Medical workers treat a patient with monkeypox in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, August 15, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

International treaty on pandemic preparedness and response

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 CDU/CSU and SPD have agreed on cabinet portfolios and nominated Friedrich Merz as chancellor. (Photo: Xinhua)

Germany’s challenges

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.
Wind power. Photo: HOANG ANH

No retreat in green transition

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.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtam Shinawata and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 3, 2025. (Photo: ANI/VNA)

India and its open trade policy

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.
US President Donald Trump. (Photo: Xinhua)

Global economy faces mounting pressure

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 AI, Security and Ethics. (Photo: UNIDIR)

Experts warn about security and ethical aspects of artificial intelligence

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 symbol of the euro in Frankfurt, Germany. (Photo: Xinhua)

Efforts to transform challenges into opportunities

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.
Residents of Syria in the capital city of Damascus on December 8, 2024. (Photo: THX/VNA)

Immense challenges to reconciliation and unity in Syria

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.
French President Emmanuel Macron. (Photo: L'Express)

France strengthens its position on the international stage

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.
BRICS plays a crucial role in ensuring global food security (Photo: Getty Images)

BRICS countries commit to cooperation in promoting food security

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.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and US President Donald Trump. (Photo: Sputnik/Getty Images/VNA)

Positive progress in Ukraine peace talks

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.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at a press conference after the inauguration ceremony in Ottawa, Canada, March 14, 2025. (Photo: VNA)

Searching for reliable transatlantic partner

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.
Oil tanker attacked by Houthi forces in the Red Sea. (Photo: IRNA/VNA)

Middle East — A concerning security hotspot

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.
Mark Carney has been sworn in as new Prime Minister of Canada. (Photo: Reuters/VNA)

Canada expects a new stage of development

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.
Image for illustration. (Source: europa.eu)

Turning point in RoK-EU trade cooperation

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.
COVID-19 vaccination. (Photo: NDO)

Strengthening the global health system

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.
Illustrative image

Efforts to combat online fraud

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.
Refugees at a makeshift camp in Baidoa, Somalia. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

African countries ease public debt burden

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.
Image for illustration. (Photo: Shutterstock/VNA)

Strategic shift of OPEC+

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.
Soldiers from Israel conducting military operations in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip. (Photo: THX/VNA)

Efforts to salvage the Gaza ceasefire deal

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.
Back to top