Regional trade in transition: digitalization, service provision and risk reduction

A female merchant in Bangkok who uses her phone as part of her business. Digital technology is a key accelerator of trade growth. Credit: Pexels/Faheem Ahamad Opinion by Witada Anukoonwattaka, Yann Duval, Nikita Shahu and Niccolo Sainati (Bangkok, Thailand) Monday February 16, 2026 Inter-Press Office BANGKOK, Thailand, Feb 16 (IPS) – Trade in the Asia-Pacific […]

Pakistan: Guterres condemns deadly suicide attack on Islamabad mosque

In a statement his spokesperson said Secretary General António Guterres said he condemned the bombings “in the strongest terms.” Call for accountability “The Secretary-General reiterates that attacks on civilians and places of worship are unacceptable.The statement stressed that those responsible “must be identified and brought to justice.” Mr. Guterres offered his condolences to the families […]

“Since the coup, factory employers have increasingly collaborated with the military to limit organizing and silence workers.”

from CIVICUS Wednesday January 28, 2026 Inter-Press Office CIVICUS speaks to the Business and Human Rights Center (BHRC) about labor rights violations in Myanmar’s garment industry since the 2021 military coup. Myanmar’s garment sector, which employs hundreds of thousands of workers, is in deep crisis. Since the coup, labor protections have collapsed, independent unions have […]

As Korea ages, budget reforms can help secure public finances

Well-thought-out policy changes can limit spending pressures, while creating space for caring for the elderly and responding to economic shocks. Opinion by Rahul Anand (Washington DC) Tuesday January 27, 2026 Inter-Press Office WASHINGTON DC, Jan 27 (IPS) – Korea’s population is aging faster than almost any other country. That’s because people live longer than in […]

The fact-finding mission calls on Iran to end protest violence and restore the internet

This is stated in a press release issued on Saturday Independent international fact-finding mission on Iran said it was alarmed by credible reports that security forces had been ordered to take “decisive” action without restraint as demonstrations entered a third week. Internet and mobile connectivity were cut off on the evening of January 8, severely […]