Lisa Satolli’s Post

Good article by Kenneth Joseph Mohammed about the potential and challenges faced by both regions... "By 2050, Africa will account for a quarter of the global labour force, rising above 40% by 2100. This demographic dividend presents immense opportunities for economic development through skill development, entrepreneurship and innovation." ‘Smarter money’ is the key that will unlock the promise of Africa and the Caribbean https://lnkd.in/e_Cz2yE2

Call for proposals: Small Grants Program (Part 2) “Staying Resilient Amidst Multiple Crises in Southeast Asia” To strengthen #resilience of marginal communities in Southeast Asia, SEA Junction will continue for three more years the small-grant program launched in 2020 with support from CMB Foundation and other individual and institutional donors. Initially with a focus on resilience amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the program is now expanded to cover multiple complex crises. Small grants for an average of USD 2,500 are to be awarded to efforts by groups and individuals to foster resilience amidst any or a combination of the interlocked crises such as health, political, socioeconomic and/or environmental crises. How to Apply: Download and fill the proposal form provided via website page: https://lnkd.in/gFXsccDs Use English or any Southeast Asian languages Submit your brief proposal by email to info@seajunction.org Application Deadline: Friday, 10 May 2024 (23:59 UTC +7)

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international organization that engages leaders from various sectors to shape global, regional and industry agendas. One of its initiatives is the Humanitarian and Resilience Investing (HRI) Initiative, which aims to mobilize $10 billion in commercial and catalytic capital to enable 1,000 businesses in frontier markets to scale their operations by 2030. Frontier markets are low-income countries that have the potential to grow rapidly and achieve sustainable development, but face significant challenges such as poverty, insecurity, climate change and humanitarian crises. The HRI Initiative and its partners believe that market-driven solutions can strengthen local economies, respond to the systemic challenges faced by underserved communities living in extreme poverty, and reduce overall aid dependency. Some of the actions launched by the initiative include: Building and maturing selected frontier markets, such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Haiti, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Mali, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Uganda and Yemen. Scaling action at the intersection of climate and humanitarian impact, such as supporting climate-resilient agriculture, clean energy, water and sanitation, and disaster risk reduction. Cultivating co-investment in purpose-driven businesses in frontier markets, such as facilitating access to finance, providing technical assistance, creating enabling environments, and measuring impact.

Humanity is facing a profound crisis affecting society, the environment and global security. Climate change has triggered natural disasters such as floods in various parts of Niger, Mali and the Alau Dam in Nigeria, and wildfires in Portugal, displacing millions and threatening ecosystems. War, violence and dehumanization in places such as Lebanon and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have exacerbated humanitarian challenges and profoundly undermined human security, international humanitarian law and thus world order. Economic inequality, food insecurity and pandemics further stress vulnerable communities in Africa, the Middle East and other regions of the world. In times of crisis, the tendency to dehumanize and marginalize others only deepens divisions and conflicts. But the path to true peace and resilience begins with recognizing our common humanity. Whether we're dealing with climate disruption, social inequality, or political unrest, it's essential that we engage one another with empathy, understanding, and solidarity. We must move beyond fear and hostility to create spaces for dialogue, compassion, and healing. Peaceful action, not dehumanization, is the foundation for a more inclusive and harmonious future. Let's build bridges, not walls. Let us take action by supporting peacebuilding initiatives that collectively promote nonviolence, diversity, equity, and inclusion, so that together we can work toward a future where every individual is respected and valued, so that we can begin to work toward more just and harmonious societies. Together, we can foster lasting peace and build bridges across divides for a better world. Human security anywhere is a threat to human security everywhere. #ReclaimingOurSharedHumanity

The World Bank Group’s new #Liberia Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) estimates that climate change challenges could shrink Liberia’s economy by 15% and increase the risk of poverty for 1.3 million people by 2050. The private sector is vital in supporting sustainable economic growth in Liberia, helping it meet both its development and climate goals. The report highlights investment and development opportunities in renewable energy for reliable and cost-effective power, clean cooking technologies, and climate-smart agriculture. The reports finds that proactive adaptation efforts could reduce climate-related economic losses, including: 📈 A policy framework that integrates climate finance, risk management, and agency coordination. 🏗️ Infrastructure development that considers climate risks and opportunities. 🧑🤝🧑 Strengthening health and education systems to address climate impacts and enhance resilience. 🌿 A shift towards sustainable land-use across the agriculture and mining sectors, highlighting community benefits from natural resources. Read the full report to learn how Liberia can address climate challenges while fostering sustainable economic development.     📥 Download the report: http://wrld.bg/9SFV50QZvnG

With the rise of protracted crises, climate change, and increasing displaced populations, traditional funding mechanisms are struggling to keep pace with escalating humanitarian demands. Currently, 40% of people requiring humanitarian assistance face intersecting risks of high-intensity conflict, socioeconomic fragility, and severe climate crisis vulnerability. Our ‘Innovative Finance’ side-event, co-hosted by Humanitarian Finance Forum (HFF) and taking place on 23rd October, is an opportunity to tackle these challenges with peers in the sector and explore how innovative finance can address funding needs for projects. The agenda explores the latest trends, challenges and opportunities in blended finance that can support humanitarian efforts. View the Innovative Finance Side event agenda: https://rebrand.ly/ua71xhu Join us 23-24 October at Palexpo, Geneva for access to the ‘Innovative Finance’ side-event alongside the conference and exhibition at AidEx. Register for your free ticket: https://rb.gy/3h0qbu #AidEx #humanitarianaid #humanitarianfinance #innovativefinance #sustainablefinance 

Caribbean analyst, Kenneth Joseph Mohammed, recently published an opinion piece in The Guardian exploring how better investments, partnerships and global financial reform is essential to unlock the potential of both Africa and the Caribbean. 🌍 Kenneth referenced the key findings from our report on #FinancingAfrica on the need for a radical reboot of the financial system to address Africa's financial needs as well as the importance of mobilising domestic resources effectively, from preventing illicit financial flows and strengthening tax systems. 💰 It's clear that a paradigm shift is necessary to address Africa and many other region's financial needs in the face of the climate emergency and development challenges. 🌐 🔸 Read Kenneth's full article here: https://lnkd.in/ewy283X6 🔸 Explore the 2024 Forum Report here: https://lnkd.in/egBwsVMP

This week's roundtable on transforming #humanitarian response, hosted by Secretary Blinken, marked an important step toward addressing the compounded crises faced by vulnerable communities globally. I would like to thank Secretary Blinken for convening such a diverse group of stakeholders and facilitating this critical discussion. It was an honour to join alongside David Lammy and Ilan Goldfajn, where we emphasized the need for new, collaborative models of engagement.   The traditional humanitarian system is overwhelmed, with multiple crises occurring simultaneously. We must strengthen the link between humanitarian and development efforts by involving new actors, particularly the private sector, to unlock sustainable solutions.   At the World Economic Forum, we see growing momentum for private investment in fragile environments. Our Humanitarian and Resilience Investing (HRI) Initiative is a testament to this, with over 100 partners working together to catalyze impact in frontier markets. #SDIM24   For more on the discussion, find out more here: (https://lnkd.in/exS4z_rq). Find out more: https://lnkd.in/ebhCN4Bq

CALL TO ACTION! Resilience Action Network Africa more than 20 CSOs, including WACI Health, The ONE Campaign, Global Citizen, and more, call on shareholders and IDA decision makers to take the lead for a historic IDA21 replenishment by ensuring and ensure that IDA is well-resourced to help countries respond to historic challenges, and advance the World Bank’s mission to end poverty on a liveable planet. The Africa Heads of State Summit (April 29) in Nairobi was an important moment to showcase the critical role that The World Bank’s International Development Association plays as the largest source of grants and low-cost loans for the world’s 75 poorest countries, 39 of which are in sub-Saharan Africa. The combined toll of the COVID-19 pandemic, accelerating climate change, food insecurity, growing debt distress, and other crises have led to a "historic reversal" in economic growth, which in turn has widened the income gap, stalled efforts to reduce poverty and hunger, and derailed progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Now is the time to move from words to actions. Read the full letter: https://lnkd.in/dMzBiES6

Climate change is impacting Africa tremendously, with rising natural disasters costing billions and disrupting lives. While public funding exists, a significant gap remains. Private capital plays a crucial role in #adaptation and #resilience yet contributes only 2% of tracked climate adaptation finance.  This morning, KPMG East Africa is excited to be co-hosting a side event with FSD Africa, African Development Bank Group, AB & David, New Forests, and NatureFinance on the sidelines of the #AfDBAM2024 meetings. This #ClimateandNatureFinanceDay event brings together Africa’s financial sector leaders to discuss innovative financing mechanisms and explore how we can translate global #climatefinance commitments for Africa into concrete action. #ClimateandNatureFinanceDay #AfDBAM2024 Cc: Janice Kotut-Sang | Michael Hayes | James Woodward | Victoria Malloy | Mercy Lang'at