This week, Zambian youth began attending martial arts training at Africa's first Shaolin Temple, hoping to cultivate discipline and create life opportunities.
In Kyrgyzstan, world leaders convened at the SCO summit, striving to maintain a balance in relations between Eastern and Western superpowers.
The United Nations issued a warning that the "super-sized El Niño" phenomenon could become the most intense on record and is expected to continue until early 2027.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump recently pressured Apple Maps to rename the U.S. portion of Lake Ontario as "Lake America," following Google Maps' earlier compliance.
Norwegians joined in mourning the death of King Harald V, while Crown Prince Haakon ascended to the throne in succession.
Shifting to Asia, the Philippines conducted full-scale drills nationwide to prepare for school tragedies, following recent violence in educational institutions, continuing the shock from events in Thailand.
The week ended with positive news from Indonesian officials who urgently rescued a mother and baby orangutan from burning peatland forests on Borneo Island, ensuring their safety.
Zambia
Youth Train in Discipline and Martial Arts at Africa's First Shaolin Temple
More than 37 youths have gradually begun martial arts training under Chinese instructors at Africa's first Shaolin Temple, located outside Lusaka, Zambia's capital. This temple covers over 20,000 square meters and was built with nearly six million U.S. dollars donated by Chinese businessmen to help develop both the physical and mental discipline of the children. Moreover, videos of their training and performances have become popular on TikTok and Douyin, garnering millions of views. This initiative not only represents a cross-continental cultural exchange but also reflects China's growing influence across Africa.
Kyrgyzstan
Xi, Modi, Putin, and Pashinyan Meet to Advance Shanghai Cooperation Organization Cooperation
Kyrgyzstan hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, bringing together leaders from major powers including Russia, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey amid global geopolitical tensions. This gathering reflects member states' efforts to seek cooperative spaces beyond Western frameworks. Kyrgyzstan in particular aims to maintain a balanced foreign policy among Russia, China, Europe, and the U.S. to safeguard its security and economic interests. Meanwhile, Iran used the platform to signal the U.S. for restoring agreements and easing sanctions impacts.
El Niño
Warning of a Super-Sized El Niño Possibly the Strongest, Lasting Until Early 2027
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced that a super-sized El Niño is expected to intensify to a very strong level within the next few months and continue until February 2027. This is the first time WMO has expressed nearly 100% confidence in this forecast. The phenomenon is likely to increase risks of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, and floods, potentially breaking global temperature records again and severely impacting lifestyles and economies worldwide. The UN Secretary-General emphasized that the world is facing an unprecedented heat crisis.
North America
Trump Pressures Apple Maps to Rename 'Lake America' After Google Complies
Trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada escalated when President Donald Trump issued an executive order to rename the U.S. portion of Lake Ontario to "Lake America" and pressured Apple to change the name on Apple Maps for U.S. users, following Google's prior change. This move followed failed trade negotiations and the U.S. imposing tariffs up to 50%, prompting Canada to prepare retaliatory tariffs and install signs affirming the name "Lake Ontario" along the lake's shore as a response to the U.S.
Norway
Mourning King Harald V's Death, Crown Prince Haakon VIII Ascends Throne
Norwegians mourned the death of King Harald V at age 89, who reigned for 35 years and was beloved as an accessible monarch and national unifier. The government declared half-mast flags and a national mourning period, with tens of thousands attending the royal funeral procession to the palace. Simultaneously, Crown Prince Haakon ascended the throne as King Haakon VIII, pledging to uphold the royal motto "All for Norway," following his father's example.
Philippines
Nationwide Full-Scale School Shooting Drills Conducted in Public Schools
The Philippines' Department of Education and security agencies jointly conducted full-scale drills across public schools to prepare for active shooter threats. Exercises included locking classroom doors, hiding, turning off lights, evacuations, first aid, and psychological support orientation. These measures aim to assess and enhance school safety protocols following a tragic shooting in southern Philippines in August that resulted in two student deaths. This was the second such incident within three months and occurred shortly after a similar traumatic event in Thailand.
Indonesia
Mother and Baby Orangutans Narrowly Escaped Forest Fire on Borneo Island
Indonesian wildlife conservation officers safely rescued a mother and baby orangutan trapped amid a wildfire and thick smoke in Central Kalimantan province on Borneo Island. The rescue happened at night after a tip-off that the orangutans were stranded atop a tree surrounded by smoke from burning peat forest. The mother and infant were named "Raya," about 20 years old, and "Rayu," one year old. Despite the challenging nighttime operation, initial health checks showed no serious injuries or smoke effects. They are now under care at a wildlife clinic and will be released back into the wild.
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