Source: Europol
The organised criminal network, composed of mostly Ukrainian but also Armenian, Azerbaijani, or Kazakh nationals, has been providing cash courier and underground banking services to other criminal networks. Chinese actors were also part of this criminal network, providing money laundering services. This catalogue of crime-as-a-service offerings was used by various Russian-speaking and Asian criminal actors engaged in drug trafficking, tax…
Source: Government of Sweden
Published
Brochure in pdf format presenting Resistance and decisive action – a national strategy against organised crime.
Do you want to print the brochure? Here you can download a version in pdf format for printing.
Source: The Holy See
#iubilaeum2025 – Holy Mass on the occasion of Sunday of the Word of God and of the Jubilee of the World of Communication, 26.01.2025
At 9.30 this morning, Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, on the occasion of Sunday of the Word of God, which takes as its theme this year “I hope in Your Word” (Ps 119:7-4), and of the Jubilee of the World of Communication, the Holy Father Francis presided over Holy Mass in the Vatican Basilica.
During the Eucharistic Celebration, the Pope conferred the ministries of Lector and Catechist to lay men and women from various countries throughout the world.
The following is the homily delivered by Pope Francis after the proclamation of the Gospel:
Homily of the Holy Father
The Gospel we have heard tells of the fulfilment of a prophecy overflowing with the Holy Spirit. It is fulfilled by the One who comes “with the power of the Spirit” (Lk 4:14): Jesus, the Saviour.
The Word of God is alive: down the centuries, it accompanies us and by the power of the Holy Spirit, it is at work in every age. For the Lord is always faithful to his promise, which, in his love for humanity, he always keeps. This is exactly what Jesus says in the synagogue in Nazareth: “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Lk 4:21).
Sisters and brothers, what a happy coincidence! On the Sunday of the Word of God, at the beginning of this Jubilee Year, we proclaim this page of Luke’s Gospel, in which Jesus reveals himself as the Messiah, “anointed” (v. 18) and sent to “proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour” (v. 19)! Jesus is the living Word in whom all the Scriptures find their fulfilment. In the today of the sacred Liturgy, we are his contemporaries; we too, filled with amazement, open our hearts and minds to listen to him, for “it is he himself who speaks when the holy Scriptures are read in the Church” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 7). I said a word: amazement. When we hear the Gospel, the words of God, it is not simply a matter of listening to or understanding them, no. They must reach our hearts and bring about what I said, “amazement”. The word of God always amazes us; it always renews us. It enters our hearts and always renews us.
In this spirit of exultant faith, we are invited to accept the ancient prophecy as coming from the very Heart of Christ, and to reflect on five actions that characterize the unique and universal mission of the Messiah. A unique mission, because he alone can fulfil it; a universal mission, because he wants to involve everyone in it.
First, Jesus was anointed “to bring good news to the poor” (v. 18). This is the “gospel”, the good news, which Jesus proclaims: the Kingdom of God is at hand! When God reigns, we are saved. The Lord comes to visit his people, caring for the lowly and the wretched. The Gospel is a word of compassion; it calls us to exercise charity, to forgive our neighbour’s debts and to be generous in serving others. Let us not forget that the Lord is close, merciful and compassionate. God’s style is one of closeness, mercy and compassion.
Christ’s second action is to “proclaim release to the captives” (v. 18). Brothers, sisters, evil’s days are numbered, because the future belongs to God. With the power of the Spirit, Jesus redeems us from all guilt and liberates our hearts from all that holds them in bondage, for he brings the Father’s forgiveness into the world. The Gospel is a word of mercy, which calls us to become passionate witnesses of peace, solidarity and reconciliation.
The third action with which Jesus fulfils the prophecy is to grant “recovery of sight to the blind” (v. 18). The Messiah opens the eyes of our heart, all too often dazzled by the allure of power and vain things: the diseases of the soul that prevent us from acknowledging God’s presence and hide from our gaze the weak and the suffering. The Gospel is a word of light, which beckons us to the truth and calls us to bear witness to our faith and to be consistent in its practice.
Jesus’ fourth action is to “let the oppressed go free” (v. 18). No form of bondage can resist the work of the Messiah, who makes us brothers and sisters in his name. The prisons of persecution and the dungeons of death are flung full open by the passionate power of God. The Gospel is a word of freedom, calling us to conversion of heart, integrity of mind and perseverance in trial.
Lastly, the fifth action: Jesus was sent “to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour” (v. 19). That year is a new age, an age that does not devour life, but regenerates it. It is a “Jubilee”, and in this sense, like the one we now celebrate as a way of preparing in hope for our definitive encounter with the Redeemer. The Gospel is a word of joy, summoning us to mutual acceptance and fellowship, as we make our pilgrim journey towards the Kingdom of God.
By these five actions, Jesus even now fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy. By releasing us from our captivity, he tells us that God draws close to us in our poverty, redeems us from evil, enlightens our eyes, breaks the yoke of oppression, and brings us into the joy of a time and greater history in which he makes himself constantly present, to walk beside us and to guide us to eternal life. True, the salvation he bestows on us is not yet fully realized. We know this. Yet wars, injustice, pain and death will not have the final word. The Gospel never disappoints.
Brothers and sisters, on the Sunday devoted in a special way to the word of God, let us thank the Father for having spoken to us by his own Word, made flesh for the salvation of the world. All the Scriptures, which have human writers and the Holy Spirit as their true authors (cf. Dei Verbum, 11), point to this event. The whole Bible speaks of Christ and his work, which the Spirit makes present and active in our lives and in history. When we read the Scriptures, when we pray and study them, we do not simply receive information about God; we receive his Spirit, who reminds us of all that Jesus said and did (cf. Jn 14:26). In this way, our hearts, inflamed by faith, wait in hope for the coming of God. Brothers, sisters, we must become more familiar with reading the Scriptures. I would like to suggest that all of us get a small, pocket-sized copy of the Gospels or the New Testament. We could always have it with us in a bag so that we can read it at various points throughout the day. One verse, two verses so that throughout the day we will have contact with the Lord. A small copy of the Gospels is enough.
Let us respond with enthusiasm to the good news of Christ! For the Lord has not spoken to us as silent listeners, but as his witnesses, called to evangelize at all times and in every place. Today, forty brothers and sisters from various parts of the world have come to receive the ministry of Lector. Thank you! We are grateful to them and we pray for them. We are all praying for you. Let us commit ourselves to bringing the good news to the poor, proclaiming release to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, letting the oppressed go free and announcing the year of the Lord’s favour. Then yes, sisters and brothers, we will transform the world in accordance with the will of God, who created it and redeemed it in his immense love. Thank you!
Source: City of Sheffield
This year’s Holocaust Memorial Day marks 80 years to the day since the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
Over 1 million people were killed in Auschwitz-Birkenau, to most of whom were jews, murdered as part of the genocide committed by the Nazis.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Bosnian genocide, which remains the largest mass murder in Europe since World War 2.
As part of this act of remembrance, the city will reflect on the genocide committed against the Roma people by the Nazis during World War 2, and the mass murder of other groups of people whom the Nazis persecuted, as well as other genocides that have taken place more recently including in Cambodia and Darfur.
To highlight these historic anniversaries, Sheffield City Council have organised an event taking place for Holocaust Memorial Day on Monday 27 January, which will be focused on this year’s theme of ‘for a brighter future’.
This event will be taking place in Cutlers Hall between 5.30pm-7pm, with a series of speeches and readings, civic speakers and community speakers the Jewish and other communities and is open for all to attend. There will also be a period of silence and the statement of commitment for Holocaust Memorial Day will be read out.
Leader of Sheffield City Council, Cllr Tom Hunt, said:
“Holocaust Memorial Day gives us the opportunity to come together to remember the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides, who faced unimaginable atrocities.
“It is a moment to renew our commitment to speak out against the denial and distortion of the Holocaust and genocide, to protect the vulnerable and to stand up to injustice and hate.
“Learning from and about the Holocaust and more recent genocides is vitally important as we strive to do all we can to ensure our future is free from oppression, hatred, racism and persecution.”
The Lord Mayor, Cllr Jayne Dunn, will be attending this event alongside Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Fran Belbin, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Cllr Shaffaq Mohammed, and the Leader of the Green Party, Cllr Douglas Johnson.
Alongside this event, Sheffield City Council have contributed to the ‘80 Candles for 80 Years’, a special nationwide arts and education project launched by Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.
The Trust plans to hold a digital exhibition of 80 bespoke candleholders designed and created by communities and organisations from across the UK that highlight the life of an individual or a community persecuted by the Nazis.
Our candleholder was designed following two workshops facilitated by Ignite Imaginations with members of the Reform Jewish Congregation and Muslim members of the Dialogue Society, who came together to develop ideas for the candleholder.
During the workshops and afterwards, there was a strong view that the Sheffield Candleholder should also be telling the story of the unknown people who were murdered, as no one should ever be forgotten.
The digital exhibition is being launched with a film that will be premiered at the UK HMD ceremony in central London on 27 January 2025 to a live audience. Following a grant from The Claims Conference, the project now will include a touring exhibition across the UK from March 2025.
Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh
A new employability programme aimed at helping unemployed and under-employed people to kick start a coaching career in the leisure industry has been launched by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
The Leisure Employability Activity Programme (LEAP) is encouraging applications from 16–30-year-olds living in the Neighbourhood Renewal Area of Lurgan, Craigavon and Portadown to give them the skills and qualifications needed to become a qualified sports coach.
The programme is funded by the Department for Communities through the Sport in the Community programme, which aims to use sport to develop communities by providing participants with opportunities to participate in sport, gain qualifications and employment.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Councillor Sarah Duffy said: “Sport plays a pivotal role in every society in promoting physical activity and building community spirit. This programme is a fantastic opportunity for unemployed and under-employed people to get the skills and qualifications they need to enhance their future job prospects.
“Taking the first step into training and employment can be daunting however our experienced sports coaches and industry professionals will guide and direct you towards achieving your goals. I would encourage those with an interest in turning a passion for sports coaching into reality to register their interest in the programme.”
Applications are currently open for three programmes – Running Leader, Football Coach and Basketball Coach. Over a period of 7 weeks, participants will complete workshops and training in areas of personal development, application writing, interview skills, coaching qualifications, safeguarding and first aid.
For more information and to apply, please visit https://getactiveabc.com/hw_programs/leap-programme/
Source: City of Liverpool
The search for a new development partner for the Festival Gardens scheme is set to move up a gear, with Liverpool City Council (LCC) and Montagu Evans announcing a shortlist of candidates will be confirmed in Spring this year.
Following the launch of this unique opportunity in October 2024, dialogue is ongoing with a number of high-calibre parties who are expected to shortly return Outline Solutions.
An invitation to shortlisted parties will be issued in March, and the selection of a preferred bidder remains on track for September.
£53m has already been invested into the prime waterfront site and surrounding area to de-risk and accelerate delivery on this remediated brownfield land.
Remediation and infrastructure installation has been completed by VINCI which also led to the creation of Liverpool’s first public park of the century.
Previous development partner ION Property Development’s exclusivity has also now expired and a mutually agreeable settlement with the Council has been agreed.
The decision to undertake a new procurement was in no way a reflection on ION’s competency or ability to deliver but was driven by the constraints of the land sale method that both parties, in good faith, pursued together.
Part of a wider 36 ha site, Festival Gardens’ Development Zone extends to 11 ha (27 acres), 5 km from Liverpool city centre.
Its landmark waterfront location benefits from outstanding green and blue infrastructure with the Festival Gardens parkland, including formal Chinese and Japanese gardens, and River Mersey immediately adjacent.
The Development Zone will become a thriving, sustainable, healthy and inclusive neighbourhood with a strong identity and sense of community, developed using innovative design and building techniques to meet local housing need.
Development will be centred on phased, residential-led plans and multigenerational living with a range of housing types and tenures, maximising delivery and including more than 20% affordable housing.
Montagu Evans is leading on the procurement for the Council as part of a multi-disciplinary team comprised of global programme and project delivery consultant and construction expert Mace, architecture and urban design group Metropolitan Workshop and architectural practice Shedkm. The project has the backing of Homes England and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
Councillor Nick Small, Liverpool Council’s Cabinet member for Economy and Growth, said: “The Festival Gardens development zone is a once in a generation opportunity and we’re keen to ensure a scheme that befits its amazing location. We’ve had some very positive conversations with a number of high-quality developers and we now look forward to seeing their visions in detail on they seek to transform the housing offer in this area.
“We’re entering an incredibly exciting time and the shortlisting of candidates this Spring is a huge step in making this in-demand, thriving community a reality. The Council would also like thank ION for all their work on this scheme and we wish them well in their future endeavours.”
Montagu Evans Partner, Oliver Maury, said: “The development partner procurement process is in a good place. We have received positive responses from a number of high-quality partners who are ambitious for the opportunity and would bring expertise, enthusiasm and solid financial credentials. We are now focussed on continuing the selection process as planned to make sure the preferred bidder is right for this iconic site and the task ahead.”
More information including a Development Brief is also available here: www.investliverpool.com/festival-gardens/
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
The Evaluation Task Force have recently published a new annex to the Magenta Book which covers best practice for impact evaluation of AI tools and technologies.
In December the Evaluation Task Force published a new annex to the Magenta Book, focusing on best practice for evaluating the impact of AI evaluation methods (click here to read the guidance). The guidance will enhance the safety and confidence with which government departments and agencies can adopt AI technologies, ensuring that public sector innovation keeps pace with the private sector. It reflects an understanding of the unique challenges posed by AI and the need for tailored approaches to address these challenges.
The guidance has been coproduced with the Department for Transport and Frontier Economics, in consultation with leading AI specialists. It is expected to be a valuable resource for policymakers, public sector professionals, and digital specialists working to integrate AI solutions into government operations. Moving forwards, the guidance will be co-owned with the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO).
The guidance details best practice, including evaluation design, methodology, and timing, for evaluating the impact of new AI tools and technologies being introduced in the public sector. In particular, it advocates for the use of Randomised Control Trials when testing a new AI product to produce high quality evidence on the intended and unintended impacts of introducing these new technologies. The guidance also includes a series of hypothetical case studies to illustrate possible high-quality approaches to evaluating the impact of different types of AI tools.
Please note: this guidance does not address how to evaluate the quality, safety and accuracy of new AI tools. This process is typically referred to as “model evaluation” or assurance activities, and is typically carried out by Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) professionals rather than social researchers. Instead, the new AI guidance focuses on the impact of AI tools on decisions and outcomes. An example of an impact evaluation of an AI tool can be found here, and an example of a model evaluation of an AI tool can be found here.
Recent growth in the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies has led to increased interest in the use of AI in Government. Robustly evaluating the impact of AI use in government (including process, impact and value for money questions) is essential in making sure we understand the impact of new AI systems, are able to improve current interventions, and can inform future policy development. By providing a framework for assessing the impact and effectiveness of AI tools, the guidance underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining high standards of evaluation and accountability in its use of emerging technologies.
The Evaluation Task Force will be working with CDDO to help embed evaluation best-practice in digital processes across Government, and working to support colleagues designing and delivering impact evaluations of AI interventions. If you have a project or piece of work related to AI that you’d like to discuss with the Evaluation Task Force, you can get in touch with the Evaluation Task Force at: etf@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
Published 27 January 2025
Source: IMF – News in Russian
January 27, 2025
Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation[1] with Albania on January 17, 2025.
The Albanian economy has turned in a strong performance in recent years, underpinned by prudent macroeconomic policies. Output is now well above its pre-pandemic trend thanks to a booming tourism sector. Prudent fiscal policies contributed to a remarkable reduction in public debt while proactive monetary policy, falling global commodity prices, and lek appreciation have facilitated disinflation. External imbalances have shrunk considerably.
Growth prospects are expected to remain robust. Following an expansion of 3.9 percent in 2023, real GDP growth is projected to average around 3½ percent in 2024–2029, driven by domestic consumption, tourism, and construction activity. End-of-year inflation in 2024 is expected at around 2 percent, below the Bank of Albania’s (BoA) 3 percent target. Although base effects from a significant month-on-month drop in early 2024 will temporarily push up inflation in the first half of 2025, a sustained return to target is not expected before 2026, given the high degree of inertia in the inflation process in Albania.
The authorities are expected to outperform their 2024 budget target. With revenues on track, thanks to the favorable conjuncture, and capital spending execution lagging, the primary surplus is projected at around 0.5 percent of GDP in 2024, marginally higher than the
0.3 percent of GDP budget target. The 2025 budget aims for a zero primary balance. The public debt ratio, expected at around 56 percent at end-2024, is expected to decline to around 50 percent in 2029 and is assessed to be sustainable over the medium-term.
Systemic vulnerabilities in the financial system appear broadly contained. The banking sector remains well-capitalized and liquid with average prudential ratios well above regulatory requirements. However, banks’ large-borrower and sovereign exposures represent sources of risk, as does the rapid expansion of banks’ lending to the real estate sector, which has seen continued price increases and accounts for two-thirds of unhedged FX loans.
Notwithstanding the upbeat macroeconomic picture, considerable structural challenges remain. GDP per capita stands at just around a quarter of the U.S. and EU-15 levels, amid rapid aging and emigration. Wide-ranging reforms, including to enhance governance and public financial management frameworks, boost human capital and productivity, are needed to catalyze lasting higher growth and convergence.
Executive Board Assessment[2]
Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They welcomed Albania’s recent strong economic performance, underpinned by prudent macroeconomic policies and booming tourism. Directors concurred that the outlook remains favorable with broadly balanced risks, but noted structural challenges related to rapid population aging, emigration, low productivity, and governance shortcomings. They emphasized the importance of preserving macroeconomic stability while advancing reforms to accelerate convergence with the EU and promote sustainable and inclusive growth.
Directors considered that maintaining a modest annual primary surplus alongside continued efforts to strengthen debt management would reinforce fiscal resilience. While welcoming the progress on the authorities’ medium‑term revenue strategy, they emphasized that sustained revenue administration and tax policy reforms will be needed to address rising spending needs. Directors stressed that public investment and fiscal risk management reforms, especially related to state‑owned enterprises and public‑private partnerships, remain critical to fiscal transparency.
Directors agreed that uncertainty around the outlook calls for a continued data‑dependent approach to monetary policy. As the sustained lek appreciation is assessed to be largely driven by fundamentals, Directors emphasized that the exchange rate should be allowed to adjust more flexibly, with intervention serving as a complementary tool to address non‑fundamental fluctuations. Carefully weighing the costs and benefits of further reserve accumulation would also be important.
Directors concurred that continued supervisory vigilance is vital given pockets of vulnerability in the financial sector related to credit growth in the real estate sector as well as banks’ large borrower and sovereign exposures. They encouraged the authorities to ensure strict regulatory compliance and greater alignment with EU standards, and to enhance the macroprudential toolkit. Deepening financial markets and improving oversight of non‑bank financial institutions are key to enhancing resilience and preserving integrity.
Directors emphasized that deeper reforms are needed to maximize the gains from the EU accession process. Policies should focus on enhancing productivity by fostering global value chain integration, removing barriers to firm growth, and promoting access to bank lending. Further efforts to update education and training programs, advance on the digital agenda, boost female labor force participation, and diversify renewable energy sources would also be important. Directors emphasized that continued infrastructure investments and governance reforms—including the implementation of the 2024–30 Anticorruption Strategy and further implementation of AML/CFT international standards—are key priorities.
|
Albania: Selected Economic Indicators |
|||||
|
Population: 2.8 million (2023) |
Per capita GDP ($): 8300 (2023) |
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|
Life expectancy (years): 76.8 (2023) |
Literacy rate: 99% (2022) |
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|
Nominal GDP ($bn): 23.0 (2023) |
Poverty rate: 21.7% (2023) |
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|
Quota: SDR 139.3 million (0.03 percent of total) |
|||||
|
|
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
|
|
|
Proj. |
||||
|
Output |
|||||
|
Real GDP growth (%) |
3.9 |
3.6 |
3.5 |
3.5 |
|
|
Output gap (%) |
0.5 |
0.3 |
0.1 |
0.0 |
|
|
Prices |
|||||
|
Inflation (%, average) |
4.8 |
2.2 |
2.8 |
2.8 |
|
|
Inflation (%, end-period) |
3.9 |
2.0 |
2.2 |
3.0 |
|
|
General government finances |
|||||
|
Revenues (% GDP) |
27.2 |
28.1 |
27.9 |
27.9 |
|
|
Expenditures (% GDP) |
28.5 |
29.8 |
30.4 |
30.5 |
|
|
Fiscal balance (% GDP) |
-1.3 |
-1.7 |
-2.5 |
-2.6 |
|
|
Public debt (% GDP) 1/ 2/ |
58.4 |
56.4 |
55.5 |
54.5 |
|
|
Primary balance (% GDP) |
0.7 |
0.5 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|
|
Money and credit |
|||||
|
Broad money (% change) |
2.0 |
7.1 |
5.4 |
6.6 |
|
|
Credit to the private sector (% change) |
5.0 |
10.7 |
5.4 |
6.6 |
|
|
Balance of payments |
|||||
|
Current account (% GDP) |
-1.2 |
-3.4 |
-3.7 |
-3.9 |
|
|
FDI (% GDP) |
5.7 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
5.8 |
|
|
Reserves (months of imports) |
7.3 |
6.3 |
6.2 |
6.3 |
|
|
External debt (% GDP) |
46.2 |
41.0 |
39.8 |
38.7 |
|
|
Sources: Albanian authorities, World Bank, UNDP, and IMF staff estimates and projections. |
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|
1/ Public debt refers to the general government and includes all public domestic and external guarantees as well as arrears from central and local government and VAT refund arrears. |
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|
2/ The 2021 SDR allocation equivalent at present to $170 million is recorded with the Bank of Albania and is used as a credit line. |
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[1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.
[2] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summing up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.
PRESS OFFICER: Eva Graf
Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org
https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/01/24/pr25016-albania-imf-executive-board-concludes-2024-article-iv-consultation
Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
At the intersection of technological innovation and policy to accelerate the clean energy transition, UNECE has issued a compendium of case studies highlighting the potential of digital technologies and the related governance frameworks to address key challenges in the energy system.
Featuring selected case studies and providing examples of effective governance policies, the publication offers examples of the transformative power of digital technologies in the energy sector, from grid management and cybersecurity to the adoption of smart meters and artificial intelligence.
It bridges the gap between theoretical frameworks and real-world applications, highlighting the successful implementation of the policy recommendations from the UNECE Task Force on Digitalization in Energy in diverse geographic and socio-economic contexts.
Approaches to the global energy transition differ across regions and the case studies focus on:
introducing smart metering to monitor energy flow, ensuring billing accuracy, allowing rapid fault detection, and supporting dynamic pricing models for optimized energy use and reduced losses in the Republic of Moldova
The “Compendium of Case Studies on Digitalization in Energy in the UNECE Region” is available for download at: https://unece.org/sustainable-energy/publications/compendium-case-studi…;
Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
This event is organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Government of Turkmenistan, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), with the participation of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), the Organisation for Cooperation of Railways (OSJD), the railway agencies of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Eurasian Development Bank, and other partners from the States participating in the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA).
This event is part of the implementation of the for the Digitalization of Multimodal Data and Document Exchange along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor Using UN Legal Instruments and Standards, which was adopted by the SPECA Summit on 24 November 2023 in Baku. It follows up on the request of the SPECA Governing Council for capacity-building on the UN/CEFACT standards.
Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
This event is organized in collaboration between the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Government of Turkmenistan, and other partners. It is part of the work plan of the SPECA Chairmanship of Turkmenistan in 2025 and part of the implementation of the SPECA “Roadmap for the digitalization of multimodal data and document exchange along the Trans-Caspian transport corridor, using United Nations legal instruments and standards”. It focuses on the port-to-port data exchange across the Caspian Sea. The problem to tackle is the fragmentation of digitalization efforts in supply chains along the Trans-Caspian corridor and other SPECA corridors. The solution we suggest is to map and/or align data in flows of information about cargo moved along multimodal digital trade and transport corridors to the global semantic standards and Multimodal Transport Reference Data Model (MMT RDM) maintained by the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT).
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
On the night before Lunar New Year’s Eve, President Lai Ching-te wished his fellow citizens a happy Year of the Snake via video. In his recorded remarks, President Lai thanked Taiwan’s citizens for their hard work over the past year, helping Taiwan continue to progress and develop, as well as play an even more important role on the global stage. The president emphasized that he will be resolved in the missions of ensuring that the nation endures and progresses, safeguarding the lives and property of the public, and caring for the lives of the 23 million people of Taiwan, so that Taiwan keeps going strong and every person has a bright future.
A translation of the president’s full remarks is as follows:
My dear fellow citizens: Good evening. Tonight, the night before Lunar New Year’s Eve, many of you may be heading back home, getting ready to ring in the new year, or preparing holiday dishes. There are also many of you remaining busy at your posts.
I want to thank all those in the armed forces, police officers, firefighters, members of the coast guard, customs officers, medical personnel, and our partners in the public utilities sector for their hard work, which ensures that our citizens can enjoy peace of mind over the holiday.
I also want to thank everyone for your hard work over the past year. Together, we overcame many challenges, helping Taiwan continue to progress and develop, as well as play an even more important role on the global stage.
All our citizens are heroes of Taiwan. In this new year, the government will continue striving to foster national development, spur economic growth, and contribute to citizens’ well-being.
Not long ago, I joined Hondao Senior Citizen’s Welfare Foundation in sharing a meal with seniors living alone, and met with youth through the Taiwan Fund for Children and Families. I hope that everyone can share concern for the elderly, children, and disadvantaged members of our communities. As the saying goes, respect all elders as you would your own, and care for all children as you would your own. Starting this year, the government will push ahead with our Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative to help young people make their dreams a reality.
I will also be resolved in the missions of ensuring that the nation endures and progresses, safeguarding the lives and property of the public, and caring for the lives of the 23 million people of Taiwan, so that Taiwan keeps going strong and every person has a bright future.
There is a saying that in a harmonious family, all things prosper. I sincerely hope that every family can enjoy peace, togetherness, and happiness. The same goes for our nation. I look forward to the ruling and opposition parties being in harmony and our society uniting. Let’s work together to help our nation continue to make great strides.
I wish everyone success and prosperity in the year to come. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! (Taiwanese)
Happy New Year! (Hakka)
Happy New Year! (Eastern Min)
Happy Lunar New Year!(English)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Batch II of Funding Scheme for Public Engagement Projects of Built Heritage Conservation Fund approves four projects
Batch II of Funding Scheme for Public Engagement Projects of Built Heritage Conservation Fund approves four projects
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The Development Bureau announced today (January 27) that four projects were approved under Batch II of the Funding Scheme for Public Engagement Projects of the Built Heritage Conservation Fund, involving a total amount of about $7.2 million. Centred on the themes of “Looking After Our Historic Buildings”, “Engaging Young People in Heritage Conservation” and “Our Built Heritage and Our Community: Education, Religion and Heritage”, a variety of activities will be organised under the four funded projects to raise public awareness of built heritage in several schools and their surrounding communities, historic buildings in the Causeway Bay area, the conservation of chapels and historic village houses on the Sai Kung Peninsula, and the use of aerial photographs in historic building research and conservation. The Government launched Batch I of the Funding Scheme as a pilot initiative in 2017 to provide financial support for public education, community involvement and publicity activities pertaining to built heritage conservation. Applications were invited from professional institutes closely involved in the conservation of built heritage, and the approved projects have been completed. The eligibility for Batch II of the Funding Scheme has been extended to local non-profit-making organisations with experience in built heritage conservation, with a maximum funding of $2 million per project. Details of the approved projects are available on the website of the Commissioner for Heritage’s Office (www.heritage.gov.hk).
Ends/Monday, January 27, 2025Issued at HKT 18:12
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Yau Ma Tei Female Social Hygiene Clinic Service adjustment announced
Yau Ma Tei Female Social Hygiene Clinic Service adjustment announced
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The Department of Health (DH) announced today (January 27) that in view of the usage levels of individual clinics and manpower arrangements, and to make more effective use of resources, the service hours of the Yau Ma Tei Female Social Hygiene Clinic will be changed to Tuesdays and Thursdays (except for public holidays) starting from next month (February) until further notice. Affected patients will be informed of the service adjustment to ensure the continuity in patient care. The adjusted service hours of the Yau Ma Tei Female Social Hygiene Clinic will be as follows: Tuesdays: 2pm to 5.30pm; and 5.30pm to 8.30pm (this session is limited to old cases only).Thursdays: 8.45am to 1pm and 2pm to 5.30pm The Social Hygiene Clinics provide medical check-ups and treatment and counselling on sexually transmitted infections. No prior appointments and doctor’s referrals are required. Registration closes an hour before the end of each session. Addresses and service hours of other Female Social Hygiene Clinics under the DH can be found on the DH’s website.
Ends/Monday, January 27, 2025Issued at HKT 18:15
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Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: An end to hatred is only possible when we understand the horrors of the past, OSCE says on Holocaust Remembrance Day
An end to hatred is only possible when we understand the horrors of the past, OSCE says on Holocaust Remembrance Day | OSCE
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Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s aid for Kiribati is being reviewed after its President and Foreign Minister cancelled a meeting with him last week.
Terms of Reference for the review are still being finalised, and it remains unclear whether or not funding will be cut or projects already under way would be affected, with Peters’ office saying no decisions would be made until the review was complete.
His office said Kiribati remained part of the RSE scheme and its eligibility for the Pacific Access Category was unaffected — for now.
Peters had been due to meet with President Taneti Maamau last Tuesday and Wednesday, in what was to be the first trip by a New Zealand foreign minister to Kiribati in five years, and part of his effort to visit every Pacific country early in the government’s term.
Kiribati has been receiving increased aid from China in recent years.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Peters said he was informed about a week before the trip President Maamau would no longer be available.
“Around a week prior to our arrival in Tarawa, we were advised that the President and Foreign Minister of Kiribati, Taneti Maamau, was no longer available to receive Mr Peters and his delegation,” the statement said.
‘Especially disappointing’
“This was especially disappointing because the visit was to be the first in over five years by a New Zealand Minister to Kiribati — and was the result of a months-long effort to travel there.”
The spokesperson said the development programme was being reviewed as a result.
“New Zealand has been a long-standing partner to Kiribati. The lack of political-level contact makes it very difficult for us to agree joint priorities for our development programme, and to ensure that it is well targeted and delivers good value for money.
“That’s important for both the people of Kiribati and for the New Zealand taxpayer. For this reason, we are reviewing our development programme in Kiribati. The outcomes of that review will be announced in due course.
“Other aspects of the bilateral relationship may also be impacted.”
New Zealand spent $102 million on the development cooperation programme with Kiribati between 2021 and 2024, including on health, education, fisheries, economic development, and climate resilience.
Peters’ office said New Zealand deeply valued the contribution Recognised Seasonal Employer workers made to the country, and was committed to working alongside Pacific partners to ensure the scheme led to positive outcomes for all parties.
Committed to positive outcomes
“However, without open dialogue it is difficult to meet this commitment.”
They also said New Zealand was committed to working alongside our Pacific partners to ensure that the Pacific Access Category leads to positive outcomes for all parties, but again this would be difficult without open dialogue.
The spokesperson said the Kiribati people’s wellbeing was of paramount importance and the terms of reference would reflect this.
New Zealand stood ready “as we always have, to engage with Kiribati at a high level”.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Source: Interpol (news and events)
LYON, France – An international counter-terrorism operation in East Africa has led to the arrest of 37 suspects and the seizure of both small arms and heavy weapons. Those arrested include suspected members of ISIS, Al Shabaab and several foreign terrorist fighters.
Arrests were made across eight East African countries during a joint INTERPOL and AFRIPOL operation (November-December 2024) aimed at identifying and arresting suspects with links to terrorism and strengthening key border controls.
In Kenya, police arrested 17 people including two suspected ISIS members, several foreign terrorist fighters and others involved in terrorism financing, radicalization and propaganda.
Police in the Democratic Republic of Congo arrested four alleged members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and two associates. Forces also seized and destroyed a missile and anti-tank device abandoned by suspected terrorists.
In Somalia, authorities arrested three people, including a suspected bomb maker for an Amniyaat unit of Al-Shabaab who had been planting Improvised Explosive Devices, targeting law enforcement and the military. Another of the detained suspects was an Al Shabaab operative who is believed to have attacked several police checkpoints with hand grenades.
Law enforcement in Tanzania arrested an alleged member of ISIS Mozambique, as well as a Ugandan national who was attempting to join a terrorist group in Mozambique as a foreign terrorist fighter.
Prior to the operation, each participating country prepared an operational plan, gathering intelligence on terror-related targets, including individuals and their known locations. INTERPOL and AFRIPOL consolidated and analysed this information and shared it with all participating countries, facilitating a significant exchange of criminal intelligence.
During the tactical phase of the operation each country carried out strategic investigations and raids. Police received on-the-ground support from INTERPOL and AFRIPOL officers, who provided coordination, logistics and real-time data analysis.
Cyril Gout, INTERPOL’s Acting Executive Director of Police Services, said:
“East Africa’s complex landscape, marked by political instability, porous borders, and socioeconomic challenges, continues to provide an environment conducive to terrorist activity. As these groups seek to expand their reach beyond traditional areas of operation, it is essential that law enforcement agencies work together to stay ahead of these evolving threats. These positive results demonstrate the power of international collaboration in the fight against terrorism.”
Ambassador Jalel Chelba, Acting Executive Director of AFRIPOL, said:
“Tackling terrorism and organized crime demands a unified and forward-thinking strategy that addresses both immediate risks and the deeper vulnerabilities that enable them. This operation highlights the critical role of international cooperation and the exchange of intelligence in disrupting criminal networks and curbing their reach. AFRIPOL is dedicated to supporting Member States, enhancing regional partnerships, and fostering resilience to promote lasting safety and stability across Africa.”
To bolster border security, frontline officers at land, air and port border points were trained and equipped with INTERPOL Mobile Devices (IMDs), giving them real-time access to INTERPOL’s databases. These contain personal and criminal history information in addition to details of around 135,000 foreign terrorist fighters, as well as millions of records of lost and stolen travel documents, which are a key asset for terrorist mobility.
Over the course of the five-day border security operation, more than 88,000 checks were made against INTERPOL databases, resulting in the detection of 15 individuals subject to INTERPOL Notices and Diffusions related to crimes such as fraud, rape, murder, armed robbery, money laundering and crimes against children. Overall, the reinforced border controls led to 32 arrests for a broad range of crimes.
The successful cooperation between eight countries, INTERPOL and AFRIPOL highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism, a threat that remains a major concern for the safety and security of the region.
The operation was delivered under the framework of the ISPA programme, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, to support AFRIPOL in strengthening its position as the lead institution in Africa for preventing and combating transnational organized crime, terrorism and cybercrime.
Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –
Since December 2024, several fronts have been opened in the two provinces to control certain key positions. In Lubero territory, in North Kivu province, the conflict resumed in December with massive displacement. It continued in Masisi territory, where intense fighting took place in January 2025, particularly for control of the town of Masisi Centre, before moving down towards South Kivu province, to Minova and Numbi in Kalehe territory.
During the hostilities, the M23/AFC managed to take control of several towns. In recent days the fighting has moved closer to the provincial capital of Goma, with intense clashes in Sake, just 20 kilometres from the city. Artillery explosions can be heard regularly from Goma.
Fighting is taking place on all the roads around Goma and has led to a new influx of displaced people into the city, including from some camps on the outskirts of the city where people flee towards Goma, in a situation of panic.
Unsurprisingly, the humanitarian consequences for people are very serious. Hundreds of thousands of people have once again fled the fighting. According to the United Nations, 400,000 people have already fled since January. Tens of thousands headed for displacement sites around Goma, where more than 650,000 people were already living, exhausted by almost three years of fighting.
The clashes in recent weeks have led to a new influx of people into these completely unhygienic sites where – as we have been saying for far too long – families are surviving without proper shelter and lacking everything: food, water, healthcare, etc.
Unfortunately, these sites are not spared from the fighting. Rockets are being fired near these camps or the health facilities where people have sought shelter. It’s appalling and unacceptable. We are also seeing a very worrying proportion of civilians among the hundreds of wounded we are helping to treat. Some are victims of stray bullets, but others are victims of the warring parties’ failure to respect certain basic rules of conflict.
In Masisi, the hospital we support came under fire while more than 10,000 people were seeking shelter. Two people were hit just outside the hospital and two of our staff were injured by rocket fire. The presence of combatants or artillery positions in close proximity to health facilities and camps for internally displaced people puts lives at immediate risk. It is important for everyone to remember that even war has its rules.
We are doing our utmost to maintain our regular and emergency activities, but in some areas we have had to limit the risks by reducing the size of our teams. Around Goma, for example, direct armed violence has reduced our ability to go to certain affected sites over the past two days, although we continue to supply medical facilities, help them prepare for an influx of wounded, and bring in fuel to run water pumps as soon as conditions allow. This allows these facilities to continue to function, even with a more limited presence of our teams.
In Goma itself, we continue to support the Kyeshero hospital to treat some of the wounded and to relieve the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which is on the frontline treating the wounded at the Ndosho hospital. It is clear that the hospitals in Goma are completely overwhelmed by the number of wounded.
In the rest of North and South Kivu, despite the security and logistical challenges and restrictions on movement, we are maintaining our presence and continuing to treat patients, including the wounded. In three weeks, nearly 400 casualties have been treated at the Minova General Referral hospital, the Numbi hospital centre, and the Masisi General Referral hospital. We are also continuing to support displaced people in more remote areas, such as Lubero, where we are also working to improve access to water in health facilities and at the Magasin site for displaced people.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs combats provision of infringing karaoke songs by party rooms in course of business (with photos)
Hong Kong Customs combats provision of infringing karaoke songs by party rooms in course of business (with photos)
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Hong Kong Customs mounted a territory-wide enforcement operation codenamed “Magpie” between December 9 and yesterday (December 20) to combat illegal activities involving party room operators providing infringing karaoke songs to customers in the course of business. Through intelligence analysis and with the assistance of copyright owners, Customs earlier identified a number of party rooms suspected of possessing and providing infringing karaoke songs to customers in the course of business. Customs officers then took enforcement action and raided 15 party rooms in various districts, including Tuen Mun, Kwai Chung, Kwun Tong and Kowloon Bay. A total of 16 sets of karaoke devices used for playing suspected infringing songs, one set of game console with suspected pirated electronic games, and a batch of audio and video equipment were seized. The total estimated market value is approximately $400,000. Three men aged between 31 and 40, were arrested for being suspected of contravening the Copyright Ordinance. They were all persons-in-charge of the party rooms. The investigation is ongoing and further arrest may be made. Customs reminds business operators to comply with the Copyright Ordinance and to make enquiries to copyright owners on matters relating to the use of musical visual recordings in the course of business. Customs will continue to step up inspection and enforcement to vigorously combat different kinds of infringing activities to safeguard the rights of copyright owners. Under the Ordinance, any person, who without the licence of the copyright owner of a copyright work, possesses infringing copies of a copyright work for the purpose of, or in the course of, any trade or business with the view to it being used by any person commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 per infringing copy and imprisonment for four years. Members of the public may report any suspected infringing activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Ends/Saturday, December 21, 2024Issued at HKT 10:47
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Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)
#ICYMI Last week was filled with celebration and appreciation for the two teams that make America’s game possible. @westpoint and @USNavalAcademyOfficial brought passion, pride and professionalism to the field for the 125th #ArmyNavy Game.
Congrats again to the @USNavy who took home the win #shorts #military
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
One person has died following a workplace incident at a Southbridge property this morning.
Emergency services were called to Glasseys Road around 11.30am.
WorkSafe has been advised.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the death are ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appeal for information on missing man in Sha Tin (with photo)
Appeal for information on missing man in Sha Tin (with photo)
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Police today (December 21) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Sha Tin. Wong Shek-hung, aged 66, went missing after he left his residence in Wing Shui House, Lek Yuen Estate yesterday (December 20) afternoon. His family made a report to Police on the same day. He is about 1.7 metres tall and of medium build. He has a pointed-face with yellow complexion and is bald. He was last seen wearing a dark brown jacket, blue trousers, white sports shoes, carrying a dark grey backpack and a green waist bag. Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1176 or 5239 7701 or email to rmpu-nts@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.
Ends/Saturday, December 21, 2024Issued at HKT 11:21
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Source: South Australia Police
A man has been arrested after seriously assaulting a police officer in Port Augusta.
It will be alleged that about 10.40am today (Saturday 21 December), police were called to a house in High Street after reports of a domestic disturbance.
When two officers arrived, a man confronted the patrol and struck a female officer in the left arm with a sword.
Capsicum spray was deployed to subdue the man while other patrols were called to the scene.
The officer was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment. She will be airlifted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital because of the nature of her injuries.
A 30-year-old Port Augusta man has been arrested and will face numerous charges including assaulting a prescribed emergency worker.
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said while any attack on a police officer was abhorrent, the violent nature of this incident had shocked police.
“Policing is an inherently dangerous occupation because of the nature of some incidents officers are called to, but an incident of this nature highlights the risk police face on a daily basis serving the community,’’ he said.
“Thankfully the officer’s injuries are not life-threatening and measures are being taken to fully support her and her family.
“All police officers and the community will be paying particular interest as this matter progresses through the court system.
“Under the Criminal Law Consolidation Act the penalty for assaulting a prescribed emergency services worker is a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. Every police officer will be watching to see what penalty is applied if there is a finding of guilt.’’
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
TAIYUAN, Dec.20 — Yuncheng Salt Lake, known as the “Dead Sea of China,” is one of three inland salt lakes with sodium sulfate in the world, covering an area of 132 square kilometers. It once served as a salt production base.
To better protect the lake’s ecology, industrial production activities in the lake area have been completely terminated, and restoration works such as embankment renovation, dredging, and flood prevention have been carried out. Meanwhile, a protective regulation issued a few years ago has not only provided a basis for the lake’s protection, but also extended the protection scope to ecological, natural, and cultural resources. With the arrival of winter, many migratory birds have found refuge here, bringing with them beauty and vitality, further enriching the landscape of this unique ecosystem.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
To be attributed to Inspector Simon Feltham, Marlborough Area Commander:
A 44-year-old man has been taken into custody at a Park Terrace house in Blenheim, following a family harm-related incident at the address.
The man was arrested at around 4.35pm, and a baby that was inside the house with the man has been recovered safely and is uninjured.
The Police Negotiation Team has been at the address since last night, engaging with the man while he remained inside the house with the baby.
Police’s focus has been the welfare of resolving the incident safely for all concerned and we are very pleased that has now been achieved.
Police have also deployed tactical staff and other staff to achieve this outcome, and we’ve been supported by the New Zealand Defence Force.
Neighbours of the address who were asked to stay in temporary accommodation last night will be able to return to their homes this evening.
We thank them and the wider community for their patience and cooperation through what we know has been an extremely unsettling situation.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Kihikihi Road/SH3 is closed following a serious crash in Te Awamutu this afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash at around 4.20pm.
Two people are in a critical condition, two people have serious injuries, and four have moderate injuries.
The road is closed while the Serious Crash Unit is conducting a scene examination.
Motorists are advised to follow the diversions in place and to expect delays.
ENDS
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
A person has died following a single vehicle crash in Horeke this morning.
Emergency services were called to State Highway One, near Rangiahua Road at around 9.20am.
Sadly, one person died at the scene.
One other person was transported to hospital in a critical condition.
The Serious Crash Unit has completed a scene examination, and the road is now clear.
Enquiries into the crash are ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Christchurch Police are appealing for sightings of Tennessee Gemmell and her two children.
Tennessee was last seen walking with Angus (6) and Arohadeep (5) on Hoani Street in Papanui today.
They were headed in the direction of the Mitre10 Megastore.
Angus was wearing orange shorts and a light-coloured top.
Arohadeep is wearing light-coloured tights and a bright-coloured top.
Police have concerns for the welfare of Tennessee and her children and want to hear from anyone who may have information which could help us locate them.
If you can help, please contact 105 and reference event number P061023866.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
Earlier this week, FBI Director Christopher Wray visited the Denver Field Office and met with FBI employees and partners from across Colorado and Wyoming.
His trip to Wyoming included a productive discussion with law enforcement in the state about the importance of collaboration to fulfilling our shared mission, noting that “partnerships are more important now than they’ve ever been.” While in Wyoming, Director Wray also visited F.E. Warren AFB, where he met with military partners to discuss the many ways the FBI is working with the Department of Defense to protect against threats posed by hostile foreign nations.
In Denver, Director Wray sat down with partners from across law enforcement, the private sector, and academia in Colorado and Wyoming, thanking them for their partnership and emphasizing the need to continue working together to stay ahead of cyber, counterintelligence, and counterterrorism threats. The group also discussed the importance of continued collaboration to defend against threats to our critical infrastructure, and emerging challenges such as criminal use of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency. While in Colorado, Director Wray also met with officials from the Bureau of Prisons at one of their facilities.
Director Wray pledged the FBI’s intent to try to continue to support law enforcement partners in Colorado and Wyoming through training, investigative services, and support, despite the increasingly limited budget environment. “There’s a force multiplier effect that comes from constant engagement and collaboration,” Director Wray said, “and you can count on us to keep focusing on how to be the best partner.”
FBI Denver serves all of Colorado and Wyoming. The office has nine resident agencies covering the two states. This trip marks Director Wray’s third visit to the Denver Field Office and his first visit to Wyoming as FBI Director.
Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union
WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement after the Senate voted to repeal the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP):
“This historic victory for public service workers is a product of nonstop advocacy and perseverance. For years, AFSCME members have sounded the alarm on GPO-WEP, which denied some public service workers their Social Security benefits simply for pursuing careers that help others. Thanks to Senator Sherrod Brown, who has championed GPO-WEP repeal for over a decade, and the support of a broad coalition of union members who have tirelessly organized, over two million public service workers will finally be able to access the Social Security benefits they spent their careers paying into. Many will finally be able to enjoy retirement after a lifetime of service. We applaud the Senate for passing this legislation and call on President Biden to sign the bill as soon as possible.”