World leaders promise to end deforestation by 2030
The countries who signed the pledge – including Canada, Brazil, Russia, China, Indonesia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the U.S. and the U.K. – cover around 85% of the world’s forests.
Nations
This archive collects milestones and progress stories involving nations — countries and their governments — acting to improve lives, protect rights, or address shared challenges. From policy breakthroughs to international cooperation, these stories show what countries are doing right.
Spain to ban advertising for unhealthy foods targeted at children
According to a 2019 study, which is based on surveys of children aged six to nine, 40% of Spanish minors are above their recommended weight.
Ten countries now generate almost 100% renewable electricity
Albania, Bhutan, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Iceland, Namibia, Nepal, Norway, and Paraguay all now generate more than 97% of their electricity from renewable sources.
New Zealand swears in first Indigenous Māori Governor-general
Before being sworn in as New Zealand’s first Māori Governor-general last week, Dame Cindy Kiro forged a career in academics, holding various leadership roles at many New Zealand universities.
U.S. issues first passport with non-binary “X” gender marker in historic move
The X gender marker will become a part of the routine passport application process in early 2022.
‘Landmark decision’ gives legal teeth to protect environmental defenders throughout Europe
It is the first ever internationally-agreed tool to safeguard environmental defenders and marks an important step in upholding the universal right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
Egypt’s State Council swears-in the nation’s first female judges
Ninety-eight women were sworn in before the council’s chief judge Mohammed Hossam el-Din as the first female judges in the country’s history to join the State Council.
Luxembourg first in Europe to legalize growing and using cannabis
Luxembourg legalized home cannabis cultivation in October 2021, allowing adults 18 and over to grow up to four plants at their primary residence — becoming the first country in Europe to take this step. Possession of up to three grams was downgraded from a criminal offense to a misdemeanor, with fines dropping from as much as €2,500 to as little as €25. Justice Minister Sam Tanson framed the change as harm reduction, aiming to pull everyday users out of an illegal supply chain she described as full of “misery.” The government also signaled plans to channel future revenue from regulated sales into prevention, education, and addiction care. It’s a quietly significant moment for European drug policy — a small country choosing public health over prohibition, and giving its neighbors something concrete to learn from.
India to install EV chargers every 50 kilometers of national highway by 2023
NHAI will install an EV charging station along the national highways every 50 kilometers by 2023. This is over 40,000 kilometers of highways, with a plan of almost 700 charging stations.
Barbados elects first ever president ahead of becoming republic
The government announced the plan to move to a republic status last year. It said “the time [had] come” for Barbados to “fully leave our colonial past behind”.