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Asia
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Road To
Cities tackle urban challenges as WUF13 preparations continue
In partnership with World Urban Forum
Preparations for the 13th World Urban Forum are under way, highlighting the need for global dialogue, cooperation and knowledge sharing to address shared challenges in housing, climate resilience and urban growth.
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Earth News
Central Asia bets on ‘ecological solidarity’ as water crisis deepens
Beyond political signalling, the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana delivered tangible commitments. A total of 17 agreements worth over $2.3 billion were signed at RES 2026, with the bulk of investments channelled into renewable energy, waste management, and industrial decarbonisation.
Uzbekistan
Tashkent and Astana deepen strategic ties during Bukhara talks
High-level talks in the Uzbek ancient city of Bukhara aimed to double trade to $10 billion. Presidents of the two countries focused on transport, energy, digitalisation and environmental initiatives, while joint projects and regional cooperation continue to expand.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan confirms suspension of oil transit to Germany via Russia
Kazakhstan’s energy minister announced Wednesday there would be no transit of its oil to Germany through Russia throughout May due to Russian technical constraints, assuming it is “related to recent strikes on Russian infrastructure".
Iran
Iran's IRGC tightens grip on power as civilian leadership sidelined
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has evolved from a theocratic wartime force into a dominant military-economic power. Over decades, it expanded regionally, reshaped Iran’s internal balance of power, now standing at the centre of a shifting political structure amid leadership changes and consolidation.
Culture news
The Royal Danish Theatre makes its debut in Astana
Astana has hosted, for the first time, the Royal Danish Theatre, one of the world’s oldest and most respected performing arts institutions. The Kazakhstan capital is increasingly positioning itself as a place where European and Asian artistic traditions meet and interact.
Uzbekistan
Central Asia faces rising synthetic drug threat as trafficking evolves
The rise of synthetic drugs and digital trafficking methods is forcing a shift in global anti-narcotics strategies. Uzbekistan is advancing new initiatives to improve cross-border cooperation, financial oversight and public awareness.
