Global Scans · Social · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: In the years to come, social commerce will become more widespread and the level of personalization will improve with advanced AI solutions & chatbots. The number of worldwide social media users is projected to grow from 2.1 billion in 2016 to 2.5 billion by 2018.

• [New] Once the cornerstone of Australian popular music and youth culture, it risks irrelevance as listener numbers dwindle in the face of social media and streaming services. The Guardian
• [New] Cuba needs more engagement from the United States, not less, and it is precisely through a greater commitment to bilateral collaboration and cooperation that positive change will come for the Cuban people, including cultural exchange and a stronger economy. OSV News
• [New] By strengthening the electoral and parliamentary voices of economically marginalised communities, the SACP's actions could counterbalance the rising tide of neoliberal pressures that threaten South Africa's socio-economic fabric. IOL
• [New] The UN's commitment to engaging with civil society will be crucial in addressing emerging global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and human rights violations. FundsforNGOs
• [New] Stemming the pace of biodiversity loss has rapidly become a critical point on the global agenda - it is a key challenge both in terms of environmental and social risks. AXA IM UK
• [New] EIT Water will join the EIT's nine existing KICs, which address equally important global challenges: climate, digital, energy, health, raw materials, food, manufacturing, urban mobility, and culture & creativity. Il Bioeconomista
• [New] EIT Water will become the EIT's tenth Knowledge and Innovation Community, partnerships that have demonstrated remarkable impact driving the creation of new technologies, tackling global challenges and reinforcing Europe's competitiveness and sustainable development. Water News Europe
• [New] In 2025, AI will play an important role in unlocking efficiencies in how people teams operate, but it will not replace the essential human elements, like empathy, communication, and relationship building. IT News Africa | Business Technology, Telecoms and Star
• [New] Greater Language Coverage: NMT engines will support more low-resource languages, ensuring inclusivity in global communication. CCJK
• [New] The Co-Designing Clean Energy for Rural Africa with Service Innovations and Digital Twins (CREDIT) project will see the deployment of off-grid solar mini-grids in three rural African communities. University of York
• [New] Researchers at the University of York will lead a major project to provide clean, solar energy to rural communities in Africa. University of York
• [New] The European Commission will fully enforce its rules governing social media and other large online platforms and has not delayed any cases against U.S. FDD
• [New] As a soft power tool, Nigeria's cultural exports hold the potential to reshape perceptions and nurture diplomatic ties. The Nation Newspaper
• [New] Driven by climatic and environmental changes, as well as human disturbances, permafrost thaw poses considerable risks with far-reaching implications for the global climate system and local Arctic communities. Nature
• [New] The United States and Europe have a generational opportunity to make common cause to promote and advance free and open spaces to serve the interests of the transatlantic community and nations around the globe. Atlantic Council
• [New] ADS has the potential to positively impact many aspects of society, including the environment, accessibility for people with disabilities, and equity. Federal Register
• [New] Europe's multilingual environment could stimulate AI solutions in media, education, and communication, while cross-border regulatory differences in healthcare, education, energy, and taxation could become opportunities for efficiency and innovation with the help of AI. Social Europe
• [New] Key initiatives include domestic biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel, which aim to bolster opportunities for American agriculture and rural communities in the long term. Pro Farmer
• [New] As AI continues to improve, it holds the potential to address linguistic marginalization and provide a voice for underrepresented communities on the world stage. elblog.pl
• [New] Evidence increasingly supports the argument that businesses pursuing authentic sustainability efforts can create new revenue streams, strengthen brand value, and mitigate operational risks in a world experiencing rapid environmental and social shifts. www.dailybusinesss.com
• [New] Experts from across the U.S. government have determined that, in the hands of validated entities operating under secure conditions, dual-use AI models have the potential to create significant economic and social benefits in the United States and across the globe. Federal Register
• WHO continues to provide support in surrounding countries to assess the readiness of healthcare facilities, points of entry and border communities within surrounding countries and specifically risk mapping for areas bordering Rwanda. ReliefWeb
• NOAA's National Integrated Drought Information System recognizes that tribal communities face unique drought challenges and opportunities, requiring customized approaches, tools, and data that integrate Indigenous Knowledge and cultural, medicinal, and spiritual values. Drought.gov

Last updated: 20 January 2025