James Miles, The Economist’s China writer at large, shares fascinating insights into China’s ambitious toilet revolution, grappling with disparities between urban and rural facilities. He also discusses the unexpected resilience of the superyacht industry, thriving despite economic challenges. Olena Zelenska speaks about her role as Ukraine’s first lady, advocating for mental health amid conflict, highlighting the importance of emotional well-being, and the struggle to maintain family connections during wartime.
Alina Zelenska, Ukraine's First Lady, has become a strong advocate for mental health amidst the ongoing war, emphasizing the importance of balance and unity in the country.
Despite challenges, China's 'toilet revolution' campaign aims to improve the country's toilets for better hygiene and disease prevention, prioritizing quality and maintenance of facilities.
Deep dives
Alina Zelenska's Advocacy for Mental Health in Ukraine
Alina Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine, has become a remarkable advocate for mental health amidst the country's ongoing war. Despite her initial reluctance to step into the spotlight, Zelenska has embraced her role and is widely seen as a symbol of strength in standing up to the existential threat Ukraine faces. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance and prioritizing mental well-being, not only for herself but also for all Ukrainians. Zelenska has launched an awareness campaign called Tiyuk, encouraging people to openly discuss their mental health struggles. She also highlights the need to address the mental health challenges faced by veterans returning home from war and emphasizes the importance of unity and support in the country
China's Toilet Revolution: Obstacles and Progress
China's President, Xi Jinping, launched a 'toilet revolution' campaign to improve the country's toilets, initially targeting tourist sites. While progress has been made, the campaign faces significant obstacles. In some areas, toilets have been installed without considering weather conditions, resulting in frozen and unused facilities. Insufficient water supply has also rendered some flush toilets impractical. Additionally, rural communities have struggled to adapt to the new style toilets, limiting their usage. Despite the challenges, efforts are being made to improve the quality and maintenance of existing facilities, with hopes of preventing the spread of diseases and improving hygiene
Super Yacht Industry Thriving Amidst Global Instability
Contrary to expectations, the super yacht industry is experiencing a boom, with record sales and projected growth in turnover. Despite the global economic downturn and geopolitical uncertainties, the mega-rich are still investing in luxury vessels. The pandemic and a desire for privacy and isolation have fueled demand. The industry has witnessed a shift towards more customization and family-oriented designs, prioritizing environmental concerns. Super yachts are now incorporating solar panels, wind turbines, and hybrid propulsion systems to reduce their carbon footprint. This unexpected success defies the shrinking number of billionaires globally, suggesting a deeper psychological shift towards enjoying life and embracing mobility
Olena Zelenska foresees a time when her family can regain a quiet life. Our editor-in-chief sits down with her to discuss her mental-health campaign and life in an unexpected spotlight. President Xi Jinping wants to improve China’s toilets; we ask why that is proving so difficult (12:20). And why the superyacht industry is just sailing along (19:50).
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