International Organizations Research Articles

The immediate causes of the Amhara Fano Force's rebellion against the government of Abiy Ahmed

ABSTRACT With careful investigation, this article looks into the immediate causes that led to Amhara Fano's conflict with Abiy Ahmed's administration. Even though the people of Amhara stayed silent through many pains, 2022 was the turning point for Amhara Fano to start official conflict with Abiy Ahmed’s administration. The research design for the study is an exploratory case study. Document review, audio-visual sources, and a semi-structured interview were employed to investigate the recent reasons for Amhara Fano Force's conflict with Abiy Ahmed’s administration. The Pretoria agreement, the establishment of Sheger City, the attempt to tear down the Amhara Regional Force, the absence of trust with Abiy Ahmed's leadership, and delay in providing soil fertiliser to Amhara farmers were a few recent factors that led to the Amhara Fano Force struggle. Based on these findings, the researcher suggests that before the political apparatus, economy, and humanitarian security of Ethiopia are at risk again and affect East Africa, international organisations and international communities need to be part of the solution and provide assistance in establishing negotiation and agreement between these two warring factions like they did for the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the federal government of Ethiopia.

Examining the Role of Cultural Diplomacy in Enhancing Global Presence and National Identity: A Case of the Ethnographic Museums of Rwanda (Huye and Nyanza) and Itorero ry'Igihugu

This study aims to evaluate the impact of the Ethnographic Museums and Itorero ry’Igihugu on Rwanda’s international standing, guided by Soft Power Theory and Cultural Exchange Theory. Specifically, it examines how these institutions act as conduits for cultural diplomacy and project Rwanda’s unique narrative both locally and globally. Additionally, the study explores their role in reinforcing Rwanda’s cultural identity and assesses their impact on international relations, shaping Rwanda’s image abroad and supporting its diplomatic endeavors. The research employed a qualitative case study approach, focusing on qualitative data. The overall target population consisted of museum personnel, government officials, local community members, and visitors. Data were collected from a sample of 60 participants, including museum personnel and visitors (12), government officials in charge of cultural affairs (8), and local community members (40). Snowball and convenience sampling techniques were utilized to ensure representation from key groups involved in Rwanda’s cultural and diplomatic sectors. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, participant observations at museum exhibits and Itorero ry’Igihugu ceremonies, and document analysis of museum records and official publications. Data were analyzed using a combination of thematic analysis for qualitative data and descriptive statistics for quantitative data to identify patterns and trends in the findings. Key findings indicate that the Ethnographic Museums and Itorero ry’Igihugu significantly contribute to cultural diplomacy by fostering a positive national identity and enhancing Rwanda’s visibility on the global stage. These institutions serve as platforms for intercultural exchange, reinforcing Rwanda’s image as a country rich in culture and history, while also playing a role in nation-building through the preservation of cultural values. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of cultural institutions in projecting national identity and promoting diplomacy. The findings suggest that Rwanda’s international presence can be further enhanced through greater investment in cultural diplomacy programs, particularly in promoting the Itorero ry’Igihugu’s values globally. Recommendations include developing strategic partnerships with international cultural organizations and expanding the global reach of Rwanda's museums through digital platforms to attract a wider international audience.

The OECD’s construction of future imaginaries for curriculum reform

ABSTRACT Offering imaginaries of the future is a significant part of the work of documents produced by national policymakers, interest groups and international organisations. In this article, we examine thematic reports on the redesign of the curriculum published by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) as part of its Education 2030 project. Our analysis is grounded in the understanding that documents transform issues through storytelling, data and visualisations. We show how thematic reports context a complex and unpredictable future by forecasting different futures based on current issues that need solutions. The storytelling that contexts the imaginaries of futures gains authority through datafication of national curricula enabled by Curriculum Content Mapping. The Curriculum Content Mapping reveals a lack of alignment with the OECD’s Learning Compass for 2030 transforming the issue of a complex future into an issue of curriculum as an instrument to potentialise the future. Hence, datafication of curriculum content serves as an instrument of governance towards specific curriculum transformations based on the OECD’s education politics towards economic growth rather than informing about future needs.

Fetal Face: Enhancing 3D Ultrasound Imaging by Postprocessing With AI Applications: Myth, Reality, orLegal Concerns?

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) platforms is revolutionizing the performance in managing metadata and big data. Medicine is another field where AI is spreading. However, this technological advancement is not amenable to errors or fraudulent misconducts. International organization and recently the European Union have released principles and recommendations for an appropriate use of AI in healthcare. In prenatal ultrasound diagnosis, the use of AI in daily practice is having a revolutionary impact. Notwithstanding, the diagnostic enhancement should be regulated, and AI applications should be developed to guarantee correct imaging acquisition and further postprocessing.

CURRENT CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF LEGAL REGULATION OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION OF THE SOCIAL SPHERE IN THE TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES OF UKRAINE

The article defines that public administration is a system of activities of state authorities aimed at optimizing the use of resources to achieve the priority goals of social policy. It is emphasized that the social sphere covers a wide range of services that ensure the well-being of citizens, including health care, education, social protection and other critically important elements. The study of the problems of public management of the social sphere in territorial communities reveals a number of challenges, such as insufficient financial support, the absence of a clear legal framework, and a low level of public involvement in decision-making processes. Analysis of modern approaches to legal regulation in this area showed that effective management of social policy requires the integration of innovative methods, in particular digitalization of processes, which will contribute to the transparency and accountability of local self-government bodies. As a result of the research, it was found that the public management of the social sphere in the territorial communities of Ukraine is a complex, multifaceted process that requires a comprehensive analysis and a comprehensive approach to its improvement. The development of recommendations for improving management mechanisms should become a priority for researchers and practitioners in this important field. Effective management of the social sphere requires systematic control over the implementation of state policy. This involves not only an internal audit of the activities of local self-government bodies, but also mechanisms of public control that would allow residents to actively participate in the processes of evaluating the effectiveness of social programs. The study showed that the key factors in the effectiveness of public management of the social sphere in territorial communities are: adaptability of management mechanisms; integration of modern technologies; formation of partnership relations; personnel training and development; community involvement in decision-making processes, etc. Legal regulation of public management of the social sphere in territorial communities of Ukraine is conditioned by the need to create effective management mechanisms that meet modern challenges. Among the prospects for the development of legal regulation of public management of the social sphere in the territorial communities of Ukraine, the need for: improvement of the legal framework was emphasized; strengthening of financial autonomy; development of professional training; integration of modern technologies; community involvement in decision-making processes; focus on inclusiveness; monitoring and evaluation of efficiency; cooperation with international organizations; adaptation to changes in the socio-economic environment; increasing the level of trust in the authorities, etc. It is emphasized that the successful implementation of public policy in the social sphere depends on the effective interaction of all interested parties, which in turn will ensure sustainable development and increase the quality of life of the population.

Cybersecurity and the Future of International Relations

This research examines the growing influence of cybersecurity on international relations, focusing on how cyber threats, digital espionage, and cyber warfare are transforming state sovereignty, diplomacy, and global security. With the rise of state-sponsored cyberattacks and the increasing involvement of non-state actors, cybersecurity has become a central issue in the global power dynamics between major nation-states and international organizations. The study analyzes high-profile cyber incidents, such as the SolarWinds and Stuxnet attacks, and investigates their geopolitical implications, including how they have reshaped cyber norms and governance strategies. Through a comparative analysis of national cybersecurity strategies in countries like the U.S., China, and the EU, this research assesses the effectiveness of current international treaties, such as the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, and multilateral efforts to establish cybersecurity norms. Preliminary findings suggest that cybersecurity has evolved into a strategic tool in global competition, with cyberattacks being used for coercion and disruption. Moreover, the rise of cyber espionage has heightened the stakes in digital diplomacy, leading to the establishment of specialized cyber units within foreign ministries. This study advocates for the development of comprehensive international treaties focused on cyber governance, with an emphasis on conflict prevention, cyber deterrence, and collective defense mechanisms. Additionally, it calls for greater involvement of multilateral organizations, such as the United Nations and NATO, in creating transparent and accountable frameworks for state-sponsored cyber activities. The research underscores the urgent need for cohesive global governance models to address the complex challenges posed by cybersecurity in shaping the future of international relations.

Developing the concept of consequential senior European Union civil servants as sub-political policy entrepreneurs

ABSTRACT In a 2022 article the author described the late Sir Julian Priestley, Secretary-General of the European Parliament, 1997–2007, as being a ‘consequential senior European Union civil servant’, notably because of initiatives Priestley championed to provide simultaneous interpretation for all languages in an enlarged European Union – a facility not guaranteed at the time but which provided the Parliament with continued democratic legitimacy. This article builds on and develops that ‘consequential’ concept, by identifying some further examples of such consequential senior EU civil servants and then by teasing out common aspects of their roles and activities. It posits that they are in effect sub-political policy entrepreneurs (in the Kingdon definition) who can and do have significant effects on the development of their institutions and of the Union more generally. It shows how they share certain characteristics: long service in or with ‘their’ institutions, enabling them to develop reformist visions; political coverage; the determination to see their visions through. The fact that they remain sub-political raises potential questions about political legitimacy. The article concludes by questioning whether the phenomenon is specific to the European Union or can also be observed in national civil services and the secretariats of other international organisations.

Textual Attributes of Corporate Sustainability Reports and ESG Ratings

While the textual attributes of corporate financial documents, such as annual reports, have been extensively analyzed in the academic literature, those of corporate sustainability reports, which serve as a critical channel for nonfinancial disclosure, are relatively under-explored. Given the increasing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in corporate strategy and stakeholder evaluation, understanding the role of textual attributes in sustainability reporting is crucial. This study examines 10,021 hand-collected sustainability reports from Chinese firms between 2009 and 2021, focusing on six key textual attributes: length, readability, tone, boilerplate language, redundancy, and completeness. Using computational linguistics, we analyze how these attributes evolve over time and their impact on ESG ratings provided by both international (MSCI, FTSE) and domestic (SNSI) agencies. Our findings reveal that the length and completeness of sustainability reports significantly influence ESG scores across agencies, demonstrating a shared appreciation for detailed and transparent disclosures. However, international and domestic rating agencies exhibit differing responses to attributes like tone, boilerplate language, and redundancy. These differences highlight variations in evaluation standards, methodologies, and value orientations between global and local stakeholders. The results emphasize the need for firms to tailor their sustainability disclosures to meet diverse stakeholder expectations. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on nonfinancial reporting by providing empirical evidence on how specific textual characteristics of sustainability reports can shape ESG evaluations, offering insights for both corporate communicators and policymakers.

A Comparative Study on ESG Information Disclosure by Multinational Corporations and Analysis of Influencing Factors

Abstract: As globalization and the concept of sustainable development continue to deepen, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues are increasingly becoming the focus of global attention. Multinational corporations, as key players in the global economy, have significant roles in promoting sustainable development and enhancing corporate transparency through ESG information disclosure. By collecting and analyzing ESG reports from multiple multinational corporations, this study finds that there are significant differences in ESG information disclosure among these corporations, and many factors have substantial impacts on such disclosures. Consequently, domestic and international institutions and organizations need to further strengthen cooperation and exchange to establish information disclosure standards that align with practical development needs, thereby constructing an ESG information disclosure framework that meets social development requirements.

FEATURES OF STATE ADMINISTRATION IN THE CONDITIONS OF GLOBALIZATION

The article reveals the concept and content of globalization. It is emphasized that in modern conditions, the concept of «globalization» has entered scientific circulation along with the key categories of modern science and has become the subject of wide discussions. The article is devoted to the peculiarities of state administration under the conditions of globalization. It is indicated that the sphere of public administration is affected by several processes at once – adaptation, transformation and modernization. Adaptation is a forced process of adjustment, adaptation and arrangement of the state administration system of the national state to the qualitatively new processes of globalization. Transformation is a mechanism for reflecting the radical changes that the world and each national system of public administration are undergoing in the context of globalization. Modernization is one of the options for social development, which simultaneously improves and accumulates quantitative and qualitative changes in the state administration system in the context of globalization. These processes are the main basic factors of the transformation of the modern world, according to them the national state and its system of public administration are changing. It is emphasized that the factor of public administration is an indicator of the extent to which the modern national state is able to resist or adapt to the processes of globalization. The main problems of globalization in modern conditions and their impact on the sphere of public administration are revealed. It is emphasized that globalization puts forward new requirements, which should become effective and efficient means of solving complex contradictions that arise in the course of the joint functioning of national states in the world space. The influence of governmental and non-governmental organizations on management processes is shown. It is indicated that the main mechanism of activity of international non-governmental organizations in the period of globalization is the mobilization of the opinion of the world community. It has been proven that at the current stage, globalization leads to a kind of «updating» of the structure of the world, and as a result – corrects national systems of state administration. In addition, it changes the strategies of economic, political and cultural development, creating a complete interdependence of the world, which is the basis of its functioning. The growing rates of interdependence unify and standardize the conditions and factors of the development of individual states, acting as peculiar indicators of determining the level of sustainability of the development of national states.

Artificial intelligence for low income countries

The global adoption rate of artificial intelligence (AI) is rising, indicating its transformative potential. However, this adoption is far from uniform, with low-income countries (LICs) trailing behind significantly. Despite needing AI for development, LICs face multiple challenges in harnessing its benefits, exacerbating existing global disparities in technology adoption. In spite of the potentially important role that AI can play in the development of LICs, AI literature overlooks these countries, with research predominantly focused on more advanced economies. This lack of inclusivity contradicts the principles of distributive justice and global equity, prompting us to explore the importance of AI for LICs, offer a theoretical grounding for AI catch-up, identify effective AI domains, and propose strategies to bridge the AI gap. Drawing insights from the leapfrogging and absorptive capacities literature, our position paper presents the feasibility of AI catch-up in LICs. One crucial finding is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving AI catch-up. LICs with strong foundations could favor leapfrogging strategies, while those lacking such foundations might find learning and acquisition prescriptions from absorptive capacity literature more relevant. The article also makes policy recommendations that advocate for the swift integration of AI into critical LIC domains such as health, education, energy, and governance. While LICs must address challenges related to digital infrastructure, human capital, institutional robustness, and effective policymaking, among others, we believe that advanced AI economies and relevant international organizations like UNESCO, OECD, USAID, and the World Bank can support LICs in AI catch-up through tech transfer, grants, and assistance. Overall, our work envisions global AI use that effectively bridges development and innovation disparities.

RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF DESIGNING ANTI-CORRUPTION ACTS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS OF INTERNATIONAL LEGAL ANTI-CORRUPTION

It has been established that international legal countermeasures against corruption are carried out at three levels: global (by the United Nations, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the World Bank, etc.); regional integration (Council of Europe, European Union, other integration associations); bilateral intergovernmental and interagency cooperation. There is no coordination of directions and means of combating corruption between them. Therefore, international anti-corruption activities at all three levels developed not only in different directions, but also in many ways spontaneously. It has been proven that the wide participation of international organizations in the fight against corruption and the variety of anti-corruption legal means used by them contribute to the concentration and coordination of the efforts of states in the fight against corruption. Another positive effect of the acts of international organizations is also noted: drawing the attention of civil society to the tasks of combating corruption, they significantly strengthen the potential for their full solution. On the other hand, the variety of subjects and legal forms of international legal anti-corruption often create legal conflicts between acts operating in this area. Such collisions create, for example, different approaches to defining the concept of corruption. It is noted that the concepts of designing anti-corruption acts, based on the ideas and methods of system design of complex technological processes and objects, are more and more widely used in the law-making practice of international organizations and states of the modern world. Their influence on the legal regulation of social relations is increasing, confirming that at the current stage of socio-economic, technological, informational development, the complication of social relations, the rapid increase in their quantitative parameters and indicators, the growing danger of man-made and natural disasters, the introduction of system design becomes impossible. It is gradually displacing the maximally ineffective under such conditions practices of «industry», «fragmentary», «point», «situational» legal regulation. It has been established that the systematic design of anti-corruption acts primarily involves conducting comprehensive studies of law-making initiatives. In the course of such studies, all factors that may affect the intended sphere (object) of legal regulation must be analyzed; the opinions, positions, and evaluations of not only regulatory and control-supervisory state bodies, but also potential participants in the projected legal relations should be taken into account.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION POLICY IN THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR UNDER MARTIAL LAW

The article analyzes the main directions of public administration in the field of health care of Ukraine during martial law. The main focus is on the adaptation of the legislative framework and the modernization of management approaches, which allow to ensure the effective functioning of the health care system in crisis situations. The issue of creating mobile medical teams and hospitals, which are the main tool for providing medical care in front-line and de-occupied areas, was considered. The contribution of international organizations to the support of the Ukrainian medical system in terms of supplying medical equipment, medicines and providing financial assistance is analyzed. The key normative legal acts, which were adopted from 2022 and contributed to the adaptation of the medical system to new challenges, were studied. Features of the functioning of the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 302, No. 683, No. 1078 and others are given. Particular attention is paid to the digitization of health care, the implementation of electronic medical records in order to ensure the prompt provision of medical services. The problems of medical institutions in the front-line zones, including the destruction of more than 700 hospitals, and ways to solve the logistical problems of the supply of medicines were considered. A conclusion was made regarding the further development of public administration in the field of health care based on the integration of international and national resources, improvement of digital technologies and modernization of medical infrastructure. Ensuring adequate funding of the health care system, which includes the health insurance program, emergency and specialized medical care, is revealed, which is a priority in the 2023 budget. The article examines the influence of international humanitarian organizations on the support of the Ukrainian health care system in the conditions of military operations. The basis for the development of long-term strategies for the recovery of medical facilities after destruction and their equipment with modern technologies is proposed. Aspects of integration of digital solutions to ensure the continuity of medical services in the most difficult conditions have been studied.

Judicial Activism in Pakistan: A Comparative Study of CJP Saqib Nisar and Umar Ata Bandial

This paper provides a detailed discussion of judicial activism in Pakistan, comparing the eras of two vastly different Chief Justices, Saqib Nisar and Umar Ata Bandial. This paper explores the core and contentious issues of activism on the court, the gains and pains of judicial activism, the impacts of activism on rights and freedoms, the impacts of activism on the executive, and the impacts of activism on social justice. Through discussion of the Mukhtar Mai and Blasphemy cases in the context of the cases, the study focuses on the additive role of the judiciary in common legal and social questions. In addition, the paper addresses the problems of caseload, public perception challenges, and security issues affecting the judiciary. For this reason, international views are incorporated to situate Pakistan’s judicial processes. Moreover, the paper compares the aggressive behaviour during the tenure of Chief Justice Nisar to the passive stance of the present Chief Justice Bandial and how they caused either favourable or unfavourable shifts in legal norms and society. Finally, the study provides specific suggestions for judicial reforms in the scenarios of case management, access to justice, and cooperation with international organizations in order to strengthen the judiciary as a result of Pakistan’s developing legal structure.

Theoretical Approaches to the Regulation of Bioeconomy

The development of science and technology, as well as the introduction of innovations into the production sphere, have led to the emergence of such a phenomenon as the bioeconomy. At the present time, there is no versatile definition of the concept of bioeconomy either at the national level or at the level of interstate integration associations and international organizations. To analyze the key features of the concept of bioeconomy and to identify the main approaches to the essence of this phenomenon. This is important for the understanding of directions of development of the regulatory environment in relation to bioeconomy in the Russian Federation. The article analyzes the definitions of the concept of bioeconomy at the level of the International Advisory Council on Bioeconomy (IACB), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the European Union (EU), and individual states. The author examines a range of approaches to regulating bioeconomy. The research is based on formal-logical, dogmatic methods, the comparison method and the axiological approach. The paper presents approaches to the concept of bioeconomy as a phenomenon. The author analyzes how bioeconomy relates to the circular economy (closed-loop economy) and the linear (traditional) economy. The article presents a range of approaches to the regulation of bioeconomy through the lens of proactive law and proposes a mechanism for its regulation with the help of a symbiotic regulator. The main elements of such a reg ulator are referred to in the article. They include normative regulation, the presence of ef fectively functioning organizational structures, and properly functioning processes of interaction between organizational structures and entities. The author examines a regulation method entitled ‘ethical licensing’, highlights its advantages and disadvantages, and gives recommendation on the subsequent use of this method. Due to its complex nature, bioeconomy as a phenomenon requires specific approaches to its regulation.

Assessing the role of non-state actors in health service delivery and health system resilience in Myanmar

BackgroundDue to the weaknesses of the public health system and its low reach, especially in border areas, provision of health services by non-state actors (NSAs) has historically played an important role in Myanmar. NSAs include local and international NGOs and civil society organisations (CSOs), but also Ethnic Health Organisations (EHOs) in the border areas, as well as the private (for profit) sector. This study aims to understand the changing role of NSAs in the shifting political environment of Myanmar between 2010 and 2022, and to explore their contribution to health system resilience.MethodsOur study includes three main components: a documentary review (n = 22), key informant interviews (KIIs) at central level (n = 14) and two township-level case studies (13 KIIs, 4 FGDs). Mostly qualitative data were collected in 2022 and synthesized, using a health system resilience framework to structure the analysis.ResultsDuring the transition period (2010–2014) and the new political era (2015–2020), while the country gradually transitioned to a democratic system, the government increasingly recognized NSAs. Initially, engagement with NSAs remained focused on disease-specific activities and government oversight was limited, but later it expanded to health system strengthening, including the start of a “convergence” with ethnic health systems. Progress was relatively slow, but defined by a clear vision and plans. The military coup of February 2021 brought a halt to this progress. Collaboration between government and NSAs was interrupted, and NSAs restored previous practices and parallel systems. Initially, most health service provision stopped, but with time coping strategies emerged, which showed the capacity of NSAs to absorb the shocks (focusing on basic services; using informal communication channels; maintaining buffer stocks of supplies) and adapt (changing modes of delivery and supply chains, and adjusting HRH training).ConclusionsThe study highlights the role of NSAs during crises, and provides insights on how the resilience capacities built over time by NSAs to provide services in adverse circumstances have informed the response to the latest crisis. While strategies of absorption and adaptation are noted in the study, we did not identify any transformation strategy – which might indicate the difficulty of NSAs to introduce radical changes when subjected to multiple shocks and a hostile political environment.

COUNTERING DISINFORMATION POLICY: CHALLENGES FOR UKRAINE’S NATIONAL SECURITY

he article examines the problems of combating disinformation in the conditions of a modern full-scale war and overcoming the challenges facing the national security of Ukraine. The concept of disinformation, its impact on public consciousness and the key mechanisms of the spread of false information are outlined. The main directions of the policy of combating disinformation aimed at ensuring information security and resistance to information attacks have been studied. The importance of the development of media literacy among the population as one of the main tools for countering disinformation campaigns through educational programs and social interaction is revealed. The experience of combating disinformation in the developed countries of the world, the USA and the countries of the European Union, is analyzed. The role of state and international initiatives, the cooperation of governments with technology companies, as well as the implementation of legislative mechanisms are highlighted. The main tools aimed at regulating the spread of false information in the information space are revealed. The study emphasizes the importance of active cooperation with international partners to ensure an effective fight against disinformation at the global level. Special attention is paid to the role of international organizations in the formation of a unified strategy for countering disinformation attacks. Prospects for attracting international support for the development of national information protection systems and Ukraine's participation in global information security initiatives are being considered. Proposed means of an effective policy of combating disinformation, which combine legislative, technical and educational measures. The methods of ensuring resistance to external information threats are characterized. Particular attention is paid to media literacy programs, which have become important elements of national strategies in the fight against fakes and disinformation attacks. The article considers the possibilities of implementing international experience in Ukraine with the aim of strengthening national information security. The expediency of developing complex programs, including the strengthening of modern means of monitoring the information space and raising the level of critical thinking among the population, is analyzed. Emphasis is placed on the need to create a national security strategy for combating disinformation, which will allow effective response to new threats and ensure information security in the conditions of modern warfare.

Analysing inter-state communication dynamics and roles in the networks of the International Institute of Intellectual Cooperation

The International Institute of Intellectual Cooperation (IIIC) was an international organisation established post-World War I, aimed to foster intellectual relations for global peace. As this institution becomes centenary, the digitisation of archival records has democratised access, sparking renewed scholar interest and eventually enabling new research avenues. Here, we examine two letter collections from IIIC’s digitised funds, focusing on administrative and artistic/literary matters. By analysing recognisable sender-receiver pairs and their geographical origins, we construct networks revealing intricate international relationships. Notably, the community structures and roles differ between administrative and literary exchanges, suggesting distinct communication dynamics. Administrative matters depict a more egalitarian distribution. In contrast, relevant literary correspondents include Western European countries exclusively, reflecting the prominence of certain geocultural areas as well as potential geopolitical influence attempts, challenging the established historical narratives on centres and peripheries, inviting a revaluation of the IIIC’s geographical organisation and intellectual cooperation during the interwar period.

Interlaboratory comparison of endotoxin contamination assessment of nanomaterials.

Endotoxin contamination is a significant hurdle to the translation of nanomaterials for biomedical applications. Multiple reports now describe that more than one-third of nanomaterials fail early pre-clinical assessment due to levels of endotoxin above regulatory requirements. Additionally, most immunological studies or in vivo studies testing nanomaterials in the literature lack inclusion of this assessment, which may lead to false-positive or false-negative results if high levels of the contaminant are present. The currently approved methods for endotoxin contamination assessment rely on enzymatic activity and wavelength absorbance as their endpoint, and many nanomaterials can interfere with such assays. For this reason, we devised an interlaboratory comparison of endotoxin contamination assessment for a range of nanomaterials to challenge the current international organization for standardization and pharmacopeia standards. Herein, we show that detected endotoxin levels could vary considerably between groups, and, in some instances, nanomaterials could both pass and fail regulatory endotoxin limits for medical devices depending on the group undertaking the assessment, all while passing all quality criteria standards. This work emphasises the requirement for multiple assays to fully assess the endotoxin levels in a nanomaterial and highlights the need for additional assays to be developed in this space.

Design by Transitional Committee: learning from the Green Climate Fund

ABSTRACT In 2022 at the UN climate conference in Sharm el-Sheikh (COP27), countries agreed to establish a new fund for loss and damage. This decision was one of the most significant outcomes of the COP, and something Small Island Developing States had spent the previous three decades calling for. The approach taken to realize this new funding arrangement includes many similarities to that taken to create a similarly significant new fund twelve years earlier – the Green Climate Fund (GCF) – including its design by a Transitional Committee. The aim of this article is to assess the extent to which the ambitions for the GCF have been realized, with a view to informing the ongoing design and early implementation of the new fund. To do this, the article compares the GCF’s present-day outcomes to its original intentions as described by the COP16 decision text. This paper finds that the GCF’s operation today only partially reflects the ambitions expressed at COP16. While the ambition for a Board with equal representation by developing and developed countries has been achieved, ambitions to expand the sources of finance and increase funding for adaptation have been mixed. The influence of the World Bank was a key point of tension over the GCF’s Transitional Committee period, and the Bank continues in the Trustee role today. The role of the Committee’s Technical Support Unit – the group of staff seconded from various international development banks and agencies to provide technical and administrative support to the GCF’s Transitional Committee – had an outsized influence on the shape of the GCF, such that these organizations continue to receive the bulk of GCF funding today. These findings suggest a greater plurality of voices providing such technical inputs would enhance the design of new funding bodies. The creation of new international finance institutions is relatively rare, so understanding the history of the GCF’s design is important for contextualising discussions about other climate finance options.