Fair trade-certified cocoa cooperatives in Togo can now benefit from a new green financing mechanism introduced under the Équité 3 program, jointly funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and the French Global Environment Facility (FFEM). The initiative, coordinated by Agronomes et Vétérinaires Sans Frontières (AVSF), aims to support agroecological transition and combat deforestation across… [Read More]
Industry
New National Action Plan Aims to Safeguard South Africans from Fake and Substandard Medicines
South Africa has launched its National Action Plan (NAP) to combat the growing threat of substandard and falsified medical products, a critical move to safeguard public health and strengthen regulatory systems across the country. Introduced on 30 September 2025 by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), in partnership with the National Department of… [Read More]
Building Trust in Climate Action: Government Unveils Plans for High-Integrity Carbon Markets
Singapore’s National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS), Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) have announced new initiatives to boost the development of high-integrity carbon markets. These efforts include publishing voluntary carbon market (VCM) guidance for businesses, forming an industry-led buyers’ coalition to aggregate demand for high-quality… [Read More]
Wales Secures £1.1 Billion Defence Investment to Create Thousands of Skilled Jobs
The UK Government has announced that Welsh communities are reaping major benefits from substantial defence investment, which is generating thousands of skilled jobs across the nation. According to the latest UK Defence Footprint report, Wales received £1.1 billion in defence spending over the past year, directly supporting 3,900 industry jobs across a range of sectors…. [Read More]
$2.7 Million in Federal Funding Boosts Community-Led Port Development
Ten community-led organizations across South King County, Beacon Hill, and the Duwamish Valley will receive a total of $2.7 million in funding through the Port of Seattle’s South King and Port Communities Fund Economic Opportunities for Communities (EOC) Program. The initiative aims to connect underrepresented communities to living-wage jobs and careers in port-related industries such… [Read More]
Government of Canada Invests $4M to Support Growth of Sherbrooke Manufacturers
The Government of Canada has announced a total investment of $4.1 million in repayable contributions through Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) to support four Sherbrooke-based manufacturing businesses—Les entreprises Dauphinais, Royer, FilSpec, and Attitude. The funding, unveiled by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for CED, alongside Members of Parliament… [Read More]
Pioneering Research on Decent Work in Aquaculture Unveiled at Philippines’ First National Dialogue
The Philippine aquaculture sector is taking major steps to strengthen productivity, sustainability, and supply chain resilience while addressing human and labour risks. With support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Government of Japan through the Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Supply Chains (RISSC) Project, the country hosted its first-ever National Industry Dialogue for a… [Read More]
Asian Development Bank Funds $100 Million Project to Revitalize Sri Lanka’s Tourism Industry
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $100 million financing package to boost Sri Lanka’s tourism sector through strategic policy reforms and targeted investments aligned with the National Tourism Policy. The initiative aims to strengthen sector governance, enhance private sector participation, and address infrastructure gaps while promoting product development and destination marketing to increase… [Read More]
$5.4 Million Funding to Strengthen Canada’s Climate Action Through Space Technology
Canada is investing $5.4 million to strengthen climate action through advanced space technology, aiming to improve environmental monitoring and resilience to extreme weather events. Increasingly severe heatwaves, floods, wildfires, and hurricanes are impacting communities, economies, and ecosystems across the country, particularly in the Arctic, where reliable environmental data is essential for adaptation and planning. Satellites… [Read More]
Philippines Digital Innovation: Empowering Smart Solutions and Tech Growth
In Manila, the International Labour Organization (ILO) is pioneering the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into enterprise development in the Philippines through its Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises (SCORE) programme. In collaboration with the UN Joint SDG Fund programme on an Inclusive, Competitive, and Responsible Digital Philippines (Digital-PINAS), the initiative introduces AI tools into training… [Read More]
Climate Risk Rising as Major Methane Leak Warnings Go Unheeded
Methane is an extremely potent greenhouse gas, with roughly 80 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Reducing methane emissions could provide rapid and measurable climate benefits, with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) highlighting that halving human-caused methane emissions is one of the most cost-effective ways to slow near-term global warming…. [Read More]
$6 Million JPMorgan Chase Initiative Aims to Improve Employment Opportunities in Argentina
JPMorgan Chase has announced a $6 million philanthropic investment over the next five years to support local nonprofit organizations in Argentina, aiming to expand career opportunities for underserved young people. The initial $450,000 will be granted to EMpower, a nonprofit supporting marginalized communities, to help 2,000 youth access skills training, work-based learning, and employment support…. [Read More]
Green Energy Growth to Create Thousands of New Jobs Nationwide
The UK government has published its first-ever National Clean Energy Jobs Plan, aimed at creating over 400,000 additional jobs in the clean energy sector by 2030. The plan identifies 31 priority occupations, including plumbers, electricians, and welders, which are particularly in demand to support the country’s transition to renewable and nuclear energy. It provides a… [Read More]
Boosting Local Economies: Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund Launched
The UK government has launched the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, a £360 million investment designed to support fishing businesses and coastal communities across the country. Of this, £56 million has been allocated specifically to Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish fishing industries, aiming to boost local economies and strengthen regional fishing sectors. The fund will… [Read More]
Minister Browne Unveils Major Boost in Funding for Water Quality Projects in 2026
Ireland’s Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, have announced a €42 million investment in water quality initiatives for 2026. This marks a fourfold increase compared to the previous year’s allocation, reflecting the government’s strong commitment to protecting and restoring… [Read More]
Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction on World No Tobacco Day 2026
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the theme for World No Tobacco Day 2026: “Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction.” The campaign focuses on revealing how the tobacco and nicotine industry continuously reinvents and repackages its products to attract a new generation, particularly children and adolescents, while evading stronger tobacco control… [Read More]
Albania Employment and Social Protection: Building Inclusive Opportunities
Albania is advancing inclusive social and economic reforms through the “Lifelong Empowerment and Protection in Albania” (LEAP) Joint Programme, implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, ILO, and UN Women with support from the Joint SDG Fund. The initiative aims to expand social protection, improve care services, and create decent employment opportunities for children, women, youth, and the… [Read More]
El Gouna Film Festival 2025 Showcases Food Security Initiatives with WFP Egypt
El Gouna Film Festival (GFF), in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Egypt, dedicated its 8th edition to raising awareness about food security, one of the world’s most pressing challenges. The festival’s opening night on World Food Day (16 October) launched a week-long series of events highlighting the fight against hunger and… [Read More]
Canada Expands Energy and Resource Collaboration with the United Kingdom
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson concluded a three-day visit to London from October 14 to 16, 2025, focused on advancing secure critical minerals supply chains and energy security for Canada and its allies. During the trip, he met with key government and industry partners to drive British investment in Canada’s resource sectors,… [Read More]
Nigeria’s Creative Startup Scene Gets $1M Boost from Chocolate City Group Founders Fund
Chocolate City Group, one of Africa’s leading entertainment companies, has launched a $1 million Founders Fund to support early-stage startups in Nigeria’s growing creative sector. The announcement coincided with the company’s 20th anniversary and the 50th birthdays of co-founders Audu Maikori and Paul Okeugo. The fund is designed to provide equity investment and mentorship to… [Read More]
Norway Pledges Increased Support for Ukrainian Civilians
The Norwegian Government has proposed increasing civilian support to Ukraine by NOK 15 billion in 2026, maintaining a total minimum allocation of NOK 85 billion for the year. This continues the record-high level of civilian and military assistance provided in 2025, with NOK 15 billion designated for civilian needs and NOK 70 billion for military… [Read More]
Africa’s Economic Resilience and Investment Opportunities Spotlighted by AfDB Chief Economist
Africa’s growing economic strength and vast investment opportunities took center stage during a recent African Development Bank Group (AfDB) mission to Yokohama, Japan, from 20–22 August 2025. Addressing Japanese businesses at the “Economic Partnership in Indian Ocean–Africa” Forum, AfDB Chief Economist Prof. Kevin Chika Urama emphasized that Africa’s appeal lies in its youthful and expanding… [Read More]
Government of Canada Announces $26.4M Investment to Strengthen Quebec’s cConstruction Sector
The Government of Canada has announced over $26.4 million in funding through Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) to boost innovation and productivity in Quebec’s residential construction supply chain. The investment aims to accelerate the construction of affordable housing and support the development of sustainable, modern homebuilding solutions across the province. The announcement was… [Read More]
