State Department to Lead Additional International Education Programs Under New Interagency Partnership

The U.S. Department of State today announced that, under a new interagency partnership, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) will lead several programs previously managed by the Department of Education. The partnership, formalized through an interagency agreement, leverages the State Department’s global reach and international education and public diplomacy expertise to advance U.S. […]

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UNICEF condemns deadly Nigeria school attack, demands urgent protection for students

“No child should be put at risk while pursuing an education,” UNICEF said, stressing that classrooms must remain places of safety, not fear. According to local reports, one of the abducted schoolgirls managed to escape and is now safe, while another student who was not taken also fled during the incident. Speaking at the daily […]

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How stem cell therapy can regenerate brain tissue after a stroke

Every year, millions of lives are suddenly, swiftly transformed by a stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel travelling towards the brain becomes obstructed, causing neurons to die off. Strokes are among the leading causes of disability in adults, and it is estimated that one in six people will suffer one at some point in […]

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On the right track: driving innovation in European rail travel

Close to the beautiful coastline of Oslo, Norway, a bright blue tram rolls smoothly along the tracks of a local depot. At first glance, it looks like any other tram, but a careful observer will notice one crucial difference: there is no driver. This tram is operated remotely using cutting-edge technologies developed under an EU-funded […]

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Minister Paschal Donohoe Steps Down for World Bank Position, Simon Harris Named New Finance Minister in Major Cabinet Reshuffle

Ireland’s political landscape shifted sharply this week as Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe confirmed his retirement from the Dáil to take up a senior role at the World Bank. Donohoe, who has served in government for over two decades and was recently re‑elected as President of the Eurogroup, will become Managing Director and Chief Knowledge […]

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Minister McEntee Unveils €90m Climate Action Summer Works Scheme for Schools

Dublin, 18 November 2025 — Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee has announced a €90 million investment under the 2026 Climate Action Summer Works Scheme, approving 297 projects nationwide to modernise school facilities and advance sustainability goals. Major Boost for Science Laboratories A central feature of the scheme is the refurbishment of science laboratories […]

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African Continental Brief: Business, Tech, Geopolitics, Security and Human Rights — November 18, 2025 Edition

A multi-sector round-up of key developments across Africa Business & Economy Technology & Infrastructure Geopolitics Security & Conflict Human Rights & Governance Public Health & Emergencies Continental Outlook Africa’s trajectory remains shaped by conflict, climate stress, and digital transformation: Resilient governance, inclusive growth, and sustained international support will be critical to stabilizing the continent.

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Irish Government Commits Over €50 Million to New Shared Island Programmes

Dublin, 18 November 2025 — Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris have unveiled a major €50 million investment in ten new Shared Island initiatives, designed to strengthen cross-border cooperation, cultural ties, and community resilience across Ireland between 2026 and 2030. Key Allocations Taoiseach’s Vision Announcing the funding, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the programmes represent […]

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Stakes rise for South Sudan: What’s happening, and why it matters

A “breaking point is becoming visible” in the peace process, they cautioned, as core commitments under a landmark 2018 peace agreement stall or go into reverse.   Background to conflict   The 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement was the key safeguard against renewed civil war, but elements of its power-sharing and security provisions are fraying.   […]

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Restoring dignity to Gaza: the cleanup begins

Dozens of participants — including UN officials, volunteers, and residents who recently returned from the south of the Strip — took part in the activities in the city centre. One participant, a woman in a wheelchair, held up a sign reading “We Will Rebuild Gaza” to express her support for the campaign. Amjad Al-Shawa, Director […]

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