AI Skills Hiring Surge: Hire With Near’s analysis of 2,100 job postings (June 2025–June 2026) finds AI requirements rising across departments, with the biggest jump in finance (8% to 16%), and growth also in marketing and sales—showing AI demand is spreading beyond engineering. UN Leadership Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan takes an early lead in the race to become the next UN chief, with the selection process moving through straw polls and formal voting steps. Colombia Peace & Transitional Justice: Colombia’s president-elect signals a tougher stance on the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), calling it ineffective and questioning leniency for former FARC leaders—setting up a major policy fight early in the new term. Energy Leadership Moves: Gentari appoints Bernard Esselinckx as Chief Renewables Officer (effective Aug. 1), bringing 25+ years of experience across Europe and Latin America as the company scales renewables. Sports-to-Workforce Angle: A new Philippine U17 women’s volleyball squad heads to the World Championship in Santiago, Chile, with players like Rayco gaining international exposure that can translate into future career pathways.