Policy Updates

On June 9, 2025, Minderoo Foundation announced a pledge of AUD10 million (US$7 million) to support the development of MPAs in high-seas regions of Australia and the Pacific, starting with the Lord Howe Rise–South Tasman Sea area, which features deep-sea ecosystems including coral, seamounts, whales, and sharks.

The funding will support scientific assessments, stakeholder engagement, and MPA design in alignment with international frameworks such as the UN High Seas Treaty and the global 30x30 biodiversity target. The initiative aims to address pressures from industrial activities and to contribute to marine conservation planning in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Incorporating a gender equity and human rights approach, the program emphasizes transparent governance, inclusive decision-making, and collaboration with governments and other partners. Minderoo’s contribution complements existing philanthropic and public funding and seeks to encourage broader support for high-seas conservation efforts.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to inform policy and contribute to long-term ocean sustainability in the region.

On June 4, 2025, Norway became the 31^st country to ratify the BBNJ —formally known as the Agreement under UNCLOS on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction—furthering global ocean governance efforts.

The agreement enables conserved marine protection in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which make up around two-thirds of the world’s oceans, and promotes cross-sectoral cooperation for healthier marine ecosystems.

The Norwegian Parliament unanimously approved ratification on May 26, followed by formal confirmation by the Council of State on May 27. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, describing Norway’s action as proud and delighted, emphasized that strong collective engagement is essential to drive the treaty toward its required 60 ratifications.

Environmental Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen noted that this step supports the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s goal of protecting 30% of marine areas by 2030, and will require environmental impact assessments.

Norway also introduced new domestic legislation to align national law with the Agreement, including contributing NOK 500,000 (US$49,000) to a trust fund that supports developing countries’ participation in treaty implementation.

On June 4, 2025, new findings from the Global Climate and Health Alliance showed that only 21 of 195 countries party to the UNFCCC Paris Agreement have submitted updated NDCs for 2035, nearly four months past deadline with most NDCs mentioning health benefits, such as reduced air pollution, but few including systems to track health outcomes.

The GCHA reviewed 11 countries’ NDCs and found that while many reference health benefits, only the UK’s plan includes specific air quality monitoring. Kenya’s NDC aims for 100% renewable energy and a 35% emissions cut by 2035, yet does not explicitly measure air pollution benefits. Brazil’s NDC focuses on deforestation and fossil fuel transition but lacks clarity on new oil extraction and zero deforestation pledges. The US, after submitting its plan, has withdrawn its targets, weakening global momentum.

Recent NDCs highlight varied approaches: New Zealand targets “super pollutants” but is seen as unambitious; Japan’s continued fossil fuel use has significant health impacts; Canada is phasing out coal; and the UAE is developing a national monitoring system. However, most plans fall short of the 1.5°C goal, with the UK as a notable exception.

The World Bank estimates that halving global exposure to dangerous air pollution by 2040 would require annual investments to rise from US$9 billion in 2020 to US$14 billion in 2040. Despite this, climate finance commitments remain inadequate, and the ;abbrUS exit further strains resources.

On June 2, 2025, AFD signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Essam and Dalal Obaid Foundation, Louis Dreyfus Foundation, and Sawiris Foundation to pilot a climate-smart agriculture program benefiting smallholder farmers in Egypt’s Sohag and Minya governorates.

This collaboration aims to improve agricultural productivity and resilience through tailored financial tools, sustainable practices, and market access support. AFD will also contribute through technical assistance and impact evaluation, with a long-term goal of scaling the approach nationally.

On May 30, 2025, GGF and Sida have formed a partnership to expand green lending in the Western Balkans and the EU’s Eastern Neighborhood. Sida has issued an unfunded guarantee of EUR60 million (US$65million), enabling GGF to provide EUR120 million (US$130 million) in loans to private businesses and households through financial intermediaries and direct company lending.

This support targets urgent investments in decarbonization, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. The partnership marks GGF’s first risk-sharing guarantee, enhancing its ability to back green initiatives and prepare financial institutions and businesses for upcoming EU market opportunities.

GGF was initiated as a public-private partnership by EIB and KfW, with backing from the EU, Germany’s BMZ, and other international investors. Sida’s involvement bridges the investment gap in high-risk markets and complements Swedish ODA and EU programs.

This collaboration is a major milestone for green finance in Southeast Europe, the Caucasus, Middle East, and North Africa, supporting sustainable energy solutions and emissions reduction.

On May 30, 2025, JICA signed the Development Policy Loan which provides JPY60 billion (US$393 million) with Bangladesh to support economic reforms and climate resilience, bolstering Bangladesh's economy amid global challenges like inflation and climate-induced disasters.

The 30-year loan, with a 2% annual interest rate and a 10-year grace period, aims to improve the business environment and governance, and implement climate measures. Co-financing includes US$600 million from the ADB and US$500 million from the World Bank.

Additionally, the Human Resource Development Scholarship Project grants JPY606 million (US$4million) to fund advanced degrees for young Bangladeshi officials in Japan, enhancing administrative capacity and bilateral ties.

On May 27, 2025, Norway formalized an agreement with Estonia under the EEA and Norway Grants, allocating EUR72 million (US$77 million) to support Estonia’s social and economic development. Norway will contribute 97% of the funding, with Iceland and Liechtenstein providing the remainder.

The initiative focuses on several priority areas, including the green transition, crisis prevention, health, and business development. It also aims to enhance Estonia’s physical and digital infrastructure, particularly for preserving cultural heritage during crises. Norwegian agencies such as the Directorate for Civil Protection and Innovation Norway will partner with Estonia to implement projects in energy efficiency, sustainable fisheries, and genetic medicine.

This agreement underscores Norway’s commitment to reducing social and economic disparities in Europe while fostering stronger bilateral ties with Estonia.

On May 27, 2025, the UK FCDO celebrated milestones of the LSAP in Belize, funded under the UKCIF, where the UK US$32million to the Coastal Road Upgrading Project aimed at boosting economic resilience and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in Gales Point and Mullins River villages.

Achievements include formalizing 80 MSMEs, surpassing the target of 40. Of these, 43 are female-owned and 37 male-owned. Additionally, 72 participants received entrepreneurial development training, with 59 earning certification. A Buy Belizean exhibition featuring 14 MSMEs is scheduled for June 14, 2025, in Dangriga Town.

The initiative reflects a strong commitment to inclusive economic development, job creation, and community empowerment, showcasing the deep engagement of local communities and the success of UK -Belize partnerships.

On May 27, 2025, BOND highlighted the UK government's opportunity to address global debt challenges as a countermeasure to the ODA cuts which are set to drop to 0.3% of GNI by 2027, and urged action on debt to mitigate the impacts of reduced funding and growing climate and development crises.

The organization emphasized the UK’s pivotal role, given its jurisdiction over sovereign debt contracts, and proposed reforms like a UN debt framework convention and improved transparency. It also advocated for legislative updates to compel private creditor participation in debt relief and measures to prevent liquidity crises in LICs.

BOND underscored that action on debt could restore fiscal space for developing nations, enabling investments in social services, climate adaptation, and economic development, while reinforcing the UK’s global leadership and commitment to poverty reduction.

On May 22, 2025, Norway and the UNDP signed a framework agreement to develop a Renewable Energy Master Plan for Syria led by Norway’s Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust and UNDP Resident Representative Sudipto Mukerjee, which aims to address Syria’s energy crisis by promoting sustainable energy solutions.

The 12-month plan will outline Syria’s future energy needs, the role of renewable sources, and key measures like aligning regulations with international standards and creating a robust legal framework. Priority areas include improving energy access, reducing import dependency, fostering economic growth through job creation, and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

Integrated with Syria’s National Electricity Master Plan, the project will assess renewable energy potential, enhance energy efficiency, and develop technical capacity in renewable technologies. This collaboration underscores Norway and UNDP’s commitment to advancing Syria’s recovery and sustainable energy transformation while addressing climate challenges.