Nations

Sunset over a river

Brazil dismantles hundreds of illegal dredges in major Amazon mining crackdown

By / / Good News For Humankind

A groundbreaking environmental victory has been secured in the Amazon through the removal of hundreds of illegal river machines. These large, floating mining dredges were the primary source of toxic mercury contamination in the waterways. The decisive government action significantly reduces public health risks for Indigenous communities who rely on fish for food. This vital enforcement protects tribal land sovereignty and allows damaged river ecosystems to begin their natural recovery.

Sanae Takaichi

Japan’s parliament elects Sanae Takaichi as nation’s first female prime minister

By / / Good News For Humankind

Japan has reached a monumental moment in its long democratic history by electing Sanae Takaichi as its first female Prime Minister. Takaichi, a well-known figure with a long tenure in parliament, shatters a critical barrier in gender representation at the highest level of government. This election, coming from a historically male-dominated political structure, is a potent source of inspiration for women in public service across the Asia-Pacific region.

Porto-Novo, Benin

Benin commits to making renewables its main source of power by 2030

By / / Good News For Humankind

Benin is launching a strategic national effort to make renewable energy its main source of power by 2030. The National Renewable Energy Development Policy aims to increase renewables to 30% of the energy mix. This push includes a target to install at least $100$ megawatts (MW) of solar capacity. This shift is accelerating energy independence, reducing reliance on costly imports, and empowering local economies across the nation.

Male, Maldives

The Maldives becomes first country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis & hepatitis B

By / / Good News For Humankind

The Maldives has achieved a major public health victory by eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B (HBV). This historic WHO-verified status makes the nation a global leader in maternal and child health. The success is rooted in universal antenatal screening and equitable access to medication across all islands. This achievement secures a healthier start for future generations and provides a powerful blueprint for eliminating other diseases globally.

Aerial view of forest

China has added more than 170 million acres of forest since 1990

By / / Good News For Humankind

A new national inventory confirms China’s massive environmental success, demonstrating a major increase in forest cover roughly equivalent to the size of Texas. This unparalleled reforestation effort has dramatically enhanced the nation’s ability to sequester CO2, boosting its climate mitigation goals. By successfully reversing decades of deforestation and empowering millions of local land stewards, China has proven that large-scale ecological recovery is achievable.

Muralist painting

Ireland secures creative future with permanent basic income for artists

By / / Good News For Humankind

Ireland has cemented its role as a global cultural leader by making its basic income pilot for artists a permanent national policy. This historic commitment guarantees a stable foundational income for thousands of creative workers. This economic security removes pressure and allows artists to fully dedicate themselves to innovation. The program affirms that art and culture are essential public goods and vital to the national economy.

Neon Pride Rainbow

South Korea census allows same-sex couples to identify as spouses in “historic” change

By / / Good News For Humankind

South Korea has taken a major step toward equality by officially updating its national census to recognize same-sex couples as spouses. This victory, driven by civil rights advocates, is crucial for improving visibility and ensuring accurate demographic data. This powerful institutional recognition builds momentum for future legal reforms. It sets a progressive model for other nations in East Asia seeking to affirm the dignity of LGBTQ+ citizens in their national frameworks.

Humpback whales underwater

Eastern Australian humpback whale population now back to pre-whaling levels

By / / Good News For Humankind

A monumental conservation victory has been achieved with the recovery of the Eastern Australian humpback whale population. Once decimated, the population has rebounded to over 50,000 individuals, surpassing pre-whaling levels. This success, confirmed by the International Whaling Commission (IWC), proves the power of sustained international protection. By securing their migration corridor and enforcing a global ban, humanity successfully reversed the species’ decline.

African children

Niger becomes first African nation declared free from river blindness

By / / Good News For Humankind

This major public health triumph has eradicated onchocerciasis, or river blindness, in Niger. The nation is the first in Africa to achieve this World Health Organization-verified status. This victory eliminates a debilitating parasitic disease that had historically pushed populations away from fertile river valleys. The successful, multi-decade effort restores human dignity, unlocks agricultural land for economic development, and provides a powerful blueprint for eliminating other neglected tropical diseases across the continent.

Hands holding a blank smart phone

Sweden to implement nationwide mobile phone ban in schools

By / / Good News For Humankind

Sweden has implemented a decisive, nationwide ban on mobile phones in schools to enhance student focus and academic performance. This new policy is a strong commitment to creating a distraction-free learning environment. Preliminary data suggests the ban will boost student test scores and significantly improve social skills by encouraging face-to-face interaction. This comprehensive approach serves as a modern blueprint for other nations seeking to protect educational integrity and student mental health.