Overview: The Assembly of First Nations is creating a national plan aimed at helping homeless First Nations people living off reserve. 

Why I find this article interesting: I find this article interesting, as the AFN (Assembly of First Nations) wants to help homeless Indigenous people in urban areas, who have been overlooked in the past. The number of those who live in urban areas/off reserve has increased, as 1 in 15 Indigenous people in Canada experience homelessness, according to the Homeless Hub. In addition, the plan will be carried out by First Nations people, which in my opinion is a practical and productive way to solving Indigenous issues, because they will be able to understand and identify their peoples struggles more than the general population people would.  

What policy action can be/has been made to deal with the issue: According to the article: The AFNs strategy called the "Action Plan for First Nations On and Off Reserve", will involve gathering and analyzing data, determining the number of homeless Indigenous people living in urban centres, and identifying service gaps. The AFN has mainly focused on dealing with First Nation’s issues on reserve, however this new strategy/policy will put greater emphasis on solving urban issues. It won't provide immediate assistance for them, although Greg Louie (Ahousaht First Nation Chief Councillor in Vancouver Island) said that assessing numbers, needs and services will lead to better assistance in the future. 

Overview: The recent "Join UN statement calling for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for all" is a reaffirmation of the commitment to ensuring that sexual and reproductive health and rights are accessible to all. It serves as a call to action for governments and organizations worldwide to prioritize these rights as integral to achieving health equity and improving overall health outcomes.

Why I find this article interesting / important: Its importance can be viewed through several key lenses: human rights advocacy, public health impact,

gender equality, response to global challenges, comprehensive education... The statement reaffirms that Sexual and Reproductive Health is a fundamental Human Right, and every individual deserves access to essential health services without discrimination based on gender, socioeconomic status or geographical location. By framing Sexual and Reproductive Health as a matter of human rights, the statement seeks to dismantle the barriers that prevent marginalized population from receiving necessary care. Access to comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health services is essential for tackling pressing issues such as maternal mortality, unintended pregnancies and the transmission of sexual infections.

The document encourages the importance of empowering women and girls, an promoting policies that advocate equality and challenge the systemic barriers that inhibit women´s agency. This focus on gender equality is what interested me, as it recognizes that the Health and Rights of women are integral to the health of societies as a hole.

The statement also support for comprehensive sexuality education, recognizing its importance in equipping women with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. By promoting education the statement seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding sexual health issues.

What policy actions can be / has been made to deal with the issue: The call for a global collaboration is a key feature of the statement. It urges coordinated efforts among Governments, civil society and International Organizations, advocating for a unified approach to achieving health and development goals. Such collaboration is vital for the effective implementation of policies and programs that can significantly improve the access to Sexual and Reproductive Health care services.

Governments should ensure that all individuals have access to comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health services , and for that allocate funding to strength health infrastructure, as well as, to create Sex Education Institutions, specially in undeserved areas.

Overview

This article discusses global migration, emphasising that while images of displaced people evoke fear, particularly in wealthy nations, migration is not as overwhelming as it is perceived. Most migrants move voluntarily and only a small portion reach rich countries. The article argues that migration can benefit both migrant and recipient countries socially and economically if managed well.

I find this article interesting because migration has become an important issue both socially and politically in many countries. There has been a steady increase in anti-migrant rhetoric from hard line right wingers and Neo liberals in recent years in many parts of the world. I found this article very informative because it conveys a balanced perspective on migration. It dispels many of the commonly held misconceptions like the idea refugee's overwhelm wealthy nation and how the vast majority remain in poor regions. It also explains the economic and societal benefits of migration particularly for economies with aging populations.

The article mentions several policy recommendations for managing migration more effectively. The slow bureaucratic system for accepting or denying asylum should be streamlined to insure efficiency and reduce uncertainty. Immigrants should be allowed to work and pay taxes, allowing them to contribute to society. Wealthy countries need to take more responsibility and share the burden fairly and equitably. The article also calls for tighter border security to prevent disorderly migration while ensuring the process remains safe and legal.

This article illustrates that the government plan to increase the carbon tax and invest in the funds in energy efficiency as this will move Ireland toward more sustainable housing. The problem is that the funds are directed to home owners who can afford retrofit.

Why I find this article interesting?

Those in fuel poverty or renting will have to pay the increased tax but won't get the benefit of the funds which is not a just transition.

What policy actions can be developed?

The government should find a way to incentivise landlords to retrofit and balance the cost and benefits with the tenants.

Prioritise retrofit for those in fuel poverty and/or social housing.

Why I find this article interesting: I find the topic of women’s health interesting as it has largely been ignored in most research. Historically, women have been dismissed and ignored by the Irish health system. In regard to endometriosis, the Dáil recognised that endometriosis care in Ireland has failed thousands of women for decades. It is obvious that there is a clear need for government support of projects related to women’s health, as well as maternal, newborn, and child health research. Governments must use recent women’s health research to implement targeted policies to enhance women’s healthcare.

What policies have been implemented/should be implemented: At the national level, in recent years the Irish government have established key documents and policies, specifically the ‘Women’s Health Action Plan 2024-2025 Phase 2: Evolution in Women’s Health’ which has invested over €140 million in Women’s Health since 2020. The Irish government established the Women’s Health Taskforce to improve women’s health outcomes and experience of healthcare. Many in Ireland believe this is too little and too late, as women have been suffering for many years duet o an ineffective Irish healthcare system.

Internationally there have been significant investment in research for women’s health, specifically in the European Union. Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe are schemes that have invested over €2 billion in more than 1000 projects focused on women’s health and gender-sensitive healthcare solutions.

Governments must now use this research to implement evidence-based policies to enhance the efficiency of health care for women.

The article exposes the high number of people in the Galway region on the waiting list for home care. Of 410 people, all of whom were assessed and allocated care, 108 are waiting on new home care, and 302 are waiting on an additional service. Delays to service provision are due to the shortage of home carers and the recruitment challenges for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and external providers.

I find this article important as it illustrates one of the fundamental challenges of “Ageing at Home”, particularly in rural Ireland, due to the shortage of home carers. The article provides an insight to the needs of Ireland’s rapidly ageing population of 65+ which is projected to double from 0.78 million in 2022 to 1.3 million in 2040 (CSO 2024a). There are range of consequences for vulnerable older people who do not receive adequate care at home, including: unmet health needs, heightened risk of falls, isolation and inadequate nutrition. Moreover, the article highlights the shortage of home carers in rural areas, the causes can include: demand outstripping supply, housing, poor recruitment and retention practices and low pay that is not commensurate with their duties.

What policy actions can be/has been made to deal with the issue:

The long-awaited Statutory Homecare Scheme, which was first committed by government in 2016, needs to be implemented. This will ensure that people have the right to home supports as they do for residential care under the Fair Deal scheme. The General Scheme was approved by the Oireachtas in 2024, and various aspects are being processed through the legislature, including how the licensing of home care providers and their workers will materialise and the development of National Standards for home care by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA)

In the meantime, as the long-awaited General Scheme is yet to materialise per the Article to help inform policy, an IT system needs to be developed and implemented that captures detailed data per integrated health area.  Real-time, holistic data needs to be accessible as needs and populations change. This will help inform service provision and, where necessary, direct targeted recruitment campaigns and support therein for public and private providers.

Overview: Schools in the South of the Netherlands still face structural staff shortages at the start of the new year. It is not only teachers, but also principals that are in shortage. There are some local initiatives to educate new principals. In Limburg, a province in the South of the Netherlands, 14 school boards have created a training programme for school leaders to educate them and keep them in the region. Since 2023, 18 people have been educated through this programme and ¾ have found work as principal.

Last year, the national government already acknowledged that the shortage will be there the coming years because of demographic factors, like an increase of students and more staff retiring. Next to supporting initiatives of the training programmes for school leaders, the national government also wants to stimulate side-entry (people entering teaching coming from other fields), working more hours and more support for beginning teachers. They also want to increase the salaries and lower the workload. Some parties want a cap of max 21 children per classroom, to make sure the quality of education will improve and the workload for teachers will decrease. Other parties say while it is nice, this is not feasible, due to this shortage of teachers, and that the average class size is already 23 students, so the difference is quite small.

I find this article interesting because education is a topic that is directly relevant to societies all over the world. Education affects everyone, and teacher shortages have huge impacts on the quality of learning for children. Teacher shortages is a significant and ongoing global issue, not only in developing countries, but even in wealthier countries, attracting and keeping qualified teachers remains a challenge that affects the education quality. I personally experienced the effects of the teacher shortage in the Netherlands, as my classes were often quite large. This happened because there weren’t enough teachers, so two different grades had to be merged into a single classroom. According to the Global Report on Teachers by UNESCO (2024), there is a need for 44 million primary and secondary teachers worldwide by 2030 “to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all” (UNESCO, 2024). This is not just a short-term issue, but a structural problem for which long-term solutions and policies should be implemented.

What policies should be/have been implemented to deal with the issue:  The national government of the Netherlands has taken several measures to deal with the teacher shortages. First of all, people transitioning from other professions into teaching can become certified teachers within 2 years (instead of the usual 4-year degree). They can teach while completing the certification if they have relevant work experience. To support them, tailored teacher training programs have been introduced to accommodate their backgrounds and skills. Subsidies are available to support lateral entrants to help cover costs for the study and guidance. While attracting new teachers is important, keeping the existing teachers is equally crucial. Therefore, the government has increased salaries particularly in primary education to stimulate working as a teacher. Furthermore, additional compensation is offered to teachers working in schools facing social challenges, to make these positions more attractive. To lower the workforce, more teacher assistants are hired through funding. To make sure that teachers will stay in the field, there are opportunities for coaching for beginning teachers and further qualifications for teachers to keep developing within the field.

However, a policy component that appears to be missing is the transition path for teaching assistants to certified teacher. In the Netherlands, teaching assistants usually complete a degree of 3 to 4 years. During this degree, they obtain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, including independently teaching a class. Many teaching assistants also work part-time as a teacher at the school they are doing an internship at, because of the teacher shortage. But, if they would like to obtain a teaching degree to be qualified teachers, they are required to complete all 4 years of the program, even though they have hands-on experience with primary school children. When comparing this to lateral entrants from other professions, like engineers, who are often able to do the two-year accelerated track, it feels arranged unfairly. The teaching assistants would have to repeat much of their training, which might be discouraging for those who might otherwise transition into teaching. A suggestion would therefore be to create a transition path for teaching assistants to certified teacher.

overview:

The High Seas Treaty received its 60th ratification, meaning it will now go into effect in January. It has been in the making since 2000 and is an important step in protecting the world's oceans and reversing the damage to marine life. Protecting international waters/ high seas is challenging because no country controls these waters, and they face multiple difficulties, including overfishing, pollution from the fishing and shipping industries, and climate change. Getting 60 countries to ratify is, therefore, a huge step towards international cooperation around the protection and sustainable use of the oceans.

Why I find this article interesting:

I find this article interesting because the High Seas Treaty, also referred to as the BBNJ agreement, has been in the works for years and getting 60 countries to actually agree and ratify an international treaty is no easy task. The oceans are the largest and least regulated part of our planet, and are crucial to ensure the survival of all organisms on the planet. They play an important part in absorbing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The problem with international treaties is that countries can see them as restrictions on their sovereignty and as something that goes against their own interest. Therefore, even though ratification is a huge step, the actual implementation of the treaty form next year will be just as important.

What policy actions can be/have been made to deal with the issue:

The treaty is the first of its kind, by specifically focusing on biodiversity in the high seas, which are the areas beyond national jurisdiction. While there have been earlier agreements and treaties, such as UNCLOS and UN Fish Stocks Agreement, they have been area-specific. This, however, is the first global comprehensive agreement that addresses all parts of marine biodiversity. It will therefore fill a major governance gap.

Why I find this article interesting: I found this article to be interesting because it effectively highlights the current housing shortage in Ireland. There is an emphasis on the numbers as they truly highlight how the shortage of homes is far worse than official estimates. The Central Bank highlights how deeply rooted this issue is, as it permeates society and has a profound impact on Irish society.

Policies and actions taken to help tackle this issue:

The government's main actions taken to tackle Ireland’s housing shortage include the publication of the Housing Commission Report in 2024, which set out 83 recommendations, such as introducing a Social Housing Act, strengthening rent regulation, and expanding cost-rental housing. In 2025, the Government established the Housing Activation Office to coordinate and unblock stalled housing projects. Although, this has been criticised for lacking real enforcement powers. Alongside this, the Government’s “Housing for All” plan serves as the national strategy to increase housing supply across social, affordable, and private sectors. Other measures include waiving development levies for builders, adjusting rent regulation, and reducing apartment standards to lower costs and expedite construction. However, these policies are still in their early stages, which makes them challenging as they take time to come into effect, leaving the current situation in a dire condition.

The article begins with a recounting of a story about Fatima, a pregnant woman from Yemen's Eastern al-Masilah district. This area has a high maternal death rate, about 118 women die per 100,000 from pregnancy related causes in Yemen. When Fatima's labour started, she went to the nearby al-Eis health clinic. The baby's heartbeat began to slow down and had not moved down the birth canal. It was essential that Fatima get a caesarean section. The unit's doctor, Reem, contacted the nearest hospital in Sayhut, a 10-minute drive away. The hospital told Reem they were unable to accept Fatima as there was not enough diesel to run the generator. Reem decided to send Fatima in an ambulance to al-Raidah hospital, an hour away. Halfway through the journey, Fatima began to show signs of internal bleeding and passed away, leaving behind two daughters aged five and six. Reem claims that “A shorter transfer time could have saved her life,”.

Through the article, it is explained that Sayhut's emergency obstetric services had been reliant on funding from the US government via the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), which had been suddenly cut by Trump the previous year. This left them with inadequate medicines, staff and fuel needed to treat emergencies. a deputy executive director at UNFPA says the speed and scale of these USAID funding cutbacks were unprecedented. the us government terminated 45 grants to UNFPA, totalling $336m. the us had covered 60% of the UNFPA's humanitarian work in Yemen. it states that nearly 1.5 million women have lost access to life saving services. the US administration has repeatedly denied that their USAID cuts has not resulted in any deaths. "Enshrah Ahmed, UNFPA representative in Yemen, says: “[Fatima’s] entirely preventable death was a direct consequence of funding cuts.'

Why I find this article interesting

i found this article interesting as it reveals the very real consequences of the funding cuts to USAID by the US, specifically how it affects women who rely on this aid for maternal healthcare. this article highlights the tragic stories of women and their families/peers going through a tragic experience completely due to the USAID cutbacks. This Topic is important to highlight currently as it is affecting such large numbers of women, not only in Yemen but, across the world. I think it is important to be aware of these situations not only from a broad policy perspective, but to also be aware of the personal and individual accounts of the consequences of these decisions. the addition of facts about the USAID cuts and the high pregnancy related incidence rates within Yemen show how essential the funding from the US was for these initiatives and women's healthcare/safety. As women’s safety is going down through the many unsafe areas throughout the world, it is a pertinent issue that needs to be in the forefront of thought for policy makers and people.

What policy actions can be/have been made to deal with the issue

Policy actions that can be made to help resolve this issue would be making the process of pulling funding a less immediate action, spreading the decline over a longer period of time so as not to leave these reliant communities in dire need during the period in which they do not receive/receive less funding. In the article it is stated that the scale and speed of these cuts were ‘unprecedented’, showing a need for regulation on this action as it leaves many, like Fatima, vulnerable in emergencies. Of course, a big policy change that should be made would be to provide funding to USAID on a global level, pooling multiple country’s resources together. As in the current state of funding, USAID has been left vulnerable to large dependence on a singular country’s support, the US, leaving themselves open to situations like the ones currently happening. Dividing the funding through many institutions/countries would mean that if an institution/country pulled their funding it would not put USAID in such a dire situation as it would not be such a large portion. 

On a national level, this situation does not seem to affect us, though I think it should. Encouraging people in power to incite these policy changes should not have to be a responsibility of the citizens, though I think it is essential in the current state of affairs to show nation-wide support for these causes. As a country in the UN that has been involved in making contributions to global peace and security, it is something that does affect our country whether or not we realise it. Our influence on these discussion and policy making should be used to encourage support for these policy changes.

This article reports on how Irish women are the fastes growing group seeking treatment. It mentions the reasons for this being it is seen as safer for women to intake cocaine rather than alcohol, which may be relatted to rising domestic violence reports. Finally, through an interview with a now sober mother it reports that breaking down of stigma surrounding addictions and the need for more community-based services.

Why I find this article interesting

I find this article interesting as it highlights how different social issues are interlinked, specifically domestic violence and drug addiction in women. The stigma around addiction and addiction centres being unsafe also hinders many women's attempts to overcome addiction. This highlights the need for community services as well as to take on the National Drug Strategy, as the situation is, evidently, in this article, becoming worse. The article mentions the introduction of a planned detox facility. Highlighting poly-drug use and the need for new strategies to deal with it. 

What policy action can be/has been implemented to tackle the issue

As said, on a community level, there is a planned opening of a detox facility. The presence of a facility can normalise people receiving help for their addiction. On a national level there is the continuation of the National Drug Strategy, which hits several points of this article. The Strategy mentions the link between domestic violence and drugs and the increasing social use of it among women. It suggests both community facilities and further funding, which have been implemented.

Rising sea levels and other climate variation caused by climate change pose a distinct threat to low-lying Pacific Island nations. Sitting only 5 metres above sea level, Tuvalu is especially threatened by climate change. Beyond its experience of water scarcity, loss of its ecosystems, and escalating extreme weather events which result in financial instability and cultural losses, 90% of Tuvalu is projected to be underwater by 2100. As such, there is an existential threat of Tuvaluan people becoming stateless. 

What policy actions can be/has been made to deal with the issue:

To address this, Australia has offered a world-first climate visa (Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV)) to all Tuvaluan citizens, creating an easier pathway – not requiring a job offer – to obtaining Australian citizenship. Since the PEV applications opened in June, more than a third of the Tuvaluan population has applied. 

However, Australia has not made any commitments to reduce its coal exports in efforts to mitigate climate change. As Australia plays a critical role in global greenhouse gas emissions as the biggest coal exporter, a change in climate policy could be extremely impactful on rising-sea levels in the Pacific.

I find this article interesting as:

While they are some of the lowest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pacific Island Nations are arguably the most impacted by climate change. I find this article interesting as it presents Australia’s failures to balance its regional role as a patron to the Pacific Islands with its lacklustre climate change policy. Australia is the world's biggest coal exporter and has approved 7 new coal mine expansions in the past 5 years. While the PEV is essential to the survival of the people of Tuvalu, Australia’s attempt to implement ‘good samaritan’ global social policy while refusing to address its export emissions which directly cause sea-level rise is problematic and hypocritical.   

Why I find this article interesting/Important: This article is important in multiple areas, one of these being in its sharing light into how legislative loopholes can be exploited and how the state responds. Another key point in this article would be how it illustrates the intended outcomes from the state in relation to student accommodation. 

This response to, what Minister James Lawless describes as, DCU not acting “In the spirit of the law” is interesting as it demonstrates the Department's commitment to students and their families, with this showing to those impacted by DCU’s change that the Department will remain firm and transparent on the intended outcomes of legislative promises when it comes to maintaining the affordability of student accommodation. This can in part be seen with the Department of Higher Education making collaborative efforts with other departments to deliver on this.

What policy action can be developed from this: In terms of the future of policy developments in this area beyond the article's outline of changes scheduled for March 2026 there are a few directions the legislation could go to patch the oversights of the current policy. This could include revaluating the status of student accommodation, allowing for more direct legislation to be made, or it could go the direction of requiring transparency by institutions such as DCU as to how the mandatory service charge is calculated or limiting what amenities are eligible for inclusion in the charge. 

The French government is being pressured by NATO and its allies to increase defence expenditure, and President Macron has vowed to increase defence spending from 2.1% to 3% which is roughly a €30 billion increase over last year, but the Opposition parties in France believe that the state will cut social welfare and other social services to pay for the budget increase. With Frances' previous budget containing around €54 billion in cost cuts however, where the remaining €30 billion comes from remains a mystery

Why do I find this article interesting

I find this article to be interesting as he issue of defence is a very important one, and it should not be ignored, the importance that it plays on both the national and international stage, especially in France, where they are home to many large defence companies, such as Dassault or Airbus. Very few industries provide such high-paying jobs and contribute so much to the nation as a whole. France is a unique country, unlike its European neighbours, which have not had a budget surplus since the 1970s. Yet, it still provides its people with substantial social welfare, offering public education, public healthcare, and a generous social welfare cushion for its residents. However, Frances finances are strained as they are and any time the govt suggests increasing taxes to pay for new expenditure the govt is met with riots and protests all acorss the nation so you can imagine the shock when President Macron announced that he wanted to increase defense spending from 2.1% to 3% which is an increase of around €30 Billion a year something that the french govt does not have lying around. With such an increase in spending on defence, it raises the question of “Where is this money coming from?” and the fear is that France will have to cut some of its social services, which could be very detrimental for many lower-income families who rely so heavily on the state support. Many of the opposition parties in France suggest that the government should tax wealthy individuals or large corporations, but it is unknown how effective these policies would be. It is for this reason and because of how complicated the situation is that I chose this article

Overview:

From autumn 2026, Sweden will be implementing a mobile ban in schools for students from the ages of 7 to 16. The grading system and teacher training will also be changed as part of a large reform.

I found this article interesting as phones are a big part for our everyday life, both positively and negatively. Removing phones from students raises questions about discipline, safety and freedom. Many countries in Europe are experimenting with mobile phone bans and stricter rules. The Netherlands had found that the students had it easier to concentrate and improve academic results. However there is a chance it will backfire with resentment and breaking the rules for certain students. The ban creates a better learning environment for students as there are fewer distractions, improving focus, and creates a needed classroom discipline. It creates an equal opportunities as there is less digital divide and social media pressure.

It is a big policy shift for the entire nation as it bans mobile phones in schools. It could be viewed as the start of a iterative process on the inclusion or limitation of technological usage in schools. The government may consider expanding the phone ban to upper secondary (gymnasie) schools of school after assessing it’s impact for lower and middle school environments.

This article discusses one of the most pressing issues that our country faces today, the housing crisis. With people being price out of the housing market, including renters and first time home buyers, the Government is under immense pressure to put an end to this crisis.

I find this article particularly interesting as it touches on many people who are effected by this crisis, including landlords, young families and young adult's who hope to see a future in this country but are posed with the question whether or not they could actually afford to do so. On the most severe end of the spectrum we have homelessness at an all time high with 11754 people living in emergency accommodation in January 2025, this figure is including those 3400 children and single parent families. Young people especially cannot be set with the expectation to one day own a home in this country, most are expecting to rent or even emigrate in order to one day become a home owner.

What Policy actions can be/has been made to deal with this issue?

The government introduced the "housing for all" back in 2021. Which key objective was to build an average of 33000 homes per year starting from the year 2021 to 2035, however this has proven to be difficult for the government to follow through with as figures have fallen short from their initial objective. In 2022 under 30000 housing units were built whilst working with an underspend of 340 million euro in the Department of Housings capital budget. However they have since revised the scheme with aims of 300000 homes to be built by the year 2030. These recent updates show positive and more realistic steps being taken to ensure supply and affordability to he people of Ireland. The are now focusing on different planning reforms, modern construction techniques and ensuring financial viability for developers.

President Marcos Jr set up the 'Walang Gutom 2027' food stamp program which aims to end involuntary hunger in the Philippines by 2027, by providing food credits to low income families for nutritious meals. Since launching in 2023 the program has supported around 182,000 families with a goal of 1 million households by 2027. Data from the Philippines statistics authority shows food poor families have dropped from 1 million in 2021 to about 700,000 in 2023. However scaling up remains a challenge. While the initiative is seen as a flagship anti-poverty measure it still faces hurdles in funding the local government coordination.

Why I find this article important:

I found this article very important as it tackles one of the Philippines most pressing social issues, hunger, and shows how government policies attempt to address it through large scale systematic programs. It highlights both the progress made and challenges ahead, offering insight into how political will and funding can shape real outcomes for vulnerable families. The article also matters because it connects large national goals such as ending hunger to everyday realities of poor households, making it relevant to both policy discussions and human welfare.

What policy action can be/ has been made to deal with this issue, according to the article:

According to the article the government has taken steps to strengthen the program's impacts by declaring it a flagship initiative through Executive Order No.44, which mandates closer coordination among agencies and local governments. President Marcos has also directed the Philippine statistics authority to monitor its progress, ensuring accurate data on hunger reduction. These policy actions aim to institutionalize the program, improve accountability and secure long term government support to sustain its rollout expansion. However the food stamp program can be improved through more rigorous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure that nutritional outcomes are prioritized. As well as this integrating the initiative with interventions such as agricultural development would promote long term food security and reduce the incidence of hunger in the Philippines. 

There are currently 411,000 Venezuelans living in Ecuador that are contributing to the Ecuadorian economy. The households of these Venezuelans pay just over $46 million in tax every year, benefiting the economy of Ecuador hugely. Things like social services have improved, a few being documentation processes, expanded access to formal jobs, social security and financial services and recognised academic degrees. However the majority of these contributors are young, between the age of 18 and 39, the percentage of informal workers is a staggering 70% meaning that only 30% percent of Venezuelans are practicing and are employed in their area of profession and expertise. To also note, most of the women are underpaid and 70% of these women are also working informal jobs.

Why do I find this article interesting?

It's great to recognise the amount that migrants do for countries, statistics show that the Venezuelan migrants are of benefit to the country and their contributions play an important role to the systems within Ecuador. Across the globe, especially in places like the US, we see a lot of people protesting against immigration. It's an inhumane thing, to protest against someone's credibility of being a human in another country. It's great to read an article that highlights the appreciation we must have for those who struggle with not only the process of being in another country, but the struggles that we as the people of the country force upon them. They have a lot to navigate.

What Policy actions can be/ have been made to deal with the issue?

I believe that a better policy for access to equal education for these younger migrants would create a beneficial change. If these migrants were offered equal opportunities for education, then we would see them in the same social spaces as Ecuadorians. This would normalise the social aspect of things, we would see a natural integration happen. There should also be a better policy surrounding the assessment of the migrants academic achievements and expertise, if we had a system that allowed them to do a one year course that re-integrates them with their area of specialization and see how well they do within the countries standards.

This article discusses the rising homelessness figures in Ireland, with the number of children homeless and in emergency accommodation surpassing 5000 for the first time. In the past four years the homeless population in Ireland has nearly doubled. This article also highlights the issue of hidden homeless, stating that the real extent of homeless children may be much higher than the reported 5014.

Why I find this article interesting:

This article is interesting to me as it highlights how the growing issue of homelessness in Ireland is not only a housing issue but also a health issue. By discussing the trauma and suffering experienced by homeless children and families, this article highlights the intersecting issues surrounding the experience of homelessness.

What policy actions have been/ can be taken to deal with this issue:

Currently the government approach involves the rental of emergency accommodation from the private sector by the state. This is both a costly and impermanent solution. Other approaches used are rent pressure zones and tenants’ rights legislation. There is disagreement on the effectiveness of rent pressure zones. While these solutions seek to address what has been seen as a short-term problem with temporary fixes, they largely fail to address the fundamental issue which is lack of housing supply. One policy action which could form a more long-term solution would be significantly increased investment in social housing builds as a prevention of homelessness. This article calls for prioritizing homelessness prevention methods in the 2026 Budget.

This article (Sept 2025) highlights how Ukraine is grappling with a major demographic and social policy challenge as millions of young people have left since the Russian invasion. Many of these young Ukrainians are pursuing education and work abroad, raising fears of a long-term brain drain that could weaken the country’s recovery and development. In response, the Ukrainian government has introduced initiatives such as expanding education opportunities, scholarships, and job programs aimed at encouraging youth to remain or return. Despite these efforts, ongoing insecurity, limited economic opportunities, and the appeal of better prospects abroad continue to push young people away. This situation underscores the broader policy dilemma of balancing immediate survival in wartime with long-term strategies to secure Ukraine’s future workforce and social stability.

Why I find this article important:

I found this article quite important because it highlights a demographic crisis caused by war.A pressing demographic and social policy challenge in Ukraine, showing how the war is driving millions of young people to leave the country. It shows how the war is not only a security issue but also a social and economic challenge, with young people leaving and potentially not returning. It illustrates the challenges of implementing social policies during wartime, balancing immediate survival needs with long-term societal goals. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for analysing how social policies function under extreme conditions and for considering the broader implications for Ukraine’s recovery and future development.

What policy action can be/has been made to deal with the issue?

To address the issue of youth leaving Ukraine, the government has implemented several policy actions aimed at retaining and encouraging the return of young people. Education and scholarship programs have been expanded to provide greater access to higher education, vocational training, and financial support, making it more attractive for youth to stay in the country.Additionally, the Demographic Development Strategy 2040 sets long-term goals to stabilize the population, support families, and improve living conditions, while targeted housing and social support programs focus on young families, displaced youth, and war-affected regions. Together, these measures represent a combination of immediate and long-term strategies to mitigate the demographic and social challenges facing Ukraine.

In a time that is becoming increasingly volatile and dangerous for queer people, even in the West, this threat is ever present to trans people in particular. This article follows an opinion by the Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the European Union in a case brought by a Bulgarian trans woman living in Italy in regards to the EU's recognition of an individual's rights to gender expression. Namely, what was brought forth through this case and subsequent decision is that EU member states have the right to determine their process in issuing identifying documents to people who wish to change their gender markers, however they do not have the right to ask for or demand proof of having undergone any surgical procedures to affirm their gender. The Court had already ruled twice in 2020 and in 2022 to uphold matters pertaining to, or adjacent to this issue in Bulgaria; however, this particular case was initially brought forth in 2023 when the Bulgarian Supreme Court adopted a decision that determined that courts have no legal right "...to allow a change to the sex, name and personal identification number of trans people on the civil status register." The Advocate General of the CJEU released his decision on 4th of September 2025 wherein it was upheld that any EU member state has a legal obligation to uphold the values of the EU at large, which does acknowledge one's right to gender expression. The actual decision of this case isn't expected until the beginning of 2026, but it is worth noting that a positive decision would be paramount in this increasingly difficult time for trans people.

Why do I find this article interesting?

We are at a major tipping point right now for queer rights, but especially for trans people in the West. With the increasing slide to the right in many countries that were held to such high esteem for their "progressive values" and rights, we are instead watching these very rights become stripped away in real time for the most vulnerable of people especially. As a queer person myself, I have always had to keep an eye on how places would treat me and my peers all over the world and right now it's scary. However, hope is still to be had as it would seem that with this statement from the Advocate General that there is an intention to uphold and protect the rights of this increasingly vulnerable portion of the greater population. In the end, this can only begin the greater cause of Western countries to continue the pattern of maintaining these rights for everyone.

Overview:

The Australian government has set a new goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions 62–70% below 2005 levels by 2035. This target follows advice from the Climate Change Authority. To reach it, the government will spend over $8 billion on projects such as cleaner industries, more renewable energy, electric vehicle charging, and energy-efficient homes. Supporters say the plan is tough but possible. Critics believe it still does not go far enough to fight climate change.

Why I find this article interesting:

I find this article interesting as it displays how important Australia’s new plan to cut pollution by 2035. The government will spend $8 billion on things like clean energy, electric cars, and making homes use less power. This will affect businesses and everyday people. Some say the target is hard but possible, while others think it doesn’t go far enough. The article matters because it shows how Australia is trying to deal with climate change, and why that choice could shape the country’s future economy, politics, and environment.

What policies have been implemented for this intervention:

In this article, the polices that are shown to be implemented are expanding renewable energy projects.

Decarbonising heavy industries. And the national electric vehicle strategy (including more EV charging stations).

High property prices and a lack of affordable family homes are preventing families who have lived in Dingle for generations to continue living there.

Several Factors drive this problem:

1 Over 15% of homes are empty, and many town centre properties remain unused due to high renovation costs.

2 Since the pandemic, most house sales are to remote workers outside West Kerry, these groups like holiday home buyers generally have stronger buying power, pricing out locals.

3 lack of affordable housing provision.

4 Major policy and enforcement gaps: Local officiants and counsellors point out that some houses built for primary residence are actually being used as second or third homes, with little enforcement of planning conditions.

4 Lack of opportunity’s in rural areas like Dingle are pushing young people to emigrate to bigger towns or different countries to try to find better salary’s and employment. This further compounds the populations stagnation.

Why i find this article important

As someone from West Kerry, i find this particularly significant and important because it directly shapes the future of this community. This town is not just a tourist destination; it is a place where families, neighbours, and traditions sustain the daily life there. However, rising property prices and the huge growth of holiday homes means the younger people are increasingly unable to live and settle here. This trend risks transforming the town into a seasonal hub from for outsiders rather than a stable, year round community.

It also has wider cultural implications. As part of the ever decreasing Gaeltacht and Irish speaking population, the survival of the Irish language depends on families remaining and passing this on. If no one can afford to live there, there is a risk of weakening this inheritance.

What policies can/ have been developed?

As set out in a campaign by Conradh na Gaeltachta, a national policy for housing planning in the Gaeltacht would be greatly beneficial. Also, i believe more grants should be provided in the budget for rural communities and families living there to be able to purchase a family home. While there is many housing grants available throughout ireland i think funding should again be made available for the Gaeltacht housing scheme to provide support for Irish speakers who would like to build or renovate homes in the Gaeltacht.

There has been some developments. As part of Project Ireland 2040 the government has committed to providing an additional €1 billion over the period 2019 to 2027 for theRural Regeneration and Development Fund. This will provide investments to renew towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000 people.

This article makes the argument that Ireland can feasibly get rid of consistent poverty by the year 2030. Consistent poverty, which is defined by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as individuals who are both at risk of poverty (their disposable income is below 60% of the median) and experiencing enforced deprivation. The article gets into how Ireland can make this happen through anti poverty measures, and discusses how economic growth alone does not promote wealth equality.

Why I liked this article:

I enjoyed the insight from this article as I believe it gave many great points on how it actually is not a utopian idea for consistent poverty to end within a short time frame in Ireland. It also was very easy to understand the concepts which is always good when trying to dissect an article.

What policies the article discusses to combat this issue:

• Ensuring Income Adequacy, for those who are able to work such as providing a liveable wages, and adequate hours. Also for people who do not have the capacity to work such as providing stronger welfare supports.

• Target Deprivation and Material Needs: Providing direct support or even replacement services for peoples essential needs such as food, heat and clothing. Also by better targeting of income supports and public services to reduce deprivation.

• Political Commitment is one of the essential points this article makes to combat consistent poverty in Ireland. The article discusses developing an all of government anti-poverty strategy which the whole government must be accountable for.

  
  

This article discusses how women’s health research is significantly underfunded globally & the impact this has on women’s health. This article looks at how a long history of medical bias alongside social stigma has left women’s healthcare significantly less researched compared to men’s. This article discusses a study carried out by the World Economic Forum found that on average, women spend 25% more of their lives in poorer health than men.

This article focuses specifically on menopause, an area of healthcare especially that is underfunded and under researched, despite affecting a large proportion of the female population.

This article explains that closing this gap would not only improve the quality of life for women globally but would also create new market opportunities and contribute to more than $1 trillion in global GDP.

I find this article interesting because I believe women’s healthcare specially reproductive healthcare is an area that has historically been overlooked.

What policy action can be/has been made to address this issue, if we look at Ireland we can see some improvements in addressing this issue specifically with the area of menopause. Ireland has introduced significant funding towards menopause healthcare services through the Women’s Health Action Plans and Budget 2025. A significant improvement was made by making the Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) free to women across the state since June 2025.

The above article from The Guardian May 2025) reports on a new scientific study warning that rising sea levels, driven by accelerating ice melt in Greenland and Antarctica, could force millions of people to migrate inland, even if global warming is limited to 1.5°C. The study predicts a long term sea-level rise of 1 to 2 metres, posing serious risks to coastal cities and low-lying communities, particularly in poorer countries that lack the resources for large-scale protective infrastructure. While reducing emissions can slow the rate of sea-level rise and buy time for adaptation, scientists stress that the land lost to the sea may remain submerged for centuries, making this a long-term and irreversible threat for many populations.

Why I found this article interesting:

As a student, I found this article particularly interesting because it highlights the real and long-term impacts of climate change in a way that feels very relevant to our future. The idea that rising sea levels could force millions of people to leave their homes, even if we manage to limit global warming, shows just how serious the situation is. It’s not just about environmental changes, but also about how societies will have to deal with large-scale migration, economic challenges, and the loss of land that could be permanent. I was most interested by how vulnerable poorer countries will react , and how uneven the effects of climate change can be. It made me think more deeply about the importance of both global cooperation and individual action to reduce emissions, and why our generation needs to stay informed and involved.

Why policies can/have been developed?:

Many current policies addressing climate-induced migration focus on border control and migration management, such as the European Union’s new migration pact and proposals for return hubs to manage rejected asylum seekers. However, these measures often do not tackle the root causes of displacement. To effectively reduce inward migration driven by climate impacts like sea-level rise, experts recommend investing in climate adaptation and resilience in vulnerable regions, such as building climate-resilient infrastructure and enhancing disaster preparedness. Legal frameworks recognizing climate refugees are also crucial to provide protections and rights for displaced individuals. Moreover, strengthening international cooperation and sharing resources and knowledge can help manage migration flows more humanely and efficiently. Lastly, social integration policies that facilitate access to education, healthcare, and employment for migrants can reduce tensions and support community cohesion. Together, these approaches offer a more comprehensive and humane response to the complex challenges posed by climate-driven migration.

Popular Labour Mobility Schemes offered by Australia and New Zealand to Pacific Nations, alongside Australia's new Climate Visa's offered to Tuvalu are crippling Pacific labour forces and by extension, economic prosperity. There is a significant shortage of Skilled Workers (especially tradespeople in Vanuatu), with over 10% of the total working population lost to seasonal work in ANZ each year. In 2023, 11.5% of working age people in Vanuatu and 11.4% in Tonga and 6.4% in Samoa worked in ANZ. This creates a perception for young people that employment in the Pacific Islands is not a 'long-term' plan, or one which will yield them success. Pacific Island nations are combatting the explosion in the number of workers joining ANZ schemes (doubling to 48,000 between 2019 and 2023) by reviewing their labour mobility policies.

What policy actions can be/has been made to deal with the issue:

To manage the void of available workers on the Island, the Vanuatu Government has pushed visa employment opportunities to Fijians and Filipinos shifting its immigration policy to look for workers internationally. However, this policy is limited by the significant obstacle of the visa only lasting 12 months, with no ability to be renewed or extended - making it less appealing for foreign workers to make the move, or local businesses to invest in their training. As a result of such obstacles, only 200 international workers have applied for the visa to work in Vanuatu. Rather, local employers continue to draw International employees through traditional visa means (which involves lengthy processes of arranging police clearances, paperwork, and a long wait for immigration approval). Thus, this policy mechanism has largely failed, and the visa program has been put under review by Vanuatu's Minister for Internal Affairs.

The Samoan Government has taken a different approach, announcing it wants local communities to help select who is able to take up work in ANZ - to ensure that overqualified skilled workers are not being lost to ANZ jobs through the PALM scheme. Moreover, Samoa also announced an annual cap on labour mobility workers - however, this policy means is somewhat futile as the cap is set at double the number of people currently engaged in the scheme.

The Tongan government has proposed new requirements to gain the PALM visa restricting seasonal work positions to only those currently unemployed, and those who's departure won't contribute to labour shortages for local businesses or governmental departments.

On the opposite side, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade claimed to be giving more support for Pacific nations in determining who’s eligible for the scheme. Meaning that Samoa and Tonga's proposed restrictions count be codified into the PALM visa scheme. The Australian Pacific Ministry has supported skills development in all countries participating in the scheme, to help fill labour market gaps.

I find this article interesting as:

The PEV (Australia) and PALM (New Zealand) mobility schemes are only effective if it balances the wants of the larger countries for additional labour with the needs of the smaller countries for labour to sustain their function. Despite New Zealand's commitment to altering PALM to meet Tonga and Samoa's new restrictions, it is still too early to know how successful these restrictions will be in addressing the critical labour shortages on the Pacific Islands. Pacific Governments are already spread thin by other significant threats of Climate Change and increasing US-China tensions that the longer term strategies and higher level goals required to address labour shortage issues properly may be out of reach. 

This article explains how women in India are not being recognised as drug users. Indian women face higher stigma and are less likely to seek help for their addiction. They have fewer women-oriented help centres for helping with their substance misuse. It highlights the different reasons why women use drugs, such as mental health reasons. It points out that drug policy, prevention, and treatment systems are designed around men. This leads to the invisibility of women in the system. It argues that India must provide gender-sensitive rehabilitation services, female counsellors, safe treatment environments, and better data collection to make sure women are not left out of the drug policy framework.

Why I find this article interesting

I find this article interesting as it shows that it is not a unique issue that women find it harder to overcome the stigma of drug abuse to seek help. It also shows a gender bias in social policy. I find it interesting to compare with Ireland, as India is not considered a developed country. Both countries are facing the same issues, and it is interesting to see if they could learn from each other. 

What policy action can be/has been implemented to tackle this issue

This article suggests some policy actions that could be taken. The main need is gender-sensitive treatment centres, as women face different stigmas and challenges in drug addiction. A core issue here is that women slip through in national drug data reports and surveys. In order to break family stigma, drug rehabilitation in women’s health and family welfare services could get more women to receive help. Lastly, India could attempt a national drug strategy that Ireland is implementing. 

Italy has recently restricted citizenship laws, particularly targeting those claiming it through distant relatives. The foreign affairs Antonio Tajani mentions that the system is outdated and many individuals apply mainly to travel with fewer restrictions. The Italian passport is currently ranked in the world for visa-free travel.

Now, it's restricted just to people who have at least one Italian parent or grandparent. Additionally, they have to engage by paying taxes, voting or renewing their passports or they will risk losing their citizenship.

However, this won’t affect those individuals who made the process before the law adjustment. Also, all the process has to be made in person and not online anymore.

Why did I find this article interesting?

The topic of citizenship has always been interesting to me because I can connect with it, especially with the concept of identity and belonging. Coming from an Italian and Nigerian background, this topic resonates with me and the complexity of identity. Especially, how it's often tied up with the legal system rather than, cultural aspects.

This article it's very insightful because it shows the duality and diversity of policies and how they shape, but sometimes also limit individuals lives.

What policy actions can be made?

Even though the policy reform has been made and created a huge change. There's still a major gap in the policy that needs attention, many children born and raised in Italy by foreign parents must still wait until their 18th birthday to apply for Italian citizenship. A policy change that could be made is to give citizenship automatically when you're born in Italy. Such reform would impact positively many individuals, but also bring fairness and inclusion.

This article discusses the 2026 Budget which has been criticised by prominent Irish homelessness charities, including Simon Communities of Ireland and Focus Ireland, for failing to recognise homelessness prevention. The new budget has ultimately ignored the issue of homelessness despite the ever-rising record number of homelessness people and families in Ireland.

Why I find this article interesting

I find this article interesting because it highlights how the issue of homelessness is ever exacerbated by repeated inadequate government response. Despite new record numbers of homelessness every month, Budget 2026 is targeted more towards landlords and property developers rather than the growing number of people in urgent need. This is particularly relevant to discuss due to the 25% rise in homelessness since it was last mentioned in a Budget speech in October 2023.

What policy actions have been made

In the 2026 Budget, €2.9 billion has been allocated to both deliver thousands of new build Social Homes and the second-hand acquisitions programme. Additionally, funding for the Department of Housing has increased from just under €8 billion last year to €11.3 billion in 2026. However, despite these positive improvements, there is great skepticism from Irish homelessness charities on how effective these will be in tackling the growing issue of homelessness in Ireland.

The article discusses the EU's response to the social and housing crisis happening across Europe in relation to affordable housing. To address this issue, the EU's affordable housing plan would seek to cover the multiple areas in which EU policy has failed, such as short-term accommodation like AirBnB preventing locals from being able to afford property. EU members and MEPs are coming up with various solutions from taxations for non-EU residents, to subsidisation for housing companies, revising budget, or controversial propositions from socialist MEPs such as €300bn in grants and loans for housing and even overhauling EU fiscal rules for higher government spending in this area.

Why I find this article interesting:

I find this article interesting because it is only recently that the EU created a special committee on the housing crisis to address this issue, which Young Europeans have faced most of the brunt of, and as affordable housing has become one of the most pressing issues in our society observing the EU's response and what new policies they will create is essential. According to Eurostat, in the last ten years house prices have raised by an average of 53%, with the highest rates reaching well over +100% in certain countries. Not only is buying property more expensive, so is renting, which the article addresses too. Dan Jørgensen, Danish Social Democrat who is the one tasked with creating the first ever affordable housing plan for the EU, interviewed in the article addresses the failings of the EU and how this has affected society. What I liked particularly was him explaining how housing becoming nothing more than a commodity creates problems within policy which has allowed for the current housing climate to become what it is. Particularly as a young person who moved to Ireland I have had to deal with this issue firsthand and I can imagine so has a number of people in our course and will continue to deal with it unless the EU can finally create policy which will effectively lower rent, housing prices, limit AirBnB and private enterprises from controlling housing markets, which hits communities in touristy cities with limited housing particularly hard, and will make sure the average EU citizens doesn't too much of their income necessary to live on income.

What policies have been/can be created to deal with this issue:

Obviously, the main policy which is being discussed in this article is this upcoming EU affordable housing plan which will be aborded in the coming week, which comes after a large public consultation launched by Dan Jørgensenin 2025 in order to develop this plan. Previous solutions made by the EU regarding this have been: the midterm review to the current budget which €15bn available for housing from €7bn, the 2021 resolution which recognized housing as a fundamental right and which seeks to eradicate homelessness by 2030, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank's plans for €10bn investment in affordable and sustaining housing over the next to coming years, and the recent approval by MEPs of cohesion funding reforms for member states and regions to quickly inject new challenges and priorities which necessary funds, one of them being sustainable and affordable housing.

This article explores how climate change is increasingly forcing people to leave their homes as rising seas, droughts, floods, and extreme weather make areas uninhabitable. It highlights the scale of the crisis, with projections suggesting that up to 1.2 billion people could be displaced by 2050, yet international law still lacks a clear definition or protection for “climate migrants.” The piece explains the complex mix of environmental “push” factors and social or economic “pull” factors that shape migration patterns, emphasizing that displacement often leads to deep cultural and emotional losses beyond physical relocation. Concern Worldwide’s work focuses on building resilience through community-based approaches—helping vulnerable populations adapt, recover from climate disasters, and maintain their dignity and livelihoods without being forced to migrate.

Why I find this article interesting:

I find it interesting as it connects the global issue of climate change to real human experiences, showing how environmental crises are already reshaping lives and communities. It challenges us to think beyond statistics and see the personal, social, and cultural impacts of climate-driven migration but it also highlights the practical efforts to help people adapt and build resilience. It’s both eye-opening and hopeful, offering insight into one of the most urgent challenges of our time.

Policy frameworks:

The article explains that current policy frameworks offer very limited protection for people displaced by climate change. International laws, like the 1951 Refugee Convention, don’t recognize “climate migrants,” leaving many without legal status or rights. While initiatives such as the Nansen Initiative, the New York Declaration, and the Global Compact for Migration acknowledge the issue, they lack enforcement. As a result, most climate-displaced people, especially those who move within their own countries, receive little formal support or protection, highlighting a major gap in global migration policy.

However, Health Minister Jack Chambers has warned that greater spending must be accompanied by reforms in productivity, efficiency, and financial governance to tackle deep-rooted inefficiencies within the HSE. Analysts note that rising pay costs, inflation, and demographic pressures could absorb much of the funding, leaving little for transformative investment. Despite the record allocations, Ireland continues to give the longest hospital waiting lists in the EU and ongoing overcrowding issues.

Why I find the article interesting: This article is particularly interesting as it captures the tension between Ireland’s economic strength and its persistent healthcare inefficiencies. While the record budget reflects strong fiscal capacity and a public commitment to health, it also exposes how systemic governance and structural flaws continue to undermine progress. The governments failure to deliver on their 2024 election promises, such as extending free GP care and reducing childcare fees, highlighting a growing disconnect between political promises and policy outcomes. Their focus on supporting large industries and landlords over essential public services adds to public frustration, especially when access to timely and affordable healthcare remains limited for many people.

Implications: At the local and national level, the increased funding shows the government’s commitment to improving the healthcare system and access to it. The funding, if used correctly, could reduce wait times and ease overcrowding in regional and main hospitals. But the opposition parties in the Dail criticise the government over accountability and governance, suggesting that spending alone will not resolve Ireland’s healthcare crisis.

Looking internationally, Ireland has a robust economy and record health spending, yet it still suffers from the EU’s longest waiting lists. This reinforces perceptions that the challenges are in the systemic inefficiencies and management reform, rather than an underfunding issue. This could affect Ireland’s global reputation as a developed country effectively delivering public services to its citizens.

Overview

The article provides the latest Irish national figure for homecare waiting lists. There was a 5 per cent reduction in 2024 on December 2023 figures at 5,556. Homecare waiting lists outside Dublin are five times higher than those in the capital. Nationally, there has been a 5 per cent growth in the number of home support to now 58,200. The area with the highest waiting list is CH0 4, the Health Service Executive (HSE) area of Cork and Kerry, with 1,018 or 18 per cent of those are on the national waiting list of 5,556. Some counties outside Dublin saw their waiting lists increase by 30 per cent.

Dublin has the lowest numbers on the waiting lists. There was significant government investment, and the private sector delivers most services, and it is more agile with regard to recruitment and flexibility of service.

I find this article important as it highlights the inequality between rural and urban areas and the availability of homecare, and it potentially also exposes the levels of availability of private sector services outsourced by the HSE. It features the absence of centralised data for the length of time on waiting lists, which in itself is a risk to people on the waiting lists and future projections. One of the HSE areas, CH0 9, Dublin North County/Dublin North City and West is 100 per cent outsourced to the private sector and does not have a waiting list.   

What policy actions can be/has been made to deal with the issue: The Government via the Minister for State, Kieran O’Donnell TD has committed to introducing a scheme to give people legal entitlement to homecare in the Government’s term. Considerable planning, including the collation of data, will need to be done to forecast service provision and the possibility of it, country-wide. The Home and Community Care Ireland (HCCI), the representative body for the homecare sector, again notes it is an unregulated industry and that regulations would help reassure service users and the organisations themselves. The long-awaited Statutory Homecare Scheme has been crawling through the government since 2016.

This article calls for systematic and structured inclusion of mental health in Sweden’s school curriculum as they believe it does not sufficiently address student’s mental health need’s appropriately. Mental health is only discussed in certain subjects, like physical education or biology, but very little information is given. There are a lack of guidelines, materials to learn and training for appropriate mental health learning. Teaching about subjects like this have very clear positive effects such as better sleep habits, physical activity, conflict management and better understanding of one’s emotions. They believe that an implementation of this would create a better classroom environment, minimise bullying and improve learning.

Why I find this article interesting:

This is important as mental health issues are increasing globally and needs to be acknowledged. The article mention that only 5 students in upper secondary school had gotten a proper understanding of stress. The article connects educational reform with the mental health challenge. It raises concerns with how schools can focus on academic achievement along with emotional learning.

What policy actions can be/have been made to deal with the issue:

The first policy action that needs to be done is include mental health has a defined learning area in the curriculum, starting in the early grades. From there on there are other needs to be meet, such as providing appropriate training for teachers and relevant materials for the teachers. The school needs to be clear that the subject is for educational purposes rather than therapy, through teachers giving them useful information, while professionals handle the treatment side if needed. It is crucial that there is a standard for the education.

Other countries globally, have strategies nationally to require the curriculum to teach about mental health and coping skills. The UNESCO, European Commission and WHO are advocating for better education about mental health. It views emotional skills as important as mathematics and languages. A better mental health awareness is needed globally, not just in Sweden and these measures can and need to be done in most areas. This debate mirrors a global trend as many countries are recognising that school’s play an important role in promoting well mental health. Sweden is the last country of the Nordic reign to promote mental wellbeing in school.

This international context shows how Sweden’s is not isolated in these issues and needs, a global shift is crucial for the lifelong mental wellbeing for students.

The article tells the story of Ian Falconer, who started a recycling company that turns discarded fishing nets into nylon for 3D printing and manufacturing. He saw a problem with the heaps of discarded fishing nets at the harbour near his home in Cornwall, and thought that there must be a better solution than letting it all go to landfills. This was the beginning of his company OrCA. His company developed machinery that could shred, clean and melt fishing nets into nylon beads, which could then be used for 3D printing. As the article and Falconer point out, the problem with discarded fishing nets is much bigger in countries that lack an effective waste management system. Therefore, Falconers next goal is to export his recycling solution to any harbour that wants it.

Why I find this article interesting:

The article is interesting because it demonstrates how local initiatives can help mitigate problems associated with climate change and how local solutions can have a significant global impact. Falconers company shows how a local idea can create a circular economy solution to a global problem. It is beneficial through recycling waste into valuable materials, protecting marine life, while also being financially viable. It also addresses the problem with ghost gear, therefore being a solution to mitigate that.

What policy actions can be/have been made to deal with the issue:

As this is a local initiative, it is an example of how actions can be made into policy by policymakers. Recycling is covered by SDG 12, and can also help with SDG 14 by reducing marine pollution and creating a safer habitat for marine animals. There are also a bunch of policies that can build upon this, such as mandatory collecting systems for end-of-life fishing gear, subsidies and grants for other locals with similar ideas, international cooperation and support for developing countries.

This article looks at the impact of the budget increase on Irish defence funding and how, in the 2026 budget, there was a massive increase in funding for the Irish defence forces. This increase in funding will be focused on increasing investment in security and cybersecurity to protect the Irish state. It will also be used to purchase new equipment, such as new radar systems, but also to replenish old ammunition stocks, which were given to Ukraine due to the war. The funding will go towards recruiting new soldiers, as our current defence forces have a major deficit of around 2,000 soldiers, which should help improve our defence capabilities and allow us to utilise our full navy.

Rather uniquely, there is a portion of money that has been set aside for legal costs, which will be used to investigate abuse cases within the defence forces, but also to hold tribunal cases.  Finance Minister Jack Chambers has stated that enough funding has been allocated for the hiring of around 400 new defence members.

Why I find this article interesting;

I find this article to be interesting as it looks into one of the most important issues facing our country, as due to the increased hostility between the West and Russia, there has never been a better time to invest and improve our security forces. Ireland is in a quite unique position as it is not a part of NATO and we are a neutral country; however, for these reasons, we’ve underinvested in our defence forces, which has greatly diminished our capabilities when compared to our European allies. However the severity of the situation cannot be underestimated as certain departments such as the navy are ubavle

. Another interesting point about this article is how it explains that the money will be used to improve our radar capabilities, which is currently a major issue for the Irish Defence Forces as they are unable to properly locate new stealth aircraft, and this inability puts Europe on the back foot as Ireland and thus Europe are unable to track any enemy aircraft/ ships along our western seaboard, which comprises the security of Ireland but Europe as a whole.

What policy action can be made

The policy actions that can be made from this is that we increase our spending even more however it raises the question that with this increase in defence spending is that the money could be used in different sectors, such as housing or healthcare, and while it could be more beneficial in the short term, there really is a massive issue when it comes Irelands defence so I believe that we should be priortising spending on it as if we dont improve it not puts irelands security at risk but it also hampers eureopes ability to protect itself.

The Concern Worldwide’s article ‘How to end world hunger: 10 solutions that work’ explains that global hunger persists not because of food scarcity but due to barriers such as poverty, inequality and conflict. It outlines 10 practical solutions to reduce hunger. The article stresses that addressing hunger requires both immediate relief and long term resilience. Concern Worldwide combines treatment for malnutrition with sustainable solutions like improving maternal health, sanitation and food storage while working alongside governments to integrate these approaches into national policies for lasting changes. 

Why I find this article interesting/important 

This article is important because it highlights evidence based strategies to combat hunger while acknowledging its complex causes. It demonstrates that ending hunger is not solely about increasing food production but creating equitable access. By combining humanitarian responses with sustainable development, Concern’s approach bridges short term needs and long term solutions. The article also plays a vital advocacy role toward proven interventions that can create systemic change. 

What policy action can be/has been made to deal with this issue? According to the article.

This article recommends several key policy actions to address world hunger effectively. Governments should expand social protection systems like cash transfers and food vouchers to ensure food affordability. Health policies should integrate community based malnutrition treatment and maternal nutrition programs. Agricultural reforms must promote climate smart practices and support smaller farmers. Policies should also empower local communities and coordinate cross sector programs. Concern advocates embedding these evidence based solutions into national frameworks for long term impacts.  

A recent statement from Johnny Mythen, a Wexford TD, has said that the housing crisis in County Wexford is expected to worsen. He blamed the government for this, due to their lack of ambition and accusing them of falling short of their promise to deliver affordable housing targets for 2025. His comments follow the Quarter 3 housing report by the Minister of housing, which showed the government failing to reach their target. He noted that the increase in rent and housing is at a rate that people can simply not afford. Warning that is this trajectory continues, the homelessness rates in Wexford are likely to rise. Mythen urges the government to urgently change their approach and ramp up their efforts significantly.

What policies should be/have been implemented to deal with the issue:

Despite the national government publicly acknoledge the housing crisis, and implementing policy and objectives in order to diminish this crisis. Mythen states that not only are the governments goals too small, they are not even being met. Mythen believes that a sinn fein led government would make housing its main priority. A direct investment in building more social housing and affordable housing, not just across Wexford towns but also including rural areas. There also needs to be an end to the sale of public land throughout wexford to private developers.People in wexford, just like all people throughout Ireland who are being priced out of the housing market need to be top priority on the Governments agenda.

Why I liked this Article:

What stood out to me about this article,was its honest and urgent portrayal of the worsening housing crisis in Wexford and the very real impact it is having on families living in Wexford. Johnny Mythen standing up for the people of wexford, with his passionate stance on our government failures. I apprectiate that the article highlighted the real consequences for the community, It was refreshing to see a local TD not only discuss the crisis but also offer a sense of hope for the people, that there is representatives with the housing crisis high on their list of issues to combat.

ECEC is an important part of several EU policy frameworks, such as the European Pillar of Social Rights and the European Child Guarantee. They stress the importance of giving every child a fair start in life. However, recent data from Eurofound (2024) and EU SILC show that the children who need ECEC most are often those least likely to access it. In 2024, only 23.6% of children at risk of poverty or social exclusion (AROPE) attended ECEC, compared to 43.9% of children not at risk. In some countries, such as Germany, France, and Ireland, this gap was more than double. And in Poland and Croatia, participation among disadvantaged children under three was more than four times lower compared to children who were not at risk.

What is even more worrying is that this gap has grown over time. In 2015, the difference between participation rates was 12.1 percentage points, but by 2024, it had risen to 20.3 percentage point gap. So even though access to ECEC has improved overall, inequality within the system has become worse.

Why this article is interesting: I find this article interesting because it highlights how inequality in education begins long before children enter primary school. Early childhood education has a really big impact on later learning outcomes, social development, and also lifelong opportunities. When access to ECEC is unequal, those inequalities tend to persist and also grow over time. The situation in the EU shows that even in wealthy regions with strong education systems, equity is not guaranteed. I believe that this makes it a global issue, that requires long-term investment and policy focus rather than short-term solutions.

What policies have been implemented to deal with the issue: The article mentions that improving access to ECEC depends a lot on supporting the workforce. A motivated and well-trained workforce is necessary to provide high-quality and inclusive early education. However, ECEC workers are often undervalued, with low pay and many working on temporary or part-time contracts. To address this, the EU and national governments have taken several steps. Through the European Social Fund Plus, funding has been made available for workforce support. Efforts are also being made to improve working conditions, provide more professional development opportunities, and offer fairer pay. Also, the article states that policy makers should include ECEC participation indicators in the Social Scoreboard, to better track inequalities and ensure targeted action. Future EU budgets, such as the Multiannual Financial Framework, are also expected to include continued investment in both ECEC infrastructure and the workforce.

This article outlines the current rental market in Amsterdam and how the direction of the Dutch housing model has changed over time from predominantly social housing towards a private rental dependant system and the impact this has had on the accessibility of the market for prospective tenants.

Why I find this article interesting/important

This article analyses how the state of the housing market has been impacted by legislation and how this has had knock-on effects socially in multiple areas. Affordability of housing has caused a shift in the career paths and progression of Amsterdam residents, with them now staying in third level education for longer to combat the effects of the market. This is due to students having additional access to student accommodation as well as there now being the need for the job security and higher income that comes with having this education to be able to afford living costs. This article also addresses how the faults of the market caused by state mismanagement are blamed on migrants. Anti-immigration advocates use the shortage of affordable housing as rhetoric against migrant groups ranging from asylum seekers to international students. 

What policy actions can/ have been made with this issue

Some Measures have been put in place such as the limitation of short-term rental contracts and the restriction of rentals for certain homes under a threshold in attempts to reduce the inflation caused by speculative investors allowing for more first time buyers to enter the market and to dissuade additional investors from worsening the issue. While these efforts may help alleviate the issues the housing market faces, additional legislative changes may be required such as the reintroduction of more price caps on certain properties and areas as well as the promotion of long term rental contracts in the private sector through incentives.

https://apnews.com/article/nobel-prize-chemistry-87dcb74eb01e3d5ba8efc32832e51ef6

Overview:

Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their studies on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), substances with extremely tiny pores that can store gases, liquids, and even water. The frameworks are special because they have immense surface area and dynamic chemistry, which helped them capture carbon dioxide, clean toxins from water, and extract water from air.

MOFs are a leap forward in material science and clearly hold environmental potential, helping to decrease greenhouse gases, industrial pollution, and water scarcity.

Researchers are working on methods of utilizing them at an industrial level for carbon capture, treatment of wastewater, and atmospheric water harvesting, showing just how multifaceted they are.

Why I find this interesting:

Because in the society that we are in today, we constantly see in the news/online the negative effects of climate change, pollution to oceans and various other severe consequences the planet face due to us humans. However these scientists have found a potential way to help reverse the damage we thought was unchangeable. Governments could use these and put them into actions that help achieve climate goals while reducing pollution.

Polices involved:

Pollution polices regarding Industrial emissions and water quality in particular.

Why I find this article interesting:

What policy actions can be/have been made to deal with the issue:

Why I find this article interesting/important: I find this article interesting/important due to showing such striking data within the topic of consistent poverty in Ireland, I believe this article really got the point across through instead of showing any sort of personal bias, simply providing multiple sources of evidence that align with their point which I think makes the article much more valuable when researching issues such as poverty. I also find this article very valuable due to how recent it was written, which was July 2025. Finding an article so recent that discusses my topic of interest is the best case scenario for when researching. The article also provided information on what the government are aiming to aid with the issue at hand, such as ‘universal hot meals’ in schools essentially extending the hot school meal scheme. However it also makes a really important comment on how this help does not actually get to the root of the issue of consistent poverty, instead it essentially covers it up. The article mentions that the Budget of 2026 needs to focus on “breaking the cycle” to actually see drastic improvements in the process of eliminating consistent poverty and its effects for children in Ireland.

What policy action can be/has been made to deal with the issue according to the article: The article discusses that there has been policy action such as the hot school meal scheme becoming ‘universal’ as well as free school books and free GP care being introduced for children under 8 years old. Although the article makes the important note of how this progress does not eliminate the core issue that is present, so while there is being progress to help those in consistent poverty, the government needs to lay the groundwork to extinguish the issue from becoming a such a major problem in the first place. This could include; lowering grocery prices, increasing social welfare payments for families with children, and aiming to provide adequate housing for families with multiple children.

The Guardian's article "Could Zurich's housing cooperatives be the solution to Europe's housing crisis? " examines how Zurich's non-profit cooperative model of housing provides affordable, communal living. About one in five Zurich residents live in such cooperatives, where tenants collectively own their buildings and pay cost-based rents rather than market rents. Supported by local government policies such as low-interest loans and municipal land leases, the model prevents speculation and promotes social inclusion.

The article argues that this partnership model can impact housing reform across Europe by putting affordability, resident engagement, and long-term stability over profit-driven development.

Why I find this article interesting:

I found this article interesting because it offers a practical alternative solution to one of the most pressing global social policy challenges. The housing crisis has become a significant issue in both the Irish and global scenes in recent years. Interestingly, rather than focusing only on market failure or government shortfalls, it highlights how cooperative housing in Zurich gives residents direct control over their homes through collective ownership and democratic decision-making. This model challenges traditional assumptions that housing must be profit-driven, showing how social solidarity, shared responsibility, and affordability can coexist. It’s remarkably engaging because it links policy, economics, and community values, illustrating how local governance and citizen participation can yield more sustainable, inclusive housing outcomes.

Globally, Zurich’s model offers lessons for cities facing high rents and inequality. It shows how housing policy can balance market forces with social goals. The article highlights debates about fairness, scale, and state support, urging readers to consider community-led solutions for more equitable and sustainable housing.

What policies should be implemented to tackle the issue:

The United Nations recognises adequate housing as a fundamental human right, central to dignity, security, and equality (Article 25, Universal Declaration of Human Rights). Yet, the global housing crisis reveals that this right remains unrealised for many in Ireland and globally. To advance this goal, governments should adopt policies that treat housing as a social necessity rather than a market commodity. Expanding non-profit and cooperative housing models, as seen in Zurich, can make the right to housing more tangible by ensuring affordability, stability, and community control. States should provide public financing, land access, and legal protections to guarantee that all residents can live in safe, secure, and sustainable homes. Embedding UN housing rights principles—such as accessibility, affordability, and participation—into national housing strategies would help bridge the gap between policy and human need, creating inclusive urban environments that reflect the UN’s vision of housing as a universal right rather than a privilege.

The Polish president has introduced a new law, the zero personal income tax which is created for those families with at least two children. This was introduced to reduce family's financial disadvantage and challeges for those earning up to 32,973 euros per year. This is not only for parents, but also for legal guardians and foster parents. However, even though this is a nice incentive it still presents some gaps and inequalities. The ones that benefit the most from this law are the wealthiest citizens, rather than the low-income ones. The article explains it perfectly, if a family earns 2,826 per month, they get a relief of 215, but one that earns less can save only around 17 euros per month.

I find this article important

I found this article on TikTok, and I found it to be an innovative law and even though it doesn't cover everyone, it is still an incentive that I think other countries should try to implement or it should be kept in consideration. The fewer burned and boundaries we remove from families the more positive growth we can see in the economy and socially. Having laws of this type can also increase the birth rate, making citizens more inclined to create families and the feeling of being supported by the government.

What policy actions can be/have been made to deal with the issue:

A policy action that can be made to deal with the issue is to try to ensure and support those families that need it the most. By trying to prioritise the low-income households and provide direct financial assistance. This will promote financial stability, social equality and long-term benefit.

While there’s talks of anti-immigration and xenophobia rising in Europe and Ireland, these people tend to ignore or misunderstand the significant economic contribution made by inward migration. The article talks about the potential role that culture has played in Ireland's better understanding for immigrants struggles and having a better acceptance to immigrants integrating to Ireland. The economy has shown to improve as more than 60% of our working-class immigrants are previous graduates, meaning they are well educated. Ireland has a huge IT sector, where 40% of the people within the sector are immigrants with an average salary of €90,000 per annum. Ireland's tax revenue growth has sped up because of the increase of immigrants coming into Ireland, Immigration has also helped Ireland's rapid ageing issue. Ireland is doing better when it comes to benefiting from immigration than other European countries. Our healthcare and health services are backed by immigrants, as 40% of doctors in Ireland are immigrants and 30% of health service workers in Ireland are also immigrants. The article compares Ireland to the rest of the EU stating; the EU’s population would have fell by 3% without immigration and instead increased by 1.6%. There is some issues with integration, as a third of the immigrants coming into the EU left school early and may struggle to acquire the local language and therefore struggle to find work. Ireland has a striving economy and with the 22% of people born outside of Ireland aiding that growth.

Why do I find this article interesting?

The article highlights the importance of immigrants and the very real need for them to continue to come to Ireland. Besides the humanistic values that we hold in accepting people fleeing countries that are experiencing trauma, we can also recognise a statistical benefit from accepting immigrants, they keep the healthcare systems stable, as 40% of our doctors our immigrants and without them we would be struggling. There's also a common misconception the immigrants are poorly educated, however the article highlights that 60% of the working-class immigrants are previous graduates meaning they have adequate education, we have a high rate of well-educated immigrants in Ireland. The article also mentions Ireland's cultural background, and that being a potential reason why the Irish are more accepting of immigrants as we understand their struggles because of our own history, It's possible that because of that understanding, that we have allowed for a better environment for immigrants to be in Ireland. However, I am not happy with our integration process, I think we need to do a better job at helping the integration of these people coming in, with things like language classes and helping make job applications. We need to have a better system of integration to help the one third of immigrants from low educated backgrounds.

What Policy actions can be/ have been made to deal with the issue?

While our immigration policies allow for the stability of our healthcare system as 40% of doctors in Ireland are immigrants, that is only a highlighted benefit for our country. We need to create a policy that helps immigrants with recovery from trauma and one third of immigrants in Ireland struggle with finding work as they left school early, our integration policies need to do better at helping overcome education and language barriers so that immigrants coming in can make better economic contributions. We need better access of education in Ireland to immigrants, a policy that ensures that immigrants get basic education regardless of status. I think because 22% of our population is born outside Ireland we should help that 22% to sustain a good life. We cannot ignore the implantation gaps as there are people coming from poor conditions arriving in Ireland only to end up in similar conditions, we have an obligation to help people with their struggles when it comes to integrating.

Small island states, faced with the loss of their physical landmass, are grappling in a very real way with the question of how to preserve their sovereignty and culture in the face of climate change. Due to rising sea levels, the island of Tuvalu may not be inhabitable for much longer - with land including critical infrastructure projected to sit below the level of the current high tide by 2050. Faced with this existential threat, Tuvaluan authorities are attempting to preserve their statehood by building a digital copy of the country - a virtual-reality ‘replica’ to preserve the nation's culture - as well as act as a digital assurance of the legal rights of Tuvalu’s 11,000 citizens. 

What policy actions can be/has been made to deal with the issue:

The Tuvaluan government announced the digital project as part of its wider ‘Future Now’ Project in 2022, during a speech by the Tuvaluan Foreign Minister Simon Kofe at COP27. This policy was largely an international diplomatic effort which focussed on a pragmatic solution to the threat to Tuvaluan culture. The policy attempts to digitalise all Islands and facilities in Tuvalu, as well as seeks to create digital passports, stored on the blockchain, to allow the government to continue to function remotely. Current international law is ill-suited to countries facing loss of territory or habitability due to climate change – it requires that a sovereign nation-state must have both a clearly defined territory and a permanent population. The recent policy of creating a digital state aids Tuvalu in bypassing this first criteria and assuring its statehood. As the first of its kind, the policy hopes to provide a new model of statehood, better adapted to the needs and capacities of a modern, warming and increasingly online world. This new conceptualisation of statehood has been enshrined in Tuvalu’s constitution and is being increasingly recognised by other nations – largely those in similar predicaments caused by climate-change.  

Despite the notion of a capitulation to climate change implied by Tuvalu’s policy of digitalisation,  the Tuvaluan Government continues to spend millions on land reclamation through coastal adaptation projects. Such projects include strips of flood-free land which have been added to the islands of Funaguti and Fogafale, providing space for housing, infrastructure and other essential services, as well as new protective barriers holding back the tides from reaching homes, schools, hospitals, farmland and other cultural assets on the islands of Nanumaga and Nanumea.The Tuvaluan Government describes this dual policy approach as sensible in “planning for multiple scenarios – both best-case and worst-case”.

I find this article interesting as:

The focus of the social policy issue on the land not only as an asset, but as the basis of dignity and culture of the group was very interesting to me. In allowing Tuvaluan citizens to submit their most valued possessions and highlight the most sentimental lands, the digital archive maintains Tuvaluan sovereignty as something beyond its legal definition. I find this policy interesting as it represents a shift from the ‘we are not drowning, we are fighting’ mantra that has previously shaped the rhetoric of Pacific Islands towards climate change, towards a capitulation to the loss of their lands.

I am interested by the critiques of this policy – that digitalisation is ironic by representing the same kind of resource-intensive approach which causes climate change in the first place; and whether this policy is a legitimate measure to address the issue of rising sea levels or simply a public-relations exercise designed to grab international attention and persuade richer nations to reduce their emissions in order to protect the islands. 

Why I find this article interesting
I find this article particularly meaningful because it draws attention to an issue that has long been overlooked at the international level. Until now, there have been few large-scale initiatives focusing solely on the elderly population. The idea of establishing global standards for protecting older people’s rights is inspiring, as it aims not only to improve their material well-being but also to address psycho-emotional needs and combat ageism. I think it is crucial that the topic of ageing is finally gaining the same level of political and moral importance as other human rights debates.

What policy action can be/has been implemented to tackle this issue
Following the UN Human Rights Council’s 2025 decision, an intergovernmental working group was created to begin drafting the convention. This represents the first concrete step toward international legal protection for older persons. To advance this initiative, more countries should be encouraged to join and actively contribute to the treaty process. Governments should also review their national legislation to identify gaps in the protection of older citizens and align domestic law with the emerging international standards. Beyond legal frameworks, countries could invest in social infrastructure, such as accessible healthcare systems, inclusive digital services, and monitoring mechanisms that ensure older people’s participation in policymaking.

The challenge lies in translating these strategic goals into real improvements for older people’s everyday lives, especially given that many pensioners continue to live below the poverty line and face difficulties accessing modern digital services.

Why I find this article interesting
I find this article interesting because it is important to compare how well official strategies reflect the reality of ageing in Russia. Although the government often highlights its efforts to improve the living standards of older citizens, many pensioners still face economic hardship and social isolation. It is striking to see this contrast between policy language and lived experience.

What policy action can be/has been implemented to tackle this issue
Some steps have already been taken, such as developing regional programmes that promote active ageing, volunteering, and retraining for people over 55.

However, to make the strategy effective, further actions are necessary. Independent social surveys should be carried out regularly to understand the real living conditions, health status, and digital accessibility of older Russians. Corruption and inefficiency in social service delivery must be addressed to ensure that funding reaches those who need it most.

Finally, closing the digital gap is essential: with only about 13 percent of people over 60 in Russia actively using the internet, digital training and simpler online services could dramatically increase older citizens’ participation and autonomy.

Why I find this article interesting
I find this example relevant because I am from Saint Petersburg, and both my grandmothers fall within the target group of this programme. This personal connection makes it easier to see the gap between how well the project is described on paper and how it actually works. While the idea of cultural inclusion is admirable, it does not always consider the practical barriers older people face (such as poor digital literacy, transport difficulties, or financial constraints). For me, it is a reminder that effective social policy should start with real needs rather than symbolic initiatives.

What policy action can be/has been implemented to tackle this issue
The “Silver Age” programme has already created some infrastructure for social participation, including city-wide volunteer networks and a social service hotline. However, to make it inclusive, many improvements should be implemented. First, cultural and educational opportunities should be offered through both online and offline channels, ensuring participation for those without internet access.

The city could also expand free transport options and organise events closer to where older residents live. Local authorities should prioritise economic and health-related support to guarantee that older people’s basic needs are met before promoting cultural activities.

Finally, regular feedback from participants should be collected to adapt the programme to real conditions and make it genuinely beneficial for Saint Petersburg’s ageing population.

The UN World Drug Report “Special Points of Interest Section” shows the challenges and responses to different issues surrounding drug use and trade. In the 2025 publication, it uses data collected and analysed from 2023. The report has helpful infographics showing the data at the start and throughout. The first set of infographics that show how women are impacted by the drug trade are helpful when comparing them to previous years' reports. This issue analyses the challenges and responses to three areas: Geopolitics and organised crime, socio-economic vulnerability, and public mental health. It also accounts for “drug-by-drug” developments over the year. The report highlights in the last two challenges the comparisons in how men and women are affected by drug use and the differences in support that they need. 

Why I find this article interesting

This article is interesting due to how it highlights the differences in how drugs impact women and men, and when comparing it to the previous year’s data. Firstly, compared to the 2024 report, there was a slight decrease of a few percentage points in the number of women in treatment in Oceania, Europe, and Asia, while a 3% increase was observed in both America and Africa. There is also a decrease in opiate and cocaine use and an increase in “ecstasy” and amphetamines, when compared to last year’s report. The report says that women initiate drug use later on in life, are more prone to having drug use disorders and contracting HIV and hepatitis C. When looking at amphetamines, women in treatment face more severe symptoms and typically have higher adverse childhood experiences. In terms of finding treatment, women are less likely to seek treatment and face more barriers to treatment due to stigma and fear of losing custody of their children. 

What policy action can be/has been implemented to tackle this issue?

The UN suggests that enhancing sensitivity to issues like the stigma and fears women face within the judicial system and focusing on more serious cases may help in reducing the fear and stigma women face. It also highlights trauma-informed treatment care needed. This particularly helps women due to the high amount of adverse childhood experiences in those facing treatment for amphetamine misuse. These are all informed and valid policy actions that have been seen to help in community level cases.

The article “Better World Tondo Food Bank Feeds Children and Empowers Women Like Elizabeth in the Philippines” by Rise Against Hunger highlights a community based initiative located in Tondo, one of the poorest districts in Metro Manila. The project, known as the “Good Food Grocer,” was established in 2019 at the Better World Tondo community center. It operates as a food bank that provides community members access to fresh produce, shelf-stable groceries, and hot meals for children. The initiative goes beyond food distribution, it engages volunteer mothers, such as Elizabeth, who prepare meals for over 400 primary school students and participate in livelihood programs like mushroom cultivation and chip production. These efforts not only address hunger but also create sustainable sources of income for families within the community.

Why i find this article interesting/important

The initiative is critical because food insecurity remains a severe issue in the Philippines, affecting nearly 45% of the population. By offering regular meals, the program helps improve children’s nutrition, school attendance, and academic focus directly linking food security to educational outcomes. Moreover, the project empowers women through hands-on participation and income-generating activities, which provide financial stability and self-confidence. Families also benefit economically by saving money that would otherwise be spent on food, allowing them to allocate resources to other essentials such as education and utilities. Importantly, the food bank promotes sustainability and long-term development, emphasizing community-led solutions rather than one-time relief efforts.

What policy action can be/has been made to deal with this issue? According to the article.

While the article focuses primarily on the program’s local impact, it also points toward larger policy implications. The Good Food Grocer represents the first initiative of its kind in the Philippines, illustrating a model that could inform future government or NGO-led strategies. The program fills a crucial gap left by limited government school-feeding efforts, which typically run for only a few months each year. Expanding such food-bank models through public-private partnerships could help address ongoing food insecurity nationwide. Additionally, policies that integrate nutrition, education, and livelihood programs could enhance community resilience. The food bank’s system of collecting surplus food and redistributing it also highlights the need for national legislation supporting food-rescue and food-waste reduction. Overall, the project demonstrates how coordinated efforts among NGOs, communities, and government agencies can effectively combat hunger while empowering vulnerable populations.

This article outlines the new Health Service Executive (HSE) audit that took place in Ireland after the home-birth service was moved from community operations to acute operations and now works within the 19 maternity services nationwide. The HSE sought to “establish the “adequacy and effectiveness of governance and risk management” of the home-birth service”. They examined Cork University Maternity Hospital, Rotunda Maternity hospital, and the Coombe Maternity Hospital and reviewed 30 midwifery notes in relation to home-births during the period of March 1st 2023 to February 29th 2024. The results were that home-births pose a “ris to patient safety” as there is no agreed on maximum safe travel time to the nearest maternity hospital or self-employed community midwife. They deemed that there is "no national governance structure in place” due to the reorganisation of the HSE and as a result the acute operations no longer have oversight. Acute operations had previously recommended that all women should reside within 30 minutes or less blue light distance to the nearest maternity service. Current legislation outlines that a consultant for home births should be registered to a specialist division register (SDR) of the Irish Medical Council to be eligible for consultant posts. For “the most exceptional circumstances” a doctor that is not registered under this can become the consultant if all other avenues to find a suitable candidate have been seen through. The number of consultant doctors not registered to the SDR has increased over the years, only going down last year. This is another cause of concern for the audit, claiming that this may increase risks of patient care and future juniors staff’s training going forward

Why I find this article interesting

I find this article interesting as it outlines the declining options for Irish women in regards to their birthing experiences. It highlights the oversights of the HSE and maternity hospitals in the governance of programmes and systems about the safety of regulations on specifically home-births. Irish women’s reproductive health has been a slow moving process in our history and this problem is something that should be highlighted more to the general public so that they are aware of the shortcomings as a result of our government and policy.

What policy actions can be/have been made to deal with the issue

Policy actions such as the implementation of more registered consultants stationed around Ireland in a border manner rather than the healthcare bubbles that are appearing today for the service would be integral to allow Irish women to continue having a choice and autonomy over their bodies. Without structured oversight from the HSE and other governing bodies, the state of the home-birth system will not improve and women will be left again without options. Locally, an incentive led by the community to bring in more registered consultants and midwives in the area should curb the healthcare deserts that women experience, especially in rural areas. Nationally, implementation of policy protecting women’s choices in regards to their birthing experience and implementing them safely is essential for female reproductive health and autonomy within Ireland. 

This article explains how pregnant women being held by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are getting inadequate care and medical neglect. The article refers mainly to the experience of 6 women in two detention centres in Basile, Louisiana and Lumpkin, Georgia. As per ICE policy, it is a general rule that it is prohibited and should not take pregnant, nursing, or postpartum individuals into their custody. Despite this, it has become clear that this is still happening even after officers were informed of the women's pregnancy. The pregnant women reported cases of being shackled and held in restraints, being put into solitary confinement, denied prenatal vitamins and standard prenatal care, medical neglect leading to infection post miscarriage, and medical care without informed consent. Two women in the article report being injected with substances they were not informed about. A major issue appears to be food portions given, as they claim they were not substantial and left them feeling “hungry and malnourished”. A few different women also report experiencing miscarriages within ICE custody. Despite this, in statements given to the guardian Tricia Mclaughlin, the assistant secretary of the homeland security department denies these claims. She states that pregnant women are “subject to elevated oversight” and that they “receive regular prenatal visit, mental health support and accommodations aligned with community standards of care” 

Why I find this article interesting

I find this article interesting as it shows the issues surrounding women’s reproductive rights in the U.S. while in ICE custody. It shows the corruption being perpetrated by employees of ICE in regards to ignoring women’s health and safety as they are detained. 

What policy actions can be/have been made to deal with the issue

Locally, a more rigorous oversight of ICE facilities and implementing health-care inspections should be carried out to ensure better protection of pregnant and post-partum women. Partnering with local health-care providers to make regular visits and provide suitable prenatal care would also ensure no women receives substandard care while in ICE custody should also be performed. Nationally, the end to the detention of pregnant women should be the default standard and ensured through better management of the services. Mandating reports of the status of their detainees, especially those in vulnerable positions and requiring outside independent contractors to do inspections of the reported conditions will ensure a higher level of care for the detainees and responsibility for ICE agents.

Globally, though it is a U.S. specific issue, it highlights issues of migration and human rights. Enforcement from other countries that the U.S. cannot allow mistreatment of individuals and ensure their standards of care are more in line with global human rights treaties

Denmark has now suggested a draft of a law to support teachers being able to step in in situations of student misbehaviour. Many teachers are finding it more difficult to manage and de-escalate situations, and are unsure of what the guidelines are when students are disturbing. This draft proposes that the teacher may intervene when: a student breaks things, hurts or dangers someone, in cases of bullying, or interrupts the lesson to an extreme extent. The law describes different interventions from physical guidance, preventative assistance and in extreme cases, a use of force.

Why I found this interesting:

This is interesting as it highlights a large problem in schools not only in Denmark, but worldwide. A classroom must be calm and safe, however students must also have respect and appropriate protection, which makes finding a balance quite difficult. It raises questions of how schools handle demanding situations in an ethical manner while taking into consideration the rights, respect and authority. I find the legal and ethical considerations into this topic to be very interesting as it raises questions on what “force” is considered to be, and how it could be used and the risk of misuse.

What policy actions can be/have been made to deal with the issue:

There has already been serval policy actions made, such as clarifying the rules and defining the types of interventions. However, something that could be improved is that the intervention methods in the need specifying and a clearer definitions. Schools could implement a training for teachers regarding de-escalation and safe intervention techniques. Additional strategies that would be beneficial to implement is more support staff, and support students from an earlier age with emotional or behavioural challenges. These actions could create a calmer and safe classroom environment, while having the students interest at the focus. This is not central to Denmark, but something that could be applied on a global level. Fostering a positive school culture is crucial for students to do well. Smaller class sizes and a large support staff could be beneficial to lessen conflicts within classrooms. A ethical monitoring system could be useful as well, if used correctly and insuring the students privacy and respect.

The article discusses how academic freedom is increasingly under pressure worldwide, not only in authoritarian regimes, but also in democratic counties. This issue was the focus of an international conference in Londen that was organised by Educational International (EI) and the University and College Union (UCU). Participants included acdemics, union leaders and experts from different countries such as Kenya, the Philippines, Norway and the United States. They came together to discuss how to defend academic freedom more effectively.

The Deputy General Secretary of EI, Haldis Horst, explained that academic freedom is not just about protecting individual scholars, but also about safeguarding the role of higher education in society. Universities need the freedom to question power, produce new knowledge and contribute to public debate. Yet, this freedom is affected by political pressure, job insecurity, funding cuts, and increased market influence over education. Holst argued that attacks on academic freedom are often part of a broader attempt to control knowledge and limit critical thinking. Therefore, defending academic freedom is also about defending the role of education in society.

Why this article is interesting: I think that this article is relevant, because it shows that education is not only about teaching content, but also the ability to think critically and question existing structures. If academic freedom is restricted, education risks to become a tool for control rather than a space for learning and exploring. I think that education is more than just preparing people for the labour market, that it should also encourage critical thinking, social awareness and involvement in the world. I think, if teachers are not allowed to speak openly and cannot challenge things or contribute new knowledge without fear, it has a huge effect on the goal of education, and it will weaken the education system. Protecting academic freedom is therefore really important.

What policies should be/have been implemented to deal with the issue:  

The article outlines several strategies and policy directions to defend and strengthen academic freedom. First of all, EI wants countries to apply the UN Principles for Academic Freedom. These guidelines were created with UN experts, scholars and civil society actors. Secondly, the 1997 UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher Education Teaching Personnel will be amended and updated. This means that there will be clearer and stronger language to affirm academic freedom as a fundamental right for all academics. Furthermore, the article stresses that education unions are essential. So that when researchers are silenced or punished, these unions can raise these cases internationally and create public pressure. In addition, according to the participants, education should be kept as a public good, and not privatising higher education, since this can shift the educational goals from social development and critical thinking to no academic freedom and prioritizing profit. Last but not least, the article argues for stronger labour rights, stable contracts and legal protection for academics to ensure they can work in a free, safe and secure environment.

Overview:

The article argues that meaningful climate progress is now being driven from the Global South, where technological innovation, cheaper clean energy, and market economics are outpacing political ambition. But it warns: without scaled-up, equitable climate financing and faster institutional support, the world risks leaving the most vulnerable behind.

Why I found this article interesting:

I found this article interesting because it reframes climate action through a global-equity lens, highlighting how the future of decarbonisation increasingly depends on countries that have contributed least to the problem. Its focus on innovation, affordability and the economic momentum emerging in the Global South offers a refreshing counterbalance to pessimistic climate narratives. It also raises important questions about justice, finance and global responsibility, making it a compelling piece for anyone thinking about climate change as a social and developmental issue.

What policy actions have been or can be taken to address this ?

Policy actions to address these issues include scaling up concessional climate finance for mitigation and adaptation, supporting just-transition programs, and expanding technology-transfer partnerships that help the Global South adopt clean energy rapidly. Strengthening social protection systems, improving governance capacity, and reforming multilateral development banks to deliver faster, fairer funding are also key. Additionally, coordinated global carbon-market mechanisms and resilient infrastructure investments can ensure vulnerable countries benefit from sustainable growth while contributing meaningfully to global climate goals.

https://www.maitland.nsw.gov.au/news/power-hungry-facilities-set-to-undergo-energy-saving-upgrades-starting-in-2026?

Overview:

Maitland City Council was granted approximately $960,000 from the federal Community Energy Upgrades Fund to reduce energy consumption at two significant council sites: the indoor aquatic centre and the regional art gallery. The entire project value will be $1.9 million, with the rest being provided by the council. The upgrades include changing gas boilers for large electric heat-pumps, adding rooftop and car-park solar panels, and installing battery storage to better manage power use.

Work will start in April 2026 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027. When the upgrades are complete, they are projected to save the council almost $110,000 annually in energy bills and cut carbon emissions by over 330 tonnes of CO₂ every year. According to the council management, the project is both environmentally positive and financially sensible. This post also informs that Maitland has already achieved its target of reducing council-operation-related emissions by 50% by 2030, thanks to a new renewable-energy contract.

Why I find this article interesting:

I find this article interesting because it shows how local governments are taking real, practical steps toward cutting emissions, not just talking about climate goals. Maitland Council is investing in heat-pump technology, solar panels, and battery storage-concrete upgrades that make a clear difference. It also underlines how councils can save money while helping the environment, proving that sustainability doesn't have to be expensive. The fact that these upgrades reduce more than 300,000 kg of emissions each year shows the scale of impact local actions can make. Overall, it's a strong example of meaningful climate action happening at community level.

Policies and actions discussed:

Replace old gas boilers with new electric heat pump systems at the aquatic centre and the art gallery.

Installing rooftop solar panels and car-park solar structures to achieve on-site renewable energy generation.

Adding battery-storage systems to store excess solar power and manage energy use more efficiently.

Using funding provided by the federal Community Energy Upgrades Fund to support these sustainability upgrades.

This will lower emissions and energy costs while moving council facilities towards cleaner, more electrified operations.

Overview: 

This Article looks at how, in a recent EU summit, all the European leaders came together to discuss plans of increasing defence spending across the continent due to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. This invasion has led many in Europe to reevaluate their defence policy, and many states want to increase their defence spending, with the EU creating a new €800Billion plan, which will allow Europe to rearm and procure new military equipment, such as radar or new fighter jets. The article also examines how the US is cutting back its ties with Ukraine in an effort to make Ukraine more willing to come to the negotiation table with russia to end this war however this is all going on without the EU, this had led europe to a place where it believes that it needs to be in a capable place where the continent can defend itself without relying on the US to help which has now resulted in the EU creating around €150 billion in loans to eu member states which can be used to help finance the military or aid for Ukraine. This article also addresses the issue of how some countries, such as Spain and Italy, are struggling to meet the NATO 2% of GDP defence spending requirement, which is one of the areas where the EU can step in and help, as there are currently stringent laws and regulations around budget deficits. Overall, this article examines all key issue surrounding European defence and how these issues are being solved by Europe. 

Why I find this article interesting;

I found this article to be interesting as it looked at such important issues facing our world right now as it has been decades since a war took place on the european continent and now that one is happening, it has forced european nations to reavaluate their defence strategies such as how Finland and Sweden recently joined NATO as a way to proetect themselves against a Russian Aggressor. This fear of what russia could do next has forced many countries to increase their defence spending and one of the ways they are increasing spending is through new EU loans which is oen of the areas  this article investigates as many of these eu nantions are already debt burdened so if they have to increase defence spending than this money has to come from somewhere which means that some other social services will have to be cut. Its this trade off that i find to be very interesting as both of these sectors are important 

What policy action can be made? 

Many different policy actions can be taken, one of them could be to cut subsidies that  go toward certain industries as these may be better spent on local defence companies, this would not only lead to some defence contractors increasing production on their products but it would also help other countries as then they would be able to buy local or buy european which is one the key targets that  the EU want to achieve. Another area would be the removal around all the different rules and regulation that the eu has put in place to stop national govts from borrowing too and while this is done to ensure financial stability, i do believe that if the EU was to make an exception for defence spending then we would see more countries reach the desired nato requirment of 2% GDP spending. This would allow France and Italy for example to increase their defence spending which would benefit their economies since defence is such an important  industry in France. The most important poicy action is the one that will be sacrificed in order to increase defence spending as Govts have to be very careful when cutting funding on social services as they should only cut the least important services which affect the least amount of people as it would not be benefical for the govt to cut a sector that has a big impact on the economy such as education. So it is this balancing act which really intrigues me and especially when it is on a EU level it becomes fascinating due to the complexity of the Union. 

This potential defunding comes at a time when global commitment to development assistance is declining. Major donors, including the US, Germany, France, Belgium, the UK, and the European Commission itself, have scaled back their contributions to overseas development aid. Gavi and the Global Fund, which together have saved more than 90 million lives, remain critical for vaccination access, HIV prevention, and the fight against tuberculosis and malaria. While the Commission confirms discussions with member states about reforming financing models, it has not committed to maintaining current funding levels.

Why I find the article interesting: This article is interesting because it shows the pattern of how global health funding faces an increasingly unstable future as major donors prioritize geopolitical strategy over humanitarian impact. The EU’s potential shift reflects a broader rise in nationalist policymaking since COVID-19 and reveals how major powers influence one another’s aid agendas.

Implications: A reduction in EU overseas development aid would have severe consequences. By stepping back from predictable, long-term funding, the EU risks deepening global health inequalities and undermining essential services that millions rely on. Countries dependent on Gavi and the Global Fund may struggle to sustain vaccination programmes and disease prevention efforts. This would reverse decades of progress and places vulnerable populations at heightened risk.

The article goes through the Norwegian government's new regulations for the Oslo fjord. They have decided to introduce zero-fishing zones as a measure to try and revive the increasingly degraded ecosystem. The decision comes after years of contemplation on how to best restore the fjord and the local fish stocks. The ban will enter into force 1st of January 2026, with partial restrictions that already started in October. This is part of a broader restoration plan by the government, and they highlight that it is not designed to punish fishermen. The local reactions along the fjord are, however, mixed.

Why I find this article interesting

I find this article interesting because it shows a clear shift in the Norwegian government's policy. Even though the fjord has restrictions from before, these have only banned fishing of certain fish stocks for periods of time. Deciding that a full fishing ban would go into place shows the severity of the environmental challenge. It also shows that the government are actually doing something, and not just discussing different policies that might help the fjord. The Oslo fjord has been degrading for years, so everyone knew that actions had to be taken. It is therefore very interesting that they finally decided to do something.

What policy actions can be/have been made to deal with the issue

The policies discussed in the article were made and implemented by the Norwegian government. They include three large zero-fishing zones in the Oslo fjord, where neither commercial nor recreational fishing will be allowed. There will also be restrictions on gear traps and persons per boat for recreational fishers outside of these zones. For commercial fishers, there will also be more restrictions on gear. It is also pointed out that this is just one part of the plan, and that tackling pollution, runoff from agriculture, plastic cleanup etc, will also be incorporated with their own policies.

What policy actions can be/has been made to deal with this issue:

The UN -Habitats upcoming strategic plan for 2026-2029 promotes policies centred on 3 major impact areas, inclusive prosperity, preparedness, recovery and climate sustainability, each will address a core weakness in current urban development. Under inclusive prosperity the plan promotes policies that expand access to adequate affordable housing and secure land rights. This includes supporting countries in creating national housing strategies, improving urban planning systems, and strengthening local governments so they can manage rapid urban growth more effectively. The second pillar, preparedness, recognises conflicts, natural disasters and climate driven events harm people in informal housing, this strategy is calling for policies to make cities more reliant. The third focus is climate sustainability, supporting cities to reduce their emissions.

Why i found this article interesting:

I found this article interesting because it reveals just how massive and urgent the global housing crisis really is, something that often goes unnoticed in everyday news. The billions of people lacking basic shelter, land security, water, and sanitation is shocking, and it highlights how deeply this issue affects health, safety, and economic opportunity. The article connected global statistics, human impact, and international policy in a way that made the issue feel both important and urgent.

Overview

The European Union has announced it will provide development funding to countries negatively affected by its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), according to a Reuters report. The CBAM, which will begin imposing CO₂ tariffs as early as next year on imports such as steel and cement, has drawn criticism from developing economies including Brazil, India, and South Africa, who argue that it penalizes less wealthy nations.

To address these concerns, the EU plans to use part of its proposed “Global Europe” development programme, a €200 billion fund within its 2028–2034 budget, to help these countries decarbonize, adapt to climate change, and carry out regulatory reforms. EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen made clear that the EU will not reverse its climate measures, but is open to offering both financial and technical assistance to support clean industries abroad, such as renewable energy and green hydrogen production, which could also benefit EU import interests.

The EU also plans to deepen its energy diplomacy with businesses and steer clean-tech investments globally, partly to counter China’s dominance in green technology manufacturing.

Why It Matters

This initiative is significant for several reasons:

1. Climate Diplomacy & Equity: By offering development aid, the EU acknowledges that its own climate policy (CBAM) could disproportionately impact developing countries. This is a rare example of combining climate ambition with a sense of global fairness.

2. Incentivizing Green Transition: The funding supports decarbonisation in affected countries, helping them shift from high-carbon industries to clean energy. This not only reduces emissions but also lowers the cost burden those countries face under CBAM.

3. Strengthening Partnerships: The move could build stronger economic and regulatory ties between the EU and developing nations, reinforcing both climate goals and geopolitical alliances.

4. Strategic Investment: By promoting renewable power and hydrogen production in other regions, the EU is securing future supply chains for green technologies, reducing dependence on China and aligning trade with its environmental goals.

5. Policy Signaling: It signals that the EU is serious about its CBAM, but also willing to mitigate negative side-effects, which could make the policy more politically robust and globally acceptable.

Overview

The article from Rinnovabili.it reports that Italy has formally created a National Registry for Voluntary Forest Carbon Credits through an interministerial decree signed on 17 October 2025. The registry will be managed by CREA, the national agricultural research and economics council, which will oversee the certification, monitoring, and transparency of all forest-related carbon-sequestration projects. According to the article, each project must last at least twenty years to guarantee long-term carbon storage, and carbon credits, each representing one tonne of CO₂ removed, may be sold only after five years from project registration. Verification responsibilities will be assigned to accredited third-party bodies that must follow IPCC guidelines and ensure that every project delivers additional environmental benefits beyond what current legislation requires. The registry will also be digital, publicly accessible, and georeferenced, preventing double counting and increasing the integrity of the Italian voluntary carbon market. Eligible activities range from sustainable forest management and reforestation to agroforestry practices and the creation of long-lived wood products. The article also notes that at least 20% of the revenue from credit sales must be reinvested in the preservation and enhancement of forest ecosystems and in local community initiatives. For now, the registry focuses exclusively on forest-based credits, although an agricultural section is expected in the future.

Why It Matters 

The creation of Italy’s National Registry for Forest Carbon Credits is significant because it strengthens the credibility and transparency of the country’s voluntary carbon market at a moment when carbon-offset schemes are under increasing scrutiny. By requiring long-term project commitments and robust third-party verification, Italy is attempting to ensure that the credits represent real, measurable, and durable carbon sequestration. This initiative also opens a new economic pathway for forest owners and rural communities, who can benefit financially from sustainable forest management while contributing to national climate goals. At the same time, the registry supports climate mitigation efforts, since certified reforestation and forest-management projects help remove CO₂ from the atmosphere and improve ecosystem resilience. The obligation to reinvest part of the revenues locally further strengthens its role as a tool for social and environmental development. Finally, the measure aligns Italy with broader European climate strategies, integrating forest carbon credits into a more coherent and accountable national framework.

Overview

According to VercelliOggi, Confagricoltura Piemonte has celebrated the establishment of Italy’s forest carbon-credit registry, with the nation becoming the first in the European Union to launch such a tool. The registry, created under an interministerial decree by the Ministers of Agriculture and the Environment, aims to certify long-term CO₂ absorption through sustainable forest management. Confagricoltura Piemonte’s regional president, Enrico Allasia, emphasized that while the guidelines are now in place, there is still a lot of work ahead, particularly in training personnel across the wood-sector supply chain and digitizing processes to properly calculate and upload credits into the system. Under the rules for the registry, forest-based carbon-sequestration projects must last at least 20 years, and credits, each representing one ton of CO₂ removed, can only be sold after five years. Projects also need to deliver additional environmental benefits beyond legal requirements and ensure long-term carbon storage. Eligible activities include sustainable forest management, reforestation with native species, wood arboriculture, agroforestry, and the use of long-lived wood products (at least 35 years); purely compensatory projects or simple abandonment of land are excluded.

Allasia also highlighted some challenges: Italy’s forest ownership is highly fragmented—much more than in other countries, which complicates effective participation. He pointed out the need to increase forest management planning (currently covering only about 10 % of Italian forests) and to ensure that the labor costs associated with improving forest quality are recognized.

Why It Matters

This development is politically and environmentally significant because it offers a concrete mechanism to monetize carbon sequestration in forests, turning sustainable forest management into a financially attractive activity. By giving forest owners, and especially small or fragmented owners in regions like Piedmont, the opportunity to generate verified CO₂ credits, the policy links climate mitigation with rural economic development. The registry’s long-term requirements (20-year projects) and strong certification criteria (additionality, permanence, environmental sustainability) also help ensure that the carbon stored is real, lasting, and beneficial for biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Moreover, because Italy is the first EU country to adopt this kind of national forest carbon credit registry, the move could set an example for other member states and help drive a broader European market for voluntary forest carbon credits. For Piedmont, in particular, it leverages local expertise in forestry and wood production, potentially strengthening its role in the emerging carbon finance ecosystem. At the same time, the initiative underscores the need for capacity-building, digital infrastructure, and better management planning to make the system work fairly and effectively.

Overview

In Tallaght, an Indian national was attacked through racist violence, unprovoked. In response hundreds of people protested outside the Dail. Members of Ireland's immigrant communities organised a demonstration, demanding urgent action from the government. The victim had only arrived in Ireland weeks before the attack. Significant support from the Indian community was shown at a Tallaght vigil. Kavi Raj, another Indian national living in Tallaght explained that these types of attacks need to be held accountable on a government level. Fear is being put into immigrant communities as Kavi Raj said, “We live in Tallaght – we are afraid to walk outside”. Dublin West TD Ruth Coppinger mentioned at the protest how the cases are not “isolated” and are also underreported. She highlighted the urgent need for community based, anti-racist networks and policies that alleviate the social tensions, like the anti-immigrant sentiment. Ruth Coppinger addressed the repetition that places like Tallaght are seeing attacks commonly on people of colour. The Gardai stated they did not want people to repost the media footage until their investigation is satisfied.

Why do I find this article interesting?

I find the article interesting because it highlights the problems that Ireland has on local levels of protection for people recently arriving in the country. For someone like an Indian international who hasn’t had enough time to adjust to their new diasporic environment, these cases of attacks and racism are frightening, there needs to be some kind of safeguarding bill or policy to watch over immigrants and help for protection reasons. Everyone deserves safety, but as situations like these increase migrant communities will continue to feel unsafe. The people who are committing the crimes of racist attacks are likely coming from lower class backgrounds so there is a need of educational access to those who are discriminating on openness to integration. Ruth Coppinger highlighted the repetition of these attacks, addressing the increase in anti-immigration sentiments, which interests me because of Irelands historical ties to immigration and our general common understanding of what these immigrants are experiencing. We know as a country what its like to need to struggle and seek opportunities elsewhere to protect ourselves and family.

What Policy actions can be/ have been made to deal with the issue?

There is both a child and adult safeguarding bill currently in place to protect people from harm and continue child protection; Children’s first Act 2015 and Adult Safeguarding Bill 2024. However, there is nothing in place to protect immigrants who are still integrating into the country with safeguarding, there is a lack of safety measures around keeping immigrants out of harm's way.

This article (June 2025) examines Ukraine’s approach to its displaced population, particularly the millions of refugees who fled the country following the Russian invasion. The government has stated that it will not forcibly compel Ukrainians to return home, but it hopes to encourage their return through incentives and support programs. This reflects a broader effort to balance humanitarian considerations with national interests, as the government seeks to maintain ties with its citizens abroad while preparing for long-term reconstruction and social stability. The article highlights the challenges of engaging a population that has adapted to life abroad, particularly in terms of education, employment, and social integration.

Why I find this article interesting

I find this article interesting because it underscores the complex social and demographic consequences of war. While much attention is often given to immediate security or economic impacts, this piece shows how conflict can reshape population patterns and social policy priorities. It illustrates the difficulties governments face in encouraging citizens to return after displacement, especially when economic and personal prospects are better elsewhere. This provides valuable insight into the long-term social challenges Ukraine faces, complementing the discussion on brain drain and youth migration.

Policy action to address the issue

To manage the return of refugees and retain engagement with Ukrainians abroad, the government has pursued a mix of supportive measures. These include financial assistance, access to housing, and programs designed to facilitate reintegration into education and the workforce. Combined with broader demographic strategies, such as the Demographic Development Strategy 2040, these initiatives aim to create conditions that make returning or staying in Ukraine more attractive. While voluntary return remains central, these policies reflect a strategic attempt to balance humanitarian principles with long-term national recovery and development goals.

The article (September 2025) draws attention to a dramatic demographic decline in Ukraine over the past three decades. According to the Institute’s estimates, Ukraine’s population dropped from 52.2 million in 1993 to about 42 million in 2022 — a 20 % decline over 30 years. As of early 2025, only around 31.5 million people live in government‑controlled territory, signalling an effective loss of roughly 10 million people, largely attributed to the war. The expert quoted in the article, the institute’s deputy‑director, points out that deaths still significantly outnumber births: in the first half of 2025, there were 249,000 deaths and only 86,800 births — a ratio of roughly 2.9 to 1. Moreover, the age and sex structure of the population has become skewed: the population is ageing, and there is a notable gap in life expectancy between men and women — especially high mortality among working‑age men. In addition to war‑related deaths and displacement, migration plays a central role: many working‑age people have left in search of safety, education or better opportunities abroad, which further depletes the demographic base of the country.

Why I find this article important:

This article is significant because it highlights Ukraine’s deep and long-term demographic challenges, which predate the war but have been accelerated by it. The sharp drop in births and high mortality shows the problem is not just emigration but a systemic decline in fertility and aging population, affecting the workforce and economic recovery. It also demonstrates that simple measures, like one-off birth payments, are insufficient — long-term, structural policies are needed to sustain families and society.

What policy actions can be/ have been made to deal with the issue:

Experts recommend multipronged strategies: sustained family support including housing and loans, flexible work and childcare solutions, and incentives for parents. A single measure alone won’t suffice; comprehensive social, economic, and housing policies are required to rebuild demographic sustainability. Ukraine may not return to pre-1990 population levels, so policies should also focus on adapting to a smaller, more productive population. The Demographic Development Strategy 2040 provides a framework for these long-term goals.

This article traces the dimensions of the global housing crisis, where over a billion people are living in slums or informal settlements, with millions more facing conditions of absolute homelessness. Rapid urbanisation, especially in Africa and the Asia-Pacific regions, has resulted in inadequate housing, poor sanitation, and limited access to basic services. Climate change further increases the risks for people living under unstable living conditions. In response to these challenges, the UN-Habitat Assembly in Nairobi is engaged in the development of its 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, centered on adequate housing, access to land, basic services, and the transformation of informal settlements in order for sustainable urban development to be achieved.

Why I find this article interesting:

What interests me most in this article is the fact that it indicates the housing crisis as a global phenomenon that is affecting billions of people across different parts of the world. It is telling that inadequate housing, lack of basic services, and climate change impacts are not problems but certainly challenges faced worldwide. It's interesting to see that the UN-Habitat Assembly is working on international, long-term solutions, recognising the need for global cooperation to improve living conditions and support sustainable development.

What policies actions can be/have been made to deal with the issue:

Policy responses have highlighted UN-Habitat's 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, which will enhance access to adequate housing, upgrade informal settlements, and improve basic services such as water and sanitation. Governments and UN agencies continue to work together to strengthen global cooperation and financing for housing projects while promoting climate-resilient infrastructure to protect vulnerable communities in high-risk areas from disasters.

OVERVIEW:

The Irish Times article covers the stories of many migrants who have successfully integrated into Irish society and the citizenship ceremony. Many come from different countries and cultures around the world, but all have one thing in common, is the connection and active participation in the Irish society. This piece of news highlights the personal stories and how multicultural Ireland is transforming.

I FIND THIS ARTICLE INTERESTING:

I always had an interest in integration and the melting pot of cultures. These ceremonies are something that doesn’t happen back home in Italy, I find the celebration of this moment, should not be done just in Ireland, but all over the world. Definitely, it makes the moment memorable and has a huge impact on the Irish culture and communities.

POLICY ACTIONS THAT COULD BE DEVELOPED:

The ceremonies shouldn’t be the end of this journey, but just the beginning. Trying to develop a course, that brings further integration through sport, art, music and many more activities is needed to be actively engaged and part of the Irish community. Also, economic development is needed, more promotion to education, training and development of these individuals is essential as well. For the to be fully involved in the labour market and make everyone's skills balanced and equal. Especially, when many certificates from other countries are not always recognised.

The piece of article explains the delay and challeges of old citizenship process, compared with the new proces with the introduction of the four digital system from Department of Justice. The piece of article describes the frostrating feeling that citizen espress,also the untrust that they have towards the system. The article higlight the stress and unfairness that the process cause on people.

WHY I FIND THIS ARTICLE INTRESTING:

I find it intresting because it shows the challeges in the system, ven when there’s the introduction to upgrade the system. This, still create a gap to inequality. The aricle express the feeling of the people that deal withthis system first hand, which makes me understand this issue better.

WHAT POLICY ACTION CAN BE/HAS BEEN MADE TO DEAL WITH THE ISSUE:

A policy that can be make is the more attetion to deal with old process pending or be more transparent with the deadline on the process. This would leave the feeling of burden and anxiety on the indivdual.