America Belize The Belize Senate unanimously approved an amendment to the Marriage Act raising the legal marriage age to 18, eliminating parental consent for minors, in a move hailed as a transformative human rights milestone to combat child marriage
Africa Eswatini The University of Eswatini has moved to increase access for students with disabilities through the establishment of a Disability Support Resource Centre
Africa Burkina Faso Over 350 people accused of hostile behaviour and terrorist espionage were arrested, according to a statement issued by the Burkinabé government's Information Service
Asia South Korea Special tourist zones, introduced under the Tourism Promotion Act in 1993 and established to attract foreign visitors to boost local economies, have largely fallen short of their goals, according to latest data from municipal administrations
Europe Serbia Organised screening for early diagnosis of lung cancer will begin in November in Serbia, that would thus become the first country in the Western Balkans to promote early diagnose in this way
Africa Ivory Coast The members of the Economic Community of West African States should start a common currency by 2025, one year ahead of schedule, according to President Alassane Ouattara
Oceania Papua New Guinea The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee has officially suspended the affiliation of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Union in response to serious concerns regarding the administration, governance and compliance of the PNGRU
America Dominica Breast cancer continues to be a major concern in Dominica, said Dr Laura Esprit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, while speaking at a public awareness exercise on cancer at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital
Africa Benin During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, held annually in October, doctors emphasised the "very important" role that religious leaders could play in "demystifying breast cancer"
Africa Ethiopia A 46% increase in export revenue from coffee, tea and spices was recorded in the first quarter of the current fiscal year
America Suriname Numerous Surinamese customs officers will undergo specialized training in Rotterdam, organized by the UN and international customs agencies; the course aims to enhance their skills in risk management and combating smuggling
Africa South Sudan The US Ambassador to South Sudan, Michael J. Adler, and the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. James Alic, assessed the ongoing financial reforms in view of the upcoming meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank
Europe Liechtenstein The country has decided to invest over 23 million francs (24,5 million euros) in roads, bridges and load-bearing structures in 2025
America Antigua and Barbuda The Cabinet identified several locations for domestic investment, targeting Antigua and Barbudans who currently have large savings that yield a minimal return, hoping to increase local ownership in the tourism industry