News on Globe Banner

Latest News


Nigerian politician: 'there is an undeniable decline in our judicial system'

Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State in Nigeria, has expressed concern over the decline of Nigeria's judicial system. He warns that this deterioration threatens stability, human rights, and institutional integrity. Obi communicated these concerns in a post dated May 15, which detailed his keynote address at Godfrey Okoye University in Enugu.


World Bank endorses new partnership framework with Togo

The World Bank Group (WBG) has endorsed a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Togo, granted a special waiver for the country's access to the Prevention and Resilience Window, and approved three new loans from the International Development Association (IDA) totaling over $600 million. These measures aim to strengthen prevention and resilience, increase access to reliable electricity, improve public administration performance, and support refugees and host communities in northern Togo.


World Bank approves $30 million grant for social safety nets in Central African Republic

The World Bank has approved a $30 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA) to support the Adaptive and Productive Social Safety Nets Project in the Central African Republic (CAR). The initiative aims to enhance social protection for impoverished and vulnerable families in specific regions and improve the responsiveness of delivery systems to shocks.


Lebanon's poverty rate triples over decade amid prolonged crisis

Poverty in Lebanon has more than tripled over the past decade, reaching 44% of the total population, according to a new World Bank report released today. Based on a recent household survey covering the five governorates of Akkar, Beirut, Bekaa, North Lebanon and most of Mount Lebanon, the report finds that one out of every three Lebanese in these areas was poverty-stricken in 2022. This underscores the critical need to strengthen social safety nets and create jobs to help alleviate poverty and address widening inequality.


Cambodia's coordinated efforts bolster preparedness against future pandemics

When the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020, few countries were prepared for the virus that was rapidly spreading across the globe. Cambodia was no exception. However, to its credit, the Ministry of Health responded swiftly with a COVID-19 National Action Plan that introduced measures to improve case detection and management and increase the availability of critical medical supplies and equipment. The action plan also initiated broader measures to strengthen Cambodia’s health system that today are providing a sure footing for Cambodia to...


Island nations aim for resilience through blue economy initiatives

Caught in the crosshairs of escalating global crises, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) will meet from May 27-30, 2024, with the international community to discuss ways to tackle issues including their vulnerability to climate change impacts, exposure to pollution, and economic headwinds.


World Bank approves $40 million project for job skill improvement in Cambodia

Approximately 33,000 Cambodians are expected to receive improved training and labor market services following the approval of a $40 million credit by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors on Thursday.


World Bank reports severe economic downturn for Palestine amid ongoing conflict

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2024 – The World Bank has issued its latest update on the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on the Palestinian economy. The report draws on the latest available data and analysis to assess the ongoing impact of the conflict on the Palestinian economy.


World Bank supports Malawi's fiscal governance with $80 million grant

The World Bank is providing support to improve resource mobilization, budget execution, and transparency of public finances to assist the achievement of results under the Malawi Public Finance Management (PFM) Strategy 2023-2028.


Efforts promote coexistence between Panamanian farmers and jaguars

Panama is recognized for its rich biodiversity, with forests that form a natural corridor connecting jaguar habitats from Mexico to Argentina. However, this environment faces significant challenges, with over 40 percent of jaguar habitat lost due to agricultural expansion and deforestation. Cattle farming has been a primary driver of this loss, leading to increased human-wildlife conflict as jaguars prey on cattle, prompting retaliatory killings by farmers.


World Bank highlights importance of data for diversified growth in Algeria

The Spring 2024 Algeria Economic Update underscores the country's dynamic economic activity and slowing inflation while highlighting the importance of data in supporting Algeria’s efforts toward sustainable, diversified growth.


Qatar joins international agreement to curb harmful fisheries subsidies

On May 22, 2024, Qatar formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. This move was acknowledged by Director-General Okonjo-Iweala, who stated, “I am delighted that Qatar has formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. By taking this step, Qatar has shown its support for sustainable fisheries and combatting illegal fishing in the Gulf region. Qatar also has affirmed the WTO's vital role in delivering global public goods — in this case contributing to marine sustainability by curbing subsidies to harmful fishing practices. The swift entry into force of the...


World Bank aids Vanuatu's resilience against natural disasters

Over the course of 10 years, the World Bank has supported efforts by the government of Vanuatu to build the skills and institutions needed to manage frequent volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and increasingly severe cyclones. This collaboration with one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries could serve as a model for other small island states facing similar challenges.


Investing in Moldova's forest biodiversity aims at sustainability

Biodiversity sustains human life by helping keep air and water clean and providing nutritious food. Every plant and animal, regardless of size, plays a crucial part in ecosystems, the health of which depends on how humans manage biodiversity.


Ambassador Rana praises journalists at awards ceremony amid calls for calm in Slovakia

Ambassador Rana addressed attendees at the Journalism Awards, expressing support for Prime Minister Fico and the people of Slovakia during a challenging period.


World Bank emphasizes integrating biodiversity into global economic planning

The World Bank Group’s mission is to end poverty on a livable planet. With more than 50 percent of global GDP—$44 trillion in economic resources—dependent on nature, it is critical to understand the economic impact of biodiversity to achieve this mission.


Asia-Pacific officials attend regional trade policy course in Shanghai

A regional trade policy course is currently underway in Shanghai, bringing together government officials from the Asia-Pacific region. The initiative aims to deepen participants' understanding of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its agreements, rules, and procedures.


Renovation plans announced for Švenčionys Fire Station in Lithuania

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has announced a solicitation for the renovation of the Švenčionys Fire and Rescue Station in Lithuania.


WTO discusses strategies post-MC13 focusing on key trade negotiations

Speaking in her role as Chair of the WTO's Trade Negotiations Committee, DG Okonjo-Iweala reported that consultations held with members since the last General Council meeting in March demonstrated a “constructive spirit,” with all parties “eager to complete the unfinished business from Abu Dhabi.”


Binance assists Taiwan authorities with money-laundering scheme

Binance has announced on its blog that the company's Financial Crimes Compliance (FCC) department collaborated with Taiwan's Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau and the Taipei District Prosecutors Office to dismantle a cryptocurrency-backed money laundering scheme. The case reportedly involves approximately NT $200 million (U.S. $6 million).