大象传媒

David Shukman has attended many a climate summit - and travelled the world seeing how different countries have put their commitments to reducing carbon emissions into practice. As states prepare for the Paris climate summit, he detects a certain amount of optimism on the horizon.

Yemen used to be called a 'failed state' - but as its frontlines multiply, outside forces sweep in and bomb, and natural disasters pummel the survivors, Iona Craig argues it is now no longer one failed state, but two - or maybe more.

Pope Francis has been determined to visit the Central African Republic despite (or even because of) the unrest between Christian and Muslim communities there. Visiting Bangui as the city prepares to greet the pontiff, Alastair Leithead is repeatedly told that the violence is "Not about religion".

And as the Commonwealth's heads of government meet in Valetta, Juliet Rix explores the depth - and the warmth - of British-Maltese relations over the years and visits the old mansion which was, briefly, home to Queen Elizabeth II between 1949 and 1951.

(Photo: A bulbous 'dove of peace' in Bangui, Central African Republic, built following a pact sponsored by the late President of Gabon, Omar Bongo. Local people have nicknamed it The Fat Duck. (c) Alastair Leithead)