Following an independent assessment, co-hosting UEFA EURO 2028 is predicted to deliver £3.2 billion of socio-economic benefits across the UK - creating jobs, driving regional growth, and bringing a surge of international visitors whose spending will boost local economies.

As part of its wider investment into the tournament, and to maximise the benefits of hosting, the UK Government is contributing £23 million towards a cross-partnership social impact fund of around £45 million. This investment will fund programmes that will have ‘togetherness’ at its heart, directly supporting the Government’s mission of patriotic renewal by creating a more socially cohesive country with an inclusive national story.

The UN IPCC's Working Group II report on the vulnerability of socio-economic and natural systems to climate change provides a stark assessment on the impacts of climate change. Findings show that impacts are worse than previously predicted and current efforts to adapt are insufficient. The UK is fully committed to supporting countries' efforts to adapt to these impacts, including through our International Climate Finance (ICF), which this government has pledged to double to £11.6 billion.

The UK is deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation and humanitarian crisis in Burkina Faso. Over 1 million people are displaced due to conflict and parts of the country are facing severe food insecurity. The attack in Solhan, Burkina Faso, on 4 June, was the deadliest attack to take place in Burkina Faso since 2015. The Minister for Africa called for a swift and transparent investigation, ensuring those responsible are held to account. On 11 June, the Minister for Africa spoke with the Foreign Minister of Burkina Faso where he gave his condolences and discussed UK support to regional stability in the Sahel.

Following presidential elections in Burkina Faso in 2020, the Minister for Africa welcomed President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré's commitment to peace and development during his second term in office. The Minister for Africa has since discussed regional insecurity and its impact on Burkina Faso with him in January this year. Through our recent deployment to the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali (MINUSMA), and our programmatic support for stabilisation and conflict resolution, the UK is committed to building long-term peace and stability in the Sahel. In Burkina Faso we use our humanitarian assistance to support those worst affected by conflict, as well as providing access to education in emergencies and supporting women's sexual and reproductive health.

The UK is a long-standing partner of Uganda which we are supporting to become more democratic and prosperous - and to continue to play a positive regional role - through our diplomacy, aid, defence co-operation, trade and investment. Uganda's GDP per capita has doubled and the proportion of the population in extreme poverty fell by a third over the past 30 years, but COVID-19 has damaged growth and livelihoods, pulling an estimated 3.1 million people below the poverty line. Population growth is increasing pressure on infrastructure, services and jobs, making it critical that Uganda supports family planning, invests in young people to promote a healthy and educated workforce and protects Uganda's environment so it can better adapt to climate change. We are concerned about the political climate in Uganda following the 2021 elections, including the treatment of opposition candidates and their supporters and restrictions on civil society and media freedom. Our High Commission in Kampala and the Minister for Africa have urged Uganda to meet its human rights commitments, particularly in relation to missing persons and those arbitrarily detained, and to increase efforts to build strong and independent institutions to strengthen democracy. The UK continues to act as a critical friend to make the case for these advancements.

The Zimbabwean economy faces severe challenges largely due to corruption, poor fiscal policies and economic mismanagement by the Government. Our Embassy in Harare continues to monitor developments closely, encouraging the Government of Zimbabwe to focus on taking urgent coordinated measures to stabilise the economy while protecting the poorest.

The UK remains concerned about the current political situation in Zimbabwe, particularly human rights violations and the pattern of arrests of prominent opposition, civil society figures and journalists. We remain clear that the Government of Zimbabwe must meet its international and domestic obligations by: respecting the rule of law and the freedoms and rights enshrined in the Zimbabwean Constitution; safeguarding human rights; and committing to genuine political and economic reform for the benefit of all Zimbabweans.

On 9 June, the Minister for Africa spoke to Foreign Minister Shava. The Minister for Africa emphasised our human rights concerns and the need for reform. He also discussed potential opportunities for the UK and Zimbabwe, including in relation to trade and climate change (COP 26).

While the human rights situation is worrying, the security situation remains stable. We will continue to speak out, both privately and in public, where we have concerns, and, work alongside the international community to support a better future for all Zimbabweans.

The UK is deeply concerned about the economic and humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). DRC is one of the poorest countries in the world, with 66 million people living in absolute poverty and a GDP per capita of only $545. It is also the world's largest food security crisis, with 27.3 million requiring food assistance. As one of the largest bilateral donors to DRC, we are providing life-saving assistance to 3 million people and playing a leading role in raising the profile of the humanitarian crisis. We are also providing basic health and education services, improving the environment for business, increasing people's incomes, and strengthening stability and governance.

Following appointment of the new Government in April, the UK is working closely with the DRC authorities to ensure that they deliver on their commitment to widespread reforms. Reforms are crucial to ensure credible 2023 elections, improve stability in the east, increase revenues, and tackle corruption to unlock DRC's huge economic potential. The Minister for Africa discussed the importance of delivering on this agenda with President Tshisekedi during his visit to DRC in November 2020 and again during a telephone call in March this year.

The UK welcomes the first democratic transition of power in Niger's history with the upcoming inauguration of President-Elect Mohamed Bazoum on Friday 2 April. We hope this achievement will help pave the way for greater political stability in the future. However, the UK remains concerned about human rights abuses and violations in Niger. The recent attacks in Niger's border areas are also deeply troubling.

Regarding the economic situation in Niger, the country remains at the bottom of the Human Development Index. We are focused on supporting stability in Niger and the wider Sahel. We are providing humanitarian assistance, support for conflict resolution, and tackling the root causes of instability and poverty, including through support to girls' education.

As set out in our statement on Rwanda at the Human Rights Council in January, the UK Government is concerned about restrictions on civil and political rights and media freedom in Rwanda. Civil society and opposition parties in Rwanda must be able to operate freely, holding the Government of Rwanda to account and contributing to the debate on how Rwanda should be governed. We regularly raise specific cases of concern with the Rwandan Government and the Rwanda Investigation Bureau, and call for free and fair trials for all those in detention. We will continue to urge Rwanda, as a member of the Commonwealth, and future Chair-in-Office, to uphold and champion Commonwealth values of democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights.

Following strong growth for over a decade, the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically stalled economic progress and increased poverty in Rwanda. We welcome the Government of Rwanda's ongoing commitment to development and its COVID-19 response, which includes an economic recovery fund to support hard hit businesses, and expanded social protection programmes for the poorest and most vulnerable. However, this commitment to social and economic progress must be matched with gains in civil and political rights for its people.

Afghanistan continues to require support from international donors. Low economic growth has been compounded by the effects of Covid-19. In 2019/20, 15.6 million Afghans were living below the national poverty line. At the 2020 Geneva Conference, the UK committed to continuing to support Afghanistan's development. The humanitarian situation is concerning due to the high rate of poverty, internal displacement and civilian casualties from the continued conflict. 16.9 million people face acute food insecurity. In 2020-21, the UK is on course to provide up to £59.6 million in humanitarian assistance to help over two million people. UK Aid and development projects have helped lift life expectancy from 50 years in 1990 to 64 in 2018 and there are 8.2 million more children in school since 2002. Girls, who did not attend school pre-2001, now make up 39% of children enrolled.

Only a negotiated and inclusive political settlement between Afghans will bring a sustainable end to conflict. The UK supports negotiations between the Afghan Government and the Taliban. However, the high levels of violence are deeply concerning, especially targeted attacks on civilians. It is vital that there is a reduction in violence, leading to a comprehensive ceasefire, and meaningful engagement in a political process that can deliver the peace that Afghans want and deserve.

Côte d'Ivoire is one of the world's fastest growing economies, despite a slowdown in growth in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is listed as number 41 on the World Bank Index and its Annual Growth Rate was 6.2% in 2020. The UK Government is working with the Government of Côte d'Ivoire on the implementation of our Economic Partnership Agreement, signed in October 2020. The agreement will allow businesses to trade without any additional barriers or tariffs. The humanitarian situation in the country remains stable, but a large number of Ivoirians continue to live below the poverty line.

In October 2020, thousands of Ivoirian refugees crossed into neighbouring countries following violence around the presidential elections. The UK Government condemned the electoral violence and supported Ivoirians' right to demonstrate and protest peacefully. The Minister for Africa issued statements on 30 October and 5 November 2020 urging all parties to refrain from spreading disinformation, hate messages and inciting violence. Alongside international partners, we called for genuine political dialogue between all parties in order to resolve outstanding differences and ensure peace and stability for all Ivoirians. The legislative elections on 6 March are on track to take place in a more inclusive environment, with ongoing political dialogue and participation by opposition parties.

Significant progress has been made in Colombia since its 2016 Peace Accords, and supporting the Colombian government in implementing them fully remains a UK Government priority. Challenges remain, however, particularly related to security in some areas, and the threats faced by human rights defenders and social leaders.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant economic impact on Colombia. Its economy has shrunk for the first time in over 20 years. However, the IMF emphasises that the Colombian economy has "strong underlying fundamentals," and the government has ambitious plans to support economic recovery. The UK Government considers Colombia an attractive opportunity for British business. Our continuity Free Trade Agreement has been ratified by the Colombian Congress, and is now being considered by the Constitutional Court.

Mali is marked by chronic poverty and increasing humanitarian needs, driven by factors including rapid population growth, political instability, conflict and climate change. The International Monetary Fund estimates that COVID-19 and the socio-political crisis has resulted in the Malian economy contracting by 2 per cent in 2020, although a recovery to 4 per cent growth is expected in 2021. The UK Government are concerned that over 7 million people need humanitarian assistance in Mali, according to the UN. In December 2020, the UK announced an additional £8 million of emergency aid to reach 275,000 more vulnerable people in the central Sahel, including Mali.

The UK has welcomed the priorities set out by Mali's Transitional Government and the establishment of the National Transitional Council. We hope that the Transitional Government will prepare for credible elections, take steps to implement the 2015 Peace Agreement, and tackle corruption and impunity. In the UN Security Council, the UK has called for the Transitional Government to build consensus across society ahead of elections and investigate allegations of human rights violations and abuses. Through our programmes, our diplomatic work and our recent deployment of 300 troops to the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Mali, MINUSMA, the UK is supporting stabilisation and progress on the peace process.

As Africa's largest economy and most populous country, Nigeria's success matters to the UK and to the continent as a whole. We want to see Nigeria thrive, delivering jobs and opportunities for its people, and creating opportunities for British business to invest through reform. We were deeply concerned by violence during protests in Lagos and other major cities in Nigeria in October 2020, which tragically claimed lives. We remain concerned about security issues elsewhere, particularly the situation in the North East, where terrorist groups including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa continue to conduct attacks, causing immense suffering to all communities. The FCDO also remains committed to supporting the democratic process in Nigeria, and continue to stress the importance of free and fair elections ahead of the 2023 presidential race.

The Government welcomes the peaceful conduct of the presidential and parliamentary elections in Ghana on 7 December 2020. Ghana continues to provide regional leadership in upholding strong democratic traditions. We are aware that the National Democratic Congress has contested the results of the election. As with all democracies, any candidates or parties seeking to challenge the result should do so peacefully through the correct legal channels. On 8 January 2021, the Minister for Africa attended the inauguration of President Nana Akufo-Addo, where he met with the President and underlined the Government's enthusiasm to continue our strong partnership, including opportunities for mutual prosperity.

While Ghana has seen rapid economic growth in the past decade, the pandemic has slowed progress significantly. The Government is working with the Government of Ghana to minimise the impact on Ghanaian businesses. The UK and Ghana have also reached consensus on the main elements of a trade agreement. Negotiations are progressing at official level, and with willingness on both sides, the agreement can be finalised and brought into force quickly.

The government understands the importance of the cultural sector in aiding economic recovery post-Covid, evidenced by unprecedented support for the sector, including the £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund (CRF).

So far, over £1 billion worth of funding from the CRF has been allocated across all four nations of the UK. This funding is supporting over 3000 arts and heritage organisations in England affected by COVID-19 restrictions, and more than 75,000 jobs.

The second round of funding (which recently closed) will also support organisations to transition from the challenging months of lockdowns and social distancing to welcoming audiences and visitors back to the country’s much loved and important theatres, museums, cinemas, music venues and heritage sites over the summer.

The Government is concerned with the rising debt vulnerabilities in low-income and emerging economies. In April 2020, G20 Finance Ministers agreed to pause debt repayments from the most vulnerable countries in 2020. On 14 October, the Chancellor met with his G20 counterparts where they agreed an extension of this initiative by 6 months, with the possibility of a further six month extension to be reviewed in 2021. The G20 focused on these countries as they are particularly vulnerable to the economic pressures of the pandemic.

On 14 October, G20 Finance Ministers also agreed, in principle, to a “Common Framework for Future Debt Treatments beyond the DSSI”. This historic achievement marks the first time creditors from the G20 and Paris Club of official creditors have agreed to participate in coordinated debt restructurings. The Common Framework will initially apply to countries eligible for the DSSI. The UK will continue to push for strengthened coordination on emerging economy debt issues.