Saudi, Middle East Green Initiatives

Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, revealed two new climate change plans on Saturday. He highlighted desertification and air pollution as two of the significant challenges currently facing the kingdom. The Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives comprise a raft of transformative measures and the focus will not only be on land but marine and coastal environments as well.

Libya: Diplomatic Visits

Diplomatic visits to Libya’s new unity government have begun. The French, German, and Italian Foreign Ministers arrived in Tripoli this week and met Libya's Foreign Minister, Najla Al Mangoush, on Friday. The Government of National Unity is the country’s first united government since the Libyan civil war broke out.

Ever Given: Effect on Global Trade

Attempts to refloat the huge container ship blocking the Suez Canal failed. The 'Ever Given' ran aground in the canal on Tuesday morning after being hit by strong winds. Hundreds of ships are waiting to pass through the closed canal. A study by German insurer Allianz showed the blockage could cost global trade $6 to $10 billion a week.

Indonesia Terrorist Attack

14 people were injured in a church suicide bombing in the Indonesian city of Makassar on Sunday. The two suspected bombers are thought to have died in the blast. Boy Rafli Amar, the head of the country's National Counterterrorism Agency, described the attack as an act of terrorism.