Policy Updates

On June 13, 2025, Japan signed a grant agreement with Sierra Leone providing US$20 million to expand electricity distribution infrastructure funding new substations, power lines, and transformers across the Western Area, aiming to improve access and reliability in underserved coastal communities.

The support, delivered through Japan’s Grant Aid program, builds on earlier energy collaboration and aligns with Sierra Leone’s goal of universal energy access.

On June 13, 2025, advocates and health experts called on Japan to take a leadership role in the Asia-Pacific at a Tokyo press conference amid declining US contributions to the global HIV response, emphasizing the urgency of sustained funding to prevent setbacks in HIV prevention and treatment.

Advocates urged Japan to increase financial support and political commitment, particularly ahead of the Global Fund’s 8^th replenishment. With regional HIV risks rising, Japan’s engagement is seen as critical to maintaining progress and ensuring equitable access to services.

On June 13, 2025, the Swedish Government adopted a New Humanitarian Aid Strategy for 2025–2029, implemented by Sida. The key priorities include:

• Delivering life-saving assistance and alleviating suffering;
• Ensuring cost-effectiveness, transformative approaches, and innovation;
• Encouraging partnerships with civil society and local actors for fast, targeted response; and
• Strengthening respect for humanitarian principles, international humanitarian law, and access.

Minister Benjamin Dousa stated that Sweden aims to protect the most vulnerable with life saving initiatives amid growing global crises. The strategy reflects a commitment to principled, impactful, and locally anchored humanitarian assistance.

On June 12, 2025, Italy pledged EUR14 million (US$15 million) through UNDP to enhance Moldova’s social protection systems and energy resilience.

The funds will support energy compensation for vulnerable households, modernize social service delivery infrastructure, and advance energy efficiency and digital transformation. This assistance builds on Italy’s ongoing support for Moldova’s European integration and aligns with national priorities for inclusive development.

On June 11, 2025, Canada announced a renewed commitment to aligning global health policy with domestic priorities, with the updated framework emphasizing the implementation of Indigenous health equity through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, enhancing long-term global health funding, and supporting coordinated intergovernmental collaboration.

Key measures include strengthening ethical, interdisciplinary health education, aligning trade and recruitment policies with global health goals, and investing in multilateral institutions. The government will issue annual progress reports to ensure transparency and accountability.

On June 10, 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered all USAID overseas positions to be abolished by September 30, 2025, with control of foreign assistance programs being transferred directly to the US State Department.

The directive impacts hundreds of USAID staff globally, including foreign service officers, contractors, and local employees in over 100 countries. The State Department will take over foreign assistance programming from USAID starting June 15, 2025.

On June 10, 2025, the World Bank released an Economic Prospects Report that projected that the global economy will slow significantly in 2025, largely due to US trade policies that disrupted international commerce and heightened global uncertainty.

The report projected that global growth will fall to 2.3% in 2025, down from 2.8% in 2024 and below the 2.7% initially forecast in January 2025. While a recession is not expected, ongoing trade tensions are contributing to what may be the weakest decade of growth since the 1960s, with economic development stagnating in many of the world’s poorest regions.

Growth in emerging markets is set to outpace that of HICs, but many low-and middle-income countries are still struggling to recover from pandemic-related losses. Slower growth will hinder countries’ ability to create jobs, reduce extreme poverty, and narrow income gaps with HICs. The World Bank suggested that halving global tariffs and mitigating trade tensions could boost growth by 0.2% by 2027 and encouraged low-and middle-income countries to lower trade barriers to stimulate their economies.

Chief Economist of the World Bank Indermit Gill cautioned in the report that without swift course correction, living standards around the world could face severe blows. The report highlighted that global cooperation is essential to support the most vulnerable developing economies through multilateral action, concessional finance, and emergency assistance for conflict-affected countries.

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 6, 2025, the Netherlands announced it will hold a general election on October 29, 2025 following the collapse of Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof’s government, which resigned after losing coalition support, triggering a prolonged campaign under a caretaker administration.

The government’s fall was prompted by deep internal divisions, particularly over contentious immigration proposals. With the coalition dissolved, the cabinet will now serve in a limited capacity, overseeing only essential governance. The unusually long lead-up to the election gives political parties time to recalibrate strategies and present clear platforms.

Key campaign issues are expected to include migration, housing shortages, climate goals, and healthcare reforms. Analysts anticipate a volatile race, with public opinion still shifting after months of political instability. The election is seen as a crucial moment that may redefine the Netherlands’ domestic and international direction.

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.