As Asia looks to the future, the continued growth of green jobs in the energy transition will be a cornerstone for building a more prosperous, resilient and sustainable regional economy which outpaces the progress seen in developed countries.

Palestinian militants have made significant geopolitical strides since the outbreak of war in October. The conflict has posed diplomatic challenges for Israel and triggered hostilities throughout the region.

The country’s powerful army kept Imran Khan out of the ballot but no amount of orchestrations could stop candidates affiliated with the former prime minister from winning the most seats.

Temperatures could continue to set records for years to come as the greenhouse effect is intensified by a robust El Niño releasing heat from the Pacific Ocean.

Recent successes in state elections indicate that India’s prime minister and his party are well positioned for victory in next year’s national elections. Concerns about inflation, youth unemployment and rural inequality remain, but the opposition is struggling to mount a concerted challenge.

Attendees at COP27 failed to prioritise the urgent climate adaptation and mitigation policies needed to promote water security worldwide. Water scarcity must be high on the agenda at this year’s meeting or the crisis risks becoming irreversible, driving new levels of conflict and suffering.

The challenges of AI do not negate its potential; instead, they underscore the necessity of a synergistic approach: combining AI with human skills to maintain the essence of personal care in healthcare

The green transition that all economies must make to avert climate disaster will require hefty investments the developing world just does not have. India must use its G20 presidency to bridge the funding and skills gap.

Imran Khan’s imprisonment and removal from politics is the latest development in months of political turmoil since his removal from office last year. National elections are due soon, and the establishment’s influence means there is little expectation the upcoming vote will be free and fair.

Geopolitics is a threat to international cooperation on AI legislation, resulting in patchwork strategies, competing goals and disjointed global standards. The ongoing chip war between the US and China could make things worse, leading to uneven enforcement and unequal protection.

India’s policy of strategic autonomy raises questions about whether it will enter into a formal alliance with the US, continue engaging with China or uphold long-standing ties with Russia.

Focusing on the effects of climate change on women and ensuring they are involved in climate decision-making can help build a just and sustainable future for all.

The Global Gateway is primarily a values-based effort aimed at expanding Europe’s influence in developing and neighbouring countries. Despite obstacles, the EU is positioning itself as a competitor to deliver tangible results on the global stage.

Paralysed by India-Pakistan enmity and with Afghanistan’s status in limbo, with members unwilling to recognise the Taliban government, SAARC is becoming moribund.

The twin presidencies of Japan and India are a chance to foster North-South cooperation in vital areas such as climate change, energy, food and infrastructure. A joint Kishida-Modi diplomatic effort could see both leaders brokering peace in Moscow and Kyiv.

Both countries must be more prudent in devising a strategy that is mutually beneficial. With regional disputes and rivalries growing increasingly tense, future Sino-Australian rapprochement must be based on maintaining stable economic relations despite geopolitics driving a wedge between them.

Formed during the Cold War, the non-aligned movement allowed newly independent and developing countries to pursue their own goals free from US or Soviet influence. With the world again split, emerging economies must once more assert their autonomy and prioritise their own development needs.

As the only country to be the victim of a nuclear attack and then have constitutionally underpinned pacifist values, Japan is in a unique position to lead the global discourse on the dangers of nuclear rhetoric and the consequences of a potential nuclear attack.

At a time of weakened unity within the G20, new host India will have its work cut out tackling issues like the Ukraine war, Indo-Pacific rivalry and pandemic recovery. New Delhi must use its position as a champion of multilateralism to carry the group through the next 12 months.

Leaders from countries that could make a difference in stopping climate change – including from China and India – are either absent or making token appearances at COP27. There are also more than 600 fossil fuel lobbyists at the summit, outnumbering any community affected by climate change and threatening to stall negotiations.

November’s meeting in Bali will be attended by world leaders increasingly at odds with one another amid rising geopolitical tensions. First-time host Indonesia has a chance to position itself as a champion of diplomacy and consensus building.

While fractures have long existed in the group of former British territories, they remained more or less held together by the unifying power of Queen Elizabeth. As Charles takes on the hereditary role of head of the Commonwealth, many members will again question the value of the group and the legitimacy of its figurehead.

Climate change threatens Australia’s fragile ecosystem as well as lives and livelihoods, yet the country remains heavily dependent on its massive coal industry. The challenge facing the new Labor government is how to pursue progressive environmental policies without driving economic hardship.

As Myanmar’s humanitarian crisis deepens, Asean’s non-interference principle has become a barrier to safeguarding rights and freedoms. Asean needs to decide whether it is merely a trade body or an organisation bound by common values.

Abe stood out on several fronts, becoming Japan’s longest-serving prime minister and breaking with his predecessors to lead from the front. His domestic reform efforts were complemented with a push to build international alliances and bolster Japan’s global standing.

The current pledges of financial and policy support are nowhere near enough to meet the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees. Instead of protecting carbon-emitting industries, the world needs economic diversification and green jobs for a just, sustainable transition.

Fiscal prudence, export industrialisation and policies such as the empowerment of women and girls have allowed Bangladesh to leapfrog India in per capita GDP and other indicators. But even as the smaller neighbour outpaces the bigger one, untapped economic gains remain to be explored between the two.

Tech giants are among major employers under scrutiny as workers remain at risk of exploitation in unfair and dangerous conditions. As work traditions change, labour laws and enforcement must evolve.

Russia’s invasion has displaced millions of Ukrainians who are desperately seeking warmth, food and shelter at home or abroad. The global response remains underfunded while measures by host countries, such as issuing visas or allowances, are only short-term solutions.

Between an emerging China-Russia axis and US-led sanctions, Asian countries are feeling the pressure to pick sides, amid complex and evolving ripple effects on energy prices and trade and economic ties.