In observance of World Mental Health Day, the European Commission today unveiled a comprehensive package of initiatives aimed at tackling mental health stigma, promoting understanding, and ensuring access to quality mental healthcare. The Commission’s EU Support Package on stigma will work with national authorities and mental health advocacy groups to implement inclusive and informed policies. The new “In this together” campaign will reach out to people across the EU to challenge misconceptions and promote greater acceptance of mental health. Additionally, the Commission published an updated tracker to monitor progress on the 20 flagship initiatives that are part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to mental health. This approach, launched in 2023, includes funding opportunities worth €1.23 billion to support Member States in ensuring adequate prevention, access to quality mental healthcare, and reintegration into society after recovery. A 2023 EU survey revealed that nearly 1 in 2 people experienced emotional or psychosocial problems in the previous 12 months. The Commission’s commitment to creating a future where everyone’s mental health is nurtured, valued, and protected is underscored by these alarming statistics.
The UK government and Eli Lilly and Company, a leading pharmaceutical company, today announced a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating life sciences innovation and addressing significant health challenges. The collaboration will involve a £279 million investment in the UK life sciences sector. A key component of the partnership is the planned launch of the first “Lilly Gateway Labs” innovation accelerator in Europe. This facility will provide early-stage life sciences businesses with lab space, mentorship, and potential financial backing, supporting their development of transformative medicines. The UK government and Lilly also intend to collaborate on research and development related to obesity, a major public health issue. The partnership will focus on developing innovative approaches to treating obesity and improving long-term health outcomes for those affected. The partnership is expected to create new jobs in the UK life sciences sector, contribute to the UK’s economic growth and competitiveness, and have a significant impact on the UK’s healthcare system. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that it will help the UK become a world leader in life sciences and bring life-changing treatments closer to NHS patients. David A. Ricks, Chair and CEO of Eli Lilly and…
The U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced the final recipients of the Investing in America Small Business Opportunity Program (SBOP), a $75 million competitive grant program designed to support underserved and very small businesses in key sectors of the economy. SBOP aims to connect these businesses with the financing and technical assistance they need to participate in critical supply chains, such as electric vehicle manufacturing, semiconductor manufacturing, construction, transportation, and clean energy generation. “By increasing access to capital and making historic investments in infrastructure, clean energy, and manufacturing, we have spurred record-breaking small business growth over the last three years,” said Vice President Kamala Harris. “Since taking office, I have been proud to work to expand access to opportunity by investing in the small businesses that are the backbone of our communities. This funding from the Small Business Opportunity Program will build on this momentum by allowing tens of thousands of entrepreneurs from historically underserved communities to access the technical assistance they need in order to hire more employees, grow their businesses, and advance innovation.” “More than 19 million new small business applications have been filed during the Biden-Harris Administration and we’re working to support these entrepreneurs and connect them…
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved North Carolina’s Initial Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. This approval marks a significant step towards closing the digital divide in North Carolina and ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service. The BEAD program, authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides $42.45 billion in state grants to expand broadband access. North Carolina was allocated over $1.5 billion to deploy or upgrade high-speed Internet networks in unserved and underserved areas. “In the 21st century, a reliable Internet connection is a critical necessity that enables access to jobs, health care, and education. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is ensuring everyone in North Carolina and across the country has access to quality, affordable high-speed Internet,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Congratulations to the team in North Carolina. We look forward to working with you to ensure that everyone in the state is connected.” Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used for high-speed Internet adoption, training, and workforce development efforts. “Today, North Carolina can move their Internet for All efforts from planning to…
A new report released today by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)-led Cool Coalition and International Finance Corporation (IFC) highlights a massive $8 trillion opportunity for sustainable cooling solutions in developing economies. The report, titled “Cooler Finance: Mobilizing Investment for the Developing World’s Sustainable Cooling Needs,” forecasts a significant growth in the cooling market in developing countries. By 2050, the market is expected to expand from $300 billion to at least $600 billion per year. Africa and South Asia are projected to experience the most rapid growth, with market sizes increasing by seven times and four times respectively. The report emphasizes the need for prioritizing passive, energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and economically viable cooling solutions. It warns that developing economies, already responsible for two-thirds of global cooling-related emissions, are on track to double their cooling demand by 2050. By adopting sustainable cooling technologies, developing economies can reduce cooling-related emissions by nearly half by 2050. This requires a multifaceted approach, including: “The sustainable cooling market represents at least a 600-billion-dollar opportunity for the private sector, which could generate more than 8 trillion dollars in benefits for developing countries,” said Makhtar Diop, IFC’s Managing Director. “These nations are especially vulnerable to the deadly effects…
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board has approved a 40-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement for Liberia, totaling US$210 million. This arrangement aims to support Liberia’s economic recovery and development efforts. The ECF will provide financial assistance to Liberia while implementing key policy reforms to strengthen macroeconomic stability, enhance public financial management, and promote sustainable and inclusive growth. The IMF’s approval of the ECF underscores Liberia’s commitment to these reforms and its potential for economic progress. The ECF arrangement is expected to help Liberia address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and recent commodity price shocks. By supporting economic recovery and development, the IMF aims to improve the lives of Liberians and promote regional stability. Key objectives of the ECF arrangement include: The IMF will continue to monitor Liberia’s progress in implementing the ECF program and provide technical assistance as needed.
In response to the devastating floods that have impacted over 14.8 million people in Bangladesh, the UK government has announced a £30,000 humanitarian aid package to support affected communities in Sylhet. The funding will be managed by Start Fund Bangladesh and implemented by Caritas Bangladesh, providing essential aid such as cash assistance, clean drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies. This assistance will complement the ongoing efforts of the Bangladeshi government to address the flood crisis. In addition to the direct aid, the UK is also a major contributor to global humanitarian pooled funds, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) and the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). These funds are allocating a total of £5.9 million to support flood-affected populations in northern Bangladesh with food, water, sanitation, shelter, health care, and cash assistance. Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, said: “The UK stands beside all of those affected by the current flooding in Bangladesh. I am pleased to announce the UK is providing humanitarian assistance to support those affected.” “This includes £30,000 (BDT 4.5 crores) through START Fund Bangladesh to provide vital supplies to over 5,000 people in Sylhet,…
The United States Government has announced an additional allocation of nearly $336 million in humanitarian aid to support the people of Gaza and the West Bank, who have been deeply impacted by the ongoing conflict. This assistance addresses the critical needs of over 1.9 million displaced Palestinians and the more than 2.1 million individuals experiencing severe food insecurity. This latest round of funding will be directed through USAID partners to provide essential life-saving aid. Key areas of focus include the provision of emergency food assistance, enhanced healthcare and nutrition services, psychosocial support, and improved access to clean drinking water, hygiene products, and sanitation facilities. Additionally, the aid package will support the provision of emergency shelter for displaced Gazans, helping them prepare for the approaching winter season. With this new commitment, total U.S. humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people has exceeded $1 billion since October 2023, underscoring the country’s ongoing commitment to addressing the region’s critical humanitarian needs. The conflict over the past year has claimed numerous lives, affecting both Palestinians and Israelis, while leaving Gaza and the West Bank in a state of crisis. The U.S. continues to advocate for a ceasefire agreement, the release of hostages, and the unimpeded…
The UK government has announced a £5 million contribution to UNICEF to support humanitarian response efforts in Lebanon. This funding comes in the wake of recent air strikes that have resulted in further civilian casualties and displacement. The essential humanitarian support will provide medical supplies, hygiene kits, and fuel for water stations to assist thousands of displaced civilians across Lebanon. It will also enable emergency teams to address urgent health and nutrition needs and provide training to frontline workers. Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, Hamish Falconer, expressed deep concern over the rising number of civilian casualties and displacement in Lebanon. He emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire. Development Director and Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy Beirut Victoria Dunne said: “We are profoundly saddened by the civilian deaths in Lebanon. The number of casualties and the scale of displacement is deeply distressing.” “Alongside our tireless diplomatic efforts, the UK is providing £5m to UNICEF Lebanon, to deliver vital supplies to support thousands of displaced civilians facing a humanitarian emergency in Lebanon. The UK has been and will remain a strong supporter of Lebanon.” The UK’s £5 million contribution to UNICEF will play a…
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has secured a significant £10 billion investment from Blackstone, a leading global investment firm, during his visit to New York. This investment will drive economic growth and create thousands of jobs in the North East of England. The investment will fund the construction of Europe’s largest AI data center in Blyth, Northumberland. This project is expected to create over 4,000 jobs, including 1,200 roles dedicated to the construction of the site. The data center will store the vast amount of data required to power AI systems. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The number one mission of my government is to grow our economy, so that hard-working British people reap the benefits – and more foreign investment is a crucial part of that plan.New investment such as the one we’ve announced with Blackstone today is a huge vote of confidence in the UK and it proves that Britain is back as a major player on the global stage and we’re open for business.” Blackstone’s commitment to the UK extends beyond this investment. The company plans to invest £110 million in a fund to support skills training and transport infrastructure in the area. Jon Gray, President and Chief…
