Desertification & Drought Response: Eritrea marked World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought with a national workshop in Asmara under “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore,” calling for community action to tackle climate change, declining rangeland productivity, and unsustainable livestock practices. Youth Skills & Energy Jobs: In the Southern Region, over 550 youth received 3–6 month vocational training across nine fields, including electricity line installation and solar energy systems, alongside computer, first aid, beauty services, and arts. Local Industry & Health Capacity: A WHO Africa Regional Director visited Eritrea and toured facilities including the Azel Pharmaceutical Factory and Orotta Cardiac Center, highlighting Eritrea’s health system strengths while pointing to ongoing challenges. Mining & Supply Chains: A report on gold extraction in Hitsats describes how displaced people rely on mining and processing networks that move refined gold through regional brokers and onward routes. Human Smuggling Prosecutions: European court coverage notes major cases involving Eritrean nationals tied to migrant smuggling and extortion networks, with trials and long sentences progressing in the Netherlands. Aviation & Regional Connectivity: SalamAir said it is adjusting routes due to Gulf conflict pressures, with plans to add destinations including Djibouti and Asmara.