Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
Where Is Belt and Road Heading?
Since the Belt and Road Initiative was launched over 10 years ago, China has established collaboration with over 150 countries and 30 international organizations and facilitated over $380 billion in cumulative two-way investment with countries along the road.
Amid geoeconomic shifts, how have these projects measured up to their objectives and what new directions might this initiative take?
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
President Cyril Ramaphosa conducts oversight visit to Steve Biko Hospital
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
Public Service Commission releases the pulse bulletin covering the period 01 April to 30 June 2025
Source: European Central Bank (video statements)
ECB Research Bulletin by Andrea Caggese, Andrea Chiavari, Sampreet Goraya and Carolina Villegas Sanchez.
Read more: https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/research-publications/resbull/2025/html/ecb.rb250429~6f9636652d.en.html
The Research Bulletin features a selection of recent work on policy-relevant topics by ECB economists. Published on a monthly basis, the articles in the Research Bulletin are intended for a general audience.
The views expressed in each article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the European Central Bank and the Eurosystem.
Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
Reading the US Economy
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the US economy has outperformed most other developed economies, benefiting from continued investment in innovation and a strong workforce.
As a new policy direction comes into view, what is the outlook for the world’s largest economy?
Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
A Conversation with Sir Tony Blair
A Conversation with Sir Tony Blair, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1997-2007); Executive Chairman, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, United Kingdom
Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
Honest Conversation on Climate
A decade after the Paris Agreement, policies and politics have evolved but the associated risks from climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss remain. Although the narrative is shifting towards energy security, national and regional actors are still looking towards innovative solutions to climate challenges.
How are government and business commitments shifting and what could change mean for industries that have been preparing for future green growth?
Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
Foresight on China Start-ups
China is one of the world’s largest innovation ecosystems, accounting for over half of all AI patents and leading in autonomous vehicle deployment. However, its entrepreneurial landscape is facing increasing headwinds.
How does this shifting trajectory compare with other global ecosystems – and what will be the next chapter?
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Briefing by Roza Otunbayeva, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
The UN’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva, told the Security Council that Afghans believe the country “would be in a far worse place” without international assistance. “At the very least, the international presence provides an element of protection and prevention,” Otunbayeva said.
Briefing the Security Council today (23 Jun) Otunbayeva also said the delivery of UNAMA’s mandate is also complex and sometimes dangerous. She said, “This May, dozens of our female national staff were subjected to explicit death threats from unidentified individuals in relation to their work with UNAMA and other United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, requiring us to implement interim measures to protect their safety. In our subsequent engagements with the de facto authorities, they said they were not responsible, but it was also clear these armed individuals were operating with impunity in a coordinated manner in the capital. This is a strong rebuke to the de facto authorities’ claim that they have established security and secured the safety and dignity of Afghan women.”
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“We cannot forget the unacceptable situation of Afghan women and girls, even if their continued marginalization under increased enforcement of more and more decrees no longer generates headlines. As one Afghan woman interlocutor said to us, the current struggle is not about dramatic acts of defiance but the quiet and relentless pursuit of daily life, of resilience. She urged the international community to look beyond sensational headlines and recognize that what is happening is an invisible war of attrition where, I quote, “survival itself is an act of rebellion.”
The ongoing ban on girls’ education beyond the primary level is the clearest sign of the Taliban’s discrimination against women and continues to set Afghanistan apart from the world. We call again for this ban to be lifted and for girls and women to be allowed once again the right to education”.
Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
Women in AI
Women constitute around 25%-30% of the AI workforce worldwide, per recent estimates. This underrepresentation is even more pronounced in senior roles, with less than 15% of executive positions held by women.
As demands for AI talent continue to grow, what are the most promising approaches to ramp up AI hiring and diversify talent sources in the broader industry?
Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
How Wide Is the Generation Gap?
Whether it is the evolving technological landscape, rapidly shifting social norms and culture or increased life expectancies, societies are identifying trends that are sparking growing portrayals of generational tension.
What does the data on the intergenerational gap reveal about root causes and solutions to reduce misunderstanding among generations, industries and communities?
Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
Next Steps for Climate Resilience
Businesses investing in climate resilience and adaptation could see tangible returns – $2-$19 in value for every dollar spent – while taking the necessary steps to avoid annual profitability declines from climate impacts of up to 7% by 2035.
How can new strategies, from partnerships to technology and innovation, be leveraged to strengthen these efforts?
Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
Chief Economists Briefing
The global economic outlook has darkened considerably, according to the World Economic Forum’s latest survey of chief economists.
Gain expert insights and actionable perspectives from leading chief economists on the outlook for global growth amid geopolitical uncertainty and technological disruption.
Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
Checking In on the Energy Transition
In the past few years, public policies and industrial strategies have accelerated the transition to secure, clean and equitable energy. But increasing uncertainty in the world poses questions on how these policies and strategies will evolve.
What is the outlook for the energy transition and what are the recipes for success for adopting clean, efficient and accessible energy solutions?
Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025
For more than a decade, the World Economic Forum has been surveying decision-makers and experts on exponential technologies on the cusp of transforming economies and societies.
Join us for the rundown of the Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025 and a discussion on their projected impact on lives and livelihoods.
Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025 Opening Press Conference
The press conference launches the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025, outlining its focus and key participation. Join global leaders as they share their expectations for Summer Davos.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Non-proliferation (Iran) – Security Council, 9944th meeting.
– Letter dated 28 May 2025 from the President of the Security Council, acting in the absence of a Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2025/335)
– Nineteenth report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2231 (2015) (S/2025/397).
Source: United Nations (video statements)
The 20th annual meeting of the Internet Governance Forum is hosted by the Government of the Norway in Lillestrøm from 23 to 27 June 2025. The Forum’s overarching theme is: Building Digital Governance Together.
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The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) serves to bring people together from various stakeholder groups as equals, in discussions on public policy issues relating to the Internet. While there is no negotiated outcome, the IGF informs and inspires those with policy-making power in both the public and private sectors.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
———————————
Highlights:
UN Charter
Secretary-General/Syria
Iran
Central African Republic
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Lebanon
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Sudan
Ukraine
Haiti
Security Council
Climate in Asia
Internet Governance Forum
Senior Personnel Appointment
Resident Coordinators
International Days
Office for Disarmament Affairs
Briefings
__________________________________________
UN CHARTER
Today, at 5:00 p.m., the Secretary-General will deliver remarks at a ceremony to welcome home the original UN Charter, 80 years after it was adopted.
He will make remarks and point out that the Charter is more than parchment and ink; it is a promise of peace, a promise of dignity and cooperation among nations.
He will say that today, as our world faces age-old challenges, and newer threats like the climate crisis and runaway technology, we have the tools and the norms of international law to guide us, starting with that Charter.
SECRETARY-GENERAL/SYRIA
In a statement issued today, the Secretary-General strongly condemned the terrorist attacks that took place on Sunday at the St. Elias Church in Damascus. He expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a swift recovery to those injured.
The Secretary-General reiterated that all perpetrators of terrorism must be held accountable. He took note that the Syrian interim authorities have condemned this attack and, after a preliminary investigation, attributed it to Islamic State of Iraq and Levant, ISIL. The Secretary-General called for a full investigation.
The Secretary-General reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations to supporting the Syrian people in their pursuit of peace, of dignity, and justice.
Geir Pederson, the Special Envoy in Syria, also issued a statement on the same attack.
Full Highlights:
https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=23%20June%202025
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
———————————
Highlights:
UN Charter
Secretary-General/Syria
Iran
Central African Republic
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Lebanon
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Sudan
Ukraine
Haiti
Security Council
Climate in Asia
Internet Governance Forum
Senior Personnel Appointment
Resident Coordinators
International Days
Office for Disarmament Affairs
Briefings
__________________________________________
UN CHARTER
Today, at 5:00 p.m., the Secretary-General will deliver remarks at a ceremony to welcome home the original UN Charter, 80 years after it was adopted.
He will make remarks and point out that the Charter is more than parchment and ink; it is a promise of peace, a promise of dignity and cooperation among nations.
He will say that today, as our world faces age-old challenges, and newer threats like the climate crisis and runaway technology, we have the tools and the norms of international law to guide us, starting with that Charter.
SECRETARY-GENERAL/SYRIA
In a statement issued today, the Secretary-General strongly condemned the terrorist attacks that took place on Sunday at the St. Elias Church in Damascus. He expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a swift recovery to those injured.
The Secretary-General reiterated that all perpetrators of terrorism must be held accountable. He took note that the Syrian interim authorities have condemned this attack and, after a preliminary investigation, attributed it to Islamic State of Iraq and Levant, ISIL. The Secretary-General called for a full investigation.
The Secretary-General reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations to supporting the Syrian people in their pursuit of peace, of dignity, and justice.
Geir Pederson, the Special Envoy in Syria, also issued a statement on the same attack.
Full Highlights:
https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=23%20June%202025
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
———————————
Highlights:
– 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4)
– Guest Speaker Tomorrow Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
– Damascus Church Attack
– Security Council meeting on Iran, Secretary General Remarks.
Full Highlights:
https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=23%20June%202025
Source: European Commission (video statements)
On 23 June 2025, during the the EU-Canada Summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will hold a press conference together with António Costa, President of the European Council, and Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada.
The summit is an opportunity to enhance the EU-Canada strategic partnership and for leaders to reinforce their cooperation at different levels, from trade to economic security, energy, crisis management, and justice and home affairs, in light of the rapidly changing geopolitical and economic context.
The EU-Canada Security and Defence Partnership is expected to be agreed. Leaders will also issue a joint statement.
Follow live events and access media content here:
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Source: United Nations (video statements)
Established in 1957 to promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy, the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) is an autonomous part of the United Nations system with 180 member countries. The IAEA monitors nuclear facilities, reports on nuclear activities, oversees safety, urges diplomacy and promotes the use of nuclear technologies for a better future.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
The Petitions Committee has scheduled a debate relating to geo-engineering and the environment.
Dr Roz Savage MP has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. The Government will send a Minister to respond.
Read the petition:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/701963
Find petitions you agree with, and sign them: https://petition.parliament.uk/
What are petition debates?
Petition debates are ‘general’ debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.
Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means that MPs will not vote on the issues raised in the petition at the end of the debate.
The Petitions Committee can only schedule debates on petitions to parliament started on petition.parliament.uk
Find out more about how petition debates work: https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/326/petitions-committee/content/194347/how-petitions-debates-work/
Stay up-to-date
Follow the Committee on Twitter for real-time updates on its work: https://www.twitter.com/hocpetitions
Thumbnail image ©UK Parliament / Jessica Taylor
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Statement to the Security Council by Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on threats to international peace and security.
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The nuclear non-proliferation regime that has underpinned international security for more than half a century is on the line.
The dramatic events in Iran have become even more serious with last night’s bombardments and the potential widening of the conflict.
We have a window of opportunity to return to dialogue and diplomacy. If that window closes, violence and destruction could reach unthinkable levels and the global non-proliferation regime as we know it could crumble and fall.
Iran, Israel, the Middle East need peace and there is a path for diplomacy.
We must return to the negotiating table and allow the IAEA inspectors, the guardians of the NPT, to go back to Iran’s nuclear sites and account for the stockpiles of uranium, including, most importantly, the 400kg enriched to 60%.
Any agreement, any arrangement will have as a pre-requisite the establishment of the facts on the ground. This can be done only through IAEA inspections. IAEA inspectors are in Iran, and they must do their job. This will require a cessation of hostilities so that Iran can let the teams into the sites under the necessary safety and security conditions.
Any special measures by Iran to protect its nuclear materials and equipment can be done in accordance with Iran’s safeguards obligations and the Agency. This is possible.
Madame President,
Based on information available to the IAEA, let me update you on what has occurred at Iran’s nuclear sites since I last addressed this Council three days ago.
Craters are visible at the Fordow site, Iran’s main location for enriching uranium to 60%, indicating the use by the United States of America of ground-penetrating munitions. This is consistent with statements from the US. At this time, no one – including the IAEA – is in a position to assess the underground damage at Fordow.
At the Esfahan nuclear site, additional buildings were hit overnight, with the US confirming their use of cruise missiles. Affected buildings include some related to the uranium conversion process. Also at this site, entrances to tunnels used for the storage of enriched material appear to have been hit.
At the Natanz enrichment site, the Fuel Enrichment Plant has been hit again, with the US confirming that it used ground-penetrating munitions.
Iran has informed the IAEA there has been no increase in off-site radiation levels at all three sites.
The situation at the other sites remains as I described to the Council three days ago.
We continue to monitor the situation and encourage the Iranian regulator to maintain its indispensable contact with the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre.
Madame President,
The IAEA has consistently underlined, as stated in its General Conference resolution, that armed attacks on nuclear facilities should never take place and could result in radioactive releases with grave consequences within and beyond the boundaries of the State which has been attacked.
I therefore again call on maximum restraint. Military escalation threatens lives and delays a diplomatic solution for the long-term assurance that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon. It also threatens the global non-proliferation regime.
As I stated three days ago, I am ready to travel immediately and to engage with all relevant parties to help ensure the protection of nuclear facilities and the continued peaceful use of nuclear technology in accordance with the Agency mandate. With your support, the IAEA can deploy nuclear safety and security experts to Iran, in addition to our safeguards inspectors, wherever they are needed.
Madame President,
There is arguably no more important and universally supported endeavour than ensuring that we use the enormous power of the atom for good rather than destruction.
Let us not allow the window to close on diplomacy. Let us not allow the non-proliferation regime to fail.
Irrespective of individual positions and views, one thing is certain, and this is the simple truth: we will not be safer if there are more nuclear weapons in more states around the world.
The IAEA is ready to do its part to bring this military confrontation to an end.
Source: European Central Bank (video statements)
The theme of the 2025 ECB Forum on Central Banking is “Adapting to change: macroeconomic shifts and policy responses ”. The Forum will take place from 30 June to 2 July 2025 in Sintra.
Source: European Central Bank (video statements)
Young economists have a vital role to play in shaping Europe’s future. Every year we recognise this through the Young Economist Prize, a research competition that offers talented students the chance to share their fresh perspectives on today’s challenges.
Finalists are invited to the annual ECB Forum on Central Banking, and the overall winner is awarded €10,000.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
The Smurfs are joining forces with the United Nations ActNow campaign and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to encourage people, especially children, to Speak Up & Speak Out to empower themselves and others, and to create a blueprint for a better world. Rihanna, Hannah Waddingham, Billie Lourd and Amy Sedaris want you to know that everyone – every child – has the right to be treated fairly, and to speak up and be heard! Our voices all matter and we are loudest when we speak together. So, #ActNow! For more information, visit https://www.un.org/en/actnow. #ActNow
Source: United Nations (video statements)
The UN History of Innovation tells the story of a bold and revolutionary United Nations, throughout its history and for the future.
The UN History of Innovation is a journey through time that reveals a bold and often unexpected side of the United Nations—one defined by creativity, experimentation, and transformation. From early breakthroughs to present-day innovations, this initiative highlights how the UN has continuously adapted to meet the world’s evolving challenges. More than a retrospective, it invites reflection on the spirit of innovation that has shaped the Organization’s past—and the imagination needed to shape its future.
Produced by the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UN DPPA)Innovation Cell.
https://dppa.un.org/en/innovation
https://futuringpeace.org/
Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)
Introduced in the 14th century, the woolsack is thought to have been designed to reflect the economic importance of the wool trade in England. Today, it’s filled with wool from Britain and across the Commonwealth. Discover the history and significance of the seat of the Lord Speaker with Curator of the Historic Furniture and Decorative Arts Collection, Eloise.
Watch the full film on the House of Lords YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7PSkYx-5KM&feature=youtu.be
Find out more about the role and work of the Lord Speaker https://www.parliament.uk/business/lords/lord-speaker/
The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK Parliament. It plays a crucial role in examining bills, questioning government action and investigating public policy. Find out more https://www.parliament.uk/business/lords/
If you’re interested in seeing it for yourself, why not book a tour of the Palace of Westminster? https://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/
Catch-up on House of Lords business:
Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/
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