分类： society

The inaugural RISE Week 2025 commenced in Shanghai on October 17, uniting over 100 global experts, policymakers, and practitioners from 15 countries. Hosted by the UNDP—Tongji SDG Innovation Lab on Climate and Disaster Resilience (RISE Lab) and co-organized by UNDP and Tongji University, the event aimed to foster innovative solutions for creating low-carbon, inclusive, and resilient cities. The week-long program featured technical workshops, peer-learning sessions, policy dialogues, leadership training, and field visits, emphasizing the integration of science, technology, policy, and governance to enhance urban resilience. Xu Haoliang, UNDP associate administrator, highlighted the urgency of addressing urban vulnerabilities exacerbated by climate change, natural disasters, and social inequalities. Lyu Peiming, executive vice-president of Tongji University, underscored the event’s role in bridging research, policymaking, and practice. International participants, including Paula Coelho da Nobrega from Brazil and Gordon Otieno Muga from Kenya, shared their challenges and praised the technical insights offered. Zhou Ying, dean of Tongji University’s college of civil engineering, emphasized the importance of international cooperation, education, and engineering-driven innovation in building resilient cities. RISE Lab will continue to serve as a global platform for collaborative resilience-building efforts.

In a significant move against transnational cybercrime, Myanmar’s military has dismantled a large-scale online scam operation near the Thai border, detaining over 2,000 individuals and confiscating numerous Starlink satellite internet terminals. The operation, reported by state media on Monday, targeted KK Park, a notorious hub for cyber fraud, illegal gambling, and cross-border criminal activities. Located in Myawaddy, Kayin State, the area is a hotspot for such illicit operations due to its proximity to Thailand and the limited control exerted by Myanmar’s military government. The raid, part of a broader crackdown initiated in early September, also uncovered 260 unregistered buildings and 30 Starlink terminals. Starlink, a satellite internet service by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is not officially licensed in Myanmar, yet hundreds of its devices have been smuggled into the country. The military accused the Karen National Union, an ethnic armed group, of involvement in the scam operations, though the group denies these allegations. This crackdown follows international pressure, including recent sanctions by the U.S. and U.K. against a Cambodian cyberscam gang. Earlier this year, Myanmar and Thailand collaborated to rescue thousands of trafficked individuals from similar scam compounds, highlighting the persistent issue of cybercrime in the region.

Jingdezhen, renowned as the ‘Porcelain Capital’ of China, recently welcomed a distinguished group of global mayors who visited the China Ceramics Museum as part of the 2025 Global Mayors Dialogue. The event, held from October 17 to 20, showcased the city’s rich cultural heritage and its pivotal role in the history of ceramics. The museum, a treasure trove of ancient and modern porcelain artifacts, provided the visiting delegates with a deep dive into the artistry and craftsmanship that has defined Jingdezhen for centuries. The mayors, representing cities from around the world, expressed admiration for the museum’s extensive collection and the city’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote its porcelain legacy. This visit not only highlighted Jingdezhen’s cultural significance but also fostered international dialogue on heritage conservation and cultural exchange.

Beijing is experiencing an unusually early onset of winter as temperatures plummeted below freezing on October 18, 2025, weeks ahead of the seasonal norm. The China Meteorological Administration reported that the southern rural areas of the capital recorded a low of -0.5°C, marking the first subzero temperature since autumn began. This cold spell, driven by a robust air mass over northern China, is expected to persist, with daily average temperatures in Beijing remaining below 10°C from October 18 to 24. In response, the Beijing Meteorological Observatory issued blue alerts for cold waves and strong winds on October 16, advising residents to prepare for the prolonged chill. Xin Xin, chief meteorologist at the China Weather Network, noted that while this year’s first subzero reading aligns with last year’s timing, it is significantly earlier than the long-term average of November 8, based on data from 1991 to 2020. She warned that if the current trend of low temperatures continues, winter could arrive notably earlier this year, disrupting seasonal patterns and daily life in the capital.

Millions of Indians across the country joyously celebrated Diwali on Monday, marking the Hindu festival of lights that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. Known as ‘Deepavali,’ meaning ‘a row of lights,’ the festival is traditionally observed with social gatherings, gift exchanges, and the illumination of homes and streets with lamps, lanterns, and candles. This year, the celebrations were particularly vibrant in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, a city deeply significant to Hindus as the birthplace of Lord Ram, who returned after 14 years in exile. To commemorate his homecoming, over 2.6 million earthen lamps were lit along the banks of the Saryu River, setting a Guinness World Record for the second consecutive year. The event was further enhanced by the synchronized prayers of 2,100 Hindu priests, whose chants resonated across the shimmering riverfront. The city was adorned with fairy lights, and a spectacular laser and fireworks show illuminated its lanes and riverbanks. Thousands of residents participated by lighting lamps at their homes and temples. The massive effort involved more than 33,000 volunteers and the production of 1.6 million lamps by 40 families from nearby villages, using 73,000 liters of oil and 5.5 million cotton wicks. Despite the challenges, the collective effort created a breathtaking spectacle. However, Diwali celebrations in New Delhi were marred by concerns over air pollution, as firecrackers contributed to toxic smog. The air quality index in parts of the city surged to 347, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended maximum. In response, India’s top court allowed the limited use of ‘green firecrackers,’ designed to reduce emissions by 30%, during specific hours from Saturday to Tuesday.