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] The Arctic Infrastructure Fund will help connect Indigenous communities and remote populations to vital services, improving access to markets, healthcare, and education. Travel And Tour World
• [New] The World Bank and African Development Bank are running the Mission 300 program, which envisages spending tens of billions of dollars by 2030 on bringing electrification to communities totaling 300 million people. Energy Connects
• [New] Community-based initiatives, such as neighborhood meal groups, intergenerational dining programs, or local cafe partnerships, could help reduce the prevalence of eating alone among older Australians. SciTechDaily
• [New] With the right strategy, education and measures in place, and good coordination between government, regulators and industry, we can unlock the full potential of UK household savings, drive economic growth and build a more resilient society. thecityuk
• [New] The rising insecurity is fuelling anger as well as fear in Nigeria, with citizens demanding stronger action to protect children and communities. BBC News
• [New] Producing more critical minerals domestically to high Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards will become increasingly vital to meet UK demand, in a world of shifting geopolitics and potential for supply chain disruptions. GOV.UK
• [New] Social media companies that fail to take reasonable steps to get children and teenagers off their platforms will face fines of up to $50 million. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] AI Growth Zones will help transform local economies and ensure no community is left behind, with £5 million of government funding for each Growth Zone to boost business adoption and invest in the skills of local workers. GOV.UK
• [New] Currently there were multiple, cascading and intersecting threats to Australia's social cohesion. The Conversation
• [New] There are plans to limit benefits and social housing to British citizens only. SKY
• [New] Communities in the Pacific have been denied an important global platform to show how global inaction on climate change presents them with an existential threat. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] In support of the social workers plan, the state government reported new data from Victoria's Council on Bail, Rehabilitation and Accountability which shows 70% of Victoria's worst alleged youth offenders were chronically absent from school before they turned to crime. The Conversation
• [New] Children represent half of the population in Gaza and hold the greatest potential to rebuild a peaceful, healthy and thriving society. UNOG
• [New] World leaders pledged to secure 160 million hectares of Indigenous and community lands by 2030. The Conversation
• [New] Over 112 million Americans reside in areas with a dearth of mental healthcare providers, and by 2025, shortages of counselors, psychiatrists, mental health social workers, clinical & counseling psychologists, and other specialized professionals are expected to get worse. Towards Healthcare
• [New] By 2025, 20% of healthcare organizations will have shifted from reactive sick care to proactive health based on genetic, behavioral, and social data. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] ReAct Africa, through the youth portfolio, will conduct a social media campaign with tailored One Health messaging under the theme Preventing antimicrobial resistance together - One Health, One Future. react
• [New] The scale of AMP8 investment will bring lasting benefits for communities, families and individuals across the United Kingdom. GOV.UK
• [New] Massachusetts integrated clinical and social data to identify and narrow disparities in maternal health outcomes that have left some populations at greater risk of harm. The Pew Charitable Trusts
• [New] Society will have to adapt to a world where anyone can create fake videos of anyone. CNet
• [New] The American left's emphasis on social justice and equality could open space for dialog with China, fostering mutual understanding through shared policy priorities amid an intensifying rivalry. South China Morning Post

Last updated: 24 November 2025