NewzIntel.com

Category: Africa

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Secures Virtual Asset Service Provider license in Bulgaria Aligning with its EU Expansion Plans

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has obtained a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from Bulgaria’s National Revenue Agency. The official licensing now enables Bitget to offer a comprehensive suite of crypto services within Bulgaria, including the exchange, trading, transfer, custody, and public offering of crypto assets, as well as wallet services. This aligns with Bitget’s broader plans of obtaining EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license, which will boost its foothold in the region.

    The VASP license in Bulgaria aligns with Bitget’s strategic expansion across the European Union. The company is actively preparing for compliance with the EU’s MiCA framework, which seeks to establish a unified regulatory environment for crypto assets throughout the region.

    “The successful application of the VASP license in Bulgaria is a part of Bitget’s expansion strategy to serve users across the European Union,” said Hon Ng, Chief Legal Officer at Bitget. “As the EU continues to lead with regulatory frameworks like MiCA, we see strong potential for sustainable growth and innovation in the region while maintaining compliance. Bulgaria serves as a strategic gateway for our European expansion, offering crypto-friendly ecosystems the chance to accelerate crypto’s adoption.”

    Ng added, “In 2025, we are excited to continue to grow Bitget’s global regulatory footprint in partnership with various regulators around the world. We have a sharp focus on meeting compliance standards in every jurisdiction where we operate and we have been investing in our compliance programme from day one. We believe that our approach enhances user trust, ensures market integrity while at the same time increasing global adoption of digital assets and ensures long-term sustainable growth as we align our operations with emerging regulations worldwide.”

    Bitget views regulatory compliance as an integral part of its future success, which is evident through its acquisition of approvals in key markets such as Poland, Italy, Lithuania, UK and now Bulgaria.

    The VASP license in Bulgaria grants Bitget the regulatory approval to offer a wide array of services to cater to the needs of digital asset users in the region. These services include the exchange of crypto assets, enabling seamless conversion between crypto and fiat; trading and transfer of crypto assets, facilitating efficient and secure transactions; and custody services, providing a strong framework for safeguarding user assets. Additionally, the license permits the public offering of crypto assets, supporting the scope for innovative token launches and opportunities.

    In the last three months alone, Bitget has put forth major licensing and expansion updates. It has secured a BSP license in El Salvador, approval in the UK to provide digital asset services, and has powered a compliant Vietnam-based exchange BitEXC. Recently, Forbes has ranked Bitget as one of the world’s most trustworthy exchanges and with Bulgaria’s VASP license, Bitget continues to make significant progress in this area. The company plans to collaborate closely with European regulators to ensure its products meet all regulatory requirements while prioritizing the protection of user assets and data.

    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, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices may fluctuate and experience price volatility. Only invest what you can afford to lose. The value of your investment may be impacted and it is possible that you may not achieve your financial goals or be able to recover your principal investment. You should always seek independent financial advice and consider your own financial experience and financial standing. Past performance is not a reliable measure of future performance. Bitget shall not be liable for any losses you may incur. Nothing here shall be construed as financial advice.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3dafce49-6bd9-4e83-9453-e5503f7b4596

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s Remarks at High-level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan

    Source: United Nations – English

    as delivered]

    Excellencies, dear friends of Sudan, all protocol observed,

    I thank Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for providing me the opportunity to once again appeal to help relieve the dramatic suffering of the Sudanese people, whom I so deeply admire.

    In my previous capacity as High Commissioner for Refugees, I had the privilege to work extensively in Sudan. 

    I saw firsthand the enormous generosity of the Sudanese people – as they supported their own internally displaced population as well as refugees – including those from Eritrea, Chad, South Sudan, and even Ethiopia, in certain moments.

    Now the international community must show the same level of support to the Sudanese people in their moment of despair as the Sudanese people once showed to their neighbours in distress.

    Your pledges today, in this room, will be the expression of that support.

    Next week, the UN system — alongside national and international partner
    organizations — will also launch the 2025 Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan and the 2025 Sudan Refugee Response Plan.

    Together, these plans require $6 billion, to support close to 21 million people inside Sudan and up to 5 million others – primarily refugees – in neighbouring countries, an unprecedented humanitarian crisis on the African continent.

    I want to once again thank those countries generously hosting 3.3 million Sudanese refugees despite their own very difficult challenges. 

    These UN-coordinated appeals far exceed any we have launched for Sudan and for the region.

    And indeed, it represents the unprecedented dimensions of the needs we are facing.

    Excellencies,

    Sudan is in the grip of a crisis of staggering scale and brutality.

    A crisis that is increasingly spilling over into the wider region.

    And a crisis that demands sustained and urgent attention, from the African Union and the broader international community. 

    Humanitarian access remains a fundamental challenge, particularly where the fighting is most active.

    I salute local responders and civil society organizations — including women-led organizations – who continue to work bravely and tirelessly to provide assistance and services in their communities, often at great personal risk.

    Excellencies,

    As we focus on the response to humanitarian needs, let’s also be clear about basic principles.

    Civilians, including humanitarian workers, must be protected.

    Rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access must be facilitated in all areas of need.

    The external support and flow of weapons must end. 

    This flow is enabling the continuation of tremendous civilian destruction and bloodshed.

    Excellencies,

    We know what the Sudanese people want. 

    We have held extensive consultations with Sudanese civilians and they are crying out for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians. 

    My Personal Envoy is engaging with the warring parties on concrete ways to advance these aims, including through the full implementation of the Jeddah Declaration.

    Excellencies,

    The holy month of Ramadan is around the corner. 

    At this blessed time for peace, compassion, giving and solidarity, I urge all of you to use your tremendous leverage for good.

    Generously support the humanitarian response and press for respect for international law, for a cessation of hostilities, lifesaving aid, and the lasting peace that the people of Sudan so desperately need.

    We must do more – and do more now — to help the people of Sudan out of this nightmare.

    And I thank you.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s Remarks at High-level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    [as delivered]

    Excellencies, dear friends of Sudan, all protocol observed,

    I thank Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for providing me the opportunity to once again appeal to help relieve the dramatic suffering of the Sudanese people, whom I so deeply admire.

    In my previous capacity as High Commissioner for Refugees, I had the privilege to work extensively in Sudan. 

    I saw firsthand the enormous generosity of the Sudanese people – as they supported their own internally displaced population as well as refugees – including those from Eritrea, Chad, South Sudan, and even Ethiopia, in certain moments.

    Now the international community must show the same level of support to the Sudanese people in their moment of despair as the Sudanese people once showed to their neighbours in distress.

    Your pledges today, in this room, will be the expression of that support.

    Next week, the UN system — alongside national and international partner
    organizations — will also launch the 2025 Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan and the 2025 Sudan Refugee Response Plan.

    Together, these plans require $6 billion, to support close to 21 million people inside Sudan and up to 5 million others – primarily refugees – in neighbouring countries, an unprecedented humanitarian crisis on the African continent.

    I want to once again thank those countries generously hosting 3.3 million Sudanese refugees despite their own very difficult challenges. 

    These UN-coordinated appeals far exceed any we have launched for Sudan and for the region.

    And indeed, it represents the unprecedented dimensions of the needs we are facing.

    Excellencies,

    Sudan is in the grip of a crisis of staggering scale and brutality.

    A crisis that is increasingly spilling over into the wider region.

    And a crisis that demands sustained and urgent attention, from the African Union and the broader international community. 

    Humanitarian access remains a fundamental challenge, particularly where the fighting is most active.

    I salute local responders and civil society organizations — including women-led organizations – who continue to work bravely and tirelessly to provide assistance and services in their communities, often at great personal risk.

    Excellencies,

    As we focus on the response to humanitarian needs, let’s also be clear about basic principles.

    Civilians, including humanitarian workers, must be protected.

    Rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access must be facilitated in all areas of need.

    The external support and flow of weapons must end. 

    This flow is enabling the continuation of tremendous civilian destruction and bloodshed.

    Excellencies,

    We know what the Sudanese people want. 

    We have held extensive consultations with Sudanese civilians and they are crying out for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians. 

    My Personal Envoy is engaging with the warring parties on concrete ways to advance these aims, including through the full implementation of the Jeddah Declaration.

    Excellencies,

    The holy month of Ramadan is around the corner. 

    At this blessed time for peace, compassion, giving and solidarity, I urge all of you to use your tremendous leverage for good.

    Generously support the humanitarian response and press for respect for international law, for a cessation of hostilities, lifesaving aid, and the lasting peace that the people of Sudan so desperately need.

    We must do more – and do more now — to help the people of Sudan out of this nightmare.

    And I thank you.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff Completes Staff-Monitored Program (SMP) Discussion Mission to Zimbabwe

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

    HARARE, Zimbabwe, February 14, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Following the request for a Staff-Monitored Program (SMP) by the authorities in 2023, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team led by Mr. Wojciech Maliszewski conducted a mission to Harare from January 30 to February 13, 2025, to advance discussions on the SMP.

    At the conclusion of the IMF mission, Mr. Maliszewski issued the following statement:

    “Zimbabwe’s economic activity has started recovering after the El Niño-induced drought. Growth slowed from 5.3 percent to an estimated 2 percent in 2024, as the drought lowered agricultural output by 15 percent. This was compounded by reduced electricity production and declining prices for key mineral exports (platinum and lithium). That said, strong remittances continued supporting activity in domestic trade, services, and construction, and improved the current account surplus to an estimated US$500 million (1.4 percent of GDP) in 2024. The ZiG willing-buyer willing-seller (WBWS) exchange rate was stable from the ZiG’s introduction in April 2024—with the ZiG month-on-month inflation averaging 2.3 percent—until September, when the currency weakened. Relative stability returned with the tightening of monetary policy since September, and the WBWS and parallel market exchange rates have stabilized, and the gap between these rates has narrowed. Meanwhile, fiscal pressures intensified—owing, in large part, to the transfer of the RBZ’s quasi-fiscal operations to the Treasury. Strong revenue collection helped limit the 2024 budget deficit to an estimated 1 percent of GDP, but fiscal pressures resulted in an accumulation of domestic expenditure arrears, leading to the government implementing emergency spending cuts. Going forward, growth in 2025 is projected to increase to 6 percent, with the recovery in agriculture output due to better climate conditions and the projected improvement in the terms-of-trade.

    “Against this background, the Zimbabwe authorities had requested an SMP to support their efforts to stabilize the economy and re-engage with the international community on the arrears clearance and debt resolution process. The main objective of the SMP would be to durably anchor macroeconomic stability, building on policy recommendations from the 2024 Article IV consultation.

    “Building on progress achieved during the mission on the ongoing SMP discussions, Fund staff will continue working closely with the authorities on defining the key parameters and modalities of the program. Discussions include (1) adjusting the fiscal position to avoid a recourse to monetary financing and new arrears and building foundations for a durable fiscal consolidation; (2) fiscal risks residing off-budget (including from the operations of the Mutapa Investment Fund); (3) the effectiveness of the monetary policy framework for the ZiG; and (4) reforms to strengthen economic governance.

    “International reengagement remains critical for debt resolution and arrears clearance, which would open the door for access to external financing. The authorities’ reengagement efforts, through the Structured Dialogue Platform (SDP), are key for attaining debt sustainability and gaining access to concessional financial support. In this context, the SMP will help in enhancing policy credibility and advancing the reform agenda embedded in the SDP.

    “The IMF continues to provide policy advice and extensive technical assistance in the areas of revenue mobilization, expenditure control, financial supervision, debt management, economic governance, as well as macroeconomic statistics. However, the IMF is currently precluded from providing financial support to Zimbabwe due to its unsustainable debt situation—based on the IMF’s Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA)—and official external arrears. An IMF financial arrangement would require a clear path to comprehensive restructuring of Zimbabwe’s external debt, including the clearance of arrears and a reform plan that is consistent with durably restoring macroeconomic stability; enhancing inclusive growth; lowering poverty; and strengthening economic governance.

    “The IMF mission held meetings with the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Hon. Professor Mthuli Ncube, his Permanent Secretary Mr. George Guvamatanga; the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr. John Mushayavanhu; the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr. Martin Rushwaya, other senior government and RBZ officials, honorable members of Parliament, representatives of the private sector, civil society, and Zimbabwe’s development partners.

    “The IMF staff wishes to express its gratitude to the Zimbabwean authorities and stakeholders for the constructive and open discussions and support during the mission.”

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Morpheus Labs Partners with CertiK to Power TN7’s Smart Contracts in Their First Joint Initiative

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Graphic download: Synthcity Overview (1).png

    SINGAPORE, Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Morpheus Labs has teamed up with CertiK, a leader in blockchain security, to enhance the security and reliability of smart contracts. This collaboration strengthens blockchain ecosystems and supports the tokenization of Real-World Assets (RWA), opening up new possibilities for tokenized content and intellectual property. The partnership kicks off with TN7, a new content universe built around the first digital comic series from Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional OTT video streaming service.

    TN7: A Pioneering Digital Content Platform

    TN7 is a Viu initiative that explores new possibilities for community-driven storytelling, integrating Web3 elements to empower creators. It integrates secure and efficient smart contracts as part of its infrastructure. Through Morpheus Labs’ collaboration with CertiK, these contracts undergo rigorous auditing and reinforcement, ensuring a stable and secure foundation for the platform’s interactive ecosystem.

    CertiK Joins to Fortify Smart Contract Security

    CertiK brings advanced AI-driven auditing solutions to reinforce TN7’s smart contracts, enhancing security for the platform and its creators. Ronghui Gu, co-founder of CertiK, stated: “We are excited to partner with Morpheus Labs. Their AI-powered Smart Contract Studio provides the first end-to-end solution for smart contract development and auditing.Together, we aim to set new standards in blockchain security and reduce cybercrime threats.”

    A Strong Beginning for the Partnership

    This collaboration on TN7 marks the first step in an ongoing partnership aimed at advancing security in blockchain-powered digital content platforms. Morpheus Labs’ Smart Contract Studio, combined with CertiK’s auditing expertise, provides intuitive, seamless and highly secure smart contracts. Anson, Country Head at Viu Singapore, said: “Security is essential to TN7’s vision of a dynamic, creator-driven universe. With CertiK’s expertise and Morpheus Labs’ platform, we are confident in providing a stable and secure environment for our growing community.”

    Setting a New Standard in Web3 Security

    By combining CertiK’s auditing capabilities with Morpheus Labs’ Smart Contract Studio, the partnership delivers an end-to-end solution for smart contract development and auditing, addressing the growing need for robust cybersecurity in Web3. Pei-Han Chuang, CEO of Morpheus Labs, added: “Our Smart Contract Studio simplifies development while integrating thorough auditing services. The TN7 project is just the start of how this partnership will benefit businesses seeking secure smart contract solutions.”

    A Secure Future for Web3

    Together, Morpheus Labs and CertiK are setting a new standard for developing and securing smart contracts while onboarding more customers, starting with the TN7 project. As Web3 evolves, this collaboration strengthens the security framework for TN7 and sets a precedent for protecting digital content platforms integrating blockchain technology.

    About Morpheus Labs

    Morpheus Labs is a leading developer lab in South East Asia specializing in blockchain integration, offering a comprehensive suite of tools and services to streamline the development and deployment of blockchain-based projects. With a focus on driving adoption and innovation, Morpheus Labs empowers developers and enterprises to leverage the full potential of Web3 technologies.

    To learn more about Morpheus Labs, visit https://morpheuslabs.io. Try the Smart Contract Studio for free at https://web3-platform.morpheuslabs.io.

    About CertiK

    CertiK’s mission is to secure the Web3 world. Starting with blockchain, CertiK applies cutting-edge innovations from academia into Enterprise, enabling mission-critical applications to be built with security and accuracy. Headquartered in New York City, CertiK was founded by computer science professors Ronghui Gu and Zhong Shao. CertiK is backed by industry leaders, including Insight Partners, Tiger Global, Sequoia, Coatue Management, Advent International, Goldman Sachs, Lightspeed, SoftBank Vision Fund 2, Hillhouse Capital, Binance, Coinbase Ventures, and more.

    To learn more, please visit https://www.certik.com/

    About Viu

    Viu, a leading pan-regional over-the-top (OTT) video streaming service, is available in 16 markets across Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa.

    The Viu service is available to consumers through a dual model, with an ad-supported free tier and a premium subscription tier. In addition to premium original productions under the brand “Viu Original”, Viu showcases TV series, movies, and lifestyle programmes from top content providers in local and regional languages with subtitles. Viu Scream Dates, its multi-market fan-meet offering, extends the Viu experience beyond the screens by bringing stars closer to their fans via live events.

    In June 2023, PCCW and CANAL+ formed a partnership to accelerate the growth of Viu, making CANAL+ a strategic investor in Viu.

    Viu also operates MOOV, a popular digital music streaming and live concerts service in Hong Kong.

    Viu is a member of PCCW Media under PCCW Limited, a global company headquartered in Hong Kong with interests in telecommunications, media, IT solutions, property development and investments, and other businesses. PCCW also operates ViuTV, a free television service in Hong Kong, through HK Television Entertainment Company Limited, and has interests in Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited, among other global investments.

    For more information, please visit www.viu.com.

    Morpheus Labs Social Links

    X: https://twitter.com/MorpheusLabs_io
    Telegram: https://t.me/morpheuslabs
    Discord: https://discord.com/invite/mbdXpD2fZm

    Website: https://morpheuslabs.io/

    For media inquiries, please contact:
    Contact: Lyn Ngan
    Email: lyn@morpheuslabs.io

    For partnership inquiries, please contact:
    Contact: Leonard Ong
    Email: leonard@morpheuslabs.io

    Book a Consultation:https://appt.link/morpheuslabs/book-a-consultation

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5aa0632c-1cf4-4077-8b20-7c32e156412e

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Health Organization (WHO) works with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to build Risk Communication & Community Engagement capacity for Botswana

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

    Download logo

    A total of 92 Health Promotion professionals from 27 districts and MoH headquarters have been trained on emergencies preparedness and response. The training was a result of findings from support visits to 12 districts to assess Risk Communication & Community Engagement (RCCE) capacity and experiences during and after COVID-19. The training focused on preparedness, response and resilience particularly building the capacity of the community to anticipate, respond and build resilience for future shocks.

    The training was also used to strengthen and validate the draft RCCE Strategic plan and Standard Operating Procedures. Participants were also trained in social listening and infodemic management. This was done in collaboration with UNICEF.  For community engagement and resilience, fifty representatives of communities, faith-based organizations and traditional healers were oriented on their role in promoting health and well-being, especially during emergencies.

    The country was also supported to build Psycho-social support capacity. In this regard, forty-four (44) mental health and allied health professionals were trained in Psychological First AID (PFA), and standard operating procedures were developed. The draft Psychological First Aid SOPs were updated and used to orient and capacitate participants particularly for emergencies.

    Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) Officers from different sectors were also orientated on their role in promoting health and wellbeing particularly during emergencies. The orientation included leveraging lessons from COVID-19 and integration of Psycho-social support in workplace programmes and services.

    ICT and electronic equipment were also procured to enhance the capacity of Ministry of Health (MOH) to document, store and share information. The capacity building programme was funded through USAID.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Botswana.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Ne Zha 2’ derivatives ride blockbuster wave

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This photo taken on Feb. 13, 2025 shows a poster for the Chinese animated film “Ne Zha 2” at a cinema in Chaoyang District of Beijing, capital of China. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Fans of record-breaking blockbuster Chinese movie “Ne Zha 2” are making significant waves in the derivatives market, clearing out retailer inventories and even creating DIY character-shaped dolls and food items.

    Since the film’s debut on the first day of the Chinese New Year, which was Jan. 29 this year, sales of its collectibles, ranging from mystery toy boxes and cards to fridge magnets and badges, have reportedly topped 50 million yuan (about 6.97 million U.S. dollars) on Taobao, a leading e-commerce platform in China.

    This sequel to the 2019 hit “Ne Zha,” with inspirations derived from Chinese mythological tales, has already drawn over 200 million cinema-goers, the highest number in the country’s film history.

    The film became an instant holiday box office hit thanks to its contemporary re-imagination of Ne Zha, a well-known mythical figure with extraordinary powers, and via its intriguing plot twists. As of Wednesday, it had grossed over 9 billion yuan, igniting high public enthusiasm for its collectibles.

    Customers inquiring about toys featuring characters from the film are often left disappointed at stores across China. A salesperson at a trendy toy store in downtown Nanjing in east China’s Jiangsu Province said even display samples were sold out. “We expect to restock items like laser cards later.”

    Notably, Hunan Sunny & Sandy Toys Manufacturer Co. Ltd., the film’s sole licensed manufacturer of 3D food-grade plastic toys in China, reported sales of over 450,000 mystery toy box sets through live-streaming in just 11 days — ranking first in terms of the sales of board-game merchandise on the video platform. In addition, more than 10 million of these sets have been sold through offline partnerships.

    Yang Zhenlin, assistant to the company’s chairman, said their factory workshops had to resume operations ahead of schedule after the Spring Festival holiday, with their hundreds of staff members working tirelessly to replenish inventory. “We had great confidence in the film even before its release, so we promptly secured the copyright,” Yang told Xinhua.

    This week, on e-commerce platforms, some stores have gradually restored supplies. Businesses in the second-hand market have remained brisk.

    Fans have also discovered that the gold bracelets they had purchased after the first Ne Zha film came out in 2019, with designs inspired by the “universe ring” on Ne Zha’s arm, have tripled in value on the second-hand market, thanks to both the success of “Ne Zha 2” and a higher gold price.

    Some fans have gone so far as to make their own versions of it, using wood, plasticine, flour and even thread. Coinciding with the Lantern Festival on Feb. 12, netizens shared creative improvisations of Ne Zha-shaped glutinous rice dumplings, a festive food.

    Miao Lingyi, a 10-year-old girl living in east China’s Shanghai, expressed her admiration for the character Ao Bing, the son of the Dragon King, stating her desire to use her pocket money to buy a collectible featuring him. “I really love the character and I don’t mind waiting a while for the collectible,” she said.

    According to experts, the film’s huge success stemming from its captivating plot and stunning special effects, has evoked emotional attachment and resonance with characters among its audiences, while some related products feature limited edition designs — thereby enhancing their value as collectibles and stimulating consumer purchasing enthusiasm.

    Ye Guofu, founder of MINISO, a Chinese retailer known for its fashionable but affordable household products, said that Chinese consumers’ growing focus on emotional value attached to commodities, particularly among the younger generations, is expected to further drive the consumption of IP-featured products, such as those related to domestic animated films and games.

    With this lucrative market rapidly expanding, experts have stressed the importance of both IP innovation and product quality, while warning against risks of market irregularities and intellectual property rights violations.

    Law professor Zheng Ning with Communication University of China suggested that market regulators strengthen oversight to combat potential price gouging and the sale of substandard products — thereby ensuring a more orderly market environment.

    Zhao Liangshan, a lawyer in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, cautioned that handcrafted items made for personal use are not allowed for commercial purposes.

    As “Ne Zha 2” enters international markets, Hunan Sunny & Sandy Toys Manufacturer Co., Ltd. aims to target global markets — particularly in Asia, North America and Europe.

    The film is set to be screened in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Egypt, Singapore, Japan and the Republic of Korea, with premieres in Los Angeles and Sydney having received positive responses from professionals and fans alike.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 13 February 2025 Feature story Biosimilars: expanding access to essential biologic therapies

    Source: World Health Organisation

    WHO’s role in promoting biosimilars

    The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes biosimilars as key drivers for expanding global access to essential biological medicines. Through its Essential Medicines List (EML), WHO evaluates and includes quality-assured biosimilars, endorsing them as safe, effective, and cost-effective alternatives to originator biologics​. The WHO prequalification of biosimilars builds confidence for their procurement by the United Nation (UN) agencies and countries, enhancing their availability and affordability. WHO also advocates for non-exclusive voluntary licensing to accelerate affordable biosimilar access and emphasizes the importance of regulatory harmonization, healthcare professional education, and stakeholder collaboration in promoting biosimilar use​ (3).

    Standards for biological products

    Since early 1950s’ WHO has played a pivotal role in establishing norms and standards for biological products. These standards ensure the consistent quality, safety, and efficacy of biological medicines and related in vitro biological diagnostic tests worldwide. The WHO Expert Committee on Biological Standardization (ECBS) collaborates with international scientific and professional communities, regional and national regulatory authorities, manufacturers, and expert laboratories to develop these standards based on international consensus. WHO guidelines and recommendations for biological products cover various aspects, including production, control, and regulatory preparedness. This guidance is crucial for maintaining high standards in the development and use of biological products, including biosimilars. For instance, the guidelines on the quality, safety, and efficacy of biotherapeutic products provide a framework for evaluating biosimilars at country level, ensuring they meet the same rigorous standards as their reference products. WHO also establishes International Biological Reference Materials, which serve as benchmarks for the quality and potency of biological products (i.e. WHO International Reference Standards for Biological Products). These reference materials are essential for standardizing assays and ensuring the comparability of biosimilar products across different regions and manufacturers. WHO emphasizes the importance of regulatory harmonization to facilitate the global adoption of biosimilars.

    Biosimilars in the EML: bridging the gap

    As of 2023, the WHO EML includes 81 biologic therapies, representing over 15% of all listed essential medicines. The inclusion of biosimilars on the EML helps bridge the gap in affordability and availability of these therapies. For example, following the EML recommendation and WHO prequalification of trastuzumab and rituximab biosimilars treatment costs for breast cancer and lymphoma​ have significantly reduced. Countries such as Brazil (4), India (5), and South Africa (6) have successfully expanded patient access through approved biosimilars, demonstrating the practical benefits of these inclusions.

    Evolution of biologic medicines in the EML

    WHO recognizes the importance of expanding access to essential biologic medicines globally. In 2013, bevacizumab (recommended for age-related macular degeneration, a disease of the eye) was the first monoclonal antibody added to the WHO EML, followed by trastuzumab and rituximab in 2015, both indicated against cancer.  

    Trastuzumab has revolutionized breast cancer treatment for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. Since its introduction almost 25 years ago, trastuzumab has significantly improved outcomes for patients with this type of cancer. It is a monoclonal antibody that targets the HER2 protein, which is overexpressed in some breast cancers, and it has been pivotal in reducing recurrence and improving survival rates. Trastuzumab’s impact is reflected in the shift from conventional chemotherapy to targeted therapies, offering more effective and less toxic treatment options. However, with an average annual cost exceeding $20,000 USD, many LMICs faced severe budget constraints, leading to limited use of trastuzumab and poor survival rates for patients. In response, WHO prequalified the first trastuzumab biosimilar in 2019. These biosimilars, offering the same efficacy and safety at approximately 65% lower cost, had the potential to transform breast cancer treatment in LMICs.

    Since then, several trastuzumab biosimilars have been approved or are in development by various companies. These biosimilars have been launched in all WHO regions. The inclusion of these biosimilars on the EML facilitated initiatives such as the Cancer Access Partnership, led by the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and the American Cancer Society (ACS), which included biological medicines for the first time.

    Today, equitable global access to trastuzumab biosimilars is gradually being realized. Countries like India and Brazil have swiftly integrated these biosimilars into their national healthcare systems. India, for example, has approved multiple trastuzumab biosimilars, significantly reducing treatment costs and broadening patient access nationwide. Similarly, South Africa has adopted trastuzumab biosimilars into its treatment protocols, enhancing accessibility to essential breast cancer medications for patients. Overall, trastuzumab biosimilars have received market authorization and approval in at least 65 countries, signaling a major step forward in global cancer care (7).  

    As of 2019, trastuzumab biosimilars have received market authorization and approval in over 65 countries (8).

    The 2019 inclusion of adalimumab (recommended for rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and Crohn’s disease) further underscored WHO’s commitment to improving access and affordability through biosimilars​. Over the next few years, WHO has built on this biosimilar precedent by continuing to add further important biologic medicines to the EML and explicitly listing their quality-assured biosimilars as alternatives.

    Removing barriers to adoption

    While biosimilars have made promising inroads into the Model List, concerns have persisted regarding interchangeability and switching between reference biologics and their biosimilar versions. In 2021, after reviewing substantial evidence confirming the safety and efficacy of transitioning patients from original biologics to biosimilars, the WHO recommended that quality-assured biosimilars of listed biologic medicines should also be viewed as interchangeable and considered for national selection and procurement. This recommendation was pivotal for improving real-world access and use, positioning biosimilars as equal to their reference counterparts and affirming confidence in transitioning patients to save costs without compromising care. The committee reinforced this support by recommending the expansion of WHO prequalification to include biosimilars and advocating for their regular evaluation alongside originators (9).

    WHO recommends that quality-assured biosimilars of EML-listed biologic medicines should be viewed as interchangeable and eligible for selection and procurement at the country level for national essential medicines lists.

    Despite their potential, challenges remain in integrating biosimilars in clinical practice across countries and clinical areas. Issues such as concerns about switching between biosimilars and reference products, regulatory complexities, and educational gaps among healthcare professionals necessitate careful consideration (10).

    Current landscape of essential biologic and biosimilar medicines

    The 2023 Model List includes multiple biologics and their biosimilar alternatives across different therapeutic areas:

    Table 1: Biologic medicines and therapeutic alternatives (including quality-assured biosimilars) on the WHO Model Lists.

    Medicine Indication(s)
    Adalimumab
     
    (therapeutic alternatives: certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab)    		 Ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn disease, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
    Anti-rabies virus monoclonal antibodies
         		 Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis
    Asparaginase
         		 Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
    Bevacizumab
         		 Age-related macular degeneration
    Enoxaparin
     
    (therapeutic alternatives: dalteparin, nadroparin)
         		 Acute coronary syndromes
    Venous thromboembolism
    Erythorpoiesis-stimulating agents

    (therapeutic alternatives: epoetin alfa, beta, and theta, darbepoetin alfa, methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta)
     

    		 Anaemia of chronic renal disease
    Filgrastim Primary and secondary prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia associated with myelotoxic chemotherapy.
     
    Insulin (human)
    (soluble and intermediate-acting)
         		 Diabetes
    Long-acting Insulin analogues
     
    (therapeutic alternatives: insulin degludec, insulin detemir, insulin glargine)
         		 Diabetes
    Nivolumab
     
    (therapeutic alternative: pembrolizumab)
         		 Metastatic melanoma
    Pegaspargase
         		 Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
    Pegfilgrastim
         		 Primary and secondary prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia associated with myelotoxic chemotherapy.
     
    Rituximab
         		 Burkitt lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, follicular lymphoma, multiple sclerosis
    Trastuzumab
         		 HER2-positive breast cancer

    Economic benefits and WHO recommendations for biosimilar medicines

    The WHO guideline on country pharmaceutical pricing policies includes a strong recommendation for promoting the use of quality-assured generic and biosimilar medicines.

    WHO recommends that countries enable early market entry of generic and biosimilar medicines through legislative and administrative measures, with a view to encouraging early submission of regulatory applications, allowing for prompt and effective review, and ensuring these products are safe, efficacious, and quality-assured (9)

    The WHO guideline also emphasizes the importance of cost-effective procurement strategies to enhance accessibility and sustainability of healthcare systems, particularly in LMICs.

    Challenges and future directions

    Despite the demonstrated benefits, several challenges remain in the broader adoption of biosimilars. Regulatory barriers, lack of awareness among healthcare professionals, and limited manufacturing capabilities in certain regions can hinder the widespread acceptance and utilization of biosimilars​. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts among governments, healthcare providers, and the pharmaceutical industry to promote education, streamline regulatory processes, and invest in local manufacturing infrastructure.

    WHO continues to play a pivotal role in promoting the adoption of biosimilars through its strategic initiatives. WHO emphasizes the importance of regulatory harmonization and supports countries in building robust regulatory frameworks to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of biosimilars. Additionally, WHO collaborates with various stakeholders to enhance healthcare professional education and public awareness about the benefits of biosimilars, fostering a more receptive environment for their adoption​.

    References

    1. Agency EM. European Medicines Agency [Internet]. [cited 2024]. Available from: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory-overview/biosimilar-medicines-overview.
    2. Calleja MA, Albanell J, Aranda E, García-Foncillas J, Feliu A, Rivera F, et al. Budget impact analysis of bevacizumab biosimilars for cancer treatment in adult patients in Spain. European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy. 2023;30(e1):e40.
    3. Burrone E, Gotham D, Gray A, de Joncheere K, Magrini N, Martei YM, et al. Patent pooling to increase access to essential medicines. Bull World Health Organ. 2019;97(8):575-7.
    4. Celltrion. Biosimilar Development [Internet]2019. [cited 2024]. Available from: https://www.biosimilardevelopment.com/doc/celltrion-announces-approval-of-herzuma-trastuzumab-pkrb-in-brazil-0001.
    5. Lopes G. American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Connection [Internet]2016. [cited 2024]. Available from: https://connection.asco.org/blogs/biosimilars-emerging-markets-india-and-russia.
    6. Pategou J. Biosimilar Development [Internet]2020. [cited 2024]. Available from: https://www.biosimilardevelopment.com/doc/africa-s-biosimilar-landscape-outlook-current-challenges-0001.
    7. CHAI and ACS announce agreement to expand Cancer Access Partnership  [press release]. 2021.
    8. Biocon. Biocon [Internet]2019. [cited 2024]. Available from: https://www.biocon.com/mylan-and-biocon-launch-first-trastuzumab-biosimilar-ogivri-in-australia/.
    9. World Health Organization. WHO guideline on country pharmaceutical pricing policies. World Health Organization; 2020. Available from: https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/335692 

    “,”datePublished”:”2025-02-13T13:00:00.0000000+00:00″,”image”:”https://www.who.int/images/default-source/wpro/vaccines.jpg?sfvrsn=89a81d7f_14″,”publisher”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”World Health Organization: WHO”,”logo”:{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”url”:”https://www.who.int/Images/SchemaOrg/schemaOrgLogo.jpg”,”width”:250,”height”:60}},”dateModified”:”2025-02-13T13:00:00.0000000+00:00″,”mainEntityOfPage”:”https://www.who.int/news/item/13-02-2025-biosimilars–expanding-access-to-essential-biologic-therapies”,”@context”:”http://schema.org”,”@type”:”NewsArticle”};
    ]]>

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Oxfam echoes call to end “oligarchic rule” at Vatican tax justice summit

    Source: Oxfam –

    Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, former South African President Thabo Mbeki, former Senegalese Prime Minister Aminata Touré, and economists Joseph Stiglitz, Jayati Ghosh and Gabriel Zucman today delivered a powerful and unequivocal message at the Vatican: the global oligarchy must be challenged through fair taxation of the super-rich. In response, Oxfam International’s Tax Lead, Susana Ruiz, said:

    “The wealth of the super-rich is exploding at a terrifying pace, driving inequality to extremes that threaten democracy, justice, and the survival of life on Earth. We are watching, in real-time, as the super-rich tighten their grip on power and hold entire societies hostage to their greed.

    “2025 is not just another year —it is a last-ditch opportunity to stop runaway inequality. With South Africa chairing the G20, Brazil hosting COP30, and Spain driving the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, the world has a rare, historic chance to shatter the grip of billionaire power.

    “This is a battle against extreme inequality. Either we allow the super-rich to continue hoarding wealth and power and writing rules to serve themselves, or we fight back by taxing them, breaking their stronghold on power, and dismantling their monopolies to reclaim our societies from the forces of oligarchic rule.”
     

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Ne Zha 2’ derivatives ride blockbuster wave, eye global market

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo taken on Feb. 13, 2025 shows a poster for the Chinese animated film “Ne Zha 2” at a cinema in Chaoyang District of Beijing, capital of China. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Fans of record-breaking blockbuster Chinese movie “Ne Zha 2” are making significant waves in the derivatives market, clearing out retailer inventories and even creating DIY character-shaped dolls and food items.

    Since the film’s debut on the first day of the Chinese New Year, which was Jan. 29 this year, sales of its collectibles, ranging from mystery toy boxes and cards to fridge magnets and badges, have reportedly topped 50 million yuan (about 6.97 million U.S. dollars) on Taobao, a leading e-commerce platform in China.

    This sequel to the 2019 hit “Ne Zha,” with inspirations derived from Chinese mythological tales, has already drawn over 200 million cinema-goers, the highest number in the country’s film history.

    The film became an instant holiday box office hit thanks to its contemporary re-imagination of Ne Zha, a well-known mythical figure with extraordinary powers, and via its intriguing plot twists. As of Wednesday, it had grossed over 9 billion yuan, igniting high public enthusiasm for its collectibles.

    Customers inquiring about toys featuring characters from the film are often left disappointed at stores across China. A salesperson at a trendy toy store in downtown Nanjing in east China’s Jiangsu Province said even display samples were sold out. “We expect to restock items like laser cards later.”

    Notably, Hunan Sunny & Sandy Toys Manufacturer Co. Ltd., the film’s sole licensed manufacturer of 3D food-grade plastic toys in China, reported sales of over 450,000 mystery toy box sets through live-streaming in just 11 days — ranking first in terms of the sales of board-game merchandise on the video platform. In addition, more than 10 million of these sets have been sold through offline partnerships.

    Yang Zhenlin, assistant to the company’s chairman, said their factory workshops had to resume operations ahead of schedule after the Spring Festival holiday, with their hundreds of staff members working tirelessly to replenish inventory. “We had great confidence in the film even before its release, so we promptly secured the copyright,” Yang told Xinhua.

    This week, on e-commerce platforms, some stores have gradually restored supplies. Businesses in the second-hand market have remained brisk.

    Fans have also discovered that the gold bracelets they had purchased after the first Ne Zha film came out in 2019, with designs inspired by the “universe ring” on Ne Zha’s arm, have tripled in value on the second-hand market, thanks to both the success of “Ne Zha 2” and a higher gold price.

    Some fans have gone so far as to make their own versions of it, using wood, plasticine, flour and even thread. Coinciding with the Lantern Festival on Feb. 12, netizens shared creative improvisations of Ne Zha-shaped glutinous rice dumplings, a festive food.

    Miao Lingyi, a 10-year-old girl living in east China’s Shanghai, expressed her admiration for the character Ao Bing, the son of the Dragon King, stating her desire to use her pocket money to buy a collectible featuring him. “I really love the character and I don’t mind waiting a while for the collectible,” she said.

    According to experts, the film’s huge success stemming from its captivating plot and stunning special effects, has evoked emotional attachment and resonance with characters among its audiences, while some related products feature limited edition designs — thereby enhancing their value as collectibles and stimulating consumer purchasing enthusiasm.

    Ye Guofu, founder of MINISO, a Chinese retailer known for its fashionable but affordable household products, said that Chinese consumers’ growing focus on emotional value attached to commodities, particularly among the younger generations, is expected to further drive the consumption of IP-featured products, such as those related to domestic animated films and games.

    With this lucrative market rapidly expanding, experts have stressed the importance of both IP innovation and product quality, while warning against risks of market irregularities and intellectual property rights violations.

    Law professor Zheng Ning with Communication University of China suggested that market regulators strengthen oversight to combat potential price gouging and the sale of substandard products — thereby ensuring a more orderly market environment.

    Zhao Liangshan, a lawyer in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, cautioned that handcrafted items made for personal use are not allowed for commercial purposes.

    As “Ne Zha 2” enters international markets, Hunan Sunny & Sandy Toys Manufacturer Co., Ltd. aims to target global markets — particularly in Asia, North America and Europe.

    The film is set to be screened in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Egypt, Singapore, Japan and the Republic of Korea, with premieres in Los Angeles and Sydney having received positive responses from professionals and fans alike.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China EximBank, UNICEF partner to support children in Nigeria

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Amakobe Sande (L), UNICEF representative to China, and Zhu Ying, general manager of the Sovereign Business Department of the Export-Import Bank of China, sign a memorandum of understanding in Beijing, Feb. 11, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

    The Export-Import Bank of China (China EximBank) and UNICEF signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday, marking the first collaboration between UNICEF and a financial institution based in China. This joint effort will focus on strengthening essential services for the well-being of children in Nigeria.

    The partnership will expand access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for vulnerable children and families. The program will reach 12 health-care facilities, 21 schools and 450 communities in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.

    “UNICEF is grateful to the EximBank for this groundbreaking partnership,” said Amakobe Sande, UNICEF representative to China. “We look forward to working together to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and improve critical services that safeguard children’s well-being.”

    Achieving universal access to WASH services by 2030 is a key goal of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In Nigeria, however, inadequate access to such services is a major contributor of child mortality and elevates the risk of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea. It is estimated that only about 10% of Nigeria’s 110 million children have access to basic WASH services.

    “We appreciate UNICEF’s active contribution to the global cause for children,” said Yang Dongning, vice president of the China EximBank. “This program marks a new chapter in our cooperation, and its tangible outcomes will serve as a model for future collaborations.”

    Beyond WASH services, the initiative will also work to strengthen Nigeria’s primary health care system, enhancing maternal and newborn care, and immunization programs. It will further support community engagement and social mobilization and reinforce WASH-related systems and institutions to ensure greater impact. 

    “Waterborne diseases continue to pose a grave threat to children’s health in Nigeria,” said Cristian Munduate, UNICEF representative to Nigeria. She added that this initiative is a crucial step toward securing the rights and well-being of thousands of children in Nigeria.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ​’Ne Zha 2′ hits staggering 10B yuan milestone, climbs global box office chart

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    After breaking all box office records in China, including hitting the 10 billion yuan ($1.37 billion) milestone on Thursday, the Chinese smash animated film “Ne Zha 2” has now set its sights on shattering records worldwide.

    The characters Ne Zha and Ao Bing are projected on the towers of the Tianfu International Financial Center in Chengdu, Sichuan province, Feb. 13, 2025. The film’s director and his company are based in Chengdu, and two cities in the province claim to be the birthplace of the Ne Zha legend. [Photo/China.org.cn]

    When the historic moment arrived for the film to become the first to surpass 10 billion yuan at China’s box office, it was more than a filmmaking achievement or cultural phenomenon — it was a source of national pride for Chinese filmmakers, the industry and the public. 

    The China Film Association promptly issued a congratulatory message, stating: “This film has created a box office miracle, promoting excellent traditional Chinese culture and the modern zeitgeist, innovating the form of contemporary Chinese cinema, showcasing the relentless artistic pursuit of Chinese filmmakers, and greatly boosting the film industry’s confidence. The glory of ‘Ne Zha 2’ is a highlight for Chinese cinema and, more importantly, a significant moment marking its rise from plateau to peak.”

    Directed by Yang Yu, better known as Jiaozi, the film follows the mythological figures Ne Zha and Ao Bing, who are reborn in bodies formed from lotuses after a catastrophe and must team up to face threats from vengeful dragon kings and a scheming god. It combines visually spectacular animation with a folklore-inspired narrative, delivering a blend of action, humor, heart and traditional Chinese culture. It involved five years of meticulous efforts from a 4,000-strong crew, as well as the combined forces of 138 Chinese animation and special effects companies.

    During the Spring Festival holiday, the film grossed nearly 5 billion yuan in seven days, but its momentum shows no signs of slowing, thanks to the enthusiasm of Chinese audiences. It surpassed the previous record holder “The Battle at Lake Changjin,” which took 5.77 billion yuan, on Feb. 6 to become the highest-grossing domestic film of all time. Since then, it has gone on to quickly set several other records. It is now the most-watched film ever by total viewers in Chinese box office history, with more than 200 million admissions registered by Feb. 13.

    For the premium large format market, IMAX reported Thursday that “Ne Zha 2” had earned 562 million yuan in IMAX box office revenue within just 15 days of its release, surpassing “Avengers: Endgame” to become the highest-grossing IMAX release ever in China.

    Audience members attend the premiere of “Ne Zha 2” in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo courtesy of CMC Pictures]

    Meanwhile, “Ne Zha 2” has also broken several records on the world stage. According to Maoyan Pro, the film is now the highest-grossing film in a single market worldwide, surpassing the $936.66 million record set by “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens” in North America. On Feb. 8, it became the world’s first film to break into the $1 billion club in a single market, showcasing the immense potential of the Chinese market.

    Besides setting the single-market record, it is also the third-fastest film to reach the $1 billion mark worldwide, achieving the feat in just 12 days, following “Avengers: Endgame” (five days) and “Avengers: Infinity War” (11 days). By Feb. 14, with its China-only total, it became the third-highest-grossing animated feature worldwide in history and has already climbed to 17th on the global box office chart, including both animated and live-action films.

    A trailer for “Ne Zha 2” is displayed in Times Square, New York, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo courtesy of CMC Pictures]

    Closely following its staggering box office growth has become a daily source of interest and entertainment for many fans, while analysts, big data algorithms and AI models continue to revise their projections daily. The latest projection, released Tuesday night by Maoyan Pro, suggests the film could reach 16 billion yuan for its entire run in the Chinese mainland alone — a figure beyond even the wildest imagination of those in the Chinese film industry. If it manages to reach this milestone, it would become the highest-grossing animated film of all time and the fifth-highest-grossing film in history, behind only the two “Avatar” installments, “Avengers: Endgame” and “Titanic.” These achievements would be remarkable for a Chinese film in a ranking dominated by Hollywood juggernauts. Notably, all of this would be accomplished solely with its China total, without contributions from overseas markets, unlike other global top-grossers that rely heavily on international markets.

    The potential for the film’s worldwide earnings is also being unleashed. “Ne Zha 2” began its global rollout on Feb. 13 through distributor CMC Pictures in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea, followed by the United States and Canada on Feb. 14, with reports that most showings are selling out quickly. The film will also be released in other international territories, including Singapore, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Greece later this year.

    Performers stage a dragon dance outside the TCL Chinese Theatre at the premiere of “Ne Zha 2” in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Feb. 8, 2025. [Photo courtesy of CMC Pictures]

    A grand North American premiere of “Ne Zha 2” was held at the fully packed landmark TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on Feb. 8, receiving rave reviews. Hollywood producer Robert King praised the film’s quality and scale, noting that Chinese films have made significant strides in storytelling in recent years. Georges Chamchoum, executive director of the Asian World Film Festival, expressed deep appreciation for the cultural evolution of Chinese cinema. Meanwhile, Oscar-winning producer Andre Morgan, known for producing “Million Dollar Baby,” described the movie as “unbelievable.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Number of intl wetland cities in China rises to 22

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Nine Chinese cities, including Dali in Yunnan province, Lhasa in the Xizang autonomous region, Fuzhou in Fujian province and Yueyang in Hunan province, were recently designated as international wetland cities, marking the third such set of cities announced after 2018 and 2022.

    At the 64th meeting of the Standing Committee of the Ramsar Convention, which was held in Gland, Switzerland, in late January, the addition of 31 cities to the Wetland City Accreditation program was announced. Currently, there are 74 accredited wetland cities around the world, with 22 of them in China.

    According to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, wetlands are often referred to as “the kidneys of the Earth”, because they play a crucial role in purifying water, regulating climate and maintaining biodiversity.

    By prohibiting aquaculture to enable restoration of the wetland ecosystem, more than 55 percent of the Fujian Minjiang River Estuary Wetlands, located in Fuzhou’s Changle district, has recovered its ecological functions, making it an important habitat for the black-faced spoonbill, a globally endangered species, the administration said.

    Yueyang in Hunan initiated its wetland conservation efforts in the 1980s and established the East Dongting Lake Nature Reserve. The city has achieved a wetland conservation rate of 67 percent, with over 300 species of birds living there, including 18 species of first-class nationally protected birds, according to the local government.

    In the process of continuous improvement of the wetland environment, a series of bird-watching activities related to culture and tourism have also driven the area’s economic development, the local government said.

    Musonda Mumba, secretary-general of the Ramsar Convention, said last month that China has integrated wetland protection with urban development through scientific planning, providing replicable experiences for the world.

    Lei Guangchun, a professor of ecological protection at Beijing Forestry University, said China’s wetland protection has transitioned to a “new stage of high-quality development”.

    Data from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration shows that ever since China joined the Ramsar Convention in 1992, the country has improved laws and policies on protecting wetlands and achieved significant progress. China currently has 82 major wetlands, with a stable wetland area of 56.35 million hectares, ranking first in Asia and fourth globally.

    Lei, the professor, said that China is collaborating with African countries to develop a mangrove project that is expected to sequester 500,000 metric tons of carbon annually, making a substantive contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

    In July, the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention will be held in Zimbabwe. China will share technological achievements such as the smart wetland monitoring system and small-scale wetland restoration at the meeting, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Five best articles in Russian for 13.02.2025

    MIL Analysis: Here are the top five Russian language articles published today. The analysis consists of five articles that are prioritized at the moment.

    In today’s analysis, trends such as trust and consumer protection are highlighted.

    In addition, counterfeiting for 2024 is summarized.

    Education and social services are increasingly evolving and providing new opportunities to teach science to young people. Also, NSU CII staff is focusing on urban infrastructure in the form of new solutions using AI.

    Ethiopian master’s student Yared Dejene Jifar told in an interview why he decided to study in Russia.

    You can read one of the articles below.

    1. Financial News: Good faith behavior is a pledge of confidence in the financial market.

    The Bank of Russia has defined the basic principles of good behavior on the financial market. They are aimed at promoting business and ethical standards, creating a trusting environment and protecting the rights and interests of consumers.

    2. Financial news: Counterfeit rubles have become less common in Russia: 2024 results.

    In 2024, the level of counterfeiting reached its lowest value in recent years: 1 counterfeit per 1 million banknotes in circulation. A total of 8,240 pieces of counterfeit Russian banknotes and coins were detected in the banking system.

    3. The National Research University Higher School of Economics discussed tools of academic development and ways to involve young people in science.

    Higher School of Economics – The round table “Academic Development in the University Today and Tomorrow” was held. The participants discussed the tools of academic development used in various subject areas and ways to involve young people in science, one of which is holding regular scientific seminars. The best practices of Vyshka’s divisions were presented.

    4. How to fix defects in urban infrastructure with the help of artificial intelligence, NSU scientists came up with.

    Employees of the Novosibirsk State University Artificial Intelligence Center (NSU AIC) received a patent for a utility model of an electronic computing device for detecting defects in urban infrastructure and making decisions on their elimination.

    5. Ethiopian Master’s student Yared Dejene Jifar: “I dreamed of studying in Russia”.

    Ethiopian master’s student Yared Dejene Jifar earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Adams Science and Technology University (ASTU). Inspired by stories of friendship between the countries, he decided to continue his studies in Russia. In the interview, Yared talked about the adjustment process in a different country and shared his plans for the future.

    Learn more about MIL’s content and data services by visiting milnz.co.nz.

    Regards MIL!

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justified Accord 2025 hones warfighting capabilities, enhances multinational crisis response readiness

    Source: United States Army

    1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Brigadier Gen. Paul Koech, chief of training at Kenya Defence Headquarters, formally opens exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) by signing a proclamation at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 10, 2025. U.S. Army Lt. Col. Trish Basile, chief of the Kenya U.S. Liaison Office (KUSLO), and KDF Col. Jonathan Rungwe, commandant of HPSS, stand together as witnesses during the signing ceremony at HPSS. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Solomon Navarro)

    (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Solomon Navarro)

    VIEW ORIGINAL

    2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Kenya Defence Forces Brigadier Paul Koech, chief of training at Kenya Defence Headquarters, delivers remarks during the opening ceremony of exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 10, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class. Solomon Navarro) VIEW ORIGINAL

    NAIROBI, Kenya — Approximately 1,300 personnel from over 15 countries will participate in Justified Accord 2025, U.S. Africa Command’s largest military exercise in East Africa, from Feb. 10-21, 2025. Hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, this annual exercise strengthens the ability of participating forces to respond to regional security threats, humanitarian crises and peacekeeping missions.

    Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), this is Kenya’s fourth year in a row hosting the exercise.

    This year features the first-ever night iteration of air-to-ground integration operations where partner countries control Kenyan air assets to provide air support of multinational land forces.

    Also for the first time, U.S. and Kenya military healthcare providers will conduct a real-world veterinary civic action program, to provide essential veterinary services to livestock. This fosters positive relations with local Kenyans and builds readiness when encountering animals on the battlefield.

    1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Capt. James Dewy, a physician assistant with the 8th Medical Brigade, a U.S. Army Reserve unit, identifies organs using a sonogram with Kenya Defence Forces medics during Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations center in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 11, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Josiah Jenkins) VIEW ORIGINAL
    2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Kenya Defence Force (KDF) medics joined the medics with 8th Medical Brigade and 1st Battalion 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts National Guard, to conduct a casualty evacuation rehearsal during exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations Center in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 12, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Brown) VIEW ORIGINAL
    3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Kenya Defence Force (KDF) medics joined the medics with 8th Medical Brigade and 1st Battalion 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts National Guard, to conduct a casualty evacuation rehearsal during exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations Center in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 12, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Brown) VIEW ORIGINAL
    4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Kenya Defence Force (KDF) medics joined the medics with 8th Medical Brigade and 1st Battalion 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts National Guard, to conduct a casualty evacuation rehearsal during exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations Center in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 12, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Brown)
    1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Exercise planners representing multiple nations pose for a photo to announce the official start of exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 10, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Solomon Navarro)
    2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Lt. Col. Trish Basile, Chief of the Kenya United States Liaison Office (KUSLO), and Col. Jonathan Rungwe, Commandant of the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS), welcome a Swiss service member with a handshake during the opening ceremony of Exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at HPSS in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 10, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo Sgt. 1st Class Solomon Navarro) VIEW ORIGINAL

    JA25 reinforces the commitment of the U.S. and its partners to joint military readiness, crisis response and multinational cooperation.

    “It’s a great honor to take part in exercise Justified Accord 2025. We give much appreciation to the U.S. for their partnership in training and the exchange of knowledge and skills,” said KDF Brigadier William Kamwoiro, commander of the 2nd Brigade and KDF exercise director. “The training in small team tactics, optics, as well as combat medics will serve to ensure seamless cooperation and effective support in future joint tasks and duties.”

    For photos, videos and articles from the exercise, please visit the Justified Accord DVIDS feature page and the Kenyan Ministry of Defence website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Mast Delivers Opening Remarks at HFAC Hearing on the USAID Betrayal

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-321-9747

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast delivered opening remarks at a full committee hearing on the United States Agency for International Development’s betrayal of America.

    WATCH HERE

    -Remarks as delivered-

    We are here today, very simply, because many of the people and many of the programs in USAID have literally betrayed America. My colleagues to my left will say that I am lying about these programs, and I know they damn well wish that I was lying. The programs USAID and the State Department have spent money on are indefensible, they hurt America’s standing around the globe, and I think the fact is clear that America would have been better off if your money had been simply thrown into a fireplace.

    Instead, the Biden administration spent it imposing their far-left-wing ideology onto other nations. Under them, USAID spent:

    – $2 million for sex change surgeries in Guatemala.

    – $22 million to increase tourism in Tunisia and Egypt, that’s not lifesaving.

    – $520 million to pay consultants to teach people in Africa about climate change, that’s not medicine.

    – $4.5 million to teach people in Kazakhstan how to fight back against internet trolls, that’s not lifesaving.

    –  $20,000 to help LGTB individuals vote in the Honduran elections, that’s not medicine.

    –  $5.5 million to improve the lives of LGBT individuals in Uganda.

    –  $14 million to identify LGBT leaders in Cambodia.

    –  $425,000 to train Indonesian coffee companies on how to be more gender friendly.

    –  $15 million for condoms to the Taliban.

    And I have pages and pages more. That is not diplomacy. It’s a slap in the face to every American who got up this morning and went to work. To this moment, you haven’t seen or heard any of my colleagues on the left apologizing for this being wrong or wasteful.

    Instead, their biggest concern is that the person assembling a team to make sure these programs are not funded is a billionaire named Elon Musk. They’re so out of touch; they think these programs are bringing other countries closer to us and our adversaries are going to get a foothold if these programs don’t continue.

    That is not what competing looks like for the United States of America. On the contrary, last month when I participated in a Q&A with my colleague here to the left in the U.S. Institute of Peace, which will have to explain their funding, the Ugandan Ambassador stood up and said these programs were not doing anything to improve relations between our nations.

    Take a look at the video.

    These programs will not continue. They’re going to come to an end. Yet my colleagues to the left are arguing for these programs to continue, arguing for the people who put these programs in place to go back to work, and arguing for the agency that did this to continue wasting your money.

    They’re going to argue that President Trump doesn’t have the authority to do this, but the fact is of those who were in Congress, all but three of them, voted to give him the authority in 2024. It says very specifically in SFOPS Appropriations Act that the administration may potentially “expand, eliminate, consolidate, or downsize covered departments, agencies, or organizations.” That’s the language of the authority.

    It’s not just the content of USAID that is the betrayal. It’s the larceny that USAID has conducted. Crooked NGOs around Washington, D.C. swindling American taxpayers out of their money. A recent audit found that USAID’s implementing partners were using as much as 50% of their grant for overhead costs not lifesaving measures.

    The administration has said that the aid pause is temporary, and they have proven it. The recipients of USAID programs, they can apply for a waiver. I have a list with me. Many have applied. Many have been denied and some have received wavers that proved that their work was lifesaving.

    Let me give a warning to my colleagues, it will be short-sighted of you to turn a blind eye to USAID’s betrayal and more broadly to the betrayal within the State Department. Because we are going to bring in the people who put these programs in place. We are going to show to the American people exactly what they were doing. The videos, the documents, the everything. They are going to see it.

    Like $25,000 for a drag show seminar for Venezuelan migrants in Ecuador and we are going to show you that video.

    We will be writing these programs out of law as we conduct our first full State Department review since 2002.

    I would say that when done right, foreign aid can be one of the best tools. It can help strengthen our relationships with our allies that need a hand up and it can help countries realize that America is the best partner.

    But it is only true if we understand a couple of things:

    – What does America actually need from each country or region?

    – What does that country or region actually want from the United States of America? Because it’s not these things.

    – And it’s only fair to Americans if we can prove that a dollar better spent going abroad than staying in the pocket of an American who is right now hustling and grinding it out of work.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Moran Lays out Legislative Proposal to Move the Food for Peace Program to USDA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran

    WASHINGTON. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today spoke on the Senate floor about legislation he introduced with Sens. John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Roger Marshall, M.D., (R-Kan.) and Rep. Tracey Mann (KS-01) that would move the administration of the Food for Peace program to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Sen. Moran also highlighted the importance of Food for Peace for national security, feeding the hungry and providing a market for Kansas farmers.

    “In conjunction with the President’s action, I’ve introduced a bill with Sen. John Hoeven and Sen. Roger Marshall and Rep. Tracey Mann to move Food for Peace from the turbulent USAID and move it to the Department of Agriculture in an effort to prevent waste and bring the program closer to farmers that depend upon it,” said Sen. Moran. “By placing Food for Peace under USDA’s authority, we can make certain that the program is in good hands and can continue to bring revenue to American agriculture.”

    “Just a little over an hour ago, the Senate confirmed the new Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins,” continued Sen. Moran. “I have no doubt she will be an excellent advocate for our nation’s farmers, and I appreciate the conversations we’ve already had on this legislation and her excitement to work on this proposal with me.”

    “In rural America, food assistance programs like Food for Peace put American-grown products in the hands of the hungry, and this food is a tangible extension of the hard work and dedication of farmers and ranchers,” concluded Sen. Moran. “I’m pleased to help find ways to make our delivery of food aid more effective, more efficient and remove the challenges and things that we’ve seen that are so disturbing. Food for Peace bolters the farmers who feed us, creates a more stable world and feeds the hungry.”

    Click HERE to watch Sen. Moran’s Floor Speech

     

    Remarks as delivered:

    “Today, I want to speak about a program that has shaped our nation’s humanitarian efforts and made a significant impact on my home state of Kansas, a program called Food for Peace.

    “In 1953, agricultural surpluses had reached an all-time high, but the price of storing excess commodities was too expensive to rationalize, and it was at risk of going to waste.

    “Kansas farmers, like Cheyenne County’s Peter O’Brien, worked hard to cultivate and grow these commodities. Looking for a solution, Peter suggested at a local farm bureau meeting that maybe the excess food could be sent to countries in need. Peter understood that out of our abundance, we have a moral duty and opportunity to feed the hungry. His idea sparked the origin of a program we now know as Food for Peace.

    “Another Kansan, one of my predecessors, Andy Schoeppel, led the Food for Peace Act in the Senate, which was signed into law by President Eisenhower, another Kansan, in 1954. And Senator Bob Dole from Russell, Kansas later championed the reauthorization of Food for Peace.

    “The program’s premise was simple but impactful: by leveraging the food surpluses that we produce in Kansas and across the nation, we could address famine around the world while creating new markets for our commodities and bolstering our agricultural economy.

    “The first shipments of American wheat and corn were sent to Korea and Greece in 1954, and by the end of Food for Peace’s initial year of operation, it had fed 1.2 million people. Over the last 70 years, the program has fed more than 4 billion people in more than 50 countries, all with American grown commodities.

    “Hunger, whether driven by price increases or food shortages, can act as a catalyst for protests and armed conflict.

    “We’ve seen how food can be used as a weapon of war as radical Islamic groups in Syria use food as a means to recruit soldiers. We’ve witnessed regions of the world that are critical to America’s strategic interest sent into chaos due to people not having access to affordable food.

    “In a turbulent world stricken with conflict, American leadership is more than just our military and our economic might. Food aid provided by the United States reduces despair and increases stability within fragile countries by enabling economic productivity and minimizing the risk of radicalization.

    “For countless individuals around the world, their survival is dependent upon the resources provided by the American people. These vulnerable populations rely on the strength and prosperity of the United States.

    “However, much work remains in the ongoing battle against hunger, and part of that battle is improving the process and programs that administer our aid.

    “Food for Peace is administered by the USAID, and the inefficiency of USAID has been growing concern. The agency struggles with bureaucratic delays, mismanagement, and a lack of coordination, which undermines its ability to deliver effectively aid to those in need. This inefficiency not only waste taxpayer dollars, but also diminishes the impact of Americans’ foreign aid in addressing global crisis.

    “Reports suggest that millions of taxpayer dollars have been allocated to promoting tourism in Lebanon and Egypt, funding the purchase of electric vehicles for Vietnam and inadvertently supporting the cultivation of opium in Afghanistan. Even more concerning, it has been confirmed that $9 million intended for civilian food and medical supplies in Syria fell into the hands of terrorist organizations linked to Al-Qaeda due to the failed oversight of USAID.

    “Amid these concerns of corruption, President Trump has taken steps to dismantle USAID. In conjunction with the President’s action and with approval of the White House policy team, I’ve introduced a bill with Senator John Hoeven and Senator Roger Marshall, and Representative Tracey Mann to move Food for Peace from the turbulent USAID program and move it to the Department of Agriculture in an effort to prevent waste and bring the program closer to farmers that depend upon it.

    “USDA has a long and proven history of managing agricultural policy and programs that support American farmers, food distribution systems and global security efforts. USDA has boots on the ground and the infrastructure already in place to support the logistics for food assistance. The agency understands how to move crops efficiently, sustainably and quickly.

    “This knowledge is indispensable when responding to international crises, where speed and reliability can mean the difference between life and death. By placing Food for Peace under USDA’s authority, we make certain that the program is in good hands and can continue to bring revenue to American agriculture.

    “As just a little over an hour ago, the Senate confirmed the new Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins. I have no doubt she will be an excellent advocate for our nation’s farmers, and I appreciate the conversations we’ve already had on this legislation. The Secretary has told me she’s excited about this proposal and looks forward to working together on this issue.

    “We produce more than we can consume in this nation, so without programs to export to, our ability to make a living in agriculture in Kansas and across the country disappears.

    “In FY2023 alone, $713 million of U.S.-grown commodities were purchased by the Food for Peace program, putting money in the in money back into the hands of farmers.

    “In rural America, food assistance programs like Food for Peace put American grown products in the hands of the hungry, and this food is a tangible extension of the hard work and dedication of farmers and ranchers.

    “I’m pleased to help find ways to make our delivery of food aid more effective, more efficient and remove the challenges and, things that we’ve seen that are so disturbing.

    “America is the greatest country on earth and the most prosperous.

    “Food for Peace bolters the farmers who feed us, creates a more stable world, and feeds the hungry.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Scaling up or losing steam? Parliamentarians debate the future of the SDGs

    Source: United Nations 2

    SDGs

    As the clock ticks toward 2030, parliamentarians gathered at UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday to assess the state of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – and the verdict was anything but unanimous. 

    Amid deepening global debt, taxation disputes and a widening gap between ambition and action, tensions flared over how (and whether) the SDGs can still be salvaged.

    The meeting, themed Scaling up Action for the Sustainable Development Goals: Finance, Institutions and Politics, underscored the urgency of rebooting the 2030 Agenda.

    “We are far behind from where we need to be on almost every single one of the SDGs,” said President of the General Assembly Philémon Yang.

    With only 17 percent of SDG targets reportedly on track, the discussions revealed sharp divides over priorities and outlook.

    Some called for renewed commitment; others questioned whether the goals should be replaced entirely.

    Debt and development

    Debt emerged as a key sticking point, with countries like Malta and Morocco pointing to the “great difficulty” of accessing financial mechanisms designed to support SDG implementation. 

    The Benin delegate went further, arguing that global wealth remains unevenly distributed, requiring structural concessions for heavily indebted nations.

    But there was little consensus on solutions.

    Cyprus defended its tailored tax system, arguing that small service-based economies cannot afford high taxes without stunting growth essential to development.

    Meanwhile, Chile warned of the increasing use of tariffs as leverage in global decision-making, raising concerns about economic coercion in an already unequal system.

    US economist Jeffrey Sachs, a leading voice on global development, called for action based on “fundamental fairness”, emphasising that many developing nations bear no historical responsibility for climate change yet struggle to access funding for basic needs.

    “The money is there, believe me, it’s there” he said, “but it’s not flowing to the low income and lower middle-income countries right now.”

    Political will: Commitment or fatigue?

    Despite the financial hurdles, UN officials insisted that a lack of political will remains a fundamental barrier.

    Guy Ryder, Under-Secretary-General for Policy challenged the perception of weak national ownership of the SDGs, noting that while commitment exists, it has not translated into sufficient results.

    “17 percent doesn’t look like a pass rate,” he admitted. Nevertheless, “What would the figures have been like if there never had been the SDGs?  What would the world look like?”, he put to the room.

    Still, frustrations ran high. Some delegates questioned the effectiveness of existing frameworks.

    A delegate from Sweden called for replacing the SDGs with new, more relevant goals, arguing that the 17 goals agreed amid fanfare in 2015 had run their course.

    Morocco pushed back, warning that abandoning existing commitments before they are achieved would be futile. “We must achieve what we adopted in 2015,” the delegate stated.

    Nigeria offered a middle ground, suggesting a redesigned approach to align national interests with global multilateralism.

    Meanwhile, a parliamentarian from Qatar reflected on lessons from the SDGs’ predecessor, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), noting that while many targets were unmet, they laid the groundwork for future progress.

    Where next for the SDGs?

    As the meeting wrapped up, it was clear that while the SDGs remain the most ambitious global development framework, the road ahead is fraught with challenges.

    National priorities continue to clash with multilateral ambitions and financial constraints risk derailing progress even further.

    But if there was one point of agreement, it was that inaction is not an option.

    As President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Tulia Ackson reminded delegates, “We must be willing to think less in terms of our own political interest and more in terms of the common good.”

    Citing Nelson Mandela, she added: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Celebs, polis feature in new book about migrant journeys – AMES

    Source: AMES

    SA Premier Peter Malinauskas, former Socceroo Archie Thompson and leading contemporary artist Saidin Salkic feature in a new book that tells the stories of second-generation migrant Australians.

    Titled ‘At the Heart of Identity’, the book is a collection of reflections from Australians who share their families’ settlement journeys and their own search for identity.

    It includes inspirational and heart-wrenching stories of migrant families as well as the sense of hope and opportunity that characterises Australia’s migration history.

    Contributors include South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, whose family hails from Lithuania, and former Socceroo Archie Thompson, who has a New Zealand-born father and mother from Papua New Guinea.

    Also sharing their stories are federal MP Cassandra Fernando, whose parents are from Sri Lanka, and Victorian state MP Lee Tarlamis, who has Greek heritage.

    Artist Saidin Salkic, whose father was victim of the Srebrenica massacre in Bosnia, is also a contributor, along with others from Africa, Kurdistan, Vietnam, Malta, Yugoslavia, Burma, Italy and Ukraine.

    Launched in Parliament House, Canberra, this week as part of migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia’s annual ‘Heartlands’ cultural project, the book is a reflection of Australia’s long and diverse history as a nation of migrants.

    AMES CEO Cath Scarth said the book was timely at a point in history when polarisation and divisiveness are on the rise across the globe.

    “Stories of settlement in Australia, no matter where you have come from, are things that unite us,” Ms Scarth said.

    “These stories are reflection of how migrants have helped to build Australia and helped to create the successful brand of multiculturalism we enjoy along with the high levels of social cohesion that we have built,” she said.

    One of the contributors is Carmen Capp-Calleya, who came to Australia from Malta with her parents in 1958 – surviving a shipwreck along the way.

    “The tragic incident, the first major shipping disaster since the end of WW11, had an enduring impact on me and my family. It left us with an indelible sense that we were indeed migrants who had crossed the seas to make a new life,” she says in the book.

    Former Socceroo Archie Thompson tells of his trouble childhood.

    “I grew up in country town in NSW and I was pretty much the only dark-skinned kid in town. That made things difficult at times, but I was able to find a community through football,” he says.

     

    SA Premier Peter Malinauskas’ family came to Australia in 1949 escaping war-torn Europe.

    “When my grandparents got married, they bought a block of land on Trimmer Parade, Seaton, where they built their home and, for many years, operated a fish and chip shop. I distinctly remember as a young boy standing at that fish and chip shop my grandfather built with his own bare hands as he told me about the importance of taking opportunities,” he says.

    Federal MP Cassandra Fernando tells of growing up in a vibrant multicultural community.

     

    “I loved the diversity in South-East Melbourne, a cultural melting pot of Greeks, Italians, Vietnamese, and more. Here, I learned the true meaning of community as people from

    different backgrounds came together,” she says.

     

    Victorian MP Lee Tarlamis tells of reconnecting with his heritage.

     

    “I became determined to reconnect with Greek culture. Embracing both the Greek community and my wife’s Vietnamese culture helped me value diversity and the importance of preserving it,” he says in the book.

     

    Park Ranger James Brincat, whose parts came from Malta in the 1950s, says racism was part of his childhood.

     

    “Growing up in a migrant family was challenging due to racism and being unsure of my identity because of the media’s mixed messages. These experiences strengthened me and now guide my work with refugee communities,” he says.

               

    Architect and artist Maru Jarockyj’s parents fled Ukraine after WWII and settled in the UK. She came to Australia as a young woman.

     

    “Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent devastating war has sparked some deep latent emotions in me and reignited a sense of patriotism. Ukrainian culture

    has always been important to me, and I’ve been involved in folk music and art throughout my life,” she says.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia Led African Legacies Institute Delegation on Historic Visit to Washington, D.C.

    Source: African Legacies Institute

    The visit reinforced ALI’s unwavering commitment to celebrating and safeguarding the contributions of Africa’s democratic leaders

    WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, February 13, 2025/ — The African Legacies Institute (ALI) (www.AfricanLegacies.org), a pioneering organization dedicated to preserving, honoring, and promoting the legacies of democratic African Heads of State and Government, achieved a significant milestone during a high-profile visit to Washington, D.C. Leading the delegation was H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, who was among a select group of former heads of state invited by the Multicultural Coalition Presidential Inaugural Ball Committee. 

    Accompanying him were ALI officials Rachelle Yayi, Franya Cabral Ruiz, Sheree M. Mitchell, and George Williams II. Representing the Institute with distinction, H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn highlighted ALI’s mission to preserve Africa’s democratic legacies, emphasizing the importance of good governance, peaceful transitions of power, and sustainable development to an engaged and supportive audience.

    The visit reinforced ALI’s unwavering commitment to celebrating and safeguarding the contributions of Africa’s democratic leaders. As of 2025, 36 living former African Heads of State and Government have successfully overseen democratic transitions. Their enduring legacy, marked by integrity, visionary leadership, and adherence to constitutional principles, serves as an inspiration for future generations and underscores Africa’s commitment to peace, unity, and sustainable democracy.

    Key Highlights of the Visit

    Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast
    The delegation attended the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast at the Waldorf Astoria, a bipartisan event established in 1992 that convenes spiritual leaders and global dignitaries from over 50 countries.

    Multicultural Coalition U.S. Presidential Inaugural Ball
    The ALI delegation received a special invitation from Chairman Pastor Mark Burns, spiritual advisor to President Trump, to attend the prestigious Multicultural Coalition U.S. Presidential Inaugural Ball. The event brought together distinguished figures from politics, entertainment, and advocacy to celebrate leadership and unity.

    Historic Televised Interview with Voice of America
    The visit featured a historic televised interview of H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn conducted by journalist Peter Clottey of Voice of America (VOA), the largest U.S. international broadcaster, reaching an audience of 35 million viewers. The conversation explored the profound contributions of former African democratic heads of state, particularly in national development, peacebuilding, and democratic governance. H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn shared insightful reflections on leadership and the crucial role former African leaders play in shaping the continent’s future. He underscored the importance of preserving their legacies to inspire and guide future generations.

    High-Level Meeting at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP)
    The ALI delegation engaged with Dr. Joseph Sany, Vice President of the Africa Center at USIP, to explore potential collaborations on peacebuilding, leadership training, and governance frameworks, leveraging the expertise of former African Heads of State.

    Reception at the Hay-Adams Hotel
    The delegation attended a private reception hosted by Gunster Strategies Worldwide, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and industry figures. Distinguished guests included Nigel Farage, African Ambassadors to the U.S., U.S. Ambassadors to Europe, and high-level elected officials.

    Fireside Chat with Engineering Students at Howard University
    H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn led an intimate fireside chat with student leaders from Howard University’s College of Engineering and Architecture. The discussion reinforced ALI’s commitment to fostering stronger collaborations between Africa and the African Diaspora while encouraging students to support economic development on the continent.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – Mozambique Commits to ‘Drill Baby Drill’ During AEC Stakeholder Roundtable

    Source: African Energy Chamber

    The African Energy Chamber united Mozambican oil and gas stakeholders and global partners to discuss opportunities and progress being made to advance the growth of the oil and gas industry

    MAPUTO, Mozambique, February 13, 2025/ — Our module being a developing nation as we are is to ‘Drill Baby Drill’ and maximize the exploration and production of oil and gas to catalyze industrialization and economic growth.

    This was the key message delivered by Florival Mucave, Chairman of the Mozambique Energy Chamber, during the Invest in African Energies: Mozambique Roundtable held in partnership with the African Energy Chamber (AEC) in Maputo on Thursday.

    In his opening remarks, Mucave emphasized that increased investment in oil and gas projects is Mozambique’s best opportunity to eradicate poverty and boost economic development.

    “We are confident that oil and gas will deliver significant benefits to our people. While we recognize the challenges posed by climate change and remain committed to addressing them, we cannot afford to sit on these vast resources and continue to struggle economically,” he stated.

    NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for stronger collaboration between the private and public sectors to foster youth and women’s inclusion while creating an investor-friendly environment.

    “Mozambique’s energy story is still being written, and it must be written here in Mozambique. We must get it right by prioritizing local content, avoiding resource nationalization and strengthening partnerships with both global and local companies – they are not our adversaries,” Ayuk remarked.

    He further urged Mozambique to push back against the demonization of fossil fuels, stating, “When they tell you oil is bad, yet they continue to benefit from it, we must produce every drop to empower ourselves. Do not apologize for developing this God-given resource. The Chamber will continue to stand by you.”

    During the event, Mozambique’s Petroleum regulator Administrator Milton Macuacua Zibane said the country is implementing efforts fast-track implementation of over $15 billion worth of planned projects to create local jobs and drive economic expansion.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – SA Premier features in book of migrant stories – AMES

    Source: AMES

    South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas features in new book that tells the stories of second-generation migrant Australians.

    Titled ‘At the Heart of Identity’, the book is a series of reflections from people sharing their families’ settlement journeys and their own search for identity.

    Premier Malinauskas shares his family’s post war journey to Australia and his own childhood growing up in a migrant community.

    He tells in the book how his family came to Australia in 1949 escaping war-torn Europe.

    “At some point in the late 1930s in regional Hungary a 20-year-old widowed mother named Eta was left little choice but to temporarily leave her daughter with extended family while she sought work at a nearby town. It was a fateful moment. As World War II mercilessly engulfed Europe, Eta quickly found herself caught in the web of the war,” Premier Malinauskas says.

    “Moved from camp to camp as forced labour for the Nazis, no parent could bear to imagine the pain, frustration and sense of desperation that Eta must have felt as every avenue to get back to her daughter was closed. Despite multiple efforts to return to Hungary, by the war’s end Eta had been stuck in a German munitions factory.

    “As the Nazi regime collapsed and Eta closed that chapter of her life, her ambition for reunification with her daughter was again thwarted, this time by another peril in the form of communism. Having had her sole possession, a single bike, confiscated by the Russians at a key roadblock, Eta was again turned around and sent back to Germany,” he says.

    Premier Malinauskas tells how his grandparents met after separately coming to Australia as refugees from the aftermath of WWII.

    “When my grandparents got married, they bought a block of land on Trimmer Parade, Seaton, where they built their home and, for many years, operated a fish and chip shop. I distinctly remember as a young boy standing at that fish and chip shop my grandfather built with his own bare hands as he told me about the importance of taking opportunities,” he says.

    I distinctly remember as a young boy standing at that fish and chip shop my grandfather built with his own bare hands as he told me about the importance of taking opportunities. He was always talking about opportunity – every opportunity you’ve got to grab.

    “An equally clear memory is of the time I inquired about him becoming an Australian citizen and grandpa quickly rushing off to retrieve his naturalisation certificate. I cannot picture the certificate, but I can still feel the depth of meaning it had to him as a symbol of the opportunity this nation and this state had afforded Eta and himself.

     

    “The desire of my grandparents, including Bob and Ursula May from my mum’s side, to seek, seize and share opportunity, even in the face of real hardship, has undoubtedly influenced my politics,” he says.

    Premier Malinauskas says his family’s story is emblematic of Australia’s migration story.

    “…this is a story about a young state in an even younger nation whose infectious optimism about the future gave it the courage to be open to new people looking for one thing above all else: opportunity, the same sort of opportunity our first re-settlers sought 112 years earlier and the exact same sort of opportunity new arrivals to our shores seek today,” he says.

    Other contributors to the book are: former Socceroo Archie Thompson, who has a New Zealand-born father and mother from Papua New Guinea; federal MP Cassandra Fernando, whose parents are from Sri Lanka; leading contemporary artist Saidin Salkic; and architect Maru Jarockyj, whose parent were born in Ukraine.

    Launched at Parliament House, in Canberra this week, as part of migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia’s annual ‘Heartlands’ cultural project, the book is a reflection of Australia’s long and diverse history as a nation of migrants.

    AMES CEO Cath Scarth said the book was timely at a point in history when polarisation and divisiveness are on the rise across the globe.

    “Stories of settlement in Australia, no matter where you have come from, are things that unite us,” Ms Scarth said.

    “These stories are reflection of how migrants have helped to build Australia and helped to create the successful brand of multiculturalism we enjoy along with the high levels of social cohesion that we have built,” she said.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan Legislation Strengthens U.S./Israel Alliance, Reinstates “Peace Through Strength” Policies in the Middle East

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
    02.13.25
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), introduced a package of three bills focused on promoting stability and security in the Middle East: the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act, the United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025, and the Stop the ICC. These bills work to strengthen the U.S.-Israel military alliance, bolster the U.S. sanctions regime against Iran—the architect of chaos in the Middle East—and prohibit U.S. funding of or cooperation with the antisemitic International Criminal Court (ICC). Much of Sullivan’s Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act dovetails with President Trump’s recent executive orders on Iran and Israel.
    “Taken together, this suite of bills sends a clear message that the United States stands firmly with Israel,” said Senator Sullivan. “The Biden administration refused to enforce the comprehensive Iran sanctions that President Trump enacted during his first term. As a result, Iran was given more than $70 billion and used this windfall to spread terror across the Middle East and in Israel. Congress needs to send a clear message that this must stop. Further, to better protect our interests at home and strengthen our alliance with Israel, we must strengthen the U.S.-Israel security partnership and stand with Israel against antisemitic institutions that threaten the existence of our closest ally in the Middle East. It’s time to return to ‘peace through strength’ in the Middle East and stand stronger than ever against the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxies that are threatening Israel and American interests throughout the region.” 
    See below for summaries of Senator Sullivan’s legislation.
    Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act
    This legislation supports the return to a maximum pressure posture toward Iran by strengthening the U.S. sanctions regime against Iran by filling the gaps on existing sanctions legislation and mandating rigorous enforcement of sanctions. Specifically, the legislation expands the range of sanctions to encompass the full logistical chain of Iranian energy exports, it creates an interagency task force to constantly track Iranian illicit activities, and it sunsets the timeline to issue sanctions waivers. It also includes provisions to encourage a new multilateral contact group with like-minded nations to coordinate international sanctions enforcement efforts.
    Specifically, the bill takes several important measures:
    Imposes secondary sanctions on the entire logistical chain of foreign entities supporting Iran’s illicit oil sales, including Chinese banks, maritime insurance providers, and flagging registries, as well as the executive-level leadership in those corporations and their immediate family members. It also imposes sanctions on family members of individuals in Iran sanctioned for terrorism, ballistic missile production, or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) facilities.
    Creates an interagency Iran sanctions working group tasked with constantly tracking illicit transfers of Iranian oil, gas, and related products, with a periodic reporting plan to outline efforts to keep abreast of the evolving sanctions-evasion efforts, and identify new sanctions designations packages.
    Creates a multilateral contact group for harmonizing and enforcing international sanctions on Iran.
    Directs the provision of a private sector reporting mechanism, which financially incentivizes private sector counterparts to share information about illicit Iranian transfer operations.
    Initiates a periodic (180-day) review by the President to justify maintaining existing waivers on eligible nations’ purchase of Iranian oil, accompanied by a detailed, credible plan to phase out the need for waivers for each applicable country. This would include sunset waiver authority on Iran sanctions, following a periodic congressional review.
    Sunsets the presidential sanctions waiver authority in February 1, 2029.
    This legislation is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.).
    The United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025
    This bill strengthens the U.S.-Israel security partnership by extending and expanding existing bilateral security initiatives. It also establishes new cooperative programs, including a broader initiative on unmanned systems, establishing a Defense Innovation Unit in Israel, and advocating for consideration of Israel’s inclusion in the National Technology Industrial Base (NTIB). Finally, it calls for greater cooperation between Israel and regional countries in advancing work on Integrated Air and Missile Defense.
    Specifically, this bill takes several important measures:
    Establishes a program between the United States and Israel on Countering Unmanned Systems (C-UxS). This entails a program of cooperation to develop, test, and deploy advanced C-UxS technologies to address threats posed by UAS, funded at $150 million per year.
    Extension and expansion of the U.S.-Israel Counter-UAS Cooperative Program. This would increase funding for the current initiative from $55 million to $75 million annually.
    Extension and expansion of the United States-Israel Anti-Tunneling Cooperative Program. Extends the authorization of the U.S.-Israel Anti-Tunneling Cooperative Program to Dec 31, 2028 and increases the authorization to $80 million per year.
    Authorizes cooperation between the United States and Israel on emerging defense technologies for 5 years (United States-Israel Future of Warfare Act).  Provides $47.5 million a year to encourage further defense collaboration with Israel in areas of emerging technologies, including autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum, and biotechnology.
    Reauthorizes the War Reserves Stockpile Authority – Israel (WRSA-I); extends the authorization of WRSA-I, which expires at the end of 2026, through January 1, 2029.
    Establishes a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) office in Israel. A DIU office in Israel will work with the Israeli Minister of Defense and private sector to counter Iran’s development of dual-use defense technologies.
    Israel-National Technology Industrial Base (NTIB) Engagement. This requires the Secretary of Defense to engage with his or her Israeli counterpart to initiate a discussion on the process of Israeli ascension into NTIB. 
    Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD). This requires the Secretary of Defense to provide a report on strengthening IAMD in the Middle East.
    This legislation is cosponsored by Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).
    Stop the ICC Act
    This bill prohibits funding for and cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC), based on its antisemitic efforts to prosecute top Israeli officials and create a false equivalence between Israel and Hamas, a terrorist organization. It also prohibits U.S. economic support for the Palestinian Authority (PA) based on its cooperation with the ICC’s investigations against Israeli officials. Specifically, it instructs the President to freeze property assets and deny visas to any foreigners who materially or financially contributed to the ICC’s efforts to “investigate, arrest, detain or prosecute a protected person.” Protected persons are defined as all current and former military and government officials of the U.S. and allies that have not consented to the court’s jurisdiction, such as Israel.  The legislation covers the 32-member NATO and the 19 major non-NATO countries, which include Israel, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, South Korea, the Philippines, and Egypt. It would also rescind any funds the U.S. has designated for the ICC and prohibit any future money for the court.
    Background:  In May 2024, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan announced that he was seeking warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as Hamas leadership. In November 2024, the court issued warrants for Mr. Netanyahu, Mr. Gallant and Hamas leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
    This legislation is cosponsored by Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Syria: Thousands of displaced head home, but many refugees still wary

    Source: United Nations 2

    Humanitarian Aid

    More than 825,000 people who were displaced within Syria have returned to their areas of origin since December, the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, said on Thursday. 

    The development comes as a recent survey of Syrian refugees in the region reveals that some 75 per cent of respondents have no plans to go back anytime soon.

    OCHA said movements out of displacement camps in Syria remain limited, with some 80,000 people departing from sites in the northwest since December and roughly 300 others leaving the Areesha camp in the northeast this past Tuesday.

    Nearly two million people remain displaced in the northwest, and many are living in overcrowded sites and fragile tents.  Among them are more than 615,000 who remain newly displaced across the country since fleeing their homes after 27 November.

    The date marked the start of a major offensive by opposition fighters against the Syrian Army and forces loyal to the Assad regime, which was overthrown some 10 days later.

    Winter weather support

    The UN and partners continue to provide assistance as conditions and funding allow, including winter aid to northern Syria, where the weather is particularly harsh at this time of the year.

    Partners have carried out emergency repairs of roads and sewage systems that were affected by past flooding in the northwest, while nine markets are currently being rehabilitated near displacement camps. 

    Since December, more than 260,000 children in Idleb and northern Aleppo have been supported with heaters, winter clothes and other aid, OCHA said.  Winter kits were also distributed to 500 children in Qamishli, in Al-Hasakeh governorate.

    Illnesses and infections on the rise

    During the same period, health partners have deployed mobile medical teams, provided mental health support, and reinforced facilities with heating and insulation, reaching 800,000 people in the northwest.

    They warn, however, of a significant rise in influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory infections, which are causing further strain to the underfunded health sector. More than 100 health facilities in the northwest are out of funds since the start of the year.

    Humanitarians also sounded the alarm over the shortfall in funding for their operations to support 6.7 million Syrians through March.  Less than 10 per cent of the $1.2 billion needed has been received to date.

    Refugees return home

    Meanwhile, more than 270,000 Syrian refugees have returned home since early December, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.

    A recent UNHCR survey of Syrian refugees across the region found that 27 per cent of respondents intend to return home within the next 12 months, compared to just 1.7 per cent prior to the fall of the Assad regime.

    The results show, however, that roughly three-quarters of Syrian refugees have no plans to go home in the next year and are instead waiting to see how the situation evolves.

    Currently 5.5 million Syrian refugees are living in Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt.

    Factors affecting return

    The reasons why Syrian refugees are reluctant to return range from the lack of housing or access to their properties, concern over the security situation, the disruption to basic services, and economic challenges including a lack of jobs.

    UNHCR and partners are providing returnees and others in need with basic household items, repairs to damaged homes, emergency cash assistance, support to replace lost identity documents and psychological counselling, among other services.

    The agency is appealing for greater support from the international community to meet the immense needs. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘No time to lose’ in Gaza, as ceasefire offers fragile respite

    Source: United Nations 2

    Humanitarian Aid

    The UN is racing against time to expand humanitarian relief and prepare for the monumental task of rebuilding Gaza, as a fragile ceasefire holds but tensions loom over a potential resumption of fighting.

    The UN is racing against time to expand humanitarian relief and prepare for the monumental task of rebuilding Gaza, as a fragile ceasefire holds but tensions loom over a potential resumption of fighting.

    “There is no time to lose,” said the head of the office responsible for UN reconstruction efforts (UNOPS), Jorge Moreira da Silva, during a briefing in New York via videolink from the Middle East, following his visit to Gaza this week.

    The devastation he witnessed was stark: “By one estimate, 40 million tons of debris and rubble were generated by the conflict, which will take years to remove.”

    While the ceasefire has allowed for a scale-up in humanitarian operations, Mr. Moreira da Silva underscored that the pause in hostilities is far from enough.

    “I reiterate the call for a permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages without delay,” he stressed.

    Fuel and life-saving services

    UNOPS, which plays a pivotal role in Gaza’s humanitarian logistics and in many other crises where the UN is providing relief across the world, has dramatically increased fuel deliveries since the ceasefire began.

    Currently, 1.2 million litres are being supplied daily to sustain critical services such as hospitals, telecommunications equipment and bakeries.

    Visiting the European Hospital in the main southern city of Khan Younis close to the Egyptian border, Mr. Moreira da Silva heard firsthand accounts from doctors working under unimaginable conditions.

    There have been “surgeries without anaesthetic, post-surgery infections due to lack of antibiotics, infants dying due to the lack of electricity powering the incubators” and urgent cancer surgeries postponed for over a year, he recounted, describing the extreme pressures on Gaza’s health system.

    Prior to the war, UNOPS had installed hybrid solar systems at the hospital to provide a sustainable energy supply. But the systems have now been rendered inoperable – another casualty of the conflict.

    “As we look to recovery and reconstruction, this is a reminder about the crucial need to invest in renewable energy,” he said.

    Clearing the rubble

    Beyond fuel provision, UNOPS is engaged in crucial debris removal and mine action efforts to address the growing risk of unexploded ordnance

    The scale of the destruction poses a logistical and financial challenge likely to persist for years.

    “We are determined to stay and deliver for the people of Gaza,” Mr. Moreira da Silva said, emphasising that humanitarian access remains critical.

    “Rapid, unhindered, and safe passage for aid is non-negotiable,” he emphasised.

    Uncertain road ahead

    The spectre of renewed violence and the end of the fragile ceasefire, casts a shadow over recovery plans.

    The leadership of Hamas said on Thursday that they would stick to the hostage release timetable as originally agreed, after earlier accusing Israel of violating the terms of the ceasefire.  

    “We need to focus all efforts on avoiding a return to war, which would be an absolute tragedy,” said Mr. Moreira da Silva.

    The stakes are high, not only for Gaza’s immediate humanitarian relief but also for any future reconstruction effort. 

    Soundcloud

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Uganda: Authorities must respect court decision and immediately free Kizza Besigye and others

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to news that Ugandan opposition politician and former presidential candidate for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) political party, Kizza Besigye, has gone on hunger strike and his health is deteriorating, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, said:

    “Ugandan authorities must immediately respect the Supreme Court order, uphold the rule of law and stop trying civilians in military courts. The continued arbitrary detention of Kizza Besigye, FDC member Haji Obeid Lutale and their lawyer Eron Kiiza is an infringement on their rights to personal liberty under Uganda’s Constitution and international human rights law. The trio’s detention has no legal basis. This travesty of justice must stop.

    Ugandan authorities must immediately respect the Supreme Court order, uphold the rule of law and stop trying civilians in military courts. The continued arbitrary detention of Kizza Besigye, FDC member Haji Obeid Lutale and their lawyer Eron Kiiza is an infringement on their rights to personal liberty under Uganda’s Constitution and international human rights law.

    Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for ESARO

    The Supreme Court ordered that “all charges or ongoing criminal trials, or pending trials, before the courts martial involving civilians must immediately cease and be transferred to the ordinary courts of law with complete jurisdiction.” 

    This travesty of justice must stop.

    Tigere Chagutah

    “Amnesty International demands the immediate release of Kizza Besigye and Haji Obeid Lutale due to the nature of their abduction and rendition, which clearly violated international human rights law and the process of extradition with its fair trial protections.

    “Prison authorities must also release lawyer, Eron Kiiza, who the General Court Martial convicted of “contempt of court” and sentenced to nine months imprisonment without a fair trial. The authorities must stop targeting lawyers simply for doing their job.”

    Background

    On 16 November, Kizza Besigye and Haji Obeid Lutale were abducted from Nairobi. They resurfaced on 20 November when they were arraigned in General Court Martial in Kampala, Uganda and charged with offences relating to security and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. They were remanded at Luzira Maximum Security Prison in Kampala, Uganda, where they are still detained even after the 31 January 2025 Supreme Court ruling that trying civilians in military courts is unconstitutional. On 5 February 2025, lawyers of Kizza Besigye filed a petition in the High Court in Kampala to have him and Obeid Lutale produced before that court. On 7 February 2025, lawyers for Eron Kiiza, made a similar application for their client in the same court.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Uganda: Authorities must immediately free trio detained under ‘no legal basis’ and in violation of human rights law

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Kizza Besigye, Haji Obeid Lutale and Eron Kiiza’s detention is a violation of international human rights law

    Serious concerns over the deterioration of former presidential candidate’s Kizza Besigye’s health

    ‘The trio’s detention has no legal basis. This travesty of justice must stop’ – Tigere Chagutah

    Responding to news that Ugandan opposition politician and former presidential candidate for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) political party, Kizza Besigye, has gone on hunger strike and his health is deteriorating, Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Director for East and Southern Africa, said:

    “Ugandan authorities must immediately respect the Supreme Court order, uphold the rule of law and stop trying civilians in military courts.

    “The continued arbitrary detention of Kizza Besigye, FDC member Haji Obeid Lutale and their lawyer Eron Kiiza is an infringement on their rights to personal liberty under Uganda’s Constitution and international human rights law. The trio’s detention has no legal basis. This travesty of justice must stop.

    “The Supreme Court ordered that ‘all charges or ongoing criminal trials, or pending trials, before the courts martial involving civilians must immediately cease and be transferred to the ordinary courts of law with complete jurisdiction’.

    “Amnesty demands the immediate release of Kizza Besigye and Haji Obeid Lutale due to the nature of their abduction and rendition, which clearly violated international human rights law and the process of extradition with its fair trial protections.

    “Prison authorities must also release lawyer, Eron Kiiza, who the General Court Martial convicted of “contempt of court” and sentenced to nine months imprisonment without a fair trial. The authorities must stop targeting lawyers simply for doing their job.”

    Abductions from Nairobi

    On 16 November, Kizza Besigye and Haji Obeid Lutale were abducted from Nairobi. They resurfaced on 20 November when they were arraigned in General Court Martial in Kampala, Uganda and charged with offences relating to security and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. They were remanded at Luzira Maximum Security Prison in Kampala, Uganda, where they are still detained even after the 31 January 2025 Supreme Court ruling that trying civilians in military courts is unconstitutional.

    On 5 February 2025, lawyers of Kizza Besigye filed a petition in the High Court in Kampala to have him and Obeid Lutale produced before that court. On 7 February 2025, lawyers for Eron Kiiza, made a similar application for their client in the same court.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: African Union: Incoming leadership must prioritize and stand up for human rights

    Source: Amnesty International –

    As African heads of state and government prepare to elect and appoint the new leadership team of the African Union (AU), including a new chairperson, during the 38th African Union Summit on 15 and 16 February, Amnesty International is calling on the incoming chairperson and the AU to prioritize human rights.

    The summit comes amid the escalating conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan where fighting between the warring parties has intensified in recent weeks, leaving a trail of civilian casualties and hundreds of thousands of women, children and men in dire conditions. In other parts of the continent, long-running conflicts, including in the Sahel and Somalia, continue almost unabated.

    Amnesty International’s Africa Advocacy Coordinator, Japhet Biegon, said:

    The new chairperson will join the AU at a watershed moment, inheriting an in-tray full of deepening human rights crises across the continent

    Japhet Biegon, Africa Advocacy Director, Amnesty International

    “The next chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) must place human rights at the heart of the continental body, ensuring it responds boldly and decisively to protect civilians in armed conflicts and end states’ clampdown on government critics.

    “The new chairperson will join the AU at a watershed moment, inheriting an in-tray full of deepening human rights crises across the continent. The new chairperson will need to be swift and effective in their response, leveraging the full array of statutory powers at their disposal to exert pressure on parties to conflicts to comply with international humanitarian law and international human rights law.”

    Amnesty International calls on the next chairperson to stand up for human rights from day one on the job. The chairperson must consistently raise human rights concerns, demand justice for victims, ensure the rule of law, and call out states that commit human rights violations.”

    Japhet Biegon

    Across the continent throughout 2024, Amnesty International recorded a pattern of systematic repression of human rights by states. Among other violations, there was a rampant clampdown on government critics and a brutal assault on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

    “Amnesty International calls on the next chairperson to stand up for human rights from day one on the job. The chairperson must consistently raise human rights concerns, demand justice for victims, ensure the rule of law, and call out states that commit human rights violations.”

    Background

    On 15 February, African heads of state and government will conduct elections for the top leadership of the African Union Commission (AUC), the secretariat of the African Union. The election will cover the positions of the chairperson and deputy chairperson. The candidates for the position of the chairperson are Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, Raila Amolo Odinga of Kenya and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.  The successful candidate will serve for a four-year period.

    On Amnesty International in Africa podcast, we explore more on the track record of the continental body.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: London: Shell must clean up its ‘toxic mess’ in Niger Delta

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Day one of Ogale and Bille communities vs Shell trial

    Photos of protest outside Royal Court of Justice available via link below

    ‘Shell must take responsibility for the poisoning they have caused both directly and indirectly and commit to cleaning up their toxic mess’ – Peter Frankental

    Activists and speakers – including King Okabi of the Ogale community – today called for an end to Shell’s pollution of the Niger Delta and compensation for the damage they have done on day one of the Ogale and Bille communities vs Shell trial.

    Amnesty International UK, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), AFRICA: Seen & Heard and Justice 4 Nigeria marked the start of the trial with the stunt ‘Ecocide Babe’ by British-Nigerian artist-activist The Crude Madonna outside the Royal Courts of Justice.

    For 60 years Shell’s oil spills and leaks due to poorly maintained pipelines, wells and inadequate clean-up attempts that have ravaged the health and livelihoods of many of the 30 million people living in the Niger Delta – most of whom live in poverty.

    More than 13,500 Ogale and Bille residents in the Niger Delta have filed claims against Shell over the past decade demanding the company clean up oil spills that they say have wrecked their livelihoods and caused widespread devastation to the local environment. They can’t fish anymore because their water sources, including their wells for drinking water, are poisoned and the land is contaminated which has killed plant life, meaning communities can no longer farm.   

    Ahead of the start of the trial, a stunt supported by the organisations (listed above) by The Crude Madonna – representing Niger Delta womanhood and resistance – wore traditional Nigerian dress and gold-painted Shell-shaped medallions saying ‘hell’ and ‘oil’ coated with ‘crude oil’ and holding the Ecocide Babe Alera (which means ‘it is enough’ in the local Khana language) with crude oil congealed around the baby’s mouth.

    Created by artists The Crude Madonna and THE DnA FACTORY MRSS, the Ecocide Babe symbolises the devastating effect of Shell’s oil pollution on fertility, pregnancy and infant health in the region as well as its overall impact on communities and the environment.

    Peter Frankental, Amnesty International UK’s Business and Human Rights Director, said:

    “This vividly powerful performance highlights the devastation that people across the Niger Delta have suffered for so long. Shell must take responsibility for the poisoning they have caused both directly and indirectly and commit to cleaning up their toxic mess before they leave the region.

    “Shell must not be allowed to leave without making sure the Niger Delta’s land and water are 100 percent clean of their petrochemical poison. It is vital that the affected communities are properly compensated and that they are fully involved in the legal process and their demands are reflected in the final ruling.”

    A protest also took place in Ogoniland in the Niger Delta as the trial began.

    Shell plc is domiciled in London and should be legally responsible for the environmental failures of its subsidiary company, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria. 

    Please see photos in link: https://marieanne.smugmug.com/Niger-Delta-communities-vs-Shell All photos credit M-A Ventoura/Amnesty International UK

    Image 1: Lazarus Tamana of MOSOP and The Crude Madonna protest Shell’s pollution of the Niger Delta outside the Royal Courts of Justice at the start the Ogale and Bille communities vs Shell trial. Credit M-A Ventoura/Amnesty International UK

    Images 2-4: Activists protest outside the Royal Courts of Justice at the start of the Ogale and Bille communities vs Shell trial. Credit M-A Ventoura/Amnesty International UK

    Image 5: The Crude Madonna holding the Ecocide Babe with crude oil congealed around the baby’s mouth – Niger Delta communities take Shell to court for Shell’s devastating pollution of the region. Credit M-A Ventoura/Amnesty International UK

    Image 6: King Okpabi of the Ogale community outside the court calls for an end to Shell’s pollution of the Niger Delta and compensation for the damage it has done. Credit: M-A Ventoura/Amnesty International UK

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and FBI Launch Online Portal to Enhance Department’s Capability to Bring International Antitrust Fugitives to Justice

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Today, the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and the FBI jointly announced the launch of a new online portal for information on international fugitives who have been charged with antitrust offenses and other crimes affecting the competitive process. The Antitrust Division and FBI are committed to bringing individuals to court to face their charges, wherever they are located.

    “Individuals charged with anticompetitive crimes should understand that the DOJ Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners will take all available steps to ensure that they answer the charges in court,” said Director of Criminal Enforcement Emma Burnham of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Defendants should understand that the charges will not go away, and the Antitrust Division urges them to contact us to discuss resolution of the charges.”

    “The FBI is focused on identifying, tracking and arresting fugitives across all our threats,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “By streamlining intelligence sharing and coordination, we are better equipped than ever to ensure no criminal can evade justice by hiding across borders.”

    The Antitrust Division works with the FBI and other law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute companies and individuals whose anticompetitive conduct harms American consumers and the American economy, wherever those companies and individuals are located. After bringing criminal charges, the Antitrust Division works actively with domestic and foreign authorities to locate international fugitives and secure their extradition to the United States. The Antitrust Division and the FBI welcome information from the public about the location of international fugitives.

    For more information on antitrust fugitives, go to the Antitrust Division’s Fugitive webpage. The FBI maintains a list of current antitrust fugitives whose charges are not under seal.

    To report potential antitrust crimes to the Antitrust Division, contact the Complaint Center. If your complaint relates to potential antitrust crimes affecting government procurement, grant, or program funding, contact the Procurement Collusion Strike Force Tip Center.

    MIL OSI USA News –