Source: European Commission (video statements)
The Commission found that META’s addictive design features are in breach of the Digital Services Act, which protects the digital landscape in the EU.
Meta now has the right to appeal and defend itself and prove that the measures taken to mitigate the risks on their platforms are effective enough.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
As governments assess SDG7 progress, global crises are driving a shift toward domestic renewables, boosting solar trade across Asia and Africa. Meanwhile, AI and data centers are spiking power demand, yet 2,500 GW of renewable projects remain stalled in grid queues. Investing in modern grids and digital infrastructure offers a massive opportunity; AI alone could optimize transmission and save $110 billion annually.
The insights in this discussion draw from Tracking SDG7: The Energy Progress Report and the SDG7 Policy Briefs for the HLPF, launching July 8.
Speakers:
– Alexander De Croo, Administrator of UNDP
– Damilola Ogunbiyi, SRSG on Sustainable Energy for All
Moderator: Cherisse Bovell, Consultant to the United Nation Foundation’s Our Future Agenda Programme
Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)
‘There’s a huge amount of risk in this job compared to other ministerial portfolios’
Lord Timpson reflects on the high numbers of prisons ministers, 25 since 1990, and the challenges of the role in the latest episode of Lord Speaker’s Corner.
He also explains the changing performance of prisons and probation, and the importance of rehabilitation.
Listen to his full conversation with Lord Forsyth of Drumlean:
🎧 Search House of Lords Podcast on all major platforms
📺 Watch on YouTube https://orlo.uk/6NuOH
📖 Read a transcript, links to watch and subscribe and other episodes in the series https://orlo.uk/gzq1q
Source: World Trade Organization – WTO (video statements)
The WTO and the International Labour Organization jointly celebrated the centenary of the Centre William Rappard at an event held on 1 July.
Download this video from the WTO website:
https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/webcas_e/webcas_e.htm
Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)
The number of people migrating into the UK was in the spotlight on Thursday 9 July, in this question from Lord Sahota.
➡️ Watch question in full https://orlo.uk/TrOSr
Source: United Nations (video statements)
In 1987, the United Nations officially marked a massive milestone: the global population hitting 5 billion people. UN Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar traveled to Zagreb to meet the symbolic five-billionth baby. UN officials said this milestone was less of a celebration and more of a time to reflect on what must be done to support the future of humanity.
As of 2026, the world’s population has climbed past 8 billion people. This classic archival footage features Dr. Nafis Sadik presenting the Secretary-General with a global population clock, highlighting a historic demographic shift that changed our planet forever.
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
National Treasury briefs media on the temporary withholding of equitable share transfers to municipalities
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the Transforming Education Summit +4: UNESCO brings together education leaders to respond to the global education crisis.
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
The Government of South Africa and United Nations sign a five-year cooperation framework for inclusive development
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
Leader SDG4 High-Level Steering Committee (HLSC) meeting.
