Stories from Geneva · Switzerland

An Oxfam investigation released on International Workers' Day found that global CEO salaries have increased by 54 percent when adjusted for inflation since 2019. The remuneration of executives at the world's largest companies grew 20 times faster than employee wages last year, according to Oxfam. An average CEO earned 8.4 million dollars, or approximately 7.6 million francs, last year. This widening gap manifests differently between Switzerland and the European Union. The analysis was reported by NBC News Radio. Discussions regarding the report include potential solutions such as increased taxation on corporate wealth and guaranteeing minimum wages. In France, the study covers 26 of the 40 largest listed companies. Stanislaw Sanoun of Oxfam stated that while CEO pay rises, employees are becoming poorer.

Photographer Cindy Sherman is participating in a photography festival that features her work and books. Sherman described the event as an immense honor to celebrate the historical image the festival has established.

Actor and director Artus announced the creation of a foundation to provide vacation locations. The announcement follows the success of the film Un P'tit Trouille en Plus, which reached 10 million admissions. The foundation has already collected 300,000 euros.

The Saint-Paul media group announced it must reduce its workforce due to declining advertising and subscription revenues. The group will cut 13 full-time equivalent positions among journalists and 5 other roles.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated in Geneva on April 29 that the United States has not cleared its outstanding membership dues to the WHO. He noted there is no indication that the US will repay the arrears.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has designated emperor penguins as an endangered species.

A complaint has been filed in Switzerland against the journal Charlie Hebdo following the publication of a caricature. The incident follows the publication of the content in the journal.

The European Environment Agency released an annual report on Thursday stating that air quality in Europe is improving but remains insufficient to meet EU targets for 2030. The analysis covers 39 countries, including Switzerland.

Ali Weis, an Iran expert at the International Crisis Group in Geneva, stated that a ceasefire could be used to prepare for the next attack on Iran. The Iranian rial hit a low on Wednesday following new financial sanctions on 35 Iranian individuals and organizations on Tuesday. Pakistan is now reportedly facilitating indirect messaging between the US and Iran after previous talks in Islamabad failed. Negotiations in Islamabad failed last week, though indirect messaging via Pakistan continues. Planned negotiations between the US and Iran in Islamabad reportedly collapsed last week. Pakistan appears to be acting as an indirect mediator between the two nations. Thirty-five Iranian persons and organizations were hit with new financial sanctions on Tuesday. The blockade is increasing financial isolation and squeezing the value of the dollar within the Iranian economy.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed emperor penguins as an endangered species.