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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Digital passports and ID cards for easier travel

    Source: European Union 2

    Both EU citizens and non-EU citizens are subject to systematic checks in person when crossing the EU’s external borders. In 2023 alone, there were almost 600 million crossings recorded. To speed up border controls and ensure smoother and more secure travel, the Commission has proposed to digitalise passports and identity cards for anyone entering or leaving the Schengen area. 

    Specifically, the Commission has put forward: 

    • a common framework for the use of digital travel credentials 
    • a new ‘EU Digital Travel’ app, for travellers to create and store their digital travel credentials 

    Digital travel credentials are a digital version of the data stored on passports and identity cards. They include the information contained in the chip of the passport or ID card, including a facial image of the holder but not their fingerprints. A digital travel document can be stored on a mobile phone and, once available, in the EU Digital Travel application. It will be completely voluntary for travellers to ask for or use this digital version of their documents, free of charge.

    Such a scheme will:  

    • Improve security: it will be harder for fraudsters to use fake documents or pass through Schengen borders undetected. 
    • Improve border controls’ efficiency: thanks to advance checks made possible by digital travel credentials, border management authorities can focus more directly on migrant smuggling and detecting cross-border criminals 
    • Allow for smoother and faster border crossings: travellers will be able to submit their digital passports or ID cards ahead of the journey, for an advance border check 
    • Reduce administrative burdens for EU citizens: EU countries may allow their citizens to use digital identity cards for other forms of registration and identification. 

    The EU Digital Travel app will be available for all EU and non-EU citizens with a biometric passport or EU identity card travelling to or from the Schengen Area. Thanks to the app, travellers will be able to create digital travel credentials and submit their travel plans and documents to the border authorities in advance, to speed up checks at the border. The app will require user consent before processing personal data. Border authorities will also receive training on data security and data protection rules before being allowed to access the data. 

    It is now for the Council of the EU and the European Parliament to agree on the proposals. Once adopted, the EU Digital Travel application and the necessary technical standards will be developed.  

    For more information 

    European Digital Identity Wallet 

    European Digital Identity 

    Factsheet on the digitalisation of travel documents 

    Press release: Commission proposes an EU Digital Travel application for easier and safer travel

    Questions and Answers on EU Digital Travel application for easier and safer travel

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cook, Entrepreneurs, Innovation, and Participation

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    Thank you for the kind introduction, Jennet.1 Let me start by saying my thoughts are with all the people in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia who have felt the force of Helene’s and Milton’s impact. I am saddened by the tragic loss of life and widespread disruption in this region. The Federal Reserve Board and other federal and state financial regulatory agencies are working with banks and credit unions in the affected area. As we normally do in these unfortunate situations, we are encouraging institutions operating in the affected areas to meet the needs of their communities.2
    It is an honor to stand before you and speak to this group of audacious, innovative women. I am also very happy to be back in Charleston. I grew up in Milledgeville, Georgia, just about 250 miles down the road. Some of my fondest childhood memories of traveling in the South, especially as a Girl Scout, include South Carolina.
    Today I would like to talk with you about the important role startups, new businesses, and entrepreneurship play in our economy from the perspective of a Federal Reserve policymaker. I also want to share a bit of my story. Just like many of you—including those who have started a business or those who dream of doing that someday—I have faced and overcome hurdles along a winding path.
    My StoryI was born and raised in Milledgeville, where my mother, Professor Mary Murray Cook, was a faculty member in the Nursing Department of Georgia College and State University. She was the first tenured African American faculty member at that university. My father, Rev. Payton B. Cook, was a chaplain and then in senior leadership at the hospital there. My family lived through the events that brought Milledgeville out of a deeply segregated South. My sisters and I were among the first African American students to desegregate the schools we attended. I drew strength from the example set by my family, others in the Civil Rights Movement, and the village that raised me and from their conviction in the hope and promise of a world that could and would continually improve.
    While I had an interest in economics even before I entered high school, that was not the initial field of study I pursued. I entered Spelman College in Atlanta as a physics and philosophy major. After graduation, I had the honor of studying at the University of Oxford as a Marshall Scholar.
    After Oxford, I continued my education at the University of Dakar in Senegal in West Africa. However, at the end of my year in Africa, it was the chance to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in East Africa where I discovered my love of economics. I hiked alongside a British economist, and, by the end of the trek, he convinced me that studying economics would provide me with the tools to address some big and important questions I had pondered for a long time.
    I went on to earn my Ph.D. in economics from the University of California, Berkeley. Entering the economics profession came with its usual challenges, and, for women, a few more challenges existed. To this day, women are still underrepresented in economics. Women earned just 34 percent of bachelor’s degrees in economics and 36 percent of Ph.D.’s in economics in 2022, the most recent available data from the U.S. Department of Education. The share of women earning those degrees rose only modestly from 1999, when women earned about 32 percent of economics bachelor’s degrees and 27 percent of Ph.D.’s. The data stand in sharp contrast to all science and engineering degrees, including in social science fields, where women earned roughly half of degrees granted in 2022.3
    Education was paramount in my family and was construed as a means of realizing the promise of the Civil Rights Movement and continual improvement of our society and economy. Of course, economics, like physics, is a field where math skills are vitally important. Between my mother, my aunts, and my extended family, I had essentially understood STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)-related jobs to be women’s work. I was grateful to have these role models in my orbit to give me the confidence to undertake study in a STEM field.
    Access and encouragement for girls to pursue study in math and science are a significant concern. Economist Dania V. Francis’s research shows that Black girls are disproportionately under-recommended for Advanced Placement calculus.4 The course is often a gateway for economics, for STEM classes, and for college preparation, in general.5
    My mentors and role models encouraged careful study, teaching, and scholarship and helped me block out the voices saying I did not belong at each juncture. They encouraged my work and have been champions for me. As a result, I have been committed to serving as a mentor, as well. For several years, I was the director of and taught in the American Economic Association’s Summer Program, an important training ground for disadvantaged students considering economics careers. Each year, the share of students who are women oscillated between 41 percent and 67 percent, much higher than the enrollment in undergraduate economics courses nationally.6 I told those students—and continue to tell them as they make their way through graduate programs in economics and through the economics profession—”You belong here. Your insights are unique, and the profession will benefit from them.”
    In my career as an economist, I studied, researched, and taught in roles at universities and worked in the private sector and in government before I was nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate to become a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in 2022. I am honored and humbled to serve in this role and proud to be the first African American woman and first woman of color to serve on the Board of Governors. As Fed policymakers, we make decisions affecting the entire economy and the well-being of every American by focusing on the dual mandate given to us by Congress: maximum employment and stable prices.
    Entrepreneurs’ Vital Role in the EconomyIn my years of conducting research and while at the Board, I have met many inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs who made important contributions to the economy. Many of them happened to be women who were very knowledgeable, creative, and inspiring. So I want to discuss the vital role entrepreneurship and new business creation play in our economy.
    You might ask what interest I have in this subject, as a monetary policymaker focused closely on the dual mandate of maximum employment and stable prices. Well, this topic has interested me for a long time, and I conducted a fair amount of research on entrepreneurship and innovation before joining the Board. But the topic is also important precisely because of our dual mandate. To convince you of this, I will explain a few of the ways in which economists think about entrepreneurship, and how they relate to the dual mandate.
    The first is the most basic: For many people—many millions, in fact—entrepreneurship or self-employment is a career choice.7 It is their preferred way of participating in the labor market and obtaining income for themselves and their families. They prefer to be their own bosses, with all the benefits and risks that entails.8 But whether they end up hiring others or not, self-employed individuals support the labor market by providing a job for themselves.
    A second way economists think about entrepreneurship is a little broader: New business creation is a large contributor to overall job growth. In fact, new businesses punch above their weight. For example, during the handful of years before the pandemic, in a typical year only about 8 percent of all employer firms were new entrants, but these new entrants accounted for about 15 percent of annual gross job creation.9 And research has found that this job creation effect is long lasting. Even though many new firms do not survive, those that do survive tend to grow rapidly over 5 to 10 years, largely offsetting the job losses from those firms that shut down.10
    A third way economists think about entrepreneurship, which I have explored in my own research, is that a small but critical subset of new firms are innovators—they introduce new products or business processes that change how we consume or produce.11 As such, they make large contributions to overall productivity growth over time. That is, innovative entrepreneurs help enable us to do more with less—and even more so if access to innovation participation is equitable.12 It is important that everyone, including women, historically underrepresented groups, people from certain geographic regions, and other diverse representative groups, can participate in the entrepreneurship and innovation economy. In my research, I have found that investors underrate the prospects of Black-founded, or simply outsider-founded, startups in early funding stages. Better assessment of the early stages of invention and innovation could broaden the range of new entrants and the ideas they contribute to their local communities and the broader economy.
    Consider the Dual MandateSo let’s return to the dual mandate. You can now understand that self-employment and entrepreneurial job creation are relevant for our employment mandate. Indeed, one could argue that entrepreneurs are critical to Fed policymakers’ efforts to promote maximum employment. And the productivity gains we reap from entrepreneurship are like productivity growth from any other source. When the pace of productivity growth increases, it allows for economic activity and wage growth to be robust while also being consistent with price stability.
    The importance of business startups to our dual mandate objectives is why I have watched closely as various measures of new business formation have surged since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Applications for new businesses jumped to a record pace shortly after the pandemic struck the U.S.13 The pace of applications has remained elevated above pre-pandemic norms all the way from the summer of 2020 to the most recent data, even though the pace appears to be cooling some this year.14 At first, it might have seemed like these business applications were mainly being submitted by people who lost their jobs, or perhaps by an increase in “gig economy” work. There was doubtless some of that going on, but research and data since then have painted a more optimistic picture.
    When researchers look across areas of the country, the pandemic business applications had only a weak connection with layoffs. The surge in applications persisted long after overall layoffs fell to the subdued pace we have seen since early 2021. The applications did have a strong relationship with workers voluntarily leaving their jobs. Some quitting workers may have chosen to join these new businesses as founders or early employees. And surging business applications were soon followed by new businesses hiring workers and expanding. Over the last two years of available data, new firms created 1.9 million jobs per year, a pace not seen since the eve of the Global Financial Crisis.15
    The industry patterns of this surge reflect shifts in consumer and business needs resulting from the pandemic and its aftermath. For example, in large metro areas, new business creation shifted from city centers to the suburbs, perhaps because of the increase in remote work. Suddenly, people wanted to eat lunch or go to the gym closer to their home, rather than close to their downtown office. Likewise, consumer and business tastes for more online purchases, with the shipping requirements that entails, are evident in the surge of business entry in the online retail and transportation sectors. But this is not only about moving restaurants closer to workers or changing patterns of goods consumption. There was also a particularly strong entry into high-tech industries, such as data processing and hosting, as well as research and development services.16 That may have more to do with developments like artificial intelligence than with the pandemic specifically, as I discussed in a speech in Atlanta last week.17
    Economists will spend years debating the various causes of the surge in business creation during and soon after the pandemic. Perhaps strong monetary and fiscal policy backstopping aggregate demand played some role, or pandemic social safety net policies, or simply the accommodative financial conditions of 2020 and 2021.18 Indeed, more research is needed and will be the subject of many dissertations in the near future.
    I do think a large part of the story is ultimately a case of resourceful and determined American entrepreneurs, perhaps including some of you, responding to the tumultuous shocks of the pandemic. They, like some of you, stepped in to meet the rapidly changing needs of households and businesses. This points to a fourth way economists like to think about entrepreneurship, which is that entrepreneurship plays a big role in helping the economy adapt to change. Research suggests that entrepreneurs and the businesses they create are highly responsive to big economic shocks, and the COVID-19 pandemic was certainly a seismic shock.19 To be sure, the future is uncertain. It is unclear what the productivity effects of the pandemic surge of new businesses, particularly in high tech, will be.20 And whether that surge will continue is an open question; after all, the pre-pandemic period was a period of declining rates of new business creation, and the pandemic surge itself does appear to be cooling off recently.21
    ConclusionFor now, let me say that I am grateful that entrepreneurs continue to give us a hand in meeting our employment mandate, and whatever productivity gains we may reap in coming years as a result may help ease tradeoffs with inflation as well.
    Finally, I will share one last story about why South Carolina will always hold a special place in my and my sisters’ hearts. Every summer and at Thanksgiving, we would travel through the Palmetto State to our grandparents’ house in Winston-Salem. Sitting in the back seat of the station wagon, we were entranced by the many colorful signs along Interstate 95 advertising what I, as a child, viewed as South Carolina’s number one attraction: the South of the Border roadside amusement park. We begged our parents to stop every time. It was an epic struggle that went on for more than a decade. Once or twice they did relent, a sweet childhood victory! And here is the funny thing about travels—paths can cross. The timing is such that my sisters and I may have even been helped by a waiter named Ben, a young man from Dillon, South Carolina, who would go on to be Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke! 22 Perhaps it was the world’s way of foreshadowing.
    Thank you for having me here in Charleston. It is inspiring to meet this group of bold, entrepreneurial women in South Carolina, and I look forward to continuing our conversation.

    1. The views expressed here are my own and not necessarily those of my colleagues on the Federal Open Market Committee. Return to text
    2. See Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Federal Reserve Board, National Credit Union Administration, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and State Financial Regulators (2024), “Federal and State Financial Regulatory Agencies Issue Interagency Statement on Supervisory Practices regarding Financial Institutions Affected by Hurricane Helene,” joint press release, October 2. Return to text
    3. See U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, Completions Survey, available on the NCES website at https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/survey-components/7. Return to text
    4. See Dania V. Francis, Angela C.M. de Oliveira, and Carey Dimmitt (2019), “Do School Counselors Exhibit Bias in Recommending Students for Advanced Coursework?” B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy, vol. 19 (July), pp. 1–17. Return to text
    5. See Lisa D. Cook and Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman (2019), “‘It Was a Mistake for Me to Choose This Field,’” New York Times, September 30. Return to text
    6. See Lisa D. Cook and Christine Moser (2024), “Lessons for Expanding the Share of Disadvantaged Students in Economics from the AEA Summer Program at Michigan State University,” Journal of Economic Perspectives, vol. 38 (Summer), pp. 191–208. Return to text
    7. There is no single way to measure the number of self-employed individuals and related businesses, but it certainly numbers in the millions. The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics Current Population Survey indicates there are roughly 10 million unincorporated and 7 million incorporated self-employed individuals. Separate data on businesses from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that, as of 2021, there were about 25 million nonemployer and 800,000 employer sole proprietorships (Nonemployer Statistics; Statistics of U.S. Businesses).
    For analysis of inconsistencies between self-employment data sources, see Katharine G. Abraham, John C. Haltiwanger, Claire Hou, Kristin Sandusky, and James R. Spletzer (2021), “Reconciling Survey and Administrative Measures of Self-Employment,” Journal of Labor Economics, vol. 39 (October), pp. 825–60. Return to text
    8. See Erik Hurst and Benjamin Wild Pugsley (2011), “What Do Small Businesses Do? (PDF)” Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, Fall, pp. 73–142; and Erik G. Hurst and Benjamin W. Pugsley (2017), “Wealth, Tastes, and Entrepreneurial Choice,” in John Haltiwanger, Erik Hurst, Javier Miranda, and Antoinette Schoar, eds., Measuring Entrepreneurial Businesses: Current Knowledge and Challenges (Chicago: University of Chicago Press). Return to text
    9. Gross job creation refers to all jobs created by entering and expanding establishments. Data are from the Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics, averaged for 2015–19. New firms’ share of net job creation is much higher, but this is partly an artifact of measurement practices: Firms with an age less than one measured in annual data cannot contribute negatively to net job creation. Return to text
    10. See John Haltiwanger, Ron S. Jarmin, and Javier Miranda (2013), “Who Creates Jobs? Small versus Large versus Young,” Review of Economics and Statistics, vol. 95 (May), pp. 347–61; and Ryan Decker, John Haltiwanger, Ron Jarmin, and Javier Miranda (2014), “The Role of Entrepreneurship in US Job Creation and Economic Dynamism,” Journal of Economic Perspectives, vol. 28 (Summer), pp. 3–24. Return to text
    11. For evidence on the importance of innovating young and small firms, see Daron Acemoglu, Ufuk Akcigit, Harun Alp, Nicholas Bloom, and William Kerr (2018), “Innovation, Reallocation, and Growth,” American Economic Review, vol. 108 (November), pp. 3450–91. For recent trends in technology diffusion of relevance to business entry, see Ufuk Akcigit and Sina T. Ates (2023), “What Happened to US Business Dynamism?” Journal of Political Economy, vol. 131 (August), pp. 2059–2124. Return to text
    12. See Lisa D. Cook (2011), “Inventing Social Capital: Evidence from African American Inventors, 1843–1930,” Explorations in Economic History, vol. 48 (December), pp. 507–18; Lisa D. Cook (2014), “Violence and Economic Activity: Evidence from African American Patents, 1870–1940,” Journal of Economic Growth, vol. 19 (June), pp. 221–57; and Lisa D. Cook (2020), “Policies to Broaden Participation in the Innovation Process (PDF),” Hamilton Project Policy Proposal 2020-11 (Washington: Brookings Institution, August). Return to text
    13. “Business applications” refers to applications for new Employer Identification Numbers submitted to the Internal Revenue Service. These are reported by the U.S. Census Bureau in the Business Formation Statistics. An application does not necessarily mean an actual firm with employees, revenue, or both will result. Return to text
    14. Unless otherwise noted, the facts described in this section are documented in Ryan A. Decker and John Haltiwanger (2024), “Surging Business Formation in the Pandemic: A Brief Update,” working paper, September; and Ryan A. Decker and John Haltiwanger (2023), “Surging Business Formation in the Pandemic: Causes and Consequences? (PDF)” Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, Fall, pp. 249–302. Return to text
    15. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Business Employment Dynamics (BED) report new firm job creation of 1.9 million, on average, in 2022 and 2023, the highest pace since 2007. Alternative data on firm births from the Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics, which lag the BED by one year, report 2.5 million jobs created by new firms in 2022, also the highest pace since 2007. Return to text
    16. See Ryan Decker and John Haltiwanger (2024), “High Tech Business Entry in the Pandemic Era,” FEDS Notes (Washington: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, April 19). Return to text
    17. See Lisa D. Cook (2024), “Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and the Path Ahead for Productivity,” speech delivered at “Technology-Enabled Disruption: Implications of AI, Big Data, and Remote Work,” a conference organized by the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta, Boston, and Richmond, Atlanta, October 1. Return to text
    18. For a potential role of fiscal policy, see Catherine E. Fazio, Jorge Guzman, Yupeng Liu, and Scott Stern (2021), “How Is COVID Changing the Geography of Entrepreneurship? Evidence from the Startup Cartography Project,” NBER Working Paper Series 28787 (Cambridge, Mass.: National Bureau of Economic Research, May). For safety net programs (specifically expanded unemployment insurance), see Joonkyu Choi, Samuel Messer, Michael Navarrete, and Veronika Penciakova (2024), “Unemployment Benefits Expansion and Business Formation,” working paper, April. For the importance of financial conditions for entrepreneurship in past business cycles, see Michael Siemer (2019), “Employment Effects of Financial Constraints during the Great Recession,” Review of Economics and Statistics, vol. 101 (March), pp. 16–29; and Teresa C. Fort, John Haltiwanger, Ron S. Jarmin, and Javier Miranda (2013), “How Firms Respond to Business Cycles: The Role of Firm Age and Firm Size,” IMF Economic Review, vol. 61 (3), pp. 520–59. Return to text
    19. Examples of research finding a large role for business entry in responding to aggregate shocks include Manuel Adelino, Song Ma, and David Robinson (2017), “Firm Age, Investment Opportunities, and Job Creation,” Journal of Finance, vol. 72 (June), pp. 999–1038; Ryan A. Decker, Meagan McCollum, and Gregory B. Upton, Jr. (2024), “Boom Town Business Dynamics,” Journal of Human Resources, vol. 59 (March), pp. 627–51; and Fatih Karahan, Benjamin Pugsley, and Ayşegűl Şahin (2024), “Demographic Origins of the Startup Deficit,” American Economic Review, vol. 114 (July), pp. 1986–2023. Return to text
    20. The last period of robust productivity growth in the U.S., the late 1990s and early 2000s, was preceded by several years by strong business creation in high-tech industries; see Lucia Foster, Cheryl Grim, John C. Haltiwanger, and Zoltan Wolf (2021), “Innovation, Productivity Dispersion, and Productivity Growth,” in Carol Corrado, Jonathan Haskel, Javier Miranda, and Daniel Sichel, eds., Measuring and Accounting for Innovation in the Twenty-First Century (Chicago: University of Chicago Press). Return to text
    21. The number of annual new firms as a share of all firms declined from around 12 percent in the 1980s, on average, to around 9 percent in the period of 2010–19. New firms’ share of gross job creation declined from nearly 20 percent to less than 15 percent over the same period. Data are from Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The pre-pandemic trend decline in entry rates was documented by Ryan Decker, John Haltiwanger, Ron Jarmin, and Javier Miranda (2014), “The Role of Entrepreneurship in US Job Creation and Economic Dynamism,” Journal of Economic Perspectives, vol. 28 (Summer), pp. 3–24. Return to text
    22. See Ben S. Bernanke (2009), “Brief Remarks,” speech delivered at the Interstate Interchange Dedication Ceremony, Dillon, S.C., March 7. Return to text

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Firsts: The First Concert at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Picture the scene: women in elegant party dresses and men in tuxedos are ushering patrons from a pink, marbled lobby into a concert hall with neat rows of plush, velvet seats for a performance of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. It was Dec. 6, 1955, and what was then called Jorgensen Auditorium, a dream 15 years in the making, was finally a reality. Named for UConn’s longest-serving president, Albert Jorgensen, the facility has hosted commencement ceremonies, gubernatorial debates, hip hop concerts, standup comedians, and countless other cultural events that have enriched the lives of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Today, Jorgensen presents 25-30 acclaimed artists every year, attracting more than 70,000 patrons every season. Also the home of the Jorgensen Gallery and the Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre, in the years since that first brisk night, the cultural center has become as much a part of UConn’s history and heritage as its presidential namesake.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Immersive Quantum Computing Workshop Gets Microscopic

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    What do qubits, parallelism, entanglement, photonics and decoherence have in common?

    The answer to this question, and many more, will be top of mind when UConn’s College of Engineering (CoE) hosts a two-day Quantum Computing (QC) Workshop, November 20-21 at UConn Health in Farmington. The workshop will feature hands-on learning about quantum computing fundamentals, algorithms, security impacts, communications and applications.

    This interactive event is being coordinated by UConn’s Center for Advanced Engineering Education and the School of Computing, in collaboration with QuantumCT and the Connecticut Advanced Computing Center. It is open to the public, including industry leaders, engineering organizations, faculty, state government, and anyone interested in the field.

    Sanguthevar Rajasekaran, director of UConn’s School of Computing, says quantum computing offers the potential of speeding up computations by an exponential factor and can make a huge impact on every walk of life.

    “Quantum computing exploits the unique features of quantum mechanics to solve problems quickly and more efficiently than traditional computing,” he explains. “QC applications are far and wide, embracing medicine, manufacturing, drug design, climate modeling and much more. The impact of this rapidly evolving technology appears limitless and can provide significant benefits for industry, science, health care, and society at large.”

    According to Nora Sutton, Director of the Center for Advanced Engineering Education, workshop activities will include interactions with industry and academic experts, comprehensive exploration of quantum computing, and networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders.

    “We’re very excited about this workshop, which is designed to immerse participants in the cutting-edge world of quantum technology,” says Sutton. “These real-world applications will help participants uncover the revolutionary, transformative potential in AI, cybersecurity, health care, and more. UConn and CoE are on the forefront of quantum learning, and working to become an educational leader in this important, dynamic field.”

    Quantum mechanics is the area of physics that studies the behavior of particles at a microscopic level. At subatomic levels, the equations that describe how particles behave is different from those that describe the macroscopic world. Quantum computing is a multidisciplinary field comprising aspects of computer science, physics, and mathematics that utilizes quantum mechanics to solve complex problems faster than on classical computers.

    Quantum computers take advantage of these behaviors to perform computations in a completely new way. The field includes hardware research and application development. Potential benefits include advanced machine learning, portfolio optimization in finance, simulation of chemical systems, significant healthcare applications and solving problems currently impossible even using powerful supercomputers.

    Visit the UConn Engineering site for more information or to register.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces judicial appointments 10.9.24

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 9, 2024

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced his appointment of 18 Superior Court Judges, which include one in Colusa County; one in Contra Costa County; five in Los Angeles County; two in Orange County; three in Sacramento County; one in San Bernardino County; four in San Diego County; and one in Sutter County.

    Colusa County Superior Court

    Brendan M. Farrell, of Colusa County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Colusa County Superior Court. Farrell has served as District Attorney of Colusa County since 2023. He was a Chief Deputy District Attorney at the Colusa County District Attorney’s Office from 2016 to 2022 and a Deputy District Attorney there from 2010 to 2016. Farrell served as a Volunteer Attorney at the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office in 2010. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Jeffrey A. Thompson. Farrell is registered without party preference.
     
    Contra Costa County Superior Court

    Robert S. Leach, of Contra Costa County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Contra Costa County Superior Court. Leach has served as Chief of the Special Prosecutions Section at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California since 2023 and has served in several positions there since 2012, including Deputy Chief of the Corporate and Securities Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney. He served in several roles at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from 2003 to 2012, including Assistant Regional Director, Branch Chief and Staff Attorney. Leach was an Associate at Latham & Watkins LLP from 1998 to 2003 and served as a Law Clerk for the Honorable John G. Davies at the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California from 1997 to 1998. Leach earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Susanne Fenstermacher. Leach is registered without party preference.
     
    Los Angeles County Superior Court

    Leslie B. Gutierrez, of San Bernardino County, has been appointed to serve in an interim appointment as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Gutierrez has served as a Deputy District Attorney at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office since 2012. She was a Sole Practitioner from 2011 to 2012. Gutierrez earned a Juris Doctor degree from Southwestern Law School. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Brian C. Yep. The Governor’s appointment allows her to immediately assume the position she was otherwise elected to begin in January 2025. Gutierrez is a Democrat.
     

    Heather M. Hocter, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Hocter has served as a Deputy Alternate Public Defender at the Los Angeles County Alternate Public Defender’s Office since 2017. She served as a Deputy Public Defender at the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office from 2006 to 2017. Hocter earned a Juris Doctor degree from Southwestern Law School. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Amy Pellman. Hocter is a Democrat.

    Karen C. Joynt, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Joynt has served as a Commissioner at the Los Angeles County Superior Court since 2022. She was Owner and Lead Attorney at Joynt Law from 2019 to 2022. Joynt served in several positions at the Office of the Los Angeles County Counsel from 2010 to 2019, including Assistant County Counsel, Senior Deputy County Counsel and Deputy County Counsel. She served as a Deputy Alternate Public Defender in the Office of the Los Angeles County Alternate Public Defender from 2006 to 2010. Joynt served as a Deputy Public Defender in the Office of the Los Angeles County Public Defender from 2003 to 2006. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from Southwestern Law School. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Richard J. Burdge. Joynt is a Democrat.
     

    Esther K. Ro, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Ro has served as a Senior Appellate Attorney at the Second District Court of Appeal since 2019. She was a Partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP from 2017 to 2019 and an Associate there from 2011 to 2017. Ro was an Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Recovery Fellow at the Asian Pacific American Legal Center from 2009 to 2010 and an Associate at Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP from 2007 to 2009. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Paul A. Bacigalupo. Ro is a Democrat.

    Karla Sarabia, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Sarabia has been a Deputy Public Defender at the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office since 2008. She served as a Deputy Public Defender at the Fresno County Public Defender’s Office from 2006 to 2008. Sarabia served as a Law Clerk in the Contra Costa County Public Defender’s Office from 2005 to 2006. Sarabia earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Steven D. Blades. Sarabia is a Democrat. 
     
    Orange County Superior Court

    Julianne Sartain Bancroft, of Orange County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Orange County Superior Court. Bancroft has been Senior Appellate Research Attorney at the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three since 2002. She was a Partner at Snell & Wilmer from 1997 to 2002 and an Associate there from 1994 to 1997. Bancroft was an Associate at Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati from 1991 to 1994 and served as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Melvin T. Brunetti at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 1990 to 1991. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge James E. Rogan. Bancroft is a Democrat.

    Randy K. Ladisky, of Orange County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Orange County Superior Court. Ladisky has served as a Senior Deputy Alternate Public Defender in the Office of the Orange County Alternate Public Defender since 2014 and has been an Alternate Public Defender there since 2001. He was an Associate at the Law Office of Joel M. Garson from 2000 to 2001 and at the Law Office of Ronald Talmo from 1999 to 2000. Ladisky earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Western State College of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Martha K. Gooding to the Court of Appeal. Ladisky is a Democrat.
     
    Sacramento County Superior Court

    Lee S. Bickley, of Sacramento County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Sacramento County Superior Court. Bickley has served as a Senior Attorney at the California Public Employees’ Retirement System since 2024. She served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of California from 2010 to 2024. Bickley was a Branch Chief for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from 2005 to 2010 and a Senior Litigation Associate at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP from 1998 to 2005. Bickley earned a Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Gerrit W. Wood. Bickley is a Democrat.
     

    Joseph M. Cress, of Sacramento County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Sacramento County Superior Court. Cress has been a Chief Assistant Public Defender at the Sacramento County Public Defender’s Office since 2022 and has served in several roles there since 1995, including Supervising Assistant Public Defender and Assistant Public Defender. He was an Adjunct Professor at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law from 2012 to 2015. Cress earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge James M. Mize. Cress is a Democrat.
     

    Brenda R. Dabney, of Sacramento County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Sacramento County Superior Court. Dabney has been Northern California Regional Director at the Children’s Law Center of California since 2017. She has held several roles at the Children’s Law Center of California since 2001, including Firm Director from 2011 to 2017, Supervising Attorney from 2005 to 2011 and Staff Attorney from 2001 to 2005. Dabney earned a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Paul L. Seave. Dabney is a Democrat.
     
    San Bernardino County Superior Court

    James M. Taylor, of Riverside County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Bernardino County Superior Court. Taylor has been a Sole Practitioner since 2000. He was an Attorney for the San Bernardino County Indigent Defense Program from 2001 to 2020 and for Conflict Defense Lawyers from 2005 to 2014. Taylor earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Western State College of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Ingrid A. Uhler. Taylor is registered without party preference.
     
    San Diego County Superior Court

    Jami L. Ferrara, of San Diego County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Diego County Superior Court. Ferrara has been a Sole Practitioner since 2001. She was a Trial Attorney at Federal Defenders of San Diego Inc. from 1997 to 2000. Ferrara earned a Juris Doctor degree from George Mason University Law School. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge John S. Meyer. Ferrara is a Democrat.

    Rachel L. Jensen, of San Diego County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Diego County Superior Court. Jensen has been a Partner at Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP since 2008 and an Associate from 2004 to 2007. She served as a Law Clerk for the Office of the Prosecutor at the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in 2003 and the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in 2002. Jensen served as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Warren J. Ferguson at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2001 to 2002. She was an Associate at Morrison & Foerster LLP from 2000 to 2001. Jensen earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Georgetown University Law Center in 2000. She fills the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge David Rubin to the Court of Appeal. Jensen is a Democrat.

    Devon L. Lomayesva, of San Diego County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Diego County Superior Court. Lomayesva has been Chief Judge at the Intertribal Court of Southern California since 2016. She has been a Sole Practitioner since 2014. Lomayesva was a Pro Tem Judge at the Intertribal Court of Southern California from 2015 to 2016 and Tribal Attorney for the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians from 2013 to 2014. She was Executive Director at California Indian Legal Services from 2007 to 2012 and In-House Counsel for the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel from 2004 to 2007. She was Directing Attorney at California Indian Legal Services from 2003 to 2004 and a Staff Attorney there from 1999 to 2002. Lomayesva was a Staff Attorney at the California Indian Lands Office from 2002 to 2003. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the California Western School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Harry Powazek. Lomayesva is a Democrat.

    Catherine A. Richardson, of San Diego County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Diego County Superior Court. Richardson has served as a Commissioner at the San Diego County Superior Court since 2024. She served as a Senior Chief Deputy City Attorney at the San Diego City Attorney’s Office from 2014 to 2024 and was Senior Counsel at Klinedinst PC from 2011 to 2014. Richardson served as a Deputy City Attorney at the San Diego City Attorney’s Office from 2009 to 2011 and from 1990 to1997. She was a Sole Practitioner from 2005 to 2009. She was a Partner at Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire from 1997 to 2005 and an Associate there from 1988 to 1990. Richardson earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Diego School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Carlos O. Armour. Richardson is a Democrat.
     
    Sutter County Superior Court

    Fritzgerald A. Javellana, of Sutter County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Sutter County Superior Court. Javellana has served as a Deputy County Counsel in the Office of the Sutter County Counsel since 2022. He was a Contract Juvenile Dependency Attorney for the Office of the Butte County Counsel from 2016 to 2022. Javellana was a Partner at Williams & Javellana LLP from 2014 to 2022 and an Associate at Rooney Law Firm from 2010 to 2014. Javellana earned a Juris Doctor degree from Southwestern Law School. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Perry M. Parker. Javellana is registered without party preference. 

    The compensation for each of these positions is $243,940.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News Release – Work Furlough Inmate Missing from OCCC

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    News Release – Work Furlough Inmate Missing from OCCC

    Posted on Oct 8, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION

    KA ‘OIHANA HOʻOMALU KALAIMA A HOʻOPONOPONO OLA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

      

    TOMMY JOHNSON

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 8, 2024

    Work Furlough Inmate Missing from OCCC 

    HONOLULU — Oʻahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) work furlough inmate Shaun E. Fleetwood failed to return to Module 20 today, Oct. 8, 2024.

    Fleetwood, 43, left Module 20 on a furlough pass this morning and was supposed to return by 10 a.m. today. The Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) Sheriffs Division and the Honolulu Police Department were notified.

    Fleetwood is 6 feet tall, approximately 177 pounds with green eyes and brown hair, but shaves his head. He is serving time for second-degree sexual assault.

    Fleetwood’s parole hearing was scheduled for December 2024.

    He now faces a second-degree escape charge, a Class B felony that is punishable by up to five years in prison, if convicted.

    He is a community custody inmate in the work furlough program with pass privileges. Community custody is the lowest classification status.

    Anyone with information on Fleetwood’s whereabouts is asked to call Sheriffs Division at 808-586-1352.  

    # # #

    Media Contact:

    Rosemarie Bernardo

    Public Information Officer

    Hawai‘i Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

    Office: 808-587-1358

    Cell: 808-683-5507

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: https://dcr.hawaii.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News Release – DOH Receives $1.475 Million Federal Grant To Help Reduce Maternal Mortality in Hawaiʻi

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    News Release – DOH Receives $1.475 Million Federal Grant To Help Reduce Maternal Mortality in Hawaiʻi

    Posted on Oct 9, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

    KA ʻOIHANA OLAKINO

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIA‘ĀINA

    KENNETH S. FINK, MD, MGA, MPH
    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

     

    DOH RECEIVES $1.475 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT TO HELP REDUCE MATERNAL MORTALITY IN HAWAIʻI

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 9, 2024                                                                                          24-133

    HONOLULU — The Maternal and Child Health Branch (MCHB) within the Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) Family Health Services Division received a $1.475 million federal grant to help reduce maternal mortality in Hawaiʻi.

    The funds ($295,000 a year for the next five years) will be used to maintain and expand the work of the DOH and the Hawaiʻi Maternal Mortality Review Committee (HMMRC), which identifies, reviews and characterizes pregnancy-related deaths and identifies prevention opportunities.

    Findings across MMRCs nationwide indicate that more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. In Hawaiʻi, approximately 10 to 12 women across the state die each year because of pregnancy or pregnancy-related complications.

    “The HMMRC is essential to safeguarding the health and well-being of pregnant individuals, mothers and babies across our islands,” said Sunny Chen, executive director of Hawaiʻi Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies and HMMRC member. “Hawaiʻi faces unique challenges — not only geographic isolation but also the cultural and historical impacts of colonialism and persistent health equity issues. By thoroughly examining every maternal death, the team uncovers critical insights that can prevent future tragedies and improve care for all families in Hawaiʻi.”

    The HMMRC was established by the state Legislature in 2016, with the purpose of identifying the root causes of pregnancy-associated deaths and the key points where intervention may have prevented these deaths. A major focus is on the social determinants of health, including disparities in access to care; specific needs of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NPHI) populations; and complications and morbidity in pregnancy that stem from substance use disorder, mental health and adverse childhood events (ACEs).

    Focusing efforts within the NHPI communities can significantly improve perinatal care in Hawaiʻi and reduce maternal mortality. These efforts include supporting perinatal behavioral health to prevent maternal deaths related to perinatal mood, anxiety disorders and substance use disorders; supporting an agency to provide a mobile clinic for perinatal assistance to people who are underinsured and uninsured as they have limited access to prenatal education, care-enabling services, healthcare, and behavioral healthcare; and implementing social media campaigns to support maternal health by increasing awareness of pregnancy-related complications and to empower people who are pregnant and postpartum to speak up and raise concerns.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funds MMRCs in 46 states and six U.S. territories and freely associated states.

    To learn more about MCHB, visit https://health.hawaii.gov/mchb/. For more information and referral links to health care providers and community partners, visit the Maternal Warning Signs & Symptoms webpage.

    # # #

    Media Contact:

    Brandin Shim

    Information Specialist

    Family Health Services Division

    808-586-4120

    [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DBEDT NEWS RELEASE: DIGITAL EQUITY INNOVATION AWARDS HONORS THOSE HELPING TO CLOSE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN HAWAI‘I

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DBEDT NEWS RELEASE: DIGITAL EQUITY INNOVATION AWARDS HONORS THOSE HELPING TO CLOSE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN HAWAI‘I

    Posted on Oct 9, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM

     

     JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

     

    SYLVIA LUKE

    LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

     

    JAMES KUNANE TOKIOKA

    DIRECTOR

     

    CHUNG I. CHANG

    STRATEGIC BROADBAND COORDINATOR

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 9, 2024

     

    DIGITAL EQUITY INNOVATION AWARDS HONORS THOSE HELPING TO CLOSE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN HAWAI‘I

     

    First-ever awards held during Digital Inclusion Week

     

    In recognizing the work of individuals and organizations who help provide internet access and close the digital divide across the state of Hawai‘i, 18 recipients of the first-ever Digital Equity Innovation Awards (DEIA) were honored today.

     

    Conducted in conjunction with National Digital Inclusion Week (October 7-11), the awards ceremony this morning recognized pioneers, future innovators, dedicated advocates, impactful organizations and data-driven leaders making significant strides in digital equity. This includes providing others with access to technology from broadband connectivity to devices, as well as teaching the necessary digital skills that are beneficial in employment, education, healthcare and other important facets of everyday life.

     

    The digital awards were organized by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) Hawai‘i Broadband and Digital Equity Office (HBDEO), the Broadband Hui and Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR), in partnership with the four county governments and the islands’ nonprofit community access television providers, ʻŌlelo Community Media, Hōʻike Kaua‘i Community Television, Akakū Maui Community Media and Nā Leo TV. The awards recognized those in each of the four counties in the following categories:

     

    • Digital Equity Pioneer Award: Those making outstanding contributions to closing the digital divide in each of Hawai‘i’s counties through innovative access and skills training.
    • Future Innovators Award: Student teams driving digital inclusion within their schools and communities with creative solutions and leadership.
    • Digital Equity Luminary Award: Individuals championing digital equity through sustained advocacy and impactful leadership.
    • Community Impact Award: Organizations with measurable success in fostering digital inclusion and reducing disparities.
    • Digital Equity Beacon Award: Awarding those who effectively use data to tell stories, measure progress, and drive decision-making.

     

    Hawai‘i Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke, who last year announced the launch of the state’s “Connect Kākou” initiative to expand broadband service statewide through anticipated federal funding, praised the accomplishments of the DEIA winners.

     

    “Achieving accessible and affordable high-quality internet for all of Hawaiʻi is the commitment of Connect Kākou. Making this a reality will require a collective effort—from government and nonprofits to businesses, students, educators, and digital equity leaders,” Lt. Gov. Luke said. “Mahalo to the dedicated community champions who are paving the way to create a future that keeps us all connected for generations to come.”

     

    The awardees are listed below and grouped by county:

     

    City and County of Honolulu

    Dotty Kelly-Paddock, Hui O Hau‘ula (Community Impact Award)

    Dan Smith, Hawai‘i Broadband Hui (Beacon Award)

    Stacey Aldrich, Hawai‘i State Librarian (Luminary Award)

    Wendy Dakroub and Sasha Kamahele, Tech Savvy Teens (Future Innovators Award)

    Jill Takasaki Canfield, Hawai‘i Literacy (Pioneer Award)

     

    County of Hawai‘i

    Ron and Doreen Kodani, Pi‘ihonua Hawaiian Homestead Community Association (Luminary Award)

    Brad Kaleo Bennett, ‘Auamo Collaborative (Beacon Award)

    Pono Kekela, Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce (Pioneer Award)

    Paola Vidulich, SPACE (Future Innovators Award)

     

    County of Kaua‘i

    David Braman, Amalia Abigania and Leah Aiwohi, Kaua‘i High School (Future Innovators Award)

    Pete Simon, Kuleana.work (Pioneer Award)

    James Thesken, Kaua‘i Technology Group (Beacon Award)

    Jackie Kaina, Kaua‘i Economic Development Board (Luminary Award)

    Ken Dickinson, Kūpuna Connections (Community Impact Award)

     

    County of Maui

    Bill Sides, Hāna Business Council East Maui Broadband (Luminary Award)

    Marc Sanders, Hāna Business Council Broadband Committee (Pioneer Award)

    Ka‘ala Souza, Māpunawai Inc. (Luminary Award)

    Michael Shiffler, Red Lightning (Community Impact Award) 

     

    A video of the DEIA awards program can be viewed at this link: https://youtu.be/h9adTnDXZcc

     

    The DEIA awards program will also be broadcast at 10 a.m. today on the Hōʻike Kaua‘i Community Television, Akakū Maui Community Media and Nā Leo TV public access channels on the neighbor islands, and tonight at 7 p.m. on O‘ahu on ʻŌlelo Community Media.

     

     

    About Hawai‘i Broadband and Digital Equity Office (HBDEO):

    HBDEO was established within the state of Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic

    Development and Tourism with a mission to support and coordinate statewide deployment of high-speed internet access (broadband) and to achieve the goals of digital equity and adoption for all residents of Hawai‘i. HBDEO’s functions include the coordination, implementation, promotion, funding and managing of programs that ensure the equitable distribution of digital technologies and provide pathways to maximize Hawai‘i’s competitiveness in the digital economy.

     

    About Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT):

    DBEDT is Hawai‘i’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, as well as foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawai‘i economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawai‘i’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments and promotes innovation sector job growth.

     

     

    # # #

     

     

    Media Contact:

     

    Laci Goshi

    Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism

    808-518-5480

    [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Board of Trustees and privacy

    Source: Privacy Commissioner

    Board of Trustees and schools often deal with highly sensitive information about staff, students, and families, so it’s important to know what you can do to help safeguard people’s privacy.

    Five steps to help boost privacy

    • Be aware so you can model the kind of leadership required to ensure privacy is treated as taonga
    • Make sure your staff are using school email addresses and not their own accounts
    • Implement two factor authentication
    • Ask “why am I collecting this?” Does your school really need to collect this piece of information about your students?
    • Make sure students are asked before they get photos taken and respect their right to say no

    Five good questions to ask to help promote good privacy practices

    • Is the information of the children and young people under your care treated as precious?
    • Are your IT systems fit for purpose?
    • Does your privacy officer (and every school needs one) have adequate training?
    • Is there good understanding about breach management, in order to prevent privacy breaches?
    • Do you have document retention and destruction policies in place?

    Adding new technology?

    If you’re thinking about changing how you’re collecting personal information, or implementing new technology at school, or even adding new software, then we recommend you take a few simple steps to understand possible privacy risks.

    Need some help?

    Our free online toolkit Poupou Matatapu sets out our expectations about what good privacy practice looks like and then helps you work towards that.

    Our Ask Us function has a database of answers to questions like, ‘can a school monitor a student’s Wi-Fi usage?’, ‘can a school put parent details in a school directory?’, and ‘can I post photos or videos of my students to Instagram?

    There’s also privacy support and advice available from Ministry of Education to help you, including items in Education Gazette.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Government Accounts 2023-24

    Source: Scottish Government

    Consolidated accounts given unqualified audit opinion.

    The Scottish Government accounts for the last financial year have been given an unqualified audit opinion. 

    In 2023-24 Ministers were required to make tough choices to navigate the “most challenging financial situation since devolution”.

    The Scottish Government’s accounts record total spend of £53,980 million. An underspend of £277 million – around 0.5% of the overall budget – has been carried over in full to be spent in 2024-25.

    Finance Secretary Shona Robison said:

    “Since this government took office, we have consistently managed our fixed budget responsibly and I am pleased the annual accounts have been given an unqualified audit opinion for every one of those years.

    “The last financial year was among the most challenging since devolution, and we have responded to higher inflation and cost of living pressures by making tough decisions to protect the most vulnerable in society.

    “The Scottish Government cannot overspend on its Budget, and in 2023-24 we left a small underspend to ensure we could manage any unexpected funding pressures. Every penny of this has been allocated for spending in 2024-25.

    “We will continue to work to ensure the sustainability of Scotland’s finances as we prioritise our spending towards eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, tackling the climate emergency and improving Scotland’s public services.”

    Background

    The Scottish Government Consolidated Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

    The Public Finance Minister recently updated Parliament on the Scottish Government’s ten-year programme of reform to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our public services, and prioritise prevention. Together this will improve outcomes, promote equality and ensure fiscal sustainability.

    Letter from the Minister for Public Finance to the Convener of 23 September 2024 (parliament.scot)

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sustainable action to tackle rising prison population

    Source: Scottish Government

    Emergency legislation to be introduced.

    Emergency legislation will be introduced to Parliament to contribute to the sustainable long-term management of Scotland’s prison population, Justice Secretary Angela Constance told MSPs.

    The Bill, to be introduced in November, will propose a change to the release point for short-term prisoners serving sentences of less than four years. At present they are released at the halfway point of their sentence. Under these new proposals they will be released after serving 40% of their sentence, with prisoners serving sentences for domestic abuse or sexual offences excluded from the changes.

    The Justice Secretary said the wellbeing of victims and the safety of communities will be a priority when implementing the measures, and the Scottish Government will engage directly with victims organisations.

    The proposals, scheduled to come into effect from February next year, would apply to both those currently in prison and those sentenced in future. If backed by Parliament, it is estimated the changes could result in a sustained reduction to the prison population of between 260 and 390.

    The proposals in the legislation would also give Ministers powers to change the point of release under licence conditions for long-term prisoners serving sentences of four years or more. This follows the recent public consultation on long-term prisoner release, which highlighted various areas requiring more in-depth consideration with partners.

    While not currently proposed, contingency planning for the emergency early release of short-term prisoners is being undertaken, should it be needed to ensure the health and welfare of prison staff and prisoners during a continuing rise in the prison population.

    In her Parliamentary statement, Ms Constance underlined the importance of public safety and putting in place a sustainable long-term strategy to tackle the rising prison population.

    Speaking after delivering her statement, the Justice Secretary said:

    “I am prioritising actions that can deliver a sustained reduction to the prison population. Public safety remains paramount, which is why I am focusing on short-term prisoners only and with built-in exemptions.

    “I recognise the concerns that may arise from victims and their families and I am committed to working closely with victim support organisations on key issues.

    “The measures I have outlined are necessary to support prisons to continue to function effectively and I remain grateful to Scottish Prison Service staff for their continued resilience. We must ensure that we have a prison estate which houses those who pose a risk to the public and provides the full range of support needed for people to leave on a better path and never turn back.”

    These prison management measures follow yesterday’s announcement that victims of crime will receive improved support, advice and information under reforms to the Victim Notification Scheme that entitles victims or close relatives of homicide victims to certain information about the person responsible for the crime.

    Background

    Justice Secretary’s statement to parliament

    Latest prison population figure – 8,322 as of Thursday 10 October

    Long-term prisoner release consultation and analysis

    The arrangements announced in Parliament build on a range of other measures already taken to deal with the high prison population, including strengthening the availability of community-based sentences, which figures indicate can be more effective in reducing re-offending among those who have committed less serious offences.

    These measures include:

    • increased Scottish Government funding for community justice, up by £14 million in 2024-25, to £148 million in total
    • to address high numbers of individuals in prison on remand, for example ahead of trial or pre-sentence, introducing electronically-monitored bail, with the expansion of bail supervision to all areas. Usage of bail supervision is now at record levels
    • implementing measures in early July 2024 to enable courts to take into account time spent on electronically-monitored bail when sentencing, as Parliament legislated for in the Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Act 2023

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Deputy Prime Minister launches first-ever Mayoral Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    First-ever Mayoral Council meeting held in Newcastle-upon-Tyne to discuss the future of devolution

    Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner today (October 10) chaired the first-ever Mayoral Council – hosted in the North East – to discuss how best to shift power away from Westminster and into communities. 

    Regional mayors were invited to the roundtable at The Common Room in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, to share their views on the development of the upcoming English Devolution White Paper. This will set out the government’s plans to widen devolution to more areas and deepen the powers of existing mayors and their combined authorities, ensuring they have the tools needed to boost economic growth. 

    The Deputy Prime Minister established the Mayoral Council to strengthen the relationships between central government and the mayors, ensuring those with skin in the game are involved in discussions concerning devolution and the White Paper has the fingerprints of local people on it. 

    Three days ahead of the International Investment Summit, the first Mayoral Council meeting will focus on investment and growth, with plans underway to devolve a range of powers across areas like planning, skills, transport, and employment support. This is a key moment to ensure everyone is collectively playing their part to maximise the opportunity the Summit presents for the whole of the UK.   

    Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

    It’s been fantastic to kick-off the first Mayoral Council today, ensuring our mayors have a proper seat at the table as we shape the future of English devolution.

    We want to learn from those who are already seeing the game-changing benefits of devolution as we work to shift more power away from Westminster and back into our communities, where it belongs.

    The Council will meet every quarter and will allow for increased partnership working, helping to further bring regional insight to national policy, and ensure everyone is aligned with the government’s mission to boost economic growth.

    Ministers across government will also be invited to future sessions to strengthen that relationship between the government and mayors, who have previously been asked to develop ambitious long-term Local Growth Plans focused on the key growth priorities for their region that will support shared national growth and deliver the national industrial strategy. These plans will be focused on the biggest opportunities and most challenging constraints to growth, and the government will work hand-in-hand with the mayors to take them forward. 

    The meeting will help to shape the White Paper, which will set out a presumption in favour of devolution with an enhanced devolution framework, giving local leaders the tools they need to deliver for their communities, alongside stronger governance structures and clearer accountability.

    The meeting comes ahead of the Council of the Nations and Regions in Scotland, which will see the Prime Minister bring together First Ministers, Northern Ireland’s First Minister and deputy First Minister and regional Mayors from across England, as the UK Government forges new partnerships, resets relationships and seizes the opportunity to secure long term investment with the aim of boosting growth and living standards in every part of the UK.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Bolstering local journalism to strengthen democracy

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Bolstering local journalism to strengthen democracy

    A free press is essential to healthy democracy, and local journalism is a critical component of a free press. Microsoft’s Democracy Forward initiative works to preserve, protect, and advance the fundamentals of democracy by safeguarding open and secure democratic processes, promoting a healthy information ecosystem, and advocating for corporate civic responsibility.

    Four years ago, we launched a journalism initiative to explore ways in which we could help address the growing crisis facing independent local news organizations around the world. Two years ago, our Vice Chair and President Brad Smith and USAID Administrator Samantha Power announced our plan to partner with Internews to build a Media Viability Accelerator (MVA). We were thrilled to officially launch this tool during a panel event at the UN General Assembly last month.

    Bolstering Independent Journalism through the Media Viability Accelerator

    The Media Viability Accelerator is a free web analytics platform built by Internews and Microsoft Azure. Funded by USAID and Microsoft’s Democracy Forward initiative, the MVA aims to strengthen independent journalism by helping participating organizations achieve financial sustainability. Using Azure AI, the MVA harnesses the power of big data and machine learning to provide performance insights while ensuring that participants retain control over their own data. Through the MVA, media outlets can access a multilingual tool that visualizes performance data and receive actionable insights to improve performance.

    Graphic of how the Media Viability Accelerator (MVA) functions.

    More than 250 media outlets and over 500 journalists used the platform during the MVA’s initial pilot phase. Our goal is to empower over 1,000 more media outlets and thousands more journalists over the next two years, reaching audiences of hundreds of millions of people. Strengthening local journalism helps strengthen democracies around the world by ensuring that communities and voters have accurate, credible information about what’s happening around them, including and especially elections.

    Strengthening journalism globally can also help turn the tide on rising authoritarianism. One of the guests on the panel we cohosted to launch the MVA was Juan Holmann, the publisher of Nicaragua’s longest-running newspaper, La Prensa. Holmann, who spent a year and a half in one of Nicaragua’s most notorious prisons, later said of his experience:

    “I left jail with a stronger conviction that I have to continue fighting for freedom of expression. The most important right is the right to live, to be born, and to be. And the second most important is the right to free expression. The first right is useless if the second is taken away from us. Freedom of expression is the greatest because it is what makes us what we are. Freedom of expression is the right to be educated, the right to learn, to know, and to discern.”

    We’re grateful to have La Prensa as a participant in the MVA, and we’re grateful for the tremendous work Internews has put into building and running this platform. We look forward to supporting its continued growth in the years to come.

    Strengthening Democracy through Partnerships with News Organizations

    As part of our efforts to strengthen democracy around the world, we have announced projects with a number of organizations designed to help journalists and newsrooms deploy AI responsibly in newsgathering, as well as bolster business practices to help build sustainable newsrooms. These ongoing partnerships include:

    • The Institute for Nonprofit News is leveraging AI to curate stories from the Rural News Network and connect rural residents with the stories most relevant to them via SMS messaging. Up to 30 newsrooms are also receiving stipends to produce and distribute voter information guides.
    • The Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY brought 25 experienced journalists to a tuition-free program to explore ways to incorporate generative AI into their work and newsrooms in a three-month hybrid and highly interactive program. The AI Journalism Lab has added two new upcoming cohorts, one focused on adoption and another focused on leadership.
    • The Online News Association launched programming to support journalists and newsroom leaders as they navigated the evolving AI ecosystem. ONA’s AI in Journalism Initiative offered a menu of opportunities addressing what is possible across the newsroom through AI and offered workshops to experiment with tools and learn about best practices. More than 2,000 journalists have been reached through in-person and virtual programming this year.
    • The GroundTruth Project, which sends local journalists into newsrooms around the world through its Report for America and Report for the World programs, added an AI track of work for its corps members through the AI in Local News initiative to explore tool adoption. The project helped local newsrooms work together to explore use cases for AI in newsgathering.
    • Semafor harnessed AI tools to assist journalists in their research and source discovery with Semafor Signals, which helped journalists provide a diverse array of credible local, national, and global sources to their audience. They also created an elections display to show connections between different countries in a massive global election year.

    As the media landscape continues to evolve in response to new technology, we are doubling down on our efforts to provide journalists with the tools they need to deliver timely, accurate information to their communities. In doing so, we can help ensure that the “fourth pillar” of democracy remains robust and resilient.

    We expect to have updated impact data on the above partnerships soon and will update this post once this information is available. News outlets or other organizations interested in joining the Media Viability Accelerator can visit http://www.mva.net to learn more.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Receives Friend of the Family Award for Defending Conservative Values and Religious Freedom

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Oswego, New York – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) was recently honored with the Friend of the Family Award by the Faith & Freedom Coalition, recognizing her dedication to upholding conservative values, protecting American families, and defending religious liberty and individual freedom through her legislative efforts during the 118th Congress.

    Tenney has championed numerous bills, including the Parents Bill of Rights Act, which ensures parents have the right to know what their children are being taught and what is happening in our nation’s schools. She also supported the Protecting Women and Girls in Sports Act, aimed at preserving fairness by preventing biological men from competing in women’s sports, further advocating for conservative principles and traditional values.

    “The woke left continues its assault on conservative values, religious liberty, and the sanctity of life. It is essential to stand behind legislation that defends these priorities. I am deeply honored to receive the Friend of the Family Award, which highlights my commitment to safeguarding freedom, religious liberties, and supporting Israel. I am grateful to the Faith & Freedom Coalition for this recognition and remain dedicated to fighting for the values NY-24 holds dear in Congress,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada to announce support for 10 startups in Halifax

    Source: Government of Canada News

    October 10, 2024 · Halifax, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

    The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, will announce multi-million dollar support for Halifax-based startups to help them grow their workforces, streamline operations, commercialize and reach new markets.

    Date: October 11, 2024

    Time: 11:00 a.m.                 

    Location:
    Volta
    1800 Argyle Street
    Unit 801 
    Halifax, Nova Scotia

    Connor Burton
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
    Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

    Lori Selig
    Communications Manager
    Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
    902-266-7477
    lori.selig@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Joint Statement on Critical Minerals and Critical Raw Materials Cooperation

    Source: Government of Canada News

    On the margins of the G7 Ministerial Meeting on Industry and Technological Innovation, chaired by Minister Urso and attended virtually by Minister Champagne, Canada and Italy released the following Statement of Intent for Canada and Italy to deepen collaboration on critical minerals and critical raw materials:

    On the margins of the G7 Ministerial Meeting on Industry and Technological Innovation, chaired by Minister Urso and attended virtually by Minister Champagne, Canada and Italy released the following Statement of Intent for Canada and Italy to deepen collaboration on critical minerals and critical raw materials:

    With the adoption of the Italy-Canada Roadmap for Enhanced Cooperation on the margins of the G7 Summit in June and Canada’s ongoing work under the 2022 Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy, Italy and Canada agreed to strengthen collaboration on energy security and sustainability. We have committed to regular engagement on these issues in the form of an Energy Dialogue, focused on critical minerals, the energy transition, sustainable fuels, energy storage solutions and enabling technologies, and advanced nuclear reactors and fusion research.

    Canada and Italy recognize the importance of international partnerships to make critical minerals and critical raw materials supply chains more diversified, transparent, resilient, responsible, circular, resource efficient, and sustainable. Canada and Italy seek to enhance cooperation in this domain through the promotion of trade and investment, exchanges of policies, regulations, best practices, technical and ESG standards.

    Canada and Italy will advance this cooperation through the following areas of work:

    Strengthening Supply Chains: Promote critical mineral value chain trade and investment opportunities in Canada and Italy through government efforts to facilitate B2B matchmaking and Canada-Italy co-investments in projects.

    International Collaboration & Multilateral Engagement: Coordinate participation through leading international fora addressing critical mineral supply chains security and resiliency, including but not limited to the Minerals Security Partnership, the International Energy Agency, the G7, the Conference on Critical Materials and Minerals and through the Sustainable Critical Minerals Alliance.

    Research and Innovation: Discuss opportunities for joint research through Horizon Europe, which Canada joined in July 2024. Italy and Canada will work jointly to improve recycling of critical minerals and critical raw materials.

    Mapping and exploration: Share best practices on respective exploration plans and explore opportunities for collaboration between the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) and the Geological Survey of Canada.

    We have committed to regular engagement on these issues through the Energy Dialogue, to be launched by Canada’s Minister for Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson and Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin in the coming months. Our Statement of Intent today demonstrates Canada and Italy’s strong partnership, and we hope that it will bring many opportunities to continue building on our longstanding bilateral relationship. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Media Advisory: Veteran Homelessness Program Announcement in Summerside

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Media advisory

    Summerside, Prince Edward Island, October 10, 2024 — Members of the media are invited to attend an important announcement with Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont, Cory Snow, Deputy Mayor of Summerside, and Conor Mullin, President of the John Howard Society of PEI.

    Date:
    Friday, October 11, 2024

    Time:
    10:00 a.m. [ADT]

    Location:
    Credit Union Place
    Main lobby (outside of the Veterans’ Convention Centre)
    511 Notre Dame St
    Summerside, PEI C1N 1T2 

    Contacts

    For more information (media only), please contact:

    Sofia Ouslis
    Communications Advisor
    Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
    Sofia.ouslis@infc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Infrastructure Canada
    613-960-9251
    Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
    Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
    Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
    Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

    City of Summerside
    Communications & Public Relations
    publicrelations@summerside.ca

    Conor Mullin
    President
    John Howard Society of PEI
    cjmullin@gov.pe.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by the Prime Minister on World Mental Health Day

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on World Mental Health Day:

    “Mental health matters. It always has. But for too long, seeking support for mental health struggles was stigmatized. Like something to be ashamed about. And that made people struggle even more. On World Mental Health Day, we raise awareness and our voices about the importance of caring for our mental health. We have open and honest conversations about caring for ourselves and for others. We get rid of the barriers that society has put up about seeking out help.

    “Mental health is a critical part of our mandate. Earlier this year, we announced the new Youth Mental Health Fund, which will help community health organizations across the country make sure younger Canadians can access the mental health care they need and deserve. We are making generational investments in health care, and making sure those investments improve mental health care services. This includes improving Indigenous Peoples’ access to distinctions-based and culturally appropriate mental health services. Last year, we improved access to suicide prevention supports by launching the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline – available to Canadians wherever and whenever it’s needed.

    “There’s a lot more work to be done to break the stigma. Let’s create environments that support open conversations about mental health. Today, take some time to check in on loved ones, neighbours, and colleagues. Take care of yourselves. It’s okay not to feel okay. And it’s okay to speak to someone and get care. By coming together, we can break down the stigma, help others feel supported, and build a healthier, more compassionate society for everyone.”

    If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. For mental health and wellness information and key links to services and supports, please go to Canada.ca/mental-health.

    The Hope for Wellness Helpline provides immediate, toll-free telephone and online-chat-based support and crisis intervention to all Indigenous people in Canada. This service is available 24/7 in English and French, and upon request in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Experienced and culturally competent counsellors are available by phone at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Parks Canada’s Hometown Heroes program honours Floyd H. Prosser

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Parks Canada’s Hometown Heroes program honours Floyd H. Prosser

    October 10, 2024                    Halifax, Nova Scotia                                 Parks Canada

    A Parks Canada ceremony is being held to honour Floyd H. Prosser as a Hometown Hero for his exceptional achievements and outstanding contributions during his time with the Canadian Army overseas during the Second World War and in civilian life. In sharing his story with Canadians, we acknowledge how his loyalty and continued commitment to his community made him an inspirational hero in Canada.

    Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, will be in attendance on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada.

    Alannah Phillips, Field Unit Superintendent of Mainland Nova Scotia, will also be present to help honour and celebrate this Hometown Hero inductee.

    Please note that this advisory is subject to change without notice.

     

    The details are as follows:

     

    Date:               October 12, 2024 
    Time:              1:00 p.m. ADT 
    Location:        Halifax Citadel
                            5425 Sackville St.
                            Halifax NS B3J3Y3

                                                                                                                                           -30-

    France Faucher
    Manager, Commemorations and Engagement
    france.faucher@pc.gc.ca
    Tel.: 819-210-7266

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the Opening of the Preparatory Meeting of the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Pre-Cop29) [as prepared for delivery]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Excellencies,
    Dear Colleagues,

    It is a pleasure to join you today at PreCop, and I thank the Government of Azerbeijan for hosting us.

    I appreciate the constructive engagement and leadership of the troika.

    I welcome all the hard work done so far, including yesterday, which sends helpful signals for agreement at COP29 on the NCQG.

    However, as the UN Secretary-General has said, we are at a moment of truth in our fight against the climate crisis.

    We are minutes to midnight in our efforts to limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5-degree Celsius. 

    We are witnessing the consequences of inaction in real time.

    As we meet, the west coast of Florida is reeling from the catastrophic impacts of hurricane Milton.   

    Extreme weather is devastating lives and livelihoods around the world, with those who contributed the least paying the highest price.

    But there is hope and we are moving in the right direction.

    At the signing of the Paris Agreement, the world was heading towards four degrees Celsius of warming.

    By Dubai we were headed for somewhere between 2.1 and 2.8 degrees based on the UNFCCC’s synthesis report. 

    Last year at COP 28, you all committed to make 1.5C a reality in your next generation of NDCs and you acknowledged that the transition away from fossil fuels must accelerate in this critical decade.

    And at last month’s Summit of the Future, world leaders from the Global North and South came together to agree on steps to begin reforming our international financial architecture:

    Raising the voice and representation of developing countries in our International Financial Institutions to build trust and legitimacy.

    Scaling up development finance to unlock the scale of resources required to meet today’s vast financing gaps.
     
    Overhauling the debt architecture to free up fiscal space and give countries the confidence to invest boldly in their economies.

    And creating a stronger global financial safety net to protect economies when crises strike. 

    COP29 must build on this momentum – and translate the ambitions and commitments in the Global Stocktake into real-world, real-economy outcomes.

    In November, you must agree on an ambitious new climate finance goal that meets the scale of the challenge faced by developing countries.

    Success is an imperative if we are to keep 1.5 degrees Celsius a reality.  

     Excellencies, we can only meet the goals of the Paris Agreement if every country has the means to accelerate climate mitigation and adaptation action.
     
    The New Collective Quantified Goal – or NCQG – is an opportunity to reimagine your economies, climate finance, restore trust, build solidarity, and catalyze ambition.

    It must help address the well-known challenges faced by developing countries: high cost of capital, high levels of indebtedness, and insufficient risk-bearing and affordable capital.

    It must send the right political and policy signals to markets and investors: building confidence in the direction of travel.

    And it must drive further progress in reforming the international financial architecture and implementing innovative sources of finance.

    Yesterday’s High-level Ministerial Dialogue on the NQCG provided important direction and momentum to this process.

    I heard from you a willingness to find common ground on outstanding elements, building on our shared ambition to keep 1.5 within reach and secure a climate resilient future.

    There was also a clear recognition on the importance of the NQCG as an enabler of ambition and action.

    Positions are well known. Now is the time to work together to find agreement.

    We must also secure agreement on Article 6, with an outcome from COP29 that is effective, fair, and ready for implementation.

    We need high integrity carbon markets that are credible and with rules consistent with limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.  

    Baku must be an enabling COP.

    It marks the beginning of the deadline for the next generation of Nationally Determined Contributions – or NDCs.

    These must be economy-wide and aligned with the 1.5-degree limit, covering all sectors and all greenhouse gases.

    They must also show how each country intends to transition away from fossil fuels, in line with the COP28 outcome.

    This is a chance for countries to align energy strategies and development priorities with climate ambition.

    And the G20, who have the greatest capacity and responsibility, must demonstrate to the rest of the world what good looks like – on ambition, quality, and process.

    Dear Colleagues,

    If COP29 is to deliver the concrete outcomes urgently needed, your work here is absolutely vital.

    We need success to be in reach when decision-makers arrive here in Baku next month. 

    Right now, the greatest threat to global ambition is lack of political will to act.

    In today’s fraught and divided world, we must redouble our collective efforts to keep 1.5 within reach and protect those on the frontlines of the climate crisis.

    And we must ensure justice and equity so that no country is left behind in the race to net zero.

    The UN is here to support you every step of the way, as convenors and custodians of this process.

    So, I urge you to keep a laser focus on the concrete outcomes needed this year.

    And to keep a spirit of compromise and global solidarity at the fore, especially in the harder moments ahead.

    I thank you for your crucial service and for your dedication, to people and planet. 
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Luxembourg signs Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia

    Source: ASEAN

    The ASEAN Foreign Ministers and the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today witnessed the signing of the Instrument of Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, H.E. Xavier Bettel, on the sidelines of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

    The accession by Luxembourg brings the number of High Contracting Parties (HCPs) to the TAC to 55. The growing number of HCPs reflects the importance and relevance of the TAC in the current regional and global context.

    The post Luxembourg signs Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Kuwait: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2024 Article IV Mission

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    October 10, 2024

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Washington, DC: Kuwait has a window of opportunity to implement needed fiscal and structural reforms to boost private sector-led inclusive growth and diversify its economy away from oil:

    • Gradual fiscal consolidation of about 12 percent of GDP is needed to reinforce intergenerational equity.
    • Structural reforms should focus on improving the business environment, attracting FDI, and unifying the labor market.
    • These reforms should be underpinned by continued prudent monetary and financial sector policies.
    • Economic statistics should be strengthened to support well-informed policymaking.

    Recent Developments, Outlook, and Risks

    1. Kuwait has a window of opportunity to implement needed fiscal and structural reforms. Political turmoil has gripped Kuwait in recent years, stalling reforms. The political gridlock was broken in May 2024, when H.H. the Amir Sheikh Meshaal al‑Ahmad al‑Jaber al‑Sabah dissolved the Parliament and suspended parts of the Constitution for up to 4 years, allowing reforms to be expedited.
    2. The economic recovery was disrupted in 2023, and inflation is moderating. Real GDP contracted by 3.6 percent in 2023. This economic downturn was concentrated in the oil sector, which contracted by 4.3 percent in 2023 due to an OPEC+ oil production cut. In addition, the non-oil sector is estimated to have contracted by 1.0 percent in 2023, primarily reflecting lower manufacturing activity in oil refining. Headline CPI inflation declined to 3.6 percent in 2023 reflecting lower core and food inflation. More recently, headline inflation moderated further to 2.9 percent (y-o-y) in August 2024, given lower housing and transport inflation.
    3. The external position remained strong in 2023. The current account surplus moderated to 31.4 percent of GDP in 2023, with a 10.3 percent of GDP reduction in the trade surplus from lower oil prices and production largely offset by a 7.4 percent of GDP increase in the income surplus. Official reserve assets amounted to a comfortable 9.0 months of projected imports at end-2023. However, the external position was substantially weaker than the level implied by fundamentals and desirable policies in 2023, partly reflecting inadequate public saving of oil revenue.
    4. The fiscal balance weakened in FY2023/24. The fiscal balance of the budgetary central government swung from a surplus of 11.7 percent of GDP in FY2022/23 to a deficit of 3.1 percent of GDP in FY2023/24. This mainly reflected a 5.8 percent of GDP reduction in oil revenue given lower oil prices and production, and a 9.7 percent of GDP increase in current spending, of which 5.7 percent of GDP went to the public sector wage bill while 3.4 percent of GDP went to subsidies. Nonetheless, the fiscal balance of the general government (which includes the income from SWF investments) was an estimated 26.0 percent of GDP in FY2023/24.
    5. Financial stability has been maintained. Banks have sustained strong capital and liquidity buffers to satisfy the CBK’s prudent regulatory requirements, while NPLs remain low given judicious lending practices and are well provisioned for.
    6. Under the baseline assuming current policies, the economy is projected to remain in recession in 2024, then to recover over the medium term:
    • Real GDP will contract by a further 3.2 percent in 2024 due to an additional OPEC+ oil production cut, then will expand by 2.8 percent in 2025 as the cuts get unwound, and will grow broadly in line with potential thereafter.
    • The incipient recovery of the non-oil sector will continue in 2024, with non-oil GDP expanding by 1.3 percent despite fiscal consolidation, after which it will gradually converge to its potential of 2.5 percent.
    • Headline CPI inflation will continue to moderate to 3.0 percent in 2024 as excess demand pressure dissipates and imported food prices fall, then will gradually converge to 2.0 percent as the non-oil output gap closes.
    • The current account surplus will moderate further to 28.4 percent of GDP in 2024 as lower oil prices and production reduce the trade surplus, then will gradually decline over the medium term alongside oil prices.
    • The fiscal deficit of the budgetary central government will increase to 5.1 percent of GDP in FY2024/25 as lower oil revenue more than offsets expenditure rationalization, then will steadily rise by about 1 percent of GDP per year over the medium term under current policies.
    1. The risks surrounding these baseline economic projections are skewed to the downside. The economy is highly exposed to a variety of global risks through its oil dependence, in particular to commodity price volatility, a global growth slowdown or acceleration, and the further intensification of regional conflicts. The materialization of these risks would be transmitted to Kuwait mainly via their impacts on oil prices and production. Domestic risks are primarily associated with the implementation of fiscal and structural reforms, which could get further delayed or accelerated. These reforms are needed to diversify the economy away from oil, which would enhance its resilience and stimulate private investment.

    Economic Reforms—Transitioning to a Dynamic and Diversified Economy

    1. The authorities aspire to implement reforms to support the transition to a dynamic and diversified economy. To achieve this goal, a well-sequenced package of fiscal and structural reforms is needed. Structural reforms to improve the business environment and attract foreign investment are needed to boost private sector-led inclusive growth. Meanwhile, fiscal reforms should be implemented to reinforce intergenerational equity while incentivizing Kuwaitis to pursue newly created job opportunities in the private sector, in particular gradual fiscal consolidation.

    Fiscal Policy—Reinforcing Intergenerational Equity

    1. The contractionary stance of fiscal policy is appropriate. Fiscal policy was strongly procyclical in FY2023/24, with a fiscal expansion of 6.9 percent of non-oil GDP contributing to excess demand pressure. Under the FY2024/25 Budget, the non-oil fiscal balance of the budgetary central government should increase by 4.7 percent of non-oil GDP relative to FY2023/24. This large fiscal consolidation will help close the non-oil output gap while reinforcing intergenerational equity. It is mainly driven by current expenditure rationalization, concentrated in planned subsidy cuts worth 4.3 percent of non-oil GDP.
    2. Substantial further fiscal consolidation is needed to ensure intergenerational equity. Under the baseline, the projected fiscal balance of the general government is far below the level needed to maintain the living standards of Kuwaitis for generations to come. A prudent approach calls for gradual fiscal consolidation of about 12 percent of GDP to reinforce intergenerational equity, alongside structural reforms to diversify the economy away from oil. These reforms would also reinforce external sustainability.
    3. Expenditure and tax policy reforms would be needed to support the transition to a dynamic and diversified economy:
    • Fiscal consolidation should be implemented at a pace of 1 to 2 percent of GDP per year until the PIH fiscal balance target is achieved. This would offset or reverse the projected roughly 1 percent of GDP per year increase in the fiscal deficit of the budgetary central government over the medium term, without reducing growth much.
    • Compensation of government employees surged over the past decade, to the top of the GCC. A public sector wage setting mechanism should be introduced to gradually reduce the 41 percent premium over the private sector, while a hiring cap should be used to steadily lower the public sector employment share, both towards high-income country levels.
    • Hydrocarbon consumption subsidies are the highest in the GCC. They should be phased out by gradually raising retail fuel and electricity prices to their cost-recovery levels while providing targeted transfers to vulnerable groups.
    • On-budget public investment plummeted over the past decade, to near the bottom of the GCC. It should be raised to build up the quantity and quality of infrastructure towards high-income country levels.
    • The hydrocarbon share of government revenue remains the highest in the GCC. In the context of the global minimum corporate tax agreement, the government’s plan to extend the CIT to all large domestic companies is welcome. To boost non-oil revenue mobilization, Kuwait should introduce the GCC-wide VAT and excise tax.
    1. The conduct of fiscal policy should be strengthened with Public Financial Management reforms. To align budget planning and execution with fiscal policy objectives, the Ministry of Finance should introduce a medium-term fiscal framework—including a fiscal rules framework with a public debt ceiling and non-oil fiscal balance target—underpinned by a medium-term macroeconomic framework. To inform fiscal policymaking and assess reform proposals, the capacity of the Macro-Fiscal Unit should be strengthened. To facilitate orderly fiscal financing, the Liquidity and Financing Law should be enacted expeditiously.

    Monetary and Financial Sector Policies—Maintaining Macrofinancial Stability

    1. The exchange rate peg to an undisclosed basket of currencies remains an appropriate nominal anchor for monetary policy. It has supported low and stable inflation for many years. Sustaining this successful monetary policy track record requires preserving the independence of the CBK. The monetary transmission mechanism should be strengthened by deepening the interbank and domestic sovereign debt markets, establishing an efficient capital market, and phasing out interest rate caps.
    2. The restrictive stance of monetary policy is appropriate. The exchange rate regime gives the CBK relative flexibility to conduct monetary policy. The policy rate is currently in line with controlling inflation and stabilizing non-oil output while supporting the exchange rate peg, and is above neutral. Under the baseline, monetary normalization is warranted, as inflation further moderates and the non-oil output gap closes.
    3. Systemic risk remains contained and prudently managed. The credit cycle downturn triggered by the pandemic has been gradually unwinding, with the credit gap estimated to be nearly closed. Under the CBK’s latest stress tests, the capitalization and liquidity of the banking system generally exceeded Basel III minimum requirements, while individual bank shortcomings were limited. The stance of macroprudential policy is appropriate given contained systemic risk and subdued credit growth. Given that capital requirements exceed Basel III minimum requirements, the CBK could consider reclassifying part of its country specific capital buffer as a positive neutral countercyclical capital buffer. It should also continue its practice of regularly reviewing the adequacy of its financial regulatory perimeter and macroprudential toolkit. Finally, the CBK should continue its risk-based supervisory approach to assessing banks and effectively addressing any vulnerabilities.
    4. Structural financial sector reforms are needed to enhance financial intermediation efficiency. The unlimited guarantee on bank deposits should be gradually replaced with a limited deposit insurance framework to address moral hazard, while the interest rate caps on loans should be phased out to support efficient risk pricing.

    Structural Reforms—Boosting Private Sector-Led Inclusive Growth

    1. A comprehensive and well-sequenced structural reform package is needed to increase non-oil potential growth. The initial priorities are to improve the business environment by enhancing transparency, raising efficiency, and further opening up the economy. Meanwhile, labor market reforms should be gradually phased in to incentivize private sector-led inclusive growth.
    2. The business environment should be further improved to raise economic competitiveness and promote private investment. To boost transparency, data disclosure on secondary market real estate transactions should be enhanced, while universal auditing standards for corporate balance sheets should be adopted. To raise efficiency, the government should improve public infrastructure, conduct regulatory impact assessments with public consultations, integrate digital public service delivery across ministries, and further streamline business establishment processes. To attract FDI, full foreign ownership of businesses should be permitted, while foreign ownership restrictions on land should be relaxed. Finally, public land sales for residential and commercial development should be scaled up.
    3. Major labor market reforms are needed to promote economic diversification. To incentivize Kuwaitis to seek employment in the private sector, compensation and working conditions should be better harmonized across the public and private sectors. Enhancing the quality of education and aligning it with private sector needs would raise productivity and support economic diversification. Employment of highly-skilled expatriate workers should be supported by introducing targeted visa programs and reforming job sponsorship frameworks, promoting knowledge transfer. Higher female labor force participation should be encouraged by further improving the working environment for women, including by fully implementing the legal requirements for childcare in the private sector.
    4. Reforms are needed to strengthen AML/CFT effectiveness. The AML/CFT framework should be strengthened expeditiously following a risk-based approach to protect its effectiveness.
    5. Progress with climate change adaptation and mitigation should be accelerated. The government has made progress with implementing the 2019 National Adaptation Plan, but is delayed in developing its mitigation plan.
    6. Data provision has some shortcomings that somewhat hamper surveillance, which the authorities should address within their legal constraints. An expenditure-side National Accounts decomposition remains unavailable for 2023, while multi-year delays in the publication of GDP data after the pandemic confounded surveillance and policymaking. The CSB urgently needs additional funding to boost its capacity and resume its annual Establishment Survey, which has not been conducted since 2019. The exclusion of government investment income and SOE profit transfers from the Government Finance statistics hampers fiscal policy analysis, while the omission of government foreign assets from the IIP statistics generates stock-flow inconsistencies with the BOP statistics.

    The mission thanks the authorities for their warm hospitality and constructive engagement.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group Announce Tanzania as the Second Country Benefitting from the Enhanced Cooperation Framework for Scaled-Up Climate Action

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    October 10, 2024

    Washington, DC: The World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are pleased to announce that Tanzania is the second country benefiting from the Enhanced Cooperation Framework for Climate Action (the Framework). This follows the approval of an arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) in June 2024 by the IMF Executive Board, and the WBG’s active engagement on climate action in the country.

    Tanzania is highly vulnerable to climate change which poses significant risks to its macroeconomic, fiscal, and social development. Through the Framework, the IMF and WBG working closely with other development partners, will coordinate their efforts to support Tanzania’s ambitious policy reform agenda to address risks and challenges associated with climate change and enhance the resilience of the Tanzanian economy.

    The Framework aims to support efforts by Tanzania’s authorities to bring together development partners, the private sector and civil society to address the adverse impacts of climate change. Building on their respective analytical expertise and financing instruments, the IMF and WBG will jointly provide critical support to Tanzania’s authorities in advancing climate action. This will be done through an integrated, country-led approach to policy reforms and public and private climate investments, including through complementary and well-sequenced reform measures.

    Tanzania is the second country to benefit from this Framework, which builds on technical analysis such as the IMF’s Climate Policy Diagnostics (CPD). The country authorities, the WBG and the IMF identified several areas where synergies in capacity development and policy support will be most beneficial, such as (i) climate resilient public financial management, (ii) energy, water and other reforms that will build resilience and promote sustainable development, (iii) disaster risk management and social protection, and (iv) supervision of financial sector climate-related risks.

    Under the Framework, the IMF-WBG will support Tanzania to consider climate change as a key element of medium-term public investment planning and prioritization. The IMF will back the introduction of climate resilient public investment regulations and reporting, while the WBG will focus on supporting sectors that help strengthen Tanzania’s resilience to climate change, such as energy, water, social protection, and agriculture. The two institutions will also support improvements to Tanzania’s disaster risk management policy and implementation, including a disaster risk financing framework and enhancements to the social safety net to make it responsive to climate shocks.

    The WBG and the IMF will also support policies to improve water resource management, while IMF-supported reforms will help expand villages’ land use planning and management. Tanzania will also develop supervision of financial sector climate-related risks with support from the IMF and WBG.

    Finally, the Framework will help catalyze official technical and financial assistance and private sector financing. The IMF and WBG stand ready to support a country-led platform to mobilize additional programmatic and project climate financing that could be implemented in 2025.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Julie Ziegler

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ASEAN-Canada Special Summit adopts Joint Statement on Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, attended the ASEAN-Canada Special Summit on Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience in Vientiane today. The Leaders from ASEAN and Canada adopted the Joint Leaders’ Statement on Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience, in support of the priorities of the Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024.

    The post ASEAN-Canada Special Summit adopts Joint Statement on Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Five EU regional development projects pick up awards at 2024 REGIOSTARS

    Source: European Union 2

    Regional development projects from Italy, Malta, Poland, Hungary, and Spain all scooped up awards at the REGIOSTARS awards ceremony in Brussels. The awards recognise projects that through the EU’s Cohesion Policy deliver change on the ground and strengthen economic and social progress in the EU.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Social Work Professor Focused on HIV, Intimate Partner Violence Research Brings New Perspective

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Even though Chenglin Hong didn’t grow up locally and came to UConn via Beijing, Seattle, and Los Angeles, students in his classes might have more in common with him than they realize.

    “I grew up in a very rural area in northeast China,” he says. “Neither of my parents went to middle school, so I had to navigate the education system and academia by myself. UConn has a very diverse student body. Many are from underserved communities or low-income families, and quite a few also are first-generation students.”

    Chenglin Hong, assistant professor in the UConn School of Social Work (Contributed photo)

    It’s a shared experience that Hong believes will help him relate to those he’s mentoring as one of the newest faculty members in the UConn School of Social Work. He also thinks that even though his position as assistant professor is steeped in research – and some students might find that intimidating – together, they can work in tandem.

    “The majority of students will work as clinicians and practitioners, either as psychotherapists or case managers,” he says. “It’s important for them to know, though, that research and clinical practice are connected. Their experiences will inform my research, and my research will inform the way they deliver services.”

    Hong describes himself as a global health scholar, one who started his career as a medical social worker in China and went on to get his Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health from the University of Washington and Ph.D. from UCLA.

    And what he studies falls under a self-described “big umbrella.”

    Right now, he’s considering the relationship between intimate partner violence among gay and bisexual men and an increased risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections, an understudied area, he says, even though research has shown the prevalence of intimate partner violence among this group is similar or higher than among heterosexual counterparts.

    Hong says his previous research found that as the prevalence of violence rises among gay and bisexual men, so too does the risk of mental health disorders, substance use, and HIV and STIs. He hopes to take this research a step further and look at how technology-based interventions, like eHealth and mHealth, might fit in.

    “My work considers the intersection of social work, public health, psychology, and implementation science to see how I can utilize those interdisciplinary approaches to address the health issues this population faces,” Hong says.

    “I came from a culture where sexual and gender identity are highly stigmatized and people don’t seek care after receiving an HIV diagnosis or an STI diagnosis,” he continues. “That really shaped my research. I want the knowledge I generate to inform practice and policy. I want to be a part of optimizing the standard of services we have and designing new ways to help individuals access health care.”

    The health system in China is vastly different than the United States, Hong notes, explaining that social workers’ primary task in working with those who’ve been diagnosed with HIV is to connect people with medical services, things like getting and taking medications and showing up for follow-up appointments.

    In the U.S., Hong says, supporting one’s medical care isn’t necessarily the focus. There’s already a standard of care and treatment thanks to antiretroviral therapy that offers a life expectancy much the same as the general population.

    “We’re not only talking about physical health in the U.S., we’re also talking about mental health and social well-being,” he says, adding that his work in California with Black sexual minority men living with HIV included a team of professionals, from medical clinicians to lawyers. “That is really different, and I appreciate that approach because physical health is just one component of the overall well-being of individuals.”

    As he begins to establish his research lab at UConn, Hong admits he misses China, his family, and the community he left behind. They’re always in his heart, he says, and have profoundly impacted the way he looks at the world and how he approaches his work.

    “I’m half Korean, half Chinese,” Hong says. “The U.S. is a multicultural society with people from different backgrounds and different cultures. My own experience helps me see the health disparities and think about the best approach for us as researchers to design interventions and services to address societal problems.”

    Read more about Hong’s work here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: U.S. Navy EOD develops IED exploitation capabilities with NATO allies and partners at Northern Challenge 2024

    Source: United States Navy

    KEFLAVIK, Iceland – Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8 operated alongside 17 NATO ally and partner nations during Exercise Northern Challenge 2024, Sept. 26-Oct. 9, 2024. Northern Challenge demonstrates the United States’ commitment to NATO allies and partners by integrating efforts to plan and execute complex EOD detection, neutralization, and exploitation capabilities within a multinational framework.

    Northern Challenge is an annual, joint-funded multinational exercise hosted by the Icelandic Coast Guard aimed at preparing NATO allies and partners for international deployments to clear the way for lethal, resilient forces to operate in contested environments and disrupt our adversaries in conflict.

    EODMU 8, assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 68, trained alongside tactical units from U.S. Marine Corps’ 8th Engineer Support Battalion and U.S. Army’s 702nd and 720th Ordinance Companies . Additional participating NATO allies and partners included Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and United Kingdom.

    Northern Challenge 2024 included roughly 330 participants, 500+ improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 380 land tasks, and 120 maritime tasks. Throughout the exercise, two teams from EODMU 8 completed 50 training serials and provided four exercise control members who assessed and mentored other nations’ teams. During the exercise, EOD technicians responded to simulated IEDs threats of increasing complexity over a two-week period.

    “At Northern Challenge 2024, we’re working with our NATO allies and partners learning different tools for the toolbox and increasing our lethality on the battlefield,” said Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Jake Ferguson, platoon 8-2-2 Leading Chief Petty Officer, EODMU 8. “We’ve had some awesome training put on by our Icelandic and British partners; we’ve done a lot of both maritime and land-based IED serials that we’ve been able to defeat. We’re also turning in evidence, working with the exploitation cell to develop counter-IED tactics and reporting procedures.”

    In addition to conducting complex training scenarios, EOD technicians from across participating countries collaborated within a multinational exploitation center to enhance interoperability at the operational level. These cells ensured that EOD teams were organized to effectively counter IED threats while ensuring the intelligence analysis and information sharing is in accordance with NATO standards and procedures.

    The exploitation cell was comprised of the Technical Exploitation Coordination Cell (TECC) and the Combined Exploitation Laboratory (CEL). The TECC and CEL fuse capacities and capabilities across a joint interagency multinational structure. This multinational effort provided high-level analysis of collected exploitable material (CEM), refining fidelity of the operating area and providing critical information to the operator on the ground or in the water.

    CEM in the lab consisted of a full scope of exploitation methods such as triage, x-ray, chemical analysis, biometrics, forensics, electronics engineering exploitation, and document and media exploitation.

    The end state of the analysis is to inform the command, provide enhanced operator threat assessment on the battlefield, and ultimately deny the adversary anonymity.

    U.S. Navy EOD technicians from Expeditionary Exploitation Unit One (EXU-1) led the CEL in coordination with personnel from U.S. Army Force Europe (USAREUR) and other allies and partners. Their mission throughout the exercise was to assist in processing and analyzing exploitable material collected from simulated explosive threats, analyze and consolidate the findings, then brief the overall threat environment and an assessment of next 24-48 hours, providing a tactical picture for stronger decision-making on the ground and better situational awareness.

    Lt. Ryan DuTot, an EOD officer assigned to EXU-1, served as the exercise’s Combined Exploitation Laboratory office in charge.

    “Northern Challenge 2024 is not just about defusing bombs; it’s about harnessing cutting-edge technology to outsmart adversaries and strengthen global security alliances,” said DuTot. “The integration of technical exploitation into this exercise ensures we don’t just neutralize threats, but also gain critical intelligence from them. Any time we are working with partner nations in an environment like this, it’s a force multiplier that provides long-term strategic benefits.”

    Operating in a range of environments and exchanging knowledge with regional NATO allies and partners enhances every participating unit’s readiness and relationships with international and interagency counterparts.

    “Exercises like Northern Challenge provide an excellent opportunity to rehearse our IED defeat tactics in austere environments,” said Cmdr. John Kennedy, commander, EOD Mobile Unit 8. “The unique value of Northern Challenge is the exploitation piece. For our operational platoons, the drills didn’t end at ‘defeating the device’; they concluded after ‘exploiting the device’ so we could gain an appreciation of how the device works, and who employed it.”

    Northern Challenge provided practical training to operators across the joint force, with the integration of the exploitation cell to enhance the intelligence picture driving the threat assessment. As a result, the United States military is better prepared to deploy EOD forces throughout the U.S. European Command’s area of responsibility in support of the collective defense of NATO allies.

    “We’ve worked with the Canadians, Swedes, Icelanders, Polish, Lithuanians, and others; these guys are so good at their craft. Everybody here is a warrior, and they all volunteered to do the same job. Exchanging tactics, techniques, and procedures with them is making every single one of us better so that the enemy doesn’t get a leg up on us,” said Ferguson.
    U.S. military participation in Northern Challenge 2024 demonstrates that U.S. and NATO joint forces are ready and postured with combat-credible capability to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment.

    CTF 68 is a part of the U.S. 6th Fleet and commands all Naval Expeditionary Combat Forces, in U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility. Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces bridge the gap from sea to shore and provides expeditionary capabilities in remote, complex and austere environments.

    EODGRU 2 and EODMU 8 operate as part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and provide skilled, capable, and combat-ready deployable Navy EOD and Navy Diver forces around the globe to support a range of operations.

    For the full collection of photos and news about Northern Challenge 2024 and U.S. Navy EOD, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/USNFE-6FPA and https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/EODG-2.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kuwait: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2024 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    October 10, 2024

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Washington, DC: Kuwait has a window of opportunity to implement needed fiscal and structural reforms to boost private sector-led inclusive growth and diversify its economy away from oil:

    • Gradual fiscal consolidation of about 12 percent of GDP is needed to reinforce intergenerational equity.
    • Structural reforms should focus on improving the business environment, attracting FDI, and unifying the labor market.
    • These reforms should be underpinned by continued prudent monetary and financial sector policies.
    • Economic statistics should be strengthened to support well-informed policymaking.

    Recent Developments, Outlook, and Risks

    1. Kuwait has a window of opportunity to implement needed fiscal and structural reforms. Political turmoil has gripped Kuwait in recent years, stalling reforms. The political gridlock was broken in May 2024, when H.H. the Amir Sheikh Meshaal al‑Ahmad al‑Jaber al‑Sabah dissolved the Parliament and suspended parts of the Constitution for up to 4 years, allowing reforms to be expedited.
    2. The economic recovery was disrupted in 2023, and inflation is moderating. Real GDP contracted by 3.6 percent in 2023. This economic downturn was concentrated in the oil sector, which contracted by 4.3 percent in 2023 due to an OPEC+ oil production cut. In addition, the non-oil sector is estimated to have contracted by 1.0 percent in 2023, primarily reflecting lower manufacturing activity in oil refining. Headline CPI inflation declined to 3.6 percent in 2023 reflecting lower core and food inflation. More recently, headline inflation moderated further to 2.9 percent (y-o-y) in August 2024, given lower housing and transport inflation.
    3. The external position remained strong in 2023. The current account surplus moderated to 31.4 percent of GDP in 2023, with a 10.3 percent of GDP reduction in the trade surplus from lower oil prices and production largely offset by a 7.4 percent of GDP increase in the income surplus. Official reserve assets amounted to a comfortable 9.0 months of projected imports at end-2023. However, the external position was substantially weaker than the level implied by fundamentals and desirable policies in 2023, partly reflecting inadequate public saving of oil revenue.
    4. The fiscal balance weakened in FY2023/24. The fiscal balance of the budgetary central government swung from a surplus of 11.7 percent of GDP in FY2022/23 to a deficit of 3.1 percent of GDP in FY2023/24. This mainly reflected a 5.8 percent of GDP reduction in oil revenue given lower oil prices and production, and a 9.7 percent of GDP increase in current spending, of which 5.7 percent of GDP went to the public sector wage bill while 3.4 percent of GDP went to subsidies. Nonetheless, the fiscal balance of the general government (which includes the income from SWF investments) was an estimated 26.0 percent of GDP in FY2023/24.
    5. Financial stability has been maintained. Banks have sustained strong capital and liquidity buffers to satisfy the CBK’s prudent regulatory requirements, while NPLs remain low given judicious lending practices and are well provisioned for.
    6. Under the baseline assuming current policies, the economy is projected to remain in recession in 2024, then to recover over the medium term:
    • Real GDP will contract by a further 3.2 percent in 2024 due to an additional OPEC+ oil production cut, then will expand by 2.8 percent in 2025 as the cuts get unwound, and will grow broadly in line with potential thereafter.
    • The incipient recovery of the non-oil sector will continue in 2024, with non-oil GDP expanding by 1.3 percent despite fiscal consolidation, after which it will gradually converge to its potential of 2.5 percent.
    • Headline CPI inflation will continue to moderate to 3.0 percent in 2024 as excess demand pressure dissipates and imported food prices fall, then will gradually converge to 2.0 percent as the non-oil output gap closes.
    • The current account surplus will moderate further to 28.4 percent of GDP in 2024 as lower oil prices and production reduce the trade surplus, then will gradually decline over the medium term alongside oil prices.
    • The fiscal deficit of the budgetary central government will increase to 5.1 percent of GDP in FY2024/25 as lower oil revenue more than offsets expenditure rationalization, then will steadily rise by about 1 percent of GDP per year over the medium term under current policies.
    1. The risks surrounding these baseline economic projections are skewed to the downside. The economy is highly exposed to a variety of global risks through its oil dependence, in particular to commodity price volatility, a global growth slowdown or acceleration, and the further intensification of regional conflicts. The materialization of these risks would be transmitted to Kuwait mainly via their impacts on oil prices and production. Domestic risks are primarily associated with the implementation of fiscal and structural reforms, which could get further delayed or accelerated. These reforms are needed to diversify the economy away from oil, which would enhance its resilience and stimulate private investment.

    Economic Reforms—Transitioning to a Dynamic and Diversified Economy

    1. The authorities aspire to implement reforms to support the transition to a dynamic and diversified economy. To achieve this goal, a well-sequenced package of fiscal and structural reforms is needed. Structural reforms to improve the business environment and attract foreign investment are needed to boost private sector-led inclusive growth. Meanwhile, fiscal reforms should be implemented to reinforce intergenerational equity while incentivizing Kuwaitis to pursue newly created job opportunities in the private sector, in particular gradual fiscal consolidation.

    Fiscal Policy—Reinforcing Intergenerational Equity

    1. The contractionary stance of fiscal policy is appropriate. Fiscal policy was strongly procyclical in FY2023/24, with a fiscal expansion of 6.9 percent of non-oil GDP contributing to excess demand pressure. Under the FY2024/25 Budget, the non-oil fiscal balance of the budgetary central government should increase by 4.7 percent of non-oil GDP relative to FY2023/24. This large fiscal consolidation will help close the non-oil output gap while reinforcing intergenerational equity. It is mainly driven by current expenditure rationalization, concentrated in planned subsidy cuts worth 4.3 percent of non-oil GDP.
    2. Substantial further fiscal consolidation is needed to ensure intergenerational equity. Under the baseline, the projected fiscal balance of the general government is far below the level needed to maintain the living standards of Kuwaitis for generations to come. A prudent approach calls for gradual fiscal consolidation of about 12 percent of GDP to reinforce intergenerational equity, alongside structural reforms to diversify the economy away from oil. These reforms would also reinforce external sustainability.
    3. Expenditure and tax policy reforms would be needed to support the transition to a dynamic and diversified economy:
    • Fiscal consolidation should be implemented at a pace of 1 to 2 percent of GDP per year until the PIH fiscal balance target is achieved. This would offset or reverse the projected roughly 1 percent of GDP per year increase in the fiscal deficit of the budgetary central government over the medium term, without reducing growth much.
    • Compensation of government employees surged over the past decade, to the top of the GCC. A public sector wage setting mechanism should be introduced to gradually reduce the 41 percent premium over the private sector, while a hiring cap should be used to steadily lower the public sector employment share, both towards high-income country levels.
    • Hydrocarbon consumption subsidies are the highest in the GCC. They should be phased out by gradually raising retail fuel and electricity prices to their cost-recovery levels while providing targeted transfers to vulnerable groups.
    • On-budget public investment plummeted over the past decade, to near the bottom of the GCC. It should be raised to build up the quantity and quality of infrastructure towards high-income country levels.
    • The hydrocarbon share of government revenue remains the highest in the GCC. In the context of the global minimum corporate tax agreement, the government’s plan to extend the CIT to all large domestic companies is welcome. To boost non-oil revenue mobilization, Kuwait should introduce the GCC-wide VAT and excise tax.
    1. The conduct of fiscal policy should be strengthened with Public Financial Management reforms. To align budget planning and execution with fiscal policy objectives, the Ministry of Finance should introduce a medium-term fiscal framework—including a fiscal rules framework with a public debt ceiling and non-oil fiscal balance target—underpinned by a medium-term macroeconomic framework. To inform fiscal policymaking and assess reform proposals, the capacity of the Macro-Fiscal Unit should be strengthened. To facilitate orderly fiscal financing, the Liquidity and Financing Law should be enacted expeditiously.

    Monetary and Financial Sector Policies—Maintaining Macrofinancial Stability

    1. The exchange rate peg to an undisclosed basket of currencies remains an appropriate nominal anchor for monetary policy. It has supported low and stable inflation for many years. Sustaining this successful monetary policy track record requires preserving the independence of the CBK. The monetary transmission mechanism should be strengthened by deepening the interbank and domestic sovereign debt markets, establishing an efficient capital market, and phasing out interest rate caps.
    2. The restrictive stance of monetary policy is appropriate. The exchange rate regime gives the CBK relative flexibility to conduct monetary policy. The policy rate is currently in line with controlling inflation and stabilizing non-oil output while supporting the exchange rate peg, and is above neutral. Under the baseline, monetary normalization is warranted, as inflation further moderates and the non-oil output gap closes.
    3. Systemic risk remains contained and prudently managed. The credit cycle downturn triggered by the pandemic has been gradually unwinding, with the credit gap estimated to be nearly closed. Under the CBK’s latest stress tests, the capitalization and liquidity of the banking system generally exceeded Basel III minimum requirements, while individual bank shortcomings were limited. The stance of macroprudential policy is appropriate given contained systemic risk and subdued credit growth. Given that capital requirements exceed Basel III minimum requirements, the CBK could consider reclassifying part of its country specific capital buffer as a positive neutral countercyclical capital buffer. It should also continue its practice of regularly reviewing the adequacy of its financial regulatory perimeter and macroprudential toolkit. Finally, the CBK should continue its risk-based supervisory approach to assessing banks and effectively addressing any vulnerabilities.
    4. Structural financial sector reforms are needed to enhance financial intermediation efficiency. The unlimited guarantee on bank deposits should be gradually replaced with a limited deposit insurance framework to address moral hazard, while the interest rate caps on loans should be phased out to support efficient risk pricing.

    Structural Reforms—Boosting Private Sector-Led Inclusive Growth

    1. A comprehensive and well-sequenced structural reform package is needed to increase non-oil potential growth. The initial priorities are to improve the business environment by enhancing transparency, raising efficiency, and further opening up the economy. Meanwhile, labor market reforms should be gradually phased in to incentivize private sector-led inclusive growth.
    2. The business environment should be further improved to raise economic competitiveness and promote private investment. To boost transparency, data disclosure on secondary market real estate transactions should be enhanced, while universal auditing standards for corporate balance sheets should be adopted. To raise efficiency, the government should improve public infrastructure, conduct regulatory impact assessments with public consultations, integrate digital public service delivery across ministries, and further streamline business establishment processes. To attract FDI, full foreign ownership of businesses should be permitted, while foreign ownership restrictions on land should be relaxed. Finally, public land sales for residential and commercial development should be scaled up.
    3. Major labor market reforms are needed to promote economic diversification. To incentivize Kuwaitis to seek employment in the private sector, compensation and working conditions should be better harmonized across the public and private sectors. Enhancing the quality of education and aligning it with private sector needs would raise productivity and support economic diversification. Employment of highly-skilled expatriate workers should be supported by introducing targeted visa programs and reforming job sponsorship frameworks, promoting knowledge transfer. Higher female labor force participation should be encouraged by further improving the working environment for women, including by fully implementing the legal requirements for childcare in the private sector.
    4. Reforms are needed to strengthen AML/CFT effectiveness. The AML/CFT framework should be strengthened expeditiously following a risk-based approach to protect its effectiveness.
    5. Progress with climate change adaptation and mitigation should be accelerated. The government has made progress with implementing the 2019 National Adaptation Plan, but is delayed in developing its mitigation plan.
    6. Data provision has some shortcomings that somewhat hamper surveillance, which the authorities should address within their legal constraints. An expenditure-side National Accounts decomposition remains unavailable for 2023, while multi-year delays in the publication of GDP data after the pandemic confounded surveillance and policymaking. The CSB urgently needs additional funding to boost its capacity and resume its annual Establishment Survey, which has not been conducted since 2019. The exclusion of government investment income and SOE profit transfers from the Government Finance statistics hampers fiscal policy analysis, while the omission of government foreign assets from the IIP statistics generates stock-flow inconsistencies with the BOP statistics.

    The mission thanks the authorities for their warm hospitality and constructive engagement.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/10/mcs-101024-kuwait-staff-concluding-statement-of-the-2024-aiv-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group Announce Tanzania as the Second Country Benefitting from the Enhanced Cooperation Framework for Scaled-Up Climate Action

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    October 10, 2024

    Washington, DC: The World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are pleased to announce that Tanzania is the second country benefiting from the Enhanced Cooperation Framework for Climate Action (the Framework). This follows the approval of an arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) in June 2024 by the IMF Executive Board, and the WBG’s active engagement on climate action in the country.

    Tanzania is highly vulnerable to climate change which poses significant risks to its macroeconomic, fiscal, and social development. Through the Framework, the IMF and WBG working closely with other development partners, will coordinate their efforts to support Tanzania’s ambitious policy reform agenda to address risks and challenges associated with climate change and enhance the resilience of the Tanzanian economy.

    The Framework aims to support efforts by Tanzania’s authorities to bring together development partners, the private sector and civil society to address the adverse impacts of climate change. Building on their respective analytical expertise and financing instruments, the IMF and WBG will jointly provide critical support to Tanzania’s authorities in advancing climate action. This will be done through an integrated, country-led approach to policy reforms and public and private climate investments, including through complementary and well-sequenced reform measures.

    Tanzania is the second country to benefit from this Framework, which builds on technical analysis such as the IMF’s Climate Policy Diagnostics (CPD). The country authorities, the WBG and the IMF identified several areas where synergies in capacity development and policy support will be most beneficial, such as (i) climate resilient public financial management, (ii) energy, water and other reforms that will build resilience and promote sustainable development, (iii) disaster risk management and social protection, and (iv) supervision of financial sector climate-related risks.

    Under the Framework, the IMF-WBG will support Tanzania to consider climate change as a key element of medium-term public investment planning and prioritization. The IMF will back the introduction of climate resilient public investment regulations and reporting, while the WBG will focus on supporting sectors that help strengthen Tanzania’s resilience to climate change, such as energy, water, social protection, and agriculture. The two institutions will also support improvements to Tanzania’s disaster risk management policy and implementation, including a disaster risk financing framework and enhancements to the social safety net to make it responsive to climate shocks.

    The WBG and the IMF will also support policies to improve water resource management, while IMF-supported reforms will help expand villages’ land use planning and management. Tanzania will also develop supervision of financial sector climate-related risks with support from the IMF and WBG.

    Finally, the Framework will help catalyze official technical and financial assistance and private sector financing. The IMF and WBG stand ready to support a country-led platform to mobilize additional programmatic and project climate financing that could be implemented in 2025.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Julie Ziegler

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    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/09/pr-24363-tanzania-imf-and-wb-announce-2nd-country-benefitting-from-ecf-for-climate-action

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sir John Armitt appointment as Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission extended

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer has extended the appointment of Sir John Armitt as the Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission.

    Sir John Armitt’s appointment as Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has been extended for six months to support the development of the ten-year strategy and the creation of National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority. 

    Sir John has served as Chair of the NIC since 2018, before which he was Deputy Chair and a commissioner since the NIC was established in 2015. Sir John was reappointed as Chair in January 2023 for a further two years. Sir John’s current appointment is due to end on 18 January 2025, when he will have served ten years at the NIC. However, due to the need for strong leadership and continuity at the NIC during this period of transition, Ministers have agreed to extend Sir John’s appointment for a further six months to support the NIC during this time. 

    Sir John’s appointment will now end on 18 July 2025. 

    About the Appointment Process

    Sir John Armitt’s appointment has been extended for a further six months following the provisions of his original appointment, having met required performance standards and with the agreement of ministers. The chair role is a non-executive part-time position. 

    Sir John has confirmed that he has not undertaken any political activity within the previous five years including donating to, or canvassing on behalf of, any political party.

    Updates to this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –