America Colombia Abelardo De La Espriella has become the new president-elect of Colombia in a tight run-off; the far-right lawyer was openly backed by US President Trump
America Brazil Oil exploration near the Amazon has received support by President Lula, who argued it can fund green energy projects; widespread environmental concerns and criticism fears it could undermines Brazil’s role as a climate leader ahead of hosting COP30
Africa Liberia The country formally integrated gender equality into its foreign policy framework during a high-level side event, 'Gender Equality in Foreign Policies: Relevance of Feminist Foreign Policies in Africa' at the 38th session of the African Union Summit
Africa Comoros National Education Minister Bacar Mvoulana visited the construction sites of the Domoni and Mutsamudu schools, as well as the university centre and Entp in Patsi, part of the Profi project to renovate and expand six schools and universities
Asia Malaysia Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has criticized the negative perceptions of vernacular schools —public schools that teach in Mandarin or Tamil — emphasizing their role in education; He urges Malaysians to move beyond racial issues and focus on unity
Asia Indonesia The Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Agency reported that around 5.300 Riau Islanders were trafficked to Cambodia, forced to work in online scams and gambling operations; many were lured by fake job offers and now face abuse and exploitation
America Cuba Non-essential educational and work activities have been suspended for two days in order to save electricity; the measure was announced by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in consequence of the current energy situation
Asia Kuwait Kuwait has officially raised the minimum age for marriage to 18, following legislative changes aimed at protecting children's rights and strengthening family stability; 1.145 underage marriages were registered in 2024
Asia Cambodia The Kuoy ethnic group is celebrating Bonn Prey Lang, a two-day festival honoring the forest; around 2-300 people take part in religious ceremonies, including ordaining 100+ big trees to promote conservation and preserve their indigenous cultural identity
Europe Slovenia Prison staff across the country protested for an hour on Thursday to draw attention to what they say is an alarming situation due to severe overcrowding in prisons, staff shortages and low wages
Europe San Marino In 2024 the San Marino Outlet Experience further consolidated its growth trend; since its inauguration in January 2021, it has been progressively advancing in its expansion plan, as also confirmed by three recent new openings
Oceania Nauru The head of the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Programme by Investment hopes the initiative will bring tens of millions of dollars to the island this year and has received the first two applications
Africa South Africa A green hydrogen directive is set to be launched on 17 February, which is expected to simplify approval procedures for green hydrogen projects that would stimulate economic growth, reduce environmental risks and encourage the creation of new jobs
Africa Republic of the Congo Houses on stilts have been gaining popularity, in Makotimpoko, in the flood-prone highlands, as they offer a sustainable option for housing