Timor-Leste

A new initiative launched April 18 by the United Nations and the Government of Timor-Leste aims to provide small business loans to thousands of low-income people in the tiny nation, which is grappling with a number of challenges including widespread poverty and unemployment. The USD 5 million INFUSE program will provide access to finance for economically disadvantaged people in 13 districts across the country, which the UN helped shepherd to independence in 2002. (UN News Service)