‘Bet on youth’ to realise Africa’s digital potential, UN deputy chief says

In 2024, only 34 per cent of women and 45 per cent of men on the continent used the internet, compared to global averages of 65 and 70 per cent. Meanwhile, 98 per cent of Africans under the age of 18 do not complete school with even basic STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills, […]

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Doha agreement brings DR Congo government and M23 rebels a step closer to peace

In a statement released on 19 July, MONUSCO said that the Declaration of Principles, signed in Doha under the mediation of Qatar, “reflects the parties’ resolve to prioritise peaceful means, establish a ceasefire, and set up a joint mechanism to define its practical implementation.” “This important declaration marks a shift towards easing tensions and protecting […]

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Salvaging SDGs still possible, but countries must act now: Guterres

Addressing ministers at UN Headquarters in New York, he called for urgent action to rescue lagging Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) amid war, inequality and fiscal strain. “Transformation is not only necessary – it is possible,” he declared, highlighting landmark commitments adopted in recent months: the Pandemic Agreement at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, pledges […]

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🌐 China and EU to Hold High-Level Summit in Beijing Amid Trade Tensions

On Monday, July 21, 2025, China officially confirmed it will host a top-level summit with the European Union in Beijing later this week, commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two sides. The summit, scheduled for July 24, will be co-chaired by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, with President Xi Jinping expected to meet European […]

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🛫 Alaska Airlines Grounds Entire Fleet Following Major IT Outage

On Sunday, July 20, 2025, Alaska Airlines issued a system-wide ground stop for all flights, including those operated by its regional subsidiary Horizon Air, after experiencing a significant IT outage that disrupted core operational systems. ⚠️ Nature of the Disruption The outage occurred around 8:00 p.m. Pacific Time, affecting: The airline confirmed the issue via […]

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WHO EMRO | During her visit to Afghanistan, Regional Director Dr Hanan Balkhy underlined the importance of collective action to support the health needs of all Afghanis

20 July 2025, Cairo, Egypt – In her visit to Afghanistan from 29 June to 1 July 2025, WHO Regional Director Dr Hanan Balkhy focused on polio eradication efforts, substance use treatment and other priority areas. Dr Balkhy met with national leaders and partners, including UN representatives and diplomats. In her meeting with the Minister […]

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UN-backed labour standards at risk as tariff uncertainty grows

Threatened or actual tariff increases are largely focused on taxing imports into the United States and will make the products made by factories outside the country more expensive – a situation which may drive down demand. The ILO’s Better Work programme, a partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has supported garment factories, many of […]

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Minimising the risks children and young people face online

  The online world is a place of endless possibilities, where people can expand their learning, creativity and communication. It is also a place with many risks, particularly for children and young people. To minimise these risks, the Commission has presented guidelines on the protection of minors, as well as a prototype of an age-verification […]

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First Person: How many more children must die before the world acts?

Juliette Touma, the director of communications for the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, has visited Gaza several times during and before the war and has been reflecting on the children she has met there and in other conflict zones. “Adam has been on my mind lately, more so than usual. I met Adam years […]

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