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The Energy Transition in East Asia & Predictions for 2026 | WEF | Top Stories of the Week

Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

This week’s top stories of the week include:

0:14 – ‘The world is in a very different place’ Gita Gopinath makes her predictions for 2026: Gita Gopinath, Harvard University economics professor and former deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund, explains why recent turmoil hasn’t yet shown up in global growth rates. She also discusses the potential of AI, as well as concerns about a bubble, and the threat of ‘jobless growth’.

3:32 – These data centres can regulate their energy consumption using AI: AI data centres use massive amounts of energy, and as data centres multiply, the problem will only become increasingly severe. That’s the thorny knot Emerald AI is bidding to untangle. Here, founder and CEO Varun Sivaram explains how it works – and how it can use AI to reduce local power bills, rather than raise them.

6:36 – How East Asia is succeeding in the energy transition. According to this expert: In countries like China and South Korea, argues UNSW professor Elizabeth Thurbon, the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy is framed as a massive opportunity: one that can provide a huge boost to national, #energy and economic security – and whose benefits can be felt and shared by all.

8:39 – Young people, social media and AI: what’s a healthy way forward?: ‘Friendships are awkward and hard and you need a lot of practice. AI companions take all of it away’, says Jonathan Haidt, professor at NYU Stern and critic of social media use in childhood and adolescence. But Gen Z-er Jenny Kim disagrees, and says AI companions provide her with support when her real friends aren’t available. Also on the Davos panel were Bill Ready, CEO of Pinterest, and Adam Grant, psychologist at Wharton School.

_________________________________________________________________

The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. It provides a global, impartial and not-for-profit platform for meaningful connection between stakeholders to establish trust, and build initiatives for cooperation and progress.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTrjUpnXy04

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Munich Security Conference 2026: President von der Leyen on Europe’s Path to Independence

Source: European Commission (video statements)

"Today is the time for action" – President von der Leyen

On 14 February 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a keynote speech at the annual Munich Security Conference.

In her speech, President von der Leyen addresses the importance of strengthening Europe’s independence amid ongoing security challenges, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

Emphasising the necessity for Europe to take primary responsibility for its security, she outlines the EU’s plan to invest significantly in defence capabilities and embrace more strategic partnerships.

President von der Leyen also calls for a new European Security Strategy, urging a proactive approach to protect European territories and values. Her speech concludes with an affirmation that Europe must honour its commitments and ensure peace and freedom through heightened independence and unity.

For the full transcript of the speech, see here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_26_414

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z_eoxb13_s

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South Africa Government: President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention | PresidencyZA

Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

Stay updated, South Africa! Subscribe to The Presidency’s Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PresidencyZA/?sub_confirmation=1.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6sXoMiwTIM

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Ramadan, African Union, AI & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (13 February 2026) | United Nations

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
Programming Note
Ramadan Message
Secretary-General/AI
African Union/Secretary-General
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria/Security Council
Yemen
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Haiti
World Radio Day
Financial Contribution

PROGRAMMING NOTE

There will be a stakeout right after this briefing, at approximately 1:00 p.m., by Ambassador Ibrahim Olabi, Permanent Representative of Syria to the United Nations, at the Security Council Stakeout.

RAMADAN MESSAGE

In a message marking the start of the holy month of Ramadan, the Secretary-General says this month is a sacred period of reflection and prayer, representing a noble vision of hope and peace. Yet, for too many members of the human family, this vision remains distant. From Afghanistan to Yemen, from Gaza to Sudan and beyond, people continue to suffer from conflict, hunger, displacement and discrimination.

In these difficult and divided times, the Secretary-General calls on all to heed Ramadan’s enduring message, to bridge divides, deliver help and hope to those in need, and safeguard the rights and dignity of every person.

SECRETARY-GENERAL/AI

As you have seen, yesterday we issued a statement by the Secretary-General upon the appointment of the members of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence by the General Assembly. He noted that the 40 members were selected from more than 2,600 candidates, after independent review by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies, and UNESCO.

In a world where AI is racing ahead, the Secretary-General said, this Panel will provide what’s been missing, which is rigorous, independent scientific insight that enables all Member States, regardless of their technological capacity, to engage on an equal footing. The Secretary-General added that he is confident their work will inform collective dialogue on AI, and support decisions based on evidence and solidarity.

AFRICAN UNION/SECRETARY-GENERAL

The Secretary-General is now in Addis Ababa.

He started the day by meeting the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

Throughout the day, the Secretary-General had bilateral meetings with several African leaders. He also met with the incoming Chairperson of the African Union, the President of Angola, H.E. Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, and he also met separately with the outcoming Chairperson of the AU, President of Burundi, H.E. Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye. You have received readouts of all the Secretary-General’s meetings.

A short while ago, the Secretary-General took part in the second Italy-Africa summit. In his remarks, he said this summit sends a clear message that cooperation must be built on mutual respect and trust, and that partnerships must be about delivering on Agenda 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Tomorrow morning, the Secretary-General will address the opening session of the 39th African Union summit. You have received an embargoed copy of his remarks.

Throughout the day, he will have additional meetings with leaders attending the summit and in the afternoon, he will hold a press conference.

He will be back in the office on Monday.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-02-13

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I71RiwgD3Mw

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The questions top Davos leaders are asking to start 2026

Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. It provides a global, impartial and not-for-profit platform for meaningful connection between stakeholders to establish trust, and build initiatives for cooperation and progress.

How can leaders navigate a world roiled by a host of uncertainties, from the impact of AI to jobs and economies, to an ever-warming world and increasing geopolitical conflicts? They can start by asking the right questions. In this special episode, with interviews recorded in Davos, leaders share what’s top of mind for 2026. They give their thoughts on how leaders can navigate the unknown, their strategies to focus on what matters most and the key questions they’re looking to answer at the start the year.

Featured in this episode:
Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund, the question to help navigate uncertainty
Anne Walsh, Chief Investment Officer, Guggenheim Investment Management; Managing Partner, Guggenheim Partners on separating the signal from the noise
Sunny Mann, Global Chair, Baker McKenzie, on tapping experts and building for resilience
Nicholas Thompson, CEO, The Atlantic, on if we’ll see the democratization of AI
Jeremy Allaire, Founder and CEO, Circle, on how autonomous work will take shape
Nikki Clifton, UPS Foundation, focusing on the right challenge
Jonathan Haidt, author The Anxious Generation, on investing on habits for flourishing
Suleika Jaouad, author and artist, on valuing meaning over momentum
Adam Grant, Wharton Organizational Psychologist, on following the right leaders
Jon Batiste, Grammy-winning musician, on making the future we imagine a reality

About this epsiode:
Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/questions-davos-leaders-are-asking-2026
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0kRj74fELbKJlK11m68Aef
Related story: Davos 2026: 10 questions on leaders’ minds
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/02/davos-2026-10-questions-on-leaders-minds/

Related sessions:
Davos 2026: Special address by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/01/davos-2026-special-address-ursula-von-der-leyen/
Davos 2026: Special address by Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/01/davos-2026-special-address-by-mark-carney-prime-minister-of-canada/

Related epsisodes:
Meet The Leader: IMF’s Kristalina Georgieva on what’s next for AI, skills and the global economy
https://tinyurl.com/4ptf5ewp

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=970m3cpjxnw

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Ramadan, African Union, AI & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (13 February) | United Nations

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
Programming Note
Ramadan Message
Secretary-General/AI
African Union/Secretary-General
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria/Security Council
Yemen
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Haiti
World Radio Day
Financial Contribution

PROGRAMMING NOTE

There will be a stakeout right after this briefing, at approximately 1:00 p.m., by Ambassador Ibrahim Olabi, Permanent Representative of Syria to the United Nations, at the Security Council Stakeout.

RAMADAN MESSAGE

In a message marking the start of the holy month of Ramadan, the Secretary-General says this month is a sacred period of reflection and prayer, representing a noble vision of hope and peace. Yet, for too many members of the human family, this vision remains distant. From Afghanistan to Yemen, from Gaza to Sudan and beyond, people continue to suffer from conflict, hunger, displacement and discrimination.

In these difficult and divided times, the Secretary-General calls on all to heed Ramadan’s enduring message, to bridge divides, deliver help and hope to those in need, and safeguard the rights and dignity of every person.

SECRETARY-GENERAL/AI

As you have seen, yesterday we issued a statement by the Secretary-General upon the appointment of the members of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence by the General Assembly. He noted that the 40 members were selected from more than 2,600 candidates, after independent review by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies, and UNESCO.

In a world where AI is racing ahead, the Secretary-General said, this Panel will provide what’s been missing, which is rigorous, independent scientific insight that enables all Member States, regardless of their technological capacity, to engage on an equal footing. The Secretary-General added that he is confident their work will inform collective dialogue on AI, and support decisions based on evidence and solidarity.

AFRICAN UNION/SECRETARY-GENERAL

The Secretary-General is now in Addis Ababa.

He started the day by meeting the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

Throughout the day, the Secretary-General had bilateral meetings with several African leaders. He also met with the incoming Chairperson of the African Union, the President of Angola, H.E. Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, and he also met separately with the outcoming Chairperson of the AU, President of Burundi, H.E. Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye. You have received readouts of all the Secretary-General’s meetings.

A short while ago, the Secretary-General took part in the second Italy-Africa summit. In his remarks, he said this summit sends a clear message that cooperation must be built on mutual respect and trust, and that partnerships must be about delivering on Agenda 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Tomorrow morning, the Secretary-General will address the opening session of the 39th African Union summit. You have received an embargoed copy of his remarks.

Throughout the day, he will have additional meetings with leaders attending the summit and in the afternoon, he will hold a press conference.

He will be back in the office on Monday.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-02-13

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I71RiwgD3Mw

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Quantitative Methods for Forensic Footwear Analysis

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

This event brought together practitioners and researchers to enhance information-sharing and promote collaboration among the impression, pattern, and trace evidence analysts, law enforcement, and legal communities.

This is one of more than 50 recorded sessions from the symposium, which was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 22-25, 2018.

(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-1JTrbxFEg

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Attenuated Total Reflection Infrared Microscopy & Charpy Impact Tester for Analysis of Auto Paint

Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

This event brought together practitioners and researchers to enhance information-sharing and promote collaboration among the impression, pattern, and trace evidence analysts, law enforcement, and legal communities.

This is one of more than 50 recorded sessions from the symposium, which was presented by the NIJ Forensic Technology Center of Excellence January 22-25, 2018.

(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrwZ_ycWV-M