Oceania Palau A historic $15 million financing agreement has been signed with Saudi Arabia, marking a shift in how Palua's National Development Bank will now operate, as the loan will be directly invested into building affordable housing
Africa Niger The final report of the 'national conference' held at the end of February in Niamey, which proposes that the military regime remain in power for at least five years, was officially submitted to the head of the regime who must now adopt it
America Honduras A dry law was enforced for 3 days for the primary elections, halting approximately L35 (€1,2) million in San Pedro Sula’s economy, impacting 720+ businesses, and sparking concerns from business owners while authorities argue it ensures orderly voting
Europe Switzerland The Coalition against Wage Discrimination, made up of 52 organisations, addressed the government in an open letter urging to eradicate wage discrimination against women; a woman in Switzerland loses an average of around $9.000 a year in salary
Africa Cameroon Two new gas-fired power plants with a total capacity of 500 megawatts will be built in Bekoko (350 MW) and in Douala (150 MW); both facilities will be developed through public-private partnerships and the investors involved haven't been disclosed yet
America Mexico The local UN Refugee Agency has helped over 50.000 refugees and asylum seekers integrate into Mexico through its Local Integration Program, which relocates them to industrial cities, providing access to formal jobs, education, healthcare and housing
Africa Cape Verde First Lady Debora Carvalho spoke of the enormous potentials for economic development of Cape Verde and invited foreign investors to consider the abundant opportunities offered by her country; she made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria
Asia East Timor The Timor-Leste Housing Market Development Forum was organised by the Ministry of Planning and Strategic Investment and the Central Bank to promote reflection on the development of the housing sector and identify solutions to the existing challenges
Africa Egypt National Universities Council approved the establishment of 12 new national universities with 98 faculties, which will operate starting the next academic year 2025/2026, bringing the number of national universities to 32 and the total to 128
America Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Amendments to SVG’s banking act address the aspect of financial inclusion, specifically regarding the possibility to establish a basic bank account for those who are vulnerable and possess only a single form of identification
Asia Lebanon Ambassador for a Day initiative was launched: a national essay competition for girls 15-18 years of age where winners will shadow an Ambassador or senior UN Official in Lebanon for one day to see first-hand they can become leaders and advocates for change
Asia Palestine The Arab plan for early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza includes removal and recycling of 50 million tons of rubble in 6 months in phase 1, while phases 2 and 3 are fully dedicated to reconstruction; comprehensive and detailed, it covers five years
Africa Burundi Over 63.000 people have entered Burundi in one month, the country's biggest refugee crisis in decades, following the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo that is forcing thousands to flee
America Guyana The Venezuelan Coast Guard intruded into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone EEZ, prompting diplomatic protests, military deployments, and international condemnation amid escalating territorial tensions between the two nations