According to the latest data, international investment for development this year has a “negative” outlook, which is a significant change from earlier this year when there was potential for modest growth.
The reasons for this shift include trade tensions and tariffs, which have caused a major increase in uncertainty for investors, according to UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan.
Grynspan also noted that investment in renewable energy, water and sanitation has decreased by 30%, while agriculture has seen a 19% drop in investor confidence. The only sector that has seen an increase is healthcare, with a 20% rise, but this only accounts for less than $15 billion globally.
Grynspan emphasized that these numbers have real consequences, such as lack of job creation, delayed sustainable development, and inadequate infrastructure. She stated that this is not just a temporary downturn, but a pattern.
Grynspan also mentioned “growing geopolitical tensions” and increasing trade barriers as contributing factors to the decline in global investment for development.
The Humanitarian Country Team in Haiti has issued a warning about the critically low funding and supplies ahead of an expected above-average hurricane season. With 96% of the population at risk, Haiti is highly vulnerable to extreme weather, and forecasts predict 12 to 19 tropical storms and up to five major hurricanes this year.
This warning comes as Haiti is already facing a worsening humanitarian crisis, with armed gangs controlling much of the country, essential services collapsing, and a growing number of displaced people. 5.7 million people are food insecure, 1.3 million are displaced, and 230,000 are living in inadequate shelters that are not equipped to withstand severe weather.
While humanitarian actors have pre-positioned some supplies, they are at a record low for a hurricane season with such high risk. Additionally, Haiti is facing this hurricane season without pre-positioned food supplies or sufficient financial resources for a rapid response.
The UN Humanitarian Office (OCHA) is working with UN agencies and partners to assess how to safely resume aid operations in areas with high needs, following their suspension in May due to insecurity.
Ulrika Richardson, the Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti, expressed deep concern for the affected communities and called for immediate support. As of mid-June, the $908 million Humanitarian Response Plan for Haiti is only 8% funded.
OCHA also raised the alarm about the increasing cases of malnutrition and cholera in South Sudan, a country torn by war. An estimated 2.3 million children under five urgently need treatment for acute malnutrition, which is a 10% increase since last July.
In addition, South Sudan is facing the most severe cholera outbreak in the world this year, with almost 74,000 cases and over 1,300 deaths reported as of mid-June. With the start of the rainy season and decreasing immunity, there is a risk of a significant surge in infections.
The 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for South Sudan is only 20% funded, but the UN and its partners have scaled up efforts to deliver vaccines and aid to contain the disease and protect the most vulnerable.
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric emphasized the urgent need for funding to expand food assistance, nutrition, and healthcare services in South Sudan. Despite limited resources and challenges, the UN and its partners are working to address these critical issues.