How the pandemic has highlighted the importance of critical jobs and normalised flexible working for some.

How the pandemic has highlighted the importance of critical jobs and normalised flexible working for some.

The Olympics has the power to inspire so it is commendable that World Rowing is taking risks to build its movement.

Government imposed vaccine mandates, while tempting in the short term, may have grave consequences for us all.
![Vaccine mandates may make some people trust institutions less, which can in turn further reduce vaccine intake, writes Luk [Getty Images]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GettyImages-1354085743.jpg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
Momentum is currently with the unionists and the SNP and Green Party know this.

The regular threats to public officials are an attack on democracy.

The sudden withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan shattered the image of inclusive coordination with allies.

China’s new restrictions might be unthinkable elsewhere, but it is time for a digital detox.
![Online games, and the platforms that support them, are becoming increasingly good at ensuring eyeballs remain glued to screens for as long as possible [File: Getty Images]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/GettyImages-1282649282.jpg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
The games provide a key platform for disabled athletes – but can they get the recognition they deserve?
![Daniel Romanchuk of Team United States is seen before competing in the Men's 800m - T54 heat on day 9 of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on September 02, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan [Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/GettyImages-1337740586.jpg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
How can the world achieve zero food poverty while also reducing carbon emissions and reversing biodiversity loss?
![Meat consumption has increased across the world, especially in places where it was previously a luxury [File: AFP/Jean-Philippe Ksiazek]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/000_9DD33L.jpg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
Instead of criticising the UK for cutting the foreign aid budget, ask why other rich countries aren’t spending more.
![Ethiopian porters unload food aid bound for victims of war at a checkpoint leading to Tigray in Mai Tsebri town, Ethiopia on June 26, 2021. Ethiopia is one of the main beneficiaries of UK overseas aid [Stringer/Reuters]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/RTXDX2T8.jpg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)