Container ports play a pivotal role in global supply chains, managing the flow of merchandise and semi-finished products. The Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) tracks the time container ships spend in port, providing stakeholders with a key benchmark for operational efficiency and sustainable port development. Efficient port operations not only reduce logistics costs but also… [Read More]
Industry
AI and Circular Economies: Transforming the Coconut Sector for a Sustainable Future
The International Labour Organization (ILO), through its Inclusive, Competitive, and Responsible Digital Philippines (Digital-PINAS) programme, presented a transformative vision for the coconut industry at the World Coconut Congress 2025 in Manila. During a session on Environmental and Social Challenges in the Coconut Supply Chain, the ILO highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI) and circular economy principles… [Read More]
Global Shipping Faces ‘Stormy Seas’ as Trade Slows and Costs Surge
Global seaborne trade volumes are projected to increase by just 0.5 per cent in 2025, marking the slowest growth in years, according to UNCTAD’s Review of Maritime Transport 2025, launched in Geneva. This slowdown reflects the impact of geopolitical tensions, new trade barriers, and climate pressures, which are reshaping shipping routes, increasing costs, and exposing… [Read More]
African Development Bank Provides €30 Million to Bridge Bank Côte d’Ivoire to Empower Women Entrepreneurs
The African Development Bank Group and Bridge Bank Group Côte d’Ivoire have signed an agreement to establish a €30 million financing facility aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Côte d’Ivoire, with a particular emphasis on women-led businesses. This facility is designed to provide Bridge Bank Group Côte d’Ivoire with the financial resources… [Read More]
Kerala–EU Blue Economy Conclave Ends with Pledge for Future Sustainable Partnerships
The inaugural Kerala–European Union (EU) Blue Economy Conclave concluded in Thiruvananthapuram on 19 September 2025, marking a significant step toward deeper EU–India collaboration in sustainable ocean investments, maritime activities, climate action, skills, and innovation. Co-hosted by the Government of Kerala, the EU, and the Government of India, the conclave brought together a “Team Europe” delegation… [Read More]
EBRD Boosts Türkiye’s Local Pet Food Production with Strategic Support
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has acquired a minority stake in Çağatay Evcil Hayvan Mamaları ve Yem Ürünleri San. ve Tic. A.Ş., a Turkish pet food producer, as part of an initiative to support the company’s growth and competitiveness. Çağatay produces high-quality dry pet food under its own brands, competing with global… [Read More]
Ontario Invests $5 Million+ to Safeguard Forest Sector Jobs in Northern Ontario
The Ontario government is investing over $5 million to support workers and businesses in the forest sector in Northern Ontario, focusing on repairing key regional infrastructure and adopting new technology to modernize operations. This initiative aims to boost productivity, create new jobs, and open opportunities for revenue generation from underused wood and forest biomass, contributing… [Read More]
Ontario Commits $8.7M to Strengthen Worker Safety in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario
The Ontario government has announced an investment of over $8.7 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to support more than 1,500 jobseekers in Ottawa and eastern Ontario. The funding aims to prepare workers for high-demand sectors such as construction, manufacturing, skilled trades, and automotive, while also equipping them with the skills needed… [Read More]
Persistent Inequalities Slow Global Social Justice Progress, Warns ILO Report
A new International Labour Organization (ILO) report highlights that, despite significant advances in education, poverty reduction, and productivity over the past three decades, entrenched inequalities, declining trust in institutions, and slow progress in key areas continue to hinder social justice worldwide. The study, The State of Social Justice: A Work in Progress, published ahead of… [Read More]
Global Social Justice Efforts Hampered by Inequality, Says New ILO Report
A new International Labour Organization (ILO) report highlights that despite major gains in education, poverty reduction, and productivity over the past three decades, entrenched inequalities, declining trust in institutions, and slow progress in critical areas continue to hinder social justice worldwide. The study, The State of Social Justice: A Work in Progress, published ahead of… [Read More]
Uruguay’s Energy Transition: Driving Investment for a Cleaner, Fairer Future
In Montevideo’s bustling port, trucks are beginning to run on cleaner power, while across Uruguay, engineers are testing the country’s first autonomous charging station for heavy vehicles and laying the foundations for a pilot green hydrogen plant. These initiatives signal a significant transformation in how Uruguay is powering its future, reflecting the country’s commitment to… [Read More]
UK Government Opens Applications for Next Wave of Aviation Ambassadors
The UK government is calling on aviation professionals to help inspire the next generation of talent as applications open for the next cohort of Department for Transport (DfT) Aviation Ambassadors. Announced on 22 September 2025, this initiative invites experienced aviation experts to volunteer their time to promote the industry and help futureproof the aviation workforce…. [Read More]
Building a Brighter Future Through Robotics: How LYBOTICS Empowers Libya’s Youth
Growing up in Libya, I witnessed first-hand how the potential of young people often goes untapped. In a country facing challenges across education, employment, and technology, I realized that building a better future meant investing in youth today. My journey began with a simple belief: technology and innovation can transform lives. I wanted to create… [Read More]
Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh Launch New UK-Japan MUSUBI Programmes to Empower Youth and Strengthen Ties
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attended a reception at the British Embassy in Tokyo to mark the launch of new UK-Japan partnership programmes under the MUSUBI Initiative, a unique public-private collaboration designed to foster the next generation of leaders in both countries. The event highlighted the deepening friendship and shared values between the United… [Read More]
Beyond Tech: How Digital Traceability is Powering Fair Trade and Green Growth in the Global South
Small businesses across Africa and Asia are blending age-old practices with cutting-edge digital traceability to boost trade compliance, expand market access, and strengthen local economies. In Addis Ababa, Ethiopian and Indian researchers are testing enzyme-based tanning methods to replace harmful chemicals in leather production. Thousands of kilometres away in Pakistan and Bangladesh, each hide’s journey… [Read More]
Stone by Stone: Strengthening Safety for Barbados’ Fishing Communities
In July 2024, Hurricane Beryl, a powerful Category 4 storm, caused over B$190 million in damages in Barbados, severely impacting coastal sectors, particularly the fishing industry. Approximately 90 percent of the island’s fishing fleet was destroyed or damaged, along with key infrastructure, including the Bridgetown Port and the Fisheries Marina. The storm’s surge displaced the… [Read More]
UNGA: PAHO Joins Global Call for Action at High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health
On 25 September, global leaders will convene at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York for the Fourth High-Level Meeting (HLM4) on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and the Promotion of Mental Health and Wellbeing. The meeting aims to adopt a Political Declaration to accelerate global efforts to reduce the… [Read More]
Slowing Progress on NCDs and Mental Health: WHO Calls for Affordable Interventions
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a report titled “Saving Lives, Spending Less”, highlighting that an additional investment of just US$3 per person annually in combating noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) could generate economic benefits of up to US$1 trillion by 2030. The report also analyzes country-level progress in reducing NCD mortality between 2010 and 2019…. [Read More]
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Strategic Partnership Empowers Youth with Careers and Opportunities
Jim Bowman, Chairperson of the New Jersey Advisory Board for Think Big for Kids, recognized the need for a strong alliance to advance the organization’s mission of breaking the cycle of poverty for teens and young adults. Drawing on his long-standing commitment to the nonprofit, Bowman turned to the Association for Corporate Growth New Jersey… [Read More]
Zanzibar Sets Sail for Inclusive Growth: New UN-Backed Programmes Tackle Climate Change and Empower Communities
Zanzibar has launched two groundbreaking joint programmes designed to drive inclusive growth, women’s economic empowerment, and climate resilience across the northern regions of Unguja and Pemba. Spearheaded by the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, the United Nations, and key development partners, these initiatives aim to uplift vulnerable communities while advancing the country’s blue economy and Sustainable… [Read More]
EU Moves to Fund Ukraine with Frozen Russian Assets, Bypassing Hungary’s Veto
The European Union is weighing a proposal to create a “reparation loan” for Ukraine, secured by frozen Russian assets, in an effort to bolster Kyiv’s wartime finances while sidestepping Hungary’s repeated vetoes. Hungary, which maintains close ties with Moscow, has consistently opposed sanctions on Russia and blocked Ukraine’s EU accession talks, testing the bloc’s unity… [Read More]
Israel’s Glilot Partners Secures $500M to Fund Young Cyber and AI Startups
Israeli venture capital firm Glilot Capital Partners has successfully raised $500 million to support local entrepreneurs and rapidly growing startups in cybersecurity, enterprise software, and AI tools. The capital was primarily sourced from large financial institutions in the US and Europe, signaling strong confidence in Israel’s tech ecosystem despite international criticism of the country’s actions… [Read More]
MCC Celebrates Completion of Côte d’Ivoire Compact, Boosting U.S.-Ivorian Relations
This week, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Acting Vice President Jason Small visited Abidjan to mark the successful closeout of the U.S.-Côte d’Ivoire transport and workforce development compact and to sign a new regional energy compact. The visit highlighted the U.S.’ commitment to partnerships that promote shared prosperity, advance American interests, and create opportunities for U.S…. [Read More]
