US Iran strikes sparks oil shock, inflation fears, global sector shakeout – deVere Group

Source: deVere Group

June 22 2025 – The market impact of President Donald Trump's military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities is already beginning to reshape investor expectations across asset classes, sectors and geographies, says Nigel Green, CEO of financial advisory giant deVere Group.

As markets reopen, investors are bracing for sharp volatility, with crude oil prices expected to surge and inflation forecasts now under intense scrutiny.

A conflict that had remained largely contained is now threatening to trigger broad-based repricing across the global economy.

“The US strike on Iran's nuclear sites is a market-defining moment,” says Nigel Green. “It's a direct hit to the assumptions that have been driving investor positioning: lower inflation, falling rates, and stable energy prices. This framework has just been broken.”

Brent crude had already been climbing steadily in recent weeks, but the decision to target Iranian nuclear facilities has dramatically increased fears of retaliation and disruption.

Any closure or threat to the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of the world's oil flows, would send prices sharply higher.

Some analysts now warn that crude could spike toward $130 per barrel, depending on Iran's next move.

“Such a price shock would filter through to global inflation, which remains elevated and/or sticky in many regions. Market participants had been pricing in rate cuts from central banks including the Federal Reserve in the second half of the year. That is now in question,” notes the deVere CEO.

“A sustained surge in oil makes rate cuts very difficult to justify. If inflation spikes back up, monetary policymakers will be forced to hold, and possibly even reconsider the easing cycle altogether,” saysNigel Green.

“That fundamentally changes the landscape for equity sectors, currencies, and credit.”

He continues: “In equities, the most immediate reaction is likely to be a rotation out of rate-sensitive and consumer-driven sectors. Travel and tourism companies, which are highly vulnerable to energy costs and geopolitical disruptions, are expected to come under pressure. Tech stocks, particularly those trading on high multiples, may also see selling as the bond market rethinks the rate outlook.”

At the same time, there is likely to be “increased investor appetite for energy producers, commodity firms and companies tied to national defense. With military budgets already rising in several developed economies, firms linked to security, surveillance, aerospace and weapons manufacturing are well-positioned to benefit from a surge in demand.”

Meanwhile, consumer staples and utility companies, with stable earnings profiles and pricing power, may also draw inflows in this higher-volatility environment.

Safe-haven flows are expected to intensify. “Government bond yields may fall sharply on the short end, even as long-term inflation expectations creep higher. Gold, which has already rallied this year, is likely to climb further as investors hedge geopolitical and monetary risk.”

Currency markets could see a short-term bid for the US dollar on safety grounds, but the longer-term picture is more uncertain. With America now deeply embedded in a widening Middle East conflict, and inflation risks rising, the dollar's appeal could diminish if the US growth outlook deteriorates.

“The dollar may rally initially, but this isn't a clean safe-haven story,” says Nigel Green.

“If oil drives up inflation and suppresses consumer demand, we may see slower growth in the US and renewed pressure on fiscal stability. That's not necessarily a supportive environment for the dollar longer-term.”

Green also notes that although past geopolitical events in the region have often led to short-term drawdowns followed by market recoveries, 2025 presents a very different macro backdrop. In previous conflicts, inflation was low, rates were near zero, and central banks had ample room to support asset prices. This is no longer the case.

“This is not 2019. We're in a tighter, more fragile system now, with less room for error,” he says.

“Investors can't afford to wait and see. They need to respond now, reposition portfolios, and focus on sectors and strategies that can withstand prolonged uncertainty.”

deVere is advising clients globally to reduce exposure to sectors vulnerable to energy cost spikes and to consider shifting allocations toward energy, commodities, and defensive names. Gold and inflation-linked bonds are also being recommended as part of broader portfolio hedging strategies.

“The time for passive optimism is over,” conclude the chief executive.

“This strike marks a turning point. The smart investors are already repositioning, those who hesitate risk being left exposed.”

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.


Energy Sector – Johan Castberg producing at full capacity – Equinor

Source: Equinor

20 JUNE 2025 – The first cargo from Johan Castberg was loaded by the tanker Bodil Knutsen on 25 May, shipping around 700,000 barrels to Spain

Only three months after coming on stream Johan Castberg is producing at peak capacity of 220,000 barrels of oil per day. This increases energy deliveries from the Barents Sea by 150%.

The early operation phase has gone according to plan, the field reaching plateau production on 17 June. Seventeen of a total of 30 wells have been completed. The wells that have come on stream are producing as expected.

“Johan Castberg represents a gamechanger for the importance of the Barents Sea for Norway's future as an energy nation. Every three to four days, tank loads now depart from Johan Castberg, each of them worth around half a billion Norwegian kroner. The field will remain on stream for at least 30 years, delivering stable energy to Europe, generating high value for Norway, and ripple effects and jobs in Northern Norway,” says Kjetil Hove, Equinor's executive vice president for Exploration & Production Norway.

The new production vessel (FPSO) came on stream on 31 March, opening a new area for production in the Barents Sea. The first cargo was loaded by the tanker Bodil Knutsen on 25 May, shipping around 700,000 barrels to Spain. Almost all oil from the NCS is currently delivered to Europe.

“The Johan Castberg volume base initially estimated at 450-650 million barrels, our ambition is to increase the reserves by between 250-550 million barrels. We are already planning six new wells to extend plateau production. The Isflak project will be a rapid field development with an investment decision at the end of the year and start-up in 2028. In addition, we will drill one or two exploration wells annually near Johan Castberg,” Hove adds.

New exploration targets have been matured in the Johan Castberg area. Going forward, two rigs will be drilling new exploration wells in the areas around Johan Castberg and Goliat. They will also drill production wells for the fields.

Conflict and Stocks – Israel and Iran Stock Markets Hit Record Highs Amid Conflict – Finbold

Source: Finbold

War is Bad for Stocks? Think Again.

June 20, 2025 – Missiles struck the heart of Tel Aviv's financial district yesterday, yet investors barely flinched. Defying conventional market logic, Israel's stock indices surged to record highs, even as tensions with Iran escalated dramatically.

Notably, shares of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange itself (TASE.TA) climbed approximately 1.67% to close around 6,161 ILA, extending impressive year-to-date gains beyond 45%. Broader market indices also reached fresh 52-week peaks, with the prominent Tel Aviv-35 closing at approximately 2,834 points, and the Tel Aviv-125 index finishing around 2,850 points.

Meanwhile, Iran's Tehran Stock Exchange (TEDPIX) remained near its recent all-time highs around 3,035,000 points, despite a brief pullback triggered by recent conflict developments. TEDPIX's dramatic year-over-year increase of roughly 46% has largely been driven by aggressive domestic monetary expansion and capital fleeing currency instability, rather than true economic strength.

Finbold's market analyst Jordan Major explained these unusual market dynamics:

“Investors seem to be betting on resilience rather than peace. Israeli markets are buoyed by sector rotation into defense, cybersecurity, and commodities, alongside robust governmental support and expectations of swift, limited military retaliation. In Iran, however, market strength primarily reflects investors' efforts to shield their capital from currency instability rather than genuine economic optimism.”

For more information: https://finbold.com/israel-and-iran-stock-markets-at-all-time-highs/

Gaza – Deliberate shortages of food, medicine and fuel by Israeli authorities are suffocating Gaza

Source: Médecins Sans Frontières' (MSF)

Gaza, 20 June 2025— Palestinians are perpetually on the verge of losing access to essential medical care and clean water due to deliberate actions by Israeli authorities. This policy restricts the entry of medical supplies and fuel to the bare minimum and at their whim. While this strategy creates the illusion of aid flowing into the Strip, it effectively prevents the humanitarian response from reaching even the minimum required for a population entirely reliant on assistance. The Israeli authorities must end their collective punishment of the people in Gaza and immediately allow the consistent entry of sufficient medical supplies and fuel.

Over the past week we have seen large influxes of wounded patients, many of whom have suffered traumatic injuries. At Médecins Sans Frontières' (MSF's) field hospital in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza, the number of patients with gunshot wounds increased by 190 per cent compared to the week before. Clinics, such as Khan Younis clinic and Deir Al-Balah clinic, saw their highest weekly intake to date. Following three months of total blockade and despite Israel's claims to have opened supply corridors, MSF's supplies are running critically low due to continuing restrictions imposed on entering goods.

“We are missing everything, medical consumables like gauze, medications and food for our patients. This also includes therapeutic food for people with malnutrition, especially children,” says Katja Storck, nursing activity manager in Khan Younis.

Along with crucial medical supplies, the dangerously low level of fuel is a big concern for people in Gaza as it powers the desalination plants where much of the clean water comes from. Palestinians across the Strip have already seen their access to water drop significantly. Without fuel, millions of people will be trapped with no safe drinking water. Equally, fuel powers the entire healthcare system: medical equipment, air conditioning, elevators, oxygen concentrators, ventilators, and cold-chain storage for medicines and vaccines. Even ambulances will be grounded, preventing the transport of critically ill and wounded people.

“Newborns in neonatal intensive care units are often too small to breathe on their own — they need ventilators and oxygen to survive. But recently lack of fuel has caused electricity at Al-Helou Maternity hospital in northern Gaza to cut out several times, shutting off ventilators and oxygen and putting babies' lives at immediate risk,” says Amy Low, medical team leader in Gaza City.

Yesterday, the UN managed to retrieve 280,000 litres of fuel from the stocks which are stuck in a no-go area in Rafah, after the Israeli authorities denied 12 previous requests. As fuel stocks got so low, the teams at Al-Helou, where MSF teams work in the maternity ward, had to temporarily shut down elevators in the hospital to ration stocks.  

“The charade of only allowing medical and fuel supplies at the very last minute ahead of a looming disaster is nothing but a band aid on a gushing wound. The weaponisation of aid must end,” says Aitor Zabalgogeazkoa, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza. “No militarised scheme developed by a warring party, like the one we are witnessing with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, can replace the work of independent humanitarian agencies.”

MSF teams are witnessing patterns consistent with genocide in Gaza. Mass killings, the destruction of vital civilian infrastructure, and severe restrictions on fuel supplies and the delivery of aid are deliberate actions. Israel is systematically dismantling the conditions necessary for Palestinian life.

MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

Africa – From natural resources to natural capital: Africa charts path to prosperity in Nairobi

Source: Global Landscapes Forum (GLF)

GLF Africa 2025 gathered nearly 2,500 people online and in Nairobi, Kenya, to explore and learn from experts how communities and ecosystems across the continent can thrive under a nature economy.  

Nairobi, Kenya (19 June 2025) – Today, GLF Africa 2025: Innovate, Restore, Prosper – hosted by the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) and CIFOR-ICRAF – brought together nearly 2,500 participants from 118 countries online and in Nairobi, Kenya, to explore how local communities are spearheading a green transition across Africa.  

The Forum, which has reached over 9 million people on social media, convened African and global innovators, scientists, investors and community leaders to raise their voices, share insights and spotlight how grassroots action is leading the way – from ecosystem restoration, land rights and diverse knowledge systems to green jobs, natural capital and AI.  

Here's what experts shared at GLF Africa 2025:

Innovation and AI for people and planet

“When raw data is given meaning, it becomes information. When information is put into context, it becomes knowledge. And when knowledge becomes actionable and applied, only then does it become wisdom. That is the work we all need to do – to move into wisdom territory. To turn data into gold. Africa already has immense natural capital. It's our responsibility to bring intelligence, meaning and context towards a nature economy.” – Éliane Ubalijoro, CEO, CIFOR-ICRAF.

“AI technology is going to help us only when we include the farmer not just as the end user but as a co-creator in our solutions. … Leveraging what people know is one way we can find better fitting solutions for them.” – Esther Maina, Geospatial Developer, Kenya Space Agency.

“Data and AI play a pivotal role in unlocking some of those insights that we've never had access to before, bringing a level of transparency that can restore trust in our ecosystem. Data creates transparency, transparency creates trust, and trust accelerates investments. It will only work, though, if we really start treating our natural capital as a core economic driver … with the potential to unlock trillions in capital.” – Kate Kallot, Founder & CEO, Amini AI

Restoring and reclaiming Africa's landscapes  

“Land rights are the foundation for Africa's nature economy. How can we make sure that Africa's relationship with the West or the private sector is based on a win-win situation? We all know that the West has the technology, but we have the resources, so that should put Africa in a very powerful bargaining position.” – Solange Bandiaky-Badji, President, Rights and Resources Group (RRG), Coordinator, Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI)

“Indigenous people, particularly those on drylands – they have been living their life for generations, overcoming challenges and uncertainties just with the simple knowledge of understanding the environment.” – Joshua Laizer, Co-founder, Tanzania Conservation and Community Empowerment Initiative (TACCEI) and GLFx Maasai Steppe

“We need to create enabling ecosystems that support people to do more restoration and tap into nature-based economies, because policies without people is just poetry.” – Melyn Abisa, INUKA Project coordinator, Youth4Nature

Prosperity through working with nature

“We [need to] give value to our biomass … that helps keep natural capital in the right state. The current model that we operate in the restoration community is only capturing and valuing 6–10% of the biomass. It's largely based around commodities and non-timber forest products: coffee, cashew, macadamia, timber. We export everything raw.” – Peter Minang, Director for Africa, CIFOR-ICRAF.

“We need a shift from aid to investment-centered development. Africa is home to $6.5 trillion in natural resources, a population that is about to reach 2.5 billion by 2050 and 60% of the world's renewable energy potential. This is not a charity case. This is a compelling investment case that the world cannot afford to ignore.” – Sellah Bogonko, Co-Founder and CEO, Jacob's Ladder Africa.

“Africa's nature economy has the potential to sustain ourselves, so there's no need for us to heavily rely on foreign aid. We are our own resource” – Steve Misati, Director at Youth Pawa and 2024 Ocean Restoration Steward.

FIGURES

Over 60% of Africa's economy relies on its natural capital – from forests and biodiversity to water and land.    
Investing in restoration and sustainable landscape practices could deliver major ecological, social and financial returns, with up to 600% returns on investment.
Up to 70% of communities in Sub-Saharan Africa rely on forests and woodlands for their livelihoods.
65% of Africa's productive landscapes are degraded, driven largely by the climate crisis, insecure land rights and underfunded restoration initiatives.
Africa's demands for food, shelter and jobs will increase as its population is expected to grow from 1.5 billion to 2.5 billion by 2050.

Rewatch GLF Africa 2025 for free and learn first-hand what all experts shared: bit.ly/GLFAfrica2025.

ABOUT THE GLF

The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) is the world's largest knowledge-led platform on integrated land use, connecting people with a shared vision to create productive, profitable, equitable and resilient landscapes. It is led by the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), in collaboration with its co-founders UNEP and the World Bank, and its charter members. Learn more at www.globallandscapesforum.org.

WHO – Global Leaders Unite to Accelerate Cervical Cancer Elimination Efforts

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

New commitments at Bali Forum drive momentum to save hundreds of thousands of girls and women from cancer

BALI, Indonesia, 19 June 2025 – Governments, donors, multilateral institutions, the private sector, and partners today announced significant policy, programmatic, and financial commitments to eliminate one of the most preventable cancers.

At the 2nd Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Forum, hosted in Bali, Indonesia, on 17-19 June, leaders announced a wave of new investments and policy pledges to expand access to HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment – bringing the world closer to making cervical cancer the first cancer to ever be eliminated.  

The Forum is attended by more than 300 participants, among them are high-level delegates, such as Ministers of Health from Fiji, Indonesia, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu, as well as Vice Ministers from Costa Rica, Paraguay, and South Africa, demonstrating strong political commitment from countries across regions.

The Global Strategy for the elimination of cervical cancer sets clear targets for 2030: 90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by age 15; 70% of women screened with a high-performance test by age 35 and again at 45; and 90% of women identified with cervical disease receiving appropriate treatment. Progress across all three pillars is essential to achieve and sustain elimination.

“In 2018, WHO issued a global call for action to eliminate cervical cancer on the world to act, and the commitments made here in Indonesia show that call is being answered,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “But we must go further and faster. Every girl who remains unvaccinated and every woman who lacks access to screening or treatment is a reminder that equity must be at the heart of our elimination strategy. Together, we can consign cervical cancer to the history books.”

Despite being preventable, cervical cancer still claims the life of a woman every two minutes – 94% of them in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Less than five per cent of women in many LMICs receive cervical cancer screening due to health system limitations, cost barriers and logistical challenges.  

Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) – the leading cause of cervical cancer – can prevent the vast majority of cases, averting 17.4 deaths for every 1000 girls vaccinated. Combined with screening and treatment—including for precancerous lesions and invasive cancer— it provides a path to elimination. However, as of 2024 only 46 per cent of low-income countries have introduced HPV vaccination nationally, compared to 98 per cent of high-income nations.

The Bali forum builds on momentum from Cartagena, Colombia, where nearly US$ 600 million was committed last year to scale up efforts. 194 countries have adopted WHO’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer and 75 countries globally

have adopted the single-dose HPV vaccine, which expands access to the vaccine to even more girls and saves costs. Vaccination coverage is also improving: in Africa, first dose coverage rose from 28% in 2022 to 40% in 2023 – making it the region with the second-highest rate globally and empowering millions of girls to protect their health and realize their potential. There is increased vaccine supply thanks to market shaping efforts by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and updated recommendations are helping to make cervical cancer screening and treatment more affordable.

The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia continues to accelerate the national HPV vaccination program to reduce mortality rates from cervical cancer. Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasized the urgency of this initiative, as cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women in Indonesia.

To address this issue, the Ministry of Health is not only expanding free HPV vaccination coverage for school-age girls but also strengthening early detection programs for cervical cancer through DNA HPV test and co-testing with IVA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid) at health-care facilities. Additionally, the ministry is collaborating with various stakeholders, including local governments and community organizations, to enhance public education and awareness about the importance of early prevention.

“We cannot rely solely on treatment. Prevention is far more important. Therefore, in addition to HPV vaccination, we strongly encourage regular screening so that cancer can be detected at an early stage before it progresses,” said Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin.

Early detection significantly increases the chances of recovery and reduces treatment cost. For this reason, combining screening and vaccination is essential for effectively preventing and tackling cervical cancer.

Alongside gains in vaccination, countries are also reporting progress in expanding access to cervical cancer screening and treatment, aligned with WHO recommendations. Innovations such as self-sampling are improving reach and feasibility, especially in low-resource settings. Many countries are scaling up national screening programmes and investing in treatment services to ensure that women who test positive receive timely and appropriate care.

This growing global push, driven by renewed commitments from governments and partners at the Forum shows that it is possible to reverse the tide and prevent annual deaths from rising to over 410 000 by 2030, as currently estimated.

To sustain and accelerate this momentum, donors committed to a future free from cervical cancer are strongly urged to fully fund Gavi, which aims to vaccinate an additional 120 million girls between 2026-2030, saving 1.5 million lives.

“At its heart, this movement is about justice. It’s about ensuring that every girl and every woman, regardless of where she lives or what she earns, has access to basic, lifesaving care,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “As we build these services, we are not just preventing cancer, we are strengthening the bond between women and the health system. We are breaking down barriers. We are dismantling stigma. We are advancing the broader agenda for women’s health. Let us act now—so that every woman, everywhere, can live a healthy, dignified life.”

Continued support is also essential for the coordinated efforts of governments, and global partners across the full elimination strategy to help bring us closer to a world where no girl or woman dies from a disease that there is the power to eliminate. Further, the forum calls countries to set ambitious national targets, align with global commitments, and strengthen collective action toward a cervical cancer-free world by 2030 through the Bali Declaration to Reaffirm Commitment to Cervical Cancer Elimination.

Notes:

Country commitments made at the forum include:

Government of Indonesia

Indonesia stands unwavering in its mission to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, ensuring that every woman, regardless of socioeconomic status, can live free from its threat. With an ambitious national 90-75-90 target, Indonesia is scaling up its efforts and setting a precedent for bold, decisive action.

Recognizing that elimination requires sustained commitment, Indonesia is mobilizing all sectors through evidence-based programming, strong local leadership, and dynamic multi-stakeholder collaboration. We are prioritizing substantial investments in the health system and fortifying the key pillars of progress—governance, financial sustainability, and social outreach—to drive real change.

With the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan 2023–2030 launch, Indonesia has solidified a comprehensive partnership ecosystem spanning ministries, local governments, civil society, communities, and international development partners. Significant strides have been made across the three elimination pillars: vaccination, screening, and treatment. To accelerate our impact, Indonesia is advancing the following commitments:

1. HPV Vaccination – Reaching Every Girl, Every Woman

By the end of 2025, Indonesia will transition to a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule, deploying both school-based and community-based platforms to ensure 90% coverage of HPV vaccination among girls and women in all target groups by 2030.

2. Cervical Cancer Screening – Scaling Up and Innovating

Indonesia is dramatically expanding its screening efforts to reach 75% of women aged 30–69 by 2030, using high-performance HPV DNA testing—a globally recognized best practice. Nationwide pilots are already underway, with full-scale adoption targeted by the end of 2025.

3. Treatment and Care – Strengthening Access and Innovation

Indonesia is fortifying its health system by closing diagnostic and treatment services gaps. Key advancements include accelerated procurement of essential diagnostic tools and treatment equipment and expanded access to chemotherapy, immunohistochemistry testing, and cryotherapy across all regions. Additionally, we are upskilling our healthcare workforce to ensure expertise in the latest treatment techniques.

As we move forward, Indonesia is embedding cervical cancer elimination within its broader National Cancer Control Plan 2025–2034, driving continuous monitoring, research, and evidence-based policy refinement to guarantee universal access to preventive and curative services.

Indonesia is fully committed to accelerating progress, ensuring that every woman across the country has access to the services needed for cervical cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. At this pivotal global forum, Indonesia with the participants of the forum urge countries to set ambitious national targets, align with global commitments, and strengthen collective action toward a cervical cancer-free world by 2030 through the adoption of Bali Declaration to Reaffirm Commitment to Cervical Cancer Elimination.

 

Other Government commitments

Government of Pakistan

The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination reaffirms Pakistan's unwavering commitment to cervical cancer elimination, aligning with the WHO's 2030 targets. With over 5,000 new cases and 3,000 deaths annually, cervical cancer is a public health challenge in Pakistan. We are prioritizing a comprehensive strategy focusing on HPV vaccination for adolescent girls starting in 2025, alongside strengthening screening programs and ensuring timely treatment access.

Our goal is to achieve a future where no woman in Pakistan loses her life to this preventable disease.

Government of Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea has committed to eliminate cervical cancer from the country. Integrated cervical cancer screening and treatment has been scaled up and the country plans to introduce HPV vaccine nationally in 2026.

Government of Samoa

Samoa has made major strides:

Over 80% HPV vaccination coverage among girls aged 10–18, supported by ADB and UNICEF.
Our first Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy was developed in 2023 with UNFPA support.
The National Cancer Policy and Action Plan (2024–2029) was approved by our government last December and was funded with Australian assistance.

 

Our approach integrates screening into primary care, uses mobile outreach, and embeds community engagement through the Fa’asamoa and “Healthy Islands” principles.

We recognise the challenges—limited resources and workforce—but we remain committed to combining prevention, screening, and partnerships to achieve our goals.

This program is about equity, hope, and action. Every woman in Samoa deserves access to life-saving care. As a Pacific nation and proud Commonwealth member, we are determined to lead by example.

Together, we will eliminate cervical cancer and save lives.
Thank you for the assistance from our Development Partners and the Global Community.

Co-host commitments

Gates Foundation

The Gates Foundation is committed to protecting the next generation of women from cervical cancer by increasing equitable, sustainable access to HPV vaccines in low- and middle-income countries and we are proud to support Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and countries in the ongoing work to accelerate the introduction and scale-up of HPV vaccines.

We continue in our commitment that supports research on new prophylactic HPV vaccines, further studies investigating the durability of protection of single-dose vaccination, and tools to help countries better understand how vaccines might be used beyond current target populations. And we remain dedicated to our partnerships with governments, non-governmental organizations, multilateral organizations, and the private sector. Working together, we can eliminate cervical cancer.  

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

Gavi reaffirms its commitment to the Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative by supporting lower- and middle-income countries to introduce, finance and scale up coverage of HPV vaccines to drive equitable and sustainable access.

 In partnership with countries and Alliance partners, Gavi is on track to reach its ambitious goal of protecting 86 million girls with the lifesaving HPV vaccine by the end of 2025. To date, we have supported 45 countries to introduce the HPV vaccine to their routine systems. This effort is expected to prevent more than 1.4 million future deaths from cervical cancer and represents a major step forward in advancing health equity.

In Gavi’s next strategic period 2026–2030, Gavi aims to intensify its efforts by reaching over 120 million additional girls with the HPV vaccine- an initiative that could save 1.5 million more lives. Achieving this goal will depend on a fully funded Gavi for the next strategic period. Gavi's investment in HPV vaccination programmes provides a strong foundation for elimination initiatives across the pillars of WHO’s Global Strategy for Cervical Cancer Elimination.

Investing in the health of women and girls is essential to unlocking their full potential and building a healthier, more equitable future for all.

UNICEF

At the 2024 Forum, UNICEF announced an investment of USD 10 million towards the HPV vaccine programme (the HPV Plus initiative). Through the HPV Plus initiative and other investments and partnerships, UNICEF supported the vaccination of over 20 million girls across the 21 HPV Plus implementing countries. Importantly, UNICEF forged strong multi-sectoral engagements and partnerships, working directly with over 250,000 stakeholders in the 21 countries to ensure access for key integrated adolescent health services including nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDs, menstrual hygiene management, and related services to over 490,000 girls – in addition to receiving the HPV vaccine.  

 

In UNICEF’s next strategic plan for 2026-2029 we commit to supporting vaccination of 100 million girls with the HPV vaccine. UNICEF will continue to leverage its programmatic and multi-sectoral footprint to advance effective initiatives including integrated HPV vaccination and adolescent health services and strengthening effective delivery platforms including school-based vaccination.  We will also continue to generate and share evidence to help build stronger immunization and health programmes that advance the wellbeing of adolescent girls.

 

UNICEF will also leverage its Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) program alongside its cervical cancer diagnostic toolkit to shape markets and to create linkages for the screening and treatment pillars of the cervical cancer elimination strategy. Through key programmatic touchpoints, we will raise awareness among country stakeholders and partners about effective screening and treatment options, while providing technical support where feasible.

Unitaid

Unitaid has been a leading investor in the secondary prevention of cervical cancer for over six years and ever since the WHO launched the call to action in 2018. This long-standing engagement reflects Unitaid’s dedication to closing the prevention gap for millions of women worldwide who are not eligible for or able to access the HPV vaccination.

Building on this foundation, Unitaid will invest an additional US$50 million over the next two years to accelerate access to screening and pre-cancer treatment, resulting in a cumulative commitment now reaching US$130 million. This includes an immediate US$18 million investment to directly support 18 countries across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean in establishing and scaling national programs. These efforts will prioritize the rapid uptake of HPV testing and pre-cancer treatment devices, decentralized screening models to reach underserved populations, and the integration of services into health systems in ways that are both sustainable and cost-effective.

In addition to country-level support, Unitaid will strengthen regional mechanisms that benefit a broader set of countries. This includes expanding supply options to improve access to affordable commodities and fostering South-South learning structures that promote local innovation and experience sharing. Through these efforts, Unitaid aims to help countries accelerate progress toward their national cervical cancer elimination goals and contribute meaningfully to the global 90-70-90 targets.

Civil Society Organisations

African Cervical Health Alliance (ACHA)

As a network of grassroots civil society organisations, activists and allies committed to advancing the health and wellbeing of African women, thus safeguarding the fabric of our communities, and nations, the African Cervical Health Alliance (ACHA) remains committed to using our knowledge of the community, our collective voices, experiences, and skills as cervical cancer survivors, caregivers and allies, in our advocacy with and for our women and girls, in the achievement of the WHO 90/70/90 targets by 2030.

ACHA will continue scaling up the use of our evidence based, customisable IEC materials to reach at least 150,000 adolescent girls, women, parents, and community leaders across underserved communities with culturally appropriate and age-specific messages about HPV, the importance of HPV vaccination for all eligible girls, routine cervical cancer screening and access to treatment.

We will also continue to advocate for increased HPV vaccine uptake by integrating cervical health messages into at least 100 advocacy and community engagement activities annually with key populations, including but not limited to school health programs, youth forums, and faith-based initiatives.

We are also committed to supporting government-led efforts in our respective member countries, through technical input, stakeholder engagement, and community mobilization to adopt WHO’s recommendation for single-dose HPV vaccine schedule for our girls, and to expand access to high performance screening tests for all women, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

We stand firm in our commitment to building the advocacy capacity of grassroots champions and cancer survivors, by training at least 200 advocates by June 2026 to lead awareness campaigns, reduce stigma, and foster demand for cervical cancer prevention services.

Our commitments remain resolute, in accelerating the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem across Africa, with a focus on underserved populations, and advocating for the integration of preventive services at all levels of implementation. We therefore pledge to use our unified voice, networks, and tools to catalyse political will, drive accountability, and ensure no woman or girl is left behind in the journey to a cervical cancer free Africa.

Association for Mothers and Newborns (AMAN)

The Association for Mothers and Newborns (AMAN) reaffirms its commitment to cervical cancer elimination, in alignment with the WHO’s 90-70-90 targets and as a national health priority of Pakistan.

As a community-rooted professional organization, AMAN recognizes that demand generation, social mobilisation, and evidence-based advocacy are essential pillars to increase the uptake of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening services, particularly in underserved and marginalized communities. AMAN also provides professional training in Screening methods (Cytology, VIA), and treatment with Colposcopy, LLETZ and Surgical management.

Through its GAVI-funded advocacy project in Sindh province (2025–26), AMAN is addressing vaccine hesitancy, countering misconceptions, and mobilizing families, community leaders, teachers, and caregivers to support HPV vaccination for adolescent girls. The initiative aims to reach over 400,000 adolescent girls, parents, and teachers via community awareness sessions, health camps, and digital outreach. It has also successfully engaged local influencers, health workers, and peer educators as advocates for cervical cancer prevention and health equity.

AMAN pledges to collaborate with public health authorities, civil society, and global partners to amplify local voices, remove barriers, and accelerate Pakistan’s progress toward the global goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem. Together, with a multipronged approach, we can end cervical cancer.

Cancer Awareness, Prevention and Early Detection Trust (CAPED)

As a founding member of the Cervical Cancer Elimination Consortium – India (CCEC-I), CAPED commits to being the community engagement partner and extending outreach through its 48 partner organizations and their extended networks to support the rollout of HPV vaccination and a national cervical cancer screening program.

By June 2026, we will coordinate efforts to:
• Develop a national preparedness map and readiness report using real-time grassroots data, reflecting local realities on awareness, access, and health system readiness.
• Collect and document human interest stories from communities to highlight both challenges and successes in cancer prevention efforts.
• Create and disseminate contextually relevant communication materials that resonate with diverse audiences and address stigma, misinformation, and fear.

These efforts will help ground national strategies in lived experiences and ensure that civil society plays a central role in advancing equitable, people-centred cervical cancer elimination in India.

Girls and Women Health Initiative (GWHI)

GWHI commits to double its impacts in advocacy for HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening and treatment, along with disseminating the findings from the first ever situation analysis commissioned by the Ministry of National Health Services Regulation and Coordination, Pakistan and WHO.

GWHI has also created the Pakistan Alliance for Cervical Cancer Elimination (PACCE), a platform to bring together all partners, governmental and non-governmental, working in Pakistan for cervical cancer elimination, to amplify efforts and impact.

Union for International Cancer Control

The Union for International Cancer Control is committed to working alongside its 1,150 members across 172 countries and territories to address inequities and drive global action towards the elimination of cervical cancer. With a strong reputation in global advocacy, a rich history of delivering initiatives to support national action, and flagship convening platforms that facilitate peer-to-peer exchange and foster collaboration, UICC continues to champion efforts that improve access to care, sustain progress, and lessen the impact of cervical cancer on individuals, their families and communities.

As part of its new three-year business plan, UICC will further strengthen its engagement—including through its role in the ‘Elimination Partnership in the Indo-Pacific for Cervical Cancer’, ongoing support for cervical cancer programmes in Francophone Africa, and initiatives that amplify the voices of those with lived experience, including as part of its current three-year World Cancer Day campaign – United by Unique. A core focus of this work will be to mobilise and equip civil society to advocate for the elimination of cervical cancer—ensuring communities are heard, policies are strengthened, and accountability is upheld.

UICC is rooted in its belief that everyone experiencing cancer should have access to quality treatment and care, and no one should die from a preventable cancer. To achieve this, UICC will leverage its established learning and knowledge-sharing opportunities, its broad multi-sectoral network, and continued advocacy to further progress and ensure that health systems are equipped to improve cancer control, and eliminate cervical cancer.

 

Private sector

Becton Dickinson

Becton Dickinson HPV Access Pricing Initiative: Becton Dickinson (BD) proudly commits to a Global Access Price for our advanced HPV Screening Solution, featuring integrated Extended Genotyping and a self-collection option to expand equitable access to life-saving diagnostics globally. This all-inclusive “Price per Patient Result” will be available to governments and non-governmental organizations advancing public sector programs in 73 Low and Low-Middle Income Countries. Through multi-stakeholder collaboration, we aim to expand access, improve patient management, and help public sector programs implement high-quality, sustainable, and scalable screening programs for effective cervical cancer prevention.

The Ministry of Health Indonesia and Becton Dickinson (BD) are partnering to expand cervical cancer screening in West Java, aiming to reach 300,000 women in three years. Building on a successful pilot in Papua, the initiative supports Indonesia’s National Action Plan, improving patient management and long-term cost-effectiveness through HPV DNA testing, self-collection, and extended genotyping.

Roche

Roche commits to expand affordable pricing for its cobas® HPV DNA test to 17 additional countries, bringing the total to 106 countries, with the potential to positively impact more than 600 million women worldwide. The decision reflects Roche's unwavering dedication to continuous innovation and advancing equitable access to cervical cancer screening, a critical step in supporting countries as they work towards their elimination goals. Roche’s commitment ext

Energy Sector – Equinor’s first solar plant in Denmark starts production

Source: Equinor

19 JUNE 2025 – Production has commenced at the 65 MW Ingerslev Å solar plant located in Jutland, Denmark. The facility is operated by BeGreen, a wholly owned subsidiary of Equinor.

Anders Bade, senior vice president for onshore and markets within Renewables at Equinor.

“This is another step in our ambition to establish a profitable onshore renewables business in select markets across Europe and the Americas. Currently, we have around 1.2 GW of onshore capacity in production and under construction ,” says Anders Bade, senior vice president for onshore and markets within Renewables at Equinor.

Ingerslev Å marks an important milestone as BeGreen’s first project to reach production since Equinor acquired the company in 2023. With the launch of Ingerslev Å, all four Equinor subsidiaries that specialize in onshore renewables and battery storage now have assets in operation.

“Our ownership of local companies provides a strong foundation for value creation by leveraging their on-the-ground expertise and maximizing synergies with our trading house, Danske Commodities,” says Bade.

Danske Commodities will sell the power generated from Ingerslev Å on merchant terms in the DK1 power market in western Denmark. The annual production is estimated at 68 GWh.

The construction of Ingerslev Å was completed in under a year, showcasing the rapid project cycles typical of onshore renewables. The facility features over 100,000 solar panels and six transformer stations installed on site.

Australia – Gooooal! CommBank and Football Australia sign landmark deal to lift Australia’s biggest game to new heights

Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CommBank)

CommBank becomes the largest supporter of football in Australia’s history sponsoring the game at all levels and abilities, and extending its support of Australia’s most played team sport.1

CommBank and Football Australia today announced a ground-breaking investment in the world game, and Australia’s most played team sport, for the next six years.

With this agreement, CommBank will become Football Australia’s major sponsor at all levels. In addition to the existing sponsorship of the CommBank Matildas, the 2024 IFCPF Women’s World Cup Champions the ParaMatildas, and the Pararoos, CommBank will become the naming rights partner of the Socceroos, and the Emerging Matildas and Emerging Socceroos Championships.

CommBank’s investment will place an emphasis on keeping young people engaged in the sport from grassroots to elite levels. The support of the Emerging Socceroos Championships and Emerging Matildas Championships will be a significant boost for Australia’s premier youth tournaments and talent identification pipeline for young players, creating greater professional pathways for the next generation of CommBank Matildas and Socceroos.

This agreement is an extension of the success achieved during CommBank and Football Australia’s initial partnership, particularly in the Bank’s sponsorship of the CommBank Matildas. Since the beginning of the partnership in 2021, women’s and girls’ football participation has increased by 27 per cent,2 and CommBank Matildas game attendance is up more than 100 per cent, including a run of 17 sold-out matches in a row from 2023 to 2024.3 Through CommBank’s Growing Football Fund, over 230 grassroots clubs and associations have received grants of up to $5000 to support initiatives and programs.

The expanded CommBank and Football Australia partnership is a commitment to supporting all Australians regardless of age, gender, ability or location participate in the most played team sport in the country.

CommBank CEO, Matt Comyn, said: “With the Socceroos facing the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™, and the CommBank Matildas preparing for the Australian-hosted AFC Women’s Asia Cup™, there has never been a more exciting time to be a fan of football in Australia.

“When we partnered with Football Australia as naming rights sponsors of the CommBank Matildas, they were about to embark on a history making international campaign, and what an incredible amount they’ve achieved for Australian football and women’s sport since 2021.

“This six-year extension, combined with our previous four years, will result in a 10-year partnership. We hope this long-term commitment will help drive positive and lasting change for the game, players and communities.

“CommBank is proud to play our part in extending the incredible growth we’ve seen in the female game over the past few years into all facets of the game, including the men’s, para athletes and youth competitions – we are committed to promoting supporting inclusivity, keeping communities connected, and ensuring a brighter future for all.”

Interim CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock, said: “We are beyond delighted to take this next step in our relationship with CommBank and continue with our joint purpose of creating a game that is accessible to and loved by all Australians.

“CommBank have been incredible partners since 2021 – in the four years since, we have together taken the women’s and para games from strength to strength, and we cannot wait to extend this success into other programs.

“This is so much more than a sponsorship agreement, it is a values-aligned business partnership through which we will innovate and support each other in many ways – with a core aim of improving the lives of Australians through the world game right across the country. We look forward to embarking on this next step in our journey together.”

Commencing from 1 September 2025, the partnership between CBA and Football Australia will include, but is not limited to:

Official Banking Partner of Football Australia
Official Naming Rights Partner of the CommBank Matildas
NEW Official Naming Rights Partner of the CommBank Socceroos (Sep 1, 2025)
Official Naming Rights Partner of the U23 Matildas
Official Naming Rights Partner of the CommBank Young Matildas
Official Naming Rights Partner of the CommBank Junior Matildas
NEW Official Naming Rights Partner of the CommBank Olyroos
NEW Official Naming Rights Partner of the CommBank Young Socceroos
NEW Official Naming Rights Partner of the CommBank Joeys
Official Naming Rights Partner of the CommBank ParaMatildas
Official Naming Rights Partner of the CommBank Pararoos
Official Bank of the Matildas
Official Bank of the of the U23 Matildas
Official Bank of the Junior Matildas
Official Bank of the Young Matildas
NEW Official Bank of the Socceroos
NEW Official Bank of the Olyroos
NEW Official Bank of the Young Socceroos
NEW Official Bank of the Joeys
Official Bank of the CommBank ParaMatildas
Official Bank of the CommBank Pararoos
Official Partner of Female Football Week
Presenting Partner of Matildas Fan Days
NEW Presenting Partner of Socceroos Fan Days
NEW Presenting Partner of the Socceroos and Matildas Player Mascots
Financial Wellbeing Partner of Football Australia
NEW Official Naming Rights Partner of the Emerging Matildas Championships
NEW Official Naming Rights Partner of the Emerging Socceroos Championships
Official Partner of the Growing Football Fund
Official Partner of Coles Miniroos

Economy – Fed holds rates – markets turn to Powell’s successor amid Trump rant – deVere Group

Source: deVere Group

June 18 2025 – The Federal Reserve has held interest rates steady—resisting mounting pressure from President Trump to cut—and investors are now preparing for what may come next: a pro-Trump successor at the helm of the world's most powerful central bank.

Global financial advisory giant deVere Group says the central bank's decision is the right one, warning that cutting too soon could have backfired badly and pushed long-term borrowing costs higher, not lower.

Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, says: “Trump wants a full-point rate cut to offset the damage from his own tariffs. But if the Fed delivers prematurely, markets will punish that kind of political submission. Long yields could spike, and the cost of capital could rise across the board.”

May inflation data shows some easing—headline CPI dipped to 2.4% and core to 2.8%—but it is not enough for the Fed to justify a move. Wage growth remains resilient, household consumption is firm, and services inflation is still uncomfortably sticky.

“The Fed is right to stay on hold,” says Nigel Green. “The disinflation trend is fragile, the tariff shock is still working its way through, and rate cuts in this environment would send the wrong message.”

Tensions hit a new peak on Wednesday morning, just hours before the central bank's decision, when President Trump launched a personal attack on Fed Chair Jerome Powell during an impromptu press briefing on the South Lawn of the White House.

Speaking beside a new row of flagpoles unveiled as part of a symbolic national display ahead of what the president described as a “potential war with Iran,” Trump again blamed the Fed for slowing the economy and accused Powell of incompetence.

“We're doing well. Well as a country, if the Fed would ever lower rates, you know, we'd buy debt for a lot less,” he told reporters. “Do you ever have a guy that's not a smart person and you're dealing with him and you have to deal? He's not a smart guy.”

deVere points to sharp movements in the yield curve as a warning sign. The 2-year/30-year spread is now at its widest since early 2022. Investors are demanding more compensation to hold long-dated Treasuries amid growing concern about inflation credibility, surging debt issuance, and the creeping politicisation of the Fed.

“What we're seeing now is a re-pricing of long-term risk,” says Green. “If the Fed signals it's willing to bow to political pressure, it damages its ability to anchor expectations—and yields will move accordingly.”

The decision to hold comes against the backdrop of Trump's increasingly aggressive demands for looser monetary policy and his influence over the next central bank leadership decision. Powell's term

OPEC Fund Development Forum 2025 concludes with new commitments to accelerate global development impact

Source: OPEC Fund

18 June 2025 – Highlights:  

– Announcement of over US$1 billion new financing: OPEC Fund signs US$362 million new loan agreements during the Forum and announces approval of US$720 million in new financing in the second Quarter
 – A Country Partnership Framework agreement with Rwanda earmarks US$300 million financing in the next three years 
– At the high-level Mauritania roundtable hosted by the OPEC Fund, the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) announced a pledge of US$2 billion financing over the next 5 years to support Mauritania’s development priorities.
June 18, 2025: The fourth OPEC Fund Development Forum concluded today with a strong slate of new commitments, loan agreements and strategic partnerships to advance inclusive transition and sustainable development. The Forum, which took place in Vienna, Austria brought together more than 600 global leaders, including government representatives, development institutions and private sector stakeholders, under the theme “A Transition That Empowers Our Tomorrow”.

The OPEC Fund announced some US$720 million in new financing to support development efforts across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and saw the signing of US$362 million in new loan agreements. A new Trade Finance Initiative is set to secure vital supplies and help close trade-related liquidity gaps in partner countries.

OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: “The OPEC Fund Development Forum reflects our conviction that partnerships must deliver results. Today we achieved tangible progress – with new signings, new partnerships and new approaches to help our partner countries turn ambition into action. Whether in energy, infrastructure, agriculture or finance, we are responding with solutions that make a difference.”

As part of its Small Island Developing States (SIDS) initiative, the OPEC Fund signed cooperation agreements with Grenada, and the Solomon Islands, expanding support for climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure.

Deepening Country Partnerships for Long-term Impact: New country-level agreements and cooperation frameworks include:  

– A US$212 million loan agreement with Oman to finance the Khasab-Daba-Lima Road Project (Sultan Faisal bin Turki Road), improving local and regional connectivity, as well as a Country Partnership Framework (CPF) to strengthen cooperation over the next five years.

– A US$25 million loan agreement with Cameroon to strengthen the Rice Value Chain Development Project, supporting smallholder farmers and strengthening food security in vulnerable regions, in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and the Kuwait Fund.

– A CPF with Rwanda to allocate up to US$300 million in financing for 2025 – 2028, supporting the country’s development priorities, including quality infrastructure, improved essential basic services and the promotion of entrepreneurship and the private sector.

– Other country partnership agreements included: Azerbaijan to support infrastructure, energy transition and sustainable development; Botswana to support infrastructure, renewable energy, innovation and digital transformation, as well as private sector export-led growth over the next three years; Grenada to build resilience through sustainable development initiatives; Kyrgyz Republic to increase cooperation in transport, water supply and sanitation, energy, agriculture and banking sectors; and Solomon Islands to expand engagement and increase cooperation including in the private sector.

Scaling up Private Sector Support : The OPEC Fund continues to prioritize private sector-led growth with targeted financing to financial institutions across Africa:

– In Côte d’Ivoire, a €30 million loan agreement with Coris Bank International Côte d’Ivoire and a €35 million loan agreement with NSIA Banque will facilitate access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

– A US$40 million loan agreement with the East African Development Bank (EADB) will boost economic investments across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, strengthening regional integration and inclusive growth.

New Trade Finance Initiative: At the Forum the OPEC Fund also announced a new Trade Finance Initiative to boost trade resilience in partner countries by facilitating access to essential imports, closing liquidity gaps and strengthening resilience to external shocks in vulnerable economies.

Advancing global cooperation: The Forum also featured new agreements to deepen multilateral cooperation:

– A new cooperation agreement with the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) will strengthen collaboration in infrastructure, energy and human development projects across the Latin America and Caribbean region.

– The OPEC Fund and the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) formalized a cooperation agreement to coordinate efforts on climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems.

– A cooperation agreement with the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) will support training programs to promote institutional transparency and anti-corruption capacity building in partner countries.

Ahead of the Forum, the OPEC Fund hosted the Annual Meeting of the Heads of Institutions of the Arab Coordination Group (ACG). Delegates participated in a high-level roundtable with the President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani to strengthen development collaboration and mobilize investment flows to Mauritania. 
The roundtable resulted in an ACG joint pledge of US$2 billion financing over the next five years. This will be directed to vital sectors, including energy, water, transportation and digital infrastructure to stimulate economic growth. A dedicated Arab Donors Roundtable on the Sahel addressed strategies to mobilize greater support for the region’s urgent challenges. It was organized by the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CLISS) and sponsored by the OPEC Fund’s partner institution, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).

About the OPEC Fund

The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively. The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries around the world. The OPEC Fund was established in 1976 with a distinct purpose: to drive development, strengthen communities and empower people. Our work is people-centered, focusing on financing projects that meet essential needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education. To date, the OPEC Fund has committed more than US$29 billion to development projects in over 125 countries with an estimated total project cost of more than US$200 billion. The OPEC Fund is rated AA+/Outlook Stable by Fitch and S&P Global Ratings. Our vision is a world where sustainable development is a reality for all.