Category Special Reports

Environmental leaders from nearly 200 countries have gathered in Colombia to review the progress on global commitments to halt and reverse nature loss. The two-week United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16), which began on Monday, follows the 2022 Montreal meetings, where 196 countries signed the ambitious Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aimed at protecting global biodiversity.

Delegates in Cali are set to discuss how to tackle the current rapid rate of nature’s destruction and how to meet the commitments of the 2022 accord. These include setting aside 30% of national territories for conservation, cutting subsidies for businesses that harm the environment, and requiring companies to report their environmental impacts.

Countries were expected to submit their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) ahead of the summit, which runs until November 1. However, by Friday, only 31 out of 195 countries had filed their plans with the UN Biodiversity Secretariat.

Colombia’s Environment Minister and COP16 President, Susana Muhamad, remarked on Sunday that the conference was an opportunity to gather knowledge from all civilizations and cultures to create livable and stable conditions for future societies in light of the ongoing environmental crisis.

At COP15 in 2022, wealthier nations had committed to contributing at least $20 billion annually by 2025 to assist developing countries in achieving their biodiversity targets, with this figure rising to $30 billion by 2030. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), $15.4 billion have been raised by 2022.

Gavin Edwards, director of the nonprofit Nature Positive, indicated to Reuters that COP16 serves as a crucial moment to reinvigorate global commitments made two years ago and to correct course if the 2030 biodiversity targets are to be met. Edwards stressed that significant work remains to be done.

On Sunday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged for substantial investments into the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, which was established in 2022. In a video message to COP16 delegates, Guterres emphasized the need for new commitments to mobilize public and private funding sources. So far, countries have pledged about $250 million to the fund, according to monitoring agencies.

At the conference, world leaders are also looking for solutions that address both climate change and biodiversity loss simultaneously. Despite ongoing conservation efforts, the rate of environmental destruction—driven by activities like logging and overfishing—remains unchanged, while governments fall short on their biodiversity action plans, and conservation funding is still billions of dollars short of the 2025 goal.

Muhamad, part of Colombia’s first left-wing government, highlighted in local media that one of COP16’s primary objectives is to underscore the importance of biodiversity, stressing that it is as critical as energy transition and decarbonization efforts.

The summit aims to create a global multilateral system for paying for access to digital sequence information and genetic data extracted from plants, animals, and microbes. In addition, COP16 will work toward finalizing a new program for integrating traditional knowledge into national conservation strategies and decision-making processes.

The UN Office for the Convention on Biological Diversity, which oversees the implementation of the original 1992 biodiversity pact, has called for special protections for Indigenous groups in voluntary isolation, emphasizing their essential role in protecting nature. Indigenous communities are often well-represented at biodiversity conferences but frequently leave disappointed with the final decisions.

This year, Indigenous leaders are determined to use the summit, taking place near the Amazon, to have their rights and ancestral knowledge formally recognized. They hope to address years of marginalization and forced displacement. Andrew Miller, advocacy director at Amazon Watch, noted that Indigenous peoples play a key role in conservation, and the hope is that this will be acknowledged more effectively at COP16.

In Bogotá, Indigenous communities from the region have been preparing for the conference for months. Jose Mendez, secretary of the National Organization of Indigenous Peoples of the Colombian Amazon, expressed that the summit represents a significant opportunity to demonstrate to the world the vital role Indigenous peoples play in safeguarding the environment.

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The International Symposium ‘Creating the Future’ is set to take place from November 4 to 6 at the National Center “Russia.” The event will bring together scientists, researchers, futurists, forecasters, science fiction writers, and government officials, providing a global platform for open discussions on future scenarios for humanity and addressing contemporary global challenges. The symposium’s agenda includes over 60 events spanning four core themes: the Future of Humanity, the Future of Technology, the Future of a Multipolar World, and the Future of Civilization.

Representatives from over 40 nations, such as Austria, Argentina, India, China, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, will participate. A full program schedule is accessible on the symposium’s website at future.russia.ru, where live streams of the events will also be available.

The symposium will open with an exhibition centered on a dialogue about humanity’s future, emphasizing the human experience and encouraging attendees to consider their personal contributions to the future.

A host of distinguished attendees, including scholars, philosophers, futurists, science fiction writers, business leaders, and creative industry professionals from Russia, China, India, Italy, Iran, the UAE, Kazakhstan, Serbia, France, and the United States, have confirmed their participation. The symposium is expected to gather around 3,000 attendees from the SCO, BRICS, CIS, and other regions to examine the future of the planet, the impact of technology on society, humanity’s evolving role in civilization, and the overarching concept of what form humanity’s future might take.

Tatiana Kareva, Head of the International Cooperation Department at the National Center “Russia,” underscored the importance of the symposium as a space for dialogue among scientists, artists, business figures, and government officials. Kareva expressed pride in the widespread international interest in this inaugural event, noting that over 87 countries have expressed a desire to engage in this collective initiative to shape the future.

International participants have already begun arriving in Moscow, including Brazilian artists Rafael Btesh and Monica Da Silva De Queiroz, along with Agengue Adane Dilnesahu and Usman Hassan Mohammed, the director and deputy director of Addis Ababa University’s School of Fine Arts and Design. Special sightseeing tours of Moscow have been arranged for these early arrivals.

Several attendees shared their expectations for the symposium. Serbian investigative journalist Vesna Veizovic expressed hope that the event would foster rich exchanges on developing a society capable of facing contemporary challenges while retaining traditional values. Meanwhile, John Molera, Director of Policy and Research at DD Geopolitics from the United States, said he was looking forward to drawing inspiration from global perspectives that envision a future beyond Western neoliberalism, seeking to build a movement grounded in mutual respect, tradition, and cooperation.

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After a seven-week work stoppage, tens of thousands of striking Boeing machinists voted on Monday to accept a new contract offer, officially ending the strike. The machinists voted with 59% in favor of the agreement, signaling a return to work as soon as Nov. 6, with all employees required to resume by Nov. 12.

In a message to Boeing employees, CEO Kelly Ortberg acknowledged the difficulties of recent months, emphasizing that the company’s future success relies on teamwork and collaboration. He urged the workforce to look ahead, reaffirming Boeing’s commitment to rebuilding its reputation for excellence.

The approved contract includes enhanced pay raises and an improved ratification bonus, providing each union member with a $12,000 bonus if the deal is fully ratified, as outlined by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), representing Boeing’s 33,000 workers across Washington, Oregon, and California.

Following the vote, President Joe Biden issued a statement, commending the agreement as a demonstration of the power of collective bargaining. He emphasized that strong contracts are crucial to supporting workers, businesses, and consumers, while contributing to an economy that benefits all levels of society.

Financial strain had taken its toll on both parties throughout the standoff. Union members received $250 weekly from a strike fund, starting in the third week of the strike—a substantial cut from their regular wages. Meanwhile, Boeing faced estimated losses of $5.5 billion since the strike’s onset in September, according to the Anderson Economic Group, and saw its shares drop 40% over the year, though they have slightly rebounded in recent weeks.

This latest contract, which union leaders described as the most favorable offer workers were likely to receive, followed the resounding rejection of two previous proposals. In a public letter to members, IAM President Jon Holden and the union’s negotiating committee urged members to embrace the agreement, highlighting the gains achieved and encouraging pride in their collective efforts.

The terms of the contract promise a cumulative 38% wage increase over four years—an improvement from a 35% raise offered in a prior proposal that was overwhelmingly rejected. While workers had initially sought a 40% increase, the union acknowledged the progress made in this contract.

The agreement also increases Boeing’s contribution to workers’ 401(k) plans, although it does not reinstate the defined pension plan, which was removed under a contract ratified in 2014. Nearly two-thirds of union members had voted against the most recent offer, following a prior proposal in September that was rejected by over 90%.

In a memo to employees, Ortberg expressed hope that the end of the strike would allow Boeing to refocus on its mission of delivering high-quality aircraft. Holden and the negotiating committee, reflecting on the outcome, stated that the membership held the final say in ending the strike and rebuilding together.

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The 2024 Global Economic Crimes Survey (GECS) reflects the two-year period following the COVID-19 pandemic, a time marked by widespread adaptation to new operational norms. This “new normal” has seen businesses increasingly adopt hybrid work models that blend remote and in-person collaboration, optimize supply chains, adapt to evolving consumer preferences through omnichannel strategies, and refine digital, resilience, and risk management practices.

As operational practices have transformed from the pre-pandemic era through to the current post-pandemic landscape, the nature of economic crime has evolved, necessitating continuous updates to risk management strategies. Notably, cybercrime, which ranked low in Uganda’s 2020 GECS (based on pre-pandemic years 2018 and 2019), has risen significantly in prominence, now positioned as the second most frequent economic crime after customer fraud.

Globally, cybercrime has become the most prevalent economic crime, with a reported incident rate of 44%. It was also considered the most disruptive by 40% of survey respondents. Similarly, the PwC Eastern Africa 2024 CEO Survey reported cybercrime as a growing concern, with 28% of CEOs identifying it as a threat, up from 22% in 2023. Eastern African CEOs also identified macroeconomic volatility as the primary concern for the coming year, recognizing that market uncertainties, financial pressures, and the potential for fraud create a challenging environment for risk management.

In Uganda, customer fraud was reported as the most common form of economic crime, with an incident rate of 40%, closely followed by cybercrime at 37%. The increasing integration of technology appears to be contributing to the shift, with a rise in cybercrime incidents as traditional forms of economic crime, such as asset misappropriation and procurement fraud, have diminished in frequency. Risk management teams and counter-fraud professionals are encouraged to enhance their capabilities in response to these emerging challenges.

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The net worth of China’s wealthiest individuals took a major hit this past year due to economic challenges and declining stock markets, according to data from the Hurun Research Institute. Specifically, 1,094 individuals across mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau held personal fortunes exceeding $700 million as of August 30. This number represents a 12% decrease from the previous year’s 1,241 individuals, while their combined wealth dropped 10% to US$2.97 trillion.

Economic headwinds have included China’s GDP growth falling short of Beijing’s 5% target set in March for the first three quarters of 2024, a sluggish property market, and lower consumer demand. As of August 30, the Shanghai Composite Index had fallen 8.9% over the previous 12 months, while the Hang Seng Index declined by 2.1%.

While markets have seen some recovery following Beijing’s late-September initiatives to bolster stocks, the property market, and the broader economy, concerns about the sustainability of this rebound persist, with traders watching for further fiscal support.

Among the wealthiest, only 30%—or 331 individuals—saw their fortunes increase, while 967 reported declines. Zhang Yiming, the 41-year-old founder and CEO of ByteDance, which owns TikTok, rose to the top of the list, his net worth rising 43% to US$49.3 billion from fourth place last year.

Zhong Shanshan, who topped the list last year, fell to second place as his fortune dropped 24% to US$47.9 billion. Known for his bottled water company, Nongfu Spring, Zhong saw his wealth decline amid market changes.

Hong Kong’s wealthiest individuals, Li Ka-shing, 96, and his eldest son Victor Li, 60, experienced a 5% decrease in their wealth to US$28.2 billion, tying them for sixth place on the list.

Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma, with a fortune of US$23.2 billion, saw a 3% drop in his wealth, placing him 10th. Meanwhile, Robin Zeng Yuqun, chairman of electric car battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology, recorded a 20% decline in net worth to US$28.2 billion, also tying for sixth place.

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The Korea Post, part of the Ministry of Science and ICT, has extended its international EMS service to include more destinations for kimchi shipments, as announced on October 21. Starting October 22, consumers in China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Singapore will also be able to receive kimchi, raising the total number of eligible countries from four to ten.

Before this expansion, kimchi could only be sent to the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan through the EMS service. Shipments of the fermented dish were suspended in November 2020 due to air transport disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, service resumed gradually in November 2022, with the U.S. and Japan among the first to have the service restored.

Due to kimchi’s nature as a fermented product, which poses particular challenges during air transport, Korea Post has underscored the importance of adhering to strict packaging requirements. To ensure safe shipment, kimchi must be packed in plastic and then placed inside a metal canister, which must be filled to 70% and sealed tightly to prevent leakage or spoilage.

Korea Post’s head, Cho Hae-keun, expressed that the expanded shipping service would enable more Koreans living abroad to savor familiar flavors from home. He noted the organization’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with airlines to further broaden the list of countries where kimchi can be delivered.

In addition, Korea Post will be offering a special EMS discount on international kimchi shipments from November until the end of the year.

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The U.S. housing market is undergoing a profound transformation, with the share of first-time homebuyers declining to an unprecedented low. Recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reveals that only 24% of buyers this year are purchasing a home for the first time, a significant drop from 32% the previous year. This marks the smallest share since NAR began tracking the statistics in 1981.

The median age of first-time homebuyers has risen to 38, up from 35 last year, while the median age of repeat buyers has increased to 61 from 58. NAR attributes these shifts to broader demographic changes and economic pressures shaping the current market.

The profile of homebuyers today shows 62% are married couples, while single women account for 20%, single men make up 8%, and unmarried couples represent 6%. Additionally, 73% of recent buyers do not have children under 18 living at home, marking a record high in this category.

Multigenerational households are also on the rise, with 17% of buyers now choosing homes that can accommodate multiple generations. Key motivations behind these purchases include cost savings (36%), caring for aging parents (25%), and providing space for adult children who have moved back home (21%).

The aspiration to own a home remains a strong motivator for many, especially first-time buyers, with 64% citing it as a major reason for their purchase. Overall, the market still leans heavily toward previously-owned homes, chosen by 85% of buyers, who often find them more cost-effective. Those opting for newly constructed homes typically seek to avoid renovation challenges.

Detached single-family homes continue to be the most popular choice, making up 75% of home purchases. The median relocation distance has shortened significantly to 20 miles, down from 50 miles last year, suggesting a trend towards remaining closer to previous communities.

Buyers are primarily guided by neighborhood quality, affordability, and proximity to family and friends when selecting a home. The typical home purchased this year was built in 1994, a shift from previous years when 1980s-era homes were more common.

Technology and professional assistance are also critical to the homebuying journey. About 43% of buyers began their home search online, and 86% sought help from real estate agents, with 88% of all transactions involving an agent or broker. Most buyers connected with their agents through personal referrals, emphasizing the importance of trust in real estate relationships.

Overall, 59% of buyers expressed high satisfaction with their purchase experience, highlighting the value of professional support in navigating today’s complex housing market.

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Southeast Asian (SEA) countries have emerged as the top global market for Chinese app installations, according to a new study released Monday by measurement and analytics firm Adjust in collaboration with Sensor Tower. The report highlights that SEA countries account for a significant share of Chinese app installs worldwide, with Indonesia (22%), the Philippines (21%), Malaysia and Thailand (both 19%), Vietnam, and Singapore (both 18%) among the leading markets.

April Tayson, Regional Vice President for INSEAU at Adjust, noted that the rapid ascent of Chinese apps globally reflects their transformative influence on digital user experiences, particularly through innovations in gamification, artificial intelligence, and personalization. She observed that the impact of these apps, now deeply embedded in users’ daily lives, continues to grow steadily.

The study points out that SEA leads in several app categories for Chinese install share. Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia dominate the utility category, accounting for 36%, 33%, and 30% of installs, respectively. In the entertainment sector, Singapore leads globally with a 49% share of installs, followed by Pakistan at 36%. For gaming apps, SEA countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia (both 19%) and Singapore (17%) maintain strong global install shares, just behind South Korea at 21%. Malaysia leads the social app category with an 80% install share, followed by Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines with 65%, 64%, and 54%, respectively.

Top downloaded apps in SEA include TikTok (entertainment and social), DANA Dompet Digital Indonesia (finance), Garena Free Fire (gaming), Shopee (shopping), and SHAREit (utility). In terms of revenue generation, Google One stands out in utility app earnings across SEA countries, along with several Western markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany.

The report also highlights significant growth in shopping and finance app adoption. Finance app installs in SEA surged by 88% year-over-year in Q3 2024, with session activity up 70%. Shopping app installs saw an even larger increase, up by 184% year-over-year, although session frequency decreased by 18%. Social apps showed steady growth as well, with a 27% rise in installs and a 19% increase in sessions.

The study shows that app-tracking transparency (ATT) opt-in rates are rising steadily across SEA. Overall opt-in rates grew from 45% to 49%, with finance apps reaching 53% and gaming apps achieving 51%. Shopping app opt-ins climbed from 33% to 44%, while social apps maintained a 44% opt-in rate, and utility apps increased from 27% to 40%.

The Asia Pacific (APAC) region continues to lead in global Chinese export app installs, with India and South Korea each holding an 18% share. The study also emphasizes that finance and social apps are seeing robust user adoption and engagement not only in SEA but also across North America and EMEA, indicating growing opportunities for Chinese developers.

Adjust’s study underscores the importance of regional preferences as Chinese developers expand internationally. The report suggests that a shift from basic localization to full “culturalization”—which involves incorporating local cultural elements and addressing regional needs—is essential for building deeper, more loyal user bases.

Tayson remarked that insights from the study would help marketers refine their strategies by understanding user preferences and engagement patterns demonstrated by Chinese app successes in SEA.

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Thailand has expressed its intention to join the BRICS group, which was originally founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The group recently expanded, adding Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Ethiopia to its ranks. This year, Russia, the host of the BRICS summit, extended an invitation to Thailand to participate in the event scheduled for October, a move seen by the Thai government as a potential stepping stone toward full membership.

In an interview with CGTN correspondent Dusita Saokaew, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, discussed the country’s aspirations for joining BRICS and the potential benefits it could offer. Saokaew noted that Thailand is not yet an official member of the group, but the government has been actively pursuing its bid to become one. She asked why Thailand is seeking BRICS membership and what advantages the country hopes to gain.

Charnvirakul explained that economic and political partnerships can offer mutual advantages, particularly when grounded in mutual understanding and strong relationships. He highlighted that Thailand could contribute significantly to BRICS, especially in areas such as economics, trade, digital innovation, and alternative energy. Moreover, he emphasized that collaboration within BRICS could aid in promoting sustainable development.

He also underscored Thailand’s strategic location at the heart of Southeast Asia, positioning the country as a gateway to the ASEAN market, which boasts over 600 million people. As one of the world’s major food producers, Thailand could play a pivotal role in addressing food security, aligning with the country’s vision to become the “kitchen of the world.” Charnvirakul pointed to Thailand’s vibrant tourism industry as another sector that could foster collaboration, noting that both BRICS countries and Thailand offer unique and exotic experiences to visitors.

Furthermore, Charnvirakul suggested that Thailand could act as a bridge between BRICS and the ASEAN region, creating extensive economic opportunities, especially given China’s prominent role within BRICS. He expressed confidence that Thailand’s journey with the BRICS group would progress smoothly beyond the upcoming summit.

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In July 2025, 39 countries will deliver their voluntary national reviews (VNRs) to the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), with most countries presenting their third VNRs. Guatemala, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Qatar will be among the few presenting their fourth reviews, while no nations are scheduled for a first-time presentation.

UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) President Bob Rae shared the final list of presenters in a letter dated October 7, 2024. Twelve nations, including Angola, Bulgaria, Israel, Kyrgyzstan, Malta, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, Seychelles, South Africa, the State of Palestine, and Suriname, are preparing their VNRs for the second time. Meanwhile, twenty-three countries, including the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belarus, the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, and Japan, will present their VNRs for a third time.

Rae noted in his letter that VNRs are traditionally presented at the ministerial level, with further logistical details to follow. The UN Secretariat will also reach out to participating countries soon with arrangements for the initial preparatory workshop, scheduled for the first week of December.

The HLPF, convening under ECOSOC’s auspices, serves as the UN’s primary platform for sustainable development, with participation from all UN Member States and representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs). The theme for the 2025 HLPF will be “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind.” The forum will conduct detailed evaluations of SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 14 (life below water), and SDG 17 (partnerships for the Goals). Notably, SDG 17 undergoes review each year.

To assist countries in preparing their reports, the UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) is revising its VNR handbook, designed to supplement the UN Secretary-General’s reporting guidelines for the HLPF. This resource will be accessible on the HLPF website.

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