U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) holds a copy of the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act as he speaks next to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) during a press conference on the third day of a partial shutdown of the federal government at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S. October 3, 2025. Jonathan…
The United Nations has finalised the revised estimates for its 2026 proposed programme budget, outlining more than $500 million in reductions, while also introducing the first measures of the UN80 Initiative – a wider effort to make the Organisation more effective and resilient as it marks its 80th anniversary. The revised estimates, communicated on Monday…
New York — They are lightweight, cheap, and able to be used in every sector of every supply chain. Few materials have revolutionized manufacturing and the global economy as much as plastics have. They are essential in almost everything, however this comes at a cost. A cost of 1.5 trillion annually in environmental damage, and…
African governments and development agencies have embraced science, technology and innovation as levers for development over the past two decades. Science, technology and innovation boost productivity, cut transaction costs, open new business opportunities and promote social inclusion. They also help societies tackle grand challenges such as climate change and persistent poverty. By 2020 at least…
Nigeria accounts for the largest volume of detected pangolin scales illegally traded from Africa. Between 2010 and 2021, 190,000kg of scales – representing nearly 800,000 African pangolins – were seized in shipments linked to Nigeria, despite a ban on international trade. Pangolins are scaly mammals found across Asia and Africa. They are considered the world’s…
