Global Pulse

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  • Saudi Arabia and Singapore strengthen cooperation in non-profit sector development

    Saudi Arabia and Singapore strengthen cooperation in non-profit sector development

    In a significant move to advance social development through institutional collaboration, Saudi Arabia’s National Center for the Non-Profit Sector Development hosted H.E. Mr. Masagos Zulkifli, Singapore’s Minister for Social and Family Development, marking a pivotal moment in international knowledge exchange. The high-level meeting focused on sharing Saudi Arabia’s transformative experience in creating a robust regulatory framework for non-profit organizations, particularly under the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 that positions the sector as a cornerstone of sustainable social progress.

    The Singaporean delegation received comprehensive briefings on the Kingdom’s structural and legislative reforms that have catalyzed remarkable growth in non-profit organizations. These presentations detailed performance metrics, governance models, and specialized regulatory frameworks—especially in fundraising governance—designed to enhance operational efficiency, ensure compliance, and strengthen both public and international confidence in the sector.

    Critical discussions centered on establishment mechanisms for non-profit entities within Saudi Arabia, examining the sector’s rapid numerical expansion and its increasingly substantial contributions to the national economy. The dialogue emphasized innovative cross-government coordination models that support long-term sustainability and measurable impact across social development initiatives.

    The meeting also highlighted the International Non-Profit Sector Forum as a premier global platform for dialogue and partnership building. Saudi officials shared insights from the Forum’s inaugural edition and outlined ambitious future plans to connect international experiences while advancing best practices and policy development worldwide.

    Existing collaborations between the National Center and Singaporean institutions, including the Asian Philanthropy Network, were evaluated alongside potential future partnerships with Singapore’s Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. These cooperative efforts aim to develop joint programs and facilitate expertise exchange in community empowerment and social development strategies.

    This diplomatic engagement reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader strategic initiative to expand international partnerships within the non-profit domain, leverage global excellence standards, and enhance the sector’s role as a driver of sustainable social impact at regional and international levels.

  • Three deadly attacks on health centres in Sudan’s South Kordofan in past week: WHO

    Three deadly attacks on health centres in Sudan’s South Kordofan in past week: WHO

    The World Health Organization has issued a grave condemnation following a series of devastating assaults on medical facilities in Sudan’s conflict-ravaged South Kordofan region. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed Sunday that three separate attacks on health centers within a single week have resulted in over 30 fatalities, marking a severe escalation in the targeting of medical infrastructure.

    The violence began on February 3rd when a primary health center was assaulted, claiming eight lives including five children and three women, while leaving eleven others injured. Mere hours later, a hospital attack resulted in one additional fatality. The most devastating strike occurred on February 5th when another hospital was targeted, killing 22 individuals—including four healthcare workers—and wounding eight more.

    This alarming pattern of violence against medical facilities unfolds against the backdrop of Sudan’s devastating civil conflict, which has pitted the national army against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since April 2023. The ongoing warfare has already claimed tens of thousands of lives, displaced millions, and created one of the world’s most severe humanitarian catastrophes.

    The central Kordofan region, now the epicenter of hostilities, faces a collapsed healthcare system further crippled by these systematic attacks. Tedros emphasized that these assaults are particularly devastating for a population already suffering from acute malnutrition and limited access to medical care.

    The WHO chief issued an urgent global appeal, stating: ‘The whole world should get behind Sudan’s peace initiative to end violence, protect the people and rebuild the health system.’ He underscored that ‘the best medicine is peace’ in a region where healthcare infrastructure has become both a casualty and a frontline in the ongoing conflict.

  • Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai faces sentencing in landmark national security case

    Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai faces sentencing in landmark national security case

    Hong Kong’s High Court is poised to deliver sentencing on Monday for Jimmy Lai, the former media proprietor and prominent Beijing critic, in a watershed case under the national security legislation imposed by China. The 78-year-old democracy advocate, convicted in December by three state-approved judges, faces potential life imprisonment for conspiring with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials through his now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper.

    The prosecution successfully argued that Lai orchestrated systematic campaigns requesting international sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong authorities, utilizing his media platform as a facade for activities deemed threatening to national security. Despite Lai’s vigorous 52-day testimony maintaining his innocence and denying calls for foreign sanctions, the judiciary determined he consistently pursued the destabilization of China’s governing Communist Party.

    This case has ignited international condemnation from Western governments, with both the United States and United Kingdom formally requesting Lai’s release. The British citizen’s deteriorating health conditions—including cardiovascular issues and diabetes—have added complexity to the proceedings, though prison authorities maintain his medical status remains stable.

    Parallel to Lai’s sentencing, several former Apple Daily staff members and activists who entered guilty pleas are anticipated to receive reduced penalties after cooperating with prosecutors. The 2021 closure of Apple Daily following asset freezes and arrests marked a dramatic turning point for Hong Kong’s media landscape, which has plummeted in global press freedom rankings from 18th position in 2002 to 140th currently.

    Legal scholars note the case establishes concerning precedents regarding the interpretation of ‘seditious intent’ and ‘foreign collusion,’ potentially criminalizing standard journalistic practices involving international engagement. The verdict arrives days before Lunar New Year celebrations, with supporters hoping for family reunifications despite the expected lengthy prison terms.

  • Centre-left candidate poised to comfortably win Portuguese presidency

    Centre-left candidate poised to comfortably win Portuguese presidency

    Portugal has delivered a decisive rejection of far-right politics with centre-left candidate António José Seguro securing a commanding victory in the presidential runoff election. With 95% of ballots counted, official results show Seguro capturing 66% of the vote, soundly defeating his far-right opponent André Ventura who garnered just 34%.

    The election occurred against the backdrop of severe weather emergencies as Storm Leonardo triggered mass evacuations across the Iberian Peninsula, forcing voting postponements in the most severely flooded regions.

    Seguro’s victory represents a remarkable show of cross-party unity against the rising far-right movement. The 63-year-old former Socialist Party leader received unprecedented support from across the political spectrum, including endorsements from conservative figures and thousands of self-declared ‘non-socialists’ who signed an open letter backing his candidacy. This broad coalition united behind Seguro specifically to prevent Ventura’s far-right platform from gaining power.

    Despite his defeat, Ventura’s second-place finish demonstrates the continued influence of his Chega (Enough) party, which has experienced rapid growth since its formation in 2019 and now represents the second-largest bloc in Portugal’s parliament.

    The presidential role in Portugal, while largely ceremonial, carries significant constitutional powers including the authority to dissolve parliament, call snap elections, and veto legislation. Seguro will succeed conservative President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, marking a shift in the nation’s political landscape.

    Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, leader of Portugal’s centre-right government, had previously denounced Ventura as ‘xenophobic, racist and demagogic’ but notably declined to endorse either candidate in the runoff election.

  • Iran’s FM says nuclear talks to continue if US shows ‘necessary seriousness’

    Iran’s FM says nuclear talks to continue if US shows ‘necessary seriousness’

    TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi declared on Sunday that the continuation of indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States hinges entirely on Washington demonstrating ‘necessary seriousness’ toward reaching a diplomatic resolution. The statement came during a press briefing in Tehran where Araghchi elaborated on Friday’s talks mediated by Oman in Muscat.

    Araghchi presented a contradictory assessment of American intentions, noting that while some signals suggest genuine diplomatic willingness, other actions—including ongoing sanctions enforcement and concerning military movements in West Asia—cast doubt on U.S. commitment. The Foreign Minister emphasized that the negotiation format itself doesn’t prevent agreement, but substantive issues regarding ‘excessive and unrealistic demands’ from Washington pose significant obstacles.

    The Iranian diplomat firmly stated that Tehran would never relinquish its right to peaceful nuclear development, including uranium enrichment capabilities, and clarified that Iran’s missile program remains strictly off the negotiation table. Simultaneously, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Abdolrahim Mousavi indicated that while Iran seeks to avoid regional conflict, the nation remains fully prepared for such military escalation.

    The recently resumed diplomatic engagement occurs against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions and substantial U.S. military deployment in the area, marking the first significant dialogue since the collapse of the 2015 nuclear agreement.

  • Seifert powers New Zealand to their record T20 World Cup chase

    Seifert powers New Zealand to their record T20 World Cup chase

    In a spectacular display of power-hitting and calculated aggression, New Zealand scripted a new chapter in their T20 World Cup history by successfully chasing down Afghanistan’s formidable total of 182-6 with five wickets and 13 balls to spare in Chennai on Sunday.

    Opener Tim Seifert emerged as the undisputed hero of the match, delivering a masterclass in controlled aggression with his 65 runs off just 42 deliveries. His explosive performance, complemented by Glenn Phillips’ crucial 42-run contribution, propelled the Black Caps to their highest-ever run chase in T20 World Cup history, surpassing their previous best of 167 against England in the 2021 semi-final.

    The chase encountered early turbulence when Afghanistan’s spin wizard Mujeeb Ur Rahman struck twice in consecutive deliveries during the second over, dismissing Finn Allen (1) and Rachin Ravindra (0) to put New Zealand under immediate pressure. However, the match turned decisively when Seifert and Phillips forged a resilient 74-run partnership for the third wicket, systematically dismantling Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack.

    Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan provided a moment of breakthrough when he dismissed Phillips, who inside-edged onto his stumps, but not before the damage had been done. Seifert received a crucial reprieve when Rashid dropped him on 48 off his own bowling, a missed opportunity that proved costly for Afghanistan.

    The New Zealand opener reached his half-century in spectacular fashion, launching veteran spinner Mohammad Nabi for a massive six. Though Nabi eventually claimed Seifert’s wicket when the batsman top-edged to the deep, the foundation for victory had been firmly established. Mark Chapman contributed a quickfire 28 off 17 balls before Daryl Mitchell (25*) and skipper Mitchell Santner (17*) guided the team across the finish line.

    Earlier, Afghanistan had posted a competitive total thanks to Gulbadin Naib’s explosive 63 off 35 balls after early setbacks had reduced them to 44-2. Naib combined with Sediqullah Atal (29) in a 79-run third-wicket partnership that seemed to set the stage for an Afghan victory until New Zealand’s record-breaking response.

    Post-match, player of the match Seifert remarked: ‘It’s always nice to start the tournament with a few runs under your belt, but the main thing is we got the win. Tough conditions as well out there. Lost a couple of early wickets, so it’s nice to get the job done.’

    Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan acknowledged his team’s bowling deficiencies: ‘We haven’t landed the ball in the right areas. If we had bowled into the wicket and good length it was difficult to score. We need to improve in certain areas.’

  • UNESCO selects Sharjah as first Arab city to pilot early childhood development tool

    UNESCO selects Sharjah as first Arab city to pilot early childhood development tool

    The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated Sharjah as the inaugural Arab city to pilot its groundbreaking Early Childhood Care and Education – Progress Assessment and Transformation Tool (ECCE-PATT). This landmark selection recognizes the Emirate’s comprehensive, policy-driven approach to early childhood development, characterized by exceptional educational standards and inter-institutional collaboration.

    The pilot initiative will establish a detailed self-assessment profile of Sharjah’s early childhood sector, systematically documenting major accomplishments and innovative practices while consolidating supporting evidence. The project will simultaneously identify systemic gaps and position Sharjah’s experience as a regional benchmark for early childhood care and education excellence.

    Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority and President of Sharjah Education Academy, emphasized the transformative potential of this collaboration: “The assessment outcomes will enable us to develop precisely targeted improvement strategies that elevate care and education quality to meet supreme international standards through our continued partnership with UNESCO.”

    Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Borhene Chakroun, Director of UNESCO’s Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems, noted: “Lifelong learning foundations are established in the earliest years. Through piloting ECCE-PATT, Sharjah is generating crucial evidence to drive systemic reforms that enhance school readiness, foundational learning, and lifelong opportunities.”

    In a complementary development, the Sharjah Private Education Authority and Sharjah Education Academy will co-host an exclusive policy dialogue with UNESCO during the Pre-Conference Day of the Sharjah International Summit on Improvement in Education (February 14-15). This gathering will convene policymakers, education specialists, and educators from across the UAE, Gulf region, and Arab world, alongside international organizations focused on early childhood development.

    Participants will examine preliminary findings from Sharjah’s ECCE-PATT implementation and formulate practical, evidence-based recommendations to strengthen early childhood education systems throughout the region.

  • Romania’s president says invited to attend Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ meeting on Feb 19

    Romania’s president says invited to attend Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ meeting on Feb 19

    Romanian President Nicusor Dan confirmed via his official Facebook page on Sunday that the nation has received a formal invitation to participate in the inaugural assembly of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed ‘Board of Peace.’ The high-profile diplomatic gathering is scheduled to take place in Washington on February 19th.

    President Dan emphasized that Romania has not yet finalized its decision regarding attendance. The Eastern European nation’s participation hinges on ongoing diplomatic consultations with American counterparts concerning the meeting’s structure and operational framework.

    Critical to Romania’s potential involvement is the condition that the Board’s foundational charter undergoes substantial revisions. As a non-member state seeking possible future membership, Bucharest seeks clarity on procedural mechanisms and substantive commitments before committing to participate.

    This development occurs amidst broader international scrutiny of Trump’s geopolitical initiative, which has generated mixed reactions from global powers. Several nations have already declared their positions regarding participation, creating a complex diplomatic landscape for middle powers like Romania to navigate.

    The invitation places Romania at a strategic crossroads, balancing its traditional Atlanticist orientation with cautious pragmatism toward unconventional diplomatic platforms. The decision will likely reflect broader calculations about multilateral engagement formats and evolving transatlantic relations.

  • US skier Vonn suffers horrific crash; dream to win Olympic downhill gold gone in 13 seconds

    US skier Vonn suffers horrific crash; dream to win Olympic downhill gold gone in 13 seconds

    In a tragic turn of events at the Milano Cortina Olympics, American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn’s courageous attempt to compete with a ruptured ACL culminated in a catastrophic crash mere seconds into her downhill run on Sunday. The 41-year-old champion, wearing bib number 13 and a protective brace on her injured knee, launched from the start gate with characteristic determination before disaster struck at the fourth gate.

    The incident unfolded on the Olimpia delle Tofane course, a slope where Vonn had previously celebrated 12 World Cup victories throughout her illustrious career. Television coverage captured the horrifying moment when Vonn’s shoulder clipped a gate, sending her careening off the sunlit track at tremendous velocity before coming to rest in a tangled heap. Audible screams from the champion skier echoed across the mountainside as spectators and teammates watched in stunned silence.

    Emergency response teams swiftly surrounded the injured athlete, with a yellow medical helicopter arriving to airlift Vonn from the course in an orange stretcher. The aircraft transported her to Cortina’s Codivilla Putti Hospital for comprehensive medical evaluation, receiving applause from concerned spectators as it departed. No immediate update on her condition was provided following the evacuation.

    The crash cast a pall over what should have been a celebratory day for American skiing, as teammate Breezy Johnson secured the world championship title amid the somber atmosphere. Vonn, the 2010 downhill gold medalist, had hoped to make history as the oldest Alpine skiing Olympic medalist following two World Cup victories earlier this season.

    Fellow athletes and commentators expressed profound shock at the incident. Double Olympic gold medalist Tina Maze, providing analysis for Eurosport, noted that Vonn had ‘risked too much’ given her physical condition but acknowledged the skier’s legendary determination. FIS president Johan Eliasch characterized the event as ‘tragic’ while praising Vonn’s contribution to the sport, stating the race had ‘put our sport in the best possible light’ despite the unfortunate outcome.

  • Aerial footage shows flooded cities as storms hit Spain

    Aerial footage shows flooded cities as storms hit Spain

    Eastern and southeastern regions of Spain are confronting a severe humanitarian and environmental crisis following the devastating impact of two powerful storm systems, Marta and Leonardo. Successive bouts of torrential rainfall have transformed urban landscapes into expansive waterways, with aerial reconnaissance revealing the staggering scale of inundation across multiple provinces.

    The meteorological turmoil initiated with Storm Marta, which saturated the ground and overwhelmed drainage infrastructure. Before communities could initiate recovery, Storm Leonardo delivered a second, more intense deluge, resulting in cumulative precipitation totals far exceeding seasonal averages. This one-two punch from the Atlantic systems caused rivers to burst their banks and flash floods to surge through city streets with immense force.

    Emergency services have undertaken large-scale operations, executing thousands of rescues to evacuate residents trapped in homes and vehicles. Preliminary estimates from regional governments indicate several thousand individuals have been displaced, seeking temporary shelter in designated relief centers. The material damage is extensive, encompassing submerged vehicles, ruined businesses, and critically damaged public infrastructure, including roads and bridges compromised by floodwaters.

    Beyond immediate human impact, the event signals broader climatic concerns. Spanish meteorological authorities are analyzing whether the intensity and sequential nature of these storms represent a new pattern linked to changing climate dynamics in the Mediterranean region. The disaster has triggered a coordinated response from national and regional agencies, focusing on both immediate relief efforts and assessing the long-term requirements for rebuilding and reinforcing flood defenses in vulnerable areas.