Global Times

The United States has rejected a United Nations declaration on preparing for future pandemics, according to The New York Times. The move sets Washington apart from international efforts to strengthen global coordination against future health emergencies, and it has drawn attention to tensions over how far nations should commit to shared pandemic planning and response obligations.

NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service is highlighting forecasts of a very strong El Nino in 2026-2027, warning that unusually warm waters in the tropical Pacific could reshape weather patterns worldwide. Strong El Nino events typically bring heavier rains to parts of the Americas, drought to Australia and Southeast Asia, and altered hurricane and monsoon seasons, prompting scientists to urge early preparation.

President Donald Trump spoke before world leaders at the United Nations summit, in an address carried live by major US news outlets. The speech drew large audiences as viewers followed his remarks to the General Assembly in real time, with commentary focusing on his message to the international community.

A New York Times analysis examines why Chinese officials and researchers have grown wary of international appeals for AI safety cooperation. The report suggests Beijing views safety initiatives partly through the lens of geopolitical competition, suspecting calls for shared oversight could slow its domestic AI industry or constrain its ambitions relative to the United States, complicating efforts at global coordination.

Bill Gates said international cooperation on artificial intelligence is proving more difficult than nuclear arms negotiations were during the Cold War. He argued that nuclear talks had two dominant adversaries, while AI involves many competing companies and governments racing for advantage. His remarks have fuelled ongoing debate about whether meaningful global rules for AI can be agreed in time.

Iran and other world leaders are delivering full speeches on the second day of the 2026 UN General Assembly in New York. Live coverage from outlets including the Associated Press is drawing a large global audience, with viewers following statements on conflicts including Ukraine and wider diplomatic tensions as leaders use the annual gathering to set out their positions.

Saudi Arabia has indicated it could pursue developing nuclear weapons, according to a New York Times report on US-Saudi political discussions. The statement marks a significant shift in the kingdom's public stance on nuclear capability and raises questions about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, particularly given regional tensions and ongoing negotiations with Washington over security guarantees and civilian nuclear cooperation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has spoken at the United Nations, drawing international attention to the ongoing war with Russia. Analysts and commentators are weighing his appeal for continued global support, with discussion focusing on what his message signals for Western backing and the diplomatic standing of Ukraine on the world stage.

A new comparison of twenty forecasts published over the past year examines when the global DRAM and NAND memory shortage might ease. The outlooks differ widely: AI-driven demand and limited wafer capacity have kept supply tight, while new fab construction and shifts in memory technology offer possible relief. There is no consensus on timing.

British authorities have arrested five people on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack near a UK airbase that is used by US forces. The arrests were reported by international outlets including The Times of India. Details about the suspects, the alleged target, or the timing of the operation have not yet been made public, and investigations are understood to be ongoing.

Commentary in Global Times argues that the European Union's energy price crisis cannot be solved through domestic measures alone and requires broader international trade cooperation. The piece suggests that diversifying energy supplies and strengthening trade partnerships would help stabilise prices and improve the EU's energy security amid ongoing cost pressures.

Berkshire Research Group (BRG) has appointed Marc Metrick, the former CEO of Saks Global, as a managing director in its corporate finance practice. The move brings a veteran retail executive into advisory work at a time when the department store and luxury retail sector is undergoing significant restructuring. Metrick led Saks through years of e-commerce transformation and its recent corporate consolidation.

Saudi Arabia has withdrawn from a China-led cross-border currency platform, according to the Financial Times. The move marks a retreat from Beijing's efforts to build alternatives to dollar-based international payments, and it will fuel debate over the pace at which Gulf states are willing to align financially with China. The reported decision has drawn wide attention given the kingdom's central role in global oil trade and dollar settlement.

Milan Fashion Week is under way in the Italian fashion capital, with the Financial Times reporting that the industry is hoping the shows will inject some energy and excitement into a difficult period for luxury. Designers, brands and buyers are looking for standout collections that can revive consumer enthusiasm as the global fashion market slows.