Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)
Elevated debt and high interest rates are challenging corporate resilience as firms’ refinancing risks grow. This Analytical Corner explores the impact of a high-rate world on firms and financial stability, and options to build a more resilient economy.
Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)
In this Analytical Corner, we introduce a novel “debt-at-risk” framework to analyze public debt risks. We find that in a severely adverse scenario, global public debt could exceed 115 percent of GDP, about 20 percentage points higher than currently projected.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
The Joint Committee on Human Rights continues its inquiry into forced labour in UK supply chains on Wednesday 23 April when it takes evidence from Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Eleanor Lyons and senior officials in Border Force and the National Crime Agency.
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner is responsible for encouraging best practice among the agencies and organisations tasked with tackling modern slavery and human trafficking. The National Crime Agency was established to lead the UK’s fight against serious, organised and complex crime and provide a new focus on economic crime, while Border Force secures the UK’s border by carrying out customs controls of goods entering the UK.
The session will focus on the UK’s legislative and regulatory framework for dealing with the risks of forced labour in supply chains. It will examine the practical measures taken by law enforcement to uncover wrong-doing in supply chains and prevent goods made using forced labour from entering the UK. It will also investigate how agencies collaborate and ask if the UK’s response would be improved by the establishment of a dedicated agency.
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)
Deputy President Paul Mashatile addresses the Financial and Fiscal Commission 2025 Budget Roundtable
Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)
The White House
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Watch PMQs with British Sign Language (BSL) – https://youtube.com/live/G1g7P0HWxeU
Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.
In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.
The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.
Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.
In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.
The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.
Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons
Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)
BREAKING: Sec. Kennedy and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary
announce action to remove petroleum-based food dyes from food and medicine in America.
MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN!
Source: US Coast Guard (video statements)
Meet Petty Officer Nicole Aviles Tavalera, a Marine Science Technician (MST) 3rd Class, serving in the Maryland National Capital Region.
MSTs, like Tavalera, work to keep our ports and water secure via inspections, spot checks, and research of the vessels coming into the ports of our nation.
The Coast Guard is the principal Federal agency responsible for maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in U.S. ports and inland waterways.
Coast Guard MSTs support these missions through a variety of roles. They board vessels, inspect commercial waterfront facilities, and respond to disasters that affect the environment or operations of a port. Through their broad portfolio, MSTs apply a wide range of expertise to secure our ports, respond to pollution incidents, and facilitate the flow of goods to ensure economic prosperity.
Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)
Press Secretary says the administration has received 18 trade proposals from foreign countries so far — and that officials have trade meetings with 34 countries this week alone.
Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)
Secretary Rubio’s plan to reorganize the State Department will make it more nimble, dynamic, and effective for the 21st century.
Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)
Under President Trump’s leadership and at Secretary Rubio’s direction, we are reversing decades of bloat and bureaucracy at the State Department. The reorganization plan announced today will empower our talented diplomats to put America and Americans first.
Learn more: https://www.state.gov/building-an-america-first-state-department/
Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)
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Security forces from the @VermontAirNationalGuardconduct field training to enhance tactical combat casualty care, vehicle operations and establishing a remote camp at Camp Johnson, Winooski, Vt.
#nationalguard #military #usa
For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
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Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!
Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
Follow the DoD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeptofDefense
Follow the DoD on Instagram: http://instagram.com/DeptofDefense
Follow the DoD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DeptofDefense
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Source: United Nations (Video News)
Assistant Secretary-General Najla Nassif Palma, United Nations Victims’ Rights Advocate, introduces the UN system-wide training module on the meaning and application of a victim-centred approach to sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment.
More info: https://www.un.org/en/victims-rights-first/training-module
Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
NASA missions have shared unique views of our home planet for more than 60 years. In that time, science and technology in air and space revolutionized our understanding of the Earth system.
We continue to move farther into space, documenting the universe around us. It’s when we turn our gaze back home that we are reminded of the significance of Earth.
To learn more about the NASA missions included in the video, visit:
ER-2: https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/armstrong/er-2-aircraft/
International Space Station: https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/
EMIT: https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/data/instruments/emit-imaging-spectrometer
Space Shuttle: https://www.nasa.gov/reference/the-space-shuttle/
PACE: https://pace.gsfc.nasa.gov
Landsat: https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov
GOES East/West: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/goes/
Messenger: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/messenger/
Blue Ghost: https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=BLUEGHOST
Apollo 8: Earthrise: https://science.nasa.gov/resource/apollo-8s-iconic-earthrise/
Artemis I: https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-i/
Curiosity on Mars: https://science.nasa.gov/resource/earth-from-mars/
Cassini – The Day the Earth Smiled: https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/day-earth-smiled/
Voyager I – Pale Blue Dot: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/voyager/voyager-1s-pale-blue-dot/
Download: https://images.nasa.gov/details/Seeing%20Earth%20as%20Only%20NASA%20Can
Editor: Shane Apple
Music: Universal Production Music
Credit: NASA
#EarthDay #Earth #POV
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
This year’s theme, Respect the Zone So We All Get Home, highlights the importance of work zone safety. Every driver plays a role in protecting road crews and saving lives. Join Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy as he commemorates National Work Zone Awareness Week.
Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)
In this press briefing, IMF staff release the World Economic Outlook. The World Economic Outlook (WEO) is a publication produced by the Research Department and published on a biannual basis, usually in April and October. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the global economic situation, including economic growth, inflation, and other key macroeconomic indicators. The WEO serves as documentation for meetings of the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) and forms the main instruments of the IMF’s global surveillance activities.
Source: United Nations (Video News)
The meeting is intended to reinforce multilateralism through the promotion of sustainable lifestyles and holistic approaches in harmony with nature that contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The one-day high-level meeting is mandated to continue reinforcing multilateralism through the discussion of alternative holistic approaches based on diverse world views that may contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with participation of the United Nations system and multi-stakeholder participation from independent experts, civil society, academia and other relevant stakeholders, in particular Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
For the second part, please visit: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1d/k1dfnawzks (available in all UN official languages)
Source: United Nations (Video News)
David Carden, Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis on the humanitarian situation in Syria.
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The Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, David Carden, said, “This is the time to invest in Syria, as the country is in a pivotal stage of transition, to help shape the most self-reliant future for its people and to support safe and dignified returns.”
The Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator today (21 Apr) briefed the reporters on the humanitarian situation in Syria via video link.
He said, “Today we have a new Syria. One that’s brimming with hope and opportunity.”
“While the levels of conflict have subsided in many parts of the country, the humanitarian crisis in Syria is far from over,” Carden said.
He explained, “More than 16 million people today in need of aid. That is seven out of every ten Syrians. The majority of whom are women and children. Over 40 percent of the needs are concentrated in Idlib and Aleppo. And whilst we have seen a gradual increase in returnees this year, Syria does remain one of the world’s largest displacement crises, with seven million people displaced after ten years.”
The Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator highlighted that the UN and its partners are doing whatever they can with the resources available, expressing deeply alarm by the lack of funding, “which has already led to the suspension of water and sanitation services in camps, safe spaces for women and girls and other humanitarian activities across Syria,” he said.
According to his office, to date, the humanitarian community has secured $179 million, less than 9 percent the $2 billion needed to help the most vulnerable until the end of June this year.
Carden also said, “We sincerely hope that the humanitarian phase will be as short as possible, so we can move towards recovery and reconstruction. And in that context, see the further easing of sanctioned.”
The position of the Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis will be officially abolished as of Tuesday (22 Apr). This is part of the UN’s transition efforts in a new Syria, with the aim of streamlining the coordinated response under the leadership of Damascus.
Carden said, “The discontinuation of my post. I hope it also reflects Syria’s trajectory towards a brighter and more stable future. The most vulnerable people in Syria deserve no less and I wish them all the very best.”
Source: United Nations (Video News)
Remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the Opening Ceremony of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, 24th session.
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The world’s Indigenous Peoples are magnificently diverse in cultures, languages, histories, and traditions…
But united by common features and common challenges.
You are the pre-eminent stewards of the world’s biodiversity and of the environment.
Your knowledge and traditional practices are leading models of conservation and sustainable use – reflecting your commitment to living life in harmony with Mother Earth, and to the wellbeing and rights of future generations.
The world has much to learn from your wisdom, insights and approaches, which prioritise the health of ecosystems over short-term economic gains…
As we tackle the many challenges that we face – building sustainable food systems, moving to sustainable ways of livings, and more, we must recognize that the world does not always value you as it should.
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The difficulties facing Indigenous Peoples around the world are an affront to dignity and justice. And a source of deep sorrow for me personally.
Indigenous women face particular challenges – including barriers to political participation, economic opportunities, and essential services.
On a trip to Suriname three years ago, I had the honour of visiting the Kaliña Peoples.
I witnessed how climate change is devastating their lands, and destroying their way of life.
And I heard how mercury from illegal mining is harming Indigenous Peoples in the region, as in many others, namely, including Brazil – poisoning their water and food supplies.
Everywhere, Indigenous Peoples are on the frontline of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss – despite having done nothing to create these crises and everything to try to stop them.
Eviction and illegal exploitation continue to harm your people and grossly violate your rights.
You face marginalisation, discrimination, unemployment, economic disadvantage and horrendous violence – particularly as you seek to defend our common home.
And too often you are excluded from decisions that directly impact your land and territories – threatening your ways of life and food security.
Meanwhile, a looming threat grows – the race for minerals critical to the global energy transition – a large proportion of which are located on or close to Indigenous Peoples’ territories.
As demand soars, too often we see dispossession; exclusion and marginalisation in decision-making; the rights of Indigenous Peoples trampled and health jeopardised, all as you are denied the benefits you deserve.
Full remarks: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2025-04-21/secretary-general%E2%80%99s-remarks-the-opening-ceremony-of-the-un-permanent-forum-indigenous-issues
Watch in 6 UN official languages: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1c/k1cjhgujod
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
We spend more today on health care than any other country in the world, yet we have the worst health outcomes. Chronic disease is rising and we’re not getting our bang for the buck. Dr. Oz as head of CMS is going to change all that. Welcome to the team Dr. Oz. Let’s Make America Healthy Again.” – Secretary Kennedy
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | http://www.hhs.gov
http://www.Twitter.com/HHSGov | http://www.Facebook.com/HHS http://www.Instagram.com/HHSGov
http://www.LinkedIn.com/company/us-department-of-health-and-human-services
HHS Privacy Policy: http://www.hhs.gov/Privacy.html
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
WATCH ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons’ recent drug seizure update
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
On Thursday, May 1, NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers will step outside the International Space Station to complete station upgrades. The spacewalk is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. EDT (1200 UTC) and last about six and a half hours.
McClain and Ayers will relocate communications antenna and install a mounting bracket to prepare for the installation of a new set of International Space Station Rollout Solar Arrays, also called IROSAs, on a later spacewalk. The arrays will boost the station’s power generation capability by up to 30%.
McClain will wear a suit with red stripes; Ayers will wear an unmarked suit. This will be the third spacewalk for McClain and the first for Ayers.
Learn more about the spacewalk: https://go.nasa.gov/4jlehE5
Read the latest mission updates from the ISS: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/
Credit: NASA
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
After serving in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Navy Veteran Brian Treasure struggled with PTSD. Despite finding steady employment and leading a successful life, Brian was haunted by nightmares from the relentless stress he endured in the military. He fell into a downward spiral of homelessness and addiction, using drugs to escape the trauma of his past.
Brian’s journey took a positive turn when he sought help from VA, and was introduced to the Compensated Work Therapy program.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary will announce the FDA’s intent to phase out the use of petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the nation’s food supply – marking a major step forward in the Administration’s efforts to Make America Healthy Again.
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | http://www.hhs.gov
http://www.Twitter.com/HHSGov | http://www.Facebook.com/HHS http://www.Instagram.com/HHSGov
http://www.LinkedIn.com/company/us-department-of-health-and-human-services
HHS Privacy Policy: http://www.hhs.gov/Privacy.html
Source: United Nations (Video News)
Local reports from the Gaza Strip indicate that more than 11,000 people remain missing since the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023. Among them are individuals believed to have died under the rubble or whose fates remain unknown to this day.
The Strip is suffering from a severe shortage of equipment needed to remove debris, as most heavy machinery has been either destroyed or rendered inoperable due to a lack of fuel. According to the United Nations, around 92 per cent of homes in the Gaza Strip -equivalent to approximately 436,000 houses – have been destroyed or damaged as a result of continuous bombardment.