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RELIEF 2: Refugees, Education, Learning, Information Technology, and Entrepreneurship for the Future
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Since 2017, the RELIEF Centre has worked with citizens, NGOs, and other stakeholders to deliver a programme of research and action towards social inclusion, sustainability and better quality of life for communities in Lebanon. During this time, however, Lebanon experienced a number of radical changes and tragedies: destabilisation of government following the 2019 political protests; the horrendous blast in the port of Beirut on August 4, 2020; an economic collapse and currency devaluation; widespread failure of public services and infrastructure; and a series of Covid-related lockdowns that have exerted further pressure on the economy. In this context of compounded crises, RELIEF's work proceeds from the view that future recovery in Lebanon must follow principles of inclusive growth and prosperity, whereby the starting point and primary focus is not aggregate GDP-growth but the things that people need for better quality of life -secure livelihoods, clean and affordable services, good education, and safe, healthy and inclusive environments. In the Lebanese context of economic and political turmoil, however, 'bottom-up' initiatives are essential for developing solutions. RELIEF's work thus focuses on the sustained development of capabilities that can help citizens and communities acquire skills and organise into communities of practice that address emergent challenges. Over the next 5 years, the second phase of the RELIEF Centre (RELIEF II) will focus on strengthening existing capabilities for citizen-led research, action, and transformation. COVID-19
RELIEF 2: Refugees, Education, Learning, Information Technology, and Entrepreneurship for the Future
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Since 2017, the RELIEF Centre has worked with citizens, NGOs, and other stakeholders to deliver a programme of research and action towards social inclusion, sustainability and better quality of life for communities in Lebanon. During this time, however, Lebanon experienced a number of radical changes and tragedies: destabilisation of government following the 2019 political protests; the horrendous blast in the port of Beirut on August 4, 2020; an economic collapse and currency devaluation; widespread failure of public services and infrastructure; and a series of Covid-related lockdowns that have exerted further pressure on the economy. In this context of compounded crises, RELIEF's work proceeds from the view that future recovery in Lebanon must follow principles of inclusive growth and prosperity, whereby the starting point and primary focus is not aggregate GDP-growth but the things that people need for better quality of life -secure livelihoods, clean and affordable services, good education, and safe, healthy and inclusive environments. In the Lebanese context of economic and political turmoil, however, 'bottom-up' initiatives are essential for developing solutions. RELIEF's work thus focuses on the sustained development of capabilities that can help citizens and communities acquire skills and organise into communities of practice that address emergent challenges. Over the next 5 years, the second phase of the RELIEF Centre (RELIEF II) will focus on strengthening existing capabilities for citizen-led research, action, and transformation. COVID-19
Super-efficient Sustainable Cooling Solution for All Applications (S2Cool)
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Context In June 2023, Pakistan experienced extreme temperatures exceeding 52.2°C, a level at which human cells begin to cook, blood thickens, muscles constrict around the lungs, and the brain is deprived of oxygen. This severe heatwave resulted in the death of 120,000 people, the loss of 26 billion potential labour hours (equivalent to $16 billion in lost income), and up to 9% of the country's GDP. The extreme heat, coupled with frequent power outages, worsened the vulnerabilities of socially deprived communities and women, leading to increased hospitalizations and miscarriages, as reported by the UNDP and the National Commission for the Status of Women (NCSW). Dinushika Dissanayake, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director in South Asia, called for urgent global action as these heatwaves severely impacted human rights in Pakistan. Co-creation & Co-designing In response to the crisis, the Pakistan Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Society organized the 28th International Exhibition and Conference in June 2023. A working group led by Dr. Shahzad, consisting of researchers, stakeholders, and end users, was established to identify the issue and develop potential solutions. The group held its third meeting in December 2023 at the ASHRAE UK Chapter conference at Loughborough, where UK researchers and solution providers were invited to join this international effort. Currently, the working group includes over 50 representatives from Pakistani and UK institutions and industries. Aims and Objectives The S2Cool project represents a pioneering collaboration between the UK and partners in Pakistan. The primary aim is to develop a novel, low-cost, and energy-efficient cooling solution and capacity building platform. The primary objectives of the S2Cool project are: Design and Development: Develop and test the 20kW Novel Indirect Evaporative Cooler (NIEC) and its integration with Mechanical Vapor Compression (MVC) systems. AI Framework Development: Develop and implement an AI framework for process optimization and system integration. GESI and EDI Evaluations: Conduct GESI and EDI assessments to ensure equitable benefits for all community members. Performance and Impact Assessment: Assess performance through life cycle costing, and evaluate social, economic, and sustainability impacts. Technology Scale-up and Commercialization: Establish a framework for technology scaling and commercialization. Capacity Building Platform and Knowledge Dissemination: Develop online platform, conduct training and community engagement sessions, and share knowledge and findings. Potential Applications and Benefits The proposed system is versatile, applicable in residential, commercial, industrial, and vehicular settings, including buses. Its benefits include improved comfort, health, productivity, energy efficiency, and equipment preservation. This project will primarily advance UNSDGs 7 and 13, while also supporting goals 3, 5, 9, and 11 by reducing energy use in air conditioning and lowering emissions to combat climate change and address energy inequity in Pakistan. Ayrton Challenge and Theme The S2Cool project addresses the Ayrton Challenge area of "super-efficient demand." The project aims to develop a cooling solution that is highly energy-efficient, making it suitable for a country with limited energy resources and high electricity costs. ODA Compliance The S2Cool project is compliant with Official Development Assistance (ODA) guidelines, targeting a critical development issue in Pakistan, a low-income country. The project aims to improve living conditions, enhance productivity, and contribute to economic development by providing an affordable and energy-efficient cooling solution. By addressing the impacts of extreme heatwaves and supporting sustainable development goals, the project aligns with ODA objectives of poverty reduction and sustainable development in developing countries.
Good Governance Fund (Phase 3) Eastern Neighbourhood: Supporting Governance and Economic Reform
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
The Good Governance Fund Phase 3 will deliver demand-led support to governance reforms that allow open societies and economies to flourish. The Good Governance Fund will focus on improving democratic and economic governance, primarily through strategically targeted technical assistance. The Good Governance Fund programme will deliver interventions on a flexible basis, based on identified needs and/or requests from government counterparts or civil society in beneficiary countries (Armenia, Georgia and Moldova) in support of governance and economic reforms. This will support delivery and seek to prevent/reverse democratic backsliding. The Good Governance Fund is part of an integrated portfolio of programmes operating in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate region and supports the delivery of four National Security Council strategies and the Integrated Review.
Programme to support accountability and inclusion (Programme d'Appui à la Redevabilité et l'Inclusion) (PARI)
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
This programme aims to increase the transparency, accountability and effectiveness of governance institutions at central level and in selected provinces to deliver better pro-poor services and support democracy and lasting stability in DRC.
Ghana Governance Programme (GGP)
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
The Ghana Governance Programme (GGP) will promote an effective, transparent, and accountable governance system that protects civil and political rights. It will achieve this by supporting Election Management Bodies, engaging with political parties, promoting effective citizens engagement and supporting civil society to observe the elections to promote non-violent and credible elections in 2024 and 2024. The programme will also drive organised civil society demand for good governance by promoting transparency and accountability through effective citizen engagement to influence a pro-poor development agenda and drive demand for structural reforms. Additionally, it will support innovative solutions to build state capacity to address key systemic weaknesses to enhance transparency and accountability and reduce corruption and advance human rights priorities in Ghana using a flexible and opportunistic approach to respond to weaknesses in areas such as media freedom or minority rights.
Public Financial Management Multi Donor Trust Fund – Phase II
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
The programme provides support to strengthen Nepal’s Public Finance Management (PFM) systems in the context of the implementation of federalism.
The Evidence Fund - 300708
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
The Evidence Fund procures and manages research and evaluations that primarily benefit ODA eligible countries. Most research and evaluations paid for by the Evidence Fund are country-specific, and all respond to requests for evidence to inform programme or policy decisions. Primarily serving research requests from HMG’s Embassies and High Commissions in ODA eligible countries, and from HMG policy and strategy teams, the Evidence Fund strengthens the evidence behind the UK’s priority international development investments and development diplomacy. The Evidence Fund also invests modest amounts of non-ODA, to strengthen the evidence behind wider UK foreign policy.
Commonwealth Veteran's Welfare Programme for ODA Eligible Countries
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
To provide commonwealth veterans and their widows/widowers from ODA eligible countries, who worked for British Armed Forces before their countries gained independence, now living in poverty, with two meals a day through a 5 year cash transfer programme.
Zambia Democratic Governance Programme
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
To support the deepening and consolidation of democracy in Zambia in order to build resilience and stabiltiy, and enable development and reform
LGBT+ Rights Programme – supporting LGBT+ rights organisations
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
This programme will transform the lives of millions of LGBT+ people around the world by reducing violence and discrimination against the LGBT+ community and by improving access to services and legislative reform. This will be achieved through the provision of technical and legal support , learning, evidence and advice and support for grassroots LGBT+ organisations
Disability Capacity Building Programme
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
To promote the rights of people with disabilities in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by supporting the delivery of small grants, training and partnership building between UN agencies, governments, private sector and disabled persons organisations.
Good Governance Fund (Phase 3) Ukraine: Supporting Governance and Economic Reform
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
The Good Governance Fund seeks to tackle corruption, improve the business environment, make governments more responsive to citizens, enhance civil society freedoms, and promote overall reform.
Western Balkans – Freedom and Resilience Programme
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
This programme will address long-term, structural issues across the region, including ethno-nationalist division, and support transparency and accountability in government, as well as underlying society challenges such as discrimination and violence against women and girls. The Programme will comprise a portfolio of interventions in three areas: reconciliation and peacebuilding in conflict-affected communities; empowering women and girls and tackling Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) and gender-based violence; and strengthening government capacity, transparency and accountability. Programming will be country-led, with Posts able to bid for funds in support of projects in line with their priorities.
Investing in Human Capital through Partnerships Beyond Aid in the Social Sectors Programme
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
To improve governance and accountability in education, health and social protection sectors and contribute to policy and research which will inform interventions to improve equity and reduce poverty.
Empowering Palestinian Institutions and Civil Society in Palestine - EPICS
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
EPICS aims to improve the viability, legitimacy and inclusion of governance and service delivery, to protect and support civic space, and to empower women, in the OPTs. It will provide technical assistance to PA institutions across governance sectors, with a particular focus on financial viability and provision of essential services, in order to protect the fiscal viability and legitimacy of the PA in a declining context. EPICS will protect and support Palestinian civic space by supporting CSOs to hold the PA and other local duty bearers to account for governance and service delivery. EPICS will strengthen women’s empowerment, primarily through supporting coalition building among local and grassroots organisations. Through improving PA viability and legitimacy, it will help reduce the drivers of instability and extremism.
Central Asia Small Projects Programme
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
This programme will provide the mechanism for embassies to develop small projects to further the aims of the Country Business Plans and develop learning to support wider programming initiatives, with the overall aim of supporting development in the region.
UK-Jamaica Violence Prevention Partnership
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
To assist the Government of Jamaica to manage extreme levels of violence to stem gang violence using the public health model.
Protecting Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
The Protecting Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders programme will provide £19.73 million in ODA and £250,000 in non-ODA over five years to enable the FCDO to better support and protect civil society organisations (CSOs) and human rights defenders (HRDs) who are under threat because of their work.
Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation (CFTC)
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
CFTC is the Commonwealth’s primary development fund, it is delivered by the Commonwealth Secretariat (ComSec). The CFTC is valued by member states, providing technical support that aims to strengthen national capabilities, through institutional development and capacity building.
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