Currently holding the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council for April, Malta’s UN Ambassador Vanessa Frazier, known for her diplomatic skills and adherence to judo philosophy, offers valuable perspectives on the role elected members can play in shaping the 15-member Council.
Humanitarians are fighting hunger in a world of waste Imagine a world where hunger is a distant memory, where every person has access to nutritious food, and where there is no poverty. Is a hunger-free world possible or is it unrealistic? Today more than 783 million people grapple with hunger even as we witness a…
In a world where commerce and sovereignty increasingly overlap, international law must preserve that delicate balance, jurisdiction for market participation and immunity for sovereign authority. In the 20th century, the ideological boundary between socialism and capitalism seemed firm: in one, the state owned; in the other, it merely regulated. In the 21st century, that line…
A dual-currency model with gold-backed banknotes could help developing nations boost stability, reduce dollar reliance, and strengthen financial sovereignty Before President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s April 5, 1933, recall of gold-backed currency, the U.S. Treasury had been circulating gold Certificates since 1865. These notes were backed by equal gold coin and redeemable upon demand. When the…
The United Nations turned 80 this week, but the milestone felt less like a celebration than a stress test. From the green-marble podium of the General Assembly, leaders laid bare their visions for the future. Secretary-General António Guterres pleaded for unity in the face of multiplying crises. General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock pressed for renewed…
A fast-moving strategic realignment is reshaping the Middle East as states diversify partnerships, pursue flexible coalitions, and reject dependence on any single power—creating a system where influence, not dominance, defines regional power. The collapse of the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), the unexpected Israel-Hamas peace accord, Israeli strikes against Iranian-linked targets across the region, and the…
Actor William Shatner may have played the captain of a starship for years in the hit TV series and movie Star Trek, even the best fiction work about space exploration could not have prepared him for the life-changing experience he underwent when he traveled to space in 2021. “I went up into space, and when…
Sixteen nations are working together to build a digital economy that includes women, entrepreneurs and underserved communities, aiming to turn today’s divides into shared opportunity. At a time of uncertainty and acceleration, one truth stands out: cooperation is the foundation of shared prosperity. Technology now advances faster than trust, and our ability to work together…
African street mechanics and junk scavengers push the global north towards climate solutions Freetown—Like a pop star eager to match the success of his last big hit, Emmanuel Alie Mansaray stalks the streets of this steaming, teeming African capital searching. He’s searching for inspiration: the spark that will allow him again to capture lightning…
For the last half decade, there have been growing and persistent concerns about the attractiveness of US higher education to International students. The high point for such international mobility was reached in 2018/19, followed by steep declines in 2020/21 and 2021/22, as the Covid-19 pandemic played out, not only in the US but globally. International…
Expert tips on protecting your child’s privacy in the digital age Navigating parenthood in the digital age is no easy task. Social media, smartphones, and other technologies are advancing at a rate that seems to grow faster than our children, and it’s not always clear how to use them safely, even when you have the…
The collapse of the Assad regime liberated Syrians from decades of brutal and repressive rule and has opened the way for a better path forward. But the group that has taken over—HTS led by Ahmad al-Shara—has an extremist past, the state and economy are in shambles, and the country continues to suffer from deep divisions….
One Midwestern city is using refugee ambition to rebuild neighborhoods America forgot. A city of some 500,000 people lying practically in the geographic center of North America, Omaha, Nebraska, has a well-earned reputation for its delicious steaks, its generous billionaires, and its long tradition of supporting progressive causes. Lately, the city has been drawing accolades…
“If the United States wants to continue to lead in global research and innovation, it needs to enhance its efforts to attract and retain global talent – starting at the university level.”
As the son of a career Foreign Service Officer, our family moved every 18 months, changing countries, climates, and languages. Starting in the 1950s, much of the travel was by ship. It is hard to imagine 2025 climbing on a boat in Jakarta and three weeks later climbing off in Genoa – across the Indian…
Wealth has had tremendous power to shape societies and global economies throughout human civilization. Financial wealth, seen as a symbol of success or an indicator of status, has permeated every aspect of our lives. Technological developments, financial markets, and globalization have accelerated the rise of ultra-rich people, contributing to the creation of a super-elite class….
