The award celebrates the excellence of Cuba’s National Biodiversity Programme through 2030, developed under the supervision of Cuba’s Ministry of Science , Technology and Environment (CITMA). Its strategy emphasises science-based measures, citizen participation, and concrete conservation actions.

Cuba was among 26 countries selected worldwide for their outstanding commitment to biodiversity. These nations were honoured for their national biodiversity strategies (EPANB), which align with global goals under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

In Cuba’s case, the EPANB is integrated with the country’s broader environmental and climate policy framework — including the Tarea Vida (Life Task) programme and Cuba’s National Development Plan to 2030 — reflecting a systemic approach to conservation and sustainability.

The awarding body, the International Reverse the Red Coalition, is led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and partners. It honours countries that craft and implement biodiversity action plans with scientific rigour, transparency, stakeholder inclusion and alignment with global standards.

“We found this little chimp tied to a tree...very malnourished, dehydrated,” Amarasekaran recalls of the encounter in Matotaka village. “They asked if we were interested. At that time, we didn’t even realise it was illegal or anything,” he told the AFP. Without intervention, the animal would likely have died. He brought it home. That chimp was the beginning of the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

But what started as a spontaneous act of compassion quickly turned into a life-changing discovery. “That’s when we started to realise this is not an ordinary monkey. They have jealousy, love, they get angry... just like us,” he said. The human-like emotional depth of chimps drew Amarasekaran deeper into conservation work. He eventually quit his job, intending to set up the sanctuary for “one or two years.” “That never happened,” he says. Decades later, he’s still there.

Today, Tacugama is home to over 100 rescued chimps and is one of Sierra Leone’s most relevant conservation efforts. Yet Amarasekaran admits the sanctuary is treating symptoms, not causes. “We are rescuing chimps, but why are they being poached? Why are their homes disappearing?” he asks.

Habitat loss, illegal pet trade , and bushmeat hunting continue to threaten wild chimpanzees across West Africa. Amarasekaran’s long-term goal is not to grow the sanctuary, it’s to make it obsolete. “Our mission is to stop them coming to Tacugama,” he says. “The moment they are left alone and are a free-roaming population in our forests, that’s the day I can say we’ve done something good for conservation.”

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is set to acquire a two-thirds stake in a New York property near Central Park for approximately US$200 million . The investment pertains to a site where Related plans to build a 366-metre tower on 625 Madison Ave. with strong ties between PIF and Related dating back to prior investments. This move highlights the significant interest of Saudi investors in global real estate, particularly in prime locations.

Saudi Arabia Tops Global Cybersecurity Rankings in 2025

Saudi Arabia has retained its top spot in global cybersecurity rankings, according to the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook. Officials credit strong leadership from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as the Kingdom’s national digital transformation strategy. Saudi Arabia’s long-term approach balances security with economic and tech growth. It was also named a Tier 1 “role-modeling” nation in the UN’s 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index.

Saudi project removes mines in Yemen

The Saudi project has successfully cleared 1,559 mines in Yemen , contributing to safety improvements and clearance initiatives in war-affected areas. The consistent efforts to mitigate risks associated with unexploded ordnance are essential for restoring normalcy and safety for civilians, enabling better living conditions and facilitating potential redevelopment efforts in the region.

Elite gamers compete for $70M at Saudi Esports World Cup

As Riyadh hosts the Esports World Cup with a prize pool of $70 million, elite gamers from around the globe are set to compete, reflecting Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a leading hub in the esports industry. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the Kingdom's presence in the digital economy and attract international attention to Saudi Arabia as a destination for gaming and digital entertainment.

Kazakhstan is experiencing growing interest in ecotourism, with visitor numbers rising from 2 million in 2022 to 2.8 million in 2024 —a 40% increase, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Popular national parks near Almaty, including Ile-Alatau, Charyn, Altyn-Emel, and Kolsai Lakes, continue to attract visitors. To support sustainable tourism, infrastructure such as visitor centres, campsites, and glamping facilities is being developed across 14 parks. Eight modern visitor centres have already been opened, offering insights into ecosystems and promoting responsible travel. This ecotourism growth aids both conservation and local economic development.

Kazakhstan launches first national committee for International Volunteer Year 2026

Kazakhstan has become the first country to establish a National Organising Committee for the International Volunteer Year (IVY) 2026. The committee was launched on 12 May 2025 in Astana, with participation from the government, civil society, private sector, and Toily Kurbanov, Executive Coordinator of UN Volunteers (UNV). The country played a key role in initiating the UN resolution proclaiming 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. The new committee will lead national efforts, promote volunteerism across sectors, and align with the global IVY 2026 vision. “Kazakhstan is turning global promises into real, impactful actions,” said Kurbanov. The move sets a precedent for other nations to follow, as UNV continues supporting IVY 2026 implementation worldwide.

Kazakhstan advances $10 billion industrial projects in key sectors

Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister, Olzhas Bektenov, chaired a meeting on major industrial projects aimed at strengthening the country’s export-oriented chemical and metallurgical sectors. Backed by President Tokayev’s directive, five projects totalling $10 billion in investment are underway, expected to create over 8,700 permanent jobs. In the Abay region, a copper smelting plant with a 300,000-tonne capacity is under construction, generating over 1,000 jobs. Karaganda’s $3.5 billion Qarmet modernisation project aims to boost coal and steel output and create 2,000 jobs by 2028. In Kostanay, a $1.2 billion hot-briquetted iron plant is being developed, focusing on eco-friendly metallurgy and 1,000 new jobs.

Kazakhstan, UAE seal $5 billion in deals at business forum

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the Kazakhstan-UAE Business Forum, reaffirming their commitment to deepen trade and investment ties. Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s economic reforms aligned with OECD standards and introduced the Investment Board to support foreign investors, including those from the UAE. The forum resulted in commercial agreements worth around $5 billion across key sectors. The event featured sessions on digital tech, finance, urban development, and green economy, along with B2B meetings. The UAE delegation included major firms like Masdar, AMEA Power, and Abu Dhabi Ports Group. Tokayev expressed confidence in the successful execution of the signed agreements.

Masdar to develop major renewable energy projects in Kazakhstan

Abu Dhabi’s Masdar has announced plans to develop new renewable energy and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in Kazakhstan, supporting the country's clean energy goals. Partnering with Kazakhstan’s sovereign wealth fund, Samruk-Kazyna, Masdar will explore a 24/7 project to deliver up to 500 MW of baseload renewable energy and 2 GW of BESS capacity. The agreement was formalised in Astana in the presence of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Kazakhstan aims to generate 15% of its electricity from renewables by 2030 and 50% by 2050. Masdar is already developing a 1 GW wind farm with 600 MWh storage—one of the region’s largest. Construction is set to begin in 2026. Masdar CEO Mohamed Al Ramahi called Kazakhstan a key strategic partner and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to energy security, economic diversification, and climate action. Masdar, active in over 40 countries, is targeting 100 GW in global capacity by 2030.