Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)
From surging oil, gas, and fertilizer prices to higher shipping costs, the war in the Middle East has triggered a new supply shock across sub-Saharan Africa. We project growth to slow to 4.3% in 2025, and median inflation to rise to 5% by year-end.
https://www.imf.org/en/publications/reo/ssa/issues/2026/04/16/regional-economic-outlook-for-sub-saharan-africa-april-2026
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Strait of Hormuz: Hunger looming | Fertilizer shipments cannot wait
As the Persian Gulf crisis continues, the clock is ticking for farmers who rely on fertilizer shipped via the Strait of Hormuz – and millions worldwide who depend on their crops, particularly in vulnerable countries such as war-torn Sudan.
In normal times, one third of global fertilizer trade passes through the maritime corridor located south of Iran, but tanker traffic has essentially come to a standstill.
In response, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres established a task force to facilitate the safe passage of fertilizers and related raw materials for humanitarian purposes.
It is headed by Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), which provides infrastructure, procurement and project management services across the world.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
This iconic space has been the centre of important UK Parliament events throughout history to now.
See it on a tour of Parliament this summer. 🎟️ Search ‘UK Parliament tour’ to book your visit.
Source: European Commission (video statements)
Higher energy bills. Global instability.
Europe is acting to protect households, support industry, and secure affordable, clean energy for the future.
Source: European Commission (video statements)
Young people across Europe are filming video messages to their future selves to be revealed in 2 years. Their words will shape long-term EU policy and keep future generations at the heart of decision-making.
To participate, simply film a video addressed to your future self, then publish it on YouTube two years from now using the hashtag #DearFutureMe. Your video will promote future thinking and the Strategy for Intergenerational Fairness.
#Youth #FutureGenerations #Sustainability #EuropeanUnion #EUPolicy
Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission:
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Source: United States Department of Justice (video statements)
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel announced Federal Grand Jury charges against Southern Poverty Law Center for Wire Fraud, False Statements, and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
Read more: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/federal-grand-jury-charges-southern-poverty-law-center-wire-fraud-false-statements-and
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Description: MPs on the Environmental Audit Committee speak to environmental experts about air pollution in England.
Witnesses:
Professor Sir Stephen Holgate CBE – Professor of Immunopharmacology at The University of Southampton
Professor Roy Harrison – Queen Elizabeth II Centenary Professor of Environmental Health at University of Birmingham
Professor Anna Hansell – Professor of Environmental Epidemiology, at University of Leicester
Professor Mark Sutton – Environmental Physicist at UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
Ms Jenny Hawley – Policy and Advocacy Manager at Plantlife
https://committees.parliament.uk/event/27000/formal-meeting-oral-evidence-session/
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
The Women and Equalities committee takes evidence for their inquiry into Female entrepreneurship
Witnesses:
Blair McDougall MP – Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation) at Department for Business and Trade
Paula Crofts – Director, Small Business Growth at Department for Business and Trade
The Lord Stockwood – Minister of State (Minister for Investment) at Department for Business and Trade and HM Treasury
Kristen McLeod – Chief Strategy Officer at British Business Bank
https://committees.parliament.uk/event/26838/formal-meeting-oral-evidence-session/
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.
In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.
The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.
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