Disaster risk reduction

The sogo shoshas have played a crucial role in Japan’s industrial and economic development. However, the environmental advocacy group, Market Forces, says that these corporations continued investment in liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and gas power plants contradicts global decarbonisation efforts.

The report states that 54 million students in India alone were impacted, primarily due to severe heatwaves that led to widespread school closures and changes in academic schedules.

With the Trump administration's review of foreign aid policies underway, the future of US-funded programs in Bangladesh remains uncertain.

UN agencies responded on Tuesday to President Trump’s executive orders ending US membership of the World Health Organization and its adherence to the Paris Climate Agreement, highlighting the massive potential negative impact on public health and efforts to curb global warming.

The government has committed to ambitious renewable energy targets – 50 per cent power generation from renewables by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070. Coal remains indispensable in the short term. Plans to nearly double coal production by 2030 reflect the urgency to meet rising energy demands.

In urban areas, the winter months reveal unique indoor air quality challenges. The fine particles from outdoor pollution sources infiltrate homes, offices, and public buildings, significantly degrading air quality.

Case studies from Ethiopia, Mexico, and the Netherlands highlight how targeted actions, informed by robust governance and a focus on resilience, can catalyse broader progress.

The 2025 Annual Meeting of The World Economic Forum's relevance as a global gathering sits within and beyond the official programme.