Global Issues

Artificial intelligence is no longer the sole preserve of rich western nations. The applications for the Global South, in areas ranging from health to agriculture and industry, are having a transformative effect on people’s lives.Read the full story, “In the hands of innovators from the Global South, AI can transform lives”, on globalissues.org →

Women entrepreneurs must be recognized as the architects of economic change and not the beneficiaries.Read the full story, “World Entrepreneurs and Investment Forum puts women at the heart of economic transformation”, on globalissues.org →

Calling for sweeping reforms of global institutions, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told African leaders on Saturday that the absence of permanent African seats on the Security Council is “indefensible,” declaring: “This is 2026 – not 1946.”Read the full story, “Guterres tells AU Summit: ‘This is 2026 – not 1946’ in push for reform”, on globalissues.org →

BRUSSELS, Belgium, February 13 (IPS) - The latest World Economic Forum made clear the current crisis of multilateralism. Over 60 heads of state and 800 corporate executives assembled in Davos under a ‘Spirit of Dialogue’ theme aimed at strengthening global cooperation, but it was preceded by a series of events pointing to a further unravelling of the international system. Read the full story, “Multilateralism Reaching Breaking Point”, on globalissues.org →

UNITED NATIONS, February 13 (IPS) - Although global rates of child labour have declined since 2020, the practice remains a serious and persistent violation of children’s rights, undermining their safety, social development, and long-term economic stability. These risks are intensified by structural pressures— poverty, climate shocks, protracted conflict, and unsafe migration— that continue to push vulnerable children into crisis, and in some cases, trafficking and exploitation. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warns that African countries remain among the most affected regions, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated policy action, cross-border cooperation, and sustained investment to protect children on the move and those at risk of labour exploitation. Read the full story, “Africa at the Epicenter of Child Labour Crisis as Migration Fuels Exploitation”, on globalissues.org →

UNITED NATIONS, February 13 (IPS) - United Nations member countries will select a new UN secretary-general this year to succeed António Guterres in January 2027. The change in leadership comes at a time when human rights and democracy, as well as the international organizations created to uphold those principles and provide lifesaving assistance, are under unprecedented attack. Read the full story, “Next UN Secretary-General Should Champion Human Rights”, on globalissues.org →

COX'S BAZAR, Bangladesh, February 13 (IPS) - Dawn is breaking and the world’s biggest refugee camp stirs to life. Smoke rises from small cooking fires among rows of bamboo and tarpaulin shelters as children line up for food. Read the full story, “Bay of Despair: Rohingya Refugees Risk Their Lives at Sea”, on globalissues.org →

Syria’s fragile political transition has gained fresh momentum with a landmark agreement between Damascus and Kurdish authorities in the northeast, but renewed violence in the south, Israeli incursions and deep humanitarian needs underscore how precarious the path to stability remains, senior UN officials told the Security Council on Friday.Read the full story, “Syria transition gains ground with Kurdish deal, but violence and humanitarian strain persist”, on globalissues.org →

Humanitarians in the Gaza Strip continue to face impediments in their efforts to deliver lifesaving aid to the population. Read the full story, “Gaza: Lifesaving aid operations continue despite restrictions”, on globalissues.org →

A sharp increase in drone attacks across the Kordofan region in the centre of Sudan is endangering civilians and damaging critical infrastructure. Read the full story, “World News in Brief: Deadly strikes in Sudan, health systems in South Sudan near the brink, Guterres calls for unity ahead of Ramadan.”, on globalissues.org →