UN International Years 2026: Rangelands and Pastoralists, Volunteers, and the Woman Farmer

13 January 2026

In 2026, the United Nations will shine a spotlight on three vital themes that shape lives, livelihoods and ecosystems around the world. Through dedicated International Years, the United Nations invites governments, communities, and individuals to learn, engage and act for people and planet.

Reminiscing on the 2024 Belt and Road Journalists Forum
by Fiifi Nettey - TDS

13 January 2026

Waawo! A new year has begun, yet my thoughts are still vividly anchored in China. The memories of the 2024 Belt and Road Journalists Forum remain fresh—etched with images of breathtaking places, warm encounters with Chinese hosts and meaningful connections with colleagues from across the globe.

Malaysia provides support for export businesses
Alongside efforts to diversify its partnerships, Malaysia will promote the utilisation of existing free trade agreements (FTAs) to enhance market access, strengthen supply chain resilience and facilitate end-to-end digital trade.

VNA

6 January 2026

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is stepping up efforts to support the global expansion of Malaysian exporters, with its 2026 roadmap outlining 203 high-impact trade development and promotion programmes.

Vietnam runs trade surplus of over 20 bln USD in 2025
Vietnam’s total trade hit 930.05 billion USD in 2025, a 18.2% jump from a year earlier, with a trade surplus of 20.03 billion USD, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO).

VNA

`

6 January 2026

Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam’s total trade hit 930.05 billion USD in 2025, a 18.2% jump from a year earlier, with a trade surplus of 20.03 billion USD, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO).

Kazakhstan’s Strategic Vision: Interview with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

7 January 2026

ASTANA - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined Kazakhstan's strategic development priorities in an extensive interview with Turkistan newspaper on January 5, 2026. The head of state declared: "Kazakhstan has entered a new stage of modernisation". The discussion covered economic achievements, digital transformation, strategic resources, political reforms, and social priorities.

Kazakhstan Exported $1 Billion Worth of IT Services in 2025

7 January 2026

In 2025, Kazakhstan reached a new milestone in its digital development by exporting IT services valued at over $1 billion, reflecting the country’s rapid progress in technology and digitalization. This achievement underscores Kazakhstan’s strategic focus on transforming into a fully digital state, a vision championed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Luo Zhenyu's 2026 New Year's Eve Speech - Time's Friend - In the AI Era, Be That 'Incurable Optimist'

SANYA, China, 4 January 2026 — Against the sweeping tide of artificial intelligence, Luo Zhenyu, founder of Dedao, an independent media platform and online community providing new knowledge and insights in history and business, delivered his 2026 New Year's Eve Speech: Time's Friend on Wednesday evening, urging individuals and organizations to embrace an "incurable optimism" and chart a course for the next 1,000 days.

Somalia Rejects Deliberate Attack to its Sovereignty communique

3 January 2026

The Federal Republic of Somalia reaffirms its absolute and non-negotiable commitment to its sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity, as enshrined in the Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Charter of the United Nations, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, as well as the charters and covenants of the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Venezuela Denounces US Military Aggression communique

3 January 2026

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela rejects, repudiates and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current Government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and population in the civilian and military localities of the city of Caracas, capital of the Republic, and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira. This act constitutes a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations, especially Articles 1 and 2, which enshrine respect for sovereignty, the legal equality of States and the prohibition of the use of force. Such aggression threatens international peace and stability, specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean, and puts the lives of millions of people at serious risk.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 New Year message

31 December 2025

My Fellow South Africans,

A new year is upon us. As we welcome the New Year, we do so with reflection, resolve, and hope. 

Tending Every Leaf: China’s Miracle and the Quiet Certainty of History

by Kirtan Bhana

31 December 2025

“We care for every leaf and tend every branch in the garden of people’s well-being.” In one sentence, President Xi Jinping encapsulates a governing ethos that explains China’s rise more clearly than any statistic ever could.