Global Scans · Social · Weekly Summary

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WHAT'S NEXT?: In the years to come, social commerce will become more widespread and the level of personalization will improve with advanced AI solutions & chatbots. The number of worldwide social media users is projected to grow from 2.1 billion in 2016 to 2.5 billion by 2018.

• [New] Innovation is evident in specialised schemes like Green Delta Insurance's Nibedita, designed specifically for women that covers not only accidents but also trauma from social risks. The Daily Star
• [New] The issues raised by civil society are expected to create positive pressure and encourage stronger cooperation for policy improvements and institutional reforms in Nepal. MyRepublica
• [New] As Transparency International's Middle East and North Africa Regional Advisor warned, civil society organizations are the backbone of social accountability, driving change and shaping the national, regional and global agendas. Informed Comment
• [New] For this week, Dubai will become a global center for development and culture. Crypto Reporter
• [New] Key themes for 2025 include, the future of African creativity, authenticity and cultural storytelling, creativity at the intersection of advertising and film, impact of AI and technology on creative work, new African consumers, and unlocking global opportunities for African brands. Businessday NG
• [New] Some sex workers are calling out the lack of transparency in large amounts of viral social media content being targeted at young women, as questions remain about the impact Australia's looming social media ban will have. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] Community demand for psychiatric services will far outstrip supply over the next 25 years, with a projected 20.7% undersupply of psychiatrists by 2048. RANZCP
• [New] Communities will see real and tangible benefits from the Budget, with £18m announced to makeover 200 children's playgrounds across England. GOV.UK
• [New] A host of eminent scientists have warned politicians, business and community leaders that the UK risks severe climate-related risks to its economy, public health, food systems and national security. The Guardian
• [New] Researchers at Texas A & M have developed a tool called HGBEnviroScreen that makes data reporting environmental and social risks more accessible to community members and community-based organizations. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
• [New] President Biden is committed to securing environmental justice and spurring economic opportunity for disadvantaged communities that are marginalized and overburdened by pollution and underinvestment in housing, transportation, water and wastewater infrastructure, and health care. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
• [New] The South Wales AI Growth Zone will create more than 5,000 new jobs for local communities over the next decade. GOV.UK
• [New] The fuel duty freeze applies UK wide and will significantly benefit the most rural communities across Wales. GOV.UK
• [New] An AI Growth Zone in South Wales will create more than 5,000 new jobs for local communities over the next decade. GOV.UK
• [New] Malaysia will enforce a nationwide restriction banning users under 16 from accessing social media starting in 2026 to improve digital safety. Guidely
• [New] The mass deportation of Afghan refugees could trigger civil unrest within Pakistan, particularly in border provinces such as KP, where communities maintain longstanding social and economic ties to Afghanistan. On Call International Blog
• [New] One rural community in British Columbia, Canada has used medical deliveries via drones to help support healthcare providers who might otherwise feel isolated and overburdened, and therefore more prone to leave. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] The economic-water crisis and growing social destabilization in Iran could shape the near-term developments in the coming months. #
• [New] The RESPS will play a key role in helping to establish a secure, affordable and clean energy system, one that underpins economic growth and sustainability in communities across Great Britain. Osborne Clarke
• [New] By mid-2026, the Southeast Asian nation aims to have e-waste collection bins in all community centers and clubs. Yahoo News
• [New] A new £1.5 million National Lottery Community Fund project will address London's mental health and climate crisis together through a coalition of nine partner organizations. UK Health Alliance on Climate Change
• [New] Jewish and Muslim communities are already living with fear, grief, and heightened anxiety. / UK Religion Media Centre
• The Arctic Infrastructure Fund will help connect Indigenous communities and remote populations to vital services, improving access to markets, healthcare, and education. Travel And Tour World

Last updated: 01 December 2025