On February 20, 2026, North Korea's Workers' Party convened for its Ninth Congress, where leader Kim Jong Un emphasized the country's significant economic progress since the last congress in 2021, claiming an 'irreversible' strengthening of the state's status. In his opening speech, Kim pledged to lift living standards, reflecting the ongoing economic strains within the sanctions-hit nation. Analysts noted that the regime is in its strongest geopolitical and economic position in years, which may influence the congress's agenda towards a more assertive stance on both domestic and foreign policy (Financial Times). This congress, held once every five years, is expected to outline Kim's domestic and foreign policy agenda for the next five years, further entrenching his family's authoritarian rule (ABC International).