Power Access Push: Africa Finance Corporation reached financial close on a $300m deal for Burkina Faso’s 119MW thermal plant, with a first $60m tranche disbursed; once running in 2027, it aims to cut reliance on imported electricity by over half and boost energy security. Mining Safety & Environment: Burkina Faso opened its Mining Forum in Ouagadougou under “Health, Safety and Environment,” with officials stressing safer workplaces, better waste management, and stronger protection for local communities as gold output and revenues rise. Microplastics Monitoring: Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonise microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic methods, including participation from Burkina Faso, to support comparable data and marine pollution policies. Soil & Food Sovereignty: A panel in Ouagadougou focused on accelerating sustainable farm, forestry, livestock and fishery systems, highlighting healthy soils as the base for productivity and resilience amid climate pressures. Human Rights & Health: The UN Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution recognising neglected tropical diseases as a human rights issue, pointing to links with unsafe water, sanitation, housing, education and climate change—Burkina Faso among the driving countries. Education Oversight: Burkina Faso approved a decree requiring prior government authorisation for students studying abroad, framed as “scientific sovereignty,” while rights groups warn it could restrict freedom of education and movement.