World Events in July 2026: A Month That Reshaped Global Politics, Security and Climate
A World Under Pressure
July 2026 will be remembered as a month in which several of the defining challenges of the modern world converged. International security remained fragile, climate extremes intensified, economic markets experienced renewed uncertainty, and political leaders faced difficult choices about defence, diplomacy and domestic priorities.
The month was particularly significant because developments in one region increasingly affected the lives of people elsewhere. The conflict involving Iran and the United States threatened critical energy routes and heightened international tensions. European heatwaves and wildfires highlighted the growing costs of extreme weather. Financial markets struggled to reconcile enthusiasm for artificial intelligence with concerns about valuations, borrowing and profitability. At the same time, the FIFA World Cup brought millions of people together around a shared global sporting event.
July also marked important political and institutional developments, including the NATO summit in Ankara, the United States’ 250th anniversary of independence and a change of prime minister in the United Kingdom.
These events were not isolated episodes. Together, they revealed the underlying tensions shaping the international order: the competition between military strength and diplomacy, economic opportunity and financial risk, technological innovation and social disruption, and short-term political interests and long-term global responsibilities.
1. The Iran Conflict and the Growing Risk of a Wider Middle Eastern War
One of the most consequential developments of July was the renewed escalation of the conflict involving Iran, the United States and regional actors.
A fragile diplomatic understanding reached in June had offered the possibility of reducing hostilities and restoring more predictable shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. However, the arrangement proved vulnerable to disagreements over maritime security, military activity and the broader terms of negotiations.
In early July, attacks involving commercial tankers intensified concerns about the safety of shipping in the Gulf. The United States carried out strikes against Iranian targets, while Iran responded with attacks on American military installations and other targets in the region. By July 10, US President Donald Trump had publicly declared the ceasefire over, even as diplomatic contacts continued.
The situation deteriorated further over the following days. Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz was again closed, raising doubts about the future of the interim agreement. The attacks also complicated the position of Gulf states and countries attempting to mediate between Washington and Tehran.
Why the Strait of Hormuz matters
The Strait of Hormuz is among the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. A substantial share of internationally traded oil and liquefied natural gas passes through the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.
Any prolonged disruption can have consequences well beyond the Middle East. Higher shipping costs, insurance premiums and energy prices can affect manufacturers, airlines, transport operators and households across the world.
For energy-importing economies, particularly in Asia, uncertainty over supplies can place additional pressure on currencies, inflation and government budgets. For poorer countries, the impact can be especially severe because higher fuel prices also raise the cost of food production, transport and electricity.
The conflict therefore represented more than a regional military confrontation. It became a test of the resilience of the global economic system.
The limits of military pressure
The events of July also demonstrated the difficulty of translating military action into a durable political settlement.
Airstrikes can damage infrastructure and impose immediate costs, but they do not necessarily resolve disagreements over sovereignty, nuclear policy, sanctions or regional influence. Retaliation can create new security dilemmas, while attacks on shipping can affect countries that are not directly involved in the conflict.
Diplomacy remained necessary even as military operations intensified. The central question was whether negotiations could produce an arrangement acceptable to both sides, including credible guarantees concerning maritime access and future military activity.
The broader lesson was clear: when regional conflicts involve major powers, energy infrastructure and international trade routes, the distinction between a local war and a global economic crisis becomes increasingly difficult to maintain.
2. NATO’s Ankara Summit: Defence Spending and the Future of Western Security
On July 7 and 8, NATO leaders gathered in Ankara, Türkiye, for a summit focused on collective defence, military readiness, industrial capacity and the alliance’s wider security environment.
The meeting took place amid continuing concerns about Russia, the war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East and uncertainty over the future of transatlantic relations.
A renewed emphasis on collective defence
NATO members reaffirmed their commitment to Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, under which an armed attack against one member is treated as an attack against all.
This principle remains the foundation of the alliance. However, its credibility depends not only on political declarations but also on military capabilities, logistics, intelligence, infrastructure and the willingness of member states to act together during a crisis.
The Ankara summit therefore placed substantial emphasis on practical defence requirements.
Allied leaders highlighted progress in defence investment, noting that European members and Canada had increased core defence spending by more than $139 billion since the previous year’s commitment to raise defence investment. They also announced major procurement initiatives and new efforts to strengthen cooperation between NATO and the defence industry.
The alliance committed to improving capabilities in areas including air and missile defence, precision-strike systems, uncrewed technologies and counter-drone operations.
Defence spending becomes a strategic question
The debate over military expenditure reflects a broader transformation in international politics.
For years, European governments faced pressure to increase their defence budgets while balancing competing demands for healthcare, education, infrastructure and social protection. Russia’s war against Ukraine and growing uncertainty about the global security environment have made those trade-offs more difficult to avoid.
Higher spending, however, does not automatically translate into greater security. Governments must also address shortages of ammunition, fragmented procurement systems, limited production capacity and the time required to manufacture sophisticated weapons.
NATO’s emphasis on industrial cooperation reflected the recognition that modern deterrence depends on the ability to sustain military operations, not simply on announcing larger budgets.
Ukraine and the alliance’s long-term commitments
Support for Ukraine remained a major element of NATO’s security agenda. Allied leaders pledged €70 billion in military equipment, assistance and training for 2026, alongside a commitment to maintaining at least an equivalent level of assistance in 2027.
These commitments underscored the view that the outcome of the war would have consequences for European security far beyond Ukraine’s borders.
At the same time, NATO’s broader focus on Iran and freedom of navigation illustrated how the alliance’s concerns extend beyond the traditional European theatre.
The summit demonstrated that NATO is increasingly required to consider interconnected threats involving conventional warfare, cyber operations, drones, critical infrastructure and maritime security.
3. The Middle East and the Humanitarian Cost of Continuing Conflict
While international attention focused heavily on Iran and the United States, the wider Middle East continued to experience the consequences of armed conflict.
Violence affecting Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank remained a serious humanitarian concern. Civilian casualties, damaged infrastructure, displacement and restricted access to essential services continued to place enormous pressure on affected communities.
These crises must be understood not only in military terms but also through their long-term social consequences.
Hospitals, schools, water systems and transport networks are essential to the functioning of civilian life. When they are damaged or become inaccessible, the effects can persist long after the immediate fighting ends. Children may lose access to education, families may become displaced for extended periods, and communities may struggle to rebuild their livelihoods.
Displacement also places pressure on neighbouring countries and humanitarian organisations, which must provide food, shelter, medical assistance and protection despite funding and logistical constraints.
Why humanitarian crises become international issues
Humanitarian emergencies rarely remain confined to the territory where they originate.
They can affect regional stability, migration patterns, food security and diplomatic relations. They can also undermine confidence in international institutions when governments and organisations are unable to secure lasting ceasefires or ensure adequate protection for civilians.
The challenge for the international community is to balance immediate humanitarian assistance with efforts to establish the political and security conditions necessary for reconstruction.
Relief operations can save lives, but lasting recovery requires more than emergency aid. It depends on security, functioning institutions, access to essential services and credible arrangements for preventing renewed violence.
July’s continuing crises reinforced the need for diplomacy that addresses both the immediate consequences of conflict and the political disputes that sustain it.
4. Europe Faces Extreme Heat and Destructive Wildfires
Climate extremes were another defining feature of July 2026.
Western Europe experienced prolonged hot and dry conditions that contributed to dangerous heatwaves and destructive wildfires. France, Spain, England, Ireland and other parts of the region experienced significantly above-average temperatures during portions of the month.
According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, July was the joint second-warmest July globally in its ERA5 temperature record, alongside July 2024 and behind July 2023.
The global average surface air temperature was approximately 16.90°C, or 0.67°C above the 1991–2020 July average. This was around 1.47°C above the estimated pre-industrial average.
The figures illustrate the broader warming trend, although a single month’s temperature should not be confused with the long-term global temperature average used to assess international climate targets.
How heatwaves become destructive
Extreme heat becomes especially dangerous when it persists over several days or weeks.
High temperatures increase evaporation from soil and vegetation, reducing the moisture available to cool the land naturally. As the ground dries, temperatures can rise further, while vegetation becomes more vulnerable to ignition.
This creates conditions favourable to large wildfires.
During July, prolonged dryness helped fires spread and intensified their effects in parts of Europe. Wildfires threatened settlements, damaged landscapes, forced evacuations and generated smoke that affected air quality beyond the immediate fire zones.
The health consequences can extend far beyond burns or direct exposure to flames. Fine particles in wildfire smoke can aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions and create risks for people living hundreds of kilometres away.
Heatwaves also increase the dangers faced by outdoor workers, older people, people with certain medical vulnerabilities and households without reliable access to cooling.
The economic consequences of extreme weather
The financial impact of heat and fire extends across numerous sectors.
Agriculture can suffer when crops experience heat stress or when irrigation becomes more difficult. Transport networks can face restrictions, while electricity systems experience increased demand for cooling. Businesses may lose working hours, insurers face higher claims and governments must finance emergency response and reconstruction.
Water shortages can introduce additional pressures. Low river levels can interfere with inland shipping, affect ecosystems and constrain certain forms of energy production.
These effects reveal why climate adaptation is becoming an economic necessity rather than a narrowly environmental concern.
Cities need heat-resilient buildings, effective warning systems, accessible cooling facilities and emergency plans for vulnerable residents. Forest management, fire prevention, water conservation and resilient infrastructure are also essential.
What the science does and does not establish
Climate change increases the likelihood or intensity of many extreme heat events, but the circumstances of individual wildfires also depend on vegetation, wind, land management, ignition sources and local weather.
It would therefore be inaccurate to attribute every fire directly to climate change. The more defensible conclusion is that prolonged heat and dryness can make dangerous fires more likely to spread and become difficult to control.
July 2026 demonstrated how these physical processes can combine to turn extreme weather into a public-health, economic and infrastructure emergency.
5. The World’s Oceans Reach a New July Temperature Milestone
The climate story extended beyond land.
Copernicus reported that the average sea-surface temperature across the world’s oceans outside the polar regions reached approximately 20.96°C in July 2026, the highest July value in its record.
The month was also associated with developing El Niño conditions in the equatorial Pacific.
El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern involving changes in tropical Pacific Ocean temperatures and atmospheric circulation. It can influence rainfall, temperatures and storm patterns in different parts of the world, although the effects vary by region and season.
Its development added another source of uncertainty to an already complicated global climate picture.
Why warmer oceans matter
The oceans absorb most of the excess heat trapped in the climate system by rising greenhouse-gas concentrations. Changes in ocean temperatures influence atmospheric circulation, moisture availability and the distribution of heat around the planet.
Warmer sea surfaces can contribute to more intense rainfall in some circumstances, alter marine ecosystems and affect the conditions under which tropical storms develop.
Marine heatwaves can also place stress on coral reefs, fisheries and other ocean ecosystems. Changes in ocean conditions can influence the availability of food and income for communities that depend on fishing.
The relationship between ocean warming, El Niño and extreme weather is complex. Not every region experiences the same effects, and a developing El Niño does not determine the precise weather of every country.
Nevertheless, July’s ocean-temperature figures reinforced the importance of monitoring the climate system as a whole rather than focusing exclusively on temperatures over land.
6. Artificial Intelligence and Financial Markets: Opportunity Meets Uncertainty
Artificial intelligence continued to occupy a central position in the global economy, but July also exposed the financial risks associated with intense enthusiasm for emerging technologies.
Investors had poured substantial capital into AI-related companies, semiconductor manufacturers, cloud infrastructure and data-centre development. The promise of higher productivity and new commercial opportunities helped support strong demand for technology assets.
However, concerns about valuations, borrowing and the profitability of AI investments contributed to significant market volatility.
The question of profitability
Developing advanced AI systems requires substantial investment in computing infrastructure, chips, electricity, data centres and specialist talent.
Companies must eventually generate sufficient revenue or measurable cost savings to justify that expenditure.
This creates a difficult investment question: how much of the future economic value of AI has already been reflected in current share prices?
If companies fail to deliver the growth investors expect, valuations may fall sharply. Such a correction can affect not only technology firms but also pension funds, financial institutions and other investors exposed to the sector.
The risks become greater when businesses rely heavily on borrowing to finance expansion or when market prices assume that a small number of companies will dominate the future of AI.
AI’s effects on employment
The economic consequences extend beyond financial markets.
AI can automate routine tasks, improve analysis, accelerate software development and help businesses operate more efficiently. These capabilities may increase productivity and create new types of work.
At the same time, some occupations and tasks may be reduced, reorganised or eliminated. Workers may need new skills, while companies and governments face pressure to help people adapt.
The effects will not be uniform. Some jobs will be transformed rather than removed, and new industries may emerge. The pace of change will depend on the cost of technology, regulation, business adoption and the ability of workers to acquire relevant skills.
A growing divide between countries
The benefits of AI investment are also unevenly distributed.
Countries with strong research institutions, reliable electricity, advanced computing infrastructure and access to capital are better positioned to capture the economic gains. Countries lacking these resources risk becoming dependent on technology developed elsewhere.
This raises questions about digital infrastructure, education, competition policy and the distribution of productivity gains.
July’s financial turbulence therefore highlighted a broader issue: technological progress can create enormous economic opportunities, but it does not automatically produce stable markets or broadly shared prosperity.
7. Global Economic Pressures: Energy, Inflation and Debt
The global economy entered the second half of 2026 facing several overlapping pressures.
Energy-market uncertainty, geopolitical risks, changing investment patterns and government debt all influenced the outlook for growth and inflation.
The conflict involving Iran was particularly important because it threatened supplies moving through a major global energy corridor.
Higher oil prices can raise the cost of transport, manufacturing and electricity generation. Businesses may pass those increases on to consumers, while central banks must decide whether the resulting inflationary pressure warrants tighter monetary policy.
Higher interest rates, in turn, can increase borrowing costs for governments, companies and households.
Why energy shocks affect developing economies
Countries that import substantial amounts of fuel are particularly exposed to changes in global energy prices.
When oil prices rise, import bills increase and pressure can build on national currencies. Governments may face difficult decisions about fuel subsidies, public spending and taxation.
Higher transport and agricultural costs can also contribute to food-price inflation, placing a disproportionate burden on low-income households.
Developing economies with limited fiscal space may have less capacity to cushion these effects than wealthier countries.
The resulting pressures can slow investment, weaken consumer demand and complicate efforts to reduce poverty.
Debt and financial stability
Government borrowing remained another major concern.
Debt can finance productive investment, support economies during crises and provide resources for public services. Problems arise when borrowing costs rise faster than governments can manage, especially if debt has accumulated without generating sufficient economic growth.
High debt-servicing costs can reduce the resources available for infrastructure, education, healthcare and climate adaptation.
Financial stability also depends on the interaction between public debt, private borrowing and asset prices. A sudden repricing of risky investments can create wider difficulties if financial institutions are heavily exposed.
The challenge for policymakers is to preserve economic growth while maintaining sustainable public finances and preparing for shocks that may originate beyond their borders.
8. The FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain Wins a Historic Final
While geopolitical tensions dominated much of the news, the FIFA World Cup provided one of July’s most prominent international sporting events.
The tournament was hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, making it the first men’s World Cup staged across three countries and the first expanded edition to feature 48 teams.
The competition brought together national teams, supporters and international visitors from across the world. It also highlighted the growing scale and commercial importance of global sporting events.
Spain defeats Argentina
The tournament concluded on July 19, when Spain defeated Argentina 1–0 after extra time in the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, giving Spain the championship and ending Argentina’s reign as holders.
The final was closely contested, with both teams struggling to find a breakthrough during normal time. Spain eventually secured the victory through extra-time pressure.
The result marked a major achievement for Spanish football. It also extended the country’s position among the most successful national teams in international competition.
England finished third after defeating France 6–4 in a remarkable bronze-medal match, with Bukayo Saka scoring a hat-trick.
More than a sporting competition
The World Cup’s importance extended well beyond the results.
For host cities, the tournament created opportunities for tourism, hospitality, transport, advertising and other commercial activities. It also required extensive coordination among local authorities, security agencies, stadium operators and transport systems.
However, large sporting events bring financial and logistical challenges as well. Infrastructure costs, public spending, crowd management and the distribution of economic benefits can become subjects of debate.
The tournament also demonstrated football’s unusual ability to create shared experiences across national and cultural boundaries.
In a month marked by conflict and political uncertainty, the World Cup offered a contrasting reminder that international competition can take place within agreed rules and institutions.
9. The United States Celebrates 250 Years of Independence
July 4, 2026, marked the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
The anniversary was a major national milestone, commemorating the founding principles associated with American independence and the emergence of the United States as a sovereign nation.
The occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the country’s historical development, constitutional institutions, economic transformation and global influence.
A celebration accompanied by difficult questions
The anniversary also carried a deeper significance because it arrived during a period of political division and debate over the country’s role in international affairs.
The United States remained central to questions involving NATO, the conflict with Iran, international trade, technology and global financial stability.
Its domestic political decisions could therefore have consequences far beyond its borders.
The anniversary invited reflection on the relationship between national ideals and political practice, including the continuing debates over democracy, civil rights, equality and the interpretation of American history.
It also highlighted the country’s long-standing influence on global institutions, scientific research, finance, popular culture and international security.
The significance of the anniversary was thus both historical and contemporary: it celebrated the country’s origins while drawing attention to the responsibilities that accompany its international power.
10. Political Change in the United Kingdom
July also brought a significant change in British political leadership.
Andy Burnham became prime minister on July 20, 2026, according to the British government’s official record.
His arrival in the position marked a change in the leadership of the UK government and introduced a new phase in British domestic politics.
The pressures facing the new government
A British prime minister must manage competing priorities involving public services, economic growth, taxation, housing, employment and national security.
These domestic challenges are closely connected to developments abroad. Energy-price shocks can affect household budgets, trade uncertainty can influence investment, and international conflicts can create pressure on defence spending and diplomatic policy.
The UK also faces longer-term questions concerning productivity, infrastructure, regional economic disparities and the sustainability of public finances.
Leadership changes can create opportunities to reconsider policy priorities, but they do not automatically resolve structural problems. Governments must translate political commitments into legislation, budgets and effective public administration.
The significance of the July transition therefore lay not only in the identity of the new prime minister but also in the policy choices and governing approach that would follow.
11. China, National Identity and the Wider Contest Over Global Influence
China remained an important part of the international picture in July, particularly in debates over national identity, governance, technology and strategic competition.
A new Chinese law promoting a shared national identity came into effect during the month, reflecting the government’s emphasis on strengthening a common sense of national belonging.
The policy fits into a broader approach that links national unity with social stability and the role of the state.
However, policies relating to identity, language, culture and integration can raise questions about the relationship between collective national goals and the rights of minority communities.
The effects of such measures depend on their implementation and the protections available to individuals and communities affected by them.
National policy and international consequences
Domestic governance in major powers can have international implications.
China’s economic weight, manufacturing capacity, technological development and diplomatic influence mean that its internal policy choices can affect international business and geopolitical relationships.
Competition between China and the United States also extends beyond military affairs. It includes semiconductors, artificial intelligence, supply chains, telecommunications, energy technologies and access to critical materials.
For other countries, the challenge is to manage relationships with both powers while protecting their own economic and security interests.
July’s developments formed part of this wider picture of a world in which national identity, technological capacity and geopolitical influence increasingly intersect.
12. Space Exploration and the Search for Scientific Knowledge
Scientific exploration continued alongside the month’s political and economic turbulence.
China’s Tianwen-2 asteroid mission was among the notable developments in space exploration. The spacecraft began collecting samples from its target asteroid, advancing a mission intended to improve scientific understanding of small bodies in the Solar System.
Asteroid missions are important because these objects preserve information about the early history of planetary formation. Their composition can provide clues about the materials from which planets developed and the processes that shaped the Solar System.
Sample-return missions are especially valuable because material brought back to Earth can be studied using laboratory instruments that cannot be carried aboard a spacecraft.
Why space exploration matters
Space missions are often viewed as symbols of national prestige, but their significance also lies in scientific capability and technological development.
They require advances in navigation, communications, robotics, materials science and autonomous operations. Some of these capabilities can contribute to other areas of research and engineering.
Space exploration also has an international dimension. Governments increasingly treat scientific capability as part of their broader technological and strategic position.
The Tianwen-2 mission illustrated how major scientific projects continue to advance even during periods of international tension.
13. Refugee Protection and the Continuing Global Displacement Crisis
July 2026 also marked the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, one of the central international agreements governing refugee protection.
The anniversary provided an opportunity to reconsider the responsibilities of states toward people forced to flee persecution and other serious dangers.
Refugee protection remains a major international challenge because displacement is driven by multiple factors, including war, political persecution, insecurity and humanitarian emergencies.
People who flee their homes may face difficulties obtaining legal status, employment, education, healthcare and secure accommodation. Children can experience prolonged interruptions to their education, while families may remain separated for years.
The gap between international commitments and practical support
International agreements establish principles and responsibilities, but their effectiveness depends on implementation.
Countries hosting large refugee populations often require financial assistance, housing, schools, medical facilities and employment opportunities. Without sufficient support, pressure can build on local services and public resources.
At the same time, refugees need protection from exploitation, discrimination and forced return to situations where they face serious danger.
The challenge is to balance the responsibilities of host countries with the need for fair and effective international burden-sharing.
The anniversary served as a reminder that refugee protection is not simply a question of border management. It is also a question of human dignity, legal responsibility and international cooperation.
14. The Wider Meaning of July 2026
Taken together, the month’s events reveal several important patterns.
First, security and economics have become inseparable.
The Iran conflict demonstrated how military escalation can threaten shipping, raise energy costs and affect inflation across multiple continents. Security decisions now have immediate economic consequences, particularly when they involve critical infrastructure or maritime chokepoints.
Second, climate change is an economic and public-health challenge.
The European heatwaves, wildfires and record July ocean temperatures showed how climate-related pressures affect people, businesses, infrastructure and ecosystems. Preparedness and adaptation are increasingly necessary to reduce losses and protect vulnerable communities.
Third, technological progress brings both opportunity and instability.
Artificial intelligence offers the potential to improve productivity and transform industries. Yet large investments, uncertain returns and unequal access to technology can create financial and social risks. The central challenge is to ensure that innovation produces durable benefits rather than unsustainable speculation.
Fourth, international institutions remain important but face difficult tests.
NATO’s summit showed that collective defence depends on cooperation, industrial capacity and credible commitments. Humanitarian crises and refugee protection highlighted the continuing importance of international agreements and coordinated action.
However, institutions cannot guarantee results on their own. Their effectiveness depends on the willingness of governments to honour commitments, negotiate compromises and accept responsibilities that may be politically difficult.
Fifth, global events increasingly have interconnected consequences.
A conflict can affect fuel prices. Fuel prices can affect inflation. Inflation can influence interest-rate decisions. Higher borrowing costs can constrain government spending on infrastructure and climate adaptation. Extreme weather can then impose additional costs on already strained public finances.
These connections illustrate why international developments should be understood as parts of a wider system rather than as separate headlines.
July 2026 and the Challenges of an Interconnected World
July 2026 brought together many of the central challenges of the contemporary international system.
The renewed escalation of the Iran conflict highlighted the risks of military confrontation in strategically important regions. NATO’s Ankara summit demonstrated the continuing importance of collective defence and military preparedness. Europe’s heatwaves and wildfires underscored the growing consequences of extreme weather, while record July ocean temperatures reinforced concerns about the changing global climate.
Financial-market volatility revealed the uncertainties surrounding the AI investment boom. Economic pressures linked to energy, inflation and debt continued to complicate policymaking. Meanwhile, the FIFA World Cup, the United States’ 250th anniversary, changes in British political leadership and advances in space exploration demonstrated that major sporting, political and scientific developments continued alongside the crises.
The month also highlighted the enduring importance of humanitarian protection, international cooperation and effective institutions.
No single event defined July completely. Its significance emerged from the way multiple developments interacted and influenced one another. Political instability affected markets, climate pressures created economic costs, and technological change raised new questions about employment, inequality and financial risk.
The central lesson of July 2026 was that the world’s greatest challenges are increasingly interconnected. Addressing them requires more than short-term reactions to individual crises. It demands resilient institutions, responsible economic management, credible diplomacy, scientific understanding and sustained international cooperation.
The events of the month offered no simple guarantee that these conditions would be achieved. They did, however, demonstrate why they remain essential to building a more secure, prosperous and sustainable world.
