Since the massive mobilisation effort that preceded the 2009 Conference of the Parties (COP15) in Copenhagen, the world has begun translating words and intentions into real action on climate change. European leadership – from government, civil society, and business – has played a pivotal role in driving progress. Given how much remains to be done, such leadership must continue – and become stronger.The successes of the last decade should not be underestimated.

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres raised the plight of ethnic Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang region during talks with Chinese leaders and stressed that China must fully respect human rights, his spokesman said Monday.Guterres faced calls to speak out on human rights during his visit to Beijing where he attended a summit on Saturday of China's prized Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and held talks with President Xi Jinping.The UN chief delivered a three-point message that s

The United Nations (UN) decried Monday new "cruel and inhuman" laws set to take effect in Brunei this week which impose death by stoning for gay sex and adultery, and amputations for theft."I appeal to the government to stop the entry into force of this draconian new penal code, which would mark a serious setback for human rights protections for the people of Brunei if implemented," UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said in a statement.Brunei, an absolute monarchy ruled fo

Education technology (edtech) is fast growing in Southeast Asia thanks to its learner-centric platform which breaks down geographical barriers such as access to infrastructure like schools and even transport.Digital tools such as apps, eBooks, websites, quizzes, streaming media, online tutorials, videos and other materials are helping to pave new roads in education in Southeast Asia by providing quality content and lessons in places that were once inaccessible. While companies such a

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day today, ASEAN must realise that it needs to do more to encourage greater female labour force participation.With data from the World Bank showing that the participation of females above the age of 15 in ASEAN’s work force was around 61 percent as of last September, it is obvious that the region’s economy has huge potential to grow if more women join the workforce.With the male to female population ratio in ASEAN standing at 49.8 to 50.2 in 2017