The G7 and the crisis in the Middle East are the two hot topics on everyone’s lips this week. The G7 turned out to be a bit of a dud after the US president left early, citing the crisis unfolding in the Middle East. He had a nice photo op with Britain’s Keir Starmer, however, and had a few viral moments where he seemingly rambled on about Putin, Iran-Israel and whatever else came to his mind in the moment (Canada’s Carney hilariously interrupting him was a highlight).
The crisis in the Middle East continues to develop despite European calls for a de-escalation. Donald Trump has signalled the US could enter the war within weeks, leading to speculation several European nations could follow suit. There have also been calls for the Iranian president to be assassinated, which Russia responded to by warning the US that there will be consequences if such an event were to happen.
Analysis
END OF WEEK REVIEW
The G7 and Israel-Iran dominate the global headlines. The week began with the G7 summit in Canada, which was largely overshadowed by Israel’s attack on Iran and the growing tension. Trump quit the G7 meeting early, after heaping praise on Putin, in what was seen as a dig towards Ukraine’s Zelenskyy, who had arrived in Canada not long after Trump left.
European leaders scrambled to put pressure on Russia, but ultimately, without Trump, it came to nothing. They also urged a de-escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict, again coming to nothing as Trump signalled the US could enter the war, and Israel and the US suggested the Iranian leader might be assassinated. Russia said there would be consequences if Iran’s leader were killed.
Trump wants Iran back at the negotiating table over its nuclear weapons programme, but with Israel’s sudden attack – and little to no condemnation from the world – it’s unlikely Iran will surrender the only negotiating tool it has.
MIDWEEK UPDATES
- 🗻 G7 in Canada kicks off with tensions high – World leaders gathered in Alberta for the G7 summit, where climate goals, trade woes, and military strategy are all being eclipsed by a worsening Middle East crisis.
- 💥 Iran–Israel conflict escalates – Israel launched fresh strikes on suspected Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to retaliate with drones and missiles, raising fears of regional war and jolting oil markets. The US president has hinted that the US military might enter the war.
- 🛢️ Global oil prices spike – As tensions rise in the Middle East, oil markets have surged, with Brent crude nearing $100 a barrel, fuelled by security fears and supply disruption worries.
- 🇪🇺 Macron visits Greenland – The French president landed in Nuuk to signal EU Arctic interest and counter past U.S. attempts to buy the island, just before heading to the G7 summit.
- 🧪 Germany jails Syrian war criminal – In a historic ruling, a Frankfurt court sentenced a Syrian doctor to life for war crimes committed under Assad’s regime, in a rare use of global justice powers.
- 💼 US–UK sign trade deal – Talks at the G7 brought a breakthrough on aerospace and car tariffs, as Washington and London sign a trade deal.
🌍 Global Spotlight, Monday 16 June 2025
World leaders have descended on Canada’s Rockies for the G7 summit, where discussions—especially between the US and EU—are being overshadowed by spiralling Iran‑Israel hostilities. Iran launched dozens of missiles and drones at Tel Aviv and Haifa in response to Israeli airstrikes on its nuclear sites, escalating a crisis that’s rattled oil markets and shifted the summit’s focus from trade to urgent de‑escalation efforts (reuters.com).
📅 Key Cultural & Business Events – This Week
✍️ Thought of the day
Move your body, clear your mind. Even a short walk or a gentle stretch can work wonders for your mental health—reducing stress, boosting mood, and improving focus. Physical movement stimulates endorphins, encourages better sleep, and helps break the cycle of overthinking.
Today, give yourself the gift of movement – you don’t need a gym, just a little time and intention.
🌼 Flower of the Week
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)
Blooming across central Europe and the UK in May, the cornflower symbolises hope and remembrance. Once a weed of wheatfields, it’s now a protected wildflower in France and Germany.
🕊️ Bird of the week
Swift (Apus apus)
Why it’s special: Arrives in early May, shrieks overhead in “screaming parties” on summer evenings, and spends nearly its entire life airborne—eating, sleeping, even mating on the wing. Spot it: Look high above towns at dusk for dark, crescent‑winged silhouettes and piercing screams.
Trump demands Iran surrender
U.S. President Donald Trump has dramatically escalated rhetoric amid the Israel–Iran war, calling for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and warning Tehran civilians to evacuate. He claimed U.S. control of Iranian airspace and said he knows the location of Supreme Leader Khamenei, though he stopped short of targeting him, for now.
Meanwhile, hundreds of missiles and drones continue to crisscross between Iran and Israel, with both nations sustaining civilian and military casualties. Trump has ordered reinforcements to the Middle East, and U.S. military deployments—including additional fighter jets and tankers—are underway as calls mount for diplomatic restraint.
Read a WTX News report on the Israel-Iran crisis
🔁 Reactions (tweets):
- Government (Trump/White House): “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! We have control of the skies—patience is wearing thin.” (reuters.com)
- Opposition (US Congress/Democrats): “Trump’s brinkmanship risks dragging the US into an unauthorised war—Congress must intervene.” (time.com)
- Viral/Public (analyst, e.g., Stephen Zunes): “Calling for surrender from a sovereign nation is extreme policy—this feels like a war in the making.” (channelnewsasia.com)
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- Reuters/AP provide authoritative, fact-driven reporting: quotes, deployments, airstrikes, without editorialisation.
- The Guardian highlights unpredictability in Trump’s rhetoric and U.S.–Europe diplomatic tension (theguardian.com).
- Washington Post delves into strategic dimensions: deployments, options for direct U.S. strikes, and the fragility of global response.
📊 Sentiment: Negative.
- Hurricane Erick weakens in southern Mexico
- The hurricane brought life-threatening rainfall, triggering landslides, power outages and road closures
- Update: At least two confirmed dead
Hurricane Erick weakens as residents begin clean-up in southern Mexico
Hurricane Erick made landfall early Thursday near Santiago Pinotepa Nacional, Oaxaca, as a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of approximately 205 km/h (125 mph), briefly reaching Category 4 status offshore. It brought life-threatening rainfall—up to 40 cm—across Oaxaca and Guerrero, triggering flooding, landslides, power outages, and road closures. One fatality was reported: a one‑year‑old child drowned in San Marcos after being swept away by a swollen river. The storm quickly weakened as it moved inland and dissipated overnight. Residents in Acapulco and Puerto Escondido have begun clearing debris and restoring power, though heavy rain lingers in mountainous terrain. Authorities issued flood and mudslide warnings and continue monitoring river levels as recovery efforts advance.
IN FULL: Hurricane Erick weakens as residents clear debris
🔁 Reactions:
- Government (Mexico’s Civil Defence): “Communities are rallying—cleanup underway, but flooding risks continue.”
- Opposition (local official): “Infrastructure must be made more resilient or lives risk greater loss.”
- Viral/Public (emergency volunteer): “No lives lost here, thankfully—but the images of rivers are terrifying.”
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- AP/Reuters delivers measured, fact-heavy reporting on storm strength, impacts, casualties, and response (apnews.com).
- DW focuses on community recovery efforts—residents clearing roads, damaged boats, and power restoration—emphasising resilience (dw.com).
- New York Post dramatises the event with storm surge visuals and comparisons to prior disasters like Otis, giving a more sensational tone.
📊 Sentiment: Neutral–negative.
- Starmer could allow Trump to use British bases to strike Iran
- Attorney General warns such assistance could breach international law
- A Cobra committee is on high alert, as Starmer under pressure
Starmer could allow Trump to use British bases to strike Iran
Baroness Harriet Harman cautioned that Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose political identity was shaped by opposition to Iraq, might ultimately permit U.S. use of UK-controlled bases, such as Diego Garcia or RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, for strikes on Iran if President Trump requested it. Attorney General Richard Hermer has warned that such assistance could breach international law unless it meets strict criteria, for instance, demonstrable imminence of threat and UK legal approval. A Cobra committee is on high alert, UK assets are being safeguarded, and Starmer is under pressure to balance alliance loyalty with legal and ethical constraints.
IN FULL: Starmer could allow Trump use of British bases to attack Iran, says Harriet Harman
🔁 Reactions:
- Government (Baroness Harman, former Solicitor-General): Exactly—it could be difficult to say thank you for the trade deal, then deny base use. (news.sky.com)
- Opposition (legal/ethics campaigners): We need transparency on the AG’s advice; the public must know the legal basis before engagement.
- Viral/Public (defence analyst): Starmer is facing the toughest test since Iraq—legally and diplomatically balancing alliance and principle.
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- Sky News spotlights personal reflections and moral tension—Harman’s Iraq-era framing adds weight (theguardian.com).
- The Guardian/Reuters/AP offer measured detail on legal advice, Cobra alerts, and diplomatic manoeuvres—minimal editorial tone (theguardian.com).
- Financial Times delves into UK legal obligations, defence posture, and implications for international law and alliance credibility (theguardian.com).
📊 Sentiment: Neutral–negative.
India and Cyprus Forge Stronger Defence and Maritime Ties
During his first visit to Cyprus in over two decades, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides signed a declaration to significantly deepen defence, maritime, and cybersecurity collaboration. Plans include interoperability between defence industries, information exchanges to counter-terrorism, more frequent Indian naval port visits, joint maritime training, and coordinated search-and-rescue operations. The leaders also highlighted Cyprus’s strategic role within the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), paving the way for increased infrastructure investment and strengthened India–EU ties ahead of Cyprus’s EU presidency in 2026.
🔁 Reactions:
- Government (Modi/X): “A new chapter begins — defence cohesion, maritime strength, cybersecurity unity.”
- Opposition (Cypriot critic or nationalist voice): “Need clarity on defence industry links and cost of naval presence.”
- Viral/Public (maritime-security expert): “Cyprus is emerging as a strategic naval bridge—essential for IMEC and Indo-European security.”
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- AP/Euronews focus on the substance of the agreements—defence, maritime, cybersecurity—and strategic significance for IMEC.
- Business Standard/Indian media (e.g., India Today) emphasise historical ties, defence industry collaboration, solar and migration pacts for context.
- EU-focused outlets underscore Cyprus’s EU presidency role and broader India–EU strategic ambitions via maritime security initiatives.
📊 Sentiment: Positive.
Fresh wave of Iranian missiles hit Tel Aviv while fire reported at Haifa power plant
Source: [The Independent, 16 June 2025]
Iran launched a new wave of ballistic missiles targeting Israel’s major cities, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, Tamra, and Bat Yam—marking the fourth consecutive day of cross-border strikes.
At least ten people were killed in Israel, dozens wounded, and several residential buildings destroyed. In Haifa, fires erupted at a power plant and port infrastructure, with rescue teams using sniffer dogs and heavy machinery to search for survivors.
In Tehran, Israel struck an Iranian fuel depot and oil/gas facilities, causing massive night-time blazes and disruptions. Oil prices climbed amid fears of prolonged regional escalation.
🔁 Reactions:
- Benjamin Netanyahu claimed during an appearance on Fox News that Iran has tried to assassinate Donald Trump twice.
- German chancellor Friedrich Merz said his goals for the G7 summit include for Iran to not develop or possess nuclear weapons, ensuring Israel’s right to defend itself, avoiding escalation of the conflict and creating room for diplomacy.
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- Reuters/AP provide neutral, factual reporting—including death tolls, infrastructure damage, and global economic markers—without editorialising.
- The Guardian emphasises civilian impact, visual devastation, and power-plant damage, invoking emotional responses.
- Al Jazeera frames the attacks with a humanitarian lens—highlighting deaths, injuries, and cross-border exchanges—and rooted in geopolitical context.
📊 Sentiment: Negative–neutral.
- Russia warns the US against seeking regime change in Iran
- It comes as the US threatens to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader
- Kremlin spokesperson said such action would open a “Pandora’s box” of geopolitical consequences
Russia warns the US against seeking regime change in Iran
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov publicly cautioned Washington and Tel Aviv against promoting or executing regime change in Iran, particularly highlighting threats against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei as “unimaginable” and “unacceptable.” He warned such action could escalate extremism, destabilise the region, and open a “Pandora’s box” of geopolitical consequences. Peskov’s statement follows Trump’s heightened rhetoric, including claims of US “control” of Iranian airspace and knowledge of Khamenei’s whereabouts, though Trump has not yet authorised direct military action against him. Moscow, a longstanding ally of Tehran and growing strategic partner via recent treaties, views Iran’s survival as essential to its own influence in the Middle East.
IN FULL: Russia warns the US that regime change in Iran ‘unacceptable’
🔁 Reactions:
- Government (Kremlin/Dmitry Peskov): “Efforts to force regime change in Iran are unacceptable, this is a path to chaos.”
- Opposition (US-based foreign policy critic): “Russia is hedging its bets, warning against US action while managing its own regional influence.”
- Viral/Public (analyst): “Peskov’s warning echoes Moscow’s strategic justification, protecting Iran to safeguard its own Middle East foothold.”
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- Reuters/WSJ Live present factual coverage of Peskov’s remarks, contextualising them alongside Trump’s rhetoric and the Russia–Iran alliance (wsj.com)
- The Guardian emphasises the geopolitical signal, seeing Russia step in as a counterbalance during rising US–Iran tensions.
- Time Magazine outlines Iran’s historic resilience, noting that regime-change campaigns have repeatedly backfired, making such moves unlikely and potentially dangerous (time.com).
📊 Sentiment: Neutral–negative.
- Zelenskyy urges tougher pressure on Russia
- Russia launched a missile and drone barrage killing 28 civilians and injuring 142
- It’s the largest strike on Kyiv since the war began
Zelenskyy urges tougher pressure on Russia after deadliest Kyiv strike of 2025
A Russian missile and drone barrage, the largest since the war began, killed 28 civilians and injured 142 across Kyiv, including the collapse of a nine-story residential block in the Solomianskyi district. President Zelenskyy visited the site, laying flowers and calling the attack a “reminder … that Russia rejects a ceasefire and chooses killing.” He warned that unless international pressure on Moscow intensifies, such strikes will continue. The assault involved over 440 drones and 32 missiles, overwhelming Kyiv’s defences. Despite U.S.-led ceasefire proposals, Putin’s conditions have stalled progress, and Zelenskyy welcomed a fresh prisoner exchange amid an ongoing diplomatic stalemate.
IN FULL: Russian missile and drone attacks strike Kyiv
🔁 Reactions:
- Government (Zelenskyy/X): “This attack … Russia rejects a ceasefire and chooses killing. Pressure must increase so Moscow feels the real cost.” (euronews.com)
- Opposition (UN/Western diplomat): “Horrific civilian toll; urgent ceasefire backed by credible enforcement now essential.”
- Viral/Public (military analyst): “When missiles pierce homes, sanctions alone won’t stop bullets, what’s the plan B?”
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- AP/Reuters cut straight to the facts, civilian casualties, attack scale, and leadership response, in a concise, neutral style.
- Euronews highlights Zelenskyy’s emotional visit, framing it as evidence of his resilience and moral leadership (euronews.com).
- The Guardian adds context on Russia’s stalled ceasefire conditions and diplomatic gridlock at global forums like the G7 (washingtonpost.com).
📊 Sentiment: Negative–neutral.
Starmer and Trump finalise UK–US trade deal at G7, but steel tariffs still on hold
At the G7 summit in Canada, UK PM Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump inked a bilateral trade deal covering the aerospace and automotive sectors. US tariffs on British aerospace goods are removed entirely, while auto tariffs are reduced from 25% to 10% for up to 100,000 vehicles annually.
However, UK steel exports remain subject to a 25% tariff—temporarily lower than the US’s global 50% rate—with discussions continuing around quotas and supply-chain security due to Chinese ownership concerns at British Steel. Trump praised the pact, stating the UK is “very well protected…because I like them,” though he mistakenly referred to it as an EU deal. Further talks at G7 will address potential new Russia sanctions and steel quotas.
Read a full WTX News report on the UK-US trade deal
🔁 Reactions:
- Government (Starmer/X): “A real sign of strength for UK business and British jobs in aerospace and auto.”
- Opposition (steel unions via TUC): “Vital that British steel secures zero tariffs and clear quota rules—still hope to go.”
- Viral/Public (economist commentator): “Auto and aerospace wins, steel left hanging—this deal is a half‑step, not a leap.”
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- The Guardian/Reuters/AP offer clear, fact-focused coverage—detailing tariff cuts, remaining steel issues, and economic implications—without editorial flourish.
- Wall Street Journal highlights mutual benefits and political theatre—Trump dropping papers, mutual praise—but notes incomplete sectors.
- City AM underscores the deal’s importance for industry and diplomacy, while framing Trump and Starmer’s relationship as amiable, yet cautious on steel
📊 Sentiment: Neutral–positive.
Trump’s “revenge tax” could threaten foreign investment in US
Analysts warn that Section 899 of the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—Donald Trump’s proposed retaliatory tax on foreign entities—could deter investment by imposing a tax starting at 5 %, rising to 20 %, on companies from countries that levy “unfair” taxes on US entities. Economists from Chatham House and UniCredit caution it might undermine the dollar’s safe-haven status and prompt foreign firms to redomicile or divest from US markets. Goldman Sachs highlights that UK companies like Pearson and Experian could be especially at risk, potentially triggering a wave of UK firms relisting in New York. Wall Street and asset managers are lobbying to amend the provision, warning of capital outflows, increased borrowing costs, and damage to the US energy dominance agenda.
🔁 Reactions:
- Max Yoeli, a senior research fellow in the US and the Americas programme at Chatham House, says section 899 “threatens to further alienate foreign investors”.
- George Saravelos warned Section 899 could allow the US administration to transform its trade war into a capital war by “explicitly using taxation on foreign holdings of US assets as leverage to further US economic goals”.
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- The Guardian/Reuters/AP focus on the economic risks—capital flight, investor unease, dollar stability—without partisan rhetoric (theguardian.com).
- Bloomberg/Financial Times stress geopolitical and financial market implications, framing the tax as a tool that could spiral into a “capital war” (trumptyrannytracker.substack.com).
- The Times (UK) highlights the impact on British firms, warning of near-doubling tax burdens and diplomatic repercussions (thetimes.co.uk).
📊 Sentiment: Neutral–negative.
A round up of what the Politicians have been doing.
*Denotes wanted for war crimes.
The prime minister is in Canada for the G7 summit where he will be looking to take a lead on de-escalating the situation between Iran and Israel.
Zelenskyy will be at the G7 meeting after being invited by Canada. There are reports he might meet with Donald Trump.
The G7 will be all about Donald Trump – as it often is with all American presidents, as world leaders will be looking to get on his good side in hopes of a deal, and for the USA to take a tougher approach to Netanyahu and Putin.
The Saudi prince has expressed his anger at the Israeli attacks on Iran calling them a violation of international law.
- Syrian Leader
The Syrian leader spoke to Turkey’s president recently regarding Israel’s attack on Iran.
The EU chief will be heading to the G7 summit today. She is under pressure to secure a deal with the USA.
Macron is heading to Canada for the G7 summit.
Modi is heading to Canada for the G7 meeting – despite not being a member, he was invited to the summit.
Benjamin Netanyahu, is the face of genocide, he knows his days are numbered. The West is already diverting support for his opposition as he (his gov’t) continue to deny genocide, starvation and innocent deaths. Dubiously claiming to have killed 30,000 Hamas fighters, out of the 56,000 Palestinians killed, with 80%, women and children.
✍️ Quote of the Week
“History is a set of lies agreed upon.” — Napoleon Bonaparte
This week’s news shows how narratives — whether political, digital, or economic — can be engineered, exposed, or reimagined. The truth, as ever, lies between the lines, but there is no doubt, that history belongs to the victor.
🕵️ No, Macron did not hide cocaine on a train to Ukraine
A viral video claiming French President Emmanuel Macron was “caught red-handed” hiding a cocaine bag on a train to Ukraine has been thoroughly debunked by France 24’s fact-checking team. The footage, which showed Macron holding a white pouch before tucking it into his coat, was deceptively edited. The object was a known brand of French facial tissue.
The clip gained traction on platforms like X and TikTok, fuelled by conspiracy influencers. AI analysis of the video confirmed digital tampering.
This story reflects the increasing use of manipulated media to undermine political figures — particularly during periods of tension like Macron’s current Green rebellion.
Key takeaway: In an age of digital warfare, viral misinformation can move faster than diplomacy.
This weeks global cultural & business events provides a round up of the highlights key events taking place around the world. You don’t need a private jet to get around, some are virtual as well.
🌍 Global Cultural & Business Events This Week
- 🇮🇹 La Biennale di Venezia – Venice
- 🇺🇸 G7 Finance Ministers Summit – New York
- 🇺🇳 UN Digital Inclusion Forum – Geneva
- 🇩🇪 Berlin Design Week – Berlin
- 🇺🇸 SXSW EDU Europe – London
🏛️ Political events to keep your eyes on
- NATO: Turkey requests joint monitoring of PKK disbandment
- IMF: Revises 2025 global growth forecast to 3.2%
- UNESCO: Adds Gaza’s Old Port to watchlist of threatened heritage sites
- WHO: Issues early warning for rising dengue clusters in Asia
- World Bank: Launches climate adaptation bond for Sahel nations
FEATURED EVENT – International Summit – Tirana, Albania
Meeting of the European Political Community, 16 May 2025
The sixth meeting of the European Political Community will bring together leaders from across the continent in Tirana, Albania under the theme ‘New Europe in a new world: unity – cooperation – joint action’.
The EU will be represented by the President of the European Council, António Costa, who will co-chair the meeting along with the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama.
🖼️ Art/Culture Highlight – Kunsthaus Zurich: “Surveillance and the Self”
An exhibition tracing the history. A Future for the Past
The exhibition focuses on various – also contradictory – perspectives on the historical context in which the arms manufacturer and patron Emil G. Bührle built up his collection: it highlights the biographies of former owners of individual works, whose sale took place under questionable circumstances, and the question of how a differentiated approach to history can succeed in the immediate present.
The Bührle Collection: art, context, war and conflict.
✍️ Thought of the day
We’ve delveoped this need to move on to the ‘next thing’ standing in one place seems to make one anxious. That may be because of the way we are being engineered, the thirst for more. But the negative impact of that is, we rarely get to enjoy the moment.
When enjoying a meal, a walk in nature, or any other activity, pay attention to the details and fully experience it, just stand still (figuratively) and process what you have done, The next, more is not always better.
✍️ Quote of the Week
🌍 “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” — Jimi Hendrix
A timeless reminder that happiness and harmony begin when we choose compassion over control. ✌️💛
France blocks access to Israeli weapons stands at Paris Air Show
French authorities shut down the four main Israeli defence industry stands at the Paris Air Show on Monday and put up black partition walls around them, making them inaccessible. France says Israel refused to remove offensive weapons from its displays. Israel demanded an immediate reversal of the decision.
Key Takeaway – Much of the focus has shifted to the crisis unfolding between Israel and Iran, but there is another Israeli war happening in Gaza. France remains strong in its commitment to Gaza.
Sports are dominating the summer with the Club World Cup kicking off in the USA whilst their northern neighbours are hosting the G7 meeting. Here’s your Global Events Guide for 16–22 June 2025, with highlights across sports, business, politics, culture, and tech:
⚽ Major Sporting Moment
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 (USA, 15 June–13 July)
- Expanded to 32 clubs across 12 U.S. cities, group stage through 26 June, knockout rounds afterward, culminating at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey (talksport.com).
- High-profile teams include PSG, Bayern, Manchester City, Chelsea, Inter Miami and superstars like Messi, Mbappé, Bellingham, Kane—PSG thrashed Atlético 4–0 and Bayern hammered Auckland City 10–0 (timesofindia.indiatimes.com).
- Free worldwide streaming via DAZN; in the UK, Channel 5 airs selected matches with pundits Ronaldo, Mikel and Wilson (businessinsider.com).
- The group stage runs now until June 26, leading into knockout matches. (talksport.com)
Bayern Munich vs Auckland City – FULL Match Highlights (Club World Cup)
🌐 High‑Level Political Events
G7 Summit — Kananaskis, Canada (16–17 June)
- Heads of key democracies gather amid tensions over Ukraine, Middle East, trade and energy policy (reuters.com).
NATO Summit — The Hague, Netherlands (24–25 June)
- First NATO meeting under new Secretary-General Rutte — focus on defence spending, deterrence, and Ukraine support (en.wikipedia.org).
✈️ Business & Industry Highlights
Paris Air Show — Le Bourget, France (16–22 June)
- World’s premier aerospace showcase: 150+ aircraft, 210 flying demos, with exhibits on hydrogen fuel and AI tech (unmannedsystemstechnology.com).
Other Notables
- Internet Governance Forum — Lillestrøm, Norway (23–27 June)
Global policymaking on an open, secure internet (controlrisks.com).
🎮 Esports
BLAST Austin Major (Counter‑Strike 2) — Austin, Texas (3–22 June)
- A 32‑team global esports championship with top-tier prize pool and Swiss‑format group stages (en.wikipedia.org).
🌍 Cultural & Social Highlights
- UN International Day for Countering Hate Speech — 18 June, with related events worldwide (agenparl.eu).
🗓️ Quick View This Week
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Mon–Tue 16–17 | FIFA Club World Cup group matches; G7 Summit |
| Tue–Sun 16–22 | Paris Air Show demos; Club World Cup continues |
| Wed 18 | UN hate‑speech events globally |
| Thu–Fri 19–20 | Club Cup knockout build‑up begins |
| 21–22 Jun | Club World Cup round of 16 |
| Wed–Thu 23–25 | Internet Governance Forum; NATO Summit |
Lessons in leading through crisis from Jacinda Ardern
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern shares insights and lessons in leading through crisis, reflecting on the challenges of leadership at the highest levels.
She shares how her empathetic leadership style, shaped by self-doubt, that drove her with the power of transparent communication and leading with trust, not ego, allowed her to move forward decisively.
Here are the Key Takeaways from her interview on Leadership:
1 – Imposter Syndrome Can Be a Leadership Asset
2 – Trust Is Built Through Honesty, Not Perfection
3 – Empathy and Resilience Aren’t Mutually Exclusive
4 – Crisis Is an Opportunity to Advance Policy Goals
5 – Sustainable Leadership Requires Self-Awareness
A bit of travel inspiration from some of our favourite places and best deals.
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