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
Asia Saudi Arabia The Saudi Fashion Commission launched the innovative 'Sustainable Ihram' initiative, the first recycling programme for pilgrims' garments, at the Islamic Arts Biennale
America Bolivia Only 73% of Bolivians had access to the internet as of 2022; some are smuggling in Starlink systems, not currently authorized, that have better connectivity than the state-run existing network, where most traffic relies on satellite Túpac Katari 1
Asia Iraq Iraq has been elected vice-president of the Middle East Committee of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation during the 51st committee meeting
Asia Jordan US President didn't soften his proposal to relocate Palestinians in Gaza and develop the land into premium housing, even as King Abdullah II of Jordan, in the Oval Office, suggested the Arab world opposed the idea of moving them to third countries
Asia Vietnam Vietnamese investors launched 10 new overseas projects in January 2025, with total outbound investment of over $83 million, over 5 times higher than the same period in 2024
Africa Nigeria A trial has begun in London between the British multinational oil company Shell and two Ogoni communities in the Niger delta, who are demanding that the oil company be held responsible for the pollution of the area
Europe Vatican City Pope Francis, 88, was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital yesterday with a severe respiratory infection that caused pneumonia in both lungs and requires evolving treatment
Africa Djibouti The Biennial of Folk Dances and Traditional Games ended in Dallay-Af, Obock region; organized by the Itro Association, supported by Ministry of Youth and Culture, it saw a large audience celebrate Djiboutian heritage in several days of cultural excitement
Asia Kyrgyzstan The first children's documentary on Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov, 'The Enigmas of the White Steamer', was presented in Kyrgyzstan at the Seytek National Children and Youth Centre
Asia Oman The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Environment Authority, will host Climate Week from 24 to 27 February 2025, with the aim of uniting the world in supporting climate action and focusing on the Sultanate's commitment to a zero-emission future
America Jamaica The parliamentary year 2025/2026 began on Thursday, 13 February 2025, with the traditional opening ceremony of Parliament at Gordon House
America Haiti The town of Jacmel is continuing its pre-carnival festivities every Sunday, with masqueraders, elaborate masks and marching bands
Oceania Kiribati The newly crowned Miss Pacific Islands, Miss Samoa Litara Ieremia-Allan, has pledged to support Miss Kiribati, Kimberly Tokanang, in raising awareness and promoting climate change action in the Pacific region