A new paper has questioned the effectiveness of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's aid distribution model, citing inhumane treatment and potential violations of international law. The model, which relied on private security contractors, led to crowding, stampedes, and shootings at aid distribution sites, causing thousands of civilian c...
The use of AI in consular affairs is increasing, with automated systems screening passport photos and pre-sorting visa applications. However, concerns arise about human oversight, with experts warning that AI can shape what information officials see before making decisions that affect people's lives.
A new report suggests increasing the U.S. nuclear arsenal could lead to more nuclear crises, as adversaries may feel less deterred. The study highlights the importance of enhancing survivability and resilience over expanding the arsenal, with a focus on strengthening nuclear submarine capabilities and defending against cyberattacks.
Scholasticide, deliberate attacks on education systems, has devastating consequences for health and healthcare. Systemic degradation can lead to long-term learning loss, economic rebuilding challenges, and diminished future opportunities.
Researchers propose a mandatory measurement and reporting component for the UN's plastics treaty to track plastic production, use, disposal, and pollution. The system would standardize labeling, measurement practices, and repository establishment, enabling countries to report detailed data on plastics from cradle to grave.
A new book ranks countries on human rights measures, revealing overachievers like Rwanda and the Philippines, and underachievers like China and Iran. The CIRIGHTS Data Project provides numerical scores on human rights protection, showing how well countries protect internationally recognized rights.
A new report by Brookings Institution suggests the US can improve its role in partners' conflicts by clearly communicating goals and persuading allies to adjust their strategies. Dafna Rand's research identified missteps and misunderstandings that undermined America's ability to manage and influence allies' strategies.
The 2024 Migration Pact transformed EU migration governance by increasing political bargaining among national leaders. Decisions are now shaped by high-level political forums and transactional diplomacy, reflecting a shift away from expert-led coordination.
A new paper by MIT Professor Areg Danagoulian describes his idea for a satellite-based sensor system that can detect neutrons generated by high-energy protons colliding with radioactive material. The system could detect nuclear weapons with 99% accuracy, even in low-Earth orbit.
A new book by historian Robert Parkinson explores the Declaration of Independence's 250th anniversary, shedding light on the founding fathers' primary concerns. The author argues that the document's emphasis on individual rights and liberties was largely driven by the colonial elite's anger towards British taxation policies.
The Handala hacker group, linked to Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security, uses cyberattacks to wage psychological warfare and conduct influence operations. Its primary objective is not to inflict significant damage but to create a sense of threat and insecurity, particularly in Israel.
The UCDP reported a record high number of armed conflicts between states in 2025, including eight interstate conflicts. The year saw the highest figure since World War II, with 65 conflicts resulting in over 244,000 fatalities, including a sharp increase in violence targeting civilians.
The HKU School of Governance and Policy has launched a premier intellectual hub dedicated to navigating complex regional and international governance challenges. The school's five core research pillars will drive its academic programs, including an Executive Leadership Hub and policy institutes for undergraduates.
A new study by University of Notre Dame researcher Madhav Joshi found that international partners significantly improve the success of peace agreements. The study tracked 578 individual commitments from December 2016 through April 2023 and found that deeper engagement increases implementation outcomes.
Researchers found that exposure to aggressive diplomatic messaging reduces favorability towards China in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. In contrast, perceptions of the US are less affected, with limited persuasive power.
A study found that economic interests influenced Japanese legislators' behavior, with sanction-hit industries supporting military-backed policies and procurement sectors showing no shift. This challenges the common view of economic beneficiaries as authoritarian supporters.
Researchers propose using terrain to deter conflict while delivering environmental benefits through restored forests, wetlands, and peatlands. These interventions support carbon storage, flood mitigation, and biodiversity recovery, acting as a form of deterrence by denial.
The conference discusses how funded literary translations represent cultural diversity and impact global circulation of texts, publishing market, and cultural policies. It is part of the research project Translating diversity: institutional agents and literary translation policies in Ibero-America.
Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species agree to list 40 additional species on Appendices I and II, including iconic species like cheetahs, hyenas, and great hammerhead sharks. The agreement also includes multi-species conservation plans for key regions like the Amazon.
The Americas Flyways Atlas charts critical habitats spanning 56 countries, revealing key breeding, stopover, and wintering sites for 89 highly vulnerable migratory bird species. The atlas provides governments with a blueprint to protect these birds from habitat loss, infrastructure, and climate change.
Experts warn that US policy changes pose a grave threat to global health, risking multiple international infectious disease outbreaks. The authors argue that the recent US decisions meet the criteria for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under International Health Regulations (IHRs).
The Global Initiative on the Taking of Migratory Species (GTI) aims to tackle the root causes of illegal and unsustainable taking, safeguarding wildlife and livelihoods. The initiative focuses on improving data, strengthening laws, engaging communities, and raising awareness.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will host the seventh AI for Good Global Summit from 7 to 10 July 2026 at Geneva’s Palexpo convention centre. The summit aims to guide the future of artificial intelligence and unlock its potential to serve humanity.
A new study found that wealthier nations tend to invest more in private solutions, exacerbating climate change. The research involved over 7,500 participants from 34 countries, who took part in a simulation on how economic resources are allocated to address climate change.
Nations are coming together at the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) to address declining population trends and extinction threats among migratory species. The meeting aims to establish conservation policies and protections for over 2,000 species under threat.
A computer simulation improved understanding of refugees among Swedish teenagers who experienced simulated migration journeys. The study found that students exhibited increased social understanding and empathetic attitudes towards immigrants.
The policy brief outlines four courses of action to tackle AI implementation: bottom-up, problem-driven planning, transparency, accountability, and oversight. Without these measures, AI in the public sector will amplify current dysfunctions and feed distrust.
The interim update to the State of the World's Migratory Species report warns that 49% of migratory species populations are declining, with 24% facing extinction, due to habitat loss and overexploitation. The report highlights the need for coordinated international action to address these threats and protect migratory species.
Negotiations for a global plastics treaty stalled in August, hindering progress on addressing marine plastic pollution. Experts warn that current procedures lack prioritization and clear rules, jeopardizing efforts to tackle the crisis. The authors propose three key changes to revive talks and address the issue holistically.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has reaffirmed the need for critical cooperation on submarine cable resilience, with a focus on shortening repair times and supporting underserved regions. The Porto Summit Declaration and recommendations aim to bolster international cooperation across governments and industries.
The NUS-IHME Global Burden of Disease Research Centre aims to bridge the gap between longevity and healthy ageing by examining the impact of extreme heat, antimicrobial resistance, and other environmental shifts. The centre will provide critical data and insights to inform health strategies across Southeast Asia.
A new study from the Stockholm School of Economics shows how growing rivalry between major powers is pushing firms to rethink their sourcing, production capacity, and supplier relationships. Companies are diversifying suppliers, reducing dependence on single countries for critical inputs, and relocating or duplicating production to dif...
The International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit 2026 will focus on advancing actionable solutions to strengthen submarine telecommunication cable resilience. The event aims to accelerate cable repairs, improve risk mitigation and enhance regulatory frameworks.
A new study warns that the U.S. government's fiscal capacity depends on the dominance of the U.S. dollar, and potential losses for bondholders could be significant if another currency replaces it. Historically, countries with a strong currency have experienced economic downturns when their dominance wanes.
A new study by Binghamton University Professor Eric Wiebelhaus-Brahm found that social media hashtags can help identify early warning signs of violence and amplify local voices. The research examined social media campaigns in Canada and Syria, analyzing over 5,000 posts tied to #TruthAndReconciliation and #SaveSyria.
A study from the University of Kansas found that the kidnapping of Luis Manuel Díaz, father of Colombian soccer star Luis “Lucho” Díaz, resulted in coverage that portrayed his son as a national hero and cast doubt on peace negotiations. The media framing of the story had broader implications for the Total Peace initiative and the Petro...
A University of Cambridge-led study reveals that more than two years of war in Gaza has left Palestinian children too weak to learn or play, with some living on as little as a bowl of lentils a day. The report warns of a 'lost' generation emerging in Gaza due to the war's educational, physical and psychological impacts.
A new book by Uppsala University researchers reveals the secrets behind Nordic mediators' success in resolving conflicts. The authors analyze over 75 years of Nordic mediation experiences and introduce a new model for assessing successful results.
The International Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research (IADR) celebrates the robust inclusion of oral health in the adopted declaration. This recognizes that ~3.7 billion people live with oral diseases, imposing a significant health burden. IADR urges Member States to translate commitments into concrete national actio...
A new study proposes a two-stage decision-making framework for lithium governance in Latin America, highlighting the role of external pressures, internal politics, and industry development. The research suggests that engagement strategies must consider these factors to succeed in the region.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has announced that the next World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27) will take place in Shanghai, China, from October 11 to November 12, 2027. This conference will review and revise the Radio Regulations, governing the use of radio frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.
A 1525 Bible map, printed in the wrong orientation, transformed the biblical narrative and influenced modern border thinking. The study suggests that maps of the Holy Land, rather than early modern territorial divisions, led to the development of political borders.
A new report by the United Nations University reveals a global imbalance of men holding 60% of focal point roles in major environmental negotiations, while women hold just 40%. The report highlights regional disparities and calls for urgent recommendations to address systemic barriers and achieve gender parity.
The world's online population grew to 6 billion, while 2.2 billion remain offline, highlighting the importance of digital infrastructure, affordable services, and skills training to achieve universal connectivity. Deep digital divides persist, with uneven coverage, affordability, and skill levels across high- and low-income countries.
Researchers analyzed menus from Portuguese diplomatic dinners dating from 1910 to 2023, revealing how meals reflected and shaped the country's foreign policy. The study identified five functions of diplomatic meals: territory transfers, geopolitical alliances, economic diplomacy, scientific cooperation, and cultural proximity.
The ITU delegation will work with governments and private-sector leaders to leverage digital transformation as a catalyst for climate solutions. The Green Digital Action initiative aims to address the sector's environmental impact through practical tools and tangible results.
The Baltic states of Lithuania and Estonia topped the Index on International Media Freedom Support, while Latvia came in 9th. The report highlights a significant gap between public commitments and actual support for media freedom among larger countries like the US, UK, Italy, and Japan.
A new study by Dr Irene Fernández-Molina from the University of Exeter reveals that EU legal ambiguity on the Western Sahara conflict is a significant disadvantage for the Polisario Front and its Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. The study highlights how lawfare has been successfully used to challenge these ambiguities, leading to accu...
The Universitat Jaume I is participating in four joint research actions under the EDUC-WIDE project, focusing on materials science, psychology, communication, and education. The projects aim to advance sustainable water purification methods, explore social perception mechanisms, bridge communication gaps, and build an international net...
Research from Edith Cowan University suggests that states can be held accountable for human rights violations committed by private military companies. Associate Professor Shannon Bosch explains that ARISWA provides a means for the international community to hold states responsible for actions taken by private military firms on their be...
A Dartmouth study found that national security officials are overwhelmingly overconfident, consistently misjudging the uncertainty of current and future states. Brief training can mitigate this bias, reducing overconfidence and promoting accuracy.
Digital@UNGA 2025 brings together global leaders to discuss the power of technology in tackling urgent challenges and driving sustainable development. The event showcases innovations in AI, quantum computing, and digital skills to benefit all, with a focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and prosperity.
A study by Mireka Caselius found that children who moved abroad as kids develop unique skills such as social adaptability and tolerance for stress, making them highly sought-after employees in the global job market. These young adults often pursue careers with an international dimension, reflecting their adaptable nature.
Decades of conflict have devastated Kurdish regions' communities and environment, while peace talks neglect ecological harm. A new publication proposes including environmental restoration in negotiations to build a just and lasting peace, emphasizing community-led restoration and Indigenous knowledge.
Researchers highlight how Ukraine's decentralization reforms empowered local communities to resist war and maintain society's functioning. Studies reveal how grassroots efforts, such as volunteering and participatory budgeting, helped keep essential services running despite extreme losses.
In Gaza's 'Medical Points,' temporary medical centers, an average of 117 people are treated daily with only about 7 staff members per center. Despite severe shortages, these facilities play a critical role in providing care to those in need.
A recent study published in the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies found that public attitudes towards immigration are shaped by job demand rather than just skill level. The research showed that citizens in both England and Japan were more likely to grant visas to workers in high-demand occupations, regardless of their skill level.
A three-year study found that smartwatches can detect early signs of PTSD among Israelis who watched extensive media coverage of the Oct 7 attacks. Participants who developed PTSD showed sharper increases in stress levels and declines in mood, physical activity, and sleep quality.
A study by Utrecht University researchers found that previous fairness and ambition assessments were biased, rewarding high emitters at the expense of vulnerable ones. The proposed method avoids delaying emission reduction obligations and calculates immediate ambition gaps that can be filled by climate measures and international finance.
A new series published in The BMJ highlights the role of the arms industry in perpetuating conflict, injuries, and death, and argues that it should be seen as a commercial determinant of health. Health professionals are urged to advocate for a reorientation away from profit-driven design and deployment towards global priorities of heal...