Asia Laos About $12 million in digital taxes from global technology companies have been collected under new law: foreign providers of online services must register with Lao tax authorities regardless of whether they have a physical presence in the country
America Grenada The latest conference to address the sargasso challenge in Grenada and the region was organised by incoming CARICOM chairman and Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell with representatives from the EU and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States
Europe Estonia Average life expectancy in Estonia rose to a new record high of 79 years, according to data from Statistics Estonia; however, the number of years people live in good health decreased in 2023: men live disability-free for 56,4 years, women for 59,5 years
Europe Monaco A smoking ban has been imposed on Monaco's beaches until the end of September: the decision states that smoking is a danger to the environment, nature, biodiversity and people's health
Oceania Nauru The number of asylum seekers on Nauru appears to have exceeded 100, with a further 37 people being sent to the island from Australia
Europe Portugal A foreigner with a tourist visa will no longer be allowed to apply for legalisation in Portugal: an employment contract or another solution previously dealt with by the Portuguese consular network will be now required
Africa Malawi The climate finance proposed by the African Development Bank will be used by Malawi to build the country's adaptation and resilience to climate-induced disasters, said Treasury Secretary Betchani Tchereni
America Saint Lucia The country decided to sign the Memorandum of Agreement already signed by other countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States offering citizenship by investment programmes
Oceania Solomon Islands The Australian Foreign Minister visited the Solomon Islands to meet with members of the newly elected government, listen to their priorities and discuss the shared vision of bilateral relations
America Belize The Government of Belize has launched a fiscal reform program backed by the Inter-American Development Bank to enhance public financial management, improve resource efficiency, and ensure budgetary sustainability through targeted training
Africa Gambia Ndey Rose Sarr, UNFPA representative in The Gambia, stated that female genital mutilation is harmful and a violation of human rights, sexual rights and children's rights that should not be allowed by the country
America Saint Vincent and the Grenadines The Caribbean Community Secretariat conducted another round of consultations in the country on how to implement the Single Market and Economy
America Chile President Boric announced that Chile will support South Africa's genocide accusation against Israel at the International Court of Justice, as part of the UN Genocide Convention, instructing the Foreign Ministry to prepare arguments for the case
America Saint Kitts and Nevis At the People's Action Movement caucus, Natasha Grey-Brookes became the first woman political leader; she is now the fifth political leader of the party, which will celebrate 60 years next January