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Category: Africa

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 18 March 2025 Departmental update New Health Investment Platform to improve primary health care convenes its first Steering Committee

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Yesterday the Health Impact Investment Platform (HIIP) held its inaugural Steering Committee meeting, marking a significant milestone in advancing innovative financing for global health. As the Platform’s highest decision-making body, the Committee – consisting of representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Investment Bank, and the Islamic Development Bank – reviewed progress, endorsed key governance and operational priorities, and provided strategic guidance on HIIP’s efforts to expand primary health care (PHC) services in low- and middle-income countries. The meeting represents a significant step forward in advancing sustainable financing solutions for global health.

    The HIIP was unveiled during the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in Paris in 2023, and is a landmark partnership between WHO, multilateral development banks and beneficiary countries. Amid a US$ 371 billion annual health financing gap for health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a US$ 31.1 billion annual funding requirement for pandemic preparedness, the Platform innovates multilateral solutions to increase the share of development funding going to the health sector. Integrating technical expertise, financial resources and local knowledge into impactful, country-driven investments in vulnerable communities, the Platform has mobilized over US$ 30 million of investment for WHO to support countries in developing prioritized investment plans for potential support from MDBs and donors.

    The Platform aims to use these plans to generate over US$1.5 billion funding for low- and middle-income country governments to build resilience against pandemic threats and the climate crisis.

    “Primary health care is the cornerstone of equitable, cost-effective, and inclusive health systems,” said Catharina Boehme, Assistant Director-General at the World Health Organization. “The Health Impact Investment Platform is a transformative initiative to mobilize financing for climate-adaptive and crisis-resilient primary health care in the countries that need it most. WHO is proud to partner with multilateral development banks and countries to ensure these funds deliver tangible impact for the communities we serve.”

    The First Steering Committee builds on months of progress since the Platform’s official launch in September 2024, with early-stage engagements in more than 10 countries. During the meeting, Committee members approved key operational documents for the platform, reviewed Concept Notes developed to operationalize primary health care investments in Burundi, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Morocco and Zambia and formally approved the Proposal for Action in Ethiopia, unlocking funding to support the finalization of its national PHC investment plan. Members reinforced the platform’s core focus on scaling primary health care investments, accelerating progress toward universal health coverage, and strengthening health system resilience in low- and middle-income countries.

    Issa Faye, Director General of Global Practice and Partnerships at the Islamic Development Bank noted, “We are committed to catalyzing impactful, sustainable investments that strengthen health systems in low- and middle-income countries. Today’s discussions reaffirmed our shared vision and commitment to scaling up investment in primary health care, ensuring that no country is left behind in achieving universal health coverage and pandemic preparedness.”

    The next Steering Committee meeting will convene on the margins of the Seventy-Eighth World Health Assembly (19–27 May 2025), where progress on Ethiopia’s investment plan and new country engagements will be reviewed.

    Thomas Östros, Vice President at the European Investment Bank and the newly appointed Chair of the Steering Committee emphasized, “The Health Impact Investment Platform is a unique opportunity to bridge the health financing gap and drive sustainable investments where they are most needed. As we look ahead to the next Steering Committee, our focus remains on turning commitments into action. We call on all stakeholders to join us in expanding access to quality primary health care, ensuring that investments today translate into stronger, more resilient health systems for the future.”

    Going forward, the HIIP will deepen engagements with the first wave of applicants and expand support to other interested countries. Eligible countries for the HIIP include low- and middle-income countries which are a country of operation for at least one of the partner Multilateral Development Banks. Governments seeking to strengthen PHC through tailored technical assistance and investment support are invited to express their interest via an email addressed to hiip_secretariat@who.int.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Water cooperation is essential when countries share lakes and rivers – yet it’s been deteriorating in many places, with serious consequences

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Susanne Schmeier, Associate Professor of Water Law and Diplomacy, IHE Delft

    Lake Chad once provided adequate livelihoods for 20 million people in Africa, but it lost 90% of its surface area in 30 years. AP Photo/Christophe Ena

    Just over half the world’s population shares a river or lake basin with at least one other country. To sustainably manage those water resources for the health of people, ecosystems and economies, neighboring countries must work together.

    However, many countries have been less willing to cooperate in recent years, even to protect a resource as vital as freshwater.

    This trend away from multilateralism isn’t unique to water. The world is seeing a decline in the general willingness of countries to jointly solve many interstate, regional and global challenges. It shows as countries, like the U.S., pull out of the global institutions, such as the World Health Organization, and drop their support for global climate goals.

    The breakdown in cooperation can have severe consequences. If one country takes more water than agreed upon, and builds dams or pollutes the water, its neighbors and their people, cities, agriculture, energy production and wildlife can suffer. That can ultimately destabilize local communities, deteriorate relations between countries and endanger regional peace and stability.

    Water flowing into Africa’s Nile River affects several countries. A large dam being built by Ethiopia has led to concerns and disputes in the region.
    AP Photo/Amr Nabil

    We conduct research and work with governments and international organizations on environment and water law, policy and governance. The shift we’re seeing away from multilateral cooperation and rules-based order to more nationalistic tendencies, in which a country prioritizes itself to the detriment of all others, is raising concerns about the future.

    Thousands of years of water cooperation paid off

    More than 4,000 years ago, two Sumerian city-states – Lagash and Umma – were engaged in a fierce war over a strip of fertile land and a canal fed by the Tigris River in what today would be southern Iraq.

    The conflict ended in 2550 B.C. with the first known precursor to an international water treaty. The Mesilim Treaty included payments and agreements on collaborative water use. It didn’t hold the peace permanently, but it created a model that lasted.

    Conflict still occurs over shared waters; however, since the late 1800s, and particularly since the end of World War II, cooperation has been the dominant interaction between countries in the world’s 313 surface water basins, 468 transboundary aquifers and more than 300 transboundary wetlands.

    In Europe, for example, countries have worked together through treaties, data sharing and joint projects to improve water quality, including in the Rhine and Danube rivers.

    Nine countries work closely to protect the health of the Rhine River, which each depends on. In 2018, that cooperation became essential as water levels dropped to levels that interrupted ship travel.
    AP Photo/Martin Meissner

    Having cooperative processes in place also helps when disagreements arise. In Southeast Asia, negotiations and technical exchanges between countries that share the Mekong River have helped to ease tensions over the construction of dams in Laos.

    Unilateralism is rising

    Despite the proven benefits from cooperating over water resources, we’re seeing a troubling trend: Countries are increasingly taking actions that undermine water cooperation.

    Even in the Columbia River Basin, often considered a model of cross-border cooperation, the status of an updated treaty between the U.S. and Canada is in question after the Trump administration paused talks in March 2025.

    Since 1964, the U.S. has paid Canada to control the river’s flow to prevent flooding and to serve U.S. hydropower plants. The updated deal has been agreed to in principle, but is not signed. That’s raising questions about what will happen if the interim agreements expire in 2027 before the new treaty comes into force.

    Another example is in the Zambezi River Basin in southern Africa, where countries increasingly disregard agreements to notify one another before building projects that will affect the water flow. Similar behavior happens in the Nile and Aral Sea regions, among others.

    Ethiopia’s construction of a large hydroelectric damage on the Blue Nile has upset its downstream neighbors.

    As unilateral actions over shared water resources become more frequent, the willingness of governments to enter into agreements and establish joint institutions to guide that cooperation is declining. The rate of establishing multilateral agreements has significantly slowed since the 2010s. Only around 10 agreements have been signed since 2020, and only two joint institutions have been established. A large proportion of basins have no agreements or institutions at all.

    The few recent attempts to establish cooperative mechanisms have stalled or failed. The formal establishment of an organization to manage Lake Kivu and the Ruzizi River basin, shared by Congo, Rwanda and Burundi, was never formally ratified by its member countries. That left the once-promising organization a zombie.

    Even when institutions already exist, some governments are withdrawing from them. But moves made for short-term gain can have long-term repercussions.

    An example involves the Aral Sea, which has shrunk dramatically since the 1960s due to a combination of water demand for cotton crops and climate change drying the region.

    The International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, IFAS, was created in 1993 by five countries to support projects designed to ensure water use remains possible along its rivers. However, in 2016, Kyrgyzstan froze its membership, arguing that the organization wasn’t taking Kyrgyzstan’s national interests into account. Kyrgyzstan contributes about 25% of water flowing into the region. Its frozen participation limits IFAS’ effectiveness.

    The Aral Sea in Central Asia has been shrinking since the 1960s, but dramatically lost water each year over the past two decades. The top left image is from 2000.
    NASA

    Similarly, Egypt and Sudan froze their participation in the Nile Basin Initiative in 2010 over a cooperative agreement that they saw as violating their historical water rights – established in colonial 1929 and 1959 agreements – in favor of governance centered on “equitable water allocations.” While Sudan resumed participation in the Nile Basin Initiative in 2012, Egypt’s participation remains frozen.

    Erosion of multilateralism

    The changes we’re seeing with water agreements and institutions reflect a broader decline in countries’ willingness to address shared problems through multilateral cooperation — a trend that seems to be rapidly increasing.

    In the United States, the Trump administration is pursuing expansionist foreign policies and protectionist trade policies. The administration has also publicly wavered on the U.S. commitment to NATO and announced it was leaving the World Health Organization.

    Argentina also announced it would withdraw from the WHO. Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States, which promotes economic and political cooperation in the region.

    The environment has been particularly affected by this trend. The U.S. move to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement and the difficulty of reaching a global plastics treaty also reflect the growing difficulty in reaching cooperative solutions to benefit future generations.

    Harm to ecosystems, people and countries

    As climate change shrinks freshwater resources, and growing populations lead to overexploitation of water supplies, countries will increasingly need multilateral cooperation to avoid conflict.

    These agreements and institutions provide forums for communication and cooperation. Losing them can lead to less well-governed water resources, declining environmental, economic and health benefits, and increasing conflict.

    Lake Chad is a cautionary example. The Lake Chad Basin Commission was established in 1964 by Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria to oversee its water and other natural resources and coordinate projects related to the lake. But the countries never fully committed to cooperating.

    Since then, the lake has shrunk by around 90%, which has increased poverty by reducing people’s access to vital water resources to support their livelihoods. And that has created optimal conditions for terrorist group Boko Haram’s violent insurgency to succeed in recruiting young men who had limited livelihood options left.

    People collect water from a branch of Lake Chad in Ngouboua, Chad, which has been attacked by the terrorist group Boko Haram. People depend on the lake for water, but it has been shrinking.
    Philippe Desmazes/AFP via Getty Images

    We believe this decline in countries’ commitment to multilateral cooperation should be a wake-up call for everyone. If the world’s most precious resource is not managed cooperatively and sustainably across international boundaries, more than just water is at risk.

    Melissa McCracken has not received funding related to this article.

    Susanne Schmeier does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Water cooperation is essential when countries share lakes and rivers – yet it’s been deteriorating in many places, with serious consequences – https://theconversation.com/water-cooperation-is-essential-when-countries-share-lakes-and-rivers-yet-its-been-deteriorating-in-many-places-with-serious-consequences-251864

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: High soybean prices in Zambia and Malawi may make chicken costly too: lack of competition is to blame

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, Economist and Researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg

    Poultry is one of the cheapest protein sources for the growing population of the east and southern Africa region. That makes soybeans critical to food security in the region, as they are an important input in chicken feed.

    Soybean pricing and production dynamics have been challenging for Zambia and Malawi, threatening poultry production in the region.

    Poultry feed makes up 60%-70% of the total cost of poultry production. Soybean prices directly affect the affordability of poultry and the ability of producers to be competitive. Small-scale independent poultry producers in particular have a hard time because they buy feed from the open market and are too small to determine prices. Large producers source feed from their own operations and determine soybean prices.

    Figure 1: From soybeans to poultry

    Zambia and Malawi are the key soybean producers in east and southern Africa. Both countries were hit hard in 2024 by climate change related weather and by the behaviour of players in the soybean market, including processors and traders.

    Zambia’s soybean production fell by 74% because of poor rains and also because of farmers being squeezed. Large buyers had negotiated very low prices in previous years, so farmers planted less.

    Malawi’s production also fell (20%), but much less than Zambia’s. Yet the surge in soybean prices in Malawi by 48% between May 2024 and November 2024 was out of proportion with the drop in production, and even surpassed Zambian prices (Figure 2). Malawian prices were the highest in the region, even though it produced enough to export.

    We are economists at the African Market Observatory, which monitors prices of staple foods and conducts research on market dynamics. We analyse market concentration and barriers to entry, within and across countries in east and southern Africa, and we do in-depth field work.

    Our work shows that competition issues, such as the ability of large buyers to influence prices and high margins, are at the heart of the surge in prices and low production in Malawi and Zambia. The climate-related weather effects are an additional factor.

    Figure 2: Soybean prices in Zambia, Malawi and South Africa (benchmark) (3-month moving averages)

    Market outcomes

    In Zambia, dominant buyers of soybean offered farmers very low prices during the 2023 season – well below US$400/t and the South African benchmark (Figure 2). This meant that farmers planted less than half the 2023 crop in the 2024 season.

    Crops were also affected by poor rainfall. Malawi’s 2024 production fell by 20% because of the worst drought in 100 years. The drop in production was lower than expected, demonstrating that farmers can adapt to weather changes. Prices still rose, however, driven by the highly concentrated soybean trading and processing market.

    Cheapest source of proteins

    Poultry is one of the cheapest sources of protein and has one of the lowest environmental impacts. It is essential that the value chain works well from feed to chicken rearing and becomes more resilient to extreme weather events.

    The experience of 2024 shows what can go wrong.

    Poultry demand in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to grow more than fourfold by 2050. Producers will need affordable feed.

    Among them are many small-scale independent producers who rely on competitive markets for their inputs. Yet we found that with the escalating soybean and feed prices in Malawi from late 2021, and higher prices for day-old chicks, small independent producers had negative margins, meaning they made a loss in the second half of 2021. High feed prices undermine the competitiveness of Malawi’s poultry industry.

    Aside from South Africa (which relies on genetically modified soybean), Zambia and Malawi have been the largest producers in the region. These countries have been exporting around half of their production (including soycake) to neighbouring countries with larger populations such as Tanzania and Kenya.

    Zambia’s production plummet

    Between 2020 and 2023, Zambia’s soybean production grew from 297,000 tonnes to 650,000 tonnes (Figure 3). In 2024, its production collapsed by 74% to 170,000 tonnes. This sharp decline was primarily due to farmers opting to plant less soybean because of the low prices offered from processors in 2023 (Figure 2). Farmers bought 50% less soybean seed for the 2024 season than the 2023 season.

    Figure 3: Soybean production in Zambia and Malawi

    With limited storage facilities available for farmers in most countries in the region, including Zambia, farmers typically have to sell to traders and processors shortly after harvest.

    In Zambia, soybeans are produced by many small farmers, so they compete to sell their crop to a few main processors in a concentrated market. As a result, these processors have greater power to influence the terms of trade, such as price. This was especially evident in 2023 when processors offered farmers lower prices (Figure 2).

    Poor rainfall linked to the 2023/24 El Niño phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation, which is the warming of the central to eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, causing drought in southern Africa while inducing heavy rainfalls and floods in eastern Africa, did have an impact across southern Africa, including Malawi and Zambia. While Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania recorded above average rainfall, their soybean output is low.

    Resilience to climate change impacts requires deepening and diversifying agriculture production across countries and regional trade to meet demand.

    Soybean prices in Malawi remain high but Zambia’s prices stabilise

    Malawi’s prices increased rapidly to over US$700/tonne in June 2024, surpassing Zambia’s, and continued to rise to almost $900/tonne at the end of the year, far above other countries in the region. The reason couldn’t be reduced production from poor rainfall, because production still exceeded local demand. This happened even as the Malawi government put export restrictions on soybeans (but not soymeal). The price surge raises competition concerns in Malawi, where trading and processing is highly concentrated. In theory, highly concentrated markets are characterised by high prices, due to a lack of price competition.

    By comparison, Zambia’s prices moderated because of imports. In addition, the low soybean prices offered to farmers in 2023 also meant that processors had crushed surplus soybeans, thereby building up soymeal stock. This reduced the demand for soybeans, as did power cuts in Zambia, which limited crushers’ operations.

    Urgent next steps

    Soybean developments over 2024 show the need to consider how competition issues within and across borders can undermine the resilience of regional food markets and hinder the ability of small producers to compete. Zambia is currently conducting a commercial poultry market inquiry. But a regional approach in monitoring markets and tackling anti-competitive conduct is necessary to support poultry production.

    Arthur Khomotso Mahuma works for the African Market Observatory (AMO), an initiative of the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development (CCRED) at the University of Johannesburg. He is also a Competition Expert for the Shamba Centre for Food and Climate which has provided funding for CCRED’s for research on African Food Markets.

    Namhla Landani works for the African Market Observatory (AMO), an initiative of the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development at the University of Johannesburg. The AMO receives funding from the Shamba Centre for Food and Climate for research on African Food Markets.

    – ref. High soybean prices in Zambia and Malawi may make chicken costly too: lack of competition is to blame – https://theconversation.com/high-soybean-prices-in-zambia-and-malawi-may-make-chicken-costly-too-lack-of-competition-is-to-blame-250322

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Surf therapy for children with disabilities: how it’s changing lives in South Africa

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Roxy Davis, Doctor of philosophy, University of Cape Town

    Children with disabilities face significant challenges in South Africa. Firstly there are delayed diagnoses which can lead to complications. The high cost of healthcare and little financial support for their families can limit their access to healthcare services altogether.

    There is also little access to rehabilitation services. Inadequate facilities and a shortage of trained personnel are just some of the obstacles.

    I started thinking about ways to get over these obstacles when I noticed that people with disabilities weren’t well represented in my sport.

    As a competitive surfer and instructor, I had always celebrated the ocean’s ability to inspire confidence and resilience.

    Every day, the beach was alive with activity – surfers, families and ocean lovers. Yet among them, I rarely saw people with disabilities in the water.

    I began to notice that the beachfront itself, the infrastructure, the culture, and even my own surf school, weren’t actively creating space for inclusivity.

    This would eventually become the cornerstone of the Roxy Davis Foundation, established in 2019, and later my doctoral research focusing on ocean-based therapy for children with disabilities.

    I found surf therapy enhanced the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of these children.

    New therapy

    Surf therapy teaches people with disabilities to surf to promote psychological, physical and psychosocial well-being.

    The first peer reviewed publication on surf therapy appeared in 2010 and focused on Aboriginal children in Australia. It was about mitigating the inter-generational trauma suffered as a result of the government-sanctioned removal of Aboriginal children from their families, a policy that only ended in the 1970s.

    In 2020 a review of a 10-year period included 29 studies into war veterans and young adult cancer survivors, among others.

    One such study focused on children with autism spectrum disorder. The study took place in the north-west of Ireland. Children said they felt happier and free, while their parents said they were more relaxed and confident.

    A South African study with children with autism spectrum disorder explored the feasibility and unique benefits of an existing surf therapy programme and reported largely positive results.

    My own research involved an adapted surf therapy programme for children with a range of disabilities.

    Five children aged between 12 and 16 were enrolled. Altogether there were 35 participants including parents, counsellors, volunteers, physiotherapists and surf instructors.

    Four of the five children were from under-resourced communities in South Africa’s Western Cape province and all had either a physical, sensory, intellectual or cognitive impairment.

    None of the children had taken part in ocean sports before.

    Getting into the water

    For six weeks the children took part in a three-hour surf therapy session on a Friday afternoon.

    The first goal was to get the kids in the water. We used mobility mats, surfboards with handles and amphibious beach wheelchairs to help.

    Each child was taught now to surf according to their pace of learning and ability.

    There was also a “surfers’ circle” with a discussion topic for each session.

    After six weeks we conducted follow-up interviews to see what changes the children had experienced, and if these had any influence on their lives outside surfing.

    We also asked parents and counsellors to identify the most significant changes in the children.

    ‘I felt free and confident’

    Final interviews were completed one year later.

    Charlie, aged 12, with cerebral palsy: “If my brothers want to go surfing I don’t have to stay behind and just watch them, I can go surf with them. It is so cool to surf with my dad and my brothers.”

    Charlie’s teacher: “His self-awareness level and how he sees himself in the world has really improved.”

    Tala, aged 15, with cerebal palsy: “Once I started surfing, I felt free and confident. Even in other spaces, when I’m not surfing, like, ‘Yeah I can surf, I can do something like surfing that I didn’t know that I could do before.’ ”

    Tala’s school psychologist: “She went into this feeling very insecure, nervous and anxious. She said she will always remember who she was and how she felt before she went to the programme and how she came out of it … to be able to use that feeling and apply it to a different situation, that’s huge for her.”

    Princess, aged 15, with spina bifida: was determined to “wean” herself off using nappies after gaining confidence through surf therapy.

    Princess’s guardian described her experience as similar to “winning a gold medal … She was more confident in herself than ever. She is off that nappy completely now.”

    Thabo, aged 14, a leg amputee: “Before session one, I was feeling nervous and excited, but as soon as I got in the sea, the nerves disappeared. You look and realise you can actually do that. I feel like I belong in the ocean.”

    After the final session he said: “I can relax, I can be in control of my urges and my temper. I’m now not always thinking about what people think about me. I can be myself in many ways.”

    Rowan, aged 15, a quadruple amputee: “Before I started surfing, I was thinking I can’t do it until I tried it and just being there was like beyond being able to speak in my wildest dreams. I couldn’t believe I could surf in the ocean riding some waves.

    “On my first session, I was like ‘If I can do it, I can do it for the rest of my life’.”

    In his second interview he said: “My goal is to become a national champion and to become a Paralympic champion.”

    One year after the surf therapy programme he entered a provincial parasurfing competition, which he won. He was then selected to participate in the South African Para Surfing Championships in 2022, where he came second. Later that year he was selected to represent South Africa at the World Para Surfing Championships in California. Nineteen months after starting surfing, in December, on his 16th birthday, he competed in the World Championships and was placed 17th.

    Surf therapy demonstrates what’s possible when we focus on ability rather than limitation.

    Roxy Davis is affiliated with the Roxy Davis Foundation.

    – ref. Surf therapy for children with disabilities: how it’s changing lives in South Africa – https://theconversation.com/surf-therapy-for-children-with-disabilities-how-its-changing-lives-in-south-africa-245290

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ethiopia’s war may have ended, but the Tigray crisis hasn’t

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Assefa Leake Gebru, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Strategic Studies , Mekelle University

    For over 20 years, Ethiopia was led by the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front, a coalition of four ethnic-based political parties representing Tigray, Amhara, Oromo, and Southern nations, nationalities and peoples. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front was the most influential party within the coalition. However, in 2018, when the Prosperity Party came into power, the front lost its important role in government.

    On 4 November 2020, the federal government launched an attack on Tigray, terming it a military offensive against political aggression from the Tigrayan front. This sparked a war that lasted two years, and caused severe damage to people and resources. The African Union’s lead mediator in the crisis, Olusegun Obasanjo, estimated about 600,000 civilians were killed. This makes it one of the most destructive conflicts of the 21st century.

    On 2 November 2022, the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front signed a peace deal in South Africa, the Pretoria agreement. More than two years later, however, Tigray still faces immense political and humanitarian challenges. Assefa Leake Gebru, who has studied post-war Tigray, explains what’s happening.

    What’s the current situation in Tigray?

    The 2022-2022 war and its lingering effects have thrown the Tigray region into chaos. People are grappling to get basics like food, water and medicine. The regional economy was devastated by the war. There have been no rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts so far. Humanitarian aid is limited. Imagine if your local grocery store ran out of everything and couldn’t restock – that’s the situation I have witnessed and studied in Tigray, which is affecting millions of residents.

    Additionally, the leaders of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front are now fighting among themselves for power. The division is mainly between two factions: one led by former regional president Debretsion Gebremichael and the other by Getachew Reda, who heads the interim administration.

    In January 2025, leaders of Tigray’s military forces supported calls from the Debretsion faction for new regional leadership. The interim administration opposed this, calling it a soft coup. The federal government considers the political faction led by Debretsion illegitimate. The military leaders’ decision also sparked public protests, with Tigrayans calling for a separation between the military and politics.

    This internal division has weakened the interim administration, which was installed as part of the Pretoria agreement in March 2023.

    Given this situation, the interim administration remains fragile amid serious humanitarian concerns and security threats facing the region. The interim government and dysfunctional law enforcement institutions aren’t strong enough to fix things.



    Read more:
    What is federalism? Why Ethiopia uses this system of government and why it’s not perfect

    Economically, jobs remain scarce. A 2024 survey found a youth unemployment rate of 81%. This situation has been created by economic collapse, asset plunder during the war and the absence of a functioning government.

    Socially, people are stressed and hurting, like a community still reeling from a major fallout. It’s a pile-up of problems that are making life incredibly tough.

    What, exactly, is the Pretoria agreement?

    The Pretoria agreement is an important peace deal between Tigray’s political leaders and the federal government. It was signed in Pretoria, South Africa, on 2 November 2022. The African Union facilitated the peace talks hosted by South Africa.

    The goal of the agreement? End the violence that began in 2020, keep people safe by calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, allow aid like food trucks to roll in, disarm Tigray fighters and set up an interim government to restore order.

    It also aimed to re-establish the Ethiopian government’s control over federal installations in Tigray.

    What has been implemented and what hasn’t?

    There has been some positive progress. The Pretoria agreement established the interim government. Some everyday services are back, like banks reopening and planes flying again. A few Tigray fighters have put down their weapons.

    But here’s where it gets messy. Soldiers from Eritrea – which supported the Ethiopian army in the Tigray war – and militias from another Ethiopian region, Amhara, are still hanging around Tigray, raising security threats. They’re preventing internally displaced persons from going back home.

    The plan to fully disarm Tigrayan fighters hasn’t been completed either. This threatens regional stability, undermines peace efforts and increases the risk of renewed violence.

    What are the implications of not fully executing the Pretoria agreement?

    First, the region’s humanitarian crisis could worsen. An estimated one million displaced people are grappling with high levels of food insecurity, and thousands of schools remain closed. A weak interim government and the continued occupation of parts of Tigray by armed groups has hindered the restoration of services and stifled economic progress.

    Second, the division within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front makes it hard to lead the region under an interim administration. A lack of consensus on power-sharing has hindered effective governance, undermining the intended transitional authority.

    Third, a weak interim government can’t keep civilians safe, which was a pillar of the Pretoria agreement. Economically, the lack of jobs and skyrocketing prices are hitting Tigrayans hard. Socially, everyone’s on edge.

    Finally, there’s a risk of igniting further conflict in the region along the political fault lines between Debretsion and Getachew. There is a high chance of this situation being manipulated by Eritrean forces, who weren’t involved in the negotiations that led to the Pretoria agreement. The fractures in the interim government provide an opportunity for neighbouring Eritrea to support one faction against the other, which could escalate into war between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front has been one of Eritrea’s bitterest enemies. The antagonism between the two led to the 1998-2000 war between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

    If these tensions keep up, Tigray will remain stuck in an awful cycle. The African Union and international community must address these issues to prevent a spiral into further chaos.

    Assefa Leake Gebru does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Ethiopia’s war may have ended, but the Tigray crisis hasn’t – https://theconversation.com/ethiopias-war-may-have-ended-but-the-tigray-crisis-hasnt-251846

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Greenpeace USA demands Congress defend the Constitution

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Greenpeace US Democracy Director Folabi Olagbaj addresses the crowd at at DC rally . © Tim Aubry / Greenpeace

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 18, 2025) –  In response to the unlawful detainment of student activist and U.S. legal permanent resident Mahmoud Khalil, Greenpeace USA has signed on to a letter alongside a coalition of organizations urging Congress to uphold their oath to defend the Constitution. We believe Congress must act now to protect the rights of those they claim to represent, and demand the immediate release of Mr. Khalil from ICE custody. Greenpeace USA Democracy Campaign Director, Dr. Folabi Olagbaju said:

    “In my home country of Nigeria, I have seen climate activists killed for daring to fight for a clean and just future. Like Mr. Khalil, I was also a student activist – one who was forced to watch my fellow classmates be killed for peacefully and nonviolently protesting the military dictatorship. When I came to the United States, I believed its foundation in democracy meant that people could speak out without fear of persecution, detainment, or death. That is no longer the case.

    “The detention of Mahmoud Khalil sends a chilling message that dissent is no longer just being silenced, it is being punished. This is happening as the defenders of our freedom remain silent. As we’ve said before, universities have a responsibility of protection to uphold in regard to their students. Hiding behind statements about an obligation ‘to comply with the law’ holds no merit when those laws are being weaponized to violate constitutional and human rights. It is an egregious dereliction of duty to stand by as this administration attempts to illegally detain and deport a legal permanent resident of the United States.”Greenpeace USA encourages individuals to sign this petition to demand Mr. Khalil’s release and the dismissal of the threats against his legal status.

    Contact: Madison Carter, Greenpeace USA Senior Communications Specialist, [email protected]

    Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Participation in Singapore Defence Technology Summit 2025

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport

    From 18 to 20 March 2025, a delegation from the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse led by Deputy National Armaments Director Thomas Rothacher will attend the “Singapore Defence Technology Summit 2025”. The conference will raise the topic of how modern defence technologies and partnerships can contribute to overcoming the challenges of an uncertain future. In addition, Ng Chad-Son, Director of the Singaporean Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), will sign the Memorandum of Understanding on the increased defence technology cooperation between Switzerland and Singapore, which the Federal Council approved on 14 March.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: GUU invites winners and prize winners of the Hi-Tech Breakthrough Tournament to the award ceremony

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    The award ceremony will take place at the Open Day at the Information Technology Center of the State University of Management on March 23, 2025. It will start at 12:00.

    The All-Russian scientific and practical tournament “Hi-Tech Breakthrough” started in the fall and was held in three stages. Its results were summed up last week. 180 participants from Russia, Tunisia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Mali, Afghanistan, Iran, the Philippines, Sudan, Israel, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Congo, Turkmenistan, India, Vietnam and other countries demonstrated their talents in marketing.

    Based on the results of the final, foreign citizens who showed the best results were recommended for admission to the Master’s program “High-Tech Marketing” of the Institute of Marketing within the quota approved by the Government. This year it was 60 places.

    The finalists of the Tournament among Russians will also receive a pleasant bonus – additional points await them when they enter the “High-Tech Marketing” program.

    Congratulations to the winners, we wish them successful admission to the Master’s program and a great career in marketing! And we are waiting for everyone who wants to try their hand at the Tournament of the next season, which starts on November 1.

    Subscribe to the tg channel “Our State University” Announcement date: 03/18/2025

    Дне открытых дверей в Центре информационных технологий ГУУ 23 марта 2025 года. Начало в 12.00….” data-yashareImage=”https://guu.ru/wp-content/uploads/Хай-тек-прорыв-2024-1.jpg” data-yashareLink=”https://guu.ru/%d0%b3%d1%83%d1%83-%d0%bf%d1%80%d0%b8%d0%b3%d0%bb%d0%b0%d1%88%d0%b0%d0%b5%d1%82-%d0%bf%d0%be%d0%b1%d0%b5%d0%b4%d0%b8%d1%82%d0%b5%d0%bb%d0%b5%d0%b9-%d0%b8-%d0%bf%d1%80%d0%b8%d0%b7%d1%91%d1%80%d0%be/”>

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivers a keynote address at the United Nations University.

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivers a keynote address at the United Nations University under the theme “South Africa’s G20 Presidency: Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability – a Conversation with Japan.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euSBZuihwG0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya’s welcome address at the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention.

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya delivers a welcome address at the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QELJ8NADdYo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Fashion as a part of culture. Experts on the IV Moscow Fashion Week

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The IV Moscow Fashion Week is ending in the Central Exhibition Hall “Manezh”, which brought together Russian and foreign designers, students of specialized universities and other representatives of the industry. During the event, a professional showroom was opened, a market of Russian designers was held, and fashion shows took place.

    This is an important event not only in the fashion industry, but also in the cultural life of the city: the week also included the World Fashion Shorts short film festival and an extensive educational program.

    Member of the Moscow Fashion Week expert council, president of the Russian Association of Fashion Industry Participants Tatyana Belkevich noted that this time the designers approached participation with a greater understanding of the expert group’s requirements. This was facilitated by the holding of thematic lectures and the experience of past fashion weeks, where the current participants gained a lot of useful knowledge and understood how to properly present their brands on the catwalk.

    “Now we can safely say that we have an industry not just of clothing and fashion production, which is tuned to the end consumer, but also a design industry. This is very clearly visible and can be seen in many collections. Those brands that were just starting out last fashion week have shown themselves very well this season. Experience is growing enormously. The demand for Russian brands is also growing. According to research, in 2024, 73 percent of consumers chose Russian brands with both their hearts and wallets,” said Tatyana Belkevich.

    One of the participants of the opening of the IV Moscow Fashion Week was the brand of designer Igor Andreev. In the new collection, he focused on the modern Russian style, demonstrating a commitment to the folk, original and local. The public was presented with many knitted whole products or elements built into images. The podium itself was decorated with structures in the form of Russian window frames.

    “Young designers are very actively exploiting the Russian cultural code in their works,” added Tatyana Belkevich. “This is wonderful, because it is really in our blood and it should be used. Famous designers, of course, also use ethnicity, some elements of the cultural code in their collections, but very carefully, very precisely, not like the youth, who have not yet taken flight and really want to make accents.”

    Every year, lectures popularizing the Russian fashion industry and talking about the interaction of domestic designers, artists, models and industry specialists with great fashion houses are held as part of the fashion week. According to the curator of the Moscow Fashion Week lecture hall, fashion expert Anna Rykova, the lectures are designed for a wide range of listeners with the aim of popularizing the topic of fashion. Experts talk about the industry as a whole – as a large cultural layer not only in Russia, but also in the world, about how fashion influences people’s tastes and preferences, how it shapes business, reflects cultural, political and economic events, and reacts to various changes. The program includes lectures on the mark that domestic designers and artists have left on world fashion, national costumes and crafts.

    “I think that Moscow has probably acquired its own stylistic face recently. Moscow remains less a city associated with strong luxury and more with individuality. It is generally accepted that we have a capital and a cultural capital, St. Petersburg. I think that any capital is cultural and directly connected with fashion. Fashion is connected with culture, culture is connected with fashion – these are two components that are absolutely impossible to separate at the moment. Therefore, culture is fashionable,” says Anna Rykova.

    More than 180 brands (including over 100 from the capital) from 27 regions of Russia, including Moscow, Ivanovo, Leningrad, Nizhny Novgorod, Tambov and Tyumen regions, Krasnodar and Primorsky Krai, the republics of Buryatia, Dagestan, Komi, Sakha (Yakutia) and Tatarstan, are taking part in Moscow Fashion Week. Designers from China, Indonesia, South Africa, Turkey, India and other countries are also presenting their collections to a wide audience.

    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 access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/151454073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Reserve Bank of India and Bank of Mauritius Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Promote Use of Local Currencies for Bilateral Transactions

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Bank of Mauritius (BOM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for establishing a framework to promote the use of local currencies, viz., the Indian Rupee (INR) and the Mauritian Rupee (MUR) for cross-border transactions. The MoU was signed by the Governor, Reserve Bank of India, Shri Sanjay Malhotra and the Governor, Bank of Mauritius, Dr. Rama Krishna Sithanen G.C.S.K. The MoU documents were exchanged in Port Louis, Mauritius in the presence of the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi and the Honourable Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

    2. The MoU aims to promote the use of INR and MUR in bilateral trade. The MoU covers all current account transactions and permissible capital account transactions as agreed upon by both the countries. This framework would enable exporters and importers to invoice and pay in their respective domestic currencies, which in turn, would enable the development of a market in the INR-MUR pair. Use of local currencies would optimise costs and settlement time for transactions.

    3. This collaboration marks a key milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation between RBI and BOM. Use of local currencies in bilateral transactions will eventually contribute to promoting trade between India and Mauritius as well as deepen financial integration and strengthen the historical, cultural, and economic relations between India and Mauritius.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2404

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: BOBC Auction Results – 18 March 2025

    Source: Bank of Botswana

    The Monetary Policy Rate (MoPR) was unchanged at 1.9 percent of the previous week, for a paper maturing on 26 March 2025. The summarised results of the auction held on 18 March 2025, are attached below:

    BOBC Auction Results – 18 March 2025_0.pdf

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MEASURES TO PREVENT DRUG ABUSE AND COMBAT ILLEGAL DRUG TRADE

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Home Affairs

    MEASURES TO PREVENT DRUG ABUSE AND COMBAT ILLEGAL DRUG TRADE

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 3:26PM by PIB Delhi

    To address the problem of Drug Abuse, Government has formulated and implemented the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) under which the Government is taking a sustained and coordinated action for arresting the problem of substance abuse. This includes:

    1. Launched Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) in all districts of the country through more than 10000 master volunteers. It has reached out to more-than 14.79 crore people including 4.96 crore youth and 2.97 crore women.
    2. 350 Integrated Rehabilitation Centers for Addicts (IRCAs) are supported by the Government to provide treatment for the drug victims, preventive education, awareness generation, motivational counseling, detoxification/de-addiction, after care and re-integration into the social mainstream.
    3. 46 Community based Peer led Intervention (CPLI) Centers supported by the Government focuses on vulnerable and at risk children and adolescents.
    4. 74 Outreach and Drop In Centers (ODICs) supported by the Government provide safe and secure space for treatment, rehabilitation, screening, assessment, counseling, referral, linkage for treatment and rehabilitation services for substance users.
    5. 142 Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) has been established in Government hospitals through All India Institute of Medical science (AIIMS), New Delhi.
    6. 124 District De-addiction Centres (DDACs) which provides all three facilities provided by IRCA, ODIC and CPLI under one roof have been set up so far.
    7. A Toll-free Helpline for de-addiction, 14446 is operated for providing primary counseling and immediate assistance to persons seeking help.
    8. Government through its autonomous body National Institute of Social Defense (NISD) and other collaborating agencies like State Counsel of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, etc. provides for regular awareness generation and sensitization sessions for all stakeholders including students, teachers, parents.
    9. Navchetna Modules, teachers training modules have been developed by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) for sensitizing students (6th – 11th standard), teachers and parents on drug dependence, related coping strategies and life skills.

    As per latest data published by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) pertaining to the year 2022; Drug-wise seizures under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act during 2018 to 2022 is at Annexure-I.

    The Government made various efforts to tackle the illegal drug trade in border areas, some of which are as under: –

    1. A 4-tier Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism for ensuring better coordination between Central & State Drug Law Enforcement Agencies and other stakeholders in the field of controlling drug trafficking and drug abuse in India has been established. An all-in-one NCORD portal has been developed for information related to drug law enforcement.
    2. A dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) headed by Additional Director General/ Inspector General level Police Officer has been established in each State/ Union Territory to function as the NCORD Secretariat for the State/ Union Territory and follow-up on compliance of decisions taken in NCORD meetings at different levels.
    3. To monitor the investigation of important and significant seizures, a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) under the Chairmanship of Director General, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has been set up.
    4. National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been empowered under NDPS Act, 1985 in the year 2020 for investigation of narco-terrorism cases.
    5. Border Guarding Forces (Border Security Force, Assam Rifles and Sashastra Seema Bal) have been empowered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 to carry out search, seizure and arrest for illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs at international border. Further, Railway Protection Force (RPF) has also been empowered under NDPS Act to check drug trafficking along the railway routes.
    6. Narcotics Control Bureau coordinates with other agencies like, Navy, Coast Guard, Border Security Force, State ANTF, etc. to conduct joint operations to control the drug trafficking.
    7. A high level dedicated group has been created in National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in November 2022 to analyze the drug trafficking through maritime routes, challenges and solutions (Maritime Security Group – NSCS).
    8. Director General Level Talks are organized with neighboring and other countries such as Myanmar, Iran, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Singapore, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, etc. to resolve various issues on drug trafficking having international implications.
    1. As a part of international co-operation, India has signed Bilateral Agreements with 27 countries, Memorandum of Understanding with 16 countries and Agreements on Security Cooperation with 02 countries for combating illicit trafficking of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) and Chemical Precursors as well as related offences.
    2. India is closely associated with International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and all its programs viz. PEN (Pre-Export Notification), PICS (Precursors Incident Communication System), and IONICS (International Operations on New Psychoactive Substances Incident Communication System).
    3. Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) co-ordinates with various international organizations such as South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation- Drug Offences Monitoring Desk (SAARC-SDOMD), Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa  (BRICS), Colombo Plan, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD), Bay of Bengal Initiative For Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Co-Operation  (BIMSTEC), Shanghai Cooperation Organization  (SCO), United   Nations  Office   on   Drugs  and  Crime (UNODC),

    International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), etc. for sharing information and intelligence to combat trans-national drug trafficking.

    1. NCB India takes part in real-time information sharing with various Drug Liaison Officers of other countries such as the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) of the United States of America, the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) of Canada, Australian Federal Police (AFP) of Australia, Office Anti-Stupefiants (OFAST) of France, etc for operational and intelligence information.

    This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

    *****

    RK/VV/ASH/RR/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2112236)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Experience the Ultimate in Music, Tech, and Entertainment at the 2025 Galaxy KDay Music Festival

    Source: Samsung

    The wait is almost over! One of the premier events on the entertainment calendar, the Galaxy KDay Music Festival is set to take place on Saturday, 5 April 2025 at the beautiful Meerendal Wine Estate in Cape Town. Once again, Samsung is proud to be the headline sponsor, in partnership with Primedia’s Cape Town-based Kfm 94.5, bringing you an unforgettable day of music, fun, and cutting-edge technology.
     
    The highly anticipated annual event brings together the Mother City’s music lovers, tech enthusiasts, and families for an action-packed, fun-filled day with great music, awesome company and the chance to discover the latest in Samsung’s tech innovation.
     
    “We’re thrilled to be part of Galaxy KDay yet again, where we bring together world-class entertainment and cutting-edge technology for our fun-loving consumers. As a brand committed to enhancing everyday life, this event gives us the perfect platform to share our latest innovations, like the Galaxy S25, with the vibrant KDay community. Whether you’re there for the good music, the great food, or discovering the future of tech, we’re proud to be part of this incredible experience that promises to create lasting memories for everyone in attendance,” says Kgomotso Mosiane, Head of Marketing: Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics South Africa.
     
    A Day for the Whole Family
    Galaxy KDay is more than just a music festival—it’s an immersive experience for everyone! Enjoy world-class live performances, delicious food, and a vibrant festival atmosphere in the stunning setting of Meerendal Wine Estate. Whether you’re there for the music or to discover how the Galaxy S25 can elevate your day-to-day life, there’s something for everyone.
     

     
    This year’s festival promises to elevate your experience like never before. Festival-goers will have the exclusive chance to discover first-hand, the Galaxy S25 series, the latest in mobile innovation, and witness the seamless fusion of ultimate tech and entertainment. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 is designed to transform the way you connect, work, and entertain yourself, and this year’s festival will bring it to life in an exciting, hands-on environment.
     
    The Galaxy S25 series is setting a new standard as a true AI companion with the most natural and context-aware mobile experiences. There will be a specially erected booth showcasing the phone’s advanced features, from its powerful AI-driven tools to its stunning design and accessories. With its multimodal capabilities, the Galaxy S25 makes everyday tasks extraordinary, offering smooth transitions with seamless actions across apps.
     
    Electrifying Artist Line-Up
    The 2025 Galaxy KDay Music Festival is bringing a diverse mix of top-tier South African talent to the stage. This year’s confirmed artist line-up includes legendary band, The Parlotones, the iconic Youngsta CPT, the soulful Appel, and the dynamic Karen Zoid. Stay tuned as more artists will be announced soon, ensuring an unforgettable day of music that’ll have you dancing from start to finish.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English rendering of PM’s address in the Lok Sabha on Mahakumbh

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 1:05PM by PIB Delhi

    Hon’ble Mr Speaker Sir,  

    I am present here to deliver a statement on the grand Mahakumbh held in Prayagraj. Through this esteemed House, I extend my salutations to the millions of countrymen whose contributions made the Mahakumbh a grand success. Many individuals played a crucial role in ensuring the success of Mahakumbh. I congratulate the government, society, and all dedicated workers. I also extend my gratitude to the devotees from across the country, the people of Uttar Pradesh, and especially the citizens of Prayagraj.  

    Mr. Speaker Sir,  

    We all know that bringing the sacred Ganga to Earth required an extraordinary effort. A similar grand effort was witnessed in the magnificent organisation of this Mahakumbh. I had emphasized the importance of ‘Sabka Prayas’ from the Red Fort. The entire world witnessed the vastness of Bharat through the Mahakumbh. This is the true embodiment of ‘Sabka Prayas’. This Mahakumbh was a people’s event, inspired by the devotion and dedication of the masses.

    Hon’ble Mr Speaker Sir,

    We have witnessed the awakening of our national consciousness on a magnificent scale in the grand Mahakumbh. This national consciousness is what drives our country toward new resolutions and inspires us to achieve them. The Mahakumbh has also provided a fitting response to the doubts and uncertainties that some may have had regarding our collective strength.

    Mr. Speaker Sir,  

    Last year, during the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, we all experienced how the nation is preparing itself for the next 1,000 years. Just a year later, the successful organization of the Mahakumbh has further reinforced this belief. This collective consciousness of the nation reflects its immense strength. Throughout history, there have been defining moments that become examples for generations to come. Our nation, too, has witnessed such moments that have given it a new direction and awakened its people. During the Bhakti movement, we saw a spiritual awakening spread across the country. More than a century ago, when Swami Vivekananda delivered his speech in Chicago, it was a resounding declaration of Bharat’s spiritual consciousness, instilling a deep sense of self-respect among Indians. Similarly, our freedom struggle was marked by several such turning points—the Revolt of 1857, the martyrdom of Veer Bhagat Singh, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s clarion call of “Delhi Chalo,” and Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March. These events inspired the nation and paved the way for independence. I see the Prayagraj Mahakumbh as another such defining moment, where we can see the reflection of an awakened nation.

    Mr. Speaker Sir,

    We witnessed the enthusiasm and spirit of the Mahakumbh in Bharat for nearly a month and a half. Millions of devotees gathered with deep faith, rising above concerns of convenience or hardship. This unwavering devotion is one of our greatest strengths. But this joy and fervour were not confined to Bharat alone. Last week, I was in Mauritius, where I carried sacred water from the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh. When this holy water was offered at the Ganga pond in Mauritius, the atmosphere of devotion, faith, and celebration was truly remarkable. This moment reaffirmed how our traditions, culture, and values are being embraced and celebrated with great intensity.

    Mr. Speaker Sir,

    I also see how seamlessly our cultural values are being passed down from generation to generation. Look at our modern youth today—how deeply they are connecting with the Mahakumbh and other traditional festivals. The young generation of Bharat is proudly embracing its heritage, faith, and traditions with immense pride and devotion.

    Mr. Speaker Sir,

    When a society takes pride in its heritage, we witness grand and inspiring moments like those seen during the Mahakumbh. This strengthens our sense of brotherhood and builds confidence that, as a nation, we can achieve great milestones. The deep connection with our traditions, faith, and legacy is a priceless asset for today’s Bharat.

    Mr. Speaker Sir,

    The Mahakumbh has given us many invaluable lessons, and one of its greatest gifts is the nectar of unity. It was an event where people from every region, every corner of the country, came together as one. Shedding personal egos, they embraced the spirit of वयम (the collective We), rather than मैं (the individual I). People from diverse states became a part of the sacred Triveni. When millions of people from different regions strengthen the spirit of nationalism, the unity of our country grows even stronger. When people speaking various languages chant ‘Har Har Gange’ on the banks of the Sangam, it manifests the essence of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and strengthens unity. The Mahakumbh demonstrated that there was no distinction between big and small—it reflected Bharat’s immense strength. It reaffirmed that the profound element of unity is deeply ingrained within us. The power of our unity is so great that it can overcome any attempt to divide us. This unwavering spirit of oneness is a blessing for every Indian. At a time when the world is witnessing fragmentation, this grand display of solidarity is our greatest strength. Unity in diversity has always been Bharat’s defining trait—we have always believed in it, felt it, and we experienced its most magnificent form in Prayagraj’s Mahakumbh. It is our responsibility to continue nurturing and strengthening this unique legacy of unity amidst diversity.

    Mr. Speaker Sir,

    The Mahakumbh has also provided us with numerous inspirations. Our country is home to many small and large rivers, some of which are facing serious challenges. Drawing inspiration from the Kumbh, we should consider expanding the tradition of ‘Nadi Utsav’ (River Festivals). This initiative would help the present generation understand the importance of water, promote river cleanliness, and contribute to the preservation of our rivers.

    Mr. Speaker Sir,

    I firmly believe that the nectar of wisdom gained from the Mahakumbh will serve as a strong foundation for achieving our national resolutions. Once again, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved in organizing the Mahakumbh. I bow to all the devotees across the country and convey my best wishes on behalf of this esteemed House.

     

    DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses Lok Sabha on successful conclusion of Maha Kumbh

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses Lok Sabha on successful conclusion of Maha Kumbh

    I bow to the citizens, whose efforts led to the successful organisation of the Maha Kumbh: PM

    Many people have contributed to the success of the Maha Kumbh, I compliment all the Karmayogis of the Government and society: PM

    We have witnessed a ‘Maha Prayas’ in the organisation of the Maha Kumbh: PM

    This Maha Kumbh was led by the people, driven by their resolve and inspired by their unwavering devotion: PM

    Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is a significant milestone that reflects the spirit of an awakened nation: PM

    Maha Kumbh has strengthened the spirit of unity: PM

    In the Maha Kumbh, all differences faded away; this is India’s great strength, showing that the spirit of unity is deeply rooted within us: PM

    The spirit of connecting with faith and heritage is the greatest asset of today’s India: PM

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 1:21PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha today on the successful conclusion of the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. He extended his heartfelt salutations to the countless citizens of the nation, whose efforts ensured the grand success of the Mahakumbh. Highlighting the collective contributions of various individuals and groups in making the Mahakumbh a success, he acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of the government, society, and all dedicated workers involved. Shri Modi expressed his gratitude to devotees from across the country, with special mention of the people of Uttar Pradesh and, in particular, the citizens of Prayagraj, for their invaluable support and participation.

    Underlining the immense efforts required for the grand organization of the Mahakumbh, comparing it to the legendary Bhagirath’s endeavor to bring the Ganga to Earth, Shri Modi mentioned about his emphasis on the importance of “Sabka Prayas” during his address from the Red Fort. He noted that the Mahakumbh showcased India’s grandeur to the world. “Mahakumbh is a manifestation of the collective resolve, devotion, and dedication of the people, inspired by their unwavering faith”, he added.

    The Prime Minister remarked on the profound awakening of national consciousness witnessed during the Mahakumbh, highlighting how this consciousness propels the nation towards new resolutions and inspires their fulfillment. He emphasized that the Mahakumbh effectively addressed doubts and apprehensions held by some regarding the nation’s capabilities.

    Highlighting the transformative journey of the nation, drawing a parallel between the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya last year and the Mahakumbh this year, Shri Modi remarked that these events reinforce the nation’s readiness for the next millennium. He emphasized that the collective consciousness of the nation reflects its immense potential. He noted that pivotal moments in a nation’s history, much like in human history, serve as examples for generations to come. Shri Modi reflected on India’s historical milestones that awakened the nation and provided new direction, citing the spiritual resurgence during the Swadeshi movement, Swami Vivekananda’s iconic speech in Chicago, and key moments in India’s freedom struggle, such as the 1857 uprising, Bhagat Singh’s martyrdom, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s “Delhi Chalo” call, and Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March. “Prayagraj Mahakumbh is a similarly significant milestone, symbolizing the awakened spirit of the nation”, he added.

    Underscoring the vibrant enthusiasm witnessed during the Mahakumbh in India, which lasted for nearly one and a half months, the Prime Minister highlighted how crores of devotees, rising above concerns of convenience or inconvenience, participated with unwavering faith, showcasing the nation’s immense strength. Citing his recent visit to Mauritius, where he carried sacred water from Triveni, Prayagraj, collected during the Mahakumbh, Prime Minister mentioned the profound atmosphere of devotion and celebration when the holy water was offered at Mauritius’ Ganga Talao. He emphasized that this reflects the growing spirit of embracing, celebrating, and preserving India’s traditions, culture, and values.

    Shri Modi remarked on the seamless continuation of traditions across generations, highlighting how the modern youth of India have actively participated in the Mahakumbh and other festivals with deep devotion. He emphasized that today’s youth are embracing their traditions, faith, and beliefs with pride, reflecting a strong connection to India’s cultural heritage.

    “When a society takes pride in its heritage, it creates grand and inspiring moments, as witnessed during the Mahakumbh”, said Shri Modi, emphasising that such pride fosters unity and strengthens the confidence to achieve significant national goals. He highlighted that the connection to traditions, faith, and heritage is a valuable asset for contemporary India, reflecting the nation’s collective strength and cultural richness.

    Stressing that the Mahakumbh has yielded many invaluable outcomes, with the spirit of unity being its most sacred offering, the Prime Minister highlighted how people from every region and corner of the country came together in Prayagraj, setting aside individual egos and embracing the collective spirit of “we” over “I.” He emphasized that individuals from various states became part of the sacred Triveni, strengthening the sense of nationalism and unity. He noted that when people speaking different languages and dialects chanted “Har Har Gange” at the Sangam, it reflected the essence of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” and enhanced the spirit of oneness. Shri Modi observed that the Mahakumbh demonstrated the absence of discrimination between the small and the great, showcasing India’s immense strength. He remarked that the inherent unity within the nation is so profound that it overcomes all divisive efforts. He highlighted that this unity is a great fortune for Indians and a significant strength in a world facing fragmentation. He reiterated that “unity in diversity” is India’s hallmark, a sentiment consistently felt and experienced, as exemplified by the grandeur of the Prayagraj Mahakumbh. He urged the nation to continue enriching this unique characteristic of unity in diversity.

    Speaking about the numerous inspirations drawn from the Mahakumbh, Shri Modi highlighted the vast network of rivers in the country, many of which are facing challenges. He stressed the need to expand the tradition of river festivals, inspired by the Mahakumbh, adding that such initiatives would help the current generation understand the importance of water, promote river cleanliness, and ensure the protection of rivers.

    The Prime Minister concluded by expressing confidence that the inspirations drawn from the Mahakumbh will serve as a strong medium for achieving the nation’s resolutions. He appreciated every individual involved in organizing the Mahakumbh and extended his salutations to all devotees across the country and conveyed his best wishes on behalf of the House.

     

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2112144) Visitor Counter : 6

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: A.P.T.C. SAMOA GRADUATION 2025 – 27th February 2025.

    Source: Government of Western Samoa

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    KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Honourable Seuula Ioane Tuāau Minister for Education and Culture.

    Acknowledgments

    • Reverend Dr Taipisia Leilua

    • Your Excellency William Robinson, Australia High Commissioner to Samoa;

    • Vice Chancellor of the National University of Samoa;

    • Commissioners and Chief Executive Officers of APTC partners;

    • Chief Executive Officers of Government Agencies and Non-Government Organizations; and Principal of TVET institutions;

    • Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) Samoa and Tonga Country Director, Lagaaia Lealiifano Easter Manila Silipa and staff;

    • APTC Graduands 2025;

    • Esteemed guests, ladies and gentlemen

    Introduction

    Tālofa lava and a pleasant good morning to you all.

    On behalf of the Samoan Government, it gives me a great privilege to be here to deliver the keynote address at today’s graduation ceremony.

    Congratulations and Acknowledgements

    Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of the 89 Samoan women and men on achieving a significant milestone by graduating today.

    The Samoan Government acknowledges and appreciates your hard work and resilience in completing your Australian qualifications and we are proud of your accomplishments.

    Today, you will be conferred with Australian qualifications in seven (7) different vocational programs: drainage, plumbing services, skills for work and vocational pathways, commercial cookery, light vehicle mechanical technology, tourism, and wall and floor tiling.

    To our graduands, as your Minister for Education and Culture, I wish to convey the Government’s sincere congratulations on your achievements.

    Malo le finau! Malo le fai o le faiva!

    Gender Equality

    I am proud to announce that forty (40) of today’s graduates are women who have successfully completed their TVET programs. Notably, ten (10) of these remarkable women have excelled in traditionally male-dominated fields such as drainage and plumbing. Your achievements serve as a powerful testament to your hard work, dedication, breaking barriers and paving the way for future women and girls of Samoa.

    Government Support

    The Government of Samoa is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the Australian Government’s support through APTC, which offers access bursaries for our Samoan people, providing opportunities for them to pursue Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). This supports the priorities of the Samoa Education Sector Plan 2019-2024, including inclusive education and TVET. It also supports the priorities of the Government of Samoa’s disability-inclusive development goals, as outlined in the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities 2021-2031.

    Today we also recognise the 24 graduates from the various government agencies who have partnered with APTC Samoa. These dedicated individuals from the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Samoa Water Authority, and the Land Transport Authority have successfully completed the Certificate II in Drainage qualification. This signifies the positive impact of APTC’s support in our community.

    Partnerships

    The Samoan Government acknowledges the Australian Government and APTC for their partnership and support to other various government agencies and NGOs including the Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services, Electric Power Corporation, Lakapi Samoa, Nuanua ole Alofa, Samoa Faafine Association, National Youth Council of Samoa and more. Your commitment to enhancing productivity, reducing unemployment, and building stronger communities in Samoa is truly commendable.

    It is great to see a growing number of our people leveraging these skills for improved livelihoods. The Government of Samoa stands committed to working alongside the Australian Government to ensure that our skills training aligns with industry needs, leading to robust employment outcomes for all Samoans. This collaboration has yielded impressive results, with over 3390 Samoans graduating with Australian qualifications since 2007.

    I would like to also highlight APTC’s collaboration with the Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA) in bolstering Samoan qualifications and expanding our workforce’s global competitiveness, especially in high-demand fields, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the global market.

    Additionally, APTC’s partnership with the National University of Samoa (NUS) which has been ongoing since 2007, ensures that our training programs are relevant and of high quality. Together, APTC and NUS have developed and accredited various programs and have provided numerous capability development opportunities for students as well as staff.

    I acknowledge and sincerely thank the Australian Government for its unwavering support and collaboration with the Samoa Education sector and TVET organisations through APTC, which has been crucial in nurturing and shaping Samoa’s future.

    Concluding Remarks

    To all our graduates, congratulations once again!

    I am confident that APTC has provided you with the skills and qualifications necessary to become invaluable contributors to Samoa’s expanding workforce. You now join a network of over 25,850 APTC Alumni across the region, and I eagerly look forward to your contributions to the national growth of Samoa.

    For those of you who have trained away from home at other APTC campuses, your dedication to learning sets a powerful example for future generations.

    As TVET role models, you now have the power to transform society’s perception of this valuable pathway to fulfilling careers. Remember, your learning journey does not end here. Continue to grow, both personally and professionally, to contribute to the betterment of Samoa.

    Well done to all the graduates! May you achieve great success in all your future endeavours.

    Faafetai tele lava. Soifua ma ia manuia.

    BACKGROUND OF THE AUSTRALIA PACIFIC TRAINING COALITION

    A centre of training excellence, the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) helps Pacific Island and Timorese citizens gain Australian skills and qualifications for a wide range of vocational careers.

    Over 25,860 Pacific Island and Timorese citizens have graduated with Australian qualifications from APTC campuses in Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste. These qualifications range from accredited short courses to diploma level training for various vocational areas, including automotive, manufacturing, construction, electrical, tourism, hospitality, education, management, health and community services.

    These graduates have returned to industry and implemented a range of new skills, with over 90% of employers of APTC graduates reporting their significant contribution to improving workplace productivity.

    APTC collaborates with regional governments, industry and training providers to develop a more skilled, inclusive and productive workforce aligned with domestic and international labour market requirements, to enhance Pacific prosperity.

    APTC’s end-of-program outcomes are:

    1. APTC and partner graduates have improved employment outcomes

    2. Co-investment in skills training increases

    3. Selected TVET partners demonstrate quality TVET provision

    A.P.T.C. is an Australian Government initiative in partnership with the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

    APTC is implemented by TAFE Queensland (RTO 0275).

    Thank you.

    Photo by the Government of Samoa (Leota Marc Membrere)

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: THE FFS FIRST WOMEN CAMPAIGN IN SAVAII PROVED TO BE A SIGNIFICANT SUCCESS. 27th February 2025.

    Source: Government of Western Samoa

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    [PRESS RELEASE]- Over 100 women from various Government schools in the Faasaleleaga district came together to participate in the Football Federation Samoa (FFS) Women’s Campaign held in Iva, Savaii, on a vibrant Wednesday afternoon.

    This marked the inaugural occasion for the program in Savaii, thoughtfully organized by Women’s Football Manager Nadia Malifa and her dedicated Women Coordinator, Ms. Sila Lelevaga. The event drew not only enthusiastic girls but also supportive teachers, all gathered to encourage their students and children while engaging in an array of enjoyable activities.

    The first leg of this empowering Women’s Campaign Program was successfully held in Upolu the previous year, employing a similar approach of inviting women from select government schools to join in the festivities.

    “Overall, the program in Savaii was a joyful experience that flowed seamlessly. The girls had a fantastic time, forging new friendships and opportunities to connect with peers from different schools,” Ms. Malifa shared, To create a sense of unity and excitement, the organizers provided vibrant orange uniforms—reflecting the event’s spirited theme—alongside an abundance of delicious food and fresh fruit.

    Nadia and Sila expressed heartfelt gratitude to each participating school for their unwavering support, emphasizing that the success of the program would not have been achievable without their collaboration and encouragement.

    END.

    SOURCE – Football Federation Samoa

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The Israel-Hamas ceasefire didn’t resolve any deep-seated issues. Now, it’s shattered

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Marika Sosnowski, Postdoctoral research fellow, The University of Melbourne

    When a ceasefire in the war between Hamas and Israel finally came into effect on January 19, the world breathed a collective sigh of relief.

    However, that ceasefire agreement, and its associated negotiations, have now been cast aside by new Israeli attacks on Gaza.

    A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the strikes came after Hamas’ “repeated refusals” to “release our hostages”, and the group’s rejection of all proposals presented by US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.

    Even before Israel cut off all humanitarian aid and electricity to Gaza in the past two weeks, Hamas claimed it had not met the levels of humanitarian aid, shelter and fuel it agreed to provide in the terms of the ceasefire. However, this is a distraction from a larger issue.

    This ceasefire was always more like a strangle contract than a negotiated agreement between equal parties. Israel, as the party with far greater military and political power, has always had the upper hand.

    And while the first phase of the ceasefire, which lasted 42 days, saw the successful release of 33 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for nearly 1,800 Palestinian prisoners, the ceasefire also enabled Israel to use it for its own political and military ends.

    Buying time

    The most common conventional concern about ceasefires is that the parties to a conflict will use them for their own ends.

    Typically, the worry is that non-state armed groups, such as Hamas, will use the halt in violence to buy time to regroup, rearm and rebuild their strength to continue fighting.

    But states such as Israel have this ability, too. Even though they have standing armies that might not need to regroup and rearm in the same way, states can use this time to manoeuvre in the international arena – a space largely denied to non-state actors.

    Trump’s rise to power in the US has seemingly given the Israeli government carte blanche to proceed in ways that were arguably off limits to previous US presidents who were also largely supportive of Israel’s actions.

    This includes the plan of forcing Gaza’s population out of the strip. This plan was raised earlier in the war by Trump advisor Jared Kushner and Israeli officials as a supposed humanitarian initiative.

    Trump has now repeated the call to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan – or possibly other parts of Africa – and for the US to take “ownership” of the coastal strip and turn it into the “Riviera of the Middle East”.

    On the face of it, this plan would be a war crime. But even if it is never fully implemented, the fact it is being promoted by Trump after many years of domestic Israeli and international opprobrium shows how political ideas once thought unacceptable can take on a life of their own.

    Political and military maneouvering

    Israel has also used the ceasefire to pursue larger political and military goals in Gaza, the West Bank, southern Lebanon and Syria.

    Even though the ceasefire did reduce overall levels of violence in Gaza, Israel has continued to carry out attacks on targets in the strip.

    It has also escalated the construction of settlements and carried out increasingly violent operations in the West Bank. In addition, there have been egregious attacks on Palestinian residents in Israel.

    And though nearly 1,800 Palestinian prisoners were released during the ceasefire, Israel was holding more than 9,600 Palestinians in detention on “security grounds” at the end of 2024. Thousands more Palestinians are being held by Israel in administrative detention, which means without trial or charge.

    During the ceasefire, Israel also accelerated efforts to evict the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, from its headquarters in East Jerusalem. And the Israeli government has also proposed increasingly draconian laws aimed at restraining the work of Israeli human rights organisations.

    On the military front, the ceasefire arguably alleviated some pressure on Israel, giving it time to consolidate its territorial and security gains against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and in Syria.

    In the past two months, two deadlines for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon passed. Israel has instead proposed establishing a buffer zone on Lebanese territory and has begun destroying villages, uprooting olive trees and building semi-permanent outposts along the border.

    In a speech in February, Netanyahu also demanded the “complete demilitarisation of southern Syria” following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. And Defence Minister Israel Katz said this month Israel would keep its troops in southern Syria to “protect” residents from any threats from the new Syrian regime.

    Be careful what you wish for

    While Palestinians are known for their sumud – usually translated as steadfastness or tenacity – there is a limit to what humans can endure. The war, and subsequent ceasefires, have created a situation in which Gazans may have to put the survival and wellbeing of themselves and their families above their desire to stay in Palestine.

    There is a general assumption that ceasefires are positive and humanitarian in nature. But ceasefires are not panaceas. In reality, they are a least-worst option for stopping the violence of war for often just a brief period.

    A ceasefire was never going to be the solution to the decades-old conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Instead, it has turned out to be part of the problem.

    Marika Sosnowski does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The Israel-Hamas ceasefire didn’t resolve any deep-seated issues. Now, it’s shattered – https://theconversation.com/the-israel-hamas-ceasefire-didnt-resolve-any-deep-seated-issues-now-its-shattered-249944

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Israel-Hamas ceasefire didn’t resolve any deep-seated issues. Now, it’s shattered

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marika Sosnowski, Postdoctoral research fellow, The University of Melbourne

    When a ceasefire in the war between Hamas and Israel finally came into effect on January 19, the world breathed a collective sigh of relief.

    However, that ceasefire agreement, and its associated negotiations, have now been cast aside by new Israeli attacks on Gaza.

    A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the strikes came after Hamas’ “repeated refusals” to “release our hostages”, and the group’s rejection of all proposals presented by US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.

    Even before Israel cut off all humanitarian aid and electricity to Gaza in the past two weeks, Hamas claimed it had not met the levels of humanitarian aid, shelter and fuel it agreed to provide in the terms of the ceasefire. However, this is a distraction from a larger issue.

    This ceasefire was always more like a strangle contract than a negotiated agreement between equal parties. Israel, as the party with far greater military and political power, has always had the upper hand.

    And while the first phase of the ceasefire, which lasted 42 days, saw the successful release of 33 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for nearly 1,800 Palestinian prisoners, the ceasefire also enabled Israel to use it for its own political and military ends.

    Buying time

    The most common conventional concern about ceasefires is that the parties to a conflict will use them for their own ends.

    Typically, the worry is that non-state armed groups, such as Hamas, will use the halt in violence to buy time to regroup, rearm and rebuild their strength to continue fighting.

    But states such as Israel have this ability, too. Even though they have standing armies that might not need to regroup and rearm in the same way, states can use this time to manoeuvre in the international arena – a space largely denied to non-state actors.

    Trump’s rise to power in the US has seemingly given the Israeli government carte blanche to proceed in ways that were arguably off limits to previous US presidents who were also largely supportive of Israel’s actions.

    This includes the plan of forcing Gaza’s population out of the strip. This plan was raised earlier in the war by Trump advisor Jared Kushner and Israeli officials as a supposed humanitarian initiative.

    Trump has now repeated the call to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan – or possibly other parts of Africa – and for the US to take “ownership” of the coastal strip and turn it into the “Riviera of the Middle East”.

    On the face of it, this plan would be a war crime. But even if it is never fully implemented, the fact it is being promoted by Trump after many years of domestic Israeli and international opprobrium shows how political ideas once thought unacceptable can take on a life of their own.

    Political and military maneouvering

    Israel has also used the ceasefire to pursue larger political and military goals in Gaza, the West Bank, southern Lebanon and Syria.

    Even though the ceasefire did reduce overall levels of violence in Gaza, Israel has continued to carry out attacks on targets in the strip.

    It has also escalated the construction of settlements and carried out increasingly violent operations in the West Bank. In addition, there have been egregious attacks on Palestinian residents in Israel.

    And though nearly 1,800 Palestinian prisoners were released during the ceasefire, Israel was holding more than 9,600 Palestinians in detention on “security grounds” at the end of 2024. Thousands more Palestinians are being held by Israel in administrative detention, which means without trial or charge.

    During the ceasefire, Israel also accelerated efforts to evict the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, from its headquarters in East Jerusalem. And the Israeli government has also proposed increasingly draconian laws aimed at restraining the work of Israeli human rights organisations.

    On the military front, the ceasefire arguably alleviated some pressure on Israel, giving it time to consolidate its territorial and security gains against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and in Syria.

    In the past two months, two deadlines for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon passed. Israel has instead proposed establishing a buffer zone on Lebanese territory and has begun destroying villages, uprooting olive trees and building semi-permanent outposts along the border.

    In a speech in February, Netanyahu also demanded the “complete demilitarisation of southern Syria” following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. And Defence Minister Israel Katz said this month Israel would keep its troops in southern Syria to “protect” residents from any threats from the new Syrian regime.

    Be careful what you wish for

    While Palestinians are known for their sumud – usually translated as steadfastness or tenacity – there is a limit to what humans can endure. The war, and subsequent ceasefires, have created a situation in which Gazans may have to put the survival and wellbeing of themselves and their families above their desire to stay in Palestine.

    There is a general assumption that ceasefires are positive and humanitarian in nature. But ceasefires are not panaceas. In reality, they are a least-worst option for stopping the violence of war for often just a brief period.

    A ceasefire was never going to be the solution to the decades-old conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Instead, it has turned out to be part of the problem.

    The Conversation

    Marika Sosnowski does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The Israel-Hamas ceasefire didn’t resolve any deep-seated issues. Now, it’s shattered – https://theconversation.com/the-israel-hamas-ceasefire-didnt-resolve-any-deep-seated-issues-now-its-shattered-249944

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Catholic priest calls PNG’s Christian state declaration ‘cosmetic’ change

    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist

    Papua New Guinea being declared a Christian nation may offer the impression that the country will improve, but it is only “an illusion”, according to a Catholic priest in the country.

    Last week, the PNG Parliament amended the nation’s constitution, introducing a declaration in its preamble: “(We) acknowledge and declare God, the Father; Jesus Christ, the Son; and Holy Spirit, as our Creator and Sustainer of the entire universe and the source of our powers and authorities, delegated to the people and all persons within the geographical jurisdiction of Papua New Guinea.”

    In addition, Christianity will now be reflected in the Fifth Goal of the Constitution, and the Bible will be recognised as a national symbol.

    Father Giorgio Licini of Caritas PNG said that the Catholic Church would have preferred no constitutional change.

    “To create, nowadays, in the 21st century a Christian confessional state seems a little bit anachronistic,” Father Licini said.

    He believes it is a “cosmetic” change that “will not have a real impact” on the lives of the people.

    “PNG society will remain basically what it is,” he said.

    An ‘illusion that things will improve’
    “This manoeuvre may offer the impression or the illusion that things will improve for the country, that the way of behaving, the economic situation, the culture may become more solid. But that is an illusion.”

    He said the preamble of the 1975 Constitution already acknowledged the Christian heritage.

    Father Licini said secular cultures and values were scaring many in PNG, including the recognition and increasing acceptance of the rainbow community.

    “They see themselves as next to Indonesia, which is Muslim, they see themselves next to Australia and New Zealand, which are increasingly secular countries, the Pacific heritage is fading, so the question is, who are we?” he said.

    “It looks like a Christian heritage and tradition and values and the churches, they offer an opportunity to ground on them a cultural identity.”

    Village market near a Christian church building in Papua New Guinea . . . secular cultures and values scaring many in PNG. Image: 123rf

    Prime Minister James Marape, a vocal advocate for the amendment, is happy about the outcome.

    He said it “reflects, in the highest form” the role Christian churches had played in the development of the country.

    Not an operational law
    RNZ Pacific’s PNG correspondent Scott Waide said that Marape had maintained it was not an operational law.

    “It is something that is rather symbolic and something that will hopefully unite Papua New Guinea under a common goal of sorts. That’s been the narrative that’s come out from the Prime Minister’s Office,” Waide said.

    He said the vast majority of people in the country had identified as Christian, but it was not written into the constitution.

    Waide said the founding fathers were aware of the negative implications of declaring the nation a Christian state during the decolonisation period.

    “I think in their wisdom they chose to very carefully state that Papua New Guineans are spiritual people but stopped short of actually declaring Papua New Guinea a Christian country.”

    He said that, unlike Fiji, which has had a 200-year experience with different religions, the first mosque in PNG opened in the 1980s.

    “It is not as diverse as you would see in other countries. Personally, I have seen instances of religious violence largely based on ignorance.

    “Not because they are politically driven, but because people are not educated enough to understand the differences in religions and the need to coexist.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Israel-Hamas ceasefire failed to resolve many deep-seated issues. Now, it appears to be shattered

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marika Sosnowski, Postdoctoral research fellow, The University of Melbourne

    When a ceasefire in the war between Hamas and Israel finally came into effect on January 19, the world breathed a collective sigh of relief.

    However, that ceasefire agreement, and its associated negotiations, have now been cast aside by new Israeli attacks on Gaza.

    A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the strikes came after Hamas’ “repeated refusals” to “release our hostages”, and the group’s rejection of all proposals presented by US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.

    Even before Israel cut off all humanitarian aid and electricity to Gaza in the past two weeks, Hamas claimed it had not met the levels of humanitarian aid, shelter and fuel it agreed to provide in the terms of the ceasefire. However, this is a distraction from a larger issue.

    This ceasefire was always more like a strangle contract than a negotiated agreement between equal parties. Israel, as the party with far greater military and political power, has always had the upper hand.

    And while the first phase of the ceasefire, which lasted 42 days, saw the successful release of 33 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for nearly 1,800 Palestinian prisoners, the ceasefire also enabled Israel to use it for its own political and military ends.

    Buying time

    The most common conventional concern about ceasefires is that the parties to a conflict will use them for their own ends.

    Typically, the worry is that non-state armed groups, such as Hamas, will use the halt in violence to buy time to regroup, rearm and rebuild their strength to continue fighting.

    But states such as Israel have this ability, too. Even though they have standing armies that might not need to regroup and rearm in the same way, states can use this time to manoeuvre in the international arena – a space largely denied to non-state actors.

    Trump’s rise to power in the US has seemingly given the Israeli government carte blanche to proceed in ways that were arguably off limits to previous US presidents who were also largely supportive of Israel’s actions.

    This includes the plan of forcing Gaza’s population out of the strip. This plan was raised earlier in the war by Trump advisor Jared Kushner and Israeli officials as a supposed humanitarian initiative.

    Trump has now repeated the call to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan – or possibly other parts of Africa – and for the US to take “ownership” of the coastal strip and turn it into the “Riviera of the Middle East”.

    On the face of it, this plan would be a war crime. But even if it is never fully implemented, the fact it is being promoted by Trump after many years of domestic Israeli and international opprobrium shows how political ideas once thought unacceptable can take on a life of their own.

    Political and military maneouvering

    Israel has also used the ceasefire to pursue larger political and military goals in Gaza, the West Bank, southern Lebanon and Syria.

    Even though the ceasefire did reduce overall levels of violence in Gaza, Israel has continued to carry out attacks on targets in the strip.

    It has also escalated the construction of settlements and carried out increasingly violent operations in the West Bank. In addition, there have been egregious attacks on Palestinian residents in Israel.

    And though nearly 1,800 Palestinian prisoners were released during the ceasefire, Israel was holding more than 9,600 Palestinians in detention on “security grounds” at the end of 2024. Thousands more Palestinians are being held by Israel in administrative detention, which means without trial or charge.

    During the ceasefire, Israel also accelerated efforts to evict the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, from its headquarters in East Jerusalem. And the Israeli government has also proposed increasingly draconian laws aimed at restraining the work of Israeli human rights organisations.

    On the military front, the ceasefire arguably alleviated some pressure on Israel, giving it time to consolidate its territorial and security gains against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and in Syria.

    In the past two months, two deadlines for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon passed. Israel has instead proposed establishing a buffer zone on Lebanese territory and has begun destroying villages, uprooting olive trees and building semi-permanent outposts along the border.

    In a speech in February, Netanyahu also demanded the “complete demilitarisation of southern Syria” following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. And Defence Minister Israel Katz said this month Israel would keep its troops in southern Syria to “protect” residents from any threats from the new Syrian regime.

    Be careful what you wish for

    While Palestinians are known for their sumud – usually translated as steadfastness or tenacity – there is a limit to what humans can endure. The war, and subsequent ceasefires, have created a situation in which Gazans may have to put the survival and wellbeing of themselves and their families above their desire to stay in Palestine.

    There is a general assumption that ceasefires are positive and humanitarian in nature. But ceasefires are not panaceas. In reality, they are a least-worst option for stopping the violence of war for often just a brief period.

    A ceasefire was never going to be the solution to the decades-old conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Instead, it has turned out to be part of the problem.

    Marika Sosnowski does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The Israel-Hamas ceasefire failed to resolve many deep-seated issues. Now, it appears to be shattered – https://theconversation.com/the-israel-hamas-ceasefire-failed-to-resolve-many-deep-seated-issues-now-it-appears-to-be-shattered-249944

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Israel-Hamas ceasefire didn’t resolve any deep-seated issues. Now, it appears to be shattered

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marika Sosnowski, Postdoctoral research fellow, The University of Melbourne

    When a ceasefire in the war between Hamas and Israel finally came into effect on January 19, the world breathed a collective sigh of relief.

    However, that ceasefire agreement, and its associated negotiations, have now been cast aside by new Israeli attacks on Gaza.

    A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the strikes came after Hamas’ “repeated refusals” to “release our hostages”, and the group’s rejection of all proposals presented by US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.

    Even before Israel cut off all humanitarian aid and electricity to Gaza in the past two weeks, Hamas claimed it had not met the levels of humanitarian aid, shelter and fuel it agreed to provide in the terms of the ceasefire. However, this is a distraction from a larger issue.

    This ceasefire was always more like a strangle contract than a negotiated agreement between equal parties. Israel, as the party with far greater military and political power, has always had the upper hand.

    And while the first phase of the ceasefire, which lasted 42 days, saw the successful release of 33 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for nearly 1,800 Palestinian prisoners, the ceasefire also enabled Israel to use it for its own political and military ends.

    Buying time

    The most common conventional concern about ceasefires is that the parties to a conflict will use them for their own ends.

    Typically, the worry is that non-state armed groups, such as Hamas, will use the halt in violence to buy time to regroup, rearm and rebuild their strength to continue fighting.

    But states such as Israel have this ability, too. Even though they have standing armies that might not need to regroup and rearm in the same way, states can use this time to manoeuvre in the international arena – a space largely denied to non-state actors.

    Trump’s rise to power in the US has seemingly given the Israeli government carte blanche to proceed in ways that were arguably off limits to previous US presidents who were also largely supportive of Israel’s actions.

    This includes the plan of forcing Gaza’s population out of the strip. This plan was raised earlier in the war by Trump advisor Jared Kushner and Israeli officials as a supposed humanitarian initiative.

    Trump has now repeated the call to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan – or possibly other parts of Africa – and for the US to take “ownership” of the coastal strip and turn it into the “Riviera of the Middle East”.

    On the face of it, this plan would be a war crime. But even if it is never fully implemented, the fact it is being promoted by Trump after many years of domestic Israeli and international opprobrium shows how political ideas once thought unacceptable can take on a life of their own.

    Political and military maneouvering

    Israel has also used the ceasefire to pursue larger political and military goals in Gaza, the West Bank, southern Lebanon and Syria.

    Even though the ceasefire did reduce overall levels of violence in Gaza, Israel has continued to carry out attacks on targets in the strip.

    It has also escalated the construction of settlements and carried out increasingly violent operations in the West Bank. In addition, there have been egregious attacks on Palestinian residents in Israel.

    And though nearly 1,800 Palestinian prisoners were released during the ceasefire, Israel was holding more than 9,600 Palestinians in detention on “security grounds” at the end of 2024. Thousands more Palestinians are being held by Israel in administrative detention, which means without trial or charge.

    During the ceasefire, Israel also accelerated efforts to evict the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, from its headquarters in East Jerusalem. And the Israeli government has also proposed increasingly draconian laws aimed at restraining the work of Israeli human rights organisations.

    On the military front, the ceasefire arguably alleviated some pressure on Israel, giving it time to consolidate its territorial and security gains against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and in Syria.

    In the past two months, two deadlines for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon passed. Israel has instead proposed establishing a buffer zone on Lebanese territory and has begun destroying villages, uprooting olive trees and building semi-permanent outposts along the border.

    In a speech in February, Netanyahu also demanded the “complete demilitarisation of southern Syria” following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. And Defence Minister Israel Katz said this month Israel would keep its troops in southern Syria to “protect” residents from any threats from the new Syrian regime.

    Be careful what you wish for

    While Palestinians are known for their sumud – usually translated as steadfastness or tenacity – there is a limit to what humans can endure. The war, and subsequent ceasefires, have created a situation in which Gazans may have to put the survival and wellbeing of themselves and their families above their desire to stay in Palestine.

    There is a general assumption that ceasefires are positive and humanitarian in nature. But ceasefires are not panaceas. In reality, they are a least-worst option for stopping the violence of war for often just a brief period.

    A ceasefire was never going to be the solution to the decades-old conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Instead, it has turned out to be part of the problem.

    Marika Sosnowski does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The Israel-Hamas ceasefire didn’t resolve any deep-seated issues. Now, it appears to be shattered – https://theconversation.com/the-israel-hamas-ceasefire-didnt-resolve-any-deep-seated-issues-now-it-appears-to-be-shattered-249944

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Business News ‘Politics & Business’ breakfast

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Acknowledgements omitted

    I always enjoy the perspective of Western Australia and Perth which reflect your economic position and your geographic position, so close to Southeast Asia and so engaged with the regional economies.

    I know the business community thinks deeply about what it means to protect and promote Australia’s interests in an increasingly uncertain world.

    I know you think deeply about how we shore up Australia’s prosperity despite that uncertainty. I don,t need to tell this room, Western Australia is vital to that prosperity: when you succeed, the whole country prospers.

    That success includes WA resources, metals, critical minerals and rare earths but it also includes WA manufacturers and workers, your universities, research and technology, which are all globally prized.

    So what’s my role as Foreign Minister? Amongst other things and importantly, it is to help create opportunities, and promote and protect Australia’s interests as a reliable exporter of choice in an increasingly competitive international environment.

    Our foreign policy helps build and maintain the strategic conditions that enable our stability and prosperity.

    And you have to say that is a task that is not getting any easier.

    Each day, our assumptions are being tested.

    We live in a world of increasing strategic surprise. We live in a world that is ever more uncertain and unpredictable.

    We see the devastating human toll of conflicts including in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan.

    Malign actors continue to engage in sabotage and terrorism.

    Bullies threaten to use nuclear weapons, and authoritarianism is spreading.

    Some countries are shifting alignment, high global inflation continues to put pressure on working people.

    And institutions that we helped build are being eroded and rules that we helped write are being challenged.

    These factors compound threats and risks in our own region from a changing climate, military buildup without transparency, and disruption of trade – as well as the risks inherent in great power competition.

    I recently released the 2025 Snapshot of Australia in the World, a summary of our foreign policy strategy, priorities and policy achievements.

    What it clearly shows is that even though we face a time of growing uncertainty, Australia is well-placed to protect our security, our stability and our prosperity.

    But that is only if we continue to build our disciplined focus on our region, because it is here where our interests are most at stake; if we invest not only in traditional but also in more diverse relationships; and if we work with partners to uphold international rules that protect us all.

    We have to apply ourselves to these tasks with ambition and calm, consistent and disciplined engagement.

    This is the approach the Albanese Government is taking with the United States.

    President Trump’s America First agenda envisages a very different role for America in the world, and that is what the American people have chosen.

    President Trump campaigned on change and none of us should try to minimise the implications of this change.

    And over the first seven weeks of the Trump Administration we have seen how broad those implications are around the world.

    Mindful of the scale of this change involving our most important strategic partner, there has been extensive engagement across senior levels of the Albanese Government.

    In addition to our relentless Ambassador in Washington, the Prime Minister has had two productive phone calls with the President.

    I had the honour of being the first Australian Foreign Minister ever to be invited to attend a Presidential Inauguration, and I was able to put the case for Australia to the Secretary of State Marco Rubio on his first day in office.

    The Deputy Prime Minister was Secretary Hegseth’s first international counterpart to meet with him following his confirmation.

    The Treasurer has made an early connection with his counterpart, US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent.

    And our Trade and Tourism Minister has also been engaging with his counterparts.

    In those interactions we make the point that the US enjoys a two-to-one trade surplus with Australia and has since the Truman Presidency.

    We make the point that US exports to Australia face no tariffs.

    And that our trade and investment relationship is important for US industry and jobs. Half of Australia’s exports are inputs into US manufacturing and construction. And of course, we are a top 10 investor in the United States.

    And given the pool of funds under management in Australia’s superannuation sector that can only grow.

    Nevertheless, last week we saw that the second Trump administration has hardened its position in favour of tariffs as a centrepiece of its economic policy.

    And whereas the first Trump administration exempted 36 countries from steel tariffs and 32 countries from aluminium tariffs, this time not one single country has been exempted.

    Not Australia. Not Japan. Not anyone.

    And the degree of a country’s engagement has not changed the outcome.

    Indeed, the administration has been clear that the exemptions granted in its first term were a mistake.

    Our response to the Trump administration’s imposition of tariffs on Australia has been firm and it has been clear.

    As the Prime Minister has said, these measures are “entirely unjustified”.

    And “it is against the spirit of our two nations, enduring friendship and fundamentally at odds with the benefits our economic partnership has delivered over more than 70 years.”

    Steel and aluminium exports to the US represent 0.18 per cent of Australia’s total exports in 2023.

    We will continue to press the case for all Australian exporters, including steel and aluminium.

    We will continue to have advocate for the existing economy-wide access commitments under the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement. They should be maintained.

    And we will also keep making the case for the many opportunities Australia has to offer.

    After the US announced their position, Peter Dutton said he would “do a deal” and “there’s no question about that”.

    Given not one leader of the 36 countries that got a deal last time got a deal this time, Australians are right to be incredulous about that claim.

    And they,re rightly concerned Peter Dutton would do a deal at any cost.

    Unlike Mr Dutton, we are not going to give away the farm – and we don,t have to.

    We will always put the interests of Australian industries and workers first.

    Remember, these tariffs do not necessarily mean that Americans won,t keep buying Australian products.

    And many nations want our exports. This state understands that possibly more than any part of Australia.

    We have a strong track record of supporting our exporters diversify their export markets, and regardless of what happens with US tariffs, that is a priority we will continue to pursue.

    One of the priorities I have brought to this job has been a focus on Southeast Asia, in part because of where I,m from originally, but in part because of my firm belief that ASEAN and the countries of Southeast Asia are critical to our next generation’s stability and prosperity.

    So just to our north, Indonesia stands as a major and growing power in our region and beyond.

    The world’s third largest democracy, projected to become the world’s fifth largest economy.

    So deepening our economic engagement with Indonesia is of enormous value to Australia, and part of our broader effort to diversify our economy, especially through Southeast Asia.

    Now we have our work cut out. When we came to government, Australian direct investment in Southeast Asia was lower than it was in 2014.

    Over this period, while international investment in the region had grown apace, Australia’s investment in it had gone backwards, both in relative and absolute terms.

    And by 2040, Southeast Asia is predicted to be the world’s fourth-largest economy after the United States, China and India.

    Australia’s trade and investment has simply not kept pace – and we need to turn this around.

    Australia has been central to the north Asian economic growth story, so we must be to the Southeast Asian economic growth story.

    That’s why we appointed Nicholas Moore AO as Australia’s Special Envoy to Southeast Asia and charged him with developing a Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

    In the almost 18 months since its launch, we have made tangible progress.

    We have now implemented a number of initiatives responding to its recommendations, including new deal teams to identify and facilitate Australian investment in the region.

    New landing pads in Jakarta and Ho Chi Minh City, in addition to the existing hub in Singapore, to help our tech companies scale up.

    Business and investment missions, including three to Singapore, one of which was our largest ever outbound investment mission by value, representing a combined $2.5 trillion of assets under management.

    Improved visa access for businesspeople from the region and the establishment of the ASEAN-Australia Centre because we have to continue to build Southeast Asia literacy and enhance business and cultural ties.

    It’s no accident that Austrade had their best ever client results in Southeast Asia in 2024, with over $1 billion in commercial outcomes.

    We all need to play our part in diversification.

    Complacency, or business as usual, risks compromising our influence today and our prosperity tomorrow.

    Nobody today could claim they don,t understand the risk of putting too many eggs in one market.

    As you know, China’s growth has been a crucial driver of Australia’s prosperity and the world’s prosperity – and we know this has never been straightforward for business.

    Especially during the last term of government, when China’s doors were closed to many of our exports.

    Since the Albanese Government was elected you have seen a concerted effort to restore dialogue and stabilise the relationship with our largest trading partner.

    We pressed China to lift impediments on more than $20 billion of Australian exports – barley, wine, coal, timber logs, cotton, beef, hay and copper ores, concentrates, and lobsters.

    The final impediments on lobster were lifted in late December, and we have seen in just the first month of the crayfish trade resuming into China, sales have already reached $118 million.

    We know how important that is to Western Australia. In 2023-24, China received 56 per cent of exports from this state. And what we want is grow opportunities for our great exporters – both into China and elsewhere across our region.

    The China relationship will continue to face challenges.

    You see, the term stabilisation has never meant there would be no problems.

    It has always meant we should be able to engage directly with China in order to manage differences and problems that are inevitable – without these problems derailing our ability to talk to each other – as we saw in the past.

    And that is what we will keep doing – and it is what the Australian people expect of us, your government – to engage confidently, calmly and consistently, protecting our sovereignty and advancing our interests.

    We have seen in recent weeks that the same people who had no regard for the consequences for Australian exporters and jobs are at it again – trying to turn China into an election issue, with inflammatory language.

    This country, as you all know, built our prosperity in great part because we are a trading nation.

    A great trading nation has to grapple with a world where trade can be a vulnerability as well as an opportunity.

    And the whole country, all of us, government, business, the workforce – we have to manage these risks together.

    We can’t imagine the challenges away nor can we put other countries, interests ahead of ours.

    What we can do is recognise our challenges in the world are growing.

    That our interests are most at stake in our region.

    And that we must not just invest in our traditional relationships but also in diversified relationships.

    And if we do these things, we can be confident that together as Australians we can meet these challenges, and keep building a better future.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese tech firm completes 2nd phase of digital connectivity project for 21 Kenyan schools

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese technology firm Huawei has completed the second phase of a digital connectivity project targeting 21 primary schools in Kenya to boost learning outcomes among pupils, according to a statement issued on Monday.

    Through a partnership with the Kenyan government and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Huawei has supported the rollout of high-speed Internet connectivity in Kenyan schools, following its long-term digital inclusion initiative, TECH4ALL.

    Steven Zhang, deputy chief executive officer for public affairs at Huawei Kenya, said connectivity has improved the quality of learning in local schools, besides enabling head teachers to easily access management systems online.

    “Connectivity in the classroom is making learning more interesting, fun, and effective,” Zhang was quoted as saying, adding that access to high-speed internet is improving access to education resources online, whether videos, curriculum, or experts, and in schools catering for special educational needs, connectivity is helping experts to provide assessment and rehabilitation services remotely.

    Phase one of the Huawei-supported DigiSchool project connected 13 schools to high-speed Internet, benefiting 6,000 students and teachers, with a thorough evaluation finding that 98 percent of learners admitted that connectivity met their educational needs, according to Huawei.

    In addition, 84 percent of students said the Internet makes learning more exciting, while 71 percent said online resources make complex ideas easier to understand.

    John Tanui, principal secretary in the State Department for ICT and Digital Economy, said the second phase of Kenya DigiSchool Connectivity Project, which also covered six schools for children with special needs, aligns with the government’s quest to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive growth.

    Louise Haxthausen, director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, said partnerships are key to boosting access to high-speed Internet in schools, ensuring that children and youth have access to equitable and quality education.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pacific – Intensive two-week training by FWCC on Gender, Violence Against Women and Girls, Human Rights, and Counsellor Training starts in Cook Islands

    Source: Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre

    17th March 2025, Cook Islands – An intensive two-week training program by the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre on Gender, Violence Against Women and Girls, Human Rights, and Counsellor Training is started today in the Cook Islands in collaboration with the Punanga Turuturu Itivaine, Cook Islands Women’s Support Centre.

    This training is being facilitated by a team led by Coordinator Shamima Ali who says the objective is to help participants identify specific types of violence against women and girls, as well as the cause and contributing factors.

    “Additionally, participants will learn to recognize the consequences of such violence on women and girls, their family members, and the broader community,’ she adds.

    “The training will also explore response and prevention actions that can be taken to eliminate violence against women. Moreover, sessions on Counselling Skills will ensure a survivor-centered approach, and support using a rights-based approach,”

    FWCC’s relationship with the Cook Islands and Punanga Turuturu Itivaine dates back to the first meeting of the Pacific Women’s Network Against Violence Against Women in 1992.

    When the Pacific Women’s Network was created, there were only two centres addressing violence against women: FWCC in Fiji and Punanga Tauturu (as it was known at the time) in Cook Islands. Now the Network brings together organisations from over 10 Pacific countries.

    “So, we were invited to go to the Cook Islands in 1996 after the first regional meeting in 1992” said Shamima who is also the Chair of the Pacific Women’s Network Against Violence Against Women.

    “We were invited by the Cook Islands to strengthen Punanga Tauturu at that time and do the training. We also did a male advocacy in the 2000s. Cook Islands was one of the first countries second to Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu,”

    She says they are very excited that the relationship with Punanga Turuturu Itivaine has been ongoing.

    “Even after a lull, the request has come through, and that also shows the trust that people who work in this area around the region have in the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre,’ adds Shamima.

    A comprehensive and holistic training module has been developed by FWCC and is used in various training packages locally and regionally with relevant adaptations.

    FWCC has been supported by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for more than three decades.

    About  Pacific Women’s Network Against Violence Against Women

    The regional Pacific Women’s Network Against Violence Against Women (PWNAVAW) has been a catalyst and leadership incubator for most work on sexual and gender-based violence in the region since the 1990s using a rights-based approach. Today, it operates in over 10 Pacific countries and advocates, trains, innovates and sets standards on the prevention and response to gender-based violence, with the Secretariat based at the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC). This is a clear example of the many ways that Pacific feminists have built the road we walk on.
     
    In 1992, FWCC facilitated and hosted the first Pacific Regional Meeting on Violence Against Women in Suva comprising of feminists from 15 Pacific Island countries. The inaugural meeting led to the establishment of the PWNAVAW.
     
    Since its establishment, the PWNAVAW, recognised as the leading network on ending violence against women and girls in the region, has brought together decades of collective expertise, networks and knowledge on ending violence against women and girls in the region, to support the efforts of Pacific governments, national, regional and international CSO and NGO networks and development partners to lift, build and maintain the quality and standards for gender-based violence and counselling services across the Pacific region.
     
    It has served as a support mechanism for women in the Pacific who are working in gender-based violence and human rights. This, in turn, is reflected in the emergence of many counselling centres in the Pacific region including in Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
     
    Collectively since 1992, the Pacific Women’s Network Against Violence Against Women (PWNAVAW) has had a membership of 129 organisations in over 10 countries across the Pacific.

    PWNAVAW which is deeply rooted in the principles of feminism, women’s human rights, gender equality and the elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls has also pioneered response and prevention approaches in engaging men.

    FWCC’s regional presence

    FWCC is a pivotal regional player. It has been provided with Australian aid resources to auspice similar organisations in Tonga and Vanuatu. In 1992, FWCC helped found the Pacific Women’s Network Against Violence Against Women. It continues to act as the Secretariat for this Network and organises its conferences. The Centre undertakes training both across the region and within Fiji. Since 1995, the Centre has offered a four-week regional training twice a year on gender-based violence awareness, prevention and response strategies. This program has trained over 1,000 participants from 15 countries.  FWCC also runs specialised training programs. It began police training in 1995 and now trains police not only from Fiji but from other Pacific countries.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Bangladesh, Yemen & other topics – Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:

    – Secretary-General/Geneva
    – Bangladesh
    – Yemen
    – Yemen – Humanitarian
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – Syria/Brussels Conference
    – Lebanon/Security Council
    – Ukraine
    – Sudan
    – Central African Republic
    – Resident Coordinator – Equatorial Guinea

    BANGLADESH
    The Secretary-General wrapped up his visit to Bangladesh on Saturday by talking to the press and saying that, as Bangladesh undergoes a significant transition under the leadership of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, he recognizes the people’s hopes for a future of greater democracy, justice, and prosperity. He said that the UN stands ready to assist in fostering peace, national dialogue, trust and healing.
    The Secretary-General warned that with the announced cuts in financial assistance, we are facing the dramatic risk of having only 40 per cent in 2025 of the resources available for humanitarian aid in 2024. This would have terrible consequences, starting with the drastic reduction of food rations.
    That would be an unmitigated disaster, he said. People would suffer and people would die. More funding is absolutely essential to guarantee the minimum support to the Rohingya population in Bangladesh.

    YEMEN
    The UN has expressed its concern on Sunday at the launching of multiple strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen by the United States in recent days. According to the Houthis, the airstrikes resulted in 53 deaths and 101 injuries, reported from Sana’a City, Sa’ada and Al Baydah governorates, including reports of civilian casualties, and led to disruptions in the power supply in nearby localities.
    The UN is also concerned about the continued threats by the Houthis to resume their attacks targeting merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, as well as about their reported attacks against military vessels in the area.
    The UN calls for utmost restraint and a cessation of all military activities. Any additional escalation could exacerbate regional tensions, fuel cycles of retaliation that may further destabilize Yemen and the region and pose grave risks to the already dire humanitarian situation in the country.
    The UN emphasizes that international law, including international humanitarian law as applicable, must be respected by all parties at all times.
    The UN underscores that UN Security Council resolution 2768 (2025) related to Houthi attacks against merchant and commercial vessels, must be fully respected.

    YEMEN – HUMANITARIAN
    Over the last couple of days, the UN Special Envoy, Hans Grundberg, has been in close contact with Yemeni, regional and international stakeholders. He has called for utmost restraint and adherence to international humanitarian law, and he has pushed for a refocus on diplomacy to avoid uncontrollable destabilization in Yemen and in the region. Further contacts are held by his office on numerous levels.
    The Envoy further called for support from the international community so that the UN-led mediation efforts can deliver results despite the complexity of the regional dimension of this situation, including the situation in the Red Sea.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=17%20March%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxWn4z9fnsc

    MIL OSI Video –