World's First Commercial-Scale E-Methanol Plant Opens in Denmark
Denmark launched the world's first commercial-scale e-methanol plant.
Maersk, a major shipping company, will purchase some of the plant's output to use as a low-emission fuel for its container ship fleet.
The global shipping industry faces increasing pressure to transition away from traditional fossil fuels due to growing international consensus on the urgent need to combat climate change.
May 12, 2025
Sixth Meeting of the Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM) Held in Geneva
The Sixth Meeting of the Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM) was successfully held on May 9, 2025, at the Permanent Mission of India (PMI) in Geneva. The meeting brought together ambassador's representatives from various countries committed to strengthening the role of traditional medicine in global healthcare systems.
Building on the Gujarat Declaration and the success of past meetings, this gathering supports key global initiatives—particularly the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 and the upcoming Second WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit, to be held in India from December 2 to 4, 2025.
May 10, 2025
Robert Prevost, the New Pope Leo XIV
Robert Francis Prevost was announced as the successor to Pope Francis after 133 cardinals voted in the Papal Conclave. He became the first American pope, taking the papal name Leo XIV. He is a moderate who was close to Pope Francis and spent years as a missionary in Peru.
The official announcement for the Catholic Church's 267th pontiff was made from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica.
May 09, 2025
Trump Names Fox News Host as Top Washington DC Prosecutor
US President Donald Trump has appointed Fox News host and former New York prosecutor Jeanine Pirro as interim US attorney for Washington DC.
The announcement came after Trump withdrew his first pick for the job after he lost key Republican support in the Senate, which votes on such positions.
May 08, 2025
UN Launches VoTAN: A Global Support Network for Victims of Terrorism
In a move toward inclusive counter-terrorism efforts, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) officially launched the Victims of Terrorism Advocacy Network (VoTAN). This landmark initiative is aimed at creating a global, supportive, and empowering platform for individuals and communities affected by acts of terrorism.
The foundation for VoTAN was laid during the first UN Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism, held in September 2022. The initiative emerged as one of the primary outcomes of this historic gathering, which brought together victims, policymakers, civil society, and experts to address the needs of those affected by terrorism.
VoTAN was developed under the initiative of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, which has been co-chaired by Spain and Iraq for nearly six years. This group has long emphasized the need to uphold and protect the rights of victims at a global level, ensuring their voices are heard and their experiences respected.