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MID WEEK UPDATES
The week so far has been dominated by Israel-Iran with a shaky ceasefire in place, Donald Trump’s shocking outburst on TV and the NATO summit.
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🇮🇷🇮🇱 Iran and Israel tensions rise as Israeli strikes hit Iranian sites and Iran promises retaliation amid regional unrest.
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🇺🇸 Donald Trump calls for peace after Iran’s response but pushes new defence deals and a tough immigration plan.
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🇪🇺 EU reviews its suspended partnership with Israel, plans naval mission to protect shipping, and prepares for Friday’s leaders’ summit.
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🌐 NATO boosts military exercises in Eastern Europe and increases surveillance in Mediterranean and Black Sea amid global tensions.
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🇷🇺 Putin warns NATO over Middle East actions, conducts Arctic missile drills, and signals closer ties with Iran.
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🇮🇳 India faces growing protests against Modi’s land reforms ahead of a national strike next week.
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🇰🇪 Kenya sees fresh protests marking anniversary of parliament storming, with demands for anti-corruption and economic reforms.
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🇨🇳 China steps up military drills near Taiwan, condemning Western arms sales and warning against interference.
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🇬🇧 UK economy beats expectations with growth and lower unemployment, while Starmer faces criticism over welfare cuts.
🇪🇺 Monday Morning Mood: Trump, Israel and the Middle East
It’s Monday and the world has woken up to the continued reaction to Donald Trump taking the United States into Israel’s war in Iran. It’s unclear how Iran will respond – but they have vowed to do so.
European leaders are urging Iran to return to the negotiating table, although with Iran now in talks with Russia, its unlikely peace talks are about to happen.
Russia continues to bomb Ukraine, with Kyiv experiencing a night of heavy attacks.
Nato members have agreed to raise defence spending to 5% of GDP – although Spain have opted not to be apart of it.
World leaders will now be looking ahead to the Nato summit set to take place on Wednesday.
📅 Key Cultural & Business Events – This Week
FIFA Club World Cup – 🇺🇸 US
NATO Summit – 🇳🇱 The Netherlands
Paris Fashion Week – 🇫🇷 France
✍️ Thought of the day
Add a little extra green to your diet today—spinach, kale or peas bring vitamins and vitality.
Today, give yourself the gift of green food- a perfect, easy energy boost for your diet.
🌼 Flower of the Week
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
- Why it’s special: Towering spires of bell-shaped flowers in purple, white or pink, beloved by bees. A classic sight along woodland edges and country lanes.
- Fun fact: Though beautiful, all parts of the foxglove are toxic—historically used to make heart medicine (digitalin).
🐦 Bird of the Week
Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)
With its red face, golden wing flashes and sweet, tinkling call, the goldfinch is a true garden jewel. A delight in gardens and parks, tiny, bright, and with a melodic trill. Once heavily trapped, now thriving again.
Spot it: Visit bird feeders loaded with niger seed, or watch flocks (“charms”) flit among seedheads.
NATO’s Rutte dubs Trump “daddy” amid summit moves to appease U.S. leader
- At the NATO summit in The Hague, Secretary-General Mark Rutte referred to President Donald Trump as “daddy” whilst praising him for intervening in the Iran–Israel ceasefire and driving a historic agreement for members to boost defence spending to 5 % of GDP by 2035.
- The shift included 3.5 % allocated to core military budgets and 1.5 % for infrastructure, cyber, and resilience.
Read a WTX News report on the ‘daddy’ comment
🔁 Reactions
- NATO (Mark Rutte/X): “Daddy has to sometimes use strong language.” (independent.co.uk)
- Trump (X): “I think he likes me… Daddy’s home.” (reddit.com)
- Public (Reddit/R Political): > “That ‘daddy’ moment is going straight into the meme chamber.” (reddit.com)
📊 Bias Snapshot
- Independent leans into the surreal, sensational tone, emphasising the “daddy” moment amidst diplomatic theatre.
- Reuters/AP focus strictly on defence spending figures and security implications, without personal references.
- Washington Post / FT interpret the flattery as political manoeuvring, highlighting Europe’s effort to appease Trump while preserving NATO unity (time.com, ft.com).
📈 Sentiment: Neutral–positive
NATO’s spending boost marks a strategic success and curbs Trump-era uncertainty. The “daddy” moment symbolises alliance cohesion—or flattery—raising questions about long-term U.S. leadership dynamics and European autonomy.
New report suggests US bombing of Iran did severe damage despite leaked intel claims
A leaked preliminary U.S. intelligence assessment from the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) suggested that recent strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites (Fordow, Natanz, Esfahan) set the programme back by mere months, not destroying it entirely, contradicting President Trump’s claims of complete obliteration. Satellite imagery confirms damage, especially to entrance tunnels, but the true extent remains uncertain without on-site inspection.
Trump administration officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe and DNI Tulsi Gabbard, have cited “new intelligence” indicating the strikes inflicted severe damage, requiring years of rebuilding, and have dismissed the DIA leak as a low-confidence, incomplete assessment.
In response, Iran’s parliament has unanimously approved suspending cooperation with the IAEA, limiting independent verification, which further clouds understanding of the damage’s real impact.
Read a WTX News report on the US bombing of Iran
🔁 Reactions:
- Trump admin (Ratcliffe/Gabbard/X): “New intel confirms Iran’s nuclear sites were destroyed, rebuilding would take years.” (theguardian.com)
- Opposition (DIA source): “This preliminary leak shows the program may restart in just months, not obliterated.” (reuters.com)
- Viral/public (non-proliferation expert): > “Without IAEA access, we’re guessing damage remotely, it’s a murky battlefield.” (reuters.com)
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- Reuters/AP/Guardian deliver factual, measured reporting, reporting contrasting intelligence views and emphasising satellite data uncertainties.
- U.S. officials (Ratcliffe/Gabbard) frame evidence positively, reinforcing Trump’s rhetoric that the strikes were decisive (theguardian.com).
- Analysts (Time/ISW) warn that a lack of IAEA verification erodes transparency and may embolden Iran to accelerate nuclear efforts (time.com).
📊 Sentiment: Neutral–negative. The clouded intelligence picture and limited verification raise doubts over the operation’s enduring impact, potentially emboldening Iran and diluting the strategic value of U.S. intervention.
Mexico Considers Suing SpaceX After Rocket Debris Crosses Into Its Territory
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has threatened legal action against SpaceX following debris, metal, plastic, and rocket fragments falling into Tamaulipas, across the border from SpaceX’s Starbase test site in Texas. An investigation is now underway to determine whether international environmental or space laws were breached.
🔁 Reactions:
- Sheinbaum (government): “There is indeed contamination, necessary lawsuits will follow.” (theguardian.com)
- Tamaulipas Governor Américo Villarreal: “We’re reviewing whether the site meets legal limits from populated areas.” (apnews.com)
- Viral/Public (environmental expert): > “Border pollution from rocket debris is a new frontier, regulation must catch up.” (columbiagorgenews.com)
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- AP/Reuters report the objective facts: debris landed, authorities are investigating, and warnings from the governor.
- The Guardian/VG highlight the president’s legal threat and links it to broader national sovereignty concerns (timesofindia.indiatimes.com).
- Indian Express/FirstOnline underscore environmental risks to coastal wildlife, citing warnings about contamination (firstonline.info).
📊 Sentiment: Neutral–positive. The move signals Mexico’s rising environmental assertiveness and insistence on cross-border accountability, though outcomes depend on legal jurisdiction and the precedent it sets.
Fears of unrest as Kenyans mark anniversary of storming of Parliament
There are fears of unrest as Kenyans mark the first anniversary of last June’s anti-tax protests with nationwide marches. Last year’s unrest saw protesters storm the Kenyan Parliament and resulted in at least 60 deaths. Vigils and processions are planned across major cities, including Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nakuru, aiming to honour those killed, such as blogger Albert Ojwang, whose death in police custody sparked renewed outrage.
Read a WTX News report on last year’s protests
🔁 Reactions:
- Government (Western embassies): “We urge peaceful demonstrations and urge authorities to refrain from violence.”
- Opposition (Kalonzo Musyoka): “A year later, nothing has changed, trust has not been rebuilt.”
- Viral/Public (Gen Z activist): > “Police restraint is essential, exercise your right responsibly.”
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- DevDiscourse provides straight facts on protests, police crowd control, and security measures, such as tear gas and roadblocks (devdiscourse.com).
- Commonwealth Union spotlights youth-led dissent, ongoing economic pressure, and calls for accountability (commonwealthunion.com).
- Reuters (counter‑protester story) details reports of club-wielding groups linked to local politicians and alleged coordination with police (reuters.com).
📊 Sentiment: Neutral–negative. Despite calls for peace, the anniversary highlights unresolved grievances, persistent mistrust in government, and the potential for renewed unrest unless meaningful reforms and justice follow.
NATO agree to boost defence spending to 5 % of GDP by 2035
NATO ambassadors agreed to boost defence spending and related spending, rising from the longstanding 2 % target to a combined 5 % of GDP by 2035, ahead of next week’s Hague summit. The new commitment consists of 3.5 % on core military expenditure and 1.5 % on infrastructure, cyber and security-related areas such as logistics and intelligence networks. The UK aims to raise its defence budget from ~2.3 % to 3 % by 2034, with expectations to align with the broader goal. Spain secured an opt‑out clause, allowing it to maintain current levels (~2.1 %) amid concerns over the impact on social spending.
Read a WTX News report on the NATO defence spending boost
🔁 Reactions:
- Government (Mark Rutte, NATO Sec‑Gen): “We must rearm at the speed of fear—this sends a clear message of resolve.” (washingtonpost.com)
- Opposition (Spanish PM Sánchez): “5 % would be counter‑productive—it must reflect our economic capacity.” (reuters.com)
- Viral/Public (r/ukpolitics Redditor): “That 1.5 % is gonna be heavily up for debate… energy infrastructure is included.” (reddit.com)
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- Reuters/AP/Sky cover the agreement’s substance, timelines, and national responses factually (apnews.com).
- Financial Times delves into the fiscal and strategic implications, highlighting fiscal constraints, UK reforms and EU defence coordination.
- The Guardian panel voices concern over disparate economic capabilities and warns against overplaying the U.S. or undermining alliance cohesion (theguardian.com).
📊 Sentiment: Neutral–positive.
Leaked US report says US strikes on Iran did little damage
Recent US strikes on Iran, part of the “Operation Midnight Hammer” campaign alongside Israel, hit Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities. While President Trump hailed it a success, a leaked US report from the US Defence Intelligence Agency counters that, saying the attacks only set Iran’s programme back by a few months. Iran’s enriched uranium and centrifuges reportedly remain largely intact, having been moved underground or to alternative sites.
Commercial satellite imagery shows significant damage at the underground Fordow, but experts caution that the real impact is still unclear. IAEA head Rafael Grossi described the damage as “very significant”, yet remains unable to verify the extent.
Good Read: WTX News report on the US attack on Iran
🔁 Reactions:
- Government (US Defence Intelligence Agency): “Damage is temporary, reset could be reversed in months.”
- Opposition (IAEA’s Rafael Grossi): “The damage is deep, but we lack inspection access to confirm full effects.”
- Viral/Public (nuclear non-proliferation expert): > “These strikes may set Iran back, but they also risk pushing it underground, away from scrutiny.”
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- Reuters/AP/Guardian focus on balanced, fact-based assessment of the military action, expert analysis, and counterclaims to Trump’s rhetoric (reuters.com, reuters.com).
- Time/The Atlantic critiques the strategy, arguing it may backfire by weakening diplomatic avenues and lending momentum to Iran’s nuclear ambitions (theatlantic.com).
- Fox News/New York Post amplify Trump’s claims of total success, downplaying intelligence reports that contradict them (theguardian.com).
📊 Sentiment: Neutral–negative. While the strikes inflicted real damage, intelligence suggests the effect may be reversible—and may even hasten Iran’s quest for autonomy in its nuclear capabilities.
Oil prices surged to their highest amid US-Israel strikes on Iran
What Happened?
Oil prices surged to their highest in five months, Brent crude briefly topped $81 a barrel, after the US joined Israel in striking key Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. This escalation triggered a sharp reaction in financial markets: global energy stocks rose, Asian equity indices such as Japan’s Nikkei and South Korea’s Kospi fell by around 1 per cent, and futures for the S&P 500 and Dow dropped roughly 0.4 per cent. Gulf markets, however, mostly advanced, buoyed by the spike in oil prices and investor optimism that heightened US involvement might lead to peace talks. The Strait of Hormuz loomed large, as Iran threatened to close the vital shipping route, pushing Brent to near $80 a barrel and extending a broader market pullback.
What Next?
Markets are now on high alert for Iran’s response, particularly actions that could disrupt oil shipments through Hormuz. Analysts warn that even partial disruptions could send prices above $100 or $120 per barrel, potentially stoking inflation and delaying interest-rate cuts by central banks like the Bank of England. Investors are trimming exposure to equities seen as vulnerable, with defensive sectors and oil stocks benefiting from the geopolitical uncertainty. As global leaders assess the evolving conflict and any diplomatic breakthroughs, financial markets face continued volatility and the risk of prolonged “oil shock” effects.
Iran warns of a response after US airstrikes
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivered a stern warning following US airstrikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, calling the attacks a “heinous crime” that risks “everlasting consequences” for international security. Tehran has placed its military on alert, threatened a “proportionate response”, and signalled possible targeting of US bases and strategic shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes marked a watershed shift: US B‑2 bombers joined Israel’s direct campaign against Iran’s nuclear sites, the most significant Western intervention since 1979. Diplomatic efforts for crisis containment have stalled, and Iran has suspended nuclear talks, insisting no diplomacy will resume until it has retaliated.
Read a WTX News report on the US strikes on Iran
🔁 Reactions:
- Government (Araghchi/X): “The US must receive a response, they have crossed a red line under international law.” (time.com)
- Opposition (UN/Western diplomat): “This escalation threatens global security; de‑escalation and renewed diplomacy are urgently needed.”
- Viral/Public (military analyst): “Iran’s threat to target US bases and shipping lanes signals a dangerous widening of the conflict.”
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- Reuters/AP/France 24 provides measured reporting on military readiness, diplomatic fallout, and strategic stakes, focusing on facts (apnews.com).
- Time Magazine and NYPost sharply condemn the US strikes with strong language, underscoring legal and ethical concerns (time.com).
- Al Jazeera and The Guardian emphasise Iran’s framing of the strikes as a violation of sovereignty and the UN Charter, highlighting regional fears (theguardian.com).
📊 Sentiment: Negative–neutral.
A round up of what the Politicians have been doing.
*Denotes wanted for war crimes.
The prime minister will attempt to step up his diplomatic efforts regarding the Middle East crisis this week after Trump unexpectedly took the US into Israel’s war in Iran.
The UK going into war will not be well received at home, and it does not seem like something the PM is willing today.
He continues to call for de-escalation and will hold further.
………………………………
It’s Wednesday and the PM is pushing on with his benefit cuts despite a growing Labour rebellion that could threaten his premiership.
The PM is attending a NATO summit after announcing the UK will commit to spending 5% of GDP on defence and will buy 12 nuclear carrying warplanes.
Ukraine suffered another huge attack from Russia overnight, and calls from Zelenskyy for more support appear to have fallen on deaf ears as the crisis in the Middle East continues.
It’s set to be another busy week for the US president after he involved the United States in Israel’s war in Iran.
Iran has vowed to respond.
The reaction from the US public has been fairly negative – as has the reaction from some within his party.
Trump had promised he would never take the US into foreign wars.
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We’re only on Wednesday and the US President has declared a ceasefire between Israel and Iran – which fell apart almost immediately, before the president took to TV in a foul-mouthed rant about Israel and Iran. The ceasefire is back on – but shaky at best.
The president is also facing internal backlash after a leaked report suggested the US bombing of Iran did not obliterate Iran’s nuclear sites but instead did a little damage that will set Iran back by a few months. The president has denied this.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) is actively engaged in high-level diplomatic efforts and regional coordination in response to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.
- Vladimir Putin
Putin hosted Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow, condemning the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities as “absolutely unprovoked aggression.” He expressed solidarity with Tehran but refrained from offering concrete military support, emphasising Russia’s commitment to assisting the Iranian people through diplomatic means ……………………………….
Midweek updates
Russia has condemned the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear programme, saying the attacks risk widening the conflict.
Whilst NATO leaders meet today, Russia is painting Western defence enhancements as attempts to counter Russia.
It’s a busy week for the president of the EU commission as she co-hosts the 20th EU‑Canada Summit alongside António Costa, meeting with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney to strengthen cooperation on trade, energy, security, and more.
The NATO summit takes place later in the week before the European Council in Brussels towards the end of the week.
……………………………….
Midweek updates
On Wednesday, Von der Leyen is attending high-level NATO summit meetings alongside EU leaders. She is actively pushing for a coordinated approach to defence investment and strategic autonomy within the transatlantic alliance.
On Monday, he’ll make the first French presidential visit to Norway in over 40 years, meeting Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and attending a state dinner with King Harald V and Queen Sonja.
The rest of his week: NATO summit and European council meeting. ……………………………….
Midweek updates
Macron is participating in today’s condensed 2½-hour summit meeting, where leaders are expected to endorsing a substantial increase in defense spending, 5% of GDP by 2035, to better balance alliance commitments.
Modi has a week of meetings ahead – including a phone call with Iran’s president following the attack from Israel and the United States.
……………………………….
Midweek updates
Modi took the spotlight today to congratulate Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on his launch to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Axiom‑4 mission. He called it a moment of “national pride,” saying Shukla “carries the hopes of 1.4 billion Indians” and marks “India’s strong re‑entry into space exploration.”
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.
……………………………….
Midweek updates
Netanyahu confirmed that Israel has accepted President Trump’s ceasefire proposal after achieving its objectives, but cautioned against violations, especially by Iran, and warned Israel would respond forcefully to any breach.
✍️ 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
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together”
– Vincent van Gogh
➤ Progress often comes in quiet, steady effort. Keep adding the brushstrokes—you’re creating something that matters.
Big Four slash graduate jobs as AI takes on entry level work
Plenty is happening across the globe for you to enjoy this week, regardless of where you are based! If you want to watch a bit of football, you’ve got the Club World Cup and the UEFA Championships (the women’s Euros is coming up in July). The world-famous Glastonbury Festival kicks off, and so does Donauinselfest – Europe’s largest open-air festival. You’ve also got Paris Fashion Week and International Olympic Day ahead.
🌍 Global Events Guide: 16–22 June 2025
⚽ Sports
- FIFA Club World Cup 2025 – USA (15 June–13 July)
The expanded 32-team tournament features top clubs from around the world, including PSG, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. Matches are held in 12 U.S. cities, culminating in the final on 13 July at MetLife Stadium. - UEFA Under-21 Championship – Slovakia (11–28 June)
Europe’s premier youth football tournament, showcasing emerging talents. The knockout stages intensify this week, with semi-finals and finals approaching. - World Judo Championships – Budapest, Hungary (13–20 June)
Top judokas from around the globe compete in various weight categories. The event concludes with a mixed team competition on 20 June. (en.wikipedia.org) - 24 Hours of Le Mans – Le Mans, France (14–15 June)
The iconic endurance race features manufacturers like Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Porsche. It’s a test of speed, strategy, and stamina. (theseventynine.co) - Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic – London, UK (24 June)
An exclusive exhibition match at The Hurlingham Club, featuring tennis legends in a luxurious setting. (aboveandbeyond.group)
🎭 Culture & Festivals
- Glastonbury Festival – Somerset, UK (25–29 June)
One of the world’s most iconic music festivals, featuring a diverse lineup of artists across multiple genres. (aboveandbeyond.group) - Donauinselfest – Vienna, Austria (20–22 June)
Europe’s largest free open-air festival, held on the Danube Island, offering a mix of music, food, and cultural performances. - Fête de la Musique – France (21 June)
A nationwide celebration of music, with free concerts and performances in cities and towns across France. - Ischia Film Festival – Ischia, Italy (28 June–5 July)
An international film festival is held on the picturesque island of Ischia, showcasing films in various genres. (inghams.co.uk) - Bread & Heart Festival – Tirana, Albania (5–8 June)
A cultural event focusing on architecture and urban development, featuring talks and exhibitions by international architects.
🎨 Arts & Fashion
- Paris Fashion Week – Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 – Paris, France (24–29 June)
A premier event in the fashion calendar, showcasing the latest menswear collections from top designers. (theseventynine.co)
🌐 Global Awareness
- International Olympic Day – Worldwide (23 June)
Celebrates the founding of the International Olympic Committee, promoting the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect. (indiatimes.com)
🗓️ Week at a Glance
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 15–22 June | FIFA Club World Cup | USA (12 cities) |
| 11–28 June | UEFA Under-21 Championship | Slovakia |
| 13–20 June | World Judo Championships | Budapest, Hungary |
| 14–15 June | 24 Hours of Le Mans | Le Mans, France |
| 24 June | Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic | London, UK |
| 20–22 June | Donauinselfest | Vienna, Austria |
| 21 June | Fête de la Musique | France (nationwide) |
| 28 June–5 July | Ischia Film Festival | Ischia, Italy |
| 5–8 June | Bread & Heart Festival | Tirana, Albania |
| 24–29 June | Paris Fashion Week – Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 | Paris, France |
| 19 June | World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards | Turin, Italy |
| 17–21 June | Royal Ascot | Berkshire, UK |
| 23 June | International Olympic Day | Worldwide |
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
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