Global Pulse: Empathy's Future

Hello everyone, and welcome to The beginning of empathy! I'm your Empathy Keeper. As we step into the autumn of September 9, 2025, the world is navigating a complex tapestry of change. Looking back at the news from 24 nations over the past week, it's clear that economic challenges, technological innovations, and societal concerns are deeply intertwined. While these stories might seem disparate at first glance, they all contain universal human experiences and hopes that resonate with us all.

This week, we'll delve into the most searched economic keywords on Google Trends across various countries. What common concerns are we grappling with amidst unstable prices and fluctuating exchange rates? How are the lives of ordinary people changing? What opportunities and challenges does the advancement of artificial intelligence present? And how far should corporate ethical responsibility extend?

Building on the weekly blog posts we shared yesterday, today we're bringing all those pieces together to paint a larger picture. We'll analyze the commonalities and differences between nations, compare global trends with regional specificities, and offer an in-depth interpretation of what all these changes mean for our future. My hope is that this discussion will broaden your insights and inspire us to collectively consider what we can do to foster societal progress.

So, let's embark on this journey together, examining the major global issues through the lens of empathy, and exploring the path forward amidst these waves of change. I believe that your deep empathy and insights will enrich this narrative even further.

Over the past week, the news that captivated the world can be summarized by three core themes: 'The Weight of Life Amidst Economic Instability,' 'Technological Revolution and Ethical Responsibility,' and 'Efforts for a Sustainable Future.' Let's integrate the news from various countries around these themes, identifying their common threads and unique differences.

First, let's talk about 'The Weight of Life Amidst Economic Instability: Inflation, Exchange Rates, and the Labor Market.'

Globally, inflation and currency fluctuations have directly impacted people's lives, becoming a major concern. In the United Kingdom, discussions around the London Underground strikes and the government's bold tax reform proposals were heated. Specifically, debates over reducing pension tax relief and reforming local taxes directly affected high-income earners and the baby boomer generation, sparking social controversy. The challenge of balancing workers' demands for wage increases with companies' financial realities is a common phenomenon not just in the UK, but across many nations worldwide.

In Spain, electricity price volatility significantly impacted household budgets, and BBVA's attempt to acquire Sabadell Bank heightened job insecurity. Argentina continues to struggle with the 'dollar blue,' an unofficial exchange rate, and an official inflation rate of 2.1% in August, making life even harder for ordinary citizens. Reports indicating that a family of four needs nearly four minimum wages to stay above the poverty line vividly illustrate the suffering of the Argentine people.

Türkiye's central bank interest rate decisions and high inflation were key market concerns. The consumer price index rose by 2.04% in August, with notable increases in food, tobacco, and rent prices. This indicates that Türkiye's economy still faces the significant challenge of price stability. Russia also saw forecasts of a weakening ruble exchange rate continuing until year-end, leading to increased interest in investment strategies for asset protection.

In India, the government's Goods and Services Tax, or GST, reforms brought mixed fortunes to the consumer goods market. While car prices decreased, essential daily items like toiletries still maintained high GST rates, increasing the burden on ordinary citizens. In Canada, Lululemon experienced a sharp drop in stock prices due to slowing demand in the US market and current US President Donald Trump's tariff policies. This case highlights how directly global trade policies can impact corporate performance.

Amidst this economic instability, the value of gold as a 'safe haven asset' surged globally. In countries like Hong Kong, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, and Canada, gold prices hit record highs, attracting investor attention. This trend is attributed to a combination of expectations for interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve, geopolitical tensions, and increased gold purchases by central banks worldwide. It reflects a common human desire to protect assets during uncertain times.

Changes in the labor market are also noteworthy. Threats of layoffs at Lloyds Banking Group in the UK, mass dismissals at the Ilva factory in Argentina, and job cuts due to restructuring at Yoox in Italy illustrate the dilemma between corporate efficiency and employment stability. Conversely, the Canadian government made efforts to ease the cost of living for its citizens by distributing various federal benefits, including child benefits, disability benefits, and pensions. News of changes to Mexico's IMSS pension system and year-end bonus payments were also significant issues directly affecting the lives of the elderly.

Next, let's explore 'Technological Revolution and Ethical Responsibility: AI, Digital Finance, and Corporate Transparency.'

The advancement of Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is bringing revolutionary changes to industrial structures and daily life worldwide, but it simultaneously demands deep consideration of ethical responsibilities. A tragic incident in Belgium, where a 16-year-old boy died after discussing suicide with ChatGPT, raised serious questions about AI's impact on mental health and its ethical accountability. Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands also showed high interest in this case, leading OpenAI to announce changes in its response protocols for users experiencing mental distress and the introduction of safeguards for users under 18. This underscores that both technological advancement and a deep understanding of human well-being and responsibility are essential in AI development.

AI technology is also being actively applied across industries. In South Korea, Kakao unveiled its 'AI Native' vision and launched a group recruitment drive to find talent suited for the AI era. In India, Netweb Technologies secured the 1.734 trillion rupee 'IndiaAI Mission' project, showcasing India's ambition to emerge as an AI superpower. In Taiwan, Broadcom's stock price surged, signaling intensifying competition in the AI chip market, while ASML in the Netherlands invested in French AI startup Mistral to strengthen the AI ecosystem in Europe. These movements clearly demonstrate that AI will be a core driver of future industries.

The stability and security of digital financial systems were also critical issues. In Brazil, instability in Nubank's PIX transaction system highlighted how crucial digital payment system stability is to people's daily lives. Mexico introduced a User Transaction Amount, or MTU, system to reduce digital financial fraud and theft, enhancing financial security. In Taiwan, Taishin Bank's strengthened fraud prevention measures drew some public complaints but also showed efforts to improve customer convenience through credit card integration with Richard Card.

Demands for ethical management and corporate governance are also rising globally. News of Nestlé CEO Laurent Freixe's dismissal due to an undeclared romantic relationship with a direct subordinate repeatedly appeared in the news of no less than ten countries, including Spain, Belgium, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Mexico, Italy, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands. This is the most powerful commonality, demonstrating the high ethical standards and transparency required of top corporate leaders, and how significantly personal actions can impact a company's image and shareholder value. In Japan, allegations regarding former Suntory Holdings Chairman Takeshi Shinami's supplement purchases and Nidec's alleged illegal accounting practices also caused social repercussions regarding corporate transparency. These incidents send a strong message that companies must uphold social responsibility and ethical values beyond merely pursuing profits.

Third, let's consider 'Efforts for a Sustainable Future: Energy, Environment, and Social Care.'

Global efforts to combat climate change and achieve sustainable development are actively being discussed in various nations. In Germany, the debate over amending the 'Heating Law' was intense. While aiming for a transition to climate-friendly heating systems, finding a balance between the burden on citizens and technological neutrality remains a significant challenge. In Belgium, corporate responsibility for asbestos contamination issues was once again emphasized, and the government is promoting energy transition policies by encouraging solar panel owners to install digital meters.

Brazil's solar energy is becoming a symbol of a 'new independence movement,' occupying a strategic position in the national power grid. In just over a decade, it has become the second most important energy source after hydropower, contributing to environmental protection and job creation. France's EDF announced a policy to shift some electricity tariff discount periods to daytime hours to maximize solar energy utilization. This aligns with the global trend of responding to climate change and building sustainable energy systems.

Beyond environmental issues, there was also significant interest in social care and safety. In Germany, Ammerland Care Services supports young mothers as employees, enabling them to balance work and family life, and fosters human connections with patients, providing warm care. This plays a crucial role in alleviating loneliness and improving the quality of life in an aging society. Mexico City offered hope for resolving water scarcity issues as reservoir levels in the Cutzamala system showed historic recovery after years of drought. This once again highlights the importance of water management systems in responding to climate change.

Food safety was also a critical issue. German meat processor Wiltmann initiated a nationwide recall of pure beef salami products found to contain dangerous pathogens. While this was a swift corporate action for consumer protection, it served as a reminder of the importance of food safety. Additionally, Germany reported a 'brushing scam' where 65,000 unidentified seed packages from China were seized, urging caution regarding environmental and health risks.

Finally, let's look at 'Changing Industrial Landscape and Global Cooperation.'

In a rapidly shifting industrial landscape, the importance of global cooperation is growing. South Korea's proposal of the 'Make American Shipbuilding Great Again,' or MASGA, project to the United States demonstrates a growth strategy within complex international dynamics. This proposal, aligning with the US's intent to counter Chinese shipbuilding and strengthen its naval power, makes us keenly observe what wise path our shipbuilding industry will forge amidst intricate international relations.

Retail sectors in Australia and the Netherlands are experiencing significant shifts due to the rise of online shopping and changing consumer trends. News of Rip Curl store closures in Australia and The Reject Shop's rebranding to Dollarama were heard. Dutch furniture chain Leen Bakker was advised to learn from Ikea, struggling to adapt to the changing market environment. This shows that for traditional retailers, it's no longer just about selling products, but about providing customers with unique experiences and value.

Efforts to improve transportation infrastructure are also ongoing. Belgium's De Lijn announced that some tram routes would be replaced by buses due to tram infrastructure construction, and Australia's Gold Coast canceled its light rail Stage 4 plan, opting for bus connections instead. Türkiye launched the romantic tourist train 'Istanbul-Paris 2' connecting Istanbul and Paris, aiming to revitalize its tourism industry, but at the same time, voices called for urgent improvement of basic tourist infrastructure in the ancient city of Hasankeyf. In Japan, a major delay on the JR Yumesaki Line due to track intrusion once again highlighted the importance of digital infrastructure stability.

To conclude, 'The beginning of empathy: Finding Human Values Amidst Change.'

Analyzing this week's global news, it's clear that while the economic, social, and technological challenges faced by each nation differ, they all share a common thread: people's aspirations and efforts for a better life, fostering deep empathy. The dismissal of the Nestlé CEO, for instance, showed that demands for corporate ethics and leadership accountability are universal values transcending borders. The positive changes brought by AI technology, along with the need for deep consideration of its ethical responsibilities and social impact, were also common messages.

While the burden on ordinary people remains heavy amidst economic instability, governments, corporations, and civil society in each country are making diverse efforts to overcome these difficulties. They are seeking sustainable alternatives like solar energy, strengthening social welfare systems, and pursuing small initiatives to revitalize local communities. These efforts will not only improve economic indicators but also enhance the quality of the society we all share.

I hope that today's analysis of global weekly news and empathetic perspectives from your Empathy Keeper has planted a small seed of thought in your daily lives. Based on the news articles from yesterday's weekly blog posts, I hope this discussion has once again made you feel how closely connected we are, and how much we can empathize with each other's lives, even across different cultures and environments. Dreaming of a world where everyone empathizes, I look forward to meeting you in our next update. Thank you.