All aboard the cervical screening bus: how NHS clinic-on-wheels is saving lives Exclusive: With no appointment needed and a relaxed environment, bus clinic encourages more women to be checked The Guardian - UK · Aug 17
Foreign aid needs reform, not sudden demolition Foreign aid is shrinking, but it is not disappearing. Even after the sharpest annual decline on record, OECD donors still provided $174.3 billion (5.75 trillion baht) in assistance in 2025. This includes $29 billion from the United States, despite the slashing of 83% of US Agency for International Development (USAID)… Bangkok Post · Aug 12
Action plan for 'open govt' on way Thailand is moving to establish its first national action plan for open government, aiming to improve transparency, public participation and access to state information. Bangkok Post · Aug 9
Household incomes plunge in Greece, Austria despite overall OECD growth New OECD data shows a widening gap between economic growth and household prosperity, with Greece and Austria bearing the sharpest falls in real income. Euronews · Aug 7
‘Waste colonialism’ – the Turkish city carrying the weight of Britain’s pollution problem In this week’s newsletter: a Guardian investigation reveals that the UK exported 139,000 tonnes of rubbish to poor districts in Adana, where farmers are left to cope with microplastics, toxic smoke, and debris The Guardian - UK · Aug 7
In 1978, Canada began healing Sudbury's toxic "moonscape" with crushed limestone; by 2015, 9.5 million trees had been planted Sudbury's barren landscape transformed by a large-scale regreening program. Crushed limestone neutralized acidic soil and bound toxic metals, enabling plant growth. Millions of trees were planted over decades, funded by governments and companies. First Nations now partner in land reclamation projects, which is a significant development. This effort shows industrial… The Times of India · Aug 6
Alex Nowrasteh on "Ten Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) Arguments for Socialism and Why They're Wrong" An insightful critique of ten ideas advocated by leading American "democratic socialists." Reason · Aug 5
UK plastic ‘waste colonialism’ found to be polluting Turkey’s farming heartland A Guardian investigation finds irrigation canals polluted with microplastics in Turkey, a major destination for UK waste The Guardian - UK · Aug 4
Families say they are struggling to pay school fees – why are so many still choosing private schools? This month, multiple news outlets have reported families’ concerns about rising private school costs during the cost-of-living crisis. The Conversation · Aug 2
Why Andy Burnham’s devolution pledge will be tricky to deliver Sharing income tax with England’s regional mayors could tackle inequality but many councils are ill-equipped for an enlarged role The Guardian - UK · Aug 2
Retirement ages today vs the future: How long will Europeans work? The retirement age in the EU will rise from 64.7 to 66.7 years for men and from 64 to 66.6 years for women by the late 2060s. Euronews · Jul 31
Customs ramps up digital reforms to improve image The Customs Department is stepping up its efforts to strengthen governance and transparency in support of Thailand's bid to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Bangkok Post · Jul 28
Private school on the public's dime A provision now taking effect under the Big Beautiful Bill sends students to private schools at public expense Salon · Jul 28
London vs the machines: three in four jobs are at risk to AI Sadiq Khan needs to come up with an AI plan soon, writes Chris Blackhurst — or it’s time to brush up on those floristry skills... Evening Standard · Jul 27
The Independent UK · Jul 23 The countries that have gained the most tourists since 2019, revealed North Africa and the Middle East dominate the list
The Conversation · Jul 23 Grattan on Friday: One Nation’s spectre hangs over Labor national conference Bill Kelty has been a member of the Labor Party since 1964 but he is not among the hundreds of delegates at the party’s national conference in Adelaide. If he were, the conference’s Thursday debate on the economy might have seen a touch of fire.
The Independent UK · Jul 15 Andy Burnham urged to ditch pension triple lock and consider scrapping some VAT exemptions Top think tank says state pension guarantee is ‘unusually generous’ compared to other countries
Evening Standard · Jul 15 Ditch pension triple lock and consider scrapping some VAT exemptions, says OECD It said the state pension guarantee is ‘unusually generous’ compared to other countries.
The Guardian - UK · Jul 15 Labour should ditch triple-lock pensions promise, says OECD Organisation’s experts say pledge puts pressure on UK public finances and ‘adds significant fiscal risks’
Evening Standard · Jul 15 Energy inflation and regional divides weighing on UK living standards – OECD The OECD said it was important to keep up the momentum with policy reforms for the pro-growth agenda to be successful.
The Independent UK · Jul 15 Rise in energy and petrol prices due to Iran war holding back UK economy, OECD warns The economic body has urged the Government to accelerate its pro-growth agenda and tackle regional divides
Bangkok Post · Jul 13 Will Thailand succeed in joining OECD? Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has set a bold target of 2028 for Thailand to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The Conversation · Jul 13 Training young people for jobs: insights from 9 African countries on what’s missing Africa’s young population is often described as a demographic dividend: a potential economic advantage if young people can gain the skills and jobs needed to contribute productively. But for many young people, that promise is slipping away. They leave school or training and enter labour markets where formal jobs are…
Bangkok Post · Jul 12 Office urged to consider 'Golden Share' framework The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has recommended the State Enterprise Policy Office (Sepo) amend relevant legislation and introduce a Golden Share mechanism, granting the government the authority to veto decisions by state-owned enterprises that could affect national security, even if it no longer holds a majority stake.