Major World News Events of 02 July 2026: A Comprehensive Global View

Major World News Events of 02 July 2026: A Comprehensive Global Analysis

Introduction

The world on 2 July 2026 stood at a complex crossroads, shaped by dynamic political developments, economic recalibrations, technological breakthroughs, environmental imperatives, and profound societal challenges. This report provides an in-depth, structured analysis of the most significant global news events of the day, drawing on a wide array of authoritative sources to ensure accuracy, breadth, and context. Each section delves into the core developments within its domain, offering both concise summaries and detailed analytical paragraphs to illuminate the underlying trends and implications.

Global Headlines Overview

On 2 July 2026, the international news landscape was dominated by several interlinked themes. The ongoing fallout from the Middle East conflict continued to reverberate through global energy markets and diplomatic channels, while the world’s attention was also drawn to the opening matches of the FIFA World Cup in North America, which became a platform for human rights activism, particularly in Mexico. In Asia, the India-Japan Annual Summit marked a significant deepening of strategic and economic ties, with a focus on technology, energy, and supply chain resilience. Meanwhile, the global economy faced persistent headwinds, with inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions, and a pronounced shortage in critical minerals and memory chips, all exacerbated by the demands of the AI revolution. Scientific research yielded breakthroughs in quantum technology and brain health, while the United Nations system grappled with internal reforms and external pressures. Natural disasters, notably a moderate earthquake in Afghanistan, underscored the persistent vulnerability of many regions. This report systematically unpacks these developments across the following categories.

Politics

Middle East Conflict and Global Diplomacy

The Middle East remained a focal point of international politics, with the aftermath of the US-Israel conflict with Iran continuing to shape diplomatic and economic realities. Indirect talks between the United States and Iran concluded in Doha without a breakthrough, focusing primarily on technical issues such as maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the unfreezing of Iranian funds. While both sides described the discussions as constructive, no substantive progress was made on the core issues, particularly Iran’s nuclear program, which was deferred to future negotiations.

President Donald Trump publicly downplayed the risk of a return to open conflict, emphasizing ongoing diplomatic efforts and expressing optimism about the denuclearization process. However, sources indicated that the talks were largely stalled, with Iran insisting on the full implementation of initial agreements before moving forward. The status of the Strait of Hormuz—a vital artery for global oil and LNG trade—remained uncertain, with only partial resumption of shipping and continued military posturing by Iran, which asserted its control over the waterway and threatened to impose tolls on shipping after a grace period.

The broader regional context was marked by continued volatility. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) warned that the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict was pushing developing countries toward a record $1 trillion in fossil fuel subsidies, diverting resources from critical investments in health, education, and climate action. The report highlighted the profound and potentially long-lasting global spillover effects of the conflict, particularly for low- and middle-income countries already grappling with debt distress and limited fiscal space.

India-Japan Annual Summit: Strategic and Economic Partnership

A major political highlight of the day was the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, held in New Delhi and attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. This summit marked Takaichi’s first official visit to India since taking office and underscored the deepening of the “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” between the two democracies.

The summit produced a series of landmark agreements across multiple domains:

• Artificial Intelligence and Technology: Both countries signed a joint declaration on cooperation in artificial intelligence, critical minerals, semiconductors, and next-generation mobility, aiming to leverage Japan’s advanced manufacturing and India’s software and digital talent.

• Economic Security and Supply Chains: A joint roadmap on economic security was agreed upon, focusing on resilient supply chains for semiconductors, critical minerals, and pharmaceuticals. The leaders emphasized the need to reduce vulnerabilities and dependencies, particularly in light of recent global disruptions.

• Defence and Security: The summit saw the signing of the first joint defence co-development project, further expanding military cooperation. Both countries reiterated their commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, with explicit references to maritime security and Quad cooperation.

• Energy and Green Transition: The launch of the India-Japan Bio-Gas Initiative and agreements on clean energy and LNG cooperation reflected a shared commitment to energy resilience and environmental sustainability.

• Trade and Investment: The summit reviewed progress on major Japanese investments in India, including infrastructure projects such as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor and the inauguration of Maruti Suzuki’s new manufacturing facility in Haryana, expected to create over 21,000 jobs.

The summit’s outcomes signal a strategic alignment between India and Japan, positioning them as key partners in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific and the global technology landscape.

European Union: Regulatory Assertiveness

In Europe, the Court of Justice of the European Union upheld a €4.1 billion fine against Google for abusing its dominant position in the Android mobile operating system market. The ruling, which confirmed the European Commission’s earlier decision, reinforced the EU’s reputation as a leading regulator of Big Tech and signaled continued scrutiny under the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act.

The decision is significant not only for its financial magnitude but also for its broader implications. It underscores the EU’s willingness to challenge the business practices of major US technology firms and sets a precedent for future regulatory actions. Google, while expressing disappointment, noted that it had already adapted its agreements to comply with the initial decision and would continue to focus on innovation and openness.

International Relations

United Nations System: Reform and Controversy

The United Nations system faced internal and external challenges on 2 July 2026. A confidential letter from economists within the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) system raised alarms about a proposed restructuring that would downgrade analytical capacity in over 100 middle-income countries. The restructuring, which involves replacing international economist posts with national staff and reallocating resources to regional and headquarters offices, was criticized for lacking meaningful consultation and for potentially undermining the UN’s development pillar at a time of heightened global risk. 

The controversy highlights the tension between cost-saving measures and the need for robust, context-sensitive analytical support in countries facing complex development challenges. Member states and staff unions called for a more comprehensive assessment and genuine consultation before finalizing the changes. The episode reflects broader debates about the future of multilateralism and the role of the UN in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Critical Minerals and Trade Policy

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released a major report on the shifting dynamics of critical minerals trade, emphasizing the strategic importance of minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements for the global energy transition and digital economy.

Key findings include:

• Rising Demand: Demand for critical energy transition minerals (CETMs) is projected to surge over the coming decades, driven by the expansion of clean technology, electric vehicles, battery storage, and digital infrastructure. For example, lithium demand is expected to increase by 353% by 2040, with similar growth for graphite, nickel, and rare earths.

• Supply Concentration: The supply chain for CETMs is highly concentrated, with a few countries dominating mining and refining. China, Indonesia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo control significant shares of global output, creating vulnerabilities to geopolitical disruptions and trade restrictions.

• Trade Policy Responses: Both mineral-rich and importing countries are increasingly using trade policy instruments—such as export bans, licensing requirements, and strategic partnerships—to secure access and capture more value from the supply chain. Since 2020, nearly 100 new export measures have been introduced, with major importers like the EU, Japan, and the US seeking to diversify sources and build resilient supply chains.

The report underscores the growing intersection of trade, industrial policy, and geopolitics in the race for critical minerals, with implications for global economic security and the pace of the energy transition.

Economy & Markets

Macroeconomic Outlook

The global economy in mid-2026 remains under significant strain, shaped by the lingering effects of the Middle East conflict, persistent inflation, and supply chain disruptions. The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) April 2026 World Economic Outlook projected global growth to slow to 3.1% in 2026, with inflation expected to tick up before resuming its decline in 2027. The slowdown is particularly pronounced in emerging market and developing economies, where elevated public debt and eroding institutional credibility heighten vulnerabilities.

The IMF warned that downside risks dominate the outlook. A prolonged or broader conflict in the Middle East, deeper geopolitical fragmentation, disappointment over AI-driven productivity gains, or renewed trade tensions could significantly weaken growth and destabilize financial markets. Conversely, faster-than-expected productivity gains from AI or easing trade tensions could provide upside surprises.

Financial Markets and Commodities

Global financial markets entered the second half of 2026 with a more cautious tone. After a strong first half, profit-taking hit technology and semiconductor stocks, particularly those linked to the AI boom. The Nasdaq, South Korea’s KOSPI, and Taiwan’s stock market, which had posted record gains, saw declines as investors questioned the sustainability of massive capital spending by hyperscale technology companies.

Oil prices fell to four-month lows, driven by signs of progress in US-Iran talks and the partial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The drop in oil prices helped ease inflation concerns, providing central banks with more room to believe that headline inflation could moderate in the second half of the year. Gold prices edged higher on softer US jobs data, while the US dollar eased and the Japanese yen rebounded on intervention speculation.

The immediate focus for traders was the US non-farm payrolls report, seen as a key determinant of the Federal Reserve’s next move. A stronger report would reinforce expectations for another rate hike, while weaker data could revive hopes for a pause in tightening.

Memory Chip and Semiconductor Shortage

A severe shortage of DRAM and NAND flash memory chips continued to disrupt global supply chains, driven by unprecedented demand from AI data centers and cloud service providers. Prices for memory components surged by 50% to 200% in the first half of 2026, pushing up server costs and forcing equipment makers to modify or cancel configurations requiring significant memory.

Top manufacturers such as Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron reported record profits, but the shortage showed no signs of abating. Industry analysts warned that new production capacity would not come online until at least 2027, and that the supply-demand gap could persist into 2028. Corporate buyers were advised to adopt flexible procurement strategies, avoid panic buying, and prioritize workloads to manage the volatile environment.

The shortage also had ripple effects on consumer electronics, with companies like Samsung and Apple expected to pass higher component costs on to consumers in upcoming flagship devices. The AI infrastructure boom, while driving innovation, exposed the fragility of global supply chains and the need for strategic planning.

Business & Corporate News

Big Tech and AI Infrastructure

The technology sector was marked by significant developments in AI infrastructure, regulation, and competition:

• Meta’s AI Cloud Ambitions: Meta Platforms announced plans to commercialize its internal AI infrastructure by launching a cloud services offering that would rent out unused GPU capacity to external customers. This move positions Meta as a direct competitor to established cloud providers like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, and reflects the growing convergence of cloud, AI, and network infrastructure.

• US AI Policy and Model Standards: The White House was in advanced talks with major AI companies to finalize a voluntary framework for the release of frontier AI models. The framework, required by an executive order, would allow the government to review new models for up to 30 days before public release, setting benchmarks and access rules. Companies such as Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI were already adjusting their release strategies in anticipation of the new standards, which are due to be finalized by 1 August 2026.

• AI-Driven Memory Shortage: The voracious demand for high-bandwidth memory from AI data centers was driving up prices and creating supply constraints for DRAM and NAND components used in consumer devices. Device makers faced difficult choices about absorbing costs or passing them on to consumers, while enterprise buyers struggled with unpredictable budgets and procurement challenges.

Corporate Earnings and Strategic Moves

• Tesla: Tesla reported stronger-than-expected Q2 deliveries, with 480,126 vehicles delivered—a 25% increase from the previous year. The rebound was driven by stronger European demand, even as competition from Chinese EV makers intensified. Tesla’s valuation remains closely tied to its AI and robotics ambitions, but vehicle sales continue to fund its broader narrative.

• Google: The upholding of the €4.1 billion EU antitrust fine against Google marked a significant regulatory milestone. Google emphasized its commitment to compliance and innovation, but the decision reinforced the EU’s assertiveness in regulating Big Tech.

• Venture Capital: The AI infrastructure sector saw major funding rounds, with Together AI raising $800 million at an $8.3 billion valuation and Quantum Systems, a German drone maker, raising $1.2 billion. These investments reflect the growing importance of open-source AI infrastructure and dual-use defense technologies.

Technology & AI Policy

AI Regulation and Governance

The US government’s move toward operational control over the release of advanced AI models marked a significant shift in AI governance. The voluntary framework under negotiation would require companies to submit new models for government review, with specific benchmarks and access rules. The policy aims to balance national security concerns with the need to maintain US leadership in AI innovation, and its implementation is being closely watched by practitioners and investors alike.

The framework’s emphasis on evaluation metrics, red-team results, and threat models reflects a maturing approach to AI risk management. The involvement of major players such as Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI underscores the framework’s market-shaping potential. The policy is expected to influence release engineering, compliance planning, and competitive dynamics across the AI industry.

AI Infrastructure and Supply Chains

The AI infrastructure boom is reshaping global supply chains, with hyperscale data centers, undersea cables, and advanced memory chips becoming strategic assets. Microsoft’s partnership with Singapore’s Lightstorm to build a new India–Southeast Asia undersea cable exemplifies the race to control the physical networks underpinning the AI economy.

Meta’s entry into the AI cloud market, with plans to offer both hosted model access and raw compute capacity, highlights the convergence of compute, networking, and software frameworks. The move is expected to drive demand for advanced optical networking technologies and reinforce the importance of connectivity, power, and data center architecture in the AI era.

The severe shortage of DRAM and NAND flash memory, driven by AI demand, has exposed vulnerabilities in the semiconductor supply chain. Industry analysts warn that the shortage could persist for years, with significant implications for hardware costs, procurement strategies, and the pace of AI adoption.

Science & Research Breakthroughs

Quantum Technology: Magnon Breakthrough

A landmark study published in Science Advances reported a breakthrough in quantum technology, demonstrating that magnons—tiny magnetic waves—can now serve as long-lived carriers of quantum information. Researchers extended magnon lifetimes by nearly 100 times, reaching up to 18 microseconds, a development that overturns previous assumptions about magnon dissipation limits.

This advance positions magnons as viable candidates for on-chip quantum information technologies, potentially enabling quantum computers the size of a penny. The findings open new possibilities for scalable, solid-state quantum computing and hybrid quantum architectures, where magnons could function as robust quantum memories and interconnects.

Brain Health: Vitamin C and Cognitive Aging

A large cohort study published in PLOS One and highlighted by ScienceDaily found a significant association between plasma vitamin C levels and brain structural integrity in older adults. The study, involving over 2,000 Japanese participants, showed that lower vitamin C levels were linked to reduced gray matter volume and weaker connectivity within the default mode network—a key brain network involved in memory and attention.

While the findings do not establish causality, they strengthen the hypothesis that a diet rich in vitamin C may support cognitive function and mitigate age-related cognitive decline. The research underscores the potential impact of everyday dietary habits on brain health and highlights the need for further studies to explore the biological mechanisms involved.

Other Notable Scientific Developments

• Astrobiology: New computer models suggested that ancient asteroid impacts may have created underground hydrothermal systems, potentially sparking the origins of life on Earth.

• Gravitational Waves: Astronomers released the largest gravitational wave catalog to date, revealing 161 new black hole collisions and pushing the total number of detections to 390, offering new insights into the hidden population of black holes.

• Water Chemistry: Researchers solved a decades-old puzzle about water’s behavior in nanoscale spaces, finding that intense pressures, rather than inherent reactivity, explain its unique properties.

Health & Medicine

Kidney Transplant Access

A massive national study in the United States found that nearly half of Americans with kidney failure who are referred for a transplant never even begin the evaluation process, and only 19% make it onto the transplant waitlist. The findings highlight significant barriers to access and underscore the need for systemic reforms to improve outcomes for patients with end-stage renal disease.

Mental Health and Nutrition

The aforementioned study on vitamin C and brain health adds to a growing body of evidence linking nutrition to cognitive aging. The research suggests that maintaining adequate vitamin C levels may help preserve brain structure and function in older adults, though more research is needed to establish causality and inform dietary recommendations.

Public Health and Disease

• Osteoarthritis: Experimental treatments in animal studies showed promise in regenerating damaged joints, potentially offering new options for patients beyond pain relief.

• Alzheimer’s Disease: Scientists identified a common brain protein that may facilitate the spread of Alzheimer’s pathology, opening new avenues for therapeutic intervention.

Environment & Climate Policy

Fossil Fuel Subsidies and Energy Transition

The UNDP’s report on the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict projected that global fossil fuel subsidies would exceed $1 trillion in 2026, up $410 billion from the previous year. The surge in subsidies, aimed at shielding populations from soaring energy prices, comes at the expense of investments in health, education, and climate action, particularly in developing countries.

The report warned that while subsidies provide temporary relief, they ultimately undermine climate and development goals by locking countries into high-carbon pathways and limiting future investment. The crisis underscores the urgent need for international support and accelerated investment in renewable energy to enhance energy security and advance the energy transition.

Critical Minerals and Supply Chain Resilience

As detailed in the UNCTAD report, the race for critical minerals is reshaping global trade and industrial policy. The concentration of mining and refining capacity in a few countries creates vulnerabilities to geopolitical shocks and trade restrictions. Major importers are responding by diversifying sources, investing in domestic capacity, and forging strategic partnerships to build resilient supply chains. 

The outcome of these efforts will have far-reaching implications for the speed and equity of the global energy transition, as well as for the economic development of mineral-rich countries.

Natural Disasters & Major Incidents

Afghanistan Earthquake

On 1 July 2026 at 17:57 UTC (late evening local time), a magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck 47 km southwest of Jurm in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region, at a depth of approximately 213 km. The quake was felt lightly by residents in nearby areas, but no significant casualties or damage were reported. The event was classified as an aftershock of a larger magnitude 6.1 mainshock that occurred four days earlier.

Afghanistan’s mountainous northeast is prone to seismic activity due to its location near the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. While the depth of the quake reduced surface shaking, the region’s rugged terrain and weak infrastructure make it particularly vulnerable to major earthquakes. The event serves as a reminder of the persistent risk of natural disasters in the region and the need for robust preparedness and response systems.

Other Disaster Events

No major wildfires, floods, or volcanic eruptions were reported on 2 July 2026. However, the global disaster tracker continued to monitor elevated risks in several regions, including ongoing aftershocks in Afghanistan and heightened flood alerts in parts of the United States and Asia.

Human Rights & Civil Society

Mexico’s Enforced Disappearance Crisis

The opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico was overshadowed by large-scale protests organized by families of the disappeared, who sought to draw international attention to the country’s ongoing human rights crisis. With over 133,000 people officially missing—enough to fill the stadium in Monterrey more than twice—activists used the global spotlight to demand government action and accountability.

The United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances has concluded that enforced disappearances in Mexico are a systematic and widespread practice that could constitute crimes against humanity. Protesters criticized the government for prioritizing World Cup investments over the search for missing persons and for failing to enforce existing laws and protocols. The crisis is compounded by widespread impunity, with only a fraction of cases resulting in investigations or prosecutions.

The protests, which included symbolic actions such as dressing missing persons in the national team’s shirt and displaying photographs outside stadiums, highlighted the intersection of sport, human rights, and civil society activism. The international community was urged to pressure Mexican authorities to address the crisis and support the families’ search for justice.

United Nations & International Organizations

UN Resident Coordinator System Reform

As previously discussed, the proposed restructuring of the UN Resident Coordinator system sparked significant controversy within the organization and among member states. The downgrading of economist posts in middle-income countries was seen as a move that could weaken the UN’s ability to provide evidence-based policy advice and mobilize financing for development. The episode reflects broader challenges facing the UN system, including funding constraints, shifting priorities, and the need to adapt to an increasingly complex global environment.

UNCTAD and Critical Minerals

UNCTAD’s report on critical minerals trade provided a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing the global energy transition. The report called for stronger international cooperation and greater policy coherence to ensure that trade supports both the development needs of mineral-rich countries and the global transition to a low-carbon, digital economy.

Regional Focus

South Asia: India

India’s prominence on the global stage was reinforced by the successful hosting of the India-Japan Annual Summit and the signing of multiple agreements across technology, energy, and defense. The summit underscored India’s strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific and its role as a key partner in shaping the future of AI, supply chains, and regional security.

India also continued to grapple with domestic challenges, including the implementation of new education policies and efforts to expand financial inclusion and digital infrastructure. The country’s economic growth remained robust, but was tempered by global headwinds and supply chain disruptions.

Middle East: Conflict and Diplomacy

The Middle East remained a region of high tension and uncertainty, with the aftermath of the US-Israel conflict with Iran dominating diplomatic and economic agendas. The partial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing indirect talks between the US and Iran provided some relief to global energy markets, but the risk of renewed conflict and further disruptions persisted.

Europe: Regulatory Leadership

The EU’s upholding of the Google Android antitrust fine reinforced its leadership in regulating digital markets and set a precedent for future actions under the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act. The decision is likely to influence regulatory approaches in other jurisdictions and shape the competitive landscape for technology firms.

Americas: Human Rights and Civil Society

In Mexico, the World Cup became a platform for human rights activism, with families of the disappeared leveraging the global spotlight to demand justice and accountability. The crisis of enforced disappearances remains a major challenge for Mexican society and a test of the government’s commitment to human rights.

Latin America: Economic and Social Challenges

Beyond Mexico, Latin America continued to face economic and social challenges, including slow growth, high inequality, and persistent security concerns. The region’s response to global energy and supply chain disruptions will be critical in shaping its future trajectory.

Culture & Sports

FIFA World Cup 2026

The opening matches of the FIFA World Cup in North America (Canada, Mexico, and the United States) were marked by both celebration and protest. In Mexico, the tournament became a focal point for activism around enforced disappearances, with families of the missing using the event to raise awareness and demand action.

The intersection of sport and social justice was evident in the symbolic actions and protests that accompanied the matches. The World Cup’s global platform provided an opportunity for civil society to highlight pressing human rights issues and challenge official narratives.

Other Cultural Highlights

• World UFO Day: Observed on 2 July, World UFO Day aimed to raise awareness about unidentified flying objects and the search for extraterrestrial life.

• International Day of Cooperatives: Celebrated on the first Saturday in July, this day promotes cooperative enterprises and their role in sustainable development.

Energy Transition & Critical Minerals

Supply Chains and Trade Policy

As detailed earlier, the race for critical minerals is reshaping global supply chains and trade policy. The concentration of mining and refining capacity in a few countries creates vulnerabilities and strategic risks, prompting major importers to diversify sources and invest in domestic capacity.

The outcome of these efforts will determine the speed and equity of the global energy transition, with significant implications for economic development, industrial competitiveness, and geopolitical stability.

Supply Chains & Hardware

Semiconductor and Memory Market Impacts

The severe shortage of DRAM and NAND flash memory, driven by AI infrastructure demand, has exposed the fragility of global supply chains. Top manufacturers are prioritizing high-value, high-capacity products for enterprise clients, while corporate buyers face unpredictable budgets and procurement challenges.

The shortage is expected to persist into 2027 and beyond, with significant implications for hardware costs, upgrade timelines, and the pace of digital transformation. Companies are advised to adopt flexible procurement strategies, prioritize critical workloads, and resist unjustified price hikes from vendors.

Conclusion

The events of 2 July 2026 reflect a world in flux, grappling with the intertwined challenges of geopolitical conflict, economic uncertainty, technological transformation, environmental imperatives, and social justice. The day’s headlines underscore the importance of strategic partnerships, resilient supply chains, robust governance, and inclusive development in navigating an increasingly complex global landscape.

From the corridors of power in New Delhi and Brussels to the streets of Mexico City and the laboratories of quantum physicists, the world’s trajectory is being shaped by the interplay of innovation, activism, and adaptation. As nations, companies, and communities confront the opportunities and risks of this new era, the need for cooperation, foresight, and resilience has never been greater.

Key Takeaways:

• The Middle East conflict continues to drive global economic and diplomatic dynamics, with significant implications for energy markets and development priorities.

• The India-Japan Annual Summit marked a deepening of strategic and economic ties, with a focus on technology, energy, and supply chain resilience.

• The global economy faces persistent headwinds, including inflation, supply chain disruptions, and a severe shortage of critical minerals and memory chips.

• Scientific breakthroughs in quantum technology and brain health highlight the ongoing potential of research and innovation.

• The UN system is undergoing contested reforms, reflecting broader debates about the future of multilateralism.

• Human rights activism, particularly in Mexico, leveraged global events like the World Cup to demand accountability and justice.

• The race for critical minerals is reshaping trade policy, industrial strategy, and the pace of the energy transition.

• The AI infrastructure boom is driving both innovation and supply chain vulnerabilities, with far-reaching implications for technology, business, and society.

This comprehensive analysis provides a foundation for understanding the major world news events of 2 July 2026 and their broader significance in shaping the global future.