Positive momentum on the landmark Black Sea Grain Initiative to help vulnerable people access food reflects “a victory for diplomacy” for those caught in a cost-of-living crisis as well as for Ukraine’s hard-working farmers, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told reporters on Thursday in Lviv, Ukraine.

Read the full story, “Grain deal ‘victory for diplomacy,’ UN chief tells journalists in Ukraine”, on globalissues.org →

Aug 18 (IPS) - African leaders are increasingly aspiring to “modernise” their cities. That is to make them “globally competitive” and “smart”. The hope is to strategically position cities in Africa to drive the continent’s much-needed socio-economic transformation.

Read the full story, “Yes, Africa’s Informal Sector Has Problems, But the Answer Isn’t to Marginalise It”, on globalissues.org →

Johannesburg, Aug 18 (IPS) - After two years of economic and social upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries, including South Africa, have lifted the tough protocols such as lockdowns, the mandatory wearing of masks and social distancing.

Read the full story, “COVID-19: Scientists Warn That It’s Not Over Till It’s Over”, on globalissues.org →

CARACAS, Aug 18 (IPS) - Illegal and excessive fishing, mainly attributed to Chinese fleets, remains a threat to marine resources in the eastern Pacific and southwest Atlantic, as well as to that sector of the economy in Latin American countries bathed by either ocean.

Read the full story, “Chinese Fleet Threatens Latin America's Fish Stocks”, on globalissues.org →

Countries should consider giving a second COVID-19 vaccine booster to older persons, pregnant women, health workers, people with weaker immune systems and those at higher risk of severe disease, experts appointed by the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday. 

Read the full story, “WHO expert group recommends second COVID-19 booster for vulnerable groups”, on globalissues.org →