News published on Globe Banner in August 2025

News from August 2025


Mexico’s 2024 human rights report cites persistent abuses and low prosecution rates

The latest human rights report on Mexico for 2024 finds that there were no significant changes in the country's overall human rights situation during the year.


YSEALI-backed ALGALUTION develops algae-based bioplastic alternatives targeting Southeast Asian markets

ALGALUTION, a project supported by YSEALI Seeds for the Future, is working to develop algae-based bioplastics as an alternative to conventional plastics.


Phil Nervig named Deputy Chief of Mission at U.S. Embassy Harare

Phil Nervig has been appointed as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe, starting in August 2025.


BRISMA turns rice husk waste into marketable products with YSEALI Seeds support

BRISMA, an initiative in Karawang, Indonesia, is working to convert rice husk waste into aromatic briquettes.


YSEALI-backed initiative addresses teacher mental health in post-disaster settings

The “At Peace Teachers – Strong Students” project was developed in response to concerns about the lack of mental health resources for teachers, particularly those working in post-disaster environments.


U.S., Mexico coordinate transfer of cartel-linked fugitives for prosecution

The United States Embassy in Mexico City has acknowledged the Mexican government’s cooperation in transferring 26 high-profile fugitives to U.S. custody.


Rhonda Slusher named Deputy Chief of Mission at U.S. Embassy Belize

Rhonda Slusher has taken on the role of Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan, Belize, as of August 2025.


G7 nations criticize Hong Kong police arrest warrants targeting overseas activists

The governments of the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Union—members of the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM)—along with associate members Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and...


Chuka Asike begins role as Deputy Chief of Mission to ASEAN

Chuka Asike has started his role as Deputy Chief of Mission to the U.S. Mission to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in August 2025.


U.S. supports border committee meeting on Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire

The United States has expressed support for the General Border Committee meeting held in Kuala Lumpur, describing it as a significant move toward strengthening the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand.


U.S. Embassy welcomes Abigail L. Dressel as new chargé d’affaires in Mozambique

Abigail L. Dressel has assumed the role of Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique as of August 11, 2025.


Abigail L. Dressel appointed Chargé d’Affaires at U.S. Embassy Maputo

Abigail L. Dressel has taken on the role of Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Maputo, Mozambique, as of August 11, 2025.


U.S. Department of State updates nonimmigrant visa interview waiver policy

Effective September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will revise its policy on interview waivers for nonimmigrant visa applicants.


U.S. Embassy Suva seeks bids for America 250 Fiji Series event planning services

The U.S. Embassy in Suva is seeking quotations from companies for event planning and production services as part of the America 250 Fiji Series.


U.S. Embassy seeks multimedia services for America 250 events in Pacific nations

The U.S. Embassy in Suva has issued a request for quotations for multimedia production services as part of the America 250 Commemoration, which will take place in Fiji, Kiribati, Tuvalu, and Nauru.


U.S. Embassy warns Americans in North Kivu of possible terrorist threats

The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa has issued a security alert for American citizens in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, citing reports that places of worship may be targeted by terrorist attacks.


Howden Re names Candy Wong as head of treaty for Hong Kong

Howden Re has announced the appointment of Candy Wong as Head of Treaty for Hong Kong.


ANZ appoints Ender Tanar as new country head for Japan

ANZ has announced the appointment of Ender Tanar as Country Head for ANZ Japan, pending regulatory approval.


Arch Insurance Australia appoints Diva Mupnar as senior property underwriter for southern region

Arch Insurance Australia has appointed Diva Mupnar as Senior Property Underwriter for the Southern Region, effective immediately.


Unseen WWII correspondence published online for VJ Day anniversary

The University of Oxford has released a collection of previously unseen letters and diaries from the Second World War to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.