Oceania New Zealand 'Our Freshwater 2026' report highlights worsening quality of groundwater, rivers and lakes, with increasing levels of nitrates, E.coli above legal limit, and nearly half of New Zealand's river network unsafe for swimming due to faecal contamination
Africa Malawi An innovative fashion show in Mzuzu organised by Upie Collection aims to challenge social norms and promote a more inclusive definition of beauty, with disabled models alongside able-bodied models
Europe North Macedonia The average salary level increased significantly year-on-year in June 2024, according to the State Statistics Office
Africa Mauritania UNDP is working with the government to shape an inclusive and rights-based digital transformation, assessing safeguards and privacy, accessibility for those living in areas with low connectivity, and usability of digital identity to authenticate services
Asia China Maritime and air clashes between the Philippines and China continue in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, a strategy area for both countries, despite efforts by both to rebuild trust and better manage disputes after months of clashes
Asia Oman For the academic year 2024-2025 school transport will be strengthened with a comprehensive plan by the Ministry of Education that includes renewal of contracts, improvement of safety standards and training programmes for drivers and students
Africa Niger A capacity-building workshop on the theme 'Combating traditions and myths that encourage early and forced marriages' was organized in Niamey by Alliance des Religieux pour le Développement Socio-éducatif Économique et Sanitaire and NGO Girls First Fund
Oceania Nauru Nauru has become the first South Pacific nation to sign up to SpaceX’s Starlink’s Community Gateway service; state-owned Cenpac Corporation signed an agreement with Starlink to roll out the lightning-fast internet across the island
Europe Italy At the 81st Venice International Film Festival, opening tomorrow and running to 7 September, American actress Sigourney Weaver will be awarded the prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement, the Venice Biennale announced
America Bolivia A referendum on presidential term limits has been announced by President Arce: voters will be asked if they want to allow a president to be reelected more than once, with the condition that a third term isn't consecutive with the first two
Europe Norway Avinor, the state-owned company in charge of managing Norway's airports, is facing higher costs for technological improvement projects that have caused it to go over budget; airport users and the state will fill the gap
Asia North Korea Russian students from an elite diplomatic school are visiting North Korea to attend Kim Il Sung University for the first time in four years
Oceania Palau The Palau Fellowship Award 2024 internship programme saw 29 students accepted this summer; 22 of them successfully completed their internship
Africa Nigeria The Maternal Mortality Action Fund (MAMA) will soon be established as part of an ongoing negotiation for a $500 million loan from the World Bank