Articles

Further arrests and acts of repression in Belarus: Lawyer Maxim Snak arrested; Nobel Prize for Literature winner Svetlana Alexievich harassed – Pressure on Minsk and Moscow must be raised and activists in danger allowed into Germany.

In the context of the Covid-19 crisis, the German Presidency of the Council of the European Union faces major challenges. Considering that the conditions and circumstances will constantly change, and that the EU will face increasing uncertainty and unpredictability, we need to reflect on how it should respond to vital challenges in the long term.

How can the European Green Deal,  aimed at transforming the EU into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, become a vehicle for gender equality and women’s empowerment?

This #TechCovid19 event explored the narratives of coronavirus disinformation around the world and debated very timely issues: Where do we draw the line between opinion and fabrication? Where do the fake stories come from, how do they spread and what is their purpose? Most importantly: what can we do about this?

The need for reliable information about Covid-19 is vital. Unfortunately, many false stories and myths are circulating about it. External state actors, domestic conspiracy theorists and hate groups as well as even some governments participate in spreading such disinformation. Numerous myths reach a huge audience on social networks because of the network’s recommendation algorithms. Where do we draw the line between opinion and fabrication? Where do the fake stories come from, how do they spread and what is their purpose? Most importantly: what can we do about this?

The toppling of the President of Mali by a group of officers demonstrates the failure of an anti-terrorism policy that disregards the population’s main issues. Charlotte Wiedemann, author of the study paper “Viel Militär, weniger Sicherheit” for the Heinrich Böll Foundation, on the chances of a new start after the putsch.

Green recovery. Social protection. Smart containment. Decarbonisation. Putting progress in climate action at par with measuring GDP. Creative capacity. These phrases have been running through conversations these days around changing Southeast Asia's template for development in the post-COVID era.

False news is a major threat to the Covid-19 response in DRC. Government distrust, lockdown, and increased social media access accelerate the spread of misinformation and disinformation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Senegal is not spared the consequences of Covid-19. How does Covid-19 change the conditions under which food is produced and traded? We take a closer look at food systems in Africa talked to an expert on sustainable development issues in rural areas.

Increased use of digital communication tools during the Covid-19 lockdowns has made working from home acceptable – and even more sociable – for many people with disabilities. But technology still has a long way to go toward inclusion. Four professionals talk about the pros and cons.