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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.
Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF)
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF)
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.
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.
«Suxxali sunu democratie» - «Enhance our democracy
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
This programme aims to strengthen democratic and parliamentary governance in Senegal by enhancing civil society’s role in public policy processes. It has two main objectives: (1) to improve the institutional and organizational governance of COSCE and build the capacity of its members through targeted training activities, enabling them to play a more informed and proactive role in democratic processes; and (2) to foster structured and meaningful dialogue between civil society actors and Members of Parliament (MPs), particularly around public policy oversight, budget transparency, and public debt. Through the creation of engagement platforms and mechanisms for collaboration, the programme will promote citizen participation, accountability, and more responsive governance. These activities are aligned with ODA objectives, contributing to the economic development and welfare of Senegal by supporting inclusive governance and strengthening institutions that underpin sustainable development.
Mandatory core contributions to the Commonwealth Secretariat
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
The Commonwealth Secretariat, the principal intergovernmental organisation of the Commonwealth of Nations, runs programmes that help to contribute to more stable, democratic frameworks in which sustainable development and climate-resilience can be supported in small and vulnerable Commonwealth states. The Commonwealth Secretariat’s programme funds contribute across a range of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. They have an impact on the lives of Commonwealth citizens by promoting the shared goals and values embodied in the Commonwealth Charter on democracy, human rights and the rule of law, building resilience and taking action on climate change and protection of the natural environment, promoting economic development and boosting trade and investment.
BHC Honiara - FY25-26 ODA
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
This programme is for the ODA Allocation for the Solomon Islands post for the financial year 2025-2026.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Democracy Deepening in Mozambique
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
The Democracy Deepening programme will work with state and non-state actors to contribute to improvements in the enabling environment for political and civic engagement; more empowered civic and political actors; and greater transparency and accountability of political processes.
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.
Active Citizenship Through Inclusive Volunteering & Empowerment (ACTIVE) programme
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
ACTIVE will increase local accountability, inclusion and reduce poverty by identifying and empowering the most vulnerable and marginalised people (especially women and girls, the young and people with disabilities) to lead and shape their own development. It will support vulnerable and marginalised people to take-action on issues important to them. It will strengthen civil society and build a culture of volunteerism and civic engagement whilst building the capacity of governments and service providers to respond to the demands of marginalised citizens.
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
Promoting Civic Space
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
Internal drawdown fund to strengthen civic space via Posts and FCDO teams, through support in areas where civic space is closing or under threat.
Indo-Pacific Regional Governance Programme
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
The Indo-Pacific Governance Programme will support the foundations on which FCDO can deliver the UK objectives in the Indo-Pacific by establishing partnerships for ‘progressive governance’ that enable broader UK priorities in the region. Support will be based on a combination of a) strategic programming b) deep context analysis and learning, and c) increased capacity to deliver advice and support to governance actors in the region. The programme will build on a base of successful projects and will test a long-term approach for strategic engagement on governance in the region.
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