A grand jury was reportedly convened to gather information on the death of Celeste Rivas. The grand jury heard evidence for several days in mid-November … this according to the Los Angeles Times. The Times reported the existence of the grand jury…
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The mother of Anna Kepner — the 18-year-old who was murdered on a Carnival Cruise ship — is questioning the sleeping arrangements her daughter was placed in leading up to her tragic death. Heather Wright told Fox News she’s been villainized in…
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Biodiversity, Climate Action, Climate Change, Climate Change Finance, Climate Change Justice, Conferences, COP30, Economy & Trade, Environment, Global, Headlines, Sustainability, Sustainable Development Goals, TerraViva United Nations
Local farmer ploughing a field in Indonesia. Credit: Unsplash
– The UN climate talks at COP30 once again brought the critical issue of climate finance to the forefront of global discussions.
However, while much of the debate revolved around traditional forms of aid directed at developing countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, a faster, more transformative approach lies in expanding access to carbon markets.
When emerging and developing economies (EMDEs) are equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to engage in these markets on their own terms, carbon finance can be generated and harnessed in ways that reflect their unique natural assets, governance, social contexts, and national priorities.
Achieving global climate and sustainable development goals depends on ensuring that those worst affected by climate change can fully participate in and benefit from this growing flow of finance.
EMDEs are on the frontlines of climate change — from rising sea levels threatening Pacific island nations to intensifying droughts and fires in the Amazon and Horn of Africa, and increasingly intense and frequent hurricanes in the Caribbean. These crises often hit hardest in regions that have contributed least to global emissions and in the most difficult position to react to them.
Yet, these same nations face a climate finance shortfall of $1.3 trillion per year. Carbon markets present an opportunity for these countries to bridge this gap by turning their natural advantages into climate finance assets.
Despite successful initiatives aimed at bolstering both high-integrity supply and demand for carbon credits, significant barriers to access persist, particularly for EMDEs. From fragmented policy landscapes to weak governance structures, limited institutional capacity, and low investor confidence, various obstacles prevent the vast potential of EMDEs to engage fully.
The Access Strategies Program — led by the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative — is a direct response to these challenges. It helps governments design and implement their own pathways into high-integrity carbon markets, enabling them to build the policies, institutional capacity, and investor confidence needed to meet their climate finance needs and transform their potential into progress.
Each country’s natural capital — from Brazil’s vast rainforest and agricultural landscapes, to the Caribbean’s blue carbon ecosystems, or Kenya’s grasslands and renewable energy potential — represents a unique competitive advantage, ready to be realised.
Simultaneously, no two countries share the same development goals or governance contexts. In some, carbon markets can drive forest conservation and biodiversity protection; while in others, they deliver the most impact by strengthening rural livelihoods or financing clean energy transitions.
The Access Strategies model recognises this uniqueness, tailoring its support to help countries use carbon finance in ways that align with their own specific economic and environmental strategies and goals.
For example, the Partnership for Agricultural Carbon (PAC) — developed with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) — is building capacity across Latin American and Caribbean agriculture ministries to participate in high-integrity carbon markets. It provides training, policy guidance, and decision-making tools that help governments and farmers identify viable carbon projects aligning with national agricultural and sustainability goals.
The collaboration has given small and medium producers a clearer route to investment, while positioning agriculture as a central player in regional climate strategies. Another example of the Access Strategies work is the recently launched Amazon Best Practices Guide, which will help Amazon state governments design and implement carbon market frameworks made specifically for their unique ecological and governance realities.
Moreover, in countries such as Kenya, Peru, and Benin, the Program has provided tailored support to develop policy and regulatory frameworks, strengthen institutional capacity, and attract responsible investment for high-priority climate mitigation projects — all in line with country-led goals.
These examples show what’s possible when governments have the tools and expertise to engage in high-integrity carbon markets on their own terms. More countries should seize this opportunity to tap into the growing flow of finance from carbon markets.
While carbon markets are not a silver bullet, they are one of the few scalable and self-sustaining tools available when grounded in integrity and tailored to each country’s needs.
Programs like Access Strategies do more than transfer technical knowledge — they build the enabling conditions for locally led action, drawing on countries’ unique ecological, social, and institutional insights to shape solutions that work in practice.
The focus of global climate action should not only be on new funding pledges, but on ensuring funding that is already available is effectively redirected for EMDEs countries to harness their own natural capital and promote social inclusion, while meeting their climate goals and reshaping their development pathway.
Building this kind of capacity is how we turn global ambition into lasting, locally owned progress, and moreover how carbon finance can become a true instrument of sustainable development.
Ana Carolina Avzaradel Szklo, Technical Director, Markets and Standards, Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI)
IPS UN Bureau
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Mighty Wanderers produced a dominant second-half performance to defeat Mighty Tigers 3–0 in a TNM Super League match played on Wednesday afternoon at Kamuzu Stadium, Blantyre.
The Nomads started the game on the front foot, enjoying long spells of possession but struggled to convert their early dominance into goals.
Tigers, meanwhile, looked disjointed and repeatedly lost the ball under pressure, offering little threat going forward.
Wanderers created several promising chances in the first half but lacked precision in the final third. Clement Nyondo and Muhammad Sulumba were among the players who failed to capitalise on good build-up play, while the Nomads also wasted multiple corner kicks.
Tigers’ only notable moment came when Martin Nsewa delivered a dangerous cross that went untouched in the box. The first half ended goalless despite Wanderers’ clear superiority.
After the break, Tigers showed brief signs of improvement but Wanderers quickly regained control. The deadlock was broken in the 55 minute when Rajab Nyirenda floated a well-weighted ball into the box, which Sulumba headed home to make it 1–0.
The goal energised Wanderers, who began attacking with more purpose and intensity. Substitutes Blessings Mwalilino and Sama Tanjong added fresh momentum, putting Tigers under constant pressure.
In the 75th minute, Wanderers doubled their lead through Blessings Mwalilino, who finished off a brilliant team move with a well-timed header from a Blessings Singini cross.
Wanderers sealed the victory six minutes later. Adam Wallace weaved his way into the box before delivering a low cross that found Isaac Kaliati at the far post. The winger calmly slotted home to make it 3–0, capping an excellent personal performance that later earned him the Man of the Match award.
Speaking after the match, Mighty Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira praised his players for their impressive display but downplayed talk of the title race, saying there are still seven games to be played.
On his remarks Tigers coach Trevor Kajawa admitted defeat but commended his players’ effort, expressing hope that they will perform better in their remaining fixtures.
The result leaves Tigers in 13th position with 26 points from 26 matches, while Wanderers remain top of the table with 55 points from 23 games, strengthening their push for the league title.
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BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-President Peter Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government through the Department of Human Resource Management and Development (DHRMD), is set to undertake a comprehensive Personnel Audit targeting all civil servants and public employees drawing remuneration from public funds.
The exercise is scheduled to commence on 9th December 2025 and will run through to 6th February 2026.
This critical audit aims to reconcile the authorized positions recorded in the Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) and payroll against actual staffing across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The initiative seeks to enhance transparency, ensure accountability, and streamline public service management.
The first phase of the audit will cover key government sectors, including the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (encompassing Education Divisions, Colleges, and Secondary Schools), Ministry of Health and Sanitation (including Central and CHAM Hospitals), Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development (including Agricultural Development Divisions), Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Security Organs, and all District Councils.
All public servants within these sectors are required to report in person to the designated Audit Teams, bringing along essential documents such as National Identification Cards, original academic and professional certificates, appointment letters, contract documents, and any relevant promotion or transfer letters.
Controlling Officers are also mandated to provide approved documentation from DHRMD, especially concerning employees on long-term training.
The audit will be conducted by officials from DHRMD, National Audit Office, National Registration Bureau, and the Ministry of Finance.
Heads of Government Departments and Agencies have been called upon to offer full support to facilitate a smooth process.
Public servants are strongly urged to comply with the audit requirements.
Failure to appear on the appointed dates will result in the employee being deemed not to be a bona fide public servant, potentially affecting their employment status.
This Personnel Audit represents a significant step toward reinforcing the integrity and effectiveness of Malawi’s public service.
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In a powerful and heartfelt call to action on November 25th, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Malawi’s First Lady, Prof. Gertrude Mutharika, and Minister of Gender, Mary Navicha, have united their voices to renew the nation’s commitment to ending gender-based violence (GBV) in all its forms.
Their combined leadership and unwavering dedication have raised the profile of this critical issue across the country, inspiring citizens to join hands in creating a safer, more equitable Malawi.
Prof. Gertrude Mutharika, a passionate advocate for women’s rights and safety, launched the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence under the national theme, “Unite to End Gender Based Violence in Malawi.”
Her message was clear and resonant: the fight against GBV requires the collective effort of every Malawian — men, women, and youth alike. “A safe woman is a strong nation,” she affirmed, emphasizing the indispensable role that women’s safety plays in the nation’s overall strength and progress.
Her appeal was not just symbolic but deeply rooted in the realities faced by many women in Malawi.
Gender-based violence, which includes physical, emotional, sexual, and psychological abuse, remains a pervasive challenge, disrupting families and communities and threatening the country’s social fabric.
In a nation where tradition and modernity often intersect, Prof. Mutharika’s leadership stands as a beacon of hope, urging society to break the silence and stigma surrounding violence against women.
Complementing the First Lady’s call, Minister Mary Navicha has added a vital dimension to the discourse by addressing the often overlooked issue of violence against men.
Speaking candidly, Navicha acknowledged that while women and girls are predominantly victimized, men also face abuse, and their plight deserves attention and support.
This inclusive approach broadens the national conversation on GBV, ensuring no victim is marginalized or ignored.
Minister Navicha also brought to light the emerging threat of online abuse, a form of gender-based violence that is increasingly affecting women and girls in Malawi.
She urged the public and organizations alike to take this digital menace seriously, highlighting the need for robust measures to combat cyber exploitation and harassment.
In particular, she appealed to women and girls to exercise caution by avoiding the sharing of explicit images, a step she believes can help prevent digital exploitation and protect vulnerable individuals from further harm.
Her remarks showed a nuanced understanding of the evolving landscape of violence, reflecting a progressive stance that aligns with global efforts to address GBV in all its manifestations.
Navicha’s emphasis on digital safety is a critical reminder that the fight against gender-based violence must keep pace with technological advances that, while beneficial, can also be weaponized.
Minister Navicha’s leadership has been recognized and supported at the highest level of government, with President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika appointing her to serve as Minister of Gender.
Her appointment signals a strong governmental commitment to tackling GBV, backed by a woman who is both knowledgeable and passionate about the cause.
Navicha’s approach combines advocacy, education, and practical strategies to engage communities, institutions, and policymakers in building a comprehensive response to gender violence.
Together, these two remarkable women embody the spirit of resilience and determination needed to confront one of Malawi’s most pressing social challenges.
They have become symbols of hope and change, inspiring not only government officials but also grassroots organizations, civil society, and ordinary citizens to take concrete steps toward a violence-free society.
Their messages resonate deeply in a country where cultural norms and economic hardships sometimes perpetuate cycles of abuse.
By standing united, Prof. Mutharika and Minister Navicha are helping to dismantle harmful stereotypes and encouraging a culture of respect, equality, and safety for all individuals, regardless of gender.
The First Lady’s statement that “A safe woman is a strong nation” encapsulates a profound truth—when women are protected and empowered, the entire nation benefits.
This vision aligns with Malawi’s broader developmental goals, recognizing that gender equality is not only a matter of human rights but also a driver of economic growth and social stability.
Meanwhile, Minister Navicha’s inclusive approach ensures that the gender-based violence agenda is comprehensive and sensitive to the needs of all victims. Her focus on digital abuse also positions Malawi to engage with contemporary challenges that many countries are only beginning to address.
As the 16 Days of Activism unfold, the country is witnessing a renewed energy and commitment to eradicate gender-based violence.
Educational campaigns, community dialogues, and policy reforms are being prioritized, with both Prof. Gertrude Mutharika and Minister Mary Navicha at the forefront of these efforts. Their leadership is galvanizing a movement that transcends political lines and social divisions, uniting Malawians in a common cause.
This united front is critical because gender-based violence thrives in silence and isolation. By breaking the silence, these leaders are encouraging survivors to come forward, seek help, and find justice.
They are also challenging perpetrators to be held accountable, signaling that such violence will no longer be tolerated.
The partnership between the First Lady and the Minister of Gender exemplifies how high-profile women leaders can influence national attitudes and policies.
Their commitment is not just ceremonial; it is active and ongoing, involving engagement with communities, collaboration with NGOs, and advocacy within government structures.
Moreover, their public profiles bring visibility to GBV issues at a time when global attention is focused on gender equality and women’s rights.
Malawi’s efforts, led by these two leaders, contribute to the international movement to end violence against women and girls, aligning the country with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In a society where patriarchal norms have long held sway, the voices of Prof. Gertrude Mutharika and Mary Navicha represent a transformative force. They are redefining leadership by prioritizing compassion, inclusivity, and action.
Their work underscores that ending gender-based violence is not just about protecting women and girls but about building a just society where everyone can thrive free from fear.
As Malawi continues this vital journey, the nation can take pride in having such dedicated women at the helm—leaders who are not only advocates but also role models, showing that change is possible when courage and commitment unite.
The call to “Unite to End Gender Based Violence in Malawi” is more than a slogan; it is a rallying cry that has found its champions in Mary Navicha and Gertrude Mutharika.
Their leadership lights a path forward, inviting every Malawian to join hands in creating a future where dignity, respect, and safety are guaranteed for all.
May their tireless efforts inspire lasting change and a Malawi where violence is nothing but a dark memory, replaced by hope, justice, and equality for every citizen.
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