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 […]

Protecting the future of the African Ocean and why a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining is important

Close-up of a yellowfin tuna swimming in the sea. Credit: Freepik — EyeEm Opinion by James Alix Michel (Victoria, Seychelles) Tuesday February 3, 2026 Inter-Press Office VICTORIA, Seychelles, Feb 3 (IPS) – The world is entering a decisive period for the future of the ocean. With the entry into force of the High Seas Treaty […]

Talent wasted: Afghan educated women adapt under Taliban restrictions

Educated Afghan women in Kabul’s informal economy, working in retail, as Taliban regulations limit professional opportunities. Credit: Learning together. by external source (Kabul) Wednesday January 28, 2026 Inter-Press Office KABUL, Jan 28 (IPS) – Young women in the Afghan capital Kabul are trying out unfamiliar tasks of embroidery, tailoring and beading design at market stalls. […]

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 UN’s Destructive Vine: An American Withdrawal from Global Governance

Image: AI generated / shutterstock.com Opinion by Jordan Ryan Monday January 19, 2026 Inter-Press Office The recent announcement from the Trump administration withdrawal from 66 international organizations was received with a mixture of alarm and applause. While the main issue signals a dramatic retreat from the world stage, a closer look reveals a more nuanced […]

What now? United States is leaving key entities, vital climate treaties are significantly withdrawing from global cooperation

Yamide Dagnet, Senior Vice President, International at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Credit: COP30 by Joyce Chimbi (nairobi) Thursday January 15, 2026 Inter-Press Office NAIROBI, Jan 15 (IPS) – President Donald Trump has escalated efforts to further distance the United States from international organizations and entities focused on climate, environment and energy. This strategy […]

US withdrawal from multilateral institutions undermines the rule of law

Credit: WMO/Daniel Pavlinovic / UN News Opinion by Center for International Environmental Law (Washington, USA) Friday January 9, 2026 Inter-Press Office WASHINGTON, US, Jan 9 (IPS) – The Trump Administration’s sweeping executive order to withdraw the United States from dozens of United Nations bodies and international organizations, as well as a treaty ratified by the […]