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OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman is set to brief the UN Security Council next week, according to Reuters. It would be a rare appearance by a leading AI industry figure before the council, which has increasingly weighed the risks of artificial intelligence to international peace and security. Observers are watching to see what Altman will say about AI safety, regulation and the technology's geopolitical implications.

The contest to choose the next United Nations secretary-general is under way, with the role increasingly framed as that of a 'mediator-in-chief' for a divided world. Commentators say the race highlights the crises the organisation faces, from wars to funding shortfalls, and the pressure on whoever succeeds António Guterres to restore the UN's diplomatic credibility.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called for the creation of a new Eurasian security architecture, urging that regional arrangements replace existing frameworks. His remarks, delivered in a United Nations context, renew Moscow's long-standing push for a security order in Eurasia that would reduce the influence of Western-led alliances such as NATO and reshape regional cooperation arrangements.

EU interior ministers are gathering in Munich today to discuss further tightening of the bloc's migration policy. It is the second year running the city hosts the summit, which has drawn opposition from both far-left and far-right activists and politicians, with protests expected around the meeting.

Saudi Arabia has warned that the security of the Gulf region is inseparable from global stability, making the statement amid rising regional tensions. The remarks, delivered at the United Nations, frame instability in the Gulf as a matter of international concern rather than a local issue, signalling Riyadh's push for broader international engagement in de-escalating the region's conflicts.

Turkiye has called for the abolition of the veto power held by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, reviving a long-running debate over reform of the body. Critics argue the veto paralyzes the council on major crises, while the permanent members — the US, UK, France, Russia and China — have shown little appetite to give it up.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres met with Saudi Arabia's Minister for Foreign Affairs at the United Nations. The meeting, announced by UN Media, covered diplomatic relations and issues of mutual concern between the world body and the Kingdom. Details of the discussions were not disclosed, but such encounters typically address regional security, humanitarian matters and ongoing cooperation. The talks underscore Saudi Arabia's continued engagement with the UN on key international files.

The United Nations Secretary-General met with Mexico's Minister for Foreign Affairs at UN headquarters. The meeting is part of the Secretary-General's ongoing diplomatic engagements with member states, though details of the agenda or outcomes have not been disclosed. Further information about what was discussed between the two officials has not been made available.

The United Nations Secretary-General met with Cuba's Minister for Foreign Affairs at UN headquarters. The meeting is part of the Secretary-General's regular diplomatic engagements with member states, though no details about the agenda or outcomes have been released. Cuba maintains an active diplomatic presence at the UN, where issues such as the long-standing US embargo are regularly debated.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres met with Germany's Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs at UN headquarters. The two discussed pressing international issues, though details of the conversation have not been released. The meeting reflects ongoing coordination between the UN and Germany, one of the organisation's major member states and contributors.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres held a meeting with South Africa's Minister for International Relations and Co-operation. The United Nations announced the encounter through its official media channels, though no details of the discussion were released. Such meetings typically cover multilateral cooperation, global governance and South Africa's role in African and international affairs.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres met with Tunisia's Minister for Foreign Affairs at United Nations headquarters, according to a UN Media announcement. No details of the discussions were released, but such meetings typically cover regional developments in North Africa, migration, and cooperation between Tunisia and the United Nations.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres held a meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Djibouti at UN headquarters. The talks were announced through official UN media. Details of what was discussed were not disclosed, but such meetings typically cover regional security, humanitarian cooperation and the UN's partnership with Djibouti, a key Horn of Africa country that hosts international military bases.

Security forces have arrested Sardar Ramin in the city of Naqadeh in Iran's West Azerbaijan province, according to the Hana Human Rights Organization, which first reported the detention. No details have been released on the reasons for the arrest, the charges against him, or his current whereabouts. Human rights groups routinely report such detentions of Kurdish residents in the region.

Diplomats and trade envoys have held a fresh round of meetings with private sector representatives, a step being read as renewed momentum in trade diplomacy. The talks signal growing efforts to align government policy with business interests and to unlock commercial opportunities. Details of the participants and any agreements reached remain limited, but the engagements point to a more active phase in economic diplomacy.

The crypto industry is increasingly working directly with US regulators rather than waiting for Congress to pass comprehensive crypto legislation. The shift reflects frustration with stalled market-structure bills and a pragmatic turn toward engaging agencies such as the SEC on rulemaking and compliance. Commentators see it as a sign that policy is now being shaped in regulatory channels rather than on Capitol Hill.

A large data leak known as Casino Secrets has revealed the inner workings of offshore gambling companies, according to The Guardian. The leak reportedly exposes how these firms operate and structure their businesses offshore. The full details of what the documents contain, who is affected, and what regulators may do in response are not yet clear from the reporting available.

President Donald Trump attended the Texas-Tennessee college football game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, adding heightened security and political attention to a high-stakes SEC matchup. The game drew national buzz as fans packed the stadium amid the presidential visit, with the contest itself living up to its billing as a thriller between two ranked programs.

Poland has won the 2026 Men's European Volleyball Championship, defeating France in a rematch of the Olympic gold-medal match. The victory secures Poland's quota place for the LA28 Olympic Games. The result renews one of volleyball's fiercest current rivalries, with the two teams again finishing at the top of a major international tournament.

Munich has been chosen as Germany's candidate city for a future Summer Olympics, targeting the 2036, 2040 or 2044 Games. The decision puts the Bavarian capital, which hosted the 1972 Olympics, forward as Germany's hopeful for a return of the Games. Attention now turns to the International Olympic Committee's selection process and whether public support in Germany will back the bid.

Max Verstappen delivered a standout moment at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, overtaking Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris on consecutive laps. The back-to-back passes quickly became the talking point of the race among Formula 1 fans, highlighting Verstappen's aggressive racing in what is shaping up to be a closely fought season.