The UN trade agency reported that global investment is expected to drop this year, a major shift from January when modest growth still looked possible, according to UN News. Trade tensions and tariffs have created a “dramatic increase in investor uncertainty,” said UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan, with investment in renewable energy and water projects falling 30% while agriculture dropped 19%.
Only the health sector saw growth, up nearly 20%, though that represents less than $15 billion worldwide. Grynspan warned the numbers reflect “very real consequences” including jobs not created and infrastructure not built. She pointed to growing geopolitical tensions and trade barriers as key factors behind the investment decline, while governments tighten screening of foreign investment in tech and rare earth minerals.
Haiti faces a dangerous hurricane season with critically low emergency supplies and funding. The country expects 12 to 19 tropical storms and up to five major hurricanes this year, but will start the season without pre-positioned food supplies or money for rapid response – a first for Haiti. Armed gangs control much of the country, leaving 5.7 million people food insecure and 1.3 million displaced, with 230,000 living in makeshift shelters that can’t handle severe weather.
“I am deeply concerned for communities, families, and vulnerable groups who have already been affected by violence and are living in precarious conditions,” said UN Humanitarian Coordinator Ulrika Richardson.
Meanwhile, South Sudan faces worsening malnutrition and cholera outbreaks, with 2.3 million children under five needing treatment for acute malnutrition – up 10% since July. The country is battling the world’s worst cholera outbreak this year, with almost 74,000 cases and at least 1,362 deaths reported as of mid-June.
