Supporting policy-based programmes in Pakistan, and other news (3 September 2019)

Each week we highlight some of the international development stories from across the globe that have caught our attention.

• Pakistan will receive $7 billion over the next three years from the Asian Development Bank towards development projects and policy-based programmes. Pakistan’s operations business plan until 2022 aims to develop social protection, energy, urban services, and infrastructure, as well as increased education and trade amongst other areas. Read more in Dawn (Pakistan).

• The second phase of Qatar Red Crescent Society’s relief project to provide services for Syrian families with orphans living in southern Turkey has been completed. The project aimed to reduce the lasting psychological impact of war for women and children through rehabilitation sessions, vocational training activities, and the securement of basic requirements such as food and hygiene kits. Read more in Gulf Times.

• The EU has pledged €50 million to support humanitarian and development work in north-east Nigeria. The agreement was signed in Yokohama, Japan, where Nigeria’s president was also asking for Japan’s assistance in ending piracy and illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea. Read more in All Africa.

• A flagship initiative to accelerate youth employment in the agriculture sector in Africa has been launched by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. Read more in North Africa Post.

• The Bangladesh government has signed an agreement with the World Bank for a $185 million renewable energy project which will establish the first large-scale solar plant in the country, and which is being implemented by the Electricity Generation Company of Bangladesh. Read more in The Daily Star.