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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Hungary’s participation at the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States – E-001800/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001800/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Michalis Hadjipantela (PPE)

    On 6 July 2024, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Péter Szijjártó participated in the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States, held in Shusha, Azerbaijan and hosted by H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Organization of Turkic States, currently chaired by H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, invited the leader of the illegal Turkish Cypriot secessionist entity known as the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ as a ‘head of state’. This coincided with Hungary holding the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.

    This action flagrantly violates international law and disregards the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, as affirmed by relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The Republic of Cyprus is internationally recognised as the sole legitimate government of the entire island. Given these provocative violations and disrespect towards the territorial integrity of an EU Member State:

    • 1.What measures does the Commission intend to take in response to Hungary’s participation in this summit?
    • 2.How does the Commission plan to deal with this incident and ensure that all Member States adhere to the principles of international law and EU solidarity?

    Submitted: 24.9.2024

    Last updated: 4 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Targeted revision of the Working Time Directive (2003/88/EC) – E-001833/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001833/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Alice Teodorescu Måwe (PPE)

    The EU Working Time Directive (2003/88/EC) is causing ever greater problems in Sweden. In 2021, the Commission announced that the provisions of several Swedish collective agreements, in particular with regard to 24-hour shifts (known in Swedish as dygnspass), were in breach of the directive’s rules on daily rest periods. Since then, the social partners have been forced to renegotiate a number of collective agreements. As a result, 24-hour shifts are no longer allowed. This has already had serious consequences, not least for people who use personal assistance services, but also when it comes to the recruitment of staff in the emergency services and personal assistants, among others.

    In the light of the foregoing:

    • 1.Does the Commission intend to initiate a targeted review of the Working Time Directive so that, in future, the social partners in Sweden can conclude agreements to restore 24-hour shifts and derogations from the rules on daily rest periods?
    • 2.Does the Commission see any other reasons to revise the Working Time Directive, for example the need for urgent action to bolster the European defence industry?

    Submitted: 26.9.2024

    Last updated: 4 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Bluetongue: aid to livestock farmers and EU coordination measures – E-001819/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001819/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Marion Maréchal (ECR)

    Since autumn 2023, European livestock farms, most notably in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg and Italy, have been battling a new and aggressive wave of bluetongue. This disease, which mostly affects ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats, etc.), has caused around 23 000 sheep and 36 000 cattle to die in Belgium[1]. Meanwhile, in France, 1 929 outbreaks are currently recorded by state services.

    Although the Belgian Minister for Agriculture, Anne-Catherine Dalcq, said on 23 September 2024 that she had activated all EU levers, the lack of coordination between the Member States (late initiation of vaccination campaigns) has contributed to the epizootic disease spreading.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.What EU levers have actually been activated by the agriculture ministers of the countries concerned?
    • 2.Has the Commission examined the shortcomings in coordination between Member States that caused the delay in taking prevention and protection measures?
    • 3.Will it mobilise the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) crisis reserve to support farmers that are struggling, and will it maintain all CAP support, despite the decrease in livestock populations?

    Submitted: 25.9.2024

    • [1] Figures from the Belgian Federal Ministry of Agriculture communicated on 19 September 2024 during the plenary session of the Chamber.
    Last updated: 4 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Oral question – Revision of the ban on selling CO2-emitting cars beyond 2035 – O-000011/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for oral answer  O-000011/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 142
    Christine Anderson, Anja Arndt, Marc Jongen, Sarah Knafo, Milan Uhrík, Ivan David, Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik, Marcin Sypniewski, Stanisław Tyszka, René Aust
    on behalf of the ESN Group

    During the last term, Parliament helped to pass legislation to phase out sales of new CO2-emitting cars by 2035. During the campaign for the 2024 elections, many of the parties now represented in Parliament called to revise the law and revive the internal combustion engine. The President of the Commission herself has raised expectations regarding a possible review of the current discrimination against CO2-emitting cars. In her candidate speech to Parliament on 18 July 2024, she called for the European Green Deal to be implemented in a pragmatic, technology-neutral manner.

    Furthermore, the President of the Commission wants to enhance the EU’s competitiveness. The EU’s carmakers are especially competitive in building internal combustion engines. The Commission’s political guidelines for 2024-2029 stress: ‘For instance, the 2035 climate neutrality target for cars creates predictability for investors and manufacturers. Getting there will require a technology-neutral approach, in which e-fuels have a role to play through a targeted amendment of the regulation as part of the foreseen review’.

    All of this has created expectations among the public that internal combustion engines will continue to be used beyond 2035. At the same time, there is some confusion regarding what the Commission really wants. It would be particularly useful to ascertain whether any calls for the relaxation of the ‘ban on internal combustion engines’ were mere campaign promises.

    To shed more light on this issue, could the Commission answer the following questions:

    • 1.When will the Commission initiate a review of the regulation, and when will it be able to present it to Parliament?
    • 2.What does technology neutrality mean with regard to internal combustion engines vis-à-vis electric vehicles?
    • 3.Will the Commission limit itself to implementing e-fuels, or will there be a wider window that allows for the production, sale and use of internal combustion engines beyond 2035?

    Submitted: 1.10.2024

    Lapses: 2.1.2025

    Last updated: 4 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting of the DEVE Committee 10 October – Committee on Development

    Source: European Parliament

    The Committee on Development will meet on Thursday 10 October in Strasbourg to vote on two different drafts:

    Votes:

    • Draft text of DEVE’s contribution to the ENVI motion for a resolution on the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29);
    • Draft DEVE opinion on the general budget for 2025, in letter form.

    The next DEVE meeting will take place on Monday 14 October from 15.00 to 19.00 in Spinelli 1E2

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Shortages of critical medicines in Europe – P-001924/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001924/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Bartosz Arłukowicz (PPE)

    The shortage of critical medicines in the European market is a serious problem with implications for patient health and safety. Medicines used to treat chronic conditions, rare diseases and emergencies, such as oncological medicines and painkillers, are particularly hard to get hold of. This crisis was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which revealed supply gaps and a dependency on global production chains. The repercussions of a shortfall in key medicines could be catastrophic, ranging from treatment delays to a rise in patient deaths. In December 2023, the Commission published a list of 200 medicines that are critical in the EU. In view of the above:

    • 1.After publishing the critical medicines list, what specific measures did the Commission take to combat the shortage of these medicines?
    • 2.Since December 2023, in the case of which medicines and which Member States has the Commission noted shortfalls, and what measures have been taken to overcome them?
    • 3.What action is it planning on taking in future to prevent any shortfalls in these medicines?

    Submitted: 2.10.2024

    Last updated: 4 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Banning chick culling in the EU – E-001843/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001843/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Pascal Arimont (PPE)

    Each year, 330 million day-old male chicks are killed in the EU directly after hatching because they can neither lay eggs nor provide enough meat. This widespread practice not only causes considerable suffering, but also contravenes Article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which recognises animals as sentient beings. Some Member States, such as France and Germany, have prohibited this practice. In-ovo sexing technologies are available on the market to determine the sex of the embryo at limited cost. They work before day 13 of incubation, in line with the latest scientific evidence on pain perception, which shows that embryonic pain sensitivity starts from day 13 of incubation.

    • 1.Will the new Commission’s proposals for new regulations on the welfare of farmed animals include a ban on chick culling, with the implementation of in-ovo sexing before day 13 of incubation, in the egg sector, thus harmonising EU legislation and avoiding a distortion of competition?
    • 2.If so, when does the Commission plan to publish the draft of this new legislation?

    Submitted: 26.9.2024

    Last updated: 4 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Review of agreements with third countries to introduce mirror clauses – E-001852/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001852/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Carmen Crespo Díaz (PPE)

    European producers are in dire straits as a direct consequence of the increase in production costs, ongoing geopolitical conflicts and a price crisis which is due in part to overlaps with the timing of imports from third countries.

    Imports from third countries create unfair competition because they do not have to meet the environmental, social and economic requirements that apply for European producers. This is causing profitability problems for European farmers. It is also undermining the generational renewal required to guarantee the future of farming in Europe, and therefore also the food security of the people of Europe, who cannot rely on third countries.

    In view of the above:

    Is the Commission intending to review trade agreements with third countries so as to introduce mirror clauses?

    Submitted: 27.9.2024

    Last updated: 4 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Alarming increase in dependency on fentanyl among the young – E-001815/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001815/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Ioan-Rareş Bogdan (PPE)

    Thousands of young people in the European Union have fallen victim to the illicit trade in fentanyl, a synthetic opioid considered to be 50 times stronger than heroin.

    The warnings issued by the Commission and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the danger of not controlling fentanyl consumption are far from unfounded as tens of thousands of people have died after taking this synthetic opioid with analgesic properties.

    Swift and effective measures therefore need to be taken to combat this extremely worrying state of affairs.

    In Europe, fentanyl can be purchased on the black market in the form of nasal sprays, drops, lozenges, sweets, powders or solutions for injection, but the substance is often combined with heroin, cocaine or MDMA.

    What steps will the Commission take to combat the illicit use of fentanyl and reduce the number of young people falling victim to this synthetic opioid?

    Bearing in mind that China is one of the world’s largest producers of fentanyl and of the chemical precursors used to manufacture this opioid, can the Commission clearly state:

    are the European Union and China formally cooperating to combat the illicit trafficking of fentanyl, given the serious impact of this drug on public health and safety in Europe?

    Submitted: 25.9.2024

    Last updated: 4 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Türkiye’s actions in the Eastern Mediterranean and its failure to recognise the Republic of Cyprus – E-001810/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001810/2024/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Loucas Fourlas (PPE)

    Despite the European Union’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region, Türkiye continues to take unilateral and provocative actions, such as drilling in the territorial waters the Republic of Cyprus, an EU Member State. Furthermore, Türkiye still refuses to recognise the Republic of Cyprus. This poses a major obstacle to stability and peaceful coexistence in the region.

    In view of the above:

    What concrete steps will the European Commission take to prevent Türkiye’s violations in the Cypriot EEZ and in the Eastern Mediterranean more generally?

    Submitted: 25.9.2024

    Last updated: 4 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: From September 30 to October 4, 2024, a series of popular science events for mathematics teachers of basic schools of the Russian Academy of Sciences took place in Novosibirsk

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Over the course of a week, unique popular science events for mathematics teachers of the RAS basic schools (hereinafter referred to as the School) were held in Novosibirsk at the S.L. Sobolev Institute of Mathematics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Novosibirsk State University. The project was launched in 2022 and is aimed at popularizing science, discussing significant discoveries, exchanging experiences among specialists, developing a scientific worldview among young people and adolescents, increasing the prestige of science, and expanding the scientific horizons of schoolchildren.

    This year, 29 teachers from 14 regions of Russia took part in the School: Arkhangelsk, Voronezh, Irkutsk, Kemerovo, Moscow, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Rostov, Sverdlovsk, Chelyabinsk regions, as well as from Krasnoyarsk, Perm, Primorsky Krai and the Udmurt Republic.

    Summing up the results of the school, Deputy Governor of the Novosibirsk Region Irina Manuilova noted:

    — Such schools that unite professionals from different regions are extremely useful, so I would like to see as many of them as possible in different parts of Russia. Their goals are in line with the strategy of the Decade of Science and Technology in the Russian Federation, announced by the President of the Russian Federation, as well as the new national projects “Youth and Children” and “Personnel”. I would like to note that recently our region hosted a satellite event of the Technoprom forum, the Big Mathematical Workshop, where student and school teams are involved in solving specific mathematical problems. It is very important that the policy of forming specialized classes and taking a serious attitude towards mathematical education is gaining momentum today. People who come to such training programs are people, thinking people, who are passionate about the cause. Therefore, your thoughts and your experience are extremely important in order to make the right decisions at the level of the Government of the country. I am sure that you have received a good professional background and will continue to work with each other and cooperate. I think that mathematics will take the place it rightfully deserves in school education.

    Dean Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, NSU Igor Marchuk spoke in more detail about the training of mathematicians at the university and noted that NSU offers the main profiles of mathematical education.

    — The faculty has created a whole space for applicants, they can choose any of the profiles — someone wants to be a researcher, someone wants to do engineering, and someone — programming. At the same time, there is a principle of openness, when, having passed certain exams, a student can transfer to another profile during their studies.

    On the basis of the S.L. Sobolev Institute of Mathematics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and NSU, a Mathematical center in Akademgorodok, which supports many events, including events with schoolchildren. For example, this is the winter school of the young mathematician “Lobachevsky”, the Workshop of Creative Mathematics. Also, active cooperation with the educational center “Sirius” is now beginning.

    The School program included practical classes and master classes, where issues of organizing research activities for schoolchildren, solving Olympiad problems in mathematics, and conducting in-class and extracurricular activities for students were discussed. This year, in addition to the traditional participant, Gymnasium No. 6 “Gornostay”, one of the Basic Schools of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the School was also joined by SUNC NSUTherefore, the sessions were held in both educational centers.

    The participants of the School visited the leading institutes of the country and educational institutions located in the Novosibirsk Akademgorodok: Sobolev Institute of Mathematics SB RAS, Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics SB RAS, Lavrentyev Institute of Hydrodynamics SB RAS, Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy SB RAS, SUNC NSU, Educational Center – Gymnasium No. 6 “Gornostay”.

    Popular science lectures were given by leading scientists, including Pavel Vladimirovich Logachev, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Director of the G.I. Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Andrey Mikhailovich Raigorodsky, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Professor of Mathematics, Director of the Phystech School of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science of MIPT; Alexey Vladimirovich Savvateev, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor of MIPT, Leading Researcher of the Laboratory of Mathematical Economics of the Department of Theoretical Economics and Mathematical Research of the Central Economics and Mathematical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Also, teachers and associate professors of the NSU Specialized Scientific Center and the Gornostay Educational Center took part in the event as experts.

    For reference: a series of events for mathematics teachers of the RAS basic schools is being held in the Novosibirsk Akademgorodok as part of the implementation of the RAS Basic Schools project, in which 108 general education organizations from 32 regions of the Russian Federation are participating.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.nsu.ru/n/media/nevs/education/from-September-30-to-October-4-2024-a series-of-popular-scientific-events took place in-Novosibirsk-

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coming up next week at the London Assembly W/C 7 October

    Source: Mayor of London

    PUBLIC MEETINGS

    Wednesday 9 October

    Policing protests in London

    Police and Crime Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    Policing protests and large-scale events in the capital is putting increased strain on the Metropolitan Police Service, with the Met describing protests since October 2023 as the “greatest period of sustained pressure since the Olympics in 2012.”

    The Police and Crime Committee will hold the first meeting of its investigation into public order policing in London.

    Panel 1: 10:00am – 11:30am

    • Matt Parr, former Inspector, HMICFRS
    • Lord Walney, former Government Independent Adviser on Political Violence and Disruption
    • Kirsty Brimelow KC, Barrister, Doughty Street Chambers

    Panel 2: 11:35am – 1:00pm

    • Jodie Beck, Policy and Campaigns Officer, Liberty
    • Professor Geoff Pearson, Professor of Law at the University of Manchester and Academic Director of the N8 Policing Research Partnership
    • Tom Southerden, Programme Director, Law & Human Rights, Amnesty International
    • David Spencer, Head of Crime and Justice, Policy Exchange

    MEDIA CONTACT: Tony Smyth on 07763 251727/ [email protected]

    Wednesday 9 October

    ‘Social value’ in planning and regeneration

    Planning and Regeneration Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 2pm

    The London Plan does not define ‘social value’, but it is referred to in various policies and supporting texts.

    In the first meeting of its investigation into how social value is considered in planning decisions for markets and arches, the Planning and Regeneration Committee will question experts, local authorities and industry representatives about what it means, how it’s measured, and how it can make a difference to Londoners.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1: 2.00pm – 3.15pm

    • Maria Adebowale-Schwarte, Commissioner for the London Sustainable Development Commission
    • Tony Burton, Founder of Civic Voice and Chair of Community Review Panels in Old Oak & Park Royal and Dacorum
    • Dr Myfanwy Taylor, Lecturer in Urban Economics and Planning, University College London
    • Guy Battle, Chief Executive Officer at Social Value Portal
    • Stephanie Edwards, Co-Founding Director Urban Symbiotics

    Panel 2: 3.30pm – 4.45pm

    • Krissie Nicolson, CEO London Trades Guild
    • Nicholas Kasic, manager of Portobello Road Market and convener of the London Street Trading Benchmarking Group 
    • Sarah Goldzweig, Research and Project Officer at Latin Elephant
    • Stephen Biggs, Corporate Director, Community Wealth Building, London Borough of Islington 
    • Bryce Tudball, Head of Spatial Planning, London Borough of Haringey

    MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Hunt on 07763 252310 / [email protected]

    Thursday 10 October

    Mayor’s Question Time

    The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, will face questions from London Assembly Members.

    Topics include:

    • Aligning the Budget with Manifesto Commitments
    • Night-Time Economy
    • Net zero targets and advertising on the TfL network
    • Cleaning Up London’s Waterways

    MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Financial health notice to improve: Warwickshire College Group

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A financial health notice to improve issued to Warwickshire College Group.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Financial health notice to improve: Warwickshire College Group

    PDF, 157 KB, 4 pages

    Details

    This letter and its annex serve as a written financial health notice to improve at Warwickshire College Group.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 October 2024

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor launches two year pilot scheme to improve high streets and public spaces across the capital    

    Source: Mayor of London

    • New scheme will promote good growth and design in neighbourhoods across the capital  
    • New Town Architects appointed to support the future development of ten locations in London  

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has appointed ten built environment experts to support the capital’s boroughs to improve the quality of high streets and public spaces, in a brand-new pilot scheme. 

    The Town Architects programme, which is being piloted for two years, forms part of the Mayor’s £1.25m Local Growth Capacity Support Programme which aims to support local growth and the design of public spaces in London. The programme builds on the Mayor’s work to support the creation of safe, inclusive and sustainable neighbourhoods and economic growth by ensuring that boroughs are better equipped and can utilise the skills of planners and architects to help shape better places in their local areas.

    We know that high streets are struggling and the need to make them more attractive, sustainable and enjoyable places to live in and visit is as vital as ever. Recent data from City Hall shows huge demand for greater knowledge sharing and the upskilling of existing teams as local boroughs increasingly struggle to promote built development and growth in areas across the capital. [1]

    The experts, known as ‘Town Architects’, will help to build much-needed capacity within local boroughs and will directly support Chief Placeshaping Officers and Design Champions to review project proposals and help develop a strategic vision for the local area.  

    They have been selected from the Mayor’s diverse panel of Design Advocates to support his vision for good growth and ensure that new buildings and public spaces will benefit all Londoners by promoting quality and inclusion in the built environment. Their expertise spans a broad range of areas, including architecture, master planning, high streets, public realm, and design quality management.  

    London’s placeshaping capacity is central to delivering the Mayor’s Good Growth by Design principles, which seek to ensure that London’s growth is both economically and socially inclusive and sustainable. The Town Architects pilot will address this gap in capacity by working with local authorities to bolster and enhance in-house skills, knowledge, and expertise to help shape better places and promote quality and inclusion in the built environment. 

    Jules Pipe, the Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service, said: “We are pleased to be launching this pilot scheme to promote the future development of key areas in the capital. 

    “By drawing on the expertise of the Mayor’s Design Advocates, local boroughs will have the expertise and support they need to boost design quality to improve their high streets and public spaces and promote positive neighbourhood placemaking, helping to build a better and more sustainable London for everyone.”  

    Holly Lewis, Mayor’s Design Advocate and Director of We Made That, said: “I’m thrilled to have the chance to continue to support the London Borough of Hackney in my new role as Town Architect. Hackney Central is just one of many places in London experiencing rapid change, with many exciting projects underway. With the support of this programme, I look forward to the opportunity to work alongside the borough in achieving the best possible outcomes for Hackney’s diverse communities.”

    Suzanne Johnston, Interim Director, Economy, Regeneration and New Homes, Hackney Council, said: “We are delighted to be working with Holly Lewis in her role as Hackney’s new Town Architect. We’re passionate about the need for good design in our built environment.   

    “Whether it’s promoting high quality buildings and public spaces or ensuring that Hackney Central is inclusive and easy to get around, Holly’s considerable expertise will complement the Council’s own in-house design expertise, to make sure Hackney’s buildings and public spaces work for everyone.” 

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Somalia: People stand against terrorism and extremism – Security Conical Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Briefing by Mr. James Swan, the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia, on the Somalia – Security Council, 9740th meeting.

    ———————————

    The chief of the UN mission in Somalia (UNSOM) James Swan said that the mission will work closely with the Federal Government to implement the transition from UNSOM to a UN country team and to continuing its support to Somalia’s national priorities once a mandate is received from this Council.

    The Acting Special Representative for Somalia briefed the Council today (03 Oct) on the situation in the country.

    On elections, Swan noted that the transition from the previous indirect electoral system to the planned new system of universal suffrage will require broad and inclusive consultations, and a willingness of all stakeholders to engage in dialogue in order to build political consensus. He welcomed the meeting of the National Consultative Council.

    He said that the adoption of implementable electoral laws and the establishment of an independent elections commission will be important indicators of progress toward delivering universal suffrage elections.

    Swan stressed, “The United Nations is committed to supporting Somalia to address technical, logistical and other challenges and to mobilize financial support from donors to deliver timely and credible elections.”
    The fight against Al-Shabaab continues to be the key security priority for the Government of Somalia, the Mission’s chief reiterated, adding that while making commendable efforts to sustain military operations against Al Shabaab, Somalia is at the same time tackling the challenges of force generation; taking over security responsibilities from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS); planning the transition to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM); and implementing crucial stabilisation programmes in recovered areas.

    “The United Nations continues to support the Federal Government on these activities, working closely with the African Union and other partners,” Swan reiterated.

    He continued, “The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) continues to enable the ATMIS drawdown while fulfilling its ongoing support responsibilities.”

    The Acting Special Representative continued, “ The lifting of the arms embargo on the national government has facilitated its access to additional weapons and supplies, and I remind other entities operating in Somalia of the requirement to respect the arms embargo established by resolution 2713.”

    Al-Shabaab continues to demonstrate its disregard for civilian life, through its use of indirect fire on population centres, mainly Mogadishu and Baidoa, the use of improvised explosive devices, and suicide attacks against civilians, including the heinous 2 August attack on the Lido Beach in Mogadishu.

    Swan underscored the condemnation issued by the Secretary-General of such attacks and reiterated the United Nations’ support to the Government and people of Somalia as” they stand against terrorism and violent extremism.”

    He also note with concern the increased presence and activities of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh).

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DjbgyyWV1o

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: African Union: cooperation with the UN – Security Council Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Briefing by Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee , Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs – Department of Peace Operations, on the cooperation between the UN and the African Union at the 9739th meeting of the Security Council.

    ————————————-

    UN top official in peacebuilding affairs for Africa Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee addressed the Council.

    She said, “The support of this Council, as well as of Member States of the African Union and of the United Nations, will remain essential for the successful deployment of an African Union-led peace support operation under the Resolution 2719 framework.”

    “Together, the African Union Commission and the United Nations Secretariat stand ready to translate Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023) into tangible actions that would contribute to lasting peace and stability on the African continent and beyond,” Pobee concluded.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPPMF17PcD0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: GWEC Energy Transitions Organizational Leadership Award

    Source: Global Wind Energy Council – GWEC

    Headline: GWEC Energy Transitions Organizational Leadership Award

    Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) is a member-based organisation that represents the entire wind energy sector. The members of GWEC represent over 1,500 companies, organisations and institutions in more than 80 countries, including manufacturers, developers, component suppliers, research institutes, national wind and renewables associations, electricity providers, finance and insurance companies.

    Find out more

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Singapore: Unlawful execution despite ongoing legal appeal raises fears of more to come

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to the news that Singapore authorities executed a man for a drug-related offence on Friday, Amnesty International’s Acting Deputy Regional Director for Research Kate Schuetze said:

    “Azwan bin Bohari’s execution was clearly unlawful under international law and standards. It is especially concerning that this hanging took place in spite of a pending legal application.

    “Executing people while they have ongoing appeals before the courts is a violation of international safeguards protecting the rights of people facing the death penalty. This execution calls into serious question the protections in the Singapore justice system to prevent the arbitrary deprivation of life.

    “With numerous others on death row, coupled with Singapore’s pursuit of executions even when there are appeals pending, there are grave fears that many more are at imminent risk of hanging. Most have been sentenced to death for drug-related offences in violation of restrictions limiting the death penalty’s use to ‘the most serious crimes’.

    “We urge the Singapore government to immediately end its unlawful resort to the death penalty and immediately establish a moratorium on executions as a first critical step towards abolition. The majority of the world’s countries have already abolished the death penalty in full and several governments in the Asia-Pacific region have taken steps in that direction. It is high time Singapore followed suit.”  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Access to finance remains a challenge for SMMEs

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    While government is fully cognisant that access to finance remains the most significant barrier to entry for new venture creation, small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and entrepreneurship, steps are being taken to address this.

    This is according to the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, who was during the Financial Inclusion Week session in Johannesburg.

    “The consequences of government inability to increase the pace of transformation after 30 years are evidenced by the lack of economic growth, unsustainably high levels of unemployment, widening inequality and market concentration,” Godlimpi said.

    “Though government policies have worked to dismantle many structures of the apartheid state and increase living standards, these efforts have not translated into the creation of job opportunities for many South Africans,” he said.

    Godlimpi pointed out that the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and its agencies, which include the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), have managed to attract new business projects in which they will be investing R78 billion.

    “We have also agreed to push the dtic and its entities to go beyond the Treasury standards to pay SMMEs. This ensures that we, as an institution of nine branches and 18 entities, do not contribute to the barriers that constrain our SMMEs.”

    Glodlimpi explained that on the policy front, government is aware that SMMEs find it difficult to access different forms of finance, including debt.

    He said when SMMEs approach debt markets, they are often faced with onerous credit checks and, at times, fall victim to negative reinforcement tools such as credit bureaus due to a lack of access to patient capital.

    “When a small business owner misses debt repayment due to delayed payments from clients and, in many instances, the government, they are blacklisted. According to [the] Small Enterprise Development Agency’s SMME Quarterly and Stats SA, SMMEs contribute about 59% of total employment in the country,” he said.

    Godlimpi said this picture demonstrates the unsustainable structure of credit market in South Africa, which is embedded in a consumption logic rather than a developmental and investment orientation.

    “As part of the Minister Parks Tau’s new wall-to-wall approach, we have begun to look at sharing important economic data within the dtic to enhance our understanding of the economy and achieve complementarity in deploying the various tools to achieve our industrial policy objectives,” said Godlimpi. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mining’s potential remains high: Mantashe 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, has told an indaba that there is evidence to suggest that mining is “the bedrock of our economy” and that the country is an attractive investment destination for mining.

    According to the Minerals Council of South Africa, the industry contributed some 6.3% to South Africa’s nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) last year.

    “There is a strong case emerging out of the study on ‘The State of Mining’ that the South African mining industry not only remains the bedrock of our economy, but an attractive investment destination for mining. 

    “Coupled with the draft South Africa’s ‘Critical Minerals Strategy’, the study points to the reality that the South African mining industry is diversifying from the gold mining era to an industry with wide-ranging mineral resources, including the world’s largest known deposits of platinum group metals (PGMs), manganese, chrome, coal, gold, copper, vanadium, and other natural resources that are considered critical for the just transition,” the Minister said at the Annual Joburg Indaba in Sandton on Thursday.

    He added that with the diversification of the industry, its potential to continue growing remains high.

    “Notwithstanding the challenges faced by the gold mining sector, including deep level mines and heightened safety concerns, the 2023 gold production statistics positioned South Africa as the world’s thirteenth and Africa’s fourth largest gold producer. 

    “Despite the fluctuating prices of palladium and rhodium, of which South Africa supplies 38% and 81%, respectively, to the global commodities market, the PGMs sector is poised to play a catalytic role in sustaining the South African mining industry, and in the growth of our economy.

    “Considering South Africa’s reserves of known manganese and chrome deposits, as well as being the largest producer and exporter of manganese and chrome ore, the South African manganese and chrome sectors are poised to continue playing a significant role globally driven by their use in the automotive and construction industries,” Mantashe said.

    Addressing challenges 

    He acknowledged that during last year’s Joburg Indaba, industry players raised issues that “we needed to resolve for the sector to thrive, including the need to ensure the necessary policy and regulatory certainty for investment”.

    “Although the South African mining industry’s regulatory framework is stable and predictable, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is drafting amendments to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA). 

    “This is so as to address its shortcomings and ensure that areas that have been challenged legally are strengthened against international best practice. The amendments will further improve the business environment while keeping in sync with our socioeconomic fabric.

    “The completion of the migration process to the new efficient and transparent mining licensing system, in June next year, is poised to modernise our licensing system, ensure regulatory certainty, and the sustainability of the South African mining industry. 

    “Having completed the first phase of the project, which included the assessment of the current environment to establish the baseline and its readiness, and the requirements with respect to system hosting, software integration, and the enhancement of cybersecurity, the development of the new system is therefore progressing very well,” the Minister explained.

    READ | Presidency transfers Department of Mineral Resources and Energy legislation

    Furthermore, the Minister told the industry leaders that between April 2023 and March this year, the department has processed and finalised 127 mining rights, 1 527 prospecting rights, and 2 313 mining permits and ancillaries.

    There are no backlogs in the Western Cape and the Free State while backlogs in the Northern Cape, Limpopo, North West, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal have been significantly reduced. Mpumalanga is the only province with a significant backlog.

    “As we come to the end of this year’s Indaba, we wish to encourage the South African mining industry to continue sharing insights about the realities of this industry, advance beneficiation at source, and support our exploration initiatives.

    “We further encourage junior miners to take up the opportunities presented to them in order to transform the industry and ensure that the people of South Africa derive value from their country’s mineral endowment,” Mantashe concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Government mourns passing of Siphiwe Sibisi 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Friday, October 4, 2024

    Government has extended its condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Siphiwe Sibisi, affectionately known as General GTZ, who passed away at the weekend.

    Sibisi was a beloved figure in the music industry, widely recognised for his role in the iconic kwaito group Chiskop. 
    He passed away on Sunday after a long battle with cancer.

    “As a country, we sadly mourn the loss of Siphiwe Sibisi, a talented artist whose work will forever be remembered. His contribution to the music industry is immeasurable, and we send our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones during this time of grief. May his soul rest in peace,” Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa, said.

    Formed in 1998, Chiskop featured Sibisi alongside the late Mduduzi Tshabalala (Mandoza), Sizwe Motaung (Lollipop) and Sibusiso Thanjekwayo (SB Bless).

    The group played a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s music, culture, and entertainment industry through their dynamic contribution to the kwaito genre. 

    Their music became a cultural force, resonating with millions and leaving a lasting legacy that transcended generations.

    Sibisi’s passing marks the end of an era for many South Africans who grew up listening to Chiskop’s groundbreaking sound, which helped define the kwaito genre and shape the nation’s cultural identity. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Basic Education top brass visit Gauteng

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Friday, October 4, 2024

    Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule will today visit Gauteng as part of the ongoing National Listening and Learning Tour.

    This tour aims to directly engage with provincial education stakeholders, school leadership and the broader community to address challenges in the province’s education sector. 

    “This provincial visit will focus on critical issues such as the annual influx of learners to the province, school safety, literacy and numeracy levels, teacher training, as well as budget constraints…

    “The purpose of these engagements is to identify areas for improvement, share best practices, and collaboratively develop solutions to the unique challenges within the province’s educational landscape,” the Department of Basic Education said in a statement.

    Gwarube and Mhaule will address the media following their engagements with provincial education stakeholders, providing updates on the outcomes of the visit and plans to strengthen the education system in Gauteng.

    WATCH | National Listening & Learning Tour has arrived in Gauteng

     

    The media briefing will be held at Olympia Park School in Springs, Ekurhuleni. 

    The National Listening and Learning Tour commenced in the Eastern Cape on 2 September, with a visit to Limpopo on 16 September. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: National Treasury announces MTBPS date

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Friday, October 4, 2024

    Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is set to table the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) in Parliament on 30 October 2024, his department has announced.

    “The MTBPS sets government policy goals and priorities, forecasts the macroeconomy trajectory, and projects the fiscal framework over the next three years by outlining spending and revenue estimates, amongst others,” Godongwana said on Thursday.

    An engagement session on the MTBPS logistics will be held and an invitation will be shared with media and economists in due course.

    The MTBPS will take place on Wednesday, 30 October 2024 in Parliament at 14h00. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister urges G20 to show leadership in addressing climate crisis

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The G20 needs to show leadership in addressing the climate crisis, says Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George.

    “The existential crisis of climate change is posing significant threats not only to human health and wellbeing, but is also exacerbating biodiversity loss, land degradation and other environmental complexities,” George said on Thursday at the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil. 

    The G20 is a group of 19 countries, as well as the African Union and the European Union, which defines itself as the premier forum for global economic cooperation. It brings together leaders and policymakers from the world’s major economies to discuss key economic, development and social issues. G20 members represent around 80% of global GDP, 75% of global exports and 60% of the global population.

    The Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) deals with current issues on the environmental and climate sustainability agenda, with a view to encouraging cooperation between G20 members on concrete and innovative solutions.

    The group’s main aim is to discuss preventive and emergency adaptation to extreme events, payments for ecosystem services, oceans, as well as waste and the circular economy.

    “As such, key areas of collaboration are proposed related to mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage and importantly, climate finance – building on the discussions and outcomes of previous presidencies.

    “As a primary outcome, South Africa would like to explore ways that the G20 can leverage opportunities to increase the scale and flows of climate finance critical for both mitigation and adaptation efforts, whilst ensuring that the required investments reach the most vulnerable of society.

    “In this regard, it would be important to continue the fruitful discussions with the finance colleagues to enable the development of an effective, outcomes based financial model,” George said.

    South Africa is expected to take over the presidency of the G20 from Brazil from 1 December this year to November 2025.

    READ | SA’s G20 Presidency to prioritise Africa and Global South

    Under the South African Presidency, the G20 ECSWG will broadly focus on several pillars, namely, biodiversity and conservation; desertification; oceans and coasts; climate change and air quality, as well as chemicals and waste management, each with specific priorities.

    “South Africa recognises that oceans play an important role in socio-economic development. In this regard, the G20 provides a platform to exchange best practice in advancing marine spatial planning that could further support the sustainable utilisation of the ocean and coastal environment and combat illegal fishing. 

    “Plastic pollution is a major threat to the coastal and marine environment. Discussions on plastic pollution have been long ongoing in the G20, and South Africa will continue to foster collaboration among G20 members to address this pressing issue collectively,” the George said.

    He said waste management and the circular economy are recognised as areas of focus critical for transition to a low carbon, climate resilient economy. 

    “During South Africa’s G20 Presidency, we aim to foster enhanced collaboration on waste management policies and legislative instruments, including on waste to energy initiatives,” the Minister said.

    Waste to energy initiatives include various technologies that convert non-recyclable waste into usable forms of energy including heat, fuels and electricity. – SAnews.gov.za

     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA calls for financing model to fund climate change

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dr Dion George has called for a comprehensive, outcomes-based financial model to effectively fund the global response to climate change.

    “For South Africa and many other developing countries, this is vitally important, given that financing available for adaptation is lagging behind,” George said on Thursday. 

    The Minister was speaking at the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministers meeting in Brazil.

    He said Brazil, through the G20, has seen the need to prioritise scaling-up and expediting adaptation financing and strengthening institutional capacity, through measures such as increasing the volume of adaptation finance; and strengthening capacities to access financing promptly and to implement effective adaptation programmes and initiatives.

    “The impacts of climate change, desertification, biodiversity loss and pollution are severe and far-reaching and require innovative global solutions.

    “We must acknowledge the centrality of the United Nations system and must continue to adhere to agreed multilateral processes, including the negotiating of outcome documents.

    “We must continue to strive towards a balance of ambition and action on all three aspects of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change [UNFCCC] and its Paris Agreement, namely mitigation, adaptation and the means of implementation,” George said.

    According to the United Nations, the UNFCCC is a multilateral treaty adopted in 1992 to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations “at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic (human-induced) interference with the climate system”.

    “Since entering into force in 1994, the UNFCCC has provided the basis for international climate negotiations, including landmark agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol (1997) and the Paris Agreement (2015),” it said.

    The Paris Agreement sets long-term goals to guide all nations to substantially reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and to provide financing to developing countries to mitigate climate change, among others.

    The Minister said a collaborative and comprehensive approach to maintaining the integrity of biodiversity assets and ecological infrastructure will play a fundamental role in achieving various social and economic development objectives.

    “We are committed to increase economic incentives for nature conservation, restoration and sustainable use of biological resources, with a focus on Payment for Ecosystem Services as a market-based instrument.

    “With regards to our oceans, South Africa with over 3 000 kilometres of coastline, has jurisdiction over one of the world’s largest exclusive economic zones, spanning the Atlantic, Indian and Southern Oceans. This represents a significant Oceans Economy asset for current and future generations,” the Minister said.

    South Africa has adopted the Marine Spatial Planning legislation and remains committed to the sustainable regulated use of our fishing resources and the active prevention of illegal fishing activity.

    The legislation intends to provide a framework for marine spatial planning in South Africa and to provide for institutional arrangements for the implementation of marine spatial plans and governance of the use of the ocean by multiple sectors, among others.

    South Africa also remains committed to the Inter-governmental Negotiating Committee process to develop an international agreement of a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.

    “We are supportive of the work done by the G20 on Waste and Circular economy and are keen to take forward the outcomes to further develop an inclusive Circular Economy.

    “South Africa will continue to contribute its best effort to find solutions for these global environmental complexities,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on a New 38-Month Extended Credit Facility Arrangement with Sierra Leone and Completes 2024 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    September 20, 2024

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. 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’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • IMF staff and the Sierra Leonean authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on economic policies and reforms that could be supported by a new 38-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, with requested access of SDR 187 million (about US$253 million).
    • The ECF would support restoring stability through continued macroeconomic adjustment to address debt vulnerabilities, reduce inflation, and rebuild international reserves; bolster inclusive growth and poverty reduction through structural reforms and targeted social spending; and revitalize the reform agenda to strengthen governance and institutions – all advancing the poverty reduction and growth aspirations outlined in the country’s Medium Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024-30.
    • The Article IV consultation focused on fiscal and debt sustainability, monetary policy operations, drivers of inflation, external sector stability, trade facilitation, macroeconomic implications of gender inequality, climate-related risks, and the adequacy of social policies.

    Washington, DC –  An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Mr. Christian Saborowski, visited Sierra Leone from September 4 to 13, 2024, to conduct the 2024 Article IV consultation and discuss with the Sierra Leonean authorities economic and financial policies that could be supported by a new 38-month ECF arrangement, with requested access of SDR 187 million (about US$253 million). The staff-level agreement is subject to approval by the IMF’s Management and Executive Board.

    Today, Mr. Saborowski made the following statement:

    “A new economic team took over last year and has since taken bold measures to tackle Sierra Leone’s macroeconomic imbalances including a severe cost-of-living crisis. The authorities reduced the domestic primary deficit by 2.8 percent of GDP in 2023 and are on track toward reducing it by another 2.1 percent this year. They also tightened monetary policy sharply by reducing year-on-year base money growth from a peak of 63.4 percent in June 2023 to 8.8 percent in June 2024, and raising the policy rate by 7.25 percentage points since end-2022.

    “The reform momentum has borne fruit. Inflation declined to 25 percent in August 2024, down from a peak of 55 percent in October 2023, and the sharp exchange rate depreciation experienced in 2022 and early 2023 was arrested. However, T-bill rates remain stubbornly high at over 40 percent, international reserves have fallen to less than two months of imports, and the electricity distribution company (EDSA) continues to make losses, resulting in significant fiscal pressures.

    “Economic growth reached more than 5 percent in 2022 and 2023, buoyed by strong mining activity. Sierra Leone’s public debt continues to be assessed as sustainable but at high risk of distress, while its external position in 2023 is assessed as broadly in line with the level implied by fundamentals and desirable policies.

    “The new ECF arrangement would aim to (i) restore stability by bolstering debt sustainability, addressing fiscal dominance, bringing down inflation, and rebuilding reserves; (ii) support inclusive growth through reforms—including to narrow gender gaps—and targeted social spending; and (iii) confront corruption, as well as strengthen governance, institutions, and the rule of law. These objectives would advance the poverty reduction and growth aspirations outlined in Sierra Leone’s Medium Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024-30.

    “Restoring stability in the Sierra Leonean economy will require a continued ambitious macroeconomic adjustment over the program period. Enhancing revenue mobilization, boosting spending efficiency, and managing fiscal risks will be critical to make room for priority spending on social policies and investment. Strengthening the monetary policy framework and maintaining appropriately tight monetary conditions will be important to safeguard internal and external stability.

    “Making durable progress in fighting poverty and raising standards of living will require a commitment to reform, sustained political and social consensus, and well-targeted social policies. Promoting gender equality and increasing women’s economic participation are crucial to boosting Sierra Leone’s growth potential. So too are reforms to enhance the business environment by improving EDSA’s operational and technical efficiency, strengthening customs administration and transparency, and addressing climate change risks. Guided by the MTNDP 2024-30, steadfast progress in addressing these challenges will be critical.

    “The staff team is grateful to the authorities for the open and productive discussions. The team met with President Bio, Finance Minister Bangura, Deputy Finance Ministers Alie and Kalokoh, Financial Secretary Dingie, Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) Governor Stevens, Deputy Governors Tucker and Sesay, Commissioner General Bangura of the National Revenue Authority, and senior government and BSL officials. The mission also had fruitful discussions with representatives from the private sector and development partners.”

    More information about ECF: Extended Credit Facility

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Pavis Devahasadin

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/09/20/imf-reaches-sla-on-38-month-ecf-with-sierra-leone

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Christian education charity receives official warning over failing to act on regulator’s advice

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments

    The Charity Commission has issued an Official Warning to the National Council for Christian Standards in Society (NCCSS) for failing to follow its advice.

    The National Council for Christian Standards in Society was established in 1986 to promote religion and religious education. 

    The regulator previously issued the charity with advice, making clear it must separate its charitable work from the political lobbying activities of Christian Voice, a connected, non-charitable body.  

    Advice given included ensuring a separate entity carries out any non-charitable work, evidencing a clear division of how each organisation is run and removing ‘Christian Voice’ as the charity’s working name on the Register of Charities. The trustees did not take sufficient steps to act on this advice, which has led the regulator to now issue an Official Warning. 

    The Official Warning sets out actions the charity’s trustees need to take to rectify the misconduct and/or mismanagement, including acting on previous advice. The regulator has also identified that the charity needs to amend its ambiguous purposes to ensure they are exclusively charitable. Failing to take remedial steps to address issues identified by the regulator can result in the charity facing further regulatory action. 

    Tracy Howarth, Assistant Director for Casework at the Charity Commission, said:  

    It’s clear this charity has not taken our previous advice on board and so we have issued an Official Warning with the expectation that changes are made at pace. When carrying out any activity, trustees must consider how it helps meet their charitable purposes and if they are acting within charity law. We, and the public, expect this of charities as a minimum.  

    This intervention should serve as a reminder for all trustees to take any advice and guidance they receive from us seriously. As regulator, we issue guidance to help trustees ensure their charity is run well to deliver for beneficiaries. If we step in, we’re giving advice to help avoid further regulatory action.

    Ends 

    Notes to editors: 

    1. The Official Warning was issued on Monday 30th September 2024 under section 75A of the Charities Act 2011. 

    2. Information about Official Warnings can be found in an online Q&A: Guidance – Official warnings to charities and trustees: Q and A (publishing.service.gov.uk) 

    3. The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Our ambition is to be the expert Charity Commission that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive.   

    4. Our guidance on campaigning and political activity can be found via this link: Campaigning and political activity guidance for charities – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). We have produced a shorter ‘5 minute guide’ designed to refresh trustees’ knowledge on this topic. This can be found via this link: Political activity and campaigning by charities – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

    5. Our guidance on writing charitable purposes can be found via this link: How to write charitable purposes – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

    Press office

    Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Housing Land Audit

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    MORE AFFORDABLE houses were built in Dundee last year than private homes, according to the latest figures.
    The annual Dundee Housing Land Audit for 2024, revealed that 483 homes were completed, 58% of which were for social rent.
    Steven Rome, convener of Dundee City Council’s fair work, economic growth and infrastructure committee said: “It has been another positive year for house building completions.
    “The Housing Land Audit is a fascinating insight into the city’s economic progress, and I would urge anyone who has an interest to get involved with the consultation.”
    Lynne Short, depute convener of Dundee City Council’s neighbourhood regeneration, housing and estate management committee added: “New housing is the foundation of what we need to do to help make Dundee a more attractive place to live and work and only by working across private, public and social housing will we deliver for the city.”
    The annual audit provides a source of information which is important to the council in its work monitoring the Dundee Local Development Plan, representing a factual statement of land supply within Dundee City Council’s boundary up until March 31, 2024.
    This year’s audit has found:
    During the 2023/2024 period of the audit there were 483 housing units completed;
    the 483 completions comprise of 282 units (58%) of affordable housing and 201 (42%) private housing. This is the highest level of affordable housing completions in Dundee since 2006; and
    83% of the completions in 2023/24 were on brownfield land and 17% were greenfield completions.  
    Following the consultation period, comments from stakeholders will be reviewed and any amendments made as necessary before the Dundee Housing Land Audit 2024 is finalised and published.
    This year’s draft Dundee Housing Land Audit has now been published for a period of consultation until 23 October 2024 you can find it at https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/service-area/city-development/planning-and-economic-development/dundee-housing-land-audit

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Two new School Streets launched in Leeds to support children travelling safely and sustainably on the school run

    Source: City of Leeds

    More than 200 pupils in Leeds have become the latest local youngsters to benefit from a scheme that makes journeys to and from school safer, healthier and more enjoyable. 

    School Streets create a safer and more pleasant environment for children and families by restricting motorised traffic and turning the space outside school gates into a pedestrian and cyclist-only zone during pick-up and drop-off times. 

    A total of 15 schools in Leeds have previously signed up to the scheme, which aims to ease traffic congestion and tackle poor air quality while also improving safety.  

    Now two more – Ireland Wood Primary and St Bartholomew’s Primary – have followed suit. 

    And last week, a celebration event was held at Ireland Wood Primary School to mark the introduction of its new School Street on Raynel Gardens. 

    Leeds City Council’s new safe and sustainable travel mascot, Arlo the Owl, named by pupils from the school, guided pupils from the Park and Stride location at High Farm car park, across the new School Street, showcasing the benefits of a vehicle-free environment.  

    Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: 

    “I’m thrilled to see two more schools joining the School Streets programme in Leeds this year, as it continues to make a significant difference in promoting road safety and sustainability in local communities. With just over 30%  of primary school children in Leeds still driven to school, the school run contributes to congestion, pollution, and increased road safety risks around schools. 

    “School Streets are a key part of our commitment to Vision Zero, the council’s ambition to eliminate serious and fatal road injuries by 2040. By creating safer, vehicle-free spaces, we’re making the journey to school healthier for children and their families. This initiative aligns with our vision of making Leeds a city where you don’t need a car.” 

    Ian Blackburn, Headteacher at Ireland Wood Primary School, said: 

    “We are really pleased to have a School Street so our pupils can travel safely and actively to and from school. 

    “Reducing traffic around school during peak times will help to improve road safety and encourage more families to choose active modes of travel like walking, cycling, wheeling and scooting. This initiative supports us to promote healthy lifestyles and foster independence for our pupils.”  

    Last year, 28,955 school children across Leeds participated in 596 sessions that the council’s road safety trainers delivered to promote safe and sustainable travel.  

    Safe behaviours and people are at the heart of the Vision Zero Strategy and is one of five key themes. The other themes are safe roads, safe speeds, post collision care and safe vehicles. To achieve Vision Zero everyone needs to play their part and travel safely. A pledge to play a part in eliminating road deaths can be signed here.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Join author talks and more for Green Libraries Week

    Source: City of Leicester

    A FASCINATING talk on travel, an insight into the mind of a local crime writer and the tale of an amusing encounter with a Time Lord are among the events on offer next week for Green Libraries Week.

    From 7-13 October, Green Libraries Week will put Leicester’s libraries in the spotlight, featuring everything from poetry and author talks to energy advice and craft activities – and it’s all free.

    On Wednesday at St Barnabas Library, crime author Champak Chauhan will talk about his work, his background in Leicester and how he came up with the character of DI Rohan Sharma, a relatively new and inexperienced homicide detective charged with finding a psychopathic killer.

    Join award-winning travel writer Ash Bhardwaj (pictured) for a talk at the Central Library on Thursday (10 Oct), when he’ll be giving a fascinating insight into his motivations for travel, how to do it better, and how it can help us to live a more fulfilling life. Ash’s journeys have included a recent 8,500km overland expedition from the top of Norway to Romania; retracing the footsteps of a Second World War special mission by British forces in the Albanian Alps, and accompanying renowned explorer Levison Wood for 700 miles of his Walking The Nile expedition in Uganda and Sudan.

    Also on Thursday, Lizzie Lamb and Adrienne Vaughan from the Romantic Novelists’ Association will be detailing their writing adventures at Knighton Library. “A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Typewriter” will include tales of amusing encounters with a starry cast of writers, actors, singers, royals, and even a Time Lord!

    As well as author talks and readings, there are lots of events taking place to highlight the diverse range of activities that take place at libraries, with a focus on climate and sustainability.

    Find out about conservation and volunteering with Leicester Environmental Volunteers at Hamilton Library on Tuesday 8 October; or join one of the energy advice drop-in sessions taking place at Leicester’s Central Library on Monday 7, Thursday 10 and Friday 11 October, from 11am-1pm.

    Leicester Adult Education will be offering free taster sessions and learning activities at city libraries throughout the week, and craft and wellbeing activities will also be on offer.

    Everything is free, but spaces may be limited, so booking is advised. To book, call or drop in to your local library.

    Assistant city mayor for neighbourhood services Cllr Vi Dempster said: “Libraries Week is an opportunity for people to discover all that their local library has to offer. Activities are taking on a ‘green’ theme, which gives us a great chance to show people how easy it can be to live more sustainably. I hope people will really enjoy getting involved with Green Libraries Week.”

    More information and a full list of everything that’s on offer throughout the week is available at leicester.gov.uk/librariesweek

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –