Author: Solomon Alaka

How Can Financial Authorities Use Gender Data to Fulfill Diverse Mandates?

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Most financial sector authorities (FSAs), especially in emerging markets and developing economies, pursue at least 10 mandates and objectives, from core ones like promoting safety and soundness and financial stability, to consumer protection, financial inclusion, competition, sustainability, and capital markets development.   To fulfil each mandate, FSAs must take timely and proportionate regulatory and supervisory […]

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Revised FATF Guidance on Inclusion Finalized

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Last week, the Mexican presidency of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) secured one of its key objectives, leading the FATF to adopt a revised version of its guidance on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) and financial inclusion at its plenary meeting in Strasbourg. Several other updates came out of the […]

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WHO urges rollout of first long-acting HIV prevention jab

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Injectable lenacapavir – LEN, for short – is a highly effective, long-acting antiretroviral alternative to daily oral pills and other shorter-acting options, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). “While an HIV vaccine remains elusive, lenacapavir is the next best thing: a long-acting antiretroviral shown in trials to prevent almost all HIV infections among those […]

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World News in Brief: Inter-ethnic violence in Syria, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, global information security

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The violence erupted two days after a Druze merchant was abducted on the highway to Damascus. The incident marks the latest episode of sectarian bloodshed in Syria, where fears among minority groups have surged since Islamist rebels toppled former dictator Bashar al-Assad in December and installed a new caretaker Government, which is gaining increasing international […]

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Progress in rule of law in EU but further action needed, finds report

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  The rule of law is the cornerstone of our democracies. It is also integral for the future of our economies and for Europe’s security. In its latest annual Rule of Law report, the European Commission examines rule of law developments in all EU countries, as well as four enlargement countries – Albania, Montenegro, North […]

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‘A compass towards progress’ – but key development goals remain way off track

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The UN’s key Sustainable Development Goals Report launched Monday by Secretary-General António Guterres, chronicles both progress and setbacks – showing that the world has made significant advances but is still drastically off-track to achieve its development goals by 2030. Seize the day “This report is more than a snapshot of today. It’s also a compass […]

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Global Childhood Vaccination Coverage Holds Steady, But 14 Million Infants Remain Unprotected

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📍 Geneva / New York — July 15, 2025New data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF shows that global childhood immunization coverage remained stable in 2024, with 89% of infants—approximately 115 million—receiving at least one dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine. However, 14.3 million infants received no vaccines at […]

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Taoiseach Micheál Martin Calls for Continued Dialogue Amid U.S. Tariff Threats

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📍 Dublin, July 12, 2025 — Taoiseach Micheál Martin has issued a formal statement urging calm and constructive engagement in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 30% tariff on imports from the European Union. The proposed measure, outlined in a letter from President Trump to EU leaders, has raised concerns across […]

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Tánaiste Urges Irish Travellers to Prioritise Safety Following Rising Consular Cases and Extreme European Heat

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📍 Dublin, July 12, 2025 — Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris TD has issued a renewed appeal to Irish citizens travelling abroad this summer to “Make the Right Memories” by staying safe, informed, and connected. The call comes amid a sharp 11% rise in consular assistance cases and escalating extreme […]

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UK Launches £500 Million Better Futures Fund to Support 200,000 Vulnerable Children

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📍 London, July 13, 2025 — The British government has unveiled a landmark £500 million ($675 million) Better Futures Fund, aimed at improving outcomes for up to 200,000 vulnerable children across the country. The initiative, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, is designed to provide long-term support for children facing challenges such as school absence, mental […]

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