Commentary

On the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held an important meeting with his US counterpart Marco Rubio on the Ukraine crisis.

Around 16,500 people have lost their lives due to unusual heatwaves in Europe this summer. In total, 181,000 people in the continent have died for the same reason over the past three years. These heartbreaking figures once again show that climate change is causing unpredictable impacts and immeasurable consequences for humans and the Earth.

The fragmentation and division of the global economy due to trade barriers, protectionism, or conflicts of interest are a major risk to sustainable development.

US President Donald Trump has begun a state visit to the UK - a leading partner of the US in Europe.

The 2025 State of the Union address delivered by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reflects the European Union’s aspiration for strategic autonomy, aiming to build a strong and self-reliant bloc.

Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have signed an agreement to resume cooperation, allowing IAEA inspectors to return to the Islamic Republic. The move has been welcomed by international observers as a breakthrough, bringing a long-stalled nuclear issue closer to a resolution and offering a glimpse of “light at the end of the tunnel.”

Spain has intensified pressure on Israel, including an arms embargo against Tel Aviv, as Madrid affirms its recognition of the State of Palestine and describes the prolonged, bloody conflict in the Gaza Strip as genocide. Analysts view this as a “low note” in relations between the European and Middle Eastern nations.

Leaders of BRICS countries recently attended an extraordinary virtual summit to exchange views on pressing global issues, focusing particularly on ways to address protectionism, unilateral trade measures, and to strengthen intra-bloc economic and trade cooperation.

In early September, millions of children around the world joyfully began the new school year. However, not all children are able to enjoy this happiness and fundamental right. More than 270 million children and teenagers are burdened with livelihoods threatened by conflict, violence, and poverty.

Within efforts to stabilise border situations and address social challenges linked to immigration, many countries have introduced various measures. Among them, some Western nations have adopted the practice of relocating migrants to third countries. However, this policy has faced opposition due to the risks it entails.

The Republic of Korea (RoK) has announced it is considering joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

France and Germany have just held a joint cabinet meeting, with signals of an end to the frosty years in their bilateral ties. Following the promising handshakes, however, much remains to be done to bridge differences and jointly strengthen and shape a new future for Europe.

The massive 50% tariff imposed by the US on certain imports from India, which took effect in August 27, has caused considerable disruptions in bilateral relations. For India, while affirming that it will not bow down to the US’s new tariff measures, a diplomatic solution is seen as necessary for the benefit of both sides and all concerned parties.

Iran has announced that inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will be allowed to return to the country.

The United Nations has recently warned that progress towards universal access to clean water and sanitation is far slower than required, with 2.1 billion people still lacking safe drinking water and two in every five people worldwide without access to safe sanitation services.

In recent times, the Government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made its mark with notable achievements in foreign affairs. Yet, a series of daunting challenges still surround the resident of No. 10 Downing Street. A stagnant economy, rising inflation and the thorny issue of migration are weighing heavily on the British leader’s shoulders.

President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Jae Myung has recently concluded visits to two allied countries of Japan and the US. Selecting the countries as his first destinations in foreign affairs, the Korean leader affirmed his determination to reinforce Seoul’s position in the region as the situation in Northeast Asia becomes increasingly complex.

The international community has voiced deep concern over Israel’s recently approved the E1 settlement plan in the West Bank, warning that the decision poses a serious threat to the prospects of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Jae Myung will visit Japan and hold talks with Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, before travelling to the US to attend the RoK–US Summit on August 25.

Despite the many efforts and solutions with the joint contributions of the international community, humanitarian crises around the world are not narrowing but rather increasingly expanding. This requires the cooperation of all countries in the effort to find fundamental solutions to resolve the humanitarian crises.