PLACE aims to address the inequality of mapping data by creating a non-profit data trust that serves the public interest. The organization emphasizes the importance of making mapping data accessible, affordable, and available globally. PLACE operates on core principles such as democratizing data, government engagement, local partnerships, fair pay, and ethical use. The trust will be governed by an independent board of trustees and will rely on a membership model to ensure sustainability. PLACE collaborates with various stakeholders to promote data ethics, transparency, and security.

Kenya has introduced 'smart' identity cards, known as Mvuvi cards, to distinguish genuine fishermen and loggers from poachers in Lamu County, which houses 60% of the country's protected mangrove forests. The cards, featuring photos and fingerprints, aim to curb illegal activities and protect the environment. Funded by the EU and USAID, the project initially launched in 2018 but faced security issues. The initiative is now being strengthened, with 700 fishermen registered and plans to issue 1,000 cards in the first phase. The cards are expected to enhance security and support the fishing industry, which is under threat from climate change, poaching, and mangrove loss.

In Kyrgyzstan, new shorter treatments for drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) are transforming lives, significantly improving recovery rates and reducing the duration and severity of side effects. Funded by USAID and led by the KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, the new regimens, including the drugs bedaquiline and delamanid, have increased treatment success rates from 56% to 80%. The program also emphasizes outpatient care and monitoring, reducing the need for prolonged hospital stays. The initiative has been particularly beneficial for patients like Eldos, who can now continue working while undergoing treatment, and for children who face fewer side effects.

The Conservatives, known as the world's winningest political party, were ousted from power after 14 years of chaotic and divisive rule in the UK. Keir Starmer is on course to become the next Prime Minister, indicating a significant political shift.

Kenya has introduced the 'Mvuvi' smart ID card to combat illegal fishing and logging, particularly in Lamu County, which houses a significant portion of the country's protected mangrove forests. The card, featuring a photo and fingerprint, aims to enhance security and environmental conservation. The initiative, funded by the EU and USAID, is managed by the Kiunga Youth Bunge Initiative, which has registered 700 fishermen and plans to issue 1,000 cards in the first phase. The project addresses the challenges posed by climate change, poaching, and mangrove loss, with hopes of revitalizing the local fishing industry.

Kenya's north coast fishing communities are set to benefit from government-issued 'smart' ID cards called Mvuvi cards, designed to distinguish legitimate fishermen and loggers from poachers. The cards, which feature a photo and fingerprint, will help protect against illegal fishing and logging of mangroves, crucial for mitigating climate change impacts. Mangroves absorb and store carbon dioxide effectively and provide coastal protection and fish breeding grounds. Kenya has lost a significant portion of its mangroves, with 20% disappearing between 1985 and 2009. The Mvuvi card project, funded by the EU and USAID, aims to secure the fishing industry, which faces threats from climate change, poaching, and mangrove loss. The initiative is led by the Kiunga Youth Bunge Initiative, which plans to issue cards to 1,000 fishermen in its first phase.

Kenya has introduced 'smart' identity cards, known as Mvuvi cards, to help distinguish genuine fishermen and loggers from poachers along its north coast. These cards, featuring photos and fingerprints, aim to curb illegal fishing and logging, particularly in Lamu County, which houses a significant portion of Kenya's protected mangrove forests. The initiative, funded by the EU and USAID, seeks to address the adverse effects of climate change and over-harvesting of mangroves. The project, initially piloted in 2018, has faced security challenges but aims to issue 1,000 cards in its first phase. Local fishermen have reported declining fish stocks and increased challenges due to climate change and competition from foreign vessels.

In Kyrgyzstan, a group of young women are defying gender norms by building the country's first spacecraft, aiming to launch a CubeSat by 2021. The Kyrgyz Space Program, consisting of women aged 17 to 25, is learning physics, computer programming, and 3D printing to empower women in a country where gender discrimination is prevalent. The project, financed by crowdfunding and supported by foreign embassies and organizations, has received guidance from NASA rocket scientist Camille Wardrop Alleyne. Despite facing criticism and trolling, the team is determined to send a feminist message and inspire women and girls globally.

In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, a group of young women known as The Satellite Girls are working to build the country's first spacecraft through the Kyrgyz Space Programme. Initiated in 2018, the programme aims to launch a CubeSat satellite by 2021, with training led by 19-year-old Alina Anisimova. The project, supported by mentors like NASA's Camille Wardrop Alleyne, seeks to empower women in a country with high levels of gender discrimination. The programme is financed through crowdfunding and aims to inspire future space projects and societal empowerment.

Kyrgyzstan, a country with high rates of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), is pioneering shorter, more effective treatments recommended by the WHO since 2015. The new treatments, including drugs like bedaquiline and delamanid, have reduced treatment times to 9-12 months with fewer side effects. A project funded by USAID and led by the KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation has also minimized hospital stays, improved outpatient care, and increased treatment adherence through home visits and video calls. The first cohort of patients showed a promising 80% success rate, a significant improvement from the previous 56%.