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OpenAI has hired Peter Steinberger, the creator of the rapidly adopted AI agent framework OpenClaw, the company announced Sunday. The move comes after weeks of interest from multiple major artificial intelligence firms vying for Steinberger’s expertise as the field of autonomous AI agents intensifies.

Steinberger, an Austrian developer, initially gained attention for OpenClaw under the names Clawdbot and Moltbot. The AI assistant quickly became popular for its ability to perform real-world tasks, including calendar management, flight booking, and even participation in AI-focused social networks. The project’s name evolved after Anthropic, the AI firm behind the Claude chatbot, raised concerns about its similarity to their product, with Steinberger subsequently choosing the new name because he preferred it.

In a blog post detailing his decision, Steinberger explained that while he could have pursued building OpenClaw into a large, independent company, his primary goal is broader. “It’s not really exciting for me,” he wrote. “What I want is to change the world, not build a large company, and teaming up with OpenAI is the fastest way to bring this to everyone.”

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confirmed the hire on X, stating that Steinberger will “drive the next generation of personal agents.” Altman also announced that OpenClaw will continue as an open-source project, operating under a foundation structure with ongoing support from OpenAI. “The future is going to be extremely multi-agent and it’s important to us to support open source as part of that,” Altman said.

OpenClaw’s rapid growth has been notable in recent months, attracting tens of thousands of developers and a surge in interest on GitHub as the potential of multi-agent systems has grow increasingly apparent. The framework allows AI agents to reason through complex tasks, connect with external services, and operate with a degree of autonomy, moving beyond simple text generation to actual task completion.

Munich, Germany – Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Aladdin Dillo, met with the President of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), Professor Hidetoshi Nishimura, in Munich on February 15, 2026. The meeting underscored the commitment to strengthening economic ties and fostering collaboration within the ASEAN region and beyond. This engagement highlights ASEAN’s proactive approach to developing friendly relations and mutually beneficial partnerships with international organizations, as outlined in its core principles.

The discussion centered on ongoing and future collaborative projects between ASEAN and ERIA, focusing on initiatives designed to promote sustainable economic growth, enhance regional integration, and address emerging challenges. ERIA, as a key intellectual partner to ASEAN, provides crucial research and policy recommendations that inform the bloc’s economic strategies. The meeting took place against a backdrop of increasing global economic interconnectedness and the need for coordinated efforts to navigate evolving economic landscapes. Vietnam’s economy is projected to enter a fresh growth cycle in 2026, adding further impetus to regional economic cooperation according to recent reports.

Strengthening ASEAN-ERIA Collaboration

During the meeting, Dr. Dillo and Professor Nishimura exchanged views on key areas of cooperation, including the development of a skilled agri-food workforce. A recent initiative between the European Union (EU) and ASEAN aims to pave the way for this, recognizing the importance of human capital development in the agricultural sector as reported by the ASEAN Main Portal. They also discussed the importance of leveraging research and innovation to drive economic transformation and enhance competitiveness.

ERIA’s role in providing analytical support for ASEAN’s economic agenda was a key topic. The organization’s research on trade, investment, and regional integration is instrumental in informing policy decisions and promoting economic cooperation among member states. The Secretary-General emphasized ASEAN’s commitment to actively contributing to regional and international cooperation, as demonstrated through its participation in forums like the ASEAN Summit and the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week as highlighted by Nhan Dan Online.

Economic Outlook and Regional Integration

The meeting occurred as the global economy is anticipated to enter a new growth cycle in 2026 as reported by Vietnam News. This positive outlook reinforces the importance of strengthening regional economic cooperation to capitalize on emerging opportunities. Both Dr. Dillo and Professor Nishimura acknowledged the need for continued collaboration to address challenges such as supply chain disruptions, climate change, and digital transformation.

The Secretary-General reiterated ASEAN’s commitment to fostering a rules-based regional order and promoting peaceful resolution of disputes. He emphasized the importance of maintaining open trade and investment flows to support economic growth and create opportunities for all. The discussion also touched upon the need to enhance connectivity within the ASEAN region and with external partners, including through infrastructure development and digital integration.

Looking ahead, the partnership between ASEAN and ERIA is expected to play an increasingly vital role in shaping the region’s economic future. Continued collaboration on research, policy analysis, and capacity building will be crucial for ensuring that ASEAN remains a dynamic and competitive force in the global economy. Further meetings and joint initiatives are planned to build on the momentum generated during this productive exchange in Munich.

Share your thoughts on the future of ASEAN-ERIA cooperation in the comments below.

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of Türkiye, held a phone call on Sunday to discuss strengthening cooperation between their nations. The leaders affirmed their commitment to advancing the UAE-Türkiye partnership and building upon recent developments, particularly in the realm of developmental projects, according to a statement released by the Emirati news agency, WAM.

The conversation underscored the shared desire to enhance bilateral relations for the benefit of both countries and their people. This dialogue comes as the UAE and Türkiye continue to deepen economic and political ties, signaling a period of increased collaboration in the region. The leaders also addressed a number of issues of mutual concern, with regional developments and ongoing efforts to address them taking center stage in their discussion.

Strengthening Economic and Developmental Ties

Both Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and President Erdoğan emphasized the importance of continued joint efforts to propel the UAE-Türkiye relationship forward. Specifically, they highlighted the significance of their existing developmental partnerships, indicating a commitment to expanding these initiatives. According to Sky News Arabia, the leaders acknowledged the progress made in various areas of cooperation and expressed a desire to build on that momentum.

The call reflects a broader trend of strengthening ties between the two nations. In recent years, the UAE and Türkiye have signed numerous agreements aimed at boosting trade, investment, and security cooperation. These agreements span sectors including energy, finance, and defense, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of the partnership. Al Khaleej reported that the leaders discussed ways to further enhance these collaborations.

Regional Stability and Ongoing Efforts

Beyond bilateral cooperation, the two presidents also exchanged views on pressing regional issues. The discussion focused on current developments and the efforts being undertaken to promote stability and resolve conflicts in the Middle East. CNN Arabic noted that regional developments were a key topic of conversation during the call.

The UAE and Türkiye share a common interest in fostering a peaceful and prosperous regional environment. Both countries have been actively involved in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and facilitate dialogue between conflicting parties. TRT Arabic highlighted the leaders’ commitment to deepening relations, particularly in the area of development partnerships.

The phone call between Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and President Erdoğan underscores the growing strategic alignment between the UAE and Türkiye. As both countries navigate a complex regional landscape, their continued dialogue and cooperation will be crucial for promoting stability and addressing shared challenges. The leaders’ commitment to strengthening their partnership signals a positive trajectory for bilateral relations and a willingness to function together on issues of mutual concern.

Looking ahead, continued engagement between the UAE and Türkiye is expected to focus on expanding economic ties, enhancing security cooperation, and coordinating diplomatic efforts to address regional challenges. Further discussions are anticipated in the coming months, potentially leading to novel agreements and initiatives that will solidify the partnership between the two nations.

What are your thoughts on the growing partnership between the UAE and Türkiye? Share your comments below.

The Boston Celtics face a significant question mark as they prepare to return to action on Thursday following the All-Star break: will Jayson Tatum return to the court this season? Tatum has been sidelined since May after suffering a torn Achilles tendon, but a potential return before the playoffs remains a possibility. Now, former Celtics star Paul Pierce has offered his perspective on the challenging decision facing the All-Star forward.

Pierce, speaking Friday on the “KG Certified” podcast, delivered a straightforward message to Tatum: “Do what’s best for you and what you feel comfortable doing.” The advice underscores the delicate balance Tatum must strike between his competitive drive and the long-term health of his career. A full recovery from an Achilles tear typically requires up to a year, potentially meaning Tatum might not be fully available until May – a timeframe that could overlap with the NBA playoffs.

The timing presents a complex dilemma for both Tatum and the Celtics. If Boston remains competitive, a premature return could risk re-injury and jeopardize his future availability. Without Tatum, the Celtics could face considerable challenges in advancing through the playoffs, a scenario that adds further weight to the decision. The team’s success and Tatum’s long-term career, hang in the balance.

Achilles tendon injuries are notoriously difficult to recover from, and rushing back too soon carries significant risks. As reported by Yahoo Sports, a setback could not only delay his return next season but potentially impact his career trajectory .

The Recovery Timeline and Playoff Implications

The typical recovery timeline for a torn Achilles tendon is extensive, often requiring up to a full year for a player to regain full strength and confidence. This means Tatum’s potential return could coincide with the later stages of the playoffs, if the Celtics are still competing. However, the possibility exists that Boston’s season could conclude before Tatum is fully recovered, making the decision even more nuanced.

The Celtics have navigated the first half of the season without their star player, relying on other key contributors to maintain their position in the Eastern Conference. However, a deep playoff run without Tatum would be a significant hurdle. The team’s ability to contend for a championship hinges, in part, on Tatum’s ability to return to form – and to do so safely.

Differing Perspectives on Tatum’s Return

While Pierce advocates for Tatum prioritizing his own well-being, other voices within the basketball community have offered differing opinions. Celtics Wire reported that Pierce’s former teammate, Kevin Garnett, holds a different view on the urgency of Tatum’s return . This highlights the complexity of the situation, with perspectives varying based on individual experiences and priorities.

The debate extends beyond former players, with fans also weighing in on the optimal course of action for Tatum. The desire to notice their star player back on the court is strong, but concerns about his long-term health are equally prevalent.

Pierce’s Perspective Follows Offseason Changes

This advice from Pierce comes after a period of significant change for the Celtics. As noted by Boston.com, Pierce previously commented that Tatum’s injury influenced the team’s offseason moves . The team made several key acquisitions, suggesting a proactive approach to mitigating the impact of Tatum’s absence. Heavy.com also reported on Pierce’s comments regarding the team’s new ownership and the impact of Tatum’s injury on their decisions .

the decision rests with Tatum, his medical team, and the Celtics organization. The coming weeks will be crucial as they assess his progress and determine the best path forward. The focus remains on ensuring Tatum’s long-term health and maximizing his potential for a successful return to the court, whenever that may be.

As the Celtics prepare for the stretch run of the season, all eyes will be on Tatum’s recovery. The team’s championship aspirations, and Tatum’s future, depend on a careful and considered approach. Share your thoughts on Tatum’s potential return in the comments below.