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Category: Africa

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Giving Women Jobs ‘Smartest, Fastest’ Way to Grow Economy, Commission Told

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The Commission on the Status of Women entered its second week today with an interactive dialogue on inclusive development, shared prosperity and decent work.  Speakers emphasized the urgency of turning gender equality commitments into concrete, actionable policies to ensure women have equal opportunities to improve their employment prospects and livelihoods.

    The Commission’s two-week annual session focuses on accelerating the implementation of the Platform for Action adopted at the 1995 conference on women in Beijing, where world leaders pledged to achieve gender equality and uphold women’s rights.  Discussions also focus on contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Women Friendly Tax Administration

    Diane Elson, Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Essex, England, said that systemic barriers to women’s enjoyment of decent work include discrimination in hiring, misogyny, sexual harassment, violence in the workplace and lack of investment to reduce and redistribute unpaid work.  “Unfortunately, some of these barriers are actually intensifying in some countries, where there are now attempts to wipe from the record the gains that women and ethnic minorities and other minorities have made,” she said.  However, there are many things that can be done.  While inclusive development policies tend to garner wide support, there are many forms of inclusion that are impoverishing and exploitative.  It is therefore important to focus on “rights at work as well as the right to work, and to understand that economic growth does not necessarily create more jobs,” she stressed.  To that end, it is critical to improve women friendly tax administration systems for filing taxes.  “We need the elimination of tax breaks that do not increase investment and productivity and serve only to reduce tax payments for well off people and businesses,” she said.

    Access to Technology Training Key to Empowering Women  

    Corina Rodriguez, researcher at the National Council of Research and the Interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Public Policy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, said that artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization presents many opportunities to reduce gender disparities but also creates challenges and presents risks.  Technology might lead to a displacement of the working population to get cheaper labour, particularly in certain sectors where women are overrepresented, and those perhaps where the qualifications are lower.  Technology creates new employment opportunity in design, in goods and services, technological services, logistics, customer care — opportunities that women can seize.  “But it depends, of course, on whether they’re able to first access training in these careers,” she said.  “Women are under much more time pressure, because in addition to work, they have to very often care for other members of the family,” she said.  It is essential to ensure that women do not “fall into the work trap” and take on additional hours without additional pay while also having to balance numerous other responsibilities. 

    Lekha S. Chakraborty, Professor at National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) in New Delhi, India, called on Governments to “move beyond the paradigm” of the gross domestic product (GDP).  “The fiscal policy space is shrinking,” she went on to underscore, noting that funds to women’s programmes have been substantially cut in the post-pandemic landscape.  However, it still remains true that the “smartest and fastest” way to increase GDP is to have women involved in economic growth through employment and empowerment.  “There are challenges with the care economy infrastructure,” she emphasized, spotlighting a sector of the economy where women are overrepresented.  In the post-pandemic paradigm “conscious public policy decisions are crucial”, she added.  Gender-responsive budgeting should not be confined solely to “what is specifically targeting women”.  She discussed the connection between gender bonds and fiscal policy, stating that in countries with high fiscal deficits, internal bond financing could be tied to gender equality outcomes.  However, she cautioned against linking bond financing to external funding, as it is subject to external factors, which carry inherent risks.  She emphasized that there are innovative approaches to addressing this issue.  “Public financial management reforms for climate change are currently under way without being tied to a job guarantee,” she added.

    Gender Mainstreaming

    Barbara Ky, director of gender at the West African Economic and Monetary Union, discussed how the Union is working to translate gender perspective and gender equality commitments into practical public policies that can be implemented by Governments and thereby enhance women’s employment prospects and livelihoods.  The Union has developed guidelines, digital tools and information technology procedures that are carried out by the sectoral ministry in each of the Union’s member country.  Public policy is based on goals that will integrate a gender perspective.  “This requires mainstreaming the gender perspective and integrating it into every stage of planning, programming, budgeting and implementation,” she said.  At the highest level all documents prepared by Government ministries should include a gender-related aspect “so that public policy is truly permeated by an awareness of these issues and gender has to be taken into account from the initiative of the process,” she said.  For example, to address the issue of women’s unpaid employment, the hours that women spend bringing water to the household, compared with men, has been assessed.  Planning programmes need to be aware of women’s contributions.

    Women Spend 4.5 Hours Daily on Unpaid Care Work

    Marija Babovic, a professor affiliated with the University of Belgrade, shared her perspective on the sustained negative impact that unpaid work has on women’s employment, income and economic security.  These negative impacts are increasing as more women work in unpaid care and in unprotected domestic work.  She noted that while in developed countries many women have entered the formal labour market since the 1970s, women and girls still provide more than three fourths of the unpaid care work around the world.  For example, women spend 4 hours and 25 minutes each day on these activities while men spend 1 hour and 23 minutes each day on the same type of activities.  More than 600 million women are working outside the paid labour force because of their care responsibilities, compared with 41 million men.  “Unpaid work lowers women access to the labour market and paid work and is a factor in their higher financial poverty and time poverty,” she said.  The paid care economy accounts for 11.5 per cent of the global economy, including jobs in such areas as childcare, disability care, aged care and paid domestic work.  However, “across the world, paid care work remains characterized by a lack of rights, benefits or protections, low wages or non-compensation,” she said, adding that some women are subject to physical, mental and even sexual harassment.

    The discussion was moderated by Anita Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, founder of the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), a leading non-profit organization that addresses the prevalence of sexual violence in Nigeria and Africa.

    The Commission also held a second interactive dialogue this afternoon on poverty eradication, social protection, and social services.

    __________

    *     The 12th meeting was not covered.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Nioko Resources Files Early Warning Report in Respect of Orezone Gold Corporation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — This news release is issued by Nioko Resources Corporations (“Nioko Resources”) pursuant to the early warning requirements of Canada’s National Instrument 62-104 (“NI 62-104”) and National Instrument 62-103 with respect to common shares (the “Common Shares”) of Orezone Gold Corporation (“Orezone”), a reporting issuer in each of the Provinces and Territories of Canada with a head office at 450-505 Burrard St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V7X 1M3.

    Pursuant to a binding subscription agreement dated March 17, 2025 (the “Subscription Agreement”), Nioko Resources has acquired deemed beneficial ownership (in accordance with section 1.8 of NI 62-104) of 10,719,659 Common Shares (the “Acquired Shares”) to be issued from treasury at a price of C$0.82 per Acquired Share for aggregate consideration of C$8,790,121.38 (the “Equity Financing”).

    Immediately prior to entering into the Subscription Agreement, Nioko Resources held 92,743,855 Common Shares of Orezone representing approximately 18.2% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares.

    Immediately following the entering into of the Subscription Agreement, the Acquiror has acquired deemed beneficial ownership (determined in accordance with NI 62-104) of 10,719,659 Common Shares, expected to represent approximately 2.0% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on closing of the Equity Financing.

    The total holdings in the Common Shares of Orezone held by the Acquiror post-closing of the Equity Financing will represent approximately 19.9% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares.

    Nioko Resources is acquiring the Acquired Shares for investment purposes. Depending on market and other conditions, Nioko Resources may increase or decrease its beneficial ownership, control or direction over Common Shares through market transactions, private agreements, treasury issuances, exercise of options, warrants, convertible securities or otherwise, in each case as investment conditions warrant.

    An early warning report (the “Report”) disclosing the acquisition of the deemed beneficial ownership of the Acquired Shares under the Equity Financing will be filed on Orezone’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and can be obtained from Nioko Resources, Ouagadougou, Secteur 54, Parcelle 02, Lot 17, Section 281(I), S/C 01 BP 2061, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso, attention: Director General, by phone: (+226) 70 21 70 04 or by email: direction_generale@niokoresources.com.

    About Nioko Resources Corporation

    Nioko Resources is a West African investment group focused on regional growth.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, including statements regarding the filing of the Report and the disposition or acquisition of additional Common Shares or other securities of Orezone by Nioko Resources. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, and may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual financial results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements and the forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Except as required by law, Nioko Resources disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: In the Centre of Cameroon, pineapple farming is transforming the daily lives of women

    Source: African Development Bank Group
    On the green hills of Ngoumou, cocoa, coffee, banana and pineapple plantations stretch as far as the eye can see. The district in the Centre Region of Cameroon is a rapidly developing agricultural hub and a key supplier to neighbouring markets.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Speech by Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President and Chairman of the Boards of Directors, African Development Bank Group at the State House event on the…

    Source: African Development Bank Group
    Your Excellency, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, C.G.H.
    Your Excellency, Professor Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya.
    Honorable Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary,
    Honorable Cabinet Secretaries,
    Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Committee on Enforced Disappearances Opens Twenty-Eighth Session

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on Enforced Disappearances this morning opened its twenty-eighth session, during which it will examine the reports of the Central African Republic, the Gambia and Malta on their implementation of the provisions of the International Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

    The Committee will also review follow-up and addition information provided by Panama, Serbia and Belgium, as well as by Peru and Argentina, for the latter two States in the context of a special request made in the light of recent developments in these two countries.

    Opening the session, Antti Korkeakivi, Chief of the Human Rights Treaties Branch at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and Representative of the Secretary-General, said the global landscape today was fraught with challenges that continued to highlight the urgency and necessity of eradicating the heinous crime of enforced disappearances. 

    Mr. Korkeakivi welcomed that, since the last session, Poland became party to Convention, which now had 77 States parties.  The holding of the World Congress on Enforced Disappearances, held in Geneva two months ago, was a pivotal step in joining forces to address enforced disappearances and to encourage ratification of the Convention.  Since the last session, the Committee had registered 120 new urgent actions, bringing the number of registered urgent actions to a total of 2,003 since 2012.  Out of these cases, 518 have been closed following the location of the disappeared person, including 410 alive.

    Olivier de Frouville, Committee Chairperson, in his opening statement, said the substantive work, the day-to-day work of the treaty bodies, was carried out by the members of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and they should be recognised.  Investing in human rights was an investment in security and development.  However, the crisis in which multilateral organizations were experiencing, which also affected the human rights protection system, could not be ignored. 

    It was practically impossible for the Committee to carry out regular monitoring, with more than 2,000 cases now recorded.  Yet the victims were counting on the Committee.  The Committee looked forward to the evaluation process under Measure 46, from the Pact of the Future, on adequate, predictable, more substantial and sustainable funding to enable the treaty bodies to carry out their mandates efficiently and effectively.

    During the meeting, Obeida Dabbagh, recounted his family’s searched for justice after the arrest and subsequent enforced disappearance of his brother Mazen Dabbagh, and his son Patrick in November 2013 by the Syrian Air Force intelligence. 

    Committee Expert Fidelis Kanyongolo thanked Mr. Dabbagh for sharing his story and underlined the importance of extra-territorial jurisprudence in the Committee’s work. 

    Before closing the meeting, the Committee adopted its agenda for the session.

    All the documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage. Webcasts of the meetings of the session can be found here, and meetings summaries can be found here.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, 18 March, to review additional information on the report of Serbia (CED/C/SRB/AI/1).

    Statements 

    ANTTI KORKEAKIVI, Chief, Human Rights Treaties Branch at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and Representative of the Secretary-General, thanked the five Members of the Committee whose first mandate would come to an end next June.  In accordance with the Convention, some may be re-elected by the States parties. States parties were called on to nominate well qualified candidates, as the deadline had been extended. 

    The global landscape today was fraught with challenges that continued to highlight the urgency and necessity of eradicating the heinous crime of enforced disappearances. Enforced disappearances remained a pervasive violation of human rights, contributing to a climate of fear, despair and injustice.  It was therefore important to work towards universal ratification of the Convention. Since the last session, Poland became the seventy-seventh State party to the Convention, which should be celebrated. 

    The holding of the World Congress on Enforced Disappearances, held in Geneva two months ago, was a pivotal step in joining forces to address enforced disappearances and to encourage ratification of the Convention.  It gathered more than 620 participants in Geneva and 1,392 persons online, coming from 118 countries and all regions of the world.  The event concluded with a call to action and unveiling of key follow-up activities.  These initiatives included the creation of a victim-led regional network in Africa; the organization of regular meetings of women searchers; the promotion of civil society contributions to the sessions of the Committee; and the creation of a global youth network against enforced disappearances.  States were called on to support them without delay. 

    Enforced disappearances had a disproportionate impact on women.  During the session, the Committee would consider a draft concept note for the elaboration of a general comment on women and girls and enforced disappearances.  Since the last session in September, the Committee undertook a two week-visit to Colombia, the report of which would be considered during the session.  During the session, the Committee would address the situation of enforced disappearances in 14 other States parties to the Convention, and the consideration of an individual complaint. 

    Through the Committee’s work on urgent actions, the Committee could request a State party to take immediate action to search for a disappeared person and to investigate his or her disappearance.  Since the last session, the Committee had registered 120 new urgent actions, bringing the number of registered urgent actions to a total of 2,003 since 2012. Out of these cases, 518 have been closed following the location of the disappeared person, including 410 alive. This meant that 1,481 urgent actions remained active, requiring follow-up by the Committee.

    The periodic reports on urgent actions adopted at each session traced the general trends in the cases and the Committee’s jurisprudence on urgent actions.

    The Secretary-General’s latest report on the treaty body system highlighted the fact that due to insufficient staff resources, the Committee was facing challenges in handling urgent action requests and ensuring follow-up in a timely manner.  In addition to the chronic resource constraints, the liquidity crisis had hampered the planning and implementation of the Committee’s work.  While the Office was doing its utmost to ensure that the Committee and other treaty bodies could implement their mandates, all indications pointed to a continuation of the difficult liquidity situation for the foreseeable future. 

    Despite the challenging circumstances, the treaty body strengthening process remained active. It reached a key moment, with the adoption last December of the biennial resolution on the treaty body system by the General Assembly.  On the occasion of Human Rights Day last year, the Geneva Human Rights Platform, in cooperation with the Office and the Directorate of International Law of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, organised an informal meeting of the Chairs and focal points on working methods.  The meeting explored the latest developments on the treaty body system and sought to identify possible ways to improve harmonisation of procedures and brainstorm on the way forward. 

    Mr. Korkeakivi concluded by saying that the eradication and prevention of enforced disappearances demanded unwavering commitment and concerted action.  The work of the Committee was at the core of these efforts, despite the challenging circumstances.  The Office looked forward to continuing to support the Committee in implementing its imperative mandate. 

    OLIVIER DE FROUVILLE, Chairperson of the Committee on Enforced Disappearances, said the substantive work, the day-to-day work of the treaty bodies, was carried out by the members of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and they should be recognised. 

    Human rights currently faced particularly vicious rhetoric.  Ideologues were using the art of reversing arguments that totalitarian movements were already practicing in the 1930s.  All those who had worked alongside the families of the disappeared were familiar with this misleading rhetoric: the disappeared were often stigmatised as nuisances to society or even as criminals.  All over the world today, the return of this madness could be seen, and with it the return of enforced disappearance, torture and executions to bring society to heel and silence all dissent.  It was important to continue to bear witness to this, and for the Committee to continue to meet and organise.

    The First World Congress on Enforced Disappearances was an extraordinary demonstration of the strength and resilience of the global movement against enforced disappearances. The families of the disappeared came in large numbers from all continents to testify and exchange their experiences, their challenges, their struggles, the adversity they faced, and the means to overcome it.  The Congress underscored the commitment of the major international non-governmental organizations and regional human rights protection organs. 

    Sixteen States came publicly to the opening to announce their commitments and pledges; 86 per cent of attendees felt that the Congress would have a direct impact on their work, while 90 per cent expressed their wish to actively contribute to the implementation of the priority actions identified during the Congress.  This week the report of the Congress would be published; it would summarise all the activities that took place there, but also all the commitments made.  It was now important that all partners organised themselves to follow up on these commitments within the year, including a significant acceleration in the pace of ratifications of the Convention to achieve near-universality within a reasonable time.  To do this, resources were needed.

    Investing in human rights was an investment in security and development.  However, the crisis which multilateral organizations were experiencing, which also affected the human rights protection system, could not be ignored.  It was practically impossible for the Committee to carry out regular monitoring, with more than 2,000 cases now recorded.  Yet the victims were counting on the Committee.  The Committee looked forward to the evaluation process under Measure 46, from the Pact of the Future, on adequate, predictable, more substantial and sustainable funding to enable the treaty bodies to carry out their mandates efficiently and effectively.

    The General Assembly, in its last resolution on the Committee system, did not take into consideration the pragmatic and realistic proposals made by the treaty bodies, particularly with a view to reforming the reporting procedure.  However, all parties agreed on a necessary reform. But the States seemed undecided and were presenting difficult conditions.  The thirty-sixth official meeting of the Presidents was an opportunity for a constructive exchange with a view to reaching new proposals for action and improvements. 

    The Committee was ahead of the curve and did not have a periodic reporting system.  States must submit a report within two years of ratification.  This was the subject of constructive dialogue and concluding observations, as would be the case at this session for the Gambia, the Central African Republic and Malta. States were then called upon to come back to the Committee after a few years to take stock of the implementation of the recommendations made in the concluding observations.  Thus, at the session, the Committee would consider follow-up and additional information provided by Panama, Serbia and Belgium, as well as by Peru and Argentina, in the context of a special request, made in light of recent developments in these two countries.

    OBEIDA DABBAGH, said his brother Mazen Dabbagh, an educational advisor at the French Lycée Charles de Gaulle in Damascus, and his son Patrick, a psychology student at Damascus University, were arrested in November 2013 by Syrian Air Force intelligence. Their arrest, at first arbitrary, turned into an enforced disappearance, then into an ordeal marked by atrocious torture, as revealed by testimonies and court documents.  In 2018, the Syrian regime declared them dead, years after their disappearance, while putting forward false causes of death.  These arrests were not motivated by substantiated charges; neither Mazen nor Patrick were involved in protests against the regime, which underscored the indiscriminate and systemic brutality of a regime that preyed on entire families to establish its rule through terror.

    In November 2013, the family took steps with the Syrian, French and international authorities, including the President of the French Republic, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as several parliamentarians and human rights organizations, including the Red Cross and European Union.  In 2016, in collaboration with the International Federation for Human Rights, a complaint was filed with the Paris Prosecutor’s office for crimes against humanity.  This was a turning point in the fight, allowing the French justice system to open an investigation and collect crucial testimonies, particularly from Syrian deserters.  This investigation led to an indictment order in March 2023, sending three senior Syrian regime officials to trial for complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes.

    There were many obstacles.  In Syria, asking for news of Mazen and Patrick exposed loved ones to serious reprisals.  The Syrian regime, in addition to torture and executions, extorted the family, eventually expelling Mazen’s wife and daughter from the family home in Damascus.  But despite these hardships, Mr. Dabbagh remained committed.  Through this legal action, he wanted not only to obtain justice for Mazen and Patrick, but to participate in the global fight against the atrocities committed by the Syrian regime.  The trial held in France from 21 to 24 May 2024 against Syrian officials was a historic step forward, which would hopefully inspire other families of Syrian victims to continue their quest for justice, despite the obstacles. 

    After the fall of the Assad regime, there was hope that the new authorities would take ownership of the issue of enforced disappearances, which concerned hundreds of thousands of people, through transitional justice.  The truth must be established, justice must be done, reparation must follow, without which reconciliation between communities could not be achieved.  Mr. Dabbagh hoped that in the near future the family would be able to know the place where his brother and nephew were buried, to give them a dignified burial, and to be able to finally mourn.

    FIDELIS KANYONGOLO, Committee Expert, conveyed sincere gratitude to Mr. Dabbagh for taking the time to present his testimony and for being willing to revisit painful memories.  The testimony reinforced the heavy responsibility that lay upon the shoulders of the members of the Committee.  The concept of extra-territorial jurisdiction was particularly important in the Committee’s work.  In a world where many States continued to demonstrate reluctance to ratify the Convention, the ability of courts of willing countries to punish human rights violations was critical.  In this case, it was important to note that Syria had not ratified the Rome Statute, no resolution from the United Nations Security Council to refer the situation to the International Criminal Courts, and the domestic justice system was neither independent nor accountable.  Extra-territorial jurisdiction affirmed the idea that human rights were universal.

    Mr. Dabbagh’s testimony showed that although the legal pathways existed for invoking extra-territorial jurisdiction, many practical hurdles continued to limit its potential as a tool for its application in specific cases.  It was hoped the testimony would act as a constant reminder for the Committee that they were dealing with the lives of real people who suffered the consequences of enforced disappearances, and that opportunities existed in jurisprudence to maximise the human rights protection extended to ordinary citizens of countries.

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

     

     

     

    CED25.001E

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: APA Corporation and Partners Lagniappe Alaska and Oil Search Announce Significant Oil Discovery in Alaska’s North Slope at Sockeye-2 Exploration Well; Partners Proceeding with Further Evaluation and Testing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — APA Corporation (NYSE, Nasdaq: APA) and its partners Lagniappe Alaska, LLC, an Armstong company, and Oil Search (Alaska), LLC, a subsidiary of Santos Limited, today announced preliminary results of the Sockeye-2 exploratory well. Apache holds a 50% working interest, operator Lagniappe and partner Santos each hold 25%.

    The Sockeye-2 well was drilled to a depth of approximately 10,500 feet and successfully encountered a high-quality reservoir with approximately 25 feet of net oil pay in one blocky, Paleocene-aged sand with an average porosity of 20%. As compared to recent regional field analogues in the Brookian play, the porosity and permeability are both better than expected, with the permeability to be confirmed through a planned flow test. Additional zones of potential pay were also encountered in the shallower Staines Tongue formation.

    The Sockeye prospect is amplitude supported across 25,000 to 30,000 acres, and confirms the partners’ geologic and geophysical models, derisking numerous additional prospects in the area. Wireline logging is complete and additional data collection is underway, including acquiring core and flow testing the well. The partners will provide further updates following the flow test results.

    “The Sockeye-2 test is the second successful exploratory well drilled by the partnership on a 325,411-acre position on state lands. The first well, King Street-1, was a new field discovery with oil in two separate Brookian Zones. The Sockeye-2 well further demonstrates the potential of the play, presenting an exciting opportunity in an active area of the North Slope with significant existing infrastructure,” said Bill Armstrong, CEO of Armstrong Oil & Gas.

    “We are very encouraged by the results at the Sockeye-2 well, which further proves our geologic and geophysical models and confirms a working hydrocarbon system. We look forward to the results of the flow test and sharing more information about the broader opportunity in Alaska,” added John J. Christmann, APA Corporation CEO.

    About APA

    APA Corporation owns consolidated subsidiaries that explore for and produce oil and natural gas in the United States, Egypt and the United Kingdom and that explore for oil and natural gas offshore Suriname and elsewhere. APA posts announcements, operational updates, investor information and press releases on its website, www.apacorp.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “believes,” “continues,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “goals,” “guidance,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “possibly,” “potential,” “projects,” “prospects,” “should,” “will,” “would,” and similar references to future periods, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future plans, expectations, and objectives for operations, including statements about our capital plans, drilling plans, production expectations, asset sales, and monetizations. While forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by us that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, whether actual results and developments will meet our expectations and predictions depend on a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause our actual results, performance, and financial condition to differ materially from our expectations. See “Risk Factors” in APA’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a discussion of risk factors that affect our business. Any forward-looking statement made in this news release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. APA and its subsidiaries undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future development or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Contacts

    Investor: (281) 302-2286
    Media: (713) 296-7276        
    Website: www.apacorp.com

    APA-G

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The cumulative exports (merchandise & services) during April-February2024-25 is estimated at USD 750.53 Billion, as compared to USD 706.43 Billion in April-February2023-24, an estimated growth of 6.24%

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Ministry of Commerce & Industry

    The cumulative exports (merchandise & services) during April-February2024-25 is estimated at USD 750.53 Billion, as compared to USD 706.43 Billion in April-February2023-24, an estimated growth of 6.24%

    The cumulative value of merchandise exports during April-February2024-25 was USD 395.63 Billion, as compared to USD 395.38 Billion during April-February2023-24, registering a positive growth of 0.06%

    The cumulative Non-Petroleum exports in April-February2024-25 valued at USD 337.01Billion registered an increase of 6.43% as compared to USD 316.64Billion in April-February2023-24

    Major drivers of merchandise exports growth in February2025 include Electronic Goods, Rice, Mica, Coal & Other Ores, Minerals including processed minerals, RMG of all Textiles and Coffee

    Electronic Goods exports increased by 26.46% from USD 3 Billion in February2024 to USD 3.79 Billion in February2025

    RMG of all Textiles exports increased by 3.97 % from USD 1.48 Billion in February 2024 to USD 1.53 Billion in February 2025

    Rice exports increased by 13.21% from USD 1.05 Billion in February2024 to USD 1.19 Billion in February2025

    Marine products exports increased by 3.40% from USD 0.49 Billion in February 2024 to USD 0.51 Billion in February 2025

    Mica, Coal & Other Ores, Minerals including processed minerals exports increased by 24.25% from USD 0.40 Billion in February2024 to USD 0.50 Billion in February2025

    Coffeeexports increased by 22.32% from USD 0.15 Billion in February2024 to USD 0.18 Billion in February2025

    Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 6:44PM by PIB Delhi

    • India’s total exports (Merchandise and Services combined) for February2025* is estimated at USD 71.95 Billion, registering a positivegrowth of 3.16 percent vis-à-vis February2024.Total imports (Merchandise and Services combined) for February2025* is estimated at USD 67.52 Billion, registering a negative growth of (-)11.34 percent vis-à-vis February2024.

    Table 1: Trade during February2025*

     

     

    February2025

    (USD Billion)

    February2024

    (USD Billion)

    Merchandise

    Exports

    36.91

    41.41

    Imports

    50.96

    60.92

    Services*

    Exports

    35.03

    28.33

    Imports

    16.55

    15.23

    Total Trade

    (Merchandise +Services) *

    Exports

    71.95

    69.74

    Imports

    67.52

    76.15

    Trade Balance

    4.43

    -6.41

    * Note: The latest data for services sector released by RBI is for January2025. The data for February2025 is an estimation, which will be revised based on RBI’s subsequent release. (ii) Data for April-February2023-24 and April-September2024 has been revised on pro-rata basis using quarterly balance of payments data.

    Fig 1: Total Trade during February2025*

    • India’s total exports during April-February2024-25* is estimated at USD 750.53 Billion registering a positive growth of 6.24 percent. Total imports during April-February2024-25* is estimated at USD 839.89 Billion registering a growth of 7.28 percent.

    Table 2: Trade during April-February2024-25*

     

     

    April-February2024-25

    (USD Billion)

    April-February2023-24

    (USD Billion)

    Merchandise

    Exports

    395.63

    395.38

    Imports

    656.68

    621.19

    Services*

    Exports

    354.90

    311.05

    Imports

    183.21

    161.71

    Total Trade

    (Merchandise +Services) *

    Exports

    750.53

    706.43

    Imports

    839.89

    782.90

    Trade Balance

    -89.37

    -76.47

     

    Fig 2: Total Trade during April-February2024-25*        

      

    MERCHANDISE TRADE

    • Merchandise exports during February2025 were USD 36.91 Billion as compared to USD 41.41 Billion in February2024.
    • Merchandise imports during February2025 were USD 50.96 Billion as compared to USD 60.92 Billion in February2024.

     

    Fig 3: Merchandise Trade during February2025

     

    • Merchandise exports during April-February2024-25 were USD 395.63 Billion as compared to USD 395.38Billion during April-February2023-24.
    • Merchandise imports during April-February2024-25 were USD 656.68 Billion as compared to USD 621.19 Billion during April-February2023-24.
    • Merchandise trade deficit during April-February2024-25 was USD 261.06 Billion as compared to USD 225.81 Billion during April-February2023-24.

    Fig4: Merchandise Trade during April-February2024-25

    • Non-petroleum and non-gems & jewellery exports in February2025 were USD 28.57Billion compared to USD 29.99Billion in February2024.
    • Non-petroleum, non-gems & jewellery (gold, silver & precious metals) imports in February2025 were USD 35.02Billion compared to USD 33.96Billion in February2024.

     

    Table 3: Trade excluding Petroleum and Gems & Jewellery during February2025

     

    February2025

    (USD Billion)

    February2024

    (USD Billion)

    Non- petroleum exports

    31.10

    33.19

    Non- petroleum imports

    39.07

    44.03

    Non-petroleum & Non-Gems & Jewellery exports

    28.57

    29.99

    Non-petroleum & Non-Gems & Jewellery imports

    35.02

    33.96

    Note: Gems & Jewellery Imports include Gold, Silver & Pearls, precious & Semi-precious stones

     

    Fig 5: Trade excluding Petroleum and Gems & Jewellery during February2025

    • Non-petroleum and non-gems & jewellery exports in April-February2024-25 were USD 310.09 Billion, compared to USD 286.55 Billion in April-February2023-24.
    • Non-petroleum, non-gems & jewellery (gold, silver & precious metals) imports in April-February2024-25 were USD 415.85 Billion, compared to USD 388.82 Billion in April-February2023-24.

     

    Table 4: Trade excluding Petroleum and Gems & Jewellery during April-February2024-25

     

    April-February2024-25

    (USD Billion)

    April-February2023-24

    (USD Billion)

    Non- petroleum exports

    337.01

    316.64

    Non- petroleum imports

    489.96

    458.80

    Non-petroleum &Non Gems& Jewellery exports

    310.09

    286.55

    Non-petroleum & Non Gems & Jewellery imports

    415.85

    388.82

    Note: Gems & Jewellery Imports include Gold, Silver & Pearls, precious & Semi-precious stones

    Fig 6: Trade excluding Petroleum and Gems & Jewellery during April-February2024-25

    SERVICES TRADE

    • The estimated value of services export for February2025* is USD 35.03 Billion as compared to USD 28.33Billion in February2024.
    • The estimated value of services imports for February2025* is USD 16.55 Billion as compared to USD 15.23Billion in February2024.

    Fig 7: Services Trade during February2025*

    • The estimated value of service exports during April-February2024-25* is USD 354.90 Billion as compared to USD 311.05 Billion in April-February2023-24.
    • The estimated value of service imports during April-February2024-25* is USD 183.21 Billion as compared to USD 161.71 Billion in April-February2023-24.
    • The services trade surplus for April-February2024-25* is USD 171.69 Billion as compared to USD 149.34 Billion in April-February2023-24.

    Fig 8: Services Trade during April-February2024-25*

    • Exports ofTobacco (26.76%), Electronic Goods (26.46%), Mica, Coal & Other Ores, Minerals Including Processed Minerals (24.25%), Coffee (22.32%), Rice (13.21%), Jute Mfg. Including Floor Covering (12.41%), Other Cereals  (11.65%), Meat, Dairy & Poultry Products (6.7%), Carpet (4.87%), Rmg Of All Textiles (3.97%), Marine Products (3.4%), Spices (0.98%) and  Fruits & Vegetables (0.87%) record positive growth during February2025 over the corresponding month of last year.
    • Imports of Silver (-75.04%), Gold (-61.98%), Pearls, Precious & Semi-Precious Stones (-41.61%), Coal, Coke & Briquettes, Etc. (-35.63%), Petroleum, Crude & Products (-29.59%), Iron & Steel (-23.37%), Transport Equipment (-16.93%), Newsprint (-12.43%), Artificial Resins, Plastic Materials, Etc. (-6.21%), Professional Instrument, Optical Goods, Etc. (-5.01%), Machine Tools (-3.68%), Fruits & Vegetables  (-0.93%) record negative growth during February2025 over the corresponding month of last year.
    • Services exports is estimated to grow by 14.10percent during April-February2024-25* over April-February2023-24.
    • Top 5 export destinations, in terms of change in value, exhibiting positive growth in February2025 vis a vis February2024 are U S A (10.37%), Australia (76.19%), Japan (26.55%), Brazil (10.85%) and Nigeria (10.75%).
    • Top 5 export destinations, in terms of change in value, exhibiting positive growth in April-February2024-25 vis a vis April-February2023-24 are U S A (9.1%), U Arab Emts (5.19%), U K (12.47%), Japan (21.67%) and Netherland (3.68%).
    • Top 5 import sources, in terms of change in value, exhibiting growth in February2025 vis a vis February2024 are Thailand (145.45%), China P Rp (7.83%), Brazil (162.18%), Ireland (117.17%) and Oman (30.24%).
    • Top 5 import sources, in terms of change in value, exhibiting growth in April-February2024-25 vis a vis April-February2023-24 are U Arab Emts (29.21%), China P Rp (10.41%), Thailand (42.4%), U S A (7.23%) and Russia (4.9%).

    *Link for Quick Estimates

    ***

    Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan

    (Release ID: 2111954)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Modeling Assesses Age of Next Target Asteroid for NASA’s Lucy

    Source: NASA

    Although NASA’s Lucy spacecraft’s upcoming encounter with the asteroid Donaldjohanson is primarily a mission rehearsal for later asteroid encounters, a new paper suggests that this small, main belt asteroid may have some surprises of its own. New modeling indicates that Donaldjohanson may have been formed about 150 million years ago when a larger parent asteroid broke apart; its orbit and spin properties have undergone significant evolution since.

    When the Lucy spacecraft flies by this approximately three-mile-wide space rock on April 20, 2025, the data collected could provide independent insights on such processes based on its shape, surface geology and cratering history.
    “Based on ground-based observations, Donaldjohanson appears to be a peculiar object,” said Simone Marchi, deputy principal investigator for Lucy of Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado and lead author of the research published in The Planetary Science Journal. “Understanding the formation of Donaldjohanson could help explain its peculiarities.”
    “Data indicates that it could be quite elongated and a slow rotator, possibly due to thermal torques that have slowed its spin over time,” added David Vokrouhlický, a professor at the Charles University, Prague, and co-author of the research.
    Lucy’s target is a common type of asteroid, composed of silicate rocks and perhaps containing clays and organic matter. The new paper indicates that Donaldjohanson is a likely member of the Erigone collisional asteroid family, a group of asteroids on similar orbits that was created when a larger parent asteroid broke apart. The family originated in the inner main belt not very far from the source regions of the near-Earth asteroids Bennu and Ryugu, recently visited respectively by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx and JAXA’s (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s) Hayabusa2 missions.
    “We can hardly wait for the flyby because, as of now, Donaldjohanson’s characteristics appear very distinct from Bennu and Ryugu. Yet, we may uncover unexpected connections,” added Marchi.
    “It’s exciting to put together what we’ve been able to glean about this asteroid,” said Keith Noll, Lucy project scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “But Earth-based observing and theoretical models can only take us so far – to validate these models and get to the next level of detail we need close-up data. Lucy’s upcoming flyby will give us that.”
    Donaldjohanson is named for the paleontologist who discovered Lucy, the fossilized skeleton of an early hominin found in Ethiopia in 1974, which is how the Lucy mission got its name. Just as the Lucy fossil provided unique insights into the origin of humanity, the Lucy mission promises to revolutionize our knowledge of the origin of humanity’s home world. Donaldjohanson is the only named asteroid so far to be visited while its namesake is still living.
    “Lucy is an ambitious NASA mission, with plans to visit 11 asteroids in its 12-year mission to tour the Trojan asteroids that are located in two swarms leading and trailing Jupiter,” said SwRI’s Dr. Hal Levison, mission principal investigator at the Boulder, Colorado branch of Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas. “Encounters with main belt asteroids not only provide a close-up view of those bodies but also allow us to perform engineering tests of the spacecraft’s innovative navigation system before the main event to study the Trojans. These relics are effectively fossils of the planet formation process, holding vital clues to deciphering the history of our solar system.”
    Lucy’s principal investigator is based out of the Boulder, Colorado, branch of Southwest Research Institute, headquartered in San Antonio. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, provides overall mission management, systems engineering, and safety and mission assurance. Lockheed Martin Space in Littleton, Colorado, built the spacecraft. Lucy is the 13th mission in NASA’s Discovery Program. NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, manages the Discovery Program for the agency’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington.
    By Deb Schmid and Katherine Kretke, Southwest Research Institute
    Media Contact:Karen Fox / Molly WasserHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600karen.c.fox@nasa.gov / molly.l.wasser@nasa.gov
    Nancy N. JonesNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CCI approves the acquisition of certain additional shareholding in Tata Play Limited (Tata Play) by Tata Sons Private Limited (Tata Sons) from Baytree Investments (Mauritius) Pte Ltd.

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 8:32PM by PIB Delhi

    The Competition Commission of India has approved the acquisition of certain additional shareholding in Tata Play Limited (Tata Play) by Tata Sons Private Limited (Tata Sons) from Baytree Investments (Mauritius) Pte Ltd.

    The Proposed Combination involves the acquisition of 10% shareholding in Tata Play by Tata Sons.

    Tata Sons is an investment holding company, which is registered as a core investment company with the Reserve Bank of India and classified as a “Systemically Important Non-Deposit Taking Core Investment Company”.

    Tata Play, formerly known as Tata Sky, is one of India’s leading content distribution platforms providing Pay TV and Over-the-top (OTT) services. It provides Direct-to-Home (DTH) television, offering broadcaster’s satellite television channels and platform services across genres and languages. Tata Play also provides Tata Play Binge, an OTT platform that brings diverse and popular OTT apps on a single user interface.

    Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

    *****

    NB/AD

     

    (Release ID: 2112017) Visitor Counter : 35

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Railways’ financial condition is good, providing more subsidy to passengers: Union Railway Minister

    Source: Government of India

    Indian Railways’ financial condition is good, providing more subsidy to passengers: Union Railway Minister

    The cost of travel per kilometer by train is ₹1.38, but passengers are charged only 73 paise.

    This year, 1,400 locomotives have been produced, which is more than the combined production of America and Europe.

    By March 31, Indian Railways, with 1.6 billion tons of cargo carriage, will be among the world’s top 3 countries.

    Important steps have been taken to prevent incidents like the New Delhi Railway Station accident in the future: Union Railway Minister

    Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 8:28PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, today, during the discussion on the working of the Ministry of Railways in the Rajya Sabha, highlighted the achievements of Indian Railways and its future plans. He said that Indian Railways is not only providing safe and quality services to passengers at affordable fares but is also making a distinct identity at the global level. He also mentioned that in India, railway fares are lower compared to neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, whereas in Western countries, they are 10 to 20 times higher than in India.

    Regarding the subsidy being given to rail passengers, the Railway Minister said that currently, the cost of travel per kilometer by train is ₹1.38, but passengers are charged only 73 paise, meaning 47% subsidy is provided. In the financial year 2022-23, passengers were given a subsidy of ₹57,000 crore, which increased to approximately ₹60,000 crore in 2023-24 (provisional figure). Our goal is to provide safe and better services at minimal fares.

    Highlighting the benefits of railway electrification, the Union Minister said that despite the increasing number of passengers and freight transport, energy costs have remained stable. Indian Railways is working on the target of achieving ‘Scope 1 Net Zero’ by 2025 and ‘Scope 2 Net Zero’ by 2030. He informed that the export of locomotives manufactured at the Madhepura factory in Bihar will soon begin. Currently, Indian Railways’ passenger coaches are being exported to Mozambique, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, while locomotives are being sent to Mozambique, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Apart from this, bogie underframes are being exported to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia, while propulsion parts are being sent to France, Mexico, Germany, Spain, Romania, and Italy.

    This year, 1,400 locomotives have been produced in India, which is more than the combined production of America and Europe. Along with this, 2 lakh new wagons have been added to the fleet. The Minister stated that in the financial year ending March 31, Indian Railways will transport 1.6 billion tons of cargo, making India one of the top three countries in the world, including China and America. This reflects the increasing capacity of the railway and its significant role in the logistics sector.

    Talking about railway safety, Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said that 41,000 LHB coaches have been prepared, and all ICF coaches will be converted into LHB coaches. Long rails, electronic interlocking, fog safety devices, and the ‘Kavach’ system are being implemented rapidly. Thanking Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Vaishnaw stated that earlier, the railway used to receive ₹25,000 crore in support, which has now increased to more than ₹2.5 lakh crore, leading to significant infrastructure improvements. Meanwhile, 50 Namo Bharat trains are being manufactured, offering both AC and non-AC options for short-distance travel.

    Regarding the recent accident at New Delhi Railway Station, the Union Railway Minister informed the House that a high-level committee is investigating this tragic incident. CCTV footage and all data have been secured, and facts are being examined by talking to about 300 people. Important steps have been taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

    The Minister said that our government is committed to the poorest of the poor. That is why the number of general coaches is being increased by 2.5 times compared to AC coaches. According to the current production plan, there is a program for the manufacturing of 17,000 non-AC coaches. Along with this, he stated that the financial condition of Indian Railways is good, and continuous efforts for improvement are ongoing. The railway has successfully overcome the challenges related to the COVID pandemic. The number of passengers is increasing, and freight transport is also rising. Now, railway revenue is about ₹2.78 lakh crore, and expenses are ₹2.75 lakh crore. Indian Railways is covering all major expenses from its own income, which has been made possible due to the better performance of the railway.

    In his concluding remarks in the Rajya Sabha, Shri Vaishnaw assured that the railway would emerge as a more modern, safe, and environmentally friendly transportation system in the future.

    ****

    Dharamendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

    (Release ID: 2112013) Visitor Counter : 60

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General Appoints Antonio Aranibar of Bolivia United Nations Resident Coordinator in Equatorial Guinea

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Antonio Aranibar of Bolivia as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Equatorial Guinea, with the host Government’s approval, on 16 March.

    Mr. Aranibar brings more than 20 years’ experience in sustainable development, governance and peacebuilding to the role.  Prior to his appointment in Equatorial Guinea, he served as the UN Special Adviser to the Office of the Resident Coordinator in Venezuela from 2019 to 2024, where he supported the search for negotiated solutions to a protracted crisis, including through social and humanitarian agreements.  He was Head of Office of the UN Verification Mission in Medellin, Colombia, from 2016 to 2018, where he supported the implementation of the peace process between the Colombian State and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

    From 2013 to 2016, he was a researcher at the Central American Institute of Business Administration (INCAE) and Global Network Director of the Social Progress Index, a leading indicator to track progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

    Mr. Aranibar served as the Director for Latin America and the Caribbean of the Political Analysis and Prospective Scenarios Project, an initiative promoted by the United Development Programme (UNDP) in Latin America with proven impact in conflict prevention, dialogue promotion and institutional reform.  In this capacity, he served as Special Adviser to the United Nations in more than 20 countries from 2008 to 2013 using future studies for preventive diplomacy as well as for policy advocacy on development policies and institutional reforms.

    He began his career in UNDP Bolivia as an economist of the Human Development Network and Senior Policy Adviser.

    Mr. Aranibar holds a master’s degree in econometrics from the Autonomous University of Madrid in Spain and a bachelor’s degree in economic development from the University of Paris IX-Dauphine in France.  He is fluent in Spanish, English, French and Portuguese.  He is married and the proud father of three children.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Less than 1% of the world’s biggest radio telescope is complete – but its first image reveals a sky dotted with ancient galaxies

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Randall Wayth, SKA-Low Senior Commissioning Scientist and Adjunct Associate Professor, Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy, Curtin University

    The first image from an early working version of the SKA-Low telescope, showing around 85 galaxies. SKAO

    Part of the world’s biggest mega-science facility – the SKA Observatory – is being built in outback Western Australia.

    After decades of planning, countless hours of work, and more than a few setbacks, an early working version of the telescope has captured its first glimpse of the sky.

    Using 1,024 of what will eventually be 131,072 radio antennas, the first SKA-Low image shows a tiny sliver of sky dotted with ancient galaxies billions of light-years from Earth.

    This first snapshot shows the system works, and will improve dramatically in the coming months and years – and starts a new chapter in our exploration of the universe.

    A glimpse of the universe

    The SKA-Low telescope is currently under construction on Wajarri Yamaji Country in Western Australia, around 600 kilometres north of Perth. Together with the SKA-Mid telescope (under construction in South Africa), the two telescopes will make up the world’s largest and most sensitive radio observatory.

    SKA-Low will consist of thousands of antennas spread across a vast area. It is designed to detect low-frequency radio signals from some of the most distant and ancient objects in the universe.

    The first image, made using just 1,024 of the planned 131,000 antennas, is remarkably clear, confirming that the complex systems for transmitting and processing data from the antennas are working properly. Now we can move on to more detailed observations to analyse and verify the telescope’s scientific output.

    Bright galaxies, billions of years old

    The image shows a patch of the sky, approximately 25 square degrees in area, as seen in radio waves.

    Twenty-five square degrees is an area of sky that would fit 100 full Moons. For comparison, it would be about the area of sky that a small apple would cover if you held it at arm’s length.

    The first image from an early working version of the SKA-Low telescope, showing around 85 galaxies.
    SKAO

    The dots in the image look like stars, but are actually some of the brightest galaxies in the universe. These galaxies are billions of light-years away, so the galaxies we are seeing now were emitting this light when the universe was half its current age.

    They are so bright because each of these distant galaxies contains a supermassive black hole. Gas orbiting around black holes is very hot and moves very quickly, emitting energy in X-rays and radio waves. SKA-Low can detect these radio waves that have travelled billions of light years across the universe to reach Earth.

    The world’s largest radio telescope

    SKA-Low and SKA-Mid are both being built by the SKAO, a global project to build cutting-edge telescopes that will revolutionise our understanding of the universe and deliver benefits to society. (SKA stands for “square kilometre array”, describing the initial estimated collecting area of all the antennas and radio dishes put together.)

    My own involvement in the project began in 2014. Since then I, along with many local and international colleagues, have deployed and verified several prototype systems on the path to SKA-Low. To now be part of the team that is making the first images with the rapidly growing telescope is extremely satisfying.

    A complex system with no moving parts

    SKA-Low will be made up of 512 aperture arrays (or stations), each comprised of 256 antennas.

    Unlike traditional telescopes, aperture arrays have no moving parts, which makes them easier to maintain. The individual antennas receive signals from all directions at once and – to produce images – we use complex mathematics to combine the signals from each individual antenna and “steer” the telescope.

    The SKA-Low telescope uses arrays of radio antennas (called stations) to create images of the universe.
    SKAO / Max Alexander

    The advantages and flexibility of aperture arrays come at the cost of complex signal processing and software systems. Any errors in signal timing, calibration or processing can distort the final image or introduce noise.

    For this reason, the successful production of the first image is a key validation – it can only happen if the entire system is working.

    The shape of the universe and beyond

    As SKA-Low grows, it will see more detail. Simulations show the full telescope may detect up to 600,000 galaxies in the same patch of sky shown in the first test image.
    SKAO

    Once completed, SKA-Low promises to transform our understanding of the early universe.

    The antennas of the full telescope will be spread across an area approximately 70 kilometres in diameter, making it the most sensitive low-frequency radio array ever built.

    This unprecedented sensitivity to low-frequency radio signals will allow scientists to detect the faint signals from the first stars and galaxies that formed after the Big Bang – the so-called “cosmic dawn”. SKA-Low will be the first radio telescope capable of imaging this very early period of our universe.

    It will also help map the large-scale structure of the universe. We expect the telescope will also provide new insights into cosmic magnetism, the behaviour of interstellar gas, and the mysterious nature of dark matter and dark energy.

    The sensitivity and resolution of SKA-Low gives it a huge discovery potential. Seven out of the top 10 discoveries from the Hubble Space Telescope were not part of the original science motivation. Like the HST, SKA-Low promises to be a transformative telescope. Who knows what new discoveries await?

    What’s next

    SKA-Low’s commissioning process will ramp up over the course of the year, as more antenna arrays are installed and brought online. With each additional station, the sensitivity and resolution of the telescope will increase. This growth will also bring greater technical challenges in handling the growing complexity and data rates.

    By the end of 2025, SKA-Low is expected to have 16 working stations. The increased volume of output data at this stage will be the next major test for the telescope’s software systems.

    By the end of 2026, the array is planned to expand to 68 working stations at which point it will be the the most sensitive low-frequency radio telescope on Earth.

    This phase will be the next big test of the end-to-end telescope system. When we get to this stage, the same field you see in the image above will be able to comprehensively map and detect up to 600,000 galaxies. I’m personally looking forward to helping bring it together.

    Randall Wayth 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. Less than 1% of the world’s biggest radio telescope is complete – but its first image reveals a sky dotted with ancient galaxies – https://theconversation.com/less-than-1-of-the-worlds-biggest-radio-telescope-is-complete-but-its-first-image-reveals-a-sky-dotted-with-ancient-galaxies-252382

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Cutting digital curbs: How Azure AI Foundry is building a more accessible world

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Cutting digital curbs: How Azure AI Foundry is building a more accessible world

    As we celebrate innovation in accessibility at Microsoft’s Ability Summit 2025, we invite you to explore how Azure AI can enhance accessibility in your products and services. The future isn’t just about removing barriers—it’s about building a world where everyone moves forward together.

    When my wife and I had our first child, I started seeing the world differently. Pushing a stroller through our neighborhood, I quickly realized how much I had taken for granted—sidewalks that suddenly ended, intersections without curb cuts, pathways that were technically walkable but not built for wheels.

    It wasn’t just a minor inconvenience. It made me think about my elderly grandmother, who relied on a walker. And my parents, who are active now but won’t always move as easily as they do today. Mobility and accessibility are deeply connected, and for the first time, I saw how infrastructure shapes our daily experiences—whether we notice it or not.

    But physical mobility is only part of the equation. In the digital world, there are just as many curbs that need cutting. Websites that don’t work with screen readers. Captions that lag behind real-time speech. AI models that fail to understand diverse voices. These barriers may be invisible to many, but they create real limitations for millions of people.

    And just like curb cuts in sidewalks, digital accessibility doesn’t just benefit one group—it makes technology better for everyone. That’s where Azure AI Foundry, Azure OpenAI Service, and the latest innovations in multimodal AI and Responsible AI (RAI) come in—helping organizations cut digital curbs and build a world that works for all.

    As we recognize the impact of accessibility innovation at Microsoft’s Ability Summit 2025, we encourage you to explore how AI can drive greater inclusion in your products and services. 

    The goal isn’t just to eliminate obstacles—it’s to design a world where everyone moves forward together. Here are some of my favorite real-world examples.

    Build with Azure AI Foundry today

    Real-world impact: How Azure AI is cutting digital curbs

    The curb cuts of digital accessibility didn’t start with generative AI—Microsoft has been building inclusive technologies for decades. From early screen readers to speech-to-text innovations, AI has long played a pivotal role in expanding access. But now, we’re going even bigger. 

    Bridging the mental health gap with AI-powered conversations 

    Technology: Azure AI

    Mental health support is a growing necessity worldwide, but in Kenya, where there are only about 100 psychiatrists for a population of 50 million, access to professional care is extremely limited. Financial and cultural barriers often keep people from seeking the help they need.

    Kenya Red Cross saw an opportunity to bridge this gap using Azure AI-powered chatbots. In partnership with Pathways Technologies, they developed Chat Care, an AI-based mental health assistant that provides guidance, emotional support, and referrals—all in English and Swahili.

    This isn’t just a chatbot; it’s a lifeline for people who may otherwise suffer in silence. Chat Care allows users to start conversations about their mental health in a low-pressure, anonymous way, reducing stigma and offering resources that are accessible 24/7. It can suggest breathing exercises, gratitude practices, and in-person services, all tailored to the user’s responses.

    And for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or unable to speak on the phone, Chat Care offers text-based support, ensuring mental health services are available to everyone, regardless of ability or circumstance.

    Improving AI speech recognition for non-standard speech

    Technology: Azure AI Speech x UIUC Partnership

    Voice recognition technology often struggles to understand people with non-standard speech patterns, making it harder for individuals with conditions like cerebral palsy or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to interact with AI-powered experiences.

    To solve this, Microsoft partnered with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and fellow tech leaders to build the Speech Accessibility Project—a research initiative to train AI models that recognize diverse speech patterns.

    By integrating this breakthrough into Azure AI Speech, Microsoft is ensuring that AI-powered voice technology works for everyone, making digital experiences more inclusive across industries.

    Making AI more accessible from the ground up

    Technology: Azure AI Foundry

    With Azure AI Foundry, Microsoft has embedded accessibility into the AI development lifecycle itself. By partnering with EY, the Azure AI Foundry now empowers neurodivergent customers, and features improved usability, reducing cognitive overload and improving navigation for all people.

    In 2024, Azure AI Foundry reached a milestone for usability, reflecting feedback from people with disabilities that helped improve the platform. The updates included:

    • Grouping notifications and deployment errors to reduce cognitive overload.
    • Ensuring screen readers provide structured, easy-to-follow AI workflows.
    • Enhancing keyboard navigation for people who rely on shortcuts over mouse input.

    This is a prime example of why accessibility is about building better, more intuitive technology for everyone.

    Making accessible AI work for agents

    Technology: Computer-Using Agent (CUA)

    Microsoft’s Computer-Using Agent (CUA) in Azure AI Foundry enables AI-powered automation of digital interactions, making software more accessible for people with limited mobility or dexterity. By allowing CUA to navigate interfaces, complete multi-step tasks, and execute actions through natural language commands, it reduces reliance on traditional keyboard and mouse inputs.

    This breakthrough enhances digital accessibility, empowering people who use any kind of assistive technology. As CUA dynamically interprets UI elements, it makes it easier to navigate applications and workflows.

    Hope, action, and moving forward together with Azure AI

    There are days when it feels like progress is slow. That accessibility, whether physical or digital, takes too long to improve. But then I think about something as simple as the sidewalks at my cross streets.

    Not that long ago, they were completely inaccessible. But after making a call, filing a report, and pushing the issue, those sidewalks finally got curb cuts just in time for the birth of our second child. It was a small fix in the grand scheme of things, but it made a real difference.

    The truth is, sometimes it just takes someone noticing the problem and taking action. But I also know I say that from a place of privilege—I had the time, the resources, and the ability to advocate for that change. Many people don’t. That’s why it’s so important that we build accessibility into our systems from the start—so that no one has to fight for the basics.

    With Azure AI Foundry, organizations can now scale accessibility faster than ever, making the digital world more navigable, usable, and welcoming to all. The curb cuts are being built—and the future of accessibility is wide open.

    Join us at Ability Summit 2025

    As we celebrate innovation at Microsoft’s Ability Summit 2025, we invite you to explore how AI can enhance accessibility in your products and services.

    The future isn’t just about removing barriers—it’s about building a world where everyone moves forward together. 

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Security: John A. Sarcone III’s Remarks Upon his Swearing-In as United States Attorney

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III made these remarks today upon his swearing-in at the James T. Foley U.S. Courthouse:

    Thank you, Chief Judge Sannes. Thank you to the Judges of the Northern District of New York, to Clerk of the Court John Domurad, and to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Hanlon, who has ably assisted me with the onboarding process.

    I would like to first thank my family for the support and love throughout my life and career, My Wife Cecilia and Children who could not join us today, John Anthony (a Junior at Penn State) and Francesca (a freshman at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina) and Juliet, a sophomore at Croton Harmon High School who is missing school to be here.

    Also present are my Mom Deann, my sister Jennifer Genes, Aunt Jane Fiorito and cousins Bill and Janet Tuttle, Cousin Bruce Fiorito and his wife Lorraine, thank you for your steadfast support.

    To my brothers Michael and Raymond and their families who could not join us today and extended Sarcone, Fiorito and Hickey families and my wife Cecilia’s family, thank you for your love and support.

    Thanks, and a big shout out to my close confidante and friend Ola Hawatmeh.

    My dear friends Father Douglas Crawford and Rabbi Abraham Klein. Thank you for joining me today.

    Thank you, Governor George Pataki, for all your support throughout the years.

    I would like to recognize Senate Leader Rob Ortt, Senator Bill Weber, Assembly Leader Will Barclay, Assemblyman Robert Smullen, my dear friends Chairman Douglas Colety and Chairman Don Minichino, who took time out of their busy schedules to join me today.

    Thank you, Ambassador Elise Stefanik, for your support of my appointment.

    Also joining me are my Dear friend, mentor and former law partner, NYS Appellate Division 2nd Department Justice Mark Dillon and his wife Michelle, my longtime friend and colleague Maury Heller, Al Buonamici, and mentor in everything election law John Ciampoli.

    Thanks to some very special friends who believed in me and fought with me in the political trenches for the past 10 years, Former Congressman John Sweeney, White House Counsel David Warrington, First Deputy White House Counsel Gineen Bresso, Deputy White House Counsel Stuart McCommas.

    And to all friends and colleagues who traveled to Albany today to witness my swearing-in on this most sacred and blessed day, THANK YOU.

    Incidentally, the family bible that I swore my oath on was passed down from my great grandmother Jennie Curtis Hickey to my grandmother Dorothy “Dot” Hickey Fiorito and to my mom Deann Sarcone. I chose today to be sworn in to honor my late grandmother Dot! I was also spiritually moved when my brother Raymond pointed out the date Attorney General Bondi signed the Order appointing me to this most prestigious position, February 28. That day would have been my father’s 87th birthday, whom we lost 35 years ago.

    During the first Trump Administration, I had the privilege and honor of serving as the 14th Regional Administrator for the United States General Services Administration, Northeast Caribbean Region. My jurisdiction included the Northern District of New York and this historic courthouse.

    These federal courthouses mean something – they project the majesty and authority of our government. Everyone knows that important work is going on inside.

    I am honored to be welcomed again into this building, this time as U.S. Attorney, to lead the men and women of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, who are doing the important work of representing the United States in enforcing its laws both civil and criminal.

    Since I was appointed U.S. Attorney two weeks ago, here are just some of the great results this office has achieved:

    • A Nigerian citizen, who has been illegally present in this country for decades and living under stolen identities, pled guilty to bank fraud and money laundering conspiracies that caused $1.7 million in losses;
    • A North Country woman pled guilty to her role in an alien smuggling conspiracy that left a Romanian family of four dead in the St. Lawrence River; and
    • A former music teacher was convicted after trial of transporting students across state lines, and raping and sexually abusing them.

    These cases are each the result of close collaboration between AUSAs and our law enforcement partners. My goal is to continue this great work, and to implement the mandate by President Trump and task of Attorney General Pam Bondi to restore public confidence in our justice system. I am humbled and honored that President Trump and Attorney General Bondi have placed their faith and trust in me to carry forth that mandate as the chief federal law enforcement officer in this district.

    Which leads me to this subject – what makes a good prosecutor? It’s not what college or law school you went to, or whether you have been a career prosecutor, as recent events show. What matters is judgment.

    A good prosecutor has wisdom, common sense, a strong moral and ethical compass, a sense of fairness and empathy, coupled with legal skills and acumen honed over time and from a diversity of representations and matters. As recent events have also shown, there’s just no substitute for common sense. For instance, we recently witnessed the heads of Ivy League institutions equivocate on whether calling for the genocide of Jews by a minority of its students and others violates their own rules.

    I believe the prosecutorial power, and discretion, is best entrusted to those with the full breath of professional and life experiences, from which common sense, wisdom and informed judgment emerge. With these values in mind, I look forward to working together with everyone at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with our dedicated Federal, State and Local law enforcement agencies, in pursuit of honest, transparent, non-political enforcement of federal laws and to restore public confidence in our federal government and our Justice Department.

    As United States Attorney leading this office, I will prioritize our resources to keep our northern border secure; to work with federal, state and local authorities to maintain safe communities; root out public corruption; protect our seniors from being victimized by endless scams and consumer fraud; to end lawlessness and willful disregard for Federal laws; keep our kids safe from illegal drugs; and combat human trafficking.

    I pledge to dedicate steadfast resources to root out hate crimes of all kinds and will not tolerate violations of college students’ rights to be free from harassment or threats because of their religious beliefs and I give fair warning to university leaders that our reach will not stop at prosecuting those who choose to violate our laws but also those who knowingly support any violations in any way, shape or form.

    In conclusion, I am honored and humbled to be standing here before you, my family, friends, colleagues, distinguished guests and our amazing Judges of the Northern District of New York. Thank you all for honoring me with your presence.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford Leads Package of Bills to Counter China’s Predatory Tactics

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford
    OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) introduced a package of bills to tackle China’s predatory tactics on American farmland, college campuses, and lending practices.
    “China continues to buy up American farm land, steal our patents, and expand their authoritarian world view. America will demonstrate to the world our values and maintain our economic and military strength to assure the globe has the best opportunity for freedom. No one in China should doubt America’s resolve and commitment to liberty,” said Lankford.
    Background:
    This package of bills includes the Belt & Road Oversight Act to establish a Country China Officer at each embassy worldwide tasked with tracking China’s investment, particularly investment in critical infrastructure funded through predatory lending practices.
    The Security and Oversight for International Landholdings (SOIL) Act will provide oversight and transparency of purchases of US agricultural land that threaten national security. Oklahoma has over 7,000 licensed marijuana grows. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) believes that 2,000 of those farms have a Chinese connection. The marijuana market in Oklahoma has ushered in other serious crimes like human trafficking, forced labor, and money laundering. Lankford is joined on the SOIL Act by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Jim Risch (R-ID), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). 
    Senator Blackburn also joined the Countering Adversarial and Malicious Partnerships at Universities and Schools (CAMPUS) Act, which prohibits joint research between US universities and universities in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) with connections to the Chinese military, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The bill notably prohibits Department of Education funds for K-12 schools partnering with PLA-linked entities, as well as federal contracts and research dollars for universities that partner with PRC military enterprises.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Rwanda has moved people into model ‘green’ villages: is life better there?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa Allyn Dale, Director of the MA in Climate and Society program at the Columbia Climate School, Columbia University

    After the devastating 1994 genocide, Rwandans returning from the violence established homes and began farming where they could find land.

    Since then, the Rwandan government has aimed to bring people scattered across rural parts of the country into grouped settlements which they have called “model villages”. These are intended to provide extra support for highly vulnerable residents, such as the homeless and those who are living in “high risk zones” – areas prone to floods, drought and mudslides, and which are likely to be affected by climate change in the future.

    Rwanda has a population of 14.5 million. An estimated 62,000 rural families have been resettled into 14,815 villages, of which 253 are considered “model villages”. Some of them are considered “green”, because they use solar power and biofuels as energy sources. Rainwater harvesting, tree planting, and terraced vegetable plots are other features of the green, environmentally friendly model villages.

    We conducted a study to understand the impact of relocating rural communities from high risk zones where they face threats from a changing climate, such as erratic rainfall, drought, floods and landslides. We looked at two lake island communities who were experiencing floods. They also suffered a lack of health and education services and security problems from being too close to an unguarded border.

    We used the Rweru Model Green Village as a case study. Based on our interviews with families who were moved there, we found that relocating people can be double-edged. On the positive side, resettlement increased access to modern facilities and social services. On the downside, people found it hard to earn a living. They lacked access to natural and financial capital and had to adapt to a different climate.

    The resettlement programme overall is now understood to be part of the government of Rwanda’s approach to climate change adaptation. However, our findings suggest that this should be done with care, considering factors like community expectations and government development plans.

    Why people were moved

    The Rweru Model Green Village was set up in 2016 to house residents from two nearby islands on Lake Rweru, Sharita and Mazane. Located along the southern border with Burundi, these islands were home to generations of Rwandans. But they lived in relative isolation without access to services like education, healthcare or markets.

    We interviewed and surveyed people from 64 households in the Rweru village. At the time of our research, 1,777 people had been moved in, all from Sharita and Mazane islands.



    Read more:
    Rising risks of climate disasters mean some communities will need to move – we need a national conversation about relocation now

    Participants said fishing had been a way of life on the islands, providing them with a consistent source of protein. Beans, potatoes, cassava and sorghum grew successfully. Even relatively impoverished households said they had enough food to live on: 55% said the productivity of the land was high.

    However, 84% of respondents also described an isolated life without services. As one put it:

    we were cut off from the rest of the world.

    Many mentioned the lack of drinking water, roads and electricity as a major drawback to living on the islands. While primary school was available, older children could only get to a secondary school by a two hour boat ride. Some dropped out of school.

    Healthcare was absent, and respondents described harrowing journeys to find medical attention. As one woman said:

    When we were still there in Sharita, a woman could want to deliver a baby but getting a boat it takes a long time, a woman can even lose her life waiting.

    The boat rides were dangerous because of hippos in the lake, malaria-carrying mosquitoes, and the risk of drowning.

    Others said that people from Burundi could access the islands easily and sometimes assaulted or killed the island residents. About 76% of the people we interviewed described their lives before relocation as dangerous. Residents had been asking to be resettled for some time because of these problems.

    One of the driving forces for organising rural life into model villages is to enhance the capacity of residents to adapt to changes, including climate impacts such as the increased risks of flooding, drought or landslides. In that way, the model green village programme is also understood to have climate change adaptation elements.

    The pros and cons after resettlement

    After resettlement, most respondents described improvements in their overall quality of life. They were less exposed to floods, which they’d experienced on the islands. They had improved access to healthcare, social services and quality housing.

    Many (66%) described the housing they received as the most important advantage of their new lives:

    Above all, the nicest thing I was given was the house.

    They also described clean water (26%), markets (50%), healthcare (55%), schools (50%) and electricity (24%) as benefits of living in the new model village. It was the first time they’d been able to manage livestock, having only had chickens on the islands. Their children were benefiting from having milk.



    Read more:
    Climate change will force up to 113m people to relocate within Africa by 2050

    Some residents appreciated having a mattress for the first time; 50% indicated furniture and kitchen equipment as advantages. About 34% of respondents were pleased that they no longer needed to travel by boat.

    They also felt safer. But despite these positive outcomes, they said they were poorer and had less food. Unlike the islands, the micro-climate inland was very hot, with little rain and increasing drought.

    Most people we interviewed (55%) said their new, smaller plots of land were “infertile”, “unproductive” or “barren”. They couldn’t fish or grow enough fruit or vegetables. One person said many of the elderly people who were moved only ate one meal a day in the village “and others are starving completely”.

    Increased hunger caused children to miss school:

    Sometimes I cannot put food on the table, my son sleeps with an empty stomach and he cannot go to school the next day.

    The future of model green villages

    The Rwandan government plans to continue setting up model villages, and wants these to be sustainable for many years.

    More research is needed to determine whether living in a model village provides young people with a better quality of life. The government will also need to address the economic challenges, food insecurity and welfare needs of residents in the new villages.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Rwanda has moved people into model ‘green’ villages: is life better there? – https://theconversation.com/rwanda-has-moved-people-into-model-green-villages-is-life-better-there-250975

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council Extends Mandate of United Nations Mission in Afghanistan, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2777 (2025)

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    The Security Council today decided to extend the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) until 17 March 2026, also welcoming its ongoing efforts in the implementation of its mandated tasks and priorities.

    Unanimously adopting resolution 2777 (2025) (to be issued as document S/RES/2777 (2025)), the Council stressed the importance of the Mission’s continued presence and called on all relevant stakeholders to coordinate with it to ensure the safety, security and freedom of movement of UN and associated personnel throughout the country.  The 15-member organ also requested that the Secretary-General report every three months on the situation in Afghanistan and the implementation of UNAMA’s mandate.

    Speaking after the adoption, Afghanistan’s representative expressed support for UNAMA’s vital role, adding that the text rightfully acknowledges his country’s multifaceted challenges, which range from a devastating economic crisis to rampant human rights violations.  Further, it highlights “the heartbreaking reality” that Afghan women and girls continue to be deprived of their most basic rights.  The presence of UNAMA and other UN agencies is essential for humanitarian aid and delivery, human rights protection and facilitating dialogue.

    “The Taliban’s continued failure and unwillingness to address the situation to establish a just, inclusive and representative system of governance” has impeded his country’s prospects for peace and isolated it, he added.  Highlighting the need to fight terrorism and strengthen the banking and financial systems, he said it is vital to enable the use of Afghanistan’s Central Bank assets through a legitimate Government.  After over three years of political stalemate, initiating an inclusive political dialogue remains a priority, alongside other aspects of the Mission’s mandate, he added.

    Council members who spoke today welcomed the unanimous adoption, with the representative of Denmark, Council President for March, who spoke in her national capacity, observing:  “In one united, strong voice, we showed the Afghan people that we have not forgotten them.”  As the Taliban continues to systematically persecute women and girls, she said, it was important for her delegation that the text reflect their deteriorating human-rights situation.

    Somalia’s delegate, also speaking for Guyana, Sierra Leone and Algeria, said the renewal reflects the Council’s united commitment in fostering stability and prosperity in Afghanistan.  He encouraged the international community to enhance coordination to address the various challenges Afghanistan faces.

    The representative of the Republic of Korea drew attention to the “three key elements” his delegation wanted to see reflected in the renewal, welcoming that all are present in today’s text.  First of these was the preservation of UNAMA’s robust, comprehensive mandate. Additionally, updated preambular language reflecting the Council’s views on the various challenges facing Afghanistan “marks the first update of its kind since 2022”, he noted.  He also expressed hope that new language on natural hazards will assist UNAMA in addressing the wide-ranging, destabilizing impacts of climate and environmental challenges.  Lastly, he emphasized the importance of “maintaining the Council’s vigilance on the situation in Afghanistan through quarterly reporting”.

    The text, China’s delegate said, captures the Council’s “positions, expectations and concerns” regarding the current multiple challenges in Afghanistan “in light of the evolving circumstances”.  Further, it notes the problems confronting Afghanistan — such as insufficient economic and humanitarian funding, as well as blocked aid — and reiterates the necessity to help rebuild the national banking and financial system.  It also emphasizes that women should enjoy equal rights in public life.  Underlining the need for “more engagement” with the interim Government to “achieve positive interactions”, he also expressed hope that such Government will respond to the international community’s “legitimate concerns”.

    The representative of Pakistan recalled a recent attack on a passenger train in his country, and emphasized:  “Throughout the attack, the terrorists were in direct contact with their handlers in Afghanistan, from where the attack was planned and directed.”  The Taliban Government “has not been effective” in eliminating Da’esh, has tolerated several other terrorist groups “and is complicit in the cross-border attacks against Pakistan by the TTP [Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan], together with the BLA [Balochistan Liberation Army] and the Majeed Brigade”, he stated.

    Noting that the text just adopted expresses concern over the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan and demands that the country’s territory not be used to threaten any State, plan or finance terrorism or shelter or train terrorists, he said the Council and its counter-terrorism machinery must secure implementation of such decisions.

    The representative of the United States said this adoption ensures that UNAMA remains a partner for the people of Afghanistan.  “It is up to the Taliban to demonstrate they are willing to take the necessary steps to meet their counter-terrorism commitments and respect Afghanistan’s international legal obligations,” she added.

    The representative of the Russian Federation, however, stressed the need to maintain pragmatic cooperation between the Mission and the de facto authorities.  Describing the text as “a collective product emphasizing support for the Afghan people”, she said it was the result of efforts to find “compromise solutions with due regard for the reality on the ground”.  “The main thing is that the tasks of UNAMA remain unchanged”, she added.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank, African Water Facility, Association of European Development Finance Institutions to hold Investment Event for Water and Sanitation in Africa

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, March 17, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org), African Water Facility (www.AfricanWaterFacility.org), and the Association of European Development Finance Institutions (https://EDFI.eu/) will host a high-level event to generate investment for water and sanitation services in Africa. Taking place on 18 March 2025 in Brussels, the event will bring together development finance institutions, private sector investors, and philanthropic organizations.

    During the event, the African Development Bank and African Water Facility will showcase investment-ready projects and those in their pipeline, offering opportunities for investors and development financiers to support high-impact water and sanitation projects, including homegrown solutions that will drive economic growth, social stability, and public health improvements across Africa.

    Why This Matters

    Africa faces significant water and sanitation challenges, amplified by increasing pressure on strained water resources by the continent’s growing population, which is expected to double by 2050. Currently, 411 million people lack access to safe drinking water, 779 million are without essential sanitation services, and 839 million do not have access to basic hygiene services, according to a 2020 report by UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO).

    This lack of access contributes to severe public health challenges, including the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea, which have caused over 400,000 deaths annually on the continent, according to the WHO.

    The economic cost of inadequate access to water and sanitation is also high. Inadequate sanitation alone results in losses of up to $5.5 billion per year in sub-Saharan Africa due to healthcare costs and lost productivity. However, investing in climate-resilient water and sanitation services could yield at least $7 in economic returns for every $1 spent.

    “Water and sanitation infrastructure is fundamental to economic growth. Investing in it is not only a necessity, but good business sense. By securing funding for high-impact projects, we can create jobs, improve public health, and grow local economies,” said Mtchera Chirwa, Director for Water Development and Sanitation at the African Development Bank and Coordinator of African Water Facility.

    Beyond funding, the event will facilitate discussions on public-private partnerships, blended finance models, and innovative financing mechanisms to accelerate progress in achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 – universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030.

    Association of European Development Finance Institutions (https://EDFI.eu/) CEO David Kuijper said. “As stakeholders in development, together, we have the resources to make transformative change happen. The Association of European Development Finance Institutions (https://EDFI.eu/) values the partnership with the African Development Bank and African Water Facility to convene this event to find financial and technical resources for solutions through projects already on the market in Africa.”

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: One Week to Go to the Inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), March 17, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The highly anticipated Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025 is just one week away. Taking place in Brazzaville from March 24-26, the forum will be held under the theme, Securing Growth and Investment in a New Era. With a comprehensive agenda and an impressive roster of high-level speakers, CEIF 2025 brings together top energy executives, investors and policymakers for three days of robust discussions, deal-signings and exhibitions.

    Under the highest patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and the Republic of Congo’s national oil company Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC), CEIF 2025 highlights the country’s expanding influence in Africa’s energy landscape. The forum will bring together a diverse range of participants, including SNPC subsidiaries, international oil companies, Congolese and foreign banks, energy organizations and technology providers.

    The inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the highest patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.

    The conference will kick off with technical sessions, focused on Congo’s oil and gas market, highlighting the latest advancements in the country’s efforts to expand production, revitalize mature fields and capitalize on its immense reserves. The technical sessions will cover monetizing stranded gas, infrastructure development and opportunities to position Congo as a regional hub.

    The CEIF 2025 program will feature a variety of dedicated panel sessions, technical workshops and presentations designed to provide deep insights into the latest developments and opportunities across the entire energy value chain. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge about ongoing and upcoming projects that contribute to Congo’s energy goals, as well as broader trends affecting the sector.

    One of the highlights of CEIF 2025 will be the official unveiling of Congo’s new Gas Master Plan, which aims to consolidate the country’s existing gas assets while attracting new investments into the sector. Furthermore, a new Gas Code will be unveiled at CEIF 2025 to establish a supportive legal and regulatory framework for gas exploration and production investments.

    As part of an ambition to double oil production to 500,000 barrels per day by 2027, CEIF 2025 will feature the launch of the country’s new oil and gas licensing round. The licensing round will offer onshore, offshore and marginal acreage to potential investors and developers. As such, CEIF 2025 offers a platform for delegates to connect with leading figures in Congo’s energy space. Deal signings will be a focal point of the forum, providing an environment where key decision-makers can engage to forge new business relationships.

    High-level speakers at this monumental forum include Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Congo’s Minister of Hydrocarbons; Maixent Raoul Ominga, Director General of the SNPC; Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization; and Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of OPEC, among many others. As the premier gathering for energy players in Africa, CEIF 2025 represents the ideal platform to discuss, showcase and maximize growth and partnership investment opportunities across Congo and Central Africa.

    “With one week out, we are positive that CEIF 2025 will cement its position as a pivotal platform for fostering investment, exploring energy opportunities and driving growth in Congo’s dynamic energy sector. As the inaugural edition, this premier event is sure to provide attendees with invaluable knowledge and insights into the region’s robust and burgeoning industry,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director at Energy Capital & Power.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Sintana Provides Update for PEL 87

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sintana Energy Inc. (TSX-V: SEI, OTCQB: SEUSF) (“Sintana” or the “Company”) provides the following update regarding developments associated with blocks 2713A and 2713B located in Namibia’s Orange Basin. The blocks are governed by Petroleum Exploration License 87 (“PEL 87”) which is operated by Pancontinental Orange Pty Ltd., a subsidiary of Pancontinental Energy NL (ASX:PCL) (“Pancontinental”), who maintains a 75% interest in PEL 87. Additionally, Custos Investments (Pty) Ltd. (“Custos”) maintains a 15% interest and the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (“NAMCOR”) maintains a 10% interest. Sintana has a 49% indirect interest in Custos.

    Pancontinental has received notification from Woodside Energy (GOM) Inc. (“Woodside”) that Woodside has elected not to exercise its option to farm-in to the PEL 87 project. This notice has been received in advance of the long stop date of May 18th, 2025, after which Woodside’s option was due to expire.

    A process is underway to secure an alternate farm-in partner to fund exploration drilling within PEL 87 at the earliest opportunity.

    Significant prospectivity has been identified by the high quality 6,593 km2 3D seismic dataset that was fully funded by Woodside. Subsequent interpretation and evaluation has returned an inventory of intra-Saturn leads and prospects which are estimated to be consistent in size and scale to the discoveries made to date in the Orange Basin. Pancontinental, together with the Joint Venture partners, is continuing to mature and refine a growing inventory on PEL 87.

    “We look forward to deploying our portfolio of relationships with operators including the supermajors to bring forward the potential of PEL 87,” said Knowledge Katti, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Custos and a director of Sintana.

    “The extensive dataset arising from the seismic acquisition campaign funded by Woodside, together with the continuing work to define and refine a significant inventory of leads and prospects, position the PEL 87 partners to expedite farm-in discussions,” added Robert Bose, CEO of Sintana. “PEL 87 is an integral part of our Orange Basin portfolio,” he added.

    ABOUT SINTANA ENERGY:

    The Company is engaged in petroleum and natural gas exploration and development activities on six large, highly prospective, onshore and offshore petroleum exploration licenses in Namibia, and in Colombia’s Magdalena Basin.

    On behalf of Sintana Energy Inc.,

    “A. Robert Bose”
    Chief Executive Officer

    For additional information or to sign-up to receive periodic updates about Sintana’s projects, and corporate activities, please visit the Company’s website at www.sintanaenergy.com

    Corporate Contacts:   Investor Relations Advisor:
         
    Robert Bose Sean Austin Jonathan Paterson
    Chief Executive Officer Vice-President Founder & Managing Partner
    212-201-4125 713-825-9591 Harbor Access 475-477-9401
         

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain information in this release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intensions for the future, and include, but not limited to, statements with respect to potential future farmout agreements on PEL 83 and/or PEL 87, and proposed future exploration and development activities on PEL 83 and/or PEL 90 and neighbouring properties, as well as the prospective nature of the Company’s property interests. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including, but not limited to risks relating to the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals, results of exploration and development activities, the ability to source joint venture partners and fund exploration, permitting and government approvals, and other risks identified in the Company’s public disclosure documents from time to time. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update such information, except as may be required by law.

    NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1e3f50cb-60a9-4024-bb79-fdcaab68ab4e

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Intesa Sanpaolo has partnered with the EIB to provide nearly €660m to promote economic growth in the CEE region since 2020

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paola Papanicolaou, Head of Intesa Sanpaolo’s International Banks Division

    MILAN, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Speaking at the EIB Forum in Luxembourg this month, Paola Papanicolaou, the head of Intesa Sanpaolo’s International Banks Division (IBD), outlined the significant contribution to economic growth in Central and Eastern Europe that the bank has made over the last five years.

    Intesa Sanpaolo has signed deals worth nearly €660m in the CEE region over the past five years, in partnership with the EIB. This includes some €370m dedicated to EU candidate countries, such as Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Ukraine.

    In Serbia, Intesa Sanpaolo’s subsidiary, Banca Intesa Beograd, recently partnered with EIB Global to provide €160m from the EU to support investment in the energy transition at Serbian SMEs, fostering sustainable economic growth.

    The transaction will benefit around 240 companies and protect approximately 25,000 jobs. Banca Intesa Beograd is Serbia’s leading banking group.

    “We believe that our role goes beyond that of a financial institution that just operates transactions, to that of a partner,” Papanicolaou said at the recent EIB Forum. “Intesa Sanpaolo advises and supports the growth of individual companies as well as the wider national economies in which we operate.”

    Intesa Sanpaolo’s IBD is deeply embedded in the CEE region through a network of twelve fully-owned banks.

    “It’s very important to be on the ground, as we are, to fully understand each country’s needs,” Papanicolaou said. “For example, we are working closely with some countries to support public finance and significant infrastructure projects”.

    Another agreement signed in November 2024 saw Intesa Sanpaolo’s Croatian bank, Privredna Banka Zagreb (PBZ), receive €169m from the EIB to finance the green transition at Croatian companies. Of this total amount, €100m was earmarked by the EIB as a guarantee line for large enterprises and mid-cap companies, and an extension of an EIF guarantee of up to €69m was made for small businesses in the country. Intesa Sanpaolo’s PBZ is the second-largest bank in Croatia by assets.

    Italy is a key trading partner for many EU candidate countries. As the leading Italian financial institution, Intesa Sanpaolo acts as a natural financial bridge between Italy — the second-largest manufacturing economy in Europe — and CEE markets.

    Intesa Sanpaolo facilitates international trade, supports SMEs in expanding beyond domestic markets, and fosters cross-border collaborations that drive economic progress. In particular, the bank believes that helping SMEs to expand internationally is a vital contribution to the development of an economy.

    The 12 home markets of Intesa Sanpaolo’s IBD are Croatia, Slovakia and Czech Republic, Serbia, Hungary, Egypt, Slovenia, Ukraine, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Romania and Moldova.

    These banks together serve 7.4m customers, with a combined loan book of €45bn and €61bn in deposits.

    Intesa Sanpaolo plays a crucial role in these economies, serving individuals, SMEs, corporates, and public sector entities while driving investment and growth.

    Contact: international.media@intesasanpaolo.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b9897a34-ccf2-4423-8cc4-3d0427433a18

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s video message to the Ninth Annual Brussels Conference “Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition”

    Source: United Nations – English

    strong>Download the video:
    https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+07+March+25/3347660_MSG+SG+STANDING+WITH+SYRIA+BRUSSELS+07+MAR+25.mp4

    Excellencies, distinguished guests,

    I thank the European Union for hosting this Conference.

    This is a watershed moment for Syria.

    Syrians are on the threshold of a historic opportunity to realize their aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive future.

    But the road ahead is a rocky one.

    After 14 years of war, Syria’s economy has lost out on an estimated $800 billion in GDP.

    Infrastructure for critical services has been devastated.

    And millions of Syrians — inside and outside Syria — continue to need massive levels of support for food, shelter, basic services and livelihoods.

    This includes the thousands of Syrians who have returned since December.

    And it includes the five million Syrian refugees in neighboring countries who are deciding their next step.

    In all, over two-thirds of the population require humanitarian assistance, making Syria one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world. 

    But funding for the humanitarian response continues to fall short.

    The international community must move with urgency to invest in Syria’s future,

    By expanding humanitarian support and reconsidering any cuts to funding at this critical time.

    By investing in Syria’s recovery, including addressing sanctions and other restrictions.

    And by supporting efforts to ensure an orderly and inclusive political transition, along with the creation of institutions that serve, reflect and protect all Syrians.

    The future of Syria is a matter for Syrians to determine, and my Special Envoy is working with them to help shape that future.

    The United Nations remains committed to helping Syrians build a country where reconciliation, justice, freedom, and prosperity are shared realities for all.

    This is the path to sustainable peace in Syria.

    A Syria for all Syrians.

    A prosperous and thriving Syria.

    A Syria — finally — at peace.

    Let’s work together to help the people of Syria as they take these momentous next steps in their journey towards a free, prosperous and peaceful future.

    ***
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff Concludes Visit to Kenya

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    NAIROBI, Kenya, March 17, 2025/APO Group/ —

    A staff team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), led by Ms. Haimanot Teferra, visited Nairobi during March 6-14, 2025.

    At the conclusion of the visit, Ms. Teferra issued the following statement:

    “The mission team engaged with the Kenyan authorities on recent developments and the macroeconomic outlook. The Kenyan authorities and IMF staff have reached an understanding that the ninth review under the current Extended Fund Facility and Extended Credit Facility programs will not proceed. The IMF has received a formal request for a new program from the Kenyan authorities and will engage with them going forward.

    “The staff team would like to express its gratitude to the Kenyan authorities for their engagement and hospitality during this mission. The team met with H.E. President Ruto, Cabinet Secretary Mbadi Ng’ongo, Central Bank of Kenya Governor Thugge, and their teams, as well as representatives from various government agencies, and other key stakeholders.”

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Rapid7 Announces Global Capability Center in India

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rapid7, Inc., Inc. (NASDAQ: RPD), a leader in extended risk and threat detection, today announced plans for expansion in India, including the opening of a new Global Capability Center (GCC) in Pune to serve as an innovation hub and Security Operations Center (SOC). In addition, the company announced a series of in-region events to engage with government, education, and talent stakeholders on Rapid7’s commitment to enable customers to simplify security, take control of their attack surface, and confidently navigate a dynamic threat landscape.

    The GCC will open in April 2025 with a focus on expanding Rapid7’s ability to provide seamless, 24×7 security operations coverage to their growing global customers worldwide. Hiring for the new office will prioritize building a team that drives product and service innovation in cyber operations, in addition to building the cybersecurity talent pipeline in the local market and fostering AI collaborations with corporations and academic institutions.

    “Expanding into India is a critical step in accelerating Rapid7’s investments in security operations leadership and customer-centric innovation,” said Corey Thomas, chairman and CEO of Rapid7. “Innovation thrives when multi-dimensional teams come together to solve complex challenges, and this new hub strengthens our ability to deliver the most adaptive, predictive, and responsive cybersecurity solutions to customers worldwide. Establishing a Security Operations Center in Pune also enhances our ability to scale threat detection and response globally while connecting the exceptional technical talent in the region to impactful career opportunities. We are excited to grow a world-class team in India that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cybersecurity.”

    “Rapid7 is known for its high-performing teams that challenge boundaries and embrace rapid technological change, from generative AI and machine learning to cutting-edge security solutions,” said Swami Nathan, Rapid7 country manager, India. “I’m excited to lead this transformational journey in Pune, where every team member will have the opportunity to grow, drive meaningful impact for our customers, and help shape a more secure digital future.”

    Rapid7 is at the forefront of global conversations on cyber and AI security policy and development of those business ecosystems and, following that tradition, Sabeen Malik, Rapid7’s vice president of global government affairs and public policy, will attend and participate on a panel at the Raisina Dialogue entitled “Concert of Oceans: Towards A Digital Indo-Pacific,” alongside Amit Shukla, Joint Secretary, Cyber Diplomacy Division, Ministry of External Affairs, India.

    In May, Rapid7 will host three in-region Security Day events in Mumbai (May 8), Delhi (May 13), and Bangalore (May 15). These events will bring together leaders from top corporations, academic institutions, and government to explore the evolving cyber threat landscape, share insights from their cybersecurity journeys, and discover the latest advancements in Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM), Cyber Asset Attack Surface Management (CAASM), Attack Surface Management (ASM), and Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR). These events are open to Rapid7 customers, potential clients, and partners.

    To learn more about Security Days visit https://www.rapid7.com/lp/2025-global-security-days/.

    To learn more about joining the Rapid7 team in India visit https://careers.rapid7.com/rapid7-pune.

    About Rapid7
    Rapid7, Inc. (NASDAQ: RPD) is on a mission to create a safer digital world by making cybersecurity simpler and more accessible. We empower security professionals to manage a modern attack surface through our best-in-class technology, leading-edge research, and broad, strategic expertise. Rapid7’s comprehensive security solutions help more than 11,000 global customers unite cloud risk management with threat detection and response to reduce attack surfaces and eliminate threats with speed and precision. For more information, visit our website, check out our blog, or follow us on LinkedIn or X.

    Rapid7 Media Relations
    Alice Randall
    Director, Global Corporate Communications
    press@rapid7.com
    (857) 216-7804

    Rapid7 Investor Contact
    Elizabeth Chwalk
    Vice President, Investor Relations
    investors@rapid7.com
    (617) 865-4277

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Lists Mubarak (MUBARAK) in the Innovation and Meme Zone

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced the listing of Mubarak (MUBARAK), a trending memecoin on BNB Chain, on its platform. Trading of MUBARAK/USDT will commence on 17 March 2025, 9:00 (UTC).

    On 15 March , Binance founder CZ posted a message on Binance Square titled “I’m going to meet a friend this weekend” with a Mubarak-related meme picture. After the post, MUBARAK rose by more than 150%, with a market value of over $20 million, sparking significant interest from traders and investors alike. The listing on Binance Alpha acted as a catalyst for the token’s explosive growth. MUBARAK then experienced a sharp increase in value, with market capitalization briefly surging to $52 million.

    The addition of MUBARAK highlights Bitget’s focus on emerging trends and offering diverse assets that reflect the evolving interests of crypto traders and enthusiasts. As meme coins continue to gain popularity, Bitget ensures users have access to standout tokens that resonate with market trends and evolving community interests.

    The MUBARAK listing further enriches the portfolio of assets available in the Meme Zone, a segment customized for tokens that show cultural relevance. Bitget has consistently expanded its market share in both spot and derivatives trading among centralized exchanges. With an extensive selection of over 900 cryptocurrency pairs and a commitment to broaden its offerings to more than 900 trading pairs, Bitget connects users to various ecosystems, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Base, and TON.

    For more details on MUBARAK, users can visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 100 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM market, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, users can visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet
    For media inquiries, users can contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    Contact

    Simran Alphonso
    media@bitget.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Global crises have hit education hard: 24 years of research offers a way forward for southern Africa

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Emmanuel Ojo, Associate Professor, University of the Witwatersrand

    Global crises have shaped our world over the past two decades, affecting education systems everywhere. Higher education researcher Emmanuel Ojo has studied the impact of these disruptions on educational opportunities, particularly in southern Africa.

    He looked at 5,511 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 to explore what the research suggests about making education systems more resilient. Here, he answers some questions about his review.

    What are the global crises that have undermined education?

    In my review I drew up a table documenting how multiple crises have disrupted education systems worldwide.

    The cycle began with the 2000-2002 dot-com bubble collapse, which reduced education funding and slowed technological integration. This was followed by the 2001 terrorist attacks, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak (2002-2004), Iraq War (2003-2011), Indian Ocean tsunami (2004), and Hurricane Katrina (2005). The Israeli-Palestinian conflict since 2000, global food crisis (2007-2008), financial crisis (2007-2008), and European debt crisis (2010-2012) continued this pattern of disruption.

    More recently, the Ebola epidemic, COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia-Ukraine war have destabilised education systems. Meanwhile, the ongoing climate crisis creates challenges, particularly in southern Africa where environmental vulnerability is high.

    Who suffers most, and in what ways?

    Education has consistently been among the hardest-hit sectors globally. According to Unesco, the COVID pandemic alone affected more than 1.6 billion students worldwide.

    But the impact is not distributed equally.

    My research shows crises have put vulnerable populations at a further disadvantage through school closures, funding diversions, infrastructure destruction and student displacement. Quality and access decline most sharply for marginalised communities. Costs rise and mobility is restricted. Food insecurity during crises reduces attendance among the poorest students.

    In southern Africa, the Covid-19 disruption highlighted existing divides. Privileged students continued learning online. Those in rural and informal settlements were completely cut off from education.

    Climate change compounds these inequalities. Unicef highlights that climate disasters have a disproportionate impact on schooling for millions in low-income countries, where adaptive infrastructure is limited.

    What’s at stake for southern Africa is the region’s development potential and social cohesion. The widening of educational divides threatens to create a generation with unequal opportunities and capabilities.

    What makes southern African education systems fragile?

    My review focused on the 16 countries of the Southern African Development Community, revealing what makes them vulnerable to crisis impacts.

    Southern Africa’s geographic exposure to climate disasters combines with pre-existing economic inequalities. The region’s digital divide became starkly visible during the Covid-19 pandemic. Some students were excluded from learning by limited connectivity and unreliable electricity.

    The region’s systems also rely on external funding. The Trump administration’s sudden foreign aid freeze was a shock to South Africa’s higher education sector. It has affected public health initiatives and university research programmes.

    Research representation itself is unequal. Within the region, South African researchers dominate and other nations make only limited contributions. This creates blind spots in understanding context-specific challenges and solutions.

    Each successive crisis deepens educational divides, making recovery increasingly difficult and costly. Weaker education systems make the region less able to respond to other development challenges, too.

    How can southern Africa build education systems to withstand crises?

    One striking finding from my review was the surge in educational research after the Covid-19 pandemic began – from 229 studies in 2019 to nearly double that in 2020, with continued rapid growth thereafter. This indicates growing recognition that education systems must be redesigned to withstand future disruptions, not merely recover from current ones.

    Research points to a number of ways to do this:

    • Strategic investment in educational infrastructure, particularly digital technologies, to ensure learning continuity.

    • Equipping educators with skills to adapt teaching methods during emergencies.

    • Innovative, context-appropriate teaching approaches that empower communities.

    • Integration of indigenous knowledge systems into curricula, enhancing relevance, adaptability and community ownership.

    • Interdisciplinary and cross-national research collaborations.

    • Protection of education budgets, recognising education’s role in crisis recovery and long-term stability.

    • Community engagement in education, ensuring interventions are culturally appropriate and widely accepted.

    In my view, African philanthropists have a duty to provide the independent financial base that education systems need to withstand external funding fluctuations.

    What’s the cost of doing nothing?

    The economic and social costs of failing to build resilient education systems are profound and long-lasting. Each educational disruption creates negative effects that extend far beyond the crisis period.

    When students miss critical learning periods, it reduces their chances in life. The World Bank estimates that learning losses from the Covid-19 pandemic alone could result in up to US$17 trillion in lost lifetime earnings for affected students globally.

    Social costs are equally severe. Educational disruptions increase dropout rates, child marriage, early pregnancy, and youth unemployment. These outcomes create broader societal challenges that require costly interventions across multiple sectors.

    Spending on educational resilience avoids those costs.

    The question isn’t whether southern African nations can afford to invest in educational resilience, but whether they can afford not to.

    The choices made today will determine whether education systems merely survive crises or make society better. Evidence-based policies and regional cooperation are essential for building education systems that can fulfil Southern Africa’s human potential.

    – Global crises have hit education hard: 24 years of research offers a way forward for southern Africa
    – https://theconversation.com/global-crises-have-hit-education-hard-24-years-of-research-offers-a-way-forward-for-southern-africa-251833

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 17 March 2025 Statement Third meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee regarding the upsurge of mpox 2024

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) is hereby transmitting the report of the third meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) Emergency Committee (Committee) regarding the upsurge of mpox 2024, held on Tuesday, 25 February 2025, from 12:00 to 17:00 CET.

    Concurring with the advice unanimously expressed by the Committee during the meeting, the WHO Director-General determined that the upsurge of mpox 2024 continues to meet the criteria of a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) and, accordingly, on 27 February 2025, issued temporary recommendations to States Parties.

    The WHO Director-General expresses his most sincere gratitude to the Chair, Members, and Advisors of the Committee.

    Proceedings of the meeting

    Sixteen (16) Members of, and two Advisors to, the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) Emergency Committee (Committee) were convened by teleconference, via Zoom, on Tuesday, 25 February 2025, from 12:00 to 17:00 CET. Fourteen (14) of the 16 Committee Members, and one of the two Advisors to the Committee participated in the meeting.

    On behalf of the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Deputy Director-General welcomed Members of and Advisors to the Committee, as well as Government Officials designated to present their views to the Committee on behalf of the ten invited States Parties – Burundi, Canada, China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Nepal, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Uganda, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (United Kingdom).

    In his opening remarks, the WHO Deputy Director-General recalled that, on 14 August 2024, the upsurge of mpox was determined to constitute a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). He noted that, over the three years from 1 January 2022 through 31 January 2025, almost 130 000 confirmed cases of mpox, including over 280 deaths, were reported to WHO from 130 countries and territories in all six WHO Regions, including seven countries and territories that had reported their first mpox cases since the previous meeting of the Committee on 22 November 2024. The WHO African Region, where some States Parties are continuing to experience sustained community transmission, accounts for 61% of the cases and 72% of the deaths reported globally over the past 12 months.

    The WHO Deputy Director-General highlighted that, since the last meeting of the Committee, the epidemiological situation continues to be volatile. Despite observed improvements pertaining to several aspects of the response – emergency coordination, surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, empowerment of communities, furthering equitable access to medical countermeasures and tools – several critical challenges had emerged, including: (a) rising geopolitical instability in the DRC due to escalating conflict affecting mpox response operations resulting in temporary pauses in operation, relocation of staff and restricted access to affected populations; (b) concurrent health emergencies requiring States Parties and partners to respond (e.g. Sudan virus disease outbreak in Uganda); and (c) uncertainties related to the pause in financial support from the United States of America (United States) occurring in the broader landscape of declining foreign assistance. To date, globally, one-third of the funds supporting the response to mpox had been pledged by the United States. Without sufficient funds, the ability of States Parties, WHO and partners to maintain, sustain, and expand the response to mpox would be compromised.

    The Representative of the Office of Legal Counsel then briefed the Members and Advisors on their roles and responsibilities and identified the mandate of the Committee under the relevant articles of the IHR. The Ethics Officer from the Department of Compliance, Risk Management, and Ethics provided the Members and Advisors with an overview of the WHO Declaration of Interests process. The Members and Advisors were made aware of their individual responsibility to disclose to WHO, in a timely manner, any interests of a personal, professional, financial, intellectual or commercial nature that may give rise to a perceived or actual conflict of interest. They were additionally reminded of their duty to maintain the confidentiality of the meeting discussions and the work of the Committee. Each Member and Advisor was surveyed, with no conflicts of interest identified.

    The meeting was handed over to the Chair who introduced the objectives of the meeting, which were to provide views to the WHO Director-General on whether the event continues to constitute a PHEIC, and if so, to provide views on the potential proposed temporary recommendations.

    Session open to representatives of States Parties invited to present their views

    The WHO Secretariat presented an overview of the global epidemiological situation of mpox, including all circulating clades of monkeypox virus (MPXV). Outside the WHO African Region, cases of mpox reported to WHO are associated with the spread of MPXV clade IIb, with a decline in the number of cases reported in recent months. In the WHO African Region, amid the circulation of multiple MPXV clades, the still growing number of cases reported monthly is driven by the spread of MPXV clade Ib. Since the Committee last met, on 22 November 2024, exported travel-related cases of confirmed MPXV clade Ib infection have been detected in eight additional countries outside the WHO African Region.

    The WHO Secretariat then focused on the three countries reporting most cases of MPXV clade Ib since January 2024 – the DRC (over 15 000 cases, including cases in areas where MPXV clade Ia is circulating); Burundi (over 3000 cases, with a sustained decrease reported weekly and a geographic shift to the administrative capital Gitega since the Committee last met); and Uganda (nearly 3000 cases, with an exponential increase in and around the capital Kampala since the Committee last met). Notwithstanding changes in the case definition of mpox cases, uneven surveillance coverage (including due to the conflict in the eastern provinces of the country), and limited laboratory testing capacity in the DRC introducing some challenges in the interpretation of data , the number of mpox cases reported weekly is plateauing and the geographic distribution of cases, in all provinces in the country, remained very similar to the situation presented at the previous meeting of the Committee. Mathematical modelling work suggests that, since the PHEIC was determined in mid-August 2024 in the DRC, the transmission rate has decreased in certain health zones of the North Kivu and South Kivu Provinces, as well as in some health zones of the capital Kinshasa where vaccination efforts are underway.

    The spread of MPXV clade Ia and Ib, in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Kinshasa Provinces of the DRC, as well as in Burundi and Uganda, appears to have started among adults, including through sexual networks involving commercial sex workers and their clients, disproportionately affecting the 20–39 years age group. Since then, in North Kivu and South Kivu Provinces of the DRC, more age group became affected reflecting community transmission through close contact, including household, whereas, in the capital Kinshasa, the spread has remained within the adult population. In Burundi and Uganda, the age distribution of mpox cases shows a bimodal pattern, with high incidence observed among young adults and younger children. This pattern reflects both ongoing sexual transmission and close contact transmission in household settings. The strikingly high proportion of cases among younger children (0-9 age group) observed in Burundi is possibly attributable to transmission occurring within health care facilities settings.

    In addition to the three aforementioned countries, community transmission of MPXV clade Ib is also observed in Kenya, Rwanda, and Zambia, while travel-related imported cases have been reported both, by countries in the WHO African Region (Angola, Zimbabwe, with cases in Tanzania being under investigation), and by 14 countries in the five remaining WHO Regions. Most travel-related imported cases are male and, in instances where limited secondary transmission in the country of importation has occurred, a few children have been infected through household contact, including child-to-child transmission on one occasion. The five imported cases with sole travel history to the United Arab Emirates may signal wider mpox transmission in that country.

    Mortality associated with the different MPXV clades in the WHO African Region, and notwithstanding the limitation of surveillance and laboratory diagnostics in the DRC, clade Ia accounts for the majority of fatal cases (1345), corresponding to an average case fatality rate (CFR%) of 2.5-3%, being highest in children under 1 year of age (4–5%). The CFR attributed with clade Ib infection remains very low at around 0.2%, and similar to the that attributed to clade IIb, with recorded deaths associated with specific risk factors such as uncontrolled HIV and other comorbidities.

    The WHO Secretariat also noted an increase in mpox cases reported in West African countries since the PHEIC was determined in mid-August 2024, including the first cases of mpox, due to MPXV clade IIa, reported by Sierra Leone.

    The WHO Secretariat presented the assessed risk by MPXV clades and further expressed in terms of overall public health risk where any given clade/s is/are circulating, as: Clade Ib – high public health risk in the DRC and neighbouring countries; Clade Ia – moderate public health risk in the DRC; Clade II – moderate public health risk in Nigeria and countries of West and Central Africa where mpox is endemic; and lade IIb – moderate public health risk globally.

    The WHO Secretariat subsequently provided an update on response actions taken together with States Parties and partners since the Committee last met. In addition to the overview provided by the WHO Deputy Director-General, and in the epidemiological overview, the WHO Secretariat provided details on progress and challenges focusing on the aspects of the response outlined below.

    The coordination of emergency operations by the WHO Secretariat was readjusted – including based on action reviews and leveraging the comparative advantages of WHO, State Parties, and partners –prioritizing a flexible, agile, and delivery-focused response. However, while decentralized field operations have intensified, such shifts take time, particularly in specific settings in the DRC and amid changes in geopolitical partnerships. The operational decentralization continues to emphasize increased laboratory diagnostic support, increased dissemination of standards and guidance to deliver safe clinical care, and empowering communities to enhance their efforts to protect themselves from risks associated with mpox.

    Additionally, through the Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM), WHO and partners (Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)) are continuing coordinated and multifaceted efforts to prioritize access to and roll out mpox vaccines in an equitable manner.

    With the WHO Mpox global strategic preparedness and response plan, September 2024-February 2025 (SPRP) reaching the end of its initial timeframe, and considering the response strategy it outlines as still fit for purpose, the WHO Secretariat is planning to release an extension of the plan in the coming weeks.

    In September 2024, the WHO Secretariat launched an appeal for US$ 87.4 million to support mpox response efforts WHO appeal: mpox public health emergency 2024 with US$ 65.5 million raised by the time of this meeting. The contribution from the United States had accounted for 33% of the funds raised, of which US$ 7.5 million is currently inaccessible due to the freeze of funds from the United States. As part of planning for the extension of the SPRP, the WHO Secretariat is conducting a review of available resources to address priority needs and mitigate potential future gaps in the delivery of the response. While the above-mentioned freeze is expected to primarily impact operations in Burundi, the Central African Republic, the DRC, the Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda, broader challenges are anticipated for the second and third quarters of 2025. Given the evolving epidemiological situation and challenges noted above, the reduction in predictable and flexible funding throughout 2025 will put at risk the progress of the mpox response to date.

    Representatives of Burundi, the DRC, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Uganda updated the Committee on the mpox epidemiological situation in their countries and their current control and response efforts, needs and challenges, including those related to the freeze of the funds from the United States. The use of mpox vaccine is contemplated in the response plans of the DRC, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Uganda. In Burundi, following action review, community-based interventions that are being strengthened in areas experiencing high incident of mpox include risk communication and awareness raising.

    Members of, and the Advisor to, the Committee then engaged in questions and answers, revolving around the issues and challenges enumerated below, with the presenters from States Parties and the WHO Secretariat, as well as with representatives of States Parties invited to submit a written statement to the Committee ahead of the meeting – Canada, China, Nepal, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

    Funding – The Committee reiterated the importance of efforts to mobilize domestic financial resources to support mpox response activities. Burundi and the DRC indicated the funds allocated to the response by their respective Governments, also providing details of specific activities supported. The DRC indicated that, at present, the freeze of the funds from the United States is impacting the transportation of clinical specimens and laboratory diagnostics, with a decline in the testing rate, and that the Government is exploring solutions with other partners. The WHO Secretariat added that alternative funding sources are being explored with non-traditional donors.

    Age distribution of mpox cases – The WHO Secretariat indicated that (a) there are studies ongoing to determine the secondary attack rate by age group and type of exposure; (b) at least in Burundi, there is no evidence of large outbreaks in settings where children are congregating and, hence, supporting evidence of child-to-child transmission; and (c) in the South Kivu Proving of the DRC, it remains unknown the extent to which transmission to children is occurring beyond the household setting.

    Impact of vaccination on transmission – The DRC indicated that, at present, there is no information about whether the use of the limited amount of mpox vaccine available is being effective in interrupting mpox transmission.

    The DRC – The DRC indicated that, due to insecurity and to decrease in laboratory testing rate, any apparent decrease of the number of reported mpox cases may represent an artifact and should be interpreted with caution. The WHO Secretariat highlighted that, being mpox a relatively mild illness, the rate of underreporting is unknown and that the trends of mpox surveillance data are critical to monitor the evolution of the situation. With respect to detection of a new MPXV clade Ia lineage in Kinshasa, the WHO Secretariat indicated that the strain, similarly to clade Ib, has increased human-to-human transmission potential.

    Uganda – Uganda elaborated on the shift of the dynamics of mpox transmission from lower to higher income groups. The initial spread of MPXV clade Ib initiated long-distance truck drivers, it continued in fishing communities, and then within commercial sex networks in the capital Kampala. The fact that more affluent individuals are now affected poses a public health risk both, nationally and internationally. Therefore, the use of mpox vaccine is focused among sex workers in Kampala.

    Nigeria – Nigeria indicated that, in the context of the mpox response, the human health and animal health sectors are working very closely and that, despite the numerous research initiatives, to date, there is no evidence of animal involvement in sustaining the mpox outbreak in the human population. Nigeria, with a population of 200 million persons, indicated that 20 000 doses of mpox vaccine have been used in the country, targeting health care workers, female sex workers, and men who have sex with men.

    The United Arab Emirates – Considering that, in five instances, travel-related imported cases of MPXV clade Ib infection had sole travel history to the United Arab Emirates, the representative of the country (a) indicated that the National IHR Focal Point reported to WHO the first case of MPXV clade Ib infection; (b) briefly described the surveillance, laboratory diagnostic, case management, and risk communication approaches in place; (c) indicated that mpox vaccine is available to health care workers and as a post-exposure measure; and (d) recalled that the country is bilaterally supporting the response efforts of some African countries.

    The United Kingdom – The United Kingdom (a) described the detection, investigation, and clinical and public health management of the travel-related imported mpox cases; and (b) highlighted that the countries of origin of the imported cases are systematically informed about the occurrences.

    Deliberative session

    Following the session open to invited States Parties, the Committee reconvened in a closed session to examine the questions in relation to whether the event constitutes a PHEIC or not, and if so, to consider the temporary recommendations drafted by the WHO Secretariat in accordance with IHR provisions.

    The Chair reminded the Committee Members of their mandate and recalled that a PHEIC is defined in the IHR as an “extraordinary event, which constitutes a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease, and potentially requires a coordinated international response”.

    The Committee was unanimous in expressing the views that the ongoing upsurge of mpox still meets the criteria of a PHEIC and that the Director-General be advised accordingly

    The overarching considerations underpinning the advice of the Committee are (a) the insecurity in the eastern provinces and in the capital of the DRC – the State Party epicenter of the MPXV clade Ib outbreak –, hampering mpox response field operations and with the potential to morph into a larger scale humanitarian response; (b) the freeze of funding by the United States both, of specific mpox response activities as well as of other, directly or indirectly related, aid interventions; and (c) the continuing detection of travel-related imported mpox cases in States Parties within and outside the WHO African Region.

    On that basis, the Committee considered that:

    The event is “extraordinary” because of (a) the persistent, if not increasing, challenges in gauging the actual magnitude and trend of the MPXV clade Ib outbreak, especially in the DRC. This is thwarting the ability to assess progress, if any, towards controlling the spread of mpox and to adjust response interventions. The Committee’s reading is that, overall, the epidemiological situation is worryingly similar to that observed in November 2024; (b) the unfolding dynamics of MPXV clade Ib transmission, resulting in the shift in age groups affected and, hence, posing challenges in timely targeting response interventions; (c) the co-circulation and the risk of mutations of MPXV clades in the context of sustained community transmission; and (d) the possibility of change in the severity of disease resulting from food insecurity and interruption in the delivery of HIV-related care due to the freeze of aid.

    The event “constitutes a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease” because of (a) the doubling of the number of States Parties having detected travel-related imported cases of MPXV clade Ib infection since the Committee last met, both in the WHO African Region and in all five other WHO Regions; (b) the possible influx of refugees from the eastern provinces of the DRC into neighbouring countries.

    The event “requires a coordinated international response” because of the needs (a) to mobilize, and optimize the use, of financial and other resources to sustain response efforts, at the required level, in the medium term, following the freeze of funding by the United States; and (b) to continue facilitating and increasing equitable access to mpox vaccines and diagnostics.

    The Committee subsequently considered the draft of the temporary recommendations proposed by the WHO Secretariat

    Anticipating the possibility that the WHO Director-General may determine that the event continues to constitute a PHEIC, the Committee had received a proposed set of revised temporary recommendations ahead of the meeting. This reflected the proposal to extend most of the temporary recommendations issued on 27 November 2024. The Committee indicated that it would be giving them further consideration with a view to share its advice in that regard with the WHO Director-General as soon as possible. In such a way, should the WHO Director-General determine that the event continues to constitute a PHEIC, he could proceed, without delay, with issuing such communication together with a prospective revised set of temporary recommendations.

    The Committee agreed to finalize the report of its third meeting during the week of 3 March 2025.

    Conclusions

    The Committee reiterated its concern regarding the continuing spread of MPXV in and beyond Africa, considering global geopolitical developments, the humanitarian situation in the DRC, as well as the foreseeable options and opportunities to secure sustainable funding to support response efforts. The Committee considered that the determination by the WHO Director-General that the upsurge of mpox still constitutes a PHEIC would be warranted. However, the Committee cautioned about the possible unintended consequences of determining an event to constitute a PHEIC for extended periods of time, since this could undermine the global public health alert function intrinsic to such a determination and reduce the leverage of a PHEIC in boosting domestic and international response efforts for future events. To that effect, the Committee reiterated the need to elaborate on considerations, related to the three criteria defining a PHEIC, that would inform its future advice to the WHO Director-General as to the termination of this PHEIC.

    The Incident Manager for mpox at WHO headquarters, on behalf of the WHO Deputy Director-General, expressed his gratitude to the Committee’s Officers, its Members and Advisor and closed the meeting.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Rescuing Nigeria: how to break the cycle of decline and bring progress

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Omano Edigheji, Associate Professor of Practice, University of Johannesburg

    Nigeria has abundant human and natural resources but remains mired in underdevelopment. There are high levels of poverty, corruption, unemployment and inequality. The country is currently witnessing a rise in ethnic militias and terrorism, adding to the threats posed by armed herdsmen’s deadly clashes with rural communities over land.

    The nation suffers from poor economic management and a political leadership that has failed to promote structural transformation of the economy and politics.

    I am a political scientist with research specialisation in the political economy of development. In my view, Nigeria’s social, economic and political crises stem from the absence of a grouping of people who put the country’s interests first. I call this grouping a developmentalist coalition.

    I argue that for Nigeria to realise its potential and forge a prosperous shared future, like-minded individuals motivated by the ideology of development nationalism must come together in a coalition.

    Development nationalism refers to the commitment to advancing one’s country and ensuring its prosperity. This includes enhancing the capabilities of its people so they can reach their potential and contribute to national progress. Individuals like this put loyalty to their country above other identities or considerations.

    This coalition must focus on enhancing the nation’s productive capacity and uplifting the well-being of its citizens. Together, they can break the cycle of underdevelopment and achieve lasting progress.

    And this can be measured through the creation of a predictable governance structure characterised by the rule of law and the provision of essential public goods to citizens.

    Read more: Book review: Nigeria has democracy but not development. How to fix it

    Developmental nationalism

    Developmentalist coalitions shape political and economic affairs in most developed nations. In China, Malaysia, Mauritius, South Korea, Singapore and other countries that have tried to catch up with advanced nations, developmental nationalism has played a significant role.

    In some cases, a developmentalist elite creates its own political party. An example of this is the People’s Action Party founded by Singapore’s first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, and his colleagues. The Labour Party in Norway, a coalition mostly of workers and farmers, is another example.

    In other instances, members of this elite join different political parties. When developmentalists are the dominant political elite, any party in power ensures that it upholds standards that reflect the core principles upon which the country is founded.

    Developmental elites articulate values that define and bind their nations. They provide moral and political leadership, as Nelson Mandela did in South Africa.

    Most of these elites want to have inclusive economic and political institutions that help them achieve their development objectives.

    Read more: Calls to restructure Nigeria’s federal system are missing the point: the country needs good governance, not reform

    Why Nigeria needs developmentalist coalitions

    Since Nigeria became independent from Britain in 1960, most of those who have overseen the country’s political and economic landscape have not acted in a nationalistic or patriotic manner.

    Instead, they have followed their self-interest and exploited the Nigerian state for personal gain.

    As a result, the economy remains undiversified, with a small and declining manufacturing sector, thereby missing out on the potential for job creation.

    Successive administrations in the last 26 years have allocated less funding to the education sector than the 26% of the national budget recommended by Unesco.

    The political elite have not built an economy that will create decent jobs for the youth. Also, they have fostered an education system that produces graduates who do not have the skills to start enterprises.

    Most young Nigerians are engaged in the informal sector, with its associated problems: unstable jobs, hazardous working conditions, and a lack of decent wages. Most youths are underemployed and in low value-added economic activities. This means Nigeria is missing out on the potential benefits of its youthful population.

    About 70% of Nigeria’s population of over 200 million are under 30 years old, and 41% are younger than 15.

    Political leaders have failed to create an environment that allows them to achieve their full potential.

    In Nigeria, the issue is not the lack of individuals focused on development. These people exist across all segments of the Nigerian society, including government. The real problem is that they haven’t formed a coalition.

    As a result, they cannot act collectively and cohesively to invest in Nigeria’s greatest asset: its people; and to promote industrialisation.

    Now is the time to form the developmentalist coalition to change the governance and development trajectory of the country.

    Read more: Is Nigeria in danger of a coup? What the country should do to avoid one – political analyst

    What to do

    In Nigeria, a broad-based coalition of developmentalist elites needs to be led by individuals with a clear vision for development and national cohesion.

    Members of this coalition could establish a political party to contest elections, gain political power, and use their positions in government to develop the nation.

    Party members must be disciplined and subordinate their personal ambitions to those of the party and the national interests. The party must not become an empire of powerful individuals: instead, its organs must be allowed to function.

    Establishing this coalition is the way to end Nigeria’s endemic corruption and build a robust manufacturing sector and a thriving digital economy.

    It also needs to promote agro-allied industry, investment in infrastructure, job creation and poverty reduction.

    This coalition should aim to transform Nigeria’s democracy into a system where political parties and elected representatives genuinely serve the people.

    – Rescuing Nigeria: how to break the cycle of decline and bring progress
    – https://theconversation.com/rescuing-nigeria-how-to-break-the-cycle-of-decline-and-bring-progress-251639

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Global crises have hit education hard: 24 years of research offers a way forward for southern Africa

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Emmanuel Ojo, Associate Professor, University of the Witwatersrand

    Global crises have shaped our world over the past two decades, affecting education systems everywhere. Higher education researcher Emmanuel Ojo has studied the impact of these disruptions on educational opportunities, particularly in southern Africa.

    He looked at 5,511 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 to explore what the research suggests about making education systems more resilient. Here, he answers some questions about his review.

    What are the global crises that have undermined education?

    In my review I drew up a table documenting how multiple crises have disrupted education systems worldwide.

    The cycle began with the 2000-2002 dot-com bubble collapse, which reduced education funding and slowed technological integration. This was followed by the 2001 terrorist attacks, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak (2002-2004), Iraq War (2003-2011), Indian Ocean tsunami (2004), and Hurricane Katrina (2005). The Israeli-Palestinian conflict since 2000, global food crisis (2007-2008), financial crisis (2007-2008), and European debt crisis (2010-2012) continued this pattern of disruption.

    More recently, the Ebola epidemic, COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia-Ukraine war have destabilised education systems. Meanwhile, the ongoing climate crisis creates challenges, particularly in southern Africa where environmental vulnerability is high.

    Who suffers most, and in what ways?

    Education has consistently been among the hardest-hit sectors globally. According to Unesco, the COVID pandemic alone affected more than 1.6 billion students worldwide.

    But the impact is not distributed equally.

    My research shows crises have put vulnerable populations at a further disadvantage through school closures, funding diversions, infrastructure destruction and student displacement. Quality and access decline most sharply for marginalised communities. Costs rise and mobility is restricted. Food insecurity during crises reduces attendance among the poorest students.

    In southern Africa, the Covid-19 disruption highlighted existing divides. Privileged students continued learning online. Those in rural and informal settlements were completely cut off from education.

    Climate change compounds these inequalities. Unicef highlights that climate disasters have a disproportionate impact on schooling for millions in low-income countries, where adaptive infrastructure is limited.

    What’s at stake for southern Africa is the region’s development potential and social cohesion. The widening of educational divides threatens to create a generation with unequal opportunities and capabilities.

    What makes southern African education systems fragile?

    My review focused on the 16 countries of the Southern African Development Community, revealing what makes them vulnerable to crisis impacts.

    Southern Africa’s geographic exposure to climate disasters combines with pre-existing economic inequalities. The region’s digital divide became starkly visible during the Covid-19 pandemic. Some students were excluded from learning by limited connectivity and unreliable electricity.

    The region’s systems also rely on external funding. The Trump administration’s sudden foreign aid freeze was a shock to South Africa’s higher education sector. It has affected public health initiatives and university research programmes.

    Research representation itself is unequal. Within the region, South African researchers dominate and other nations make only limited contributions. This creates blind spots in understanding context-specific challenges and solutions.

    Each successive crisis deepens educational divides, making recovery increasingly difficult and costly. Weaker education systems make the region less able to respond to other development challenges, too.

    How can southern Africa build education systems to withstand crises?

    One striking finding from my review was the surge in educational research after the Covid-19 pandemic began – from 229 studies in 2019 to nearly double that in 2020, with continued rapid growth thereafter. This indicates growing recognition that education systems must be redesigned to withstand future disruptions, not merely recover from current ones.

    Research points to a number of ways to do this:

    • Strategic investment in educational infrastructure, particularly digital technologies, to ensure learning continuity.

    • Equipping educators with skills to adapt teaching methods during emergencies.

    • Innovative, context-appropriate teaching approaches that empower communities.

    • Integration of indigenous knowledge systems into curricula, enhancing relevance, adaptability and community ownership.

    • Interdisciplinary and cross-national research collaborations.

    • Protection of education budgets, recognising education’s role in crisis recovery and long-term stability.

    • Community engagement in education, ensuring interventions are culturally appropriate and widely accepted.

    In my view, African philanthropists have a duty to provide the independent financial base that education systems need to withstand external funding fluctuations.

    What’s the cost of doing nothing?

    The economic and social costs of failing to build resilient education systems are profound and long-lasting. Each educational disruption creates negative effects that extend far beyond the crisis period.

    When students miss critical learning periods, it reduces their chances in life. The World Bank estimates that learning losses from the Covid-19 pandemic alone could result in up to US$17 trillion in lost lifetime earnings for affected students globally.

    Social costs are equally severe. Educational disruptions increase dropout rates, child marriage, early pregnancy, and youth unemployment. These outcomes create broader societal challenges that require costly interventions across multiple sectors.

    Spending on educational resilience avoids those costs.

    The question isn’t whether southern African nations can afford to invest in educational resilience, but whether they can afford not to.

    The choices made today will determine whether education systems merely survive crises or make society better. Evidence-based policies and regional cooperation are essential for building education systems that can fulfil Southern Africa’s human potential.

    Emmanuel Ojo receives funding from National Research Foundation (NRF).

    – ref. Global crises have hit education hard: 24 years of research offers a way forward for southern Africa – https://theconversation.com/global-crises-have-hit-education-hard-24-years-of-research-offers-a-way-forward-for-southern-africa-251833

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Rescuing Nigeria: how to break the cycle of decline and bring progress

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Omano Edigheji, Associate Professor of Practice, University of Johannesburg

    Nigeria has abundant human and natural resources but remains mired in underdevelopment. There are high levels of poverty, corruption, unemployment and inequality. The country is currently witnessing a rise in ethnic militias and terrorism, adding to the threats posed by armed herdsmen’s deadly clashes with rural communities over land.

    The nation suffers from poor economic management and a political leadership that has failed to promote structural transformation of the economy and politics.

    I am a political scientist with research specialisation in the political economy of development. In my view, Nigeria’s social, economic and political crises stem from the absence of a grouping of people who put the country’s interests first. I call this grouping a developmentalist coalition.

    I argue that for Nigeria to realise its potential and forge a prosperous shared future, like-minded individuals motivated by the ideology of development nationalism must come together in a coalition.

    Development nationalism refers to the commitment to advancing one’s country and ensuring its prosperity. This includes enhancing the capabilities of its people so they can reach their potential and contribute to national progress. Individuals like this put loyalty to their country above other identities or considerations.

    This coalition must focus on enhancing the nation’s productive capacity and uplifting the well-being of its citizens. Together, they can break the cycle of underdevelopment and achieve lasting progress.

    And this can be measured through the creation of a predictable governance structure characterised by the rule of law and the provision of essential public goods to citizens.



    Read more:
    Book review: Nigeria has democracy but not development. How to fix it

    Developmental nationalism

    Developmentalist coalitions shape political and economic affairs in most developed nations. In China, Malaysia, Mauritius, South Korea, Singapore and other countries that have tried to catch up with advanced nations, developmental nationalism has played a significant role.

    In some cases, a developmentalist elite creates its own political party. An example of this is the People’s Action Party founded by Singapore’s first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, and his colleagues. The Labour Party in Norway, a coalition mostly of workers and farmers, is another example.

    In other instances, members of this elite join different political parties. When developmentalists are the dominant political elite, any party in power ensures that it upholds standards that reflect the core principles upon which the country is founded.

    Developmental elites articulate values that define and bind their nations. They provide moral and political leadership, as Nelson Mandela did in South Africa.

    Most of these elites want to have inclusive economic and political institutions that help them achieve their development objectives.



    Read more:
    Calls to restructure Nigeria’s federal system are missing the point: the country needs good governance, not reform

    Why Nigeria needs developmentalist coalitions

    Since Nigeria became independent from Britain in 1960, most of those who have overseen the country’s political and economic landscape have not acted in a nationalistic or patriotic manner.

    Instead, they have followed their self-interest and exploited the Nigerian state for personal gain.

    As a result, the economy remains undiversified, with a small and declining manufacturing sector, thereby missing out on the potential for job creation.

    Successive administrations in the last 26 years have allocated less funding to the education sector than the 26% of the national budget recommended by Unesco.

    The political elite have not built an economy that will create decent jobs for the youth. Also, they have fostered an education system that produces graduates who do not have the skills to start enterprises.

    Most young Nigerians are engaged in the informal sector, with its associated problems: unstable jobs, hazardous working conditions, and a lack of decent wages. Most youths are underemployed and in low value-added economic activities. This means Nigeria is missing out on the potential benefits of its youthful population.

    About 70% of Nigeria’s population of over 200 million are under 30 years old, and 41% are younger than 15.

    Political leaders have failed to create an environment that allows them to achieve their full potential.

    In Nigeria, the issue is not the lack of individuals focused on development. These people exist across all segments of the Nigerian society, including government. The real problem is that they haven’t formed a coalition.

    As a result, they cannot act collectively and cohesively to invest in Nigeria’s greatest asset: its people; and to promote industrialisation.

    Now is the time to form the developmentalist coalition to change the governance and development trajectory of the country.



    Read more:
    Is Nigeria in danger of a coup? What the country should do to avoid one – political analyst

    What to do

    In Nigeria, a broad-based coalition of developmentalist elites needs to be led by individuals with a clear vision for development and national cohesion.

    Members of this coalition could establish a political party to contest elections, gain political power, and use their positions in government to develop the nation.

    Party members must be disciplined and subordinate their personal ambitions to those of the party and the national interests. The party must not become an empire of powerful individuals: instead, its organs must be allowed to function.

    Establishing this coalition is the way to end Nigeria’s endemic corruption and build a robust manufacturing sector and a thriving digital economy.

    It also needs to promote agro-allied industry, investment in infrastructure, job creation and poverty reduction.

    This coalition should aim to transform Nigeria’s democracy into a system where political parties and elected representatives genuinely serve the people.

    Omano Edigheji receives funding from organisation

    Research Grant from The Ford Foundation

    – ref. Rescuing Nigeria: how to break the cycle of decline and bring progress – https://theconversation.com/rescuing-nigeria-how-to-break-the-cycle-of-decline-and-bring-progress-251639

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –