Water Security in Focus: The African Water Forum opened in Chad urging urgent action as leaders warned that hundreds of millions still lack safe drinking water and that climate change could sharply hit regional economies. Wildlife Protection: In Bentong, Malaysian authorities seized 34 protected Blyth’s river frogs and arrested a man after links to illegal sourcing for exotic food outlets. Rainforest Funding Pressure: The UK abandoned major Congo rainforest projects after cutting aid, raising concerns about whether promised forest protection money is actually reaching the ground. Critical Minerals Risk: The IEA flagged fragile supply chains for rare earths and other critical minerals, warning that export controls could disrupt downstream industries even as public funding grows. EV Push in Africa: Changan opened its first Ethiopian showroom as Ethiopia continues its ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle imports, betting on a faster electric shift. Energy Value Agenda: APPO NOC-CEO leaders will meet in Cape Town in October to push regional refining, gas markets and cross-border petroleum trade. UN SDG Momentum: A UN forum concluded with renewed commitments to accelerate Sustainable Development Goals through stronger partnerships and integrated policies. Circular Construction Spotlight: Gabonsa Music Festival’s pavilion in Austria showcased circular, reversible timber design—an example of low-resource temporary architecture.