… [Read More]
Transforming Waste into Economic Growth: Egypt’s Bioeconomy Boosted by Dutch Innovation
Egypt produces over 100 million tons of waste annually, much of which is organic, representing both a challenge and a significant economic opportunity. With effective policies, technologies, and international collaboration, organic waste can be converted into value streams that support the country’s bioeconomy. Dutch partners bring expertise in waste processing, circular solutions, and investment in… [Read More]
Prudential Agenda Updates: Integrating Transition Plans for Sustainable Stability
Prudential supervisors are increasingly using financial institutions’ strategic transition plans to assess resilience, governance, and financial stability. These plans help institutions evaluate exposures to climate-related risks and manage the financial implications of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. While prudential supervision continues to focus on safety and soundness, climate change and environmental degradation are now recognized… [Read More]
Women Entrepreneurs Worldwide: Strategies and Tools to Strengthen Business Resilience
Women entrepreneurs and women-led small businesses play a vital role in driving inclusive growth and supporting the global climate transition. Despite their importance, they remain disproportionately exposed to climate shocks, pandemics, and economic crises, largely due to persistent gender gaps in access to finance, technology, and markets. These vulnerabilities limit their ability to sustain operations… [Read More]
EIB Group and Coop Pank Launch €249 Million Funding for Estonian Companies
The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group has partnered with Estonian lender Coop Pank to unlock up to €249 million in new financing for local businesses. This agreement enables Coop Pank to provide loans and leases to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Caps in Estonia, particularly targeting projects that advance gender equality, economic growth, and… [Read More]
Part II: How Public Institutions and Civil Society Shaped the Serbia–Kosovo Normalization Process
Across the OECD and beyond, collaborative governance is becoming increasingly essential. The concept of “co-production,” where public services and policies are designed together with communities and civil society, demonstrates that reforms are more durable, legitimate, and effective when built through partnerships. Countries such as Canada, Finland, and New Zealand leverage civil society to reshape healthcare,… [Read More]
