Preparing for the future? Start by reviewing your benefits

There’s no better time than the end of the year to review where you are—and where you want to be. As you think about 2025 and beyond, take some time to go over your retirement and health benefits so you can go into the new year feeling more confident about your future. Review (or start!) […]

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Reinvigorated Global Efforts Needed to Curb Rising Malaria Threat

Equitable access to life-saving malaria tools is key to reversing trends New data from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal that an estimated 2.2 billion cases of malaria and 12.7 million deaths have been averted since 2000, but the disease remains a serious global health threat, particularly in the WHO African Region. According to WHO’s latest World malaria […]

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Urgent Call for the Release of Oqba: Case of Student Unlawful Detention and Torture in Egypt

The plight of Oqba, an Egyptian university student, highlights the growing concern over the human rights situation in Egypt, particularly the treatment of individuals targeted due to their family connections or political beliefs. Oqba, the brother of Amr, a legal researcher and human rights activist, has been unlawfully detained since May 2019. Despite being held […]

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CBRE Investment Management Strengthens Sustainability Focus with Appointment of George Crone as UK Direct Investments Sustainability Lead

CBRE Investment Management (CBRE IM) has appointed George Crone as the Sustainability Lead for UK Direct Investments, underscoring its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and enhancing the sustainability of its real estate portfolio. Crone, who has more than a decade of experience in sustainability, brings a wealth of expertise to the role, having previously worked […]

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EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement Finalized Despite Strong Oppositions and Amidst Environmental and Agricultural Controversies

After 25 years of negotiations, the European Union and the Mercosur bloc, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, have finalized one of the largest trade and investment agreements in history. However, while the deal marks a significant diplomatic achievement, it is far from assured that it will take effect, as it faces substantial opposition […]

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The Challenges Facing Pakistan’s Private Sector Amid Economic and Political Uncertainty

Pakistan’s private sector, a cornerstone of the nation’s economic growth, is facing significant challenges despite recent improvements in macroeconomic indicators. While some key metrics, such as capital market performance and commercial activity, show signs of recovery, businesses are struggling to regain their footing amid ongoing political volatility and economic pressures. The easing of import restrictions […]

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Rising Threats Prompt CEOs to Invest Heavily in Personal Security Following Murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO

The tragic shooting of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, in New York City last week has sent shockwaves through the business world, sparking an immediate reassessment of personal security measures for top executives. Thompson was killed in Midtown Manhattan while en route to an investor meeting, marking a grim milestone in a broader trend of […]

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Iran: Human Rights Defender Atefeh Rangriz Sentenced to Additional Two Years in Prison

On December 5, 2024, Atefeh Rangriz, a prominent Iranian human rights defender, was sentenced to an additional two years in prison for the charge of “spreading disinformation.” This new sentence was handed down by Branch 102 of the Damghan Criminal Court II, further compounding her already lengthy sentence for various charges related to her activism. […]

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Kyrgyzstan: Human Rights Defender and Lawyer Samat Matsakov Detained Amid Allegations of State Retaliation

Samat Matsakov, a prominent human rights defender and lawyer in Kyrgyzstan, was arrested on November 29, 2024, after law enforcement raided his home in Bishkek. Matsakov, who has been an outspoken critic of human rights violations in the country, particularly cases of alleged torture by state security forces, is facing serious criminal charges, including large-scale […]

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Switzerland Achieve 24% Emission cuts, Mandates Business Disclosure of 2050-Aligned Net Zero Plans

Switzerland is making notable strides in its quest to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with a 24% reduction in emissions since 1990, despite economic growth. A new UBS white paper, “Downhill Climb,” presented at the 2024 Building Bridges Conference, outlines the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing the country’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. The […]

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