The African Union (AU) Summit, themed ‘Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,’ is currently underway at the Nasrec Exhibition Centre in Johannesburg. This high-profile event underscores the AU’s dedication to advancing multilateral cooperation and influencing global discussions, as highlighted in an official press release. The summit’s theme resonates deeply with the objectives outlined in the AU’s Agenda 2063, a strategic framework for the continent’s socio-economic transformation. Key topics on the agenda include inclusive and sustainable economic growth, development financing, and the pressing issue of external debt. The gathering has drawn participation from 42 nations, comprising the 19 remaining G20 members—excluding the United States—16 invited countries, and six representatives from regional economic communities across Africa, the Caribbean, and East Asia. Notably, South Africa’s G20 presidency will conclude on November 30, with the United States set to assume the role in 2026. The anticipated centerpiece of the summit is the Leaders’ Declaration, currently under negotiation among G20 member states, which is expected to outline actionable commitments and collaborative strategies.
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Barbados Implementation Modalities (BIM) are mobilised
The Barbados Implementation Modalities (BIM) have been officially finalized and operationalized during the 7th Meeting of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) in Manila, Philippines. This milestone marks a significant step in addressing the financial and operational challenges posed by climate-induced loss and damage. The BIM, initially launched at the FRLD’s Fifth Board Meeting in Barbados earlier this year, establishes the foundational framework for financing, operations, and disbursement processes in the fund’s first phase.
Senator Elizabeth Thompson, Barbados’ Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for Climate Change, Small Island Developing States, and Law of the Sea, praised the board members for their unwavering commitment to the cause. She emphasized the collective effort that brought the BIM to fruition, stating, “Today is your day, and I thank you.”
Ambassador Thompson highlighted the profound impact of climate-induced loss and damage on vulnerable regions, where lives, livelihoods, and economies are pushed to the brink of disaster. She underscored the urgency of scaling up the fund to match the severity of damage caused by extreme weather events, citing the “apocalyptic” devastation of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica as a stark example.
While celebrating this milestone, Thompson reminded attendees of the ongoing struggles faced by frontline countries battling climate change. She called for sustained efforts to transform and improve lives, emphasizing that the suffering of these nations is not of their own making. The operationalization of the BIM represents a critical step toward addressing these challenges and fostering global resilience.
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Malaysia and Russia were the focus of the week’s agenda in Ethiopia
From November 18 to 20, Malaysian leader Anwar Ibrahim embarked on a significant diplomatic mission in Ethiopia’s capital, marking a pivotal moment in bilateral relations. The visit centered around the inaugural high-level business forum between the two nations, designed to enhance trade partnerships and identify new avenues for collaboration. Ethiopian President Taye Atske-Selassie, addressing the forum, underscored the necessity of deepening strategic ties in light of the rapidly changing global economic and political landscape. Despite diplomatic relations being established in 1965, Selassie emphasized that the current era demands a more robust and multifaceted partnership. Key areas of focus include trade and investment, agriculture, livestock, and mining, all of which are critical to Ethiopia’s development agenda. Selassie described the forum as a historic milestone that not only reaffirms the enduring friendship between Ethiopia and Malaysia but also sets the stage for a future defined by enhanced economic cooperation, mutual understanding, and shared prosperity. Anwar Ibrahim echoed these sentiments, highlighting the longstanding diplomatic alliance and shared global perspectives between the two nations. He lauded Ethiopia’s remarkable progress in reform and development, attributing it to the country’s untapped potential and visionary leadership. The forum concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering deeper economic and diplomatic collaboration, signaling a promising trajectory for Ethiopia-Malaysia relations.
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Vietnam-RSA relations strengthened with Strategic Partnership
During the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership. This significant development was formalized through a Joint Declaration, which underscores the commitment of both nations to deepen their collaboration across various sectors. The Vietnamese government’s official online publication highlighted the partnership’s goal to serve as a model of cooperation among Global South countries, with a particular focus on enhancing economic, trade, and investment ties. To operationalize this vision, both leaders advocated for the swift creation of an Action Plan and the immediate formation of a working group to streamline market access for goods and products from both nations. The partnership aims to boost bilateral trade volume to between four and five billion dollars within the next two to three years, marking a new chapter in Vietnam-South Africa relations.
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Vietnam and South Korea to forge a new vision of cooperation
During a significant diplomatic engagement, To Lam, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), warmly welcomed Woo Won Shik, the President of the South Korean National Assembly, who concluded a three-day official visit to Vietnam. Lam emphasized the profound importance of this visit, highlighting its potential to foster enhanced cooperation between the legislative bodies of both nations. He underscored the visit’s role in establishing a robust legal framework aimed at ensuring stable, comprehensive, and sustainable collaboration across various sectors. Lam expressed his satisfaction with the productive discussions between Tran Thanh Man, the Speaker of Vietnam’s National Assembly, and Woo Won Shik. He expressed optimism that the parliaments of both countries would continue to play a pivotal role in advancing economic cooperation. Additionally, Lam encouraged South Korea to bolster the capabilities of Vietnamese enterprises, enabling them to integrate more effectively into the global supply chains of South Korean businesses. This meeting marks a significant step in deepening the strategic partnership between Vietnam and South Korea, with a focus on mutual growth and development.
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Memoirs of a Russian ballet master at Saturday Book Fair in Cuba
In a captivating new memoir, the acclaimed choreographer and brother of legendary ballerina Maya Plisetskaya offers a profound glimpse into the 20th-century art world and the luminaries of Russian ballet. His narrative weaves through a life deeply connected to dance, particularly in Cuba, where he left an indelible mark. In 1963, under a cultural agreement between the Soviet Union and Cuba, he was appointed as the principal partner of Alicia Alonso at the National Ballet of Cuba, a role he held for eight of his ten years in the country. During this transformative period, he not only performed but also taught at the Havana Ballet Academy, honing his craft as a choreographer. His creative genius gave birth to iconic ballets such as *La Avanzada* (1964), *Primer Concierto* (1971), and his magnum opus, *Canto Vital* (1973). These works remain staples of the Cuban repertoire and have been embraced by ballet companies worldwide, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in the global dance community.
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Delegations arriving in Angola for the AU-EU summit
Jorge Cardoso, the Director for Africa, the Middle East, and Regional Organizations at the Angolan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has announced that 42 heads of state and government have confirmed their participation in an upcoming international summit. Delegations are scheduled to arrive between Saturday and Sunday, with some expected to land as late as Monday. Notably, 42 delegations hail from the African continent, while 26 represent the European bloc. Cardoso, serving as the event’s spokesperson, emphasized the significant European presence, with 14 delegations led by heads of state or government. The summit will also feature the participation of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, alongside representatives from key UN specialized agencies. Additionally, the president of the African Development Bank, Sidi Ould Tah, and delegates from various regional organizations have confirmed their attendance, underscoring the event’s global significance.
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China and the US exchanged views on maritime military security
From November 18 to 20, China and the United States engaged in high-level discussions to address maritime and air security concerns, as reported by the Chinese military’s official WeChat account. The talks focused on evaluating the current state of bilateral security and analyzing typical scenarios involving naval and air force encounters. Both sides reviewed the annual implementation of the ‘Code of Conduct for Safe Encounters between China and the United States Maritime and Air Forces,’ a framework designed to enhance operational professionalism and safety. Additionally, the delegations explored measures to improve the management of maritime military security and agreed on preliminary topics for the 2026 working group meeting. The discussions underscored the importance of this mechanism in reducing the risk of misunderstandings and strengthening crisis management capabilities. China reiterated its firm stance against any actions, under the guise of freedom of navigation or overflight, that infringe upon its sovereignty and security.
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COP30 loopt vast: diepe kloof over afbouw fossiele brandstoffen
The COP30 climate negotiations in Belém, Brazil, have reached a critical impasse as participating nations remain deeply divided over the future of fossil fuels, the central theme of this year’s summit. Weeks of discussions have failed to bridge the gap between countries advocating for a rapid phase-out of oil, gas, and coal and those resisting such measures. The latest draft of the final agreement notably omits any reference to phasing out fossil fuels, drawing sharp criticism from a coalition of nations, scientists, and climate organizations, who argue that this omission is incompatible with the Paris Agreement goals. Small island states, European countries, and some Latin American nations are pushing for binding commitments to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. On the opposing side, major oil and gas producers, including Gulf states, Russia, and several African and South American nations, argue that a hard exit from fossil fuels would destabilize their economies. Instead, they advocate for emissions reductions and technological solutions like carbon capture, without binding production limits. Another major sticking point is climate financing. Developing nations are demanding concrete commitments for funds addressing loss and damage, forest protection, and compensation for the economic impacts of climate measures. Wealthy nations, however, remain hesitant to commit without broader participation from emerging economies like China, India, and Brazil. Host country Brazil has called for unity, warning that a failure to reach an agreement would severely weaken global climate action. However, the negotiations have been further complicated by logistical issues, a fire at the conference center, and growing frustration among participants and civil society organizations. The core of the deadlock is clear: while the world seeks to reduce CO₂ emissions, not all nations are willing to cut oil and gas production. Developing countries demand financial guarantees before making commitments, and wealthy nations fear legally binding obligations. Without breakthroughs on fossil fuels and climate financing, a robust final agreement remains unlikely.
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Carnival Cruise Line will be offering longer trips to the Dominican Republic.
Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled a strategic redeployment of its fleet for the 2027-28 season, responding to unprecedented consumer demand by introducing extended Caribbean itineraries and optimizing vessel assignments across key homeports. The comprehensive restructuring will position four ships from Galveston, Texas, beginning November 2027, offering voyages ranging from four to ten days throughout the Caribbean basin.
The revised deployment strategy features distinct itinerary patterns based on duration. Shorter cruises will focus primarily on Mexican destinations including Cozumel and Progreso, while extended voyages will encompass an expansive array of ports across multiple nations. These longer journeys will include calls at Belize, Grand Turk, Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic, Limón in Costa Rica, Colón in Panama, Roatán, Grand Cayman, and Montego Bay, Jamaica, alongside Carnival’s private destinations of Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay.
Notable itinerary innovations include Carnival Sunshine’s introduction of eight new cruises featuring a specialized 10-day circuit visiting Cozumel, Isla Tropicale, Montego Bay, and Grand Cayman. Simultaneously, Carnival Spirit will operate from Tampa, Florida, offering six to eight-day voyages to Belize, Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios in Jamaica, and Mexican ports. The Spirit will additionally deploy six eight-day Panama Canal itineraries visiting Limón, Grand Cayman, and Colón, culminating in an exceptional 13-day Carnival Journeys cruise on January 30, 2028, with extended port calls in Grand Cayman, Limón, Colón, Aruba, Curaçao, and Ocho Rios.
A significant vessel reassignment will see Carnival Sunshine, with its 3,000-passenger capacity, repositioned to Galveston instead of Carnival Spirit, which will transition to Tampa operations. This capacity enhancement strategically addresses growing demand from the Texas market while enabling the introduction of novel longer-duration Caribbean voyages from Florida.
Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, emphasized the consumer-driven nature of these changes: ‘This strategic redeployment allows us to serve increased guest demand in Galveston while simultaneously introducing new, extended Caribbean itineraries for travelers departing from Tampa.’ The comprehensive fleet optimization demonstrates Carnival’s commitment to matching vessel capacity with market demand while expanding destination options for Caribbean-bound travelers.