World Economic Forum leaders pledge to plant 1 trillion trees
World Economic Forum governmental and corporate leaders in Davos, Switzerland have launched a plan to plant one trillion trees around the world.
International organizations
World Health Organization reports 60% drop in cholera in 2018
“The decrease we are seeing in several major cholera-endemic countries demonstrates the increased engagement of countries in global efforts to slow and prevent cholera outbreaks and shows the vital role of mass cholera vaccination campaigns,” said the WHO Director-General.
World Health Organization removes transgender from list of mental disorders
The World Health Organization (WHO) has made history and removed transgender from its list of ‘mental disorders.’
World Bank announces €1.5 billion sustainable development bond
The World Bank has announced a 10-year Global Sustainable Development bond on May 16. The investment goal of €1.5 billion was significantly oversubscribed, reaching €2 billion from 69 investors.
World Bank commits $22.5 billion more to Africa for climate change
World Bank Group is providing USD$22.5 billion to Africa for climate mitigation and adaptation across five years beginning with 2021, adding to the $17 billion already committed through the Africa Climate Business Plan.
World Bank approves $185 million for renewable energy in Bangladesh
Launched on March 1, the Bangladesh Scaling-up Renewable Energy Project will provide $185 million to add up to 310 MW in renewable energy and aims to mobilize a further $212 million in private sector investment.
World Health Organization recommends removing cannabis from Schedule IV, the most restrictive category of a 1961 international drug convention
Global health experts at the United Nations are recommending that marijuana and its key components be formally rescheduled under international drug treaties. WHO is also moving to make clear that CBD-focused preparations containing no more than 0.2 percent THC are “not under international control” at all.
World Bank doubles funding for climate action to $200 billion for 2021-2025
The World Bank said the move represented a significantly ramped up ambition to tackle climate change, sending an important signal to the wider global community to do the same.
United Nations lifts sanctions on ‘Africa’s North Korea’, Eritrea
The United Nations on Wednesday lifted sanctions on Eritrea, bolstering the precarious peace in one of the world’s most volatile and strategic corners.
World Bank offers $1 billion for batteries in emerging markets
The World Bank committed $1 billion to finance battery-storage systems in developing countries, and expects its participation to attract another $4 billion in backing.