world

Ever wondered why Coca-Cola is everywhere, why Nike is a global fashion statement, or why so many people dream of strolling through Paris or catching a Hollywood premiere? That’s the power of influence, soft power, to be exact. Soft power is a country’s ability to influence global perceptions, behaviours, and alliances, not through force, but through attraction and persuasion. According to the Brand Finance's Global Soft Power Index, it’s measured through a nation’s impact on business,…

Is it truly possible to capture the depth of destruction in mere numbers and figures? A comprehensive report co-authored by the World Bank, United Nations, and European Union posits the financial burden of rebuilding the Gaza Strip is staggering — a colossal $53.2 billion over the upcoming decade. While numbers carry their own weight, they barely scratch the surface of the economic devastation wrought by the recent conflict. The aptly titled 'Gaza and West Bank Interim Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (IRDNA)' provides a…

Mogadishu (AX) — Amid the scenes of bustling markets and vibrant streets in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, whispers of hope rise, echoing with the dreams of young footballers poised to make history. The anticipation is palpable. On February 13, in the heart of Cairo where grand history resides, the next chapter for Somalia’s burgeoning football talent unfolds with the draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, precisely at 13:45 local time. Is this the dawn of a new era for Somali…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Federal Minister Xayir Maareeye, in a Facebook post responding to Puntland Minister of Agriculture Maxamed Cabdiqaadir Doonyaale, has stated that tractors provided by the Federal Government to farmers in Iskushuban district of Bari region were part of a World Bank-funded project designed to support Somali farmers. You see, Minister Maareeye is a bit ticked off—with his words on social media cutting through the clutter, like a hot knife through butter. “I’ve been catching wind of naysayers spreading…

The landscape of childhood is undergoing profound transformations, with UNICEF's latest flagship report, ‘The State of the World’s Children 2024: The Future of Childhood in a Changing World,’ shedding light on these crucial shifts just in time for World Children’s Day. This insightful report delves into the repercussions of three impending global trends that are redefining the lives of young people worldwide. It highlights alarming statistics, revealing that children now face a staggering eightfold increase in exposure to…

Discovering the Somali Connection with Nature: A Story of Poetry, Culture, and Environmental Insight In today's world, where climate concerns resonate across continents and environmental awareness is more crucial than ever, it's a common misconception that the Somali community is out of touch with these global discussions. "Somalis lack environmental consciousness," claim some skeptics from afar. Yet, this belief misses the essence of a rich cultural tapestry that weaves Somalis deeply into their natural…

Lautaro Martínez's strike propelled Argentina to a slender 1-0 victory over Peru in a crucial South American qualifier held in Buenos Aires, nudging them tantalizingly close to nailing down a berth in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Meanwhile, on a different part of the continent, Brazil played a 1-1 stalemate against Uruguay in Salvador. The game, with its flickers of brilliance, produced two stellar goals amid what was otherwise a humdrum showdown. Federico Valverde lit the…

Doctors Without Borders, an esteemed international medical charity, is urgently appealing to major pharmaceutical companies and every manufacturer of insulin to dramatically improve access to diabetes treatments in low- and middle-income nations. They’re advocating for the availability of insulin pen injection devices at a price point of just $1. In their recent announcement, they underscored a staggering fact: approximately 80% of individuals living with diabetes are found in low- and middle-income countries. These regions…

At the 12th World Urban Forum held in the vibrant city of Cairo, Egypt, an important step towards a fairer transportation future was unveiled. During this event, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UN-Habitat, and the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM). In crafting this action plan, over 1,300 diverse stakeholders from across Africa provided invaluable insights. This strategic framework emphasizes the urgent need to invest in alternatives to…

In the bustling heart of Seoul, amidst the din of a typical Wednesday morning on November 6, 2024, televisions flickered with the image of a familiar face: the Republican torchbearer and ex-President Donald Trump once again stepping into the spotlight of global affairs. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) In the city of London, despair was the mood as Americans saw an unexpected climax to their high-stakes political drama. The yards came alive with murmurs when predictions were upended as Trump clinched presidency for a sequel.…