News published on Globe Banner in February 2025

News from February 2025


World Bank highlights steps for Malaysia's path to high-income status

Malaysia is on the path to achieving high-income nation status between 2028 and 2030, according to a joint report by the World Bank and Malaysia's Ministry of Economy.


Gunfire disrupts metro service near Clemenceau stop; no injuries reported

The U.S. Embassy has reported disruptions to metro lines connected to the Clemenceau metro stop in Anderlecht due to gunfire incidents earlier today.


WTO panel report on US-Vietnam fish fillet duties reveals dispute resolution

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has released a panel report concerning the United States' duties on fish fillets imported from Vietnam.


Marco Rubio becomes highest-ranking Hispanic American official as new Secretary of State

Marco Rubio has been confirmed as the new U.S. Secretary of State, following a unanimous 99-0 vote by the Senate on January 20, shortly after President Trump took office.


World Bank project aims to expand electricity access in Madagascar

Access to electricity is crucial for countries like Madagascar, where it can transform lives and boost economic growth.


U.S. calls for collective defense of democracy at OAS meeting

The United States has expressed gratitude to Chile for its leadership in the Voluntary Group for the Follow-Up of the Inter-American Democratic Charter.


Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program opens applications for Uruguayan teachers

The Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA) is set to offer an intensive professional development opportunity for secondary school teachers from Uruguay in 2025-2026.


IMF concludes Article IV consultation highlighting Grenada's economic resilience

On January 24, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed its Article IV consultation with Grenada.


Belize partners with World Bank on new $58M energy resilience project

The Government of Belize, in collaboration with the World Bank and the Government of Canada, has launched a new energy project designed to enhance the country's power supply and improve electricity service reliability.


U.S. pauses foreign aid spending to prioritize national interests

The U.S. State Department has initiated a 90-day pause and review of foreign aid programs, which is reportedly yielding positive results for the country.


BMO introduces embedded banking solution for ERP integration

BMO, in collaboration with FISPAN, has introduced BMO Sync, a new solution designed to integrate BMO Online Banking for Business services directly into Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and accounting systems.


ING progresses with €2 billion share buyback programme

ING has provided an update on its €2.0 billion share buyback programme, initially announced on October 31, 2024.


Trump proclaims February 2025 as National Black History Month

The President of the United States has officially recognized February 2025 as National Black History Month.


Sun Life U.S. teams up with Maine Celtics for youth fitness program

Sun Life U.S. and the Maine Celtics recently organized the second annual Fit to Win event at the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maine in Portland.


Art in Embassies highlights coastal life at US-Sierra Leone exhibition

Ambassador Hunt hosted a reception and exhibition for the Art in Embassies program, celebrating cultural heritage through art from the United States and Sierra Leone.


Morgan Stanley hosts annual women's leadership event with Christine Baranski

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is set to host the 16th annual Go Red Women’s Leadership event in collaboration with the American Heart Association (AHA) – Westchester and Fairfield Counties.


U.S.-Panama partnership addresses migration challenges

On February 3, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Panamanian Minister of Public Security Frank Abrego attended a charter repatriation flight event at Albrook Airport in Panama City.


South Africa faces slow growth; report urges reforms in basic education

The latest edition of the South Africa Economic Update, titled "Learning: Overdue Reforms and Emerging Priorities in Basic Education," examines the country's economic outlook with a focus on its basic education system.


World Bank report emphasizes transforming education for inclusive growth in South Africa

Transforming South Africa's basic education sector could be key to driving inclusive growth, according to a World Bank report released today.


Maria Ramos appointed Group Chair of Standard Chartered

Standard Chartered PLC has announced the appointment of Maria Ramos as its new Group Chair, succeeding José Viñals.