Commentary

After more than three years of arduous negotiations, members of the World Health Organization (WHO) have reached an agreement in principle on an international treaty on pandemic preparedness and response in the future. This is a significant event for global health, as the chaos caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the past has demonstrated the importance of solidarity and preparation for all scenarios.

The 9th Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) recently concluded in Honduras with a commitment to promote regional unity and cooperation to address global economic fluctuations.

After six weeks of intensive negotiations, Germany’s Christian Democratic Union/ Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) have reached an agreement on the formation of a new coalition government. This is a crucial step for Germany to swiftly advance its vision of restoring national strength. However, significant challenges remain ahead as Europe’s largest economy teeters on the edge of recession.

The European Union (EU) has continuously asserted its pioneering role in the global fight against climate change and its efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy. However, this “green journey” faces numerous challenges, causing the EU to miss its announcement of new greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

India’s recent economic achievements have emerged as a bright spot in the global economic landscape. A key factor contributing to this success is New Delhi’s proactive implementation of an open trade policy.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has warned that the drastic reduction in global aid is causing a “survival crisis for children,” profoundly impacting future generations, especially in Africa.

The global economy is under growing uncertainty following the US government’s new tariff policies. Washington recently announced a 25% tariff on imported automobiles, a move that could drive up inflation and destabilise financial markets.

The Global Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Security and Ethics in Geneva, Switzerland, from March 27 to 28 has drawn attention from experts. AI has a significant influence on international peace and security, with increasing warnings about the risk of this advanced technology being exploited to conduct arms races, leading to unpredictable consequences.

The global conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Security, and Ethics, held in Geneva, Switzerland from March 27 to 28, has drawn attention from experts.

By considering agriculture a strategic sector, the European Union (EU) has introduced a new vision for this vital economic sector.

Along with rising trade protectionism, the world is also witnessing a contrary trend that is the effort to enhance economic cooperation between countries. Many major economies, spanning from Asia to Europe to the Americas, are ready to join hands and open new opportunities for cooperation.

On March 25, the United Nations Security Council convened a meeting regarding the situation in Syria, as the Middle Eastern nation faces numerous challenges on its path to reconciliation and unity. The recent surge in violence between ethnic and factional groups within the country poses difficult tasks for the government.

France has appeared frequently in the media recently as Paris is working actively to address European challenges and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. At a time when France's influence in Africa continues to weaken, this is seen as a necessary step for the European country to consolidate its position on the world's strategic chessboard.

The member countries of the BRICS group of leading emerging economies recently held the first technical meeting of the Agriculture Working Group, focusing on cooperation to enhance food security. Representing 50% of the global population, accounting for 30% of global wild-caught fish production, 70% of aquaculture production, and 80% of global food production, BRICS plays a crucial role in ensuring global food security.

Recently, a series of important developments have occurred related to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, such as the Russia-US summit and the largest prisoner exchange between the two countries. However, convincing the parties involved to make concessions to reach an agreement towards a sustainable, long-term peace still faces many challenges.

New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stressed the importance of strengthening Canada's relations with European allies, amid trade tensions with the US and the upcoming national election, which are challenges facing the new Canadian President.

The Middle East region has once again become a focal point of tension following a series of reciprocal airstrikes between US military forces and the Houthi faction in Yemen. The Houthis have vowed severe retaliation, interpreting the US airstrikes as support for Israel, warning that such actions will escalate tensions to “more severe and painful levels”. Meanwhile, the US has accused Iran of backing the Yemeni group.

The new policies of US President Donald Trump’s administration of have placed Europe in a dilemma.

Mark Carney, recently elected leader of the ruling Liberal Party, has been sworn in as Prime Minister of Canada. Succeeding Justin Trudeau, as Canada copes with difficulties from its neighbour, the United States, the new Canadian Prime Minister is expected to apply his financial management experience to solve the challenges, bringing a new wind to the North American national economy.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for urgent action to secure the future of the Syrian people on the 14th anniversary of the devastating conflict in this Middle Eastern nation.

President Donald Trump's tariff policy is creating unease not only for trading partners but also for American businesses and consumers.

Only seven countries met the World Health Organisation's (WHO) air quality standards in 2024, while air pollution continues to be a complex issue globally. This highlights the bleak picture of global air quality.

The Republic of Korea (RoK) and the European Union (EU) have completed negotiations on the Digital Trade Agreement (DTA). This is considered a significant step forward in the economic and trade partnership between the two sides and a groundbreaking agreement that fosters a dynamic and favourable business environment, benefiting both citizens and businesses.

Today (March 11) marks five years since the World Health Organisation (WHO) officially declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Five years on, the wounds caused by COVID-19 have gradually healed, but the pressure weighing on the global health system remains as the world confronts many risks of disease outbreaks.

The European Union (EU) prioritises security enhancement to address numerous external challenges, as the United States, its ally across the Atlantic, adjusts its foreign policy and global geopolitical tensions escalate. Significant decisions at the EU's special summit in Brussels reflect the bloc's determination to respond to these challenges.

As financial crimes and online fraud through digital banking applications surge, governments worldwide are stepping up efforts to curb these threats. In many countries, monetary losses from online scams have reached record highs.

Public debt has long been a stumbling block to growth efforts in Africa and many developing countries. In this context, the debt relief initiative recently signed on the sidelines of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting has opened prospects for easing the debt burden that is suffocating many economies.

The deadline for Syria's interim government to transfer power to a new government passed on March 1, yet the process of political transition and reconstruction in this Middle Eastern country remains complex.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its partners (OPEC+) has announced that it will increase oil production as planned, starting from April 1. This marks the first planned production increase since 2022 and is considered a cautious strategic shift by OPEC+ as it moves toward reversing the 2.2 million barrels per day production cut, which the group had regarded as a safety measure to stabilise oil prices.

The second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza is on the verge of collapse due to disagreements between Israel and Hamas. As a mediator, Egypt has proposed a two-week extension of the first phase of the ceasefire to facilitate negotiations for the second phase.