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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Government celebrates extension of UN Disability Convention to Bermuda

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The extension of the UN Disability Convention will protect the rights of over three thousand disabled people living in Bermuda.

    • Bermuda is the first British Overseas Territory to which the UN Disability Convention has been extended
    • The extension marks a significant milestone in Bermuda’s path towards a more inclusive society for disabled people
    • Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP, said: “The Government is determined to tackle barriers and boost opportunities for every disabled person”

    The UK Government has extended the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) to Bermuda, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP, announced today.

    All state parties to the UNCRPD agree to tackling barriers which prevent disabled people from participating in society on an equal basis with others.

    The UNCRPD sets out specific rights which states are required to uphold, such as the right to health, education, living independently and participating in sports and other cultural and leisure activities. The UNCRPD Committee generally reviews each state every four years and issues recommendations for improvement.

    The extension is one example of the Government’s continuing commitment to the UNCRPD, and is in line with a previous recommendation from the UN Committee that the UK strengthens its efforts to extend the UNCRPD to the British Overseas Territories.

    Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP, said:

    This extension is a major step forward in the UK’s commitment to the UNCRPD and championing the rights of disabled people.

    The Government is determined to tackle barriers and boost opportunities for every disabled person. We will work with disabled people and their representative organisations to build a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

    Minister for Development and Minister for Women and Equalities, Anneliese Dodds MP, said:

    As the Minister for Development and Minister for Women and Equalities, I am proud of this Government’s commitment to protecting and promoting disabled people’s rights across the UK and around the world.

    This announcement is just the beginning. We will do what’s necessary to ensure that disabled people, no matter their background, have the support, resources and opportunities to succeed.

    Extending the UNCRPD to Bermuda will protect the rights of thousands of disabled people, and will also support Bermuda’s expanding tourism industry by improving accessibility to a number of recreational, leisure and sporting activities.

    Bermuda Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, The Hon. Tinée Furbert, JP. MP said:

    As the Minister responsible for persons with disabilities, I am proud to announce that the extension of the UNCRPD to Bermuda marks a historic moment. This achievement solidifies our commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their disability, is valued and respected. For the first time, the UK has extended the UNCRPD to an Overseas Territory, a testament to the progress we are making.

    By adopting the UNCRPD, Bermuda fulfils a 2020 Throne Speech Initiative and reaffirms our dedication to upholding the fundamental human rights and freedoms of all individuals. This milestone is a celebration of our collective efforts and a reminder that our work is far from complete. We must continue to address critical areas such as education, diversity, inclusivity, accessibility, and removing barriers across all sectors of our society.

    The Government of Bermuda remains steadfast in collaborating with persons with disabilities to advance equal opportunities. We believe that a world of equality is not just a dream but a tangible reality that we can achieve. It requires decisive leadership, adequate resources, and a collective decision-making process. We are building the ramps to a more inclusive and equitable world because it is not only possible- it is our responsibility.

    The extension follows recent announcements by the UK Government in the King’s Speech to tackle barriers for disabled people and other underrepresented groups – such as introducing disability pay gap reporting, increasing flexible working arrangements and making work pay.

    British Sign Language (BSL) version of this press release

    UK Government celebrates extension of UN Disability Convention to Bermuda

    Notes to editors:

    • The UK government is responsible for the international relations of the British Overseas Territories, including with the UN and its convention committees. The UNCRPD can only be extended to Bermuda with UK approval.
    • The UK is a state party to the UNCRPD, having ratified it in 2009.
    • The UNCRPD aims to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all disabled people, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government unveils significant reforms to employment rights

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Ministers have unveiled the Employment Rights Bill to help deliver economic security and growth to businesses, workers and communities across the UK.

    • Legislation introduced in Parliament to upgrade workers’ rights across the UK, tackle poor working conditions and benefit businesses and workers alike 
    • Ahead of International Investment Summit, government reveals landmark reforms in under 100 days to boost pay and productivity, showing the benefits of a ‘pro-business, pro-worker’ approach 
    • New balance for early months of a job at heart of pragmatic reforms to help drive growth in the economy and support more people into secure work 
    • Employment Rights Bill will end exploitative zero-hour contracts and unscrupulous fire and rehire practices, while establishing rights to bereavement and parental leave from day one 

    Today (10 October) ministers have unveiled the Employment Rights Bill, introduced within 100 days of the new government coming to office, to help deliver economic security and growth to businesses, workers and communities across the UK.  

    Getting the labour market moving again is essential to economic growth with one in five UK businesses with more than 10 employees reporting staff shortages. Flexibility, for workers and businesses alike, is key to answering this challenge and is at the heart of the legislation to upgrade the law to ensure it is fit for modern life and a modern economy. 

    The existing two-year qualifying period for protections from unfair dismissal will be removed, delivering on the manifesto commitment to ensure that all workers have a right to these protections from day one on the job. 

    The government will also consult on a new statutory probation period for companies’ new hires. This will allow for a proper assessment of an employee’s suitability to a role as well as reassuring employees that they have rights from day one, enabling businesses to take chances on hires while giving more people confidence to re-enter the job market or change careers, improving their living standards.  

    The bill will bring forward 28 individual employment reforms, from ending exploitative zero hours contracts and fire and rehire practices to establishing day one rights for paternity, parental and bereavement leave for millions of workers. Statutory sick pay will also be strengthened, removing the lower earnings limit for all workers and cutting out the waiting period before sick pay kicks in. 

    Accompanying this will be measures to help make the workplace more compatible with people’s lives, with flexible working made the default where practical. Large employers will also be required to create action plans on addressing gender pay gaps and supporting employees through the menopause, and protections against dismissal will be strengthened for pregnant women and new mothers. This is all with the intention of keeping people in work for longer, reducing recruitment costs for employers by increasing staff retention and helping the economy grow. 

    A new Fair Work Agency bringing together existing enforcement bodies will also be established to enforce rights such as holiday pay and support employers looking for guidance on how to comply with the law. 

    Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

    This government is delivering the biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation, boosting pay and productivity with employment laws fit for a modern economy. We’re turning the page on an economy riven with insecurity, ravaged by dire productivity and blighted by low pay. 

    The UK’s out-of-date employment laws are holding our country back and failing business and workers alike. Our plans to make work pay will deliver security in work as the foundation for boosting productivity and growing our economy to make working people better off and realise our potential. 

    Too many people are drawn into a race to the bottom, denied the security they need to raise a family while businesses are unable to retain the workers they need to grow. We’re raising the floor on rights at work to deliver a stronger, fairer and brighter future of work for Britain.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    It is our mission to get the economy moving and create the long term, sustainable growth that people and businesses across the country need. Our plan will give the world of work a much needed upgrade, boosting pay and productivity.    

    The best employers know that employees are more productive when they are happy at work.  That is why it’s vital to give employers the flexibility they need to grow whilst ending unscrupulous and unfair practices.  

    This upgrade to our laws will ensure they are fit for modern life, raise living standards and provide opportunity and security for businesses, workers and communities across the country.

    Alongside the legislation, a ‘Next Steps’ document for the Make Work Pay Plan has been published outlining the government’s vision and long-term plans and setting out our ambitions for the plan to grow the economy, raise living standards across the country and create opportunities for all. 

    Ending one-sided flexibility

    The legislation will level the playing field where all parties understand what is required of them and good employers aren’t undercut by bad ones.  

    The bill will end exploitative zero hours contracts, following research that shows 84% of zero hours workers would rather have guaranteed hours. They, along with those on low hours contracts, will now have the right to a guaranteed hours contract if they work regular hours over a defined period, giving them security of earnings whilst allowing people to remain on zero hours contracts where they prefer to. According to TUC research nearly two thirds of managers (64%) believe ending zero hours contracts would have a positive impact on their business.  

    Ending unscrupulous employment practices is a priority for this government and none more so than shutting down the loopholes that allow bullying fire and rehire and fire and replace to continue. The government is closing these loopholes and putting in place measures to give greater protections against unfair dismissal from day one, ensuring that the feeling of security at work is no longer a luxury for the privileged few. 

    This bill turns the page on the previously ineffective, costly and conflicting approach to dealing with industrial relations that has brought so much disruption to businesses and livelihoods. lt repeals the anti-union legislation put in place by the previous administration, including the Minimum Service Levels (Strikes) Act legislation that failed to prevent a single day of industrial action while in force. 

    Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders said:

    We know that most employers proudly treat their staff well. However, for decades as the world of work has changed, employment rights have failed to keep pace, with an increase in one-sided flexibility slowing the potential for growth in the economy.

    The steps we’re taking today will finally right these wrongs, working in partnership with business and unions to kickstart economic growth that will benefit them, their workers and local communities.  

    From tackling fire and rehire to ending exploitative zero hours contracts, we are delivering a modern economy that drives up living standards for families across the UK.

    Supporting working families

    Too many people find that the current system isn’t compatible with the realities of everyday life, whether that’s raising children or supporting a loved one with a health condition. The government wants to make sure that everyone can get on in work and not be held back because work isn’t compatible with important family responsibilities. 

    That is why the government will:

    • Change the law to make flexible working the default for all, unless the employer can prove it’s unreasonable.   
    • Set a clear standard for employers by establishing a new right to bereavement leave, with the entitlement sculpted with the needs of employees and the concerns of employers at the forefront.  
    • Deliver stronger protections for pregnant women and new mothers returning to work including protection from dismissal whilst pregnant, on maternity leave and within six months of returning to work.   
    • Tackle low pay by accounting for cost of living when setting the Minimum Wage and remove discriminatory age bands.  
    • Establish a new Fair Work Agency that will bring together different government enforcement bodies, enforce holiday pay for the first time and strengthen statutory sick pay. It will create a stronger, recognisable single organisation that people know where to go for help – with better support for employers who want to comply with the law and tough action on the minority who deliberately flout it.   

    Beyond the bill

    The Make Work Pay Plan doesn’t stop with this bill. Continuing to reform employment rights in line with changes to the economy and labour market is critical to maintaining growth, prosperity and opportunity. As an outlook to the future, the government has also today published a Next Steps document that outlines reforms it will look to implement in the future.  

    Subject to consultations, this includes:

    • A Right to Switch Off, preventing employees from being contacted out of hours, except in exceptional circumstances, to allow them the rest and get the recuperation they need to give 100% during their shift. 
    • A strong commitment to end pay discrimination by expanding the Equality (Race and Disparity) Bill to make it mandatory for large employers to report their ethnicity and disability pay gap.  
    • A move towards a single status of worker and transition towards a simpler two-part framework for employment status.  
    • Reviews into the parental leave and carers leave systems to ensure they are delivering for employers, workers and their loved ones.

    Responding to the government’s initiative, these businesses and employee groups have said:

    Shirine Khoury-Haq, CEO of the Co-op, said: 

    We support the Government’s ambitions to strengthen rights for workers and value the co-operative approach to involve employers in the reforms. As the UK’s largest consumer co-operative, Co-op has long supported colleagues to have good working lives, with policies like our leading bereavement leave, day one right to request flexible working arrangements, and menopause support already in place. The positive impact of these policies is clear to see. 

    Being able to support colleagues when they need it, and in particular women, parents and carers, helps retain valuable talent and makes good business sense. We look forward to continuing to work with Government to make work pay and to deliver economic growth.” 

    Paul Nowak, TUC General Secretary, said: 

    After 14 years of stagnating living standards, working people desperately need secure jobs they can build a decent life on.    

    Whether it’s tackling the scourge of zero-hours contracts and fire and rehire, improving access to sick pay and parental leave, or clamping down on exploitation – this Bill highlights the Government’s commitment to upgrade rights and protections for millions.    

    Driving up employment standards is good for workers, good for business and good for growth. While there is still detail to be worked through, it is time to write a positive new chapter for working people in this country.”    

    Jane van Zyl, CEO at Working Families, said: 

    As campaigners for better rights for working parents and carers, we’re pleased there is hope on the horizon for the millions who stand to benefit from the transformational changes in the proposed Employment Bill.  

    Establishing workplace rights from day one and making flexible working the default could be the key to unlocking labour market mobility, with the promise of getting the economy moving and ensuring parents and carers are not held back in their careers. In addition, we welcome any strengthening of legislation that helps protect pregnant women and new mothers against losing their jobs unfairly at a vulnerable time in their lives.  

    The proposals in the Plan to Make Work Pay have the potential to remove barriers in the workplace, give a better start for new parents and reduce gendered roles in caring. The message it sends that worker’s rights matter, and the willingness to address inequalities, is very promising.”  

    Simon Roberts, Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s, said:

    As one of the UK’s largest employers we put our colleagues at the heart of everything we do. We see the clear link between engaged, motivated colleagues and business performance and that is why we have increased colleague pay by over 50% in the last 5 years. 

    We share the Government’s vision of making work pay, enabling growth and driving productivity. We welcome today’s announcement and Government engagement with business to date and look forward to seeing progress on business rates reform, which would deliver real benefits for our colleagues, customers and communities.” 

    Peter Cheese, Chief Executive of CIPD, the professional body for HR and Learning & Development professionals, said:

    We share the Government’s ambition to raise employment standards and job quality through the Employment Rights Bill as part of the wider Make Work Pay agenda.  

    The changes being proposed represent the greatest update in employment legislation in decades. We’re pleased to see the ongoing commitment from Government to engage with the business community to work through the important details to ensure they have a positive impact for both employers and workers.” 

    Jemima Olchawski, CEO of Fawcett Society, said:

    Today’s draft employment bill is a win for women. Fawcett and our members have campaigned long and hard to see government chart a new course for inclusive economic growth and to improve women’s working lives. We share this government’s ambition to ensure all women can thrive at work and fully contribute to the economy.”   

    Mark Reynolds, Mace Group Chair and Chief Executive, said:### 

    Ensuring British workers are supported with strong employment rights benefits everyone – employers as well as employees. This package of reforms is a welcome insight into the Government’s plans and show that they have engaged extensively with businesses and taken a pragmatic approach. We’re pleased to support it; both on behalf of Mace and the wider construction industry. We look forward to working closely with the Government as they take these plans forward.”  

    Brian McNamara, CEO of Haleon, said:

    It is crucial that the Government continues to engage with the business community on such an important piece of legislation and we welcome the dialogue to date. Haleon is committed to creating an inclusive culture that provides all employees with equal opportunities.  This is central to our company strategy and will be core to our future success.” 

    Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy, said:

    In formulating these proposals it’s clear that the government has listened to both workers and employers to create protections against bad practices while enabling good businesses to invest in growth and training. For example, the probation period will allow progressive employers to give a chance to people without typical experience or educational backgrounds, opening up new opportunities for them in great careers.” 

    Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica, said:

    As the largest Unionised workforce in the energy sector, we are pleased to see the Government publish their landmark legislation providing more rights and flexibility to employees. 

    At Centrica, we offer a range of policies to support our 21,000 colleagues including flexible working and health and wellbeing support from day one, a leading 10 days paid carers policy, our Pathway to Parenthood which offers comprehensive financial support towards fertility treatment alongside paid leave to for any fertility, adoption or surrogacy appointments, and additional support for neurodivergent colleagues. It’s the right thing to do and we want to help our employees and share best practices with others. Our experience shows that there is a clear business case for doing this with savings from increased retention and ensuring colleagues don’t have to take unplanned absences.” 

    Helen Dickinson OBE, CEO of the British Retail Consortium, said:

    As the country’s largest private sector employer, employing three million people, the industry stands ready to work with government to ensure these reforms are a win:win for employers and colleagues, and maximise employment opportunities, investment, and growth. Many of the expected provisions, including stopping exploitative contracts and offering flexibility in employment, are things that responsible retailers already do. Introducing these standards for everyone means good employers should be competing on a level playing field. We look forward to engaging the government on the details, including around seasonal hiring and the use of probation periods.” 

    Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality, said: 

    I’m pleased the Government has recognised the importance of flexibility to both workers and businesses. This is crucial for hospitality, which employs 3.5m people and provides countless flexible roles for working parents, students, carers and many more. 

    We look forward to continuing our engagement and consultation with the Government on its plans, which are not without cost, to get the details right for all parties.” 

    Allison Kirkby, Chief Executive, BT Group, said

    BT Group believes that a strong economy is one that works for everyone, and has already adopted many of the measures that will be covered by this legislation.  It will be crucial to get the details right, to avoid unintended consequences and keep the UK competitive, and we welcome the constructive, consultative approach that the Government is taking.

    Benjamin Knowles, CEO of Pedal Me, said:

    Fair employment is central to an equitable society – so we’re pleased to see these regulatory changes including strong measures to tackle the undermining of fair employment through the gig economy, levelling the playing field.

    Updates to this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: IMF Reaches Staff Level Agreement on the Third Review of the EFF/ECF Arrangements and Second Review of the RSF Arrangement and Concludes the 2024 Article IV Consultation with Cote d’Ivoire

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    October 10, 2024

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • IMF staff and The Ivorian authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on both the third review of Côte d’Ivoire’s economic reform program supported by the EFF and ECF arrangements, and the second review of their climate change reform program supported by the RSF arrangement. Discussions were also held in the context of the 2024 Article IV consultation.
    • The authorities are advancing their reform agendas for safeguarding macroeconomic stability, deepening economic transformation towards meeting upper-middle income status, and building greater climate resilience through adaptation and mitigation reforms. In addition, to boost inclusive growth, they are advancing reforms in reducing informality and social inequality and tackling gender disparities.
    • Completion of the reviews by the IMF Executive Board will lead to two disbursements for a total of about US$825 million of which US$498 million and US$327 million will respectively be on account of the EFF/ECF and RSF arrangements.

    Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team, led by Mr. Olaf Unteroberdoerster, held discussions with the Ivoirian authorities during Sept. 23 – Oct 9 on progress under both the authorities’ economic and financial program supported by the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Extended Credit Facility (ECF), and the climate reform program supported by the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), as well as on the 2024 Article IV consultation. The EFF/ECF arrangement for an amount of SDR 2.6 billion (about US$3.5 billion) and the RSF arrangement for an amount of SDR 975.6 million (about US$1.3 billion) were approved by the IMF Executive Board respectively on May 24, 2023, and March 15, 2024.

    “After constructive discussions with the Ivoirian authorities, I am pleased to announce that performance under the two programs has been satisfactory so far and that we reached staff-level agreement on all policies and reform measures in line with the programs’ objectives. On the EFF/ECF arrangement, the authorities and staff agreed on additional revenue measures to meet 2024 fiscal targets, on the 2025 key policy measures including further revenue-based fiscal consolidation to reduce the fiscal deficit to 3 percent of GDP by 2025, and on structural measures to further strengthen domestic revenue mobilization, public financial management, and governance.

    “On the RSF, understandings were reached on the timely implementation of reform measures falling due in the remainder of 2024, focusing on strengthening climate policies governance , reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing green and sustainable financing for private and public companies. Discussions also focused on the coordination between stakeholders and national development plans, and the next steps following the Climate Financing Round table of July 2024 with a view to announcing specific financing and technical assistance pledged at the COP29 in mid-November 2024.

    “The completion of the programs’ reviews and disbursement of the next tranches for a total of about US$[825] million will be subject to approval of the IMF’s Executive Board.

    “Côte d’Ivoire’s economy remains resilient, notwithstanding a slight moderation of growth in 2024 to 6.1 percent from 6.2 percent in 2023, in part reflecting weaker agricultural production and construction activity in first half of the year and a challenging regional and external environment. More favorable terms of trade, led by higher cocoa prices, is expected to narrow the current account deficit to less than 5 percent of GDP in 2024. The budget deficit is expected to fall to 4 percent of GDP in line with program targets. The medium-term outlook remains favorable. Growth is projected to average 6.7 percent over the period 2025-2029 supported by a recovery in cocoa production and higher hydrocarbon and mining production. Inflation is projected to average 4 percent in 2024 and continue to decline over the medium term within the BCEAO target range by end 2025.

    “Thanks to continued strong domestic revenue mobilization (DRM) efforts under the government’s comprehensive medium-term revenue mobilization strategy (MTRS) adopted in May 2024, the fiscal deficit is expected to further decline to 3 percent of GDP in 2025, converging to the WAEMU target. Prudent fiscal and debt management will also help safeguard a moderate risk of debt distress rating for public and external sector debt. The current account deficit is projected to decline further to average about 2 percent of GDP on the back of favorable terms of trade, a rebound in agricultural exports, and further increases in hydrocarbon exports. As a result, Côte d’Ivoire is expected to contribute significantly to the recovery of regional official reserves.

    “In the 2024 Article IV consultation, discussions highlighted the links between informality, socio-economic and gender disparities, growth, and the tax system. Reducing informality across the economy could help deliver higher and more inclusive growth, support poverty reduction, boost human capital, sustain domestic revenue mobilization, and steadfast efforts to reach upper-middle income status.”

    The IMF team met with His Excellency Mr. Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, Vice President of the Republic; His Excellency Robert Beugré Mambé, Prime Minister; Mr. Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, Minister of State, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Production; Mrs. Nialé Kaba, Minister of Economy, Planning and Development; Mr. Adama Coulibaly, Minister of Finance and Budget; Mr. Sangafowa Coulibaly, Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy; Mr. Souleymane Diarrassouba, Minister of Trade and Industry; Mr. Moussa Sanogo, Minister of Assets, the State Portfolio and Public Enterprises, and senior officials of the Government and the BCEAO, as well as representatives of the business community and donors.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Tatiana Mossot

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Works by HSE graduates at Cosmoscow 2024 fair

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    The educational program “ART VYSHKA. Contemporary Art” at the HSE School of Design was created to train artists and curators, photographers and video artists, theorists and practitioners in all areas of contemporary art. The program offers bachelor’s, master’s and postgraduate programs.

    In the bachelor’s degree program, you can choose one of the educational profiles: “Contemporary Art”, “Screen Arts”, “Sound Art and Sound Design”, “Concept Art and Digital Art”, “Event. Theater. Performance”, “Design and Contemporary Art” and “Curating and Art Management”.

    For applicants to the Master’s program who have clearly decided on the direction of their development, we offer the profiles “Practices of Contemporary Art”, “Contemporary Painting”, “Performance”, Sound Art

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

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

    http://desizhn.hse.ru/nevs/4248

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University Rector Andrey Rudskoy spoke at the St. Petersburg International Gas Forum

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On the third day of the St. Petersburg International Gas Forum, a meeting of the Scientific and Educational Interuniversity Council of PJSC Gazprom was held with the participation of the heads of the corporation and its partner universities. The Polytechnic University was represented by the Rector of SPbPU, Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy, Vice-Rector for Research Yury Fomin, Vice-Rector for Educational Activities Lyudmila Pankova, Vice-Rector for Continuing and Pre-University Education Dmitry Tikhonov, Director of the Scientific and Educational Center for Information Technology and Business Analysis of Gazprom Neft Irina Rudskaya, and Scientific Secretary Dmitry Karpov.

    Opening the discussion, Deputy Chairman of the Management Committee of PJSC Gazprom Sergey Khomyakov named the main areas of joint activities with universities: education of the younger generation, professional orientation and training, training of qualified personnel and scientific research work.

    At the meeting, the rector of SPbPU, chairman of the St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy made a report. He recalled that in 2024, important legislative regulations were signed at the federal level regulating strategic guidelines, national goals and priority areas of scientific and technological development of Russia, and noted that almost every such document speaks of close interaction between the university and academic communities with industrial partners.

    The cooperation between Polytechnic University and Gazprom is developing in many areas — from educational (starting with work with schoolchildren) to scientific and technological. Of the significant results, Andrey Rudskoy highlighted several joint events this year: the Gazprom student Olympiad, a job fair and a tournament on flexible skills; modernization of the laboratory and educational base through financing from PJSC Gazprom.

    In the scientific and technological sphere, the rector of the Polytechnic University noted the rapid development of the field of additive printing with metals at the university and the production of high-quality products for Gazprom using this method, the development of fundamentally new technological solutions for laser cladding, heat treatment, defect detection methods, the assembly of a mobile laser cladding complex by specialists from the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport, and projects of the Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering” in the areas of the fuel and energy complex.

    In conclusion, Andrey Rudskoy made several proposals to strengthen cooperation between Polytechnic University and Gazprom.

    “Undoubtedly, the existing forms of interaction between the Polytechnic University and PJSC Gazprom are effective, but they need to be expanded and scaled up,” the Rector of SPbPU believes. “One of the forms of integrating science and production could be the creation of research and production associations (RPAs), whose participants could be universities and high-tech industrial companies. In the USSR, RPAs demonstrated high efficiency in consolidating the resources of scientific and industrial organizations. Modern RPAs will be able to receive federal support. Following his trip to the Sverdlovsk and Chelyabinsk regions, the President of Russia instructed the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, as well as the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation to develop mechanisms to support RPAs. In the near future, it is planned to launch a federal pilot project to create RPAs, and the Polytechnic University is ready to join this experiment. We invite you to join the joint work to create RPAs for the further development of cooperation for the benefit of science and industry in our country.”

    Andrey Rudskoy also proposed creating an association of Gazprom’s flagship universities and establishing a joint journal.

    It is important that the advanced experience and knowledge that have accumulated over all this time in our flagship universities are recorded and made publicly available, Andrey Rudskoy emphasized. He asked Alexey Miller to become the editor-in-chief of the journal.

    Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev and Chairman of the Management Committee of PAO Gazprom Alexey Miller took time out of their schedule to attend the meeting of the Interuniversity Council and thank its participants for their cooperation.

    “Today, at this forum, higher education has the opportunity to see with its own eyes the results of our common work,” Alexey Miller addressed the audience. “The first forum took place eight years ago, we set priorities, and now every year we see fundamentally new technological developments, new equipment, at the stands, above the world level.”

    At the council meeting, speaking about the interaction of the Polytechnic University and Gazprom in the field of higher education, Andrey Rudskoy cited as an example two educational systems developed this year based on VR technologies. One of them was presented at the SPbPU stand and aroused genuine interest among the forum guests, especially among young people. One of the teenagers who visited the stand even thought: Maybe I should go to the Polytechnic University?

    The “Maintenance and Repair of Piston Compressor and Auxiliary Equipment for Underground Gas Storage Systems” complex is a virtual model of the real Nevskaya station and is designed to study the main actions during maintenance and operation of compressor equipment used at underground gas storage facilities. This virtual training complex is a joint effort of two departments of the Polytechnic University. The compressor engineering sector of the Higher School of Power Engineering of the Institute of Power Engineering is responsible for the technical side and implementation in the educational process, and the software implementation is performed by the Laboratory of Streaming Data Processing.

    “To train students in compressor and related specialties, practical classes at compressor stations are necessary. But it is difficult to get to these facilities, or students cannot do anything with their hands. Our joint work consists of preparing a scenario and technical actions, and programmers create a virtual gas-pumping unit with all the necessary control elements, on which students can practice the necessary actions according to the scenarios of the actions of a gas-pumping unit operator and a shift engineer,” said Vasily Semenovsky, associate professor at the Higher School of Power Engineering. “The simulator has been introduced into the educational process of bachelors and masters, and if necessary, we also work with this virtual model in additional education courses.

    According to Vasily Semenovsky, another virtual model is 90 percent ready: an automatic gas-filling compressor station for refueling passenger and freight vehicles with methane.

    This year, Polytechnic University and the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences presented a joint stand at the St. Petersburg International Gas Forum. Among the developments of the RAS institutes: Voron and Strizh unmanned aerial vehicles of the St. Petersburg Federal Research Center (FRC RAS), the small-sized quadrupole mass spectrometer MS7-200 for analyzing the composition of gas mixtures at atmospheric pressure of the Institute of Analytical Instrumentation of the Russian Academy of Sciences, etc.

    The Voron model is a multi-base UAV for solving a wide range of tasks. The most popular applications are: real-time aerial monitoring, signal retransmission, delivery of small-sized cargo, terrain mapping, search and rescue operations, aerial photography and aerial video filming.

    The Strizh UAV can perform aerial monitoring in real time, deliver small-sized cargo, participate in search and rescue operations, and conduct aerial photography and aerial video filming.

    Traditionally, the SPbPU History Museum also takes part in the exhibition. This year, the museum staff introduces the guests of the stand to the Polytechnic gas plant, which produced lighting gas for laboratories. Combustible gas was obtained by dry distillation of coal at a temperature of 1000 °C.

    Every day, the institute consumed over 900 cubic meters of gas: the chemical laboratory – 425 m³, metallurgical – 283 m³, the rest – 198 m³.

    Light gas prepared at the plant was collected in a gas holder (gas storage) before entering the gas network, where it was under pressure. The gas holder was designed on the principle of a caisson – an engineering structure for forming an empty chamber under water.

    With the advent of main gas pipelines, the work of the institute’s gas plant became irrelevant. In the 1960s, a laboratory building appeared on the site of the gas plant. The gas holder was built into the building. The round projections in the laboratory building can still be seen today.

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

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

    https://vvv.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/partnership/rector-polytechnic-andrei-rudskoy-spoke-at-the-St. Petersburg-international-gas-forum/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to host international congress on IP protection, innovative development

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 10 — China will host the 2024 International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) World Congress from Oct. 19 to 22 in Hangzhou City, east China’s Zhejiang Province. The theme of this year’s congress is the protection and innovative development of intellectual property (IP) rights.

    Hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the AIPPI, the event is expected to attract 2,259 delegates from 92 countries and regions, Yu Jianlong, deputy head of the council, told a press conference on Thursday.

    It is the first time China will host the AIPPI World Congress, Yu said, noting that this reflects the international recognition of the country’s historic achievements in IP rights, and that the congress will promote cooperation between Chinese and foreign IP industries.

    The event will feature a range of activities, including special forums and court sessions where patent infringement cases will be heard, covering such topics as patents, trademarks and copyrights in the IP sector, according to the CCPIT.

    AIPPI was established in 1897 and was among the first non-governmental international IP organizations. The AIPPI World Congress is held annually and has become one of the most well-attended and influential gatherings in the field of IP.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier says development of China, Japan key opportunity for each other, not challenge

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

    Chinese premier says development of China, Japan key opportunity for each other, not challenge

    VIENTIANE, Oct. 10 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Thursday that the development of China and Japan is an important opportunity for each other, not a challenge.

    In his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Li said that China is ready to work with Japan to further leverage their respective comparative advantages, explore more new growth poles of cooperation, and jointly safeguard the stability and smooth flow of industrial and supply chains and the global free trade system.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Sleepwalking to the Cliff Edge?: A Wake-up Call for Global Climate Action

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Preview Citation

    Format: Chicago

    Simon Black, Ian W.H. Parry, and Karlygash Zhunussova. “Sleepwalking to the Cliff Edge?: A Wake-up Call for Global Climate Action”, Staff Climate Notes 2024, 006 (2024), accessed October 10, 2024, https://doi.org/10.5089/9798400289644.066

    Export Citation

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    Summary

    Urgent action to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is needed now. Early next year, all countries will set new emissions targets for 2035 while revising their 2030 targets. Global GHGs must be cut by 25 and 50 percent below 2019 levels by 2030 to limit global warming to 2°C and 1.5°C respectively. But current targets would only cut emissions by 12 percent, meaning global ambition needs to be doubled to quadrupled. Further delay will lead to an ‘emissions cliff edge’, implying implausible cuts in GHGs and putting put 1.5°C beyond reach. This Note provides IMF staff’s annual assessment of global climate mitigation policy. It illustrates options for equitably aligning country targets with the Paris Agreement’s temperature goals. It also provides guidance on modelling needed to set emissions targets and quantify climate mitigation policy impacts.

    Subject: Carbon tax, Climate change, Climate finance, Climate policy, Environment, Fuel prices, Greenhouse gas emissions, Prices, Taxes

    Keywords: Africa, Carbon pricing, Carbon tax, Climate change, Climate finance, Climate finance, Climate investment, Climate mitigation, Climate policy, Fuel prices, Global, Greenhouse gas emissions, Indonesia, Paris Agreement

    Publication Details

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: China ready to work with ASEAN countries to elevate comprehensive strategic partnership to higher level

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

    China ready to work with ASEAN countries to elevate comprehensive strategic partnership to higher level

    VIENTIANE, Oct. 10 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Thursday that China will always firmly support ASEAN integration, community building, and its strategic independence, and stands ready to work with ASEAN countries to elevate the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level.

    Li made the remarks at the 27th China-ASEAN Summit, noting that new steps have been taken over the past year to build the China-ASEAN community with a shared future, which has delivered tangible benefits to the people of both sides.

    The global economic recovery remains sluggish, and problems such as insufficient global aggregate demand are becoming more prominent, Li said, adding that the market has become the scarcest resource in the current economic development.

    Noting that China and ASEAN are two major markets with over 1.4 billion and 600 million people respectively, Li said that market resources are the most prominent advantage for China and ASEAN. The markets of China and ASEAN are fully upgrading, continuously expanding, and increasingly opening up, and strengthening market connectivity is an important direction for further cooperation, he added.

    The Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA) negotiations have reached a substantial conclusion, providing an institutional guarantee for the two sides to jointly build a hyper-scale market, a significant step toward leading economic integration in East Asia, the premier said.

    China is ready to work with ASEAN to make more efforts to develop and share a common market, so as to generate stronger and more sustainable growth impetus for both sides while providing more robust support for the common prosperity of the region and the world at large, he added.

    Noting that China-ASEAN relations have developed beyond the bilateral scope with far-reaching significance for Asia and a global impact, Li pledged to work with ASEAN to create a better future for Asia, as Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China will continue to follow the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and work with other countries in the region to build a better Asian community.

    China and ASEAN should build a multidimensional connectivity network, actively promote cooperation in infrastructure construction, and expedite the signing and implementation of the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, said Li.

    He called on both sides to expand cooperation in emerging industries, tap the cooperation potential in such areas as digital economy and green development, and accelerate industrial transformation.

    Li urged both sides to deepen cultural and people-to-people exchanges and promote the implementation of the Global Civilization Initiative in the region.

    Sonexay Siphandone, prime minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the current chair of the ASEAN, along with other ASEAN leaders attended the summit.

    They praised the robust growth momentum of the ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership, noting that ASEAN and China are each other’s largest trading partner, and their cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results, which has greatly improved the well-being of people in the region.

    ASEAN leaders welcomed the substantial conclusion of negotiations for the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN FTA, expressing their readiness to take this opportunity to align with the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, continue to advance regional economic integration, enhance cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, agriculture, connectivity and climate change mitigation, and expand collaboration in emerging areas like artificial intelligence, digital economy and green economy.

    They reaffirmed their commitment to making the China-ASEAN Year of People-to-People Exchanges a success, building a closer ASEAN-China community with a shared future, and contributing to maintaining regional peace, stability and prosperity.

    During the summit, several outcome documents were adopted, including a joint statement on the substantial conclusion of Version 3.0 China-ASEAN FTA negotiations, and documents on fighting telecommunications and internet fraud, deepening cooperation in areas such as smart agriculture, digital ecosystem, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Statement from National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard on the September 2024 Consumer Price  Index

    Source: The White House

    Today’s report shows inflation has fallen back down to 2.4%, the same rate as right before the pandemic. We keep making progress, with inflation returning to pre-pandemic levels, 16 million jobs created, lower interest rates, and low unemployment. Our economy has grown 3.2% per year under the Biden Harris Administration—stronger than during the previous administration. Incomes are up almost $4,000, after adjusting for inflation. We are working around the clock to help the families affected by Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene recover and rebuild, supported by our strong and resilient recovery.

    President Biden and Vice President Harris will keep fighting to lower costs—by building new homes to lower rents, capping prescription drug costs and reducing health insurance premiums, and lowering taxes for middle-class families—as Congressional Republicans keep pushing trickle-down economics that would raise costs by nearly $4,000 per family while cutting taxes for billionaires and big corporations.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Fiscal Year 2024 was a Banner Year for SRF-JRMC Dive Lockers

    Source: United States Navy

    YOKOSUKA, Japan – Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) was filled extremely demanding and diverse mission sets for the SRF-JRMC Dive Lockers.

    Throughout the year, divers from SRF-JRMC Yokosuka and Detachment Sasebo supported 18 fly-away taskings, responding to numerous CASREPS and emergent repairs in locations such as Singapore, Guam, Manila, Malaysia, Subic Bay, and Thailand. This required heavy coordination between SRF-JRMC Dive Locker leadership, Commander Logistics Group Western Pacific, Commander Task Force 73 (CFT-73), Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility. The efforts of the SRF-JRMC divers ensured all mission objectives would be completed, supporting all Forward Deployed Naval Fleet warships in the 7th fleet area of responsibility without impacting regularly scheduled production in Yokosuka or Sasebo.

    In December, the divers supported tasks in three different locations simultaneously: support of the USS Manchester (LCS 14) in Singapore, support of the USS Oakland (LCS 24) in Guam, and support of Mobile Diving & Salvage Unit-1 onboard the USNS Salvor (T-ARS 52) conducting salvage operations following an Osprey crash off the coast of Yakushima, Japan. There, they conducted personnel recovery and gathered vital information for the Air Force post-crash investigation team.

    SRF-JRMC Sasebo Detachment divers conducted over 230 underwater ship husbandry dives for Sasebo forward-deployed vessels as part of regularly scheduled maintenance. They also provided support for unique technical tasks such as troubleshooting the USS Rushmore’s (LSD 47) propeller systems and a controlled waterborne monitoring of a challenging pier side repair of the New Orleans (LPD 18).

    At SRF-JRMC Yokosuka, divers completed 469 underwater ship husbandry dives, including the final repair availability of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) before leaving it redeployed to the United States. They worked with the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense to perform urgent running gear inspections and clear fouling for HMS Spey (P234), allowing the ship to return to sea for their Pacific Patrol and avoid a dry docking.

    SRF-JRMC Yokosuka divers, with assistance from its Sasebo Dive Locker, supported outside entities in FY24, such as the Underwater Construction Team TWO (UCT2). With Sasebo divers assisting, they conducted underwater cutting and welding operations for pier repairs in Yap, Federated States of Micronesia. SRF-JRMC Yokosuka divers also supported the inspection and repairs of fleet mooring chains in Yokosuka and provided support of a significant underwater repair of the USS Canberra (LCS 30) at the Southwest Regional Maintenance Center in San Diego.

    The Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) schedule for the SRF-JRMC Dive Lockers is already shaping up to be even busier than 2024 as more ships are added to the Forward Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF) and the number of U.S. naval patrols in the Pacific increases. In response, the SRF-JRMC Yokosuka Dive Locker is qualifying more Japanese Master Labor Contractors (MLCs) in diving operations who will continue operations when the U.S. Navy divers are deployed from home station. The SRF-JRMC Yokosuka Dive Locker is the only multinational U.S. Navy dive locker.

    No matter what is asked of the SRF-JRMC Dive Lockers in FY25, they will stand ready to carry forward the motto of the command “Nan Demo Dekimasu!”; “We Can Do Anything!”

    For over 75-years, U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center (SRF-JRMC) has been the linchpin of U.S. naval operations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region by providing intermediate-level and depot level repair for the ships of the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Seventh Fleet.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Africa on the World Heritage Online Map Platform

    Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre

    Thanks to the continued support of the Government of Flanders (Belgium), the World Heritage Online Map Platform is being expanded to include World Heritage properties in Africa, thereby extending the benefits of this Geographic Information System to the region and enhancing the monitoring capacity of digital tool.

    The World Heritage Online Map Platform (WHOMP) is an innovative online tool designed to assist decision-makers, in particular States Parties and site managers, in monitoring the state of conservation of World Heritage sites through the use of geospatial data.

    A second phase of development will now focus on the inclusion of World Heritage sites in the Africa region, with a view to extending the platform to properties in all regions in subsequent phases. The Africa region comprises 47 States Parties to the World Heritage Convention and includes 108 World Heritage properties. In line with UNESCO’s Global Priority Africa and the Strategy for World Heritage in Africa, the inclusion of World Heritage properties in Africa on the World Heritage Online Map Platform will contribute to strengthening capacities in the region for a better conservation and management of World Heritage sites, to implement effectively and sustainably the World Heritage Convention.

    A series of knowledge-sharing and capacity development sessions will be organised to explore best practices in geospatial information technologies for heritage protection, and bring together site managers in Africa and from the region that served as a pilot for the World Heritage Online Map Platform, that is Europe and North America, all facing similar threats.

    This second phase will also seek to integrate near real-time alerts and state of the art datasets into the platform to enhance its monitoring capabilities to provide better insight into potential risks and threats that could have an impact on the Outstanding Universal Value of World Heritage properties.

    WHOMP is being developed in response to a well-recognised global gap in spatial datasets and tools, providing an invaluable resource for World Heritage practitioners around the world to take transformative action. The first phase of development began in 2021, and focused on the collection and harmonisation of geo-referenced World Heritage boundaries in Europe and North America as a pilot region, harnessing synergies with the Third Cycle of Periodic Reporting under the Convention between 2022 and 2023, and the Retrospective Inventory project.

    The World Heritage Centre is grateful the Government of Flanders for its committed and continued support in the development of this tool.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s video message to the Siena College Laudato Si’ Center for Ecology Global Climate Crisis Symposium

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Download the video: https://s3.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+16+Aug+24/3246514_MSG+SG+SIENA+COLLEGE+16+AUG+24.mp4

    Dr Seifert, Brother Perry, Brothers and Sisters,

    I thank Siena College for organising this conference.

    My personal links to the Franciscans run deep.

    Father Vítor Melícias – a Franciscan priest – is a lifelong friend, who has presided over both my wedding ceremonies, baptized my children, and celebrated mass many times in my home.

    And as an António from Lisbon, I have a strong connection with Santo António – one of the first Franciscans.

    People from Lisbon and people from Padua may never agree on where Santo António belongs, but of course, he belongs to the whole world.

    And that world – our world – is in trouble.

    We are witnessing real-time climate collapse – the result of the greenhouse gases we are spewing into the atmosphere. 

    Temperature records are falling like dominoes. 

    Violent weather is becoming more extreme and more brutal.

    This year, we’ve seen Hurricane Beryl wreak havoc across the Caribbean and –reportedly – deprive almost three million Texans of power.

    We’ve seen heat force schools to close in Africa and Asia.

    And we’ve seen a mass global coral bleaching caused by unprecedented ocean temperatures, soaring past the worst predictions of scientists.

    All this puts peace and justice in peril –as Saint Francis would have understood.

    As Pope Francis has said, Saint Francis “shows us just how inseparable the bond is between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society, and interior peace.”

    Today, floods and droughts are fuelling instability, driving conflict, and forcing people from their homes.

    And though climate chaos is everywhere, it doesn’t affect everyone equally.

    The very people most at risk, are those who did the least to cause the crisis: small island states, developing countries, the poor, and the vulnerable.

    This is breathtaking injustice – and it is just the beginning.

    Brothers and Sisters,

    The patron saint of ecology has much to teach us about making peace with nature.

    So of course, does Pope Francis. Including through his inspiring 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, after which this Center is named.

    Pope Francis tells us that: “When we exploit creation, we destroy the sign of God’s love for us.” He reminded us that human beings are “custodians” of this creation, not “masters” of it.

    We must stop intentionally destroying our natural world and its gifts.    

    We must protect people from the destruction we have unleashed.

    We must deliver climate justice for the vulnerable.

    And, crucially, we must limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius – as countries agreed to do in the landmark international climate pact – the Paris Agreement.

    Brothers and Sisters,

    The 1.5 degree limit is vital.

    Our planet is a mass of complex, connected systems. 

    Every fraction of a degree of global heating counts.

    The difference between a temperature rise of 1.5 and two degrees could be the difference between extinction and survival for some small island states and coastal communities.

    And the difference between minimizing climate chaos or crossing dangerous tipping points.

    For example, temperatures rising over 1.5 degrees would likely mean the collapse of the Greenland Ice Sheet and the West Antarctic Ice Sheet with catastrophic sea level rise.

    But we are nearly out of time. 

    Meeting the 1.5 degree limit means cutting emissions 43 per cent on 2019 levels by the end of this decade.

    That is daunting, but possible – if, and only if, leaders act now.

    Next year, governments must submit new national climate action plans – known as nationally determined contributions.  These will dictate emissions for the coming years.

    At the United Nations climate conference last year – COP28 – countries agreed to align those plans with the 1.5 degree limit.

    That means, putting the world on track:

    To reach net zero global emissions by 2050;

    End deforestation by 2030;

    Accelerate the roll out of renewables.

    And phase out planet-wrecking fossil fuels – fast and fairly.

    Fossil fuel expansion and new coal plants are inconsistent with 1.5 degrees.

    They must stop.

    Not only for the sake of the climate. But for sustainable development and economies too.

    Renewable power can connect people to electricity for the first time – transforming lives in the most remote and poorest regions.

    And onshore wind and solar are the cheapest source of new electricity in most of the world.

    Brothers and Sisters,

    We cannot accept a future where the rich are protected in air-conditioned bubbles, while the rest of humanity is lashed by lethal weather in unlivable lands.

    Leaders must take urgent steps to shield communities from the impact of climate destruction – for example, building flood defenses, and early warning systems to alert people that extreme weather is coming.

    But developing countries can neither cut emissions nor protect themselves if money is not available.

    Today, eye-watering debt repayments are drying up funds for climate action.

    Extortion-level capital costs are putting renewables virtually out of reach for most developing and emerging economies.

    This must change.

    Developed countries have made promises to deliver climate finance – they must keep them.

    All countries must support action on debt, and deep reforms to the multilateral system – including the Multilateral Development Banks – so that they can provide developing countries with far more low-cost capital.

    And governments must make generous contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund – providing financial assistance to countries most impacted by climate change.

    Brothers and Sisters,

    You play a vital role.

    Everywhere, young people and religious communities are on the frontlines for bold climate action. 

    The Laudate Si Franciscan Network can be an important part of these efforts.

    Together, we must stand with our brothers and sisters around the world in the fight for climate justice;
     
    Alert our fellow citizens to the crisis;

    Inspire them to call for change;

    And demand that our governments take this chance, and act: to protect the vulnerable, deliver justice and save the planet.

    In the words of Pope Francis:

    “Let us choose the future.  May we be attentive to the cry of the earth, may we hear the plea of the poor, may we be sensitive to the hopes of the young and the dreams of children!”

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Towards 2030: A new roadmap for Europe and North America’s commitments to the World Heritage Convention

    Source: United Nations

    During its 46th session in New Delhi, India today – the World Heritage Committee adopted the 2024-2031 Regional Action Plan of Europe and North America, as one of the outcomes of the Third Cycle of Periodic Reporting for this region.

    Action Plans are a tool for setting regional priorities for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention. It is a way of interpreting and translating the outcomes of  Periodic Reporting into strategic goals according to a set timeline. Site managers and focal points can use the Action Plans to guide, inspire and inform their World Heritage-related work. The new Regional Action Plan of Europe and North America, the first to cover these two sub-regions together, has been developed with the active contribution and support of the 51 States Parties in the region.

    Following this adoption, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre is organising an event entitled ‘TOWARDS 2030: A new roadmap for Europe and North America’s commitments to the World Heritage Convention. Presentation of the 2024-2031 Regional Action Plan of Europe and North America’.

    The event will take place on Monday, 29 July 2024, from 6:15 pm to 7:45 pm local time in Room 1 (MR6) of the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, New Delhi, India.

    Catering and interpretation in English and French will be provided during the event.

    The event is dedicated to present the 2024-2031 Regional Action Plan of Europe and North America that is foreseen to be adopted by the World Heritage Committee on the same day, as one of the outcomes of the Third Cycle of Periodic Reporting for this region. The main objective of the side event is to hear the voices of those who have contributed to this regional effort and to familiarise the audience with the main objectives of the Regional Action Plan, the challenges facing the region and how the Regional Action Plan will help to address them.

    Learn more about Periodic Reporting in this region here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/eur-na/

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sergei Sobyanin opened the overpass — the exit from the Moscow Highway to Volgogradsky Prospekt

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Sergei Sobyanin opened traffic on a new overpass – an exit from the Moscow High-Speed Diameter (MSD) to Volgogradsky Prospekt.

    It is one of the components of the city’s powerful transport framework, including metro stations, Moscow Central Diameters and roads. Without it, it is impossible to implement such large-scale projects as the creation of the new business center “Yuzhny Port – Tekstilshchiki”, the project for the creation of which was launched by the Mayor of Moscow.

    “Projects of such a scale are impossible without the development of the transport system. First, we created a powerful framework here from the MCC, BKL, MCD, TTK, MSD and Kozhukhovsky Bridge. Today we opened an important facility of this framework – an overpass-exit from the Moscow High-Speed Diameter to Volgogradsky Prospekt. In the future, we will build the Yuzhny Port metro station of the Lyublinsko-Dmitrovskaya Line. And on the bank of the Moskva River, we will make an embankment and a stop for regular river transport,” Sergei Sobyanin wrote in his

    telegram channel.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin 

    The construction of the 710-meter-long two-lane overpass was completed in October 2024. The artificial structure, which runs over the tracks of the Second Moscow Central Diameter and Lyublinskaya Street, was built in difficult conditions of cramped urban development.

    The new overpass provides a direct exit from the main southern route of the Moscow High-Speed Diameter onto Volgogradsky Prospekt in the direction of the Moscow Ring Road.

    As a result, motorists do not need to make a detour via Shosseynaya Street, and the excess mileage of vehicles will thus be reduced by half. Transport accessibility of the Pechatniki and Tekstilshchiki districts, where about 200 thousand people live, has been improved.

    By redistributing traffic flows, the load on adjacent sections of Volgogradsky Prospekt, Volzhsky Boulevard, Zelenodolskaya, Shosseynaya and Lyublinskaya Streets will be reduced by up to 10 percent.

    Traffic along the main route of the Moscow Ring Road was opened on September 9, 2023. Motorists can travel from the north to the east of Moscow from the Businovskaya interchange to the M-12 highway and south to the 32nd kilometer of the Moscow Ring Road.

    Every day, about 400 thousand cars travel along the Moscow High-Speed Diameter. The highway is one of the three most popular routes in the city. Thanks to the creation of the Moscow High-Speed Diameter, travel time in some directions has decreased by 25-50 percent. Sections of the Garden Ring, the Third Transport Ring, and the Moscow Ring Road have been relieved by up to 15 percent.

    In the coming years, it is planned to complete the construction of two road facilities that will increase the efficiency of the Moscow Highway. There will be connections with the Solntsevo-Butovo-Varshavskoye Shosse route. In addition, the Moscow Highway will be straightened – the road from Kantemirovskaya Street to the Paveletsky direction of the Moscow Railway will be shortened.

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

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

    https://vvv.mos.ru/major/themes/11878050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin: Moscow is implementing the world’s largest project to reorganize a former industrial zone

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Sergei Sobyanin launched the project to create a new business center, Yuzhny Port – Tekstilshchiki. It will appear on the site of a former industrial zone, where 18.8 million square meters of real estate will be built.

    “Moscow continues to develop actively, and one of the main support points for development is old industrial areas, which amount to thousands of hectares. Based on architectural and urban planning analysis, about six such main development points were selected, which are, in fact, new centers of Moscow. One of them is Pechatniki. The main attention was paid to the fact that here, in addition to a huge number of abandoned industrial zones, there is a powerful development of the transport framework. The Big Circle Line, the Moscow Central Circle, the Moscow High-Speed Diameter passed nearby, new metro stations and railway stations were built. As a result, one of the largest transport hubs was created here. Based on the analysis of the development of this territory, which was done, a concept was adopted to create, perhaps, the largest industrial zone reorganization project in the world – 18 million square meters. Of these, nine million are business construction, new high-tech enterprises, offices, technology parks, and the second half is complex housing construction, starting from Volgogradsky Prospekt and ending with the Moscow River,” the Mayor of Moscow noted.

    According to Sergei Sobyanin, one of these main clusters is the special economic zone (SEZ) of Moscow, where enterprises with a total area of half a million square meters have been built. In the coming years, another 700 thousand square meters of industrial buildings will be erected there.

    “Yuzhny Port – Tekstilshchiki is one of six new centers of business and public activity that we are creating within the Moscow Ring Road. It will become a place for the concentration of high-tech companies and the development of the automotive industry,” Sergei Sobyanin wrote in his

    telegram channel.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin

    New centers of economic activity

    The key priority of Moscow’s urban development policy has become the formation of new centers of economic activity. This allows for a reduction in excessive pendulum migration, the creation of additional jobs and attractive places for recreation outside the historical center.

    For the construction of centers, industrial zones located in close proximity to major transport hubs are actively used: intersections of metro lines, the Moscow Central Circle (MCC) and the Moscow Central Diameters (MCD).

    At present, six promising centers located within the Moscow Ring Road can be identified. These are Likhobory – Okruzhnaya, Khoroshevskaya – Shelepikha, Ochakovo – Ryabinovaya, Varshavskaya – Biryulevo, Aviamotornaya – Nizhegorodskaya, Yuzhny Port – Tekstilshchiki.

    In particular, the Likhobory-Okruzhnaya center could become a cluster of technological development, Yuzhny Port-Tekstilshchiki could become a place of concentration of high-tech companies and development of the automotive industry, and Ochakovo-Ryabinovaya could become a logistics center.

    Business activity centers will be formed in Zelenograd (special economic zone sites) and in TiNAO (Kommunarka, Moskino cinema park, Shcherbinka, Salaryevo and others).

    According to preliminary estimates, in the next 15 years (until 2040), at least 60 million square meters of industrial, public, business and other non-residential real estate will be built on the territory of new centers of economic activity, and almost 1.3 million new jobs will be created.

    “Yuzhny Port – Tekstilshchiki”

    The new economic activity center “Yuzhny Port – Tekstilshchiki” will appear on the basis of the reorganized industrial zone “Yuzhny Port”, which occupies 633 hectares (35 percent) of the Pechatniki district. The natural continuation of the business center will be the production site “Pechatniki” of the special economic zone “Technopolis Moscow”.

    In total, it is planned to construct 18.8 million square meters of public, business, industrial and residential buildings on this territory.

    Large-scale development of the territory “Yuzhny Port – Tekstilshchiki” became possible thanks to the creation of a powerful transport framework, which included the Dubrovka and Ugreshskaya stations of the Moscow Central Circle, Pechatniki of the Big Circle Line of the metro and the station of the same name of the Second Moscow Central Diameter, as well as the Third Transport Ring, the Moscow High-Speed Diameter and the Kozhukhovsky Bridge across the Moskva River, connecting Pechatniki with the Nagatinsky Zaton district.

    In the future, it is planned to build a new station “Yuzhny Port” on the Lyublinsko-Dmitrovskaya metro line and develop the local street and road network, including the reconstruction of Yuzhnoportovaya Street, 1st and 2nd Yuzhnoportovykh Proezds, the construction of a new highway that will connect the Third Transport Ring and Lyublinskaya Street, as well as roads in the new quarters of “Yuzhny Port”.

    On the banks of the Moscow River, under the program of integrated development of territories, a marina for yachts, an embankment and a stop for river transport will be built, which will become a center of attraction for residents of not only the district, but the entire city. Along the coastline, in particular in the widest part of the water area, a pontoon pool, sports areas, an amphitheater on the water, a museum, restaurants and cafes with terraces will be located.

    Today, residential complexes of the first stage of development and the necessary social infrastructure are being built on the reorganized territory.

    Four projects for the integrated development of territories with a total area of about 115 hectares are under development, on which it is planned to build almost two million square meters of housing and about 1.6 million square meters of industrial, public, business and social facilities. Investments in the development of sites are estimated at almost 950 billion rubles. As a result, over 36 thousand jobs will appear.

    Active development of the Pechatniki site of the Technopolis Moscow SEZ continues.

    About 500 thousand square meters of real estate have been put into operation here to accommodate high-tech production in a wide range of industries. These include mechanical engineering, electric vehicle manufacturing, instrument making, machine tool manufacturing, microelectronics, aerospace, medical technology and other areas. There are 130 high-tech companies operating on the site, creating 7.5 thousand jobs.

    By 2030, it is planned to build another 680 thousand square meters of facilities at the SEZ site in Pechatniki to accommodate 70 high-tech enterprises and create 17.5 thousand new jobs. In particular, divisions of such large companies as JSC Transmashholding, JSC MAZ Moskvich, JSC Vane Hydraulic Machines, JSC Hydromash, LLC Lassard, LLC Renera, and others will open here.

    Thus, in total, about 1.2 million square meters of modern production space will be built at the Pechatniki site of the Technopolis Moscow SEZ.

    Currently, construction is underway on two of the five buildings of the modern public and business complex on Kolomnikova Street. The buildings of different heights with a total area of over 300 thousand square meters will be connected by a pedestrian and exhibition gallery with panoramic windows.

    The first building is planned to house offices and R

    The second building will house laboratory and office space for current and potential residents of the special economic zone.

    Companies will be able to begin operating in these buildings as early as 2025.

    The stylobate part of the buildings will house bank branches, shops, cafes, restaurants, public services and other infrastructure facilities. A parking lot for 370 cars will be built on the adjacent territory. Thus, the new public and business complex will become a place of attraction for residents of Pechatniki and neighboring areas.

    Construction of the remaining three buildings on Kolomnikova Street is planned to begin in the coming years.

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

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

    https://vvv.mos.ru/major/themes/11879050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier urges China, Japan to maintain sound, steady ties

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Thursday that facing an international situation intertwined with changes and chaos, China and Japan should strive to maintain a sound and steady development of bilateral relations, which is of great significance to both countries, the region and the world at large.

    In his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Li also noted that at present China-Japan relations are at a critical stage of improvement and development.

    As Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out in his congratulatory message to Ishiba, it serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples of both sides to walk on a road of peaceful coexistence, everlasting friendship, mutually beneficial cooperation and common development, Li said.

    Li expressed his hope that the two sides will meet each other halfway, continuously consolidate political mutual trust and strengthen dialogue and cooperation, and strive to build a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era, so as to better benefit the two peoples. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Birmingham City Council launches handbag amnesty

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Published: Thursday, 10th October 2024

    Birmingham City Council’s community safety team is working in partnership with Turnaround West Midlands to create safety and support kits for sex workers across the city.

    The kits will contain essential items that can help ensure well-being, such as personal hygiene products, contraception, safety tools and informational resources, and will be given out during outreach patrols by Turnaround. Funding for this initiative was secured through the Safer Street 5 programme.

    To create the kits, we need the help and support from the community. If you would consider donating a new or gently used handbag that can be used for this purpose, your contribution would play a significant role in empowering individuals within this community, providing them not only with practical items but also with a sense of dignity and care.

    There are five drop off locations across Birmingham.

    • City Centre – Council House Reception, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BB, Mon-Thu 8:45am-5:15pm and Fri 8:45am-4:15pm.
    • North Birmingham – St Barnabas Church Centre, High Street, Erdington, Birmingham, B23 6SJ, Tue-Sat 10:00am-2:30pm and Sun 10:30am-12:00pm.
    • East Birmingham – Go-Woman! Alliance CIC,140 Alum Rock Road (behind the Methodist Church), Birmingham, B8 1HU, Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30am-3:00pm.
    • South Birmingham – Bournville Village Trust Office, 350 Bournville Lane, Bournville, Birmingham, B30 1QY, Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:40pm.
    • West Birmingham – Soho Road Business Improvement District, Suite 2, 118A Soho Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, B21 9DP, Mon-Sat 10:00am-6:00pm.

    Councillor Nicky Brennan: Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said: “This initiative will provide sex workers across the city with essential items imperative for their safety in a confidential and non-judgmental way.

    “The council understands the importance of the services the community safety team and Turnaround West Midlands provide sex workers, which is vital for their well-being.

    “If anyone should require help or support, reach out to us or Turnaround West Midlands. All services are free to all sex workers regardless of their gender. Services are also confidential and non-judgmental.”

    Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: “I am pleased that my Safer Streets funding is being used to provide items vital for the safety and well-being of sex workers in Birmingham.

    “They will be provided in a handbag, giving people who need them a sense of dignity, while also providing essential items.

    “I would urge anybody who can help by supplying a handbag to do so at one of the drop off points and they will be filled with health and hygiene products, which can ensure the safety and well-being of sex workers in Birmingham.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council on track to submit Island Planning Strategy to government 10 October 2024 Isle of Wight Council on track to submit Island Planning Strategy to government

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    The Isle of Wight Council is on track to submit the Island Planning Strategy (IPS) to government at the end of the month.

    This would be a significant step in the plan-making process and would pass the IPS over to the Planning Inspectorate, the government body which will decide how to move forward.

    Following the closure of the ‘Regulation 19’ consultation period on the IPS at the end of August, the council has been processing and reviewing hundreds of comments received ahead of submitting them all, together with the plan and entire evidence base, to the Secretary of State.

    Once submitted, all of the information will be made available to view online.

    Councillor Paul Fuller, Cabinet member for planning, coastal protection and flooding, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who made comments on the IPS in July and August.

    “We are aware of what the new government think about housing numbers, however submitting the IPS before they publish a new National Planning Policy Framework is an important step for the council.

    “There is no certainty on what the government will say when we do submit our plan, but as a council we will have done all we can to try to move the plan forward, which was what was agreed at Full Council in May 2024.”

    Once the IPS is submitted, an independent Planning Inspector will be appointed to carry out an examination in public. The timing of the examination will be decided by the Planning Inspector.

    At the end of the month, the council will be writing to all those who made representations on the draft plan, including the 40-plus people who said they would like to appear at the examination hearings if the Inspector considered it necessary, to provide an update and outline the likely next steps.

    The IPS is crucial as it sets out the overall approach towards future development on the Island.

    It outlines council policies on key issues like future housing need, affordable homes, associated infrastructure and how sustainable developments will help the Island drive towards its net zero carbon ambitions.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow Fashion Week was visited by 65 thousand people

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The third Moscow Fashion Week has ended in the capital. It was held from October 4 to 9 in the Central Exhibition Hall “Manezh”. Collections were presented by about 200 designers from 41 cities of Russia, as well as seven other countries. Among them are China, the United Arab Emirates, Costa Rica and India. This was reported by Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow.

    “The participants were able to demonstrate their skills, find new business partners, and exchange experiences with colleagues from different parts of the world. As in previous years, the event generated great interest. Over the course of six days, the venue was visited by 65,000 people,” said Natalia Sergunina.

    During Moscow Fashion Week, 83 fashion shows took place. Many brands relied on the cultural codes and national characteristics of their native land. For example, a designer from Cheboksary presented a collection based on the national Chuvash costume. A representative of the Republic of South Africa created evening and casual looks in a bright color scheme. Some wardrobe elements were shaped like butterfly wings.

    In addition, a market was open during the fashion week. Anyone could buy clothes and accessories from 80 brands. A business showroom was opened for the professional community, with over 50 Russian specialists taking part. They held meetings with potential partners and wholesale buyers.

    Industry leaders gave 25 lectures to the event’s guests. The audience was told about trends and how they changed over time, as well as the influence of neural networks on the creation of collections. More than two million people watched the online broadcasts of the meetings with experts.

    In addition, the World Fashion Short short film festival took place. It brought together directors not only from Russia, but also from other countries, including Belarus, Colombia, Mexico and Turkey. The works selected by the international expert council were shown at the Artplay design center.

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

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

    https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145082073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Department of State Daily Press Briefing – October 10, 2024 – 1:15 PM

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Spokesperson Matthew Miller leads the Department Press Briefing, at the Department of State, on October 10, 2024.
    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at http://www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Construction starts on new healthcare facility for British Army at Leuchars Station

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A ceremony in Fife marked the start of construction for a new medical and dental centre at Leuchars Station.

    Representatives from the British Army, Graham Building North and Defence Medical Services at the groundbreaking event. Copyright: Graham Building North.

    A ceremony has been held to mark the start of construction for a new medical and dental centre at Leuchars Station in Fife.

    The construction contract, worth nearly £22 million, was awarded by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) to Graham last year. 

    The new building will replace the aging current medical and dental centre, which was built in 1936. Once the replacement facility is complete, medical personnel and patients will transition over to the new medical and dental centre and Graham will demolish the old building.

    Once complete, the new facility will be of sufficient size to cater for the increasing number of personnel forecast to be based at the station in the coming years, as it is to become the Army’s hub in Scotland. Around 3,700 personnel at the British Army establishment and their dependents will benefit from the new building, which will house physical rehabilitation and mental health facilities as well as GP and dental services.

    The building has been carefully designed to be as sustainable as possible, including through thermal efficiency, solar panels, air source heat pumps and provision of four electric vehicle charging stations. Building materials have been selected not only on the basis of suitability but also to reduce carbon impact on the environment. It is hoped that the building can be an example of sustainability in construction of future MOD medical and dental centres.

    Shaun Purdy, DIO’s Project Manager, said: 

    While the current medical and dental centre has hosted great medical care, it is important that we continually strive to improve and modernise. This new, larger facility will ensure that personnel and their families continue to receive the best possible care in the future in a modern clinical practice.

    Working closely with Defence Medical Services, UK Strategic Command and partners it was agreed that a brand-new building is by far the best solution and will provide the sort of high-quality medical and dental care our personnel deserve. 

    It will provide a modern building suited not only for patients, but also for our dedicated professional medical staff.

    Major TB Gray, Station Quartermaster, said: 

    It has been 10 years since the Army took ownership of Leuchars Station from the RAF and the troops returned from Germany to make Fife their permanent home. The new healthcare facility is one of many ongoing and planned multi-million-pound projects which will see Leuchars transform from an ageing RAF site into the largest Army Garrison in Scotland. 

    Our medical provision required a full new build, which when finished will support the Leuchars service community and dependents alike. This shows that the MOD is serious in the development of Leuchars into a modern Garrison with state-of-the-art facilities to support its operational capability.

    Surgeon Commodore Andy Nelstrop, Cdr Defence Primary Healthcare, said: 

    Delivering expert healthcare to our Armed Forces and ensuring that they are able to see a medical professional quickly is a priority for all those who work within Defence Primary Healthcare. 

    It is fundamental that all our medical personnel and patients can work and be treated in a modern environment and have access to the latest equipment and resources, which is why the construction of this new centre is so important. 

    It is just one part of our ongoing programme to ensure everyone in our military receives the primary healthcare they deserve, and I am delighted that all those based at Leuchars will soon be able to benefit from this fantastic facility.

    Chris MacLeod, Graham Building North’s Regional Director, said:

    We are delighted to be continuing our longstanding relationship with Defence Infrastructure Organisation to help deliver new and improved health and wellbeing facilities for the military personnel and their families at Leuchars.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: NAWCWD Team Delivers F-35 MDF in Record Time

    Source: United States Navy

    POINT MUGU, Calif. – The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division team delivered a crucial mission data file ahead of schedule, significantly accelerating the normal production timeline to support Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

    The NAWCWD team provided a comprehensive mission data file, essential for F-35 Lightning II operations. This file offers intelligence updates and design enhancements that enable pilots to identify and counter threats in specific operational environments. The update incorporated more than 100 intelligence changes and multiple design improvements, significantly enhancing the aircraft’s survivability and lethality.

    Under normal circumstances, this production process would require a much longer timeline. However, when the Abraham Lincoln and VMFA-314 were ordered from the U.S. 7th Fleet to U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, the NAWCWD team acted quickly. In collaboration with Air Force partners, they expedited the process and completed the task in record time. This ensured the squadron’s readiness in theater.

    “Our team cut days off our timeline to release the data in support of theater priorities,” said Cmdr. Alexander Sandroni, commanding officer of the 513th Electronic Warfare Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base. “The scope and thoroughness of the update, combined with our accelerated timeline, highlighted the importance of open communication and adapting dynamically to the needs of our customers.”

    Through close collaboration across multiple disciplines — intelligence experts, engineers, testers, and data analysts — the team overcame technical challenges and compressed the production timeline by half. Their coordinated efforts were critical to enabling Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations and ensuring the mission data file’s timely delivery in support of joint operations in theater.

    Rear Adm. Keith A. Hash, commander of NAWCWD, praised the team’s quick response and focus on the mission — getting capabilities to the warfighter when they need them.

    “We rely on our dedicated, engaged, mission-focused team to deliver critical and relevant capabilities that provide our fighters a decisive advantage,” Hash said. “Pulling together, finding a way to accelerate this delivery, and seeing it through to the end is just one example of how this team continues to give our nation’s defenders the very best today, tomorrow, and into the future.”

    The team also overcame several technical challenges, ensuring rigorous testing and validation of the MDF. Their commitment to delivering high-quality, operationally-ready solutions contributed to the F-35’s enhanced capabilities and operational readiness.

    “The dedication, technical expertise, and commitment of our team were evident every step of the way,” Sandroni added. “They showed how much we can accomplish when we come together with a shared mission.”

    The timely delivery underscores NAWCWD’s essential role in providing innovative solutions and fleet support, enabling the Navy to stay ahead in a rapidly changing and increasingly competitive global environment.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: First Lady Jill Biden Hosts the 2024 Girls Leading Change Honorees

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    In honor of International Day of the Girl, First Lady Jill Biden and the White House Gender Policy Council hosts the second “Girls Leading Change” event at the White House to recognize the profound impact young women are having on their communities across the United States.

    The White House

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Cr7j_ngjus

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Nine-hour board game marathon to take place at SUM

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    On October 16, 2024, the State University of Management will host a board game marathon.

    The organizer of the marathon is the club “Mind Games”. It will last 9 hours! At the event you can play any game from our large collection of the club, and this is more than 30 titles.

    Date: October 16 Time: 11:00-20:00 Place: Hall of the Central Control Center

    We also invite students from other universities. To do this, you must register before October 13 (inclusive). Enter the data as in your passport, and do not forget to take it with you so that you are let through. The address, instructions and route are in the same form. It is not necessary to arrive exactly at 11:00, but it is advisable to be no later than 18:30.

    Play boldly, think strategically! See you at the marathon!

    Subscribe to the tg channel “Our State University” Announcement date: 10.10.2024

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

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

    Nine-hour board game marathon to take place at SUM

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: USS Annapolis Returns Home to Naval Base Guam Following Indo-Pacific Deployment

    Source: United States Navy

    NAVAL BASE GUAM – The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760) returned to its homeport of Naval Base Guam after a successful three-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific region, Oct. 5, 2024.

    “USS Annapolis exemplifies excellence and stands as the pinnacle of our submarine force, playing a vital role in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Capt. Neil Steinhagen, commander, Submarine Squadron 15. “Their unwavering commitment to advancing theater security and executing operational tasks has produced outstanding results. True to their motto, ‘Born Free, Hope to Die Free,’ the crew of Annapolis consistently meets every challenge head-on, showcasing unparalleled operational readiness and exceptional teamwork. Bravo Zulu, team—welcome home!”

    Under the command of Capt. James Tuthill, Annapolis completed missions vital to national security, bolstering operational maritime capabilities in the Pacific. During their deployment, the submarine participated in key bilateral operations with the French Navy and welcomed Rear Adm. Chris Cavanaugh, commander, Submarine Group Seven, during a port visit to Yokosuka, Japan.

    “My crew answered the call, exemplifying remarkable dedication to our mission across the Pacific,” said Tuthill. “I couldn’t be prouder of them, or the tenacity and professionalism they displayed every day at sea. Their resilience, determination, and refusal to quit when things got hard define my extraordinary team. It’s a true honor to lead such an inspiring group. They rose to every occasion.”

    Commissioned on April 11, 1992, Annapolis is the fourth ship in the history of the U.S. Navy to be named for Annapolis, Maryland, home of the United States Naval Academy.

    Assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam, Annapolis is one of four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines forward-deployed in the Pacific. Renowned for their unmatched speed, endurance, stealth, and mobility, Los Angeles-class submarines form the backbone of the Navy’s submarine force, ensuring readiness and agility in safeguarding maritime interests around the world.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A realistic statue of Mary giving birth was criticized, then vandalized − but saints and artists have often reimagined Christ’s birth

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Virginia Raguin, Distinguished Professor of Humanities Emerita, College of the Holy Cross

    A silhouette of onlookers in front of Esther Strauss’ sculpture ‘Crowning.’ Michel M. Raguin with cooperation of the Mariendom Linz , CC BY

    A sculpture of the Virgin Mary showing her giving birth to Jesus was recently attacked and beheaded. Called “Crowning” by the artist Esther Strauss, the sculpture had been part of a temporary exhibition of art outside the Catholic St. Mary Cathedral in Linz, Austria.

    The sculpture was controversial for its explicit depiction of birth; an online petition seeking its removal received more than 12,000 signatures. Strauss’ work was part of a project that sought to look at gender equality and the role of women, designed to honor the 100th anniversary of the cathedral’s consecration to the Virgin Mary. The exhibition opened on June 27, 2024, and the statue was vandalized a few days later.

    My research as a historian of art has shown me that there has never been only one way of depicting the birth of Christ.

    Depiction of birth in early texts

    Early Christian writings reveal that the birth of Christ was of keen interest and reflected ideas of the day.

    A widely read text from the mid-second century, called the The Protoevangelium of James, gives details about the life of the Virgin and infancy of Christ. As women of that time gave birth with the aid of midwives, the text explained that the Mother of God also was helped in her labor. Sections 19-20 of the text give details about Joseph contacting two midwives.

    One woman is said to have doubted the virgin birth. After she inserted her finger into Mary’s vagina, her hands withered. An illustration in a French prayer book from Paris dating to about 1490-1500 shows the midwife with missing hands. The story explained that her hands grew back after she touched the child Christ.

    Menologion of Basil II, an 11th-century illuminated Byzantine manuscript with 430 miniatures depicting the Nativity of Christ, now in the Vatican library.
    Via Wikimedia Commons

    The representation of midwives, as seen in an 11th-century manuscript from Constantinople, is still common in the Eastern church.

    Ideas change over time and place

    New modes of spirituality in later centuries brought changes in art. St. Bridget of Sweden, who founded a new order of nuns, left a large body or writing, including what she believed were revelations from God. One of her revelations included a vision of Christ’s birth she experienced in Bethlehem in 1371–72.

    Although Bridget had given birth eight times, she described Mary’s delivery as “in the twinkling of any eye.” Bridget said she “was unable to notice or discern how or in what member (Mary) was giving birth.” By “member” she may have meant that she did not know through what part of Mary’s body Jesus emerged. Many paintings between the 15th and 16th centuries adopted her vision and showed the child surrounded by light and the Virgin calmly worshipping him.

    A painting by Belgian artist Hugo van der Goes, in about 1475, follows Bridget’s vision of the birth. Instead of being “wrapped in swaddling clothes,” Christ lies naked, perfectly clean, in the “great and ineffable light” that Bridget described.

    Each era and community produces art that speaks to its own priorities. Fifteenth-century Italy introduced traditions of a miraculous childbirth that were different from a realistic tradition cherished by early Christians of the second century. I would argue that “Crowning” is but one more example of such cultural change. Here, Mary is an inspiration for other women, physically strong and capable even in the difficult process of giving birth.

    The sculpture, when intact, was barely 15 inches tall, a clear indication that it was not made for large-scale public veneration. It was a meditative image designed for a one-on-one encounter – for those who decided to engage.

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

    – ref. A realistic statue of Mary giving birth was criticized, then vandalized − but saints and artists have often reimagined Christ’s birth – https://theconversation.com/a-realistic-statue-of-mary-giving-birth-was-criticized-then-vandalized-but-saints-and-artists-have-often-reimagined-christs-birth-240759

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Consultation launched on council tax for empty, unoccupied and second homes

    Source: City of Derby

    Derby City Council has launched a nine-week public consultation today yesterday (Wednesday 9 October) on proposed changes to Council Tax for empty homes and  second homes in the city. The changes are in line with the new guidance rules introduced by the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023.

    The proposed changes will include a 100% Council Tax premium on properties that have been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for at least one year, effective from April 2025; and the introduction to a 100% Council Tax premium on second homes, effective from April 2026.

    Those measures aim to encourage  property owners to live in or sell their empty homes.  This will help add more homes to the local housing market and reduce the number of underused properties, making sure more housing is available for residents who need them.

    Councillor Shiraz Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, Property and Regulatory Services, said:

    The proposed changes aim to encourage the occupation of vacant homes. These proposals are designed to align with the Council’s Socio-Economic Duty by minimising the financial burden on vulnerable and low-income individuals while maximising the potential of vacant housing stock within the city.

    The council encourages residents and stakeholders to engage with these proposals as part of its ongoing commitment to transparency and community involvement. 

    The consultation period will run from Wednesday 9 October 2024 to Friday 13 December 2024. To have your say, visit the Let’s Talk Derby website. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Tory MPs have accidentally knocked out their own man – and reminded voters why they lost the last election

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ben Worthy, Lecturer in Politics, Birkbeck, University of London

    The Conservative party leadership ballot is a private affair. The MPs don’t have to reveal who they voted for if they don’t want to. And given how badly they appear to have bungled their final round of voting in this contest, it seems unlikely we’ll ever know what really happened.

    James Cleverly was the firm favourite among MPs, and yet an attempt to manoeuvre him into the final two against the candidate his supporters felt most sure of beating in the final run-off, when party members vote, seems to have backfired.

    It would appear Cleverly and his supporters forgot Lyndon B. Johnson’s first rule of politics – learn to count. As a result, party members now have a choice between two rightwing candidates, Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch. Both are popular among members but less electable and palatable for the wider public. The debacle has exposed (not for the first time) the problems with the electoral system.

    Cleverly was seen as the unifier of the party, with the ministerial experience and communication skills to help with a transformation. He had wowed party conference with a well-calibrated speech hinting that the party needed to “normalise” to regain trust. Yet his record leaves questions as to exactly how good his communication skills are in reality. He had made several “jokes”, which were not jokes at all – just offensive comments – and reportedly described his own government’s immigration policy as “batshit”.

    A Telegraph article just before his shock loss in the parliamentary party vote feared he would “sign the death warrant” of the party as a “middle-of-the-road bluffer who tickles the tummies of members of the parliamentary party by flattering them that their historic defeat was not so bad after all”. Yet judging by the audible gasps when the result was announced, Tory MPs were shocked at how they had messed the vote up. Both the Liberal Democrats and Labour reacted with glee at the news.

    Tory MPs react to the news that they’ve inadvertently knocked out their favourite candidate.

    The final two

    Badenoch has less ministerial experience than Cleverly but is loved by the Tory party as a battler and is now the favourite to win. The same “death warrant” article called Badenoch a “Warrior Queen”, but that cuts both ways. Badenoch, by channelling her inner Thatcher, is pitching herself as a fighter taking on the forces of reaction within and without. But, to quote another Tory, the Duke Of Wellington, Thatcher would only fight battles she knew she could win. Badenoch’s battle seem rather less focused, and her war on the forces of woke now includes new mothers and civil servants (10% of whom, in her view, should be in prison).

    Another recent article, this time in the Guardian spoke of how “she often finds it hard to get through an interview without patronising or arguing with the presenter in a manner that reinforces claims she’s divisive and abrasive”. At the same time, her attempt to tell “hard truths” saw her publishing a lengthy pamphlet featuring some triangles – seemingly explaining electoral realignment – which no one could understand. Not ideal attributes for a leader.

    So far in this contest, Jenrick’s most notable interventions have been to grandstand about the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), compete to be toughest on immigration, and (and we need to follow the logic slowly here) argue that the ECHR is causing UK special forces to kill instead of capture terrorists. Jenrick is the living embodiment of the old Groucho Marx joke “those are my principles, and if you don’t like them…well, I have others”. He has made either a Damascene or cynical journey from squishy centre to hard right just ahead of this contest. What does he really believe? No one is sure.

    The reasons for the Tories’ recent catastrophic election loss are in plain sight. Voters saw the Conservative governments as a toxic combination of poor delivery, scandals and being out of touch. The 2024 defeat was a combination of Boris Johnson’s immorality and Liz Truss’s incompetence. Rishi Sunak then finally fractured his own coalition with a self-defeating immigration policy. None of the candidates have addressed the reasons for the loss and the final two are evidently still in denial.

    But it is the Tory members who are voting here. Their version of events is that disunity and a failure to deliver on immigration lost them power. Members may well be torn, as political scientist Tim Bale points out, between values and electability – though with Cleverly out, this latter may be a problem.

    Peering through the fog of the contest, there are two things which are very likely. First, Johnson’s shifting of the party to the right, and his closer alignment of the Tory party with the remnants of UKIP is now more evident, and will be further deepened by whoever wins. While Badenoch and Jenrick differ on whether they should beat or join Reform, the Tory party is now on the latter’s territory. There is unlikely to be any Tory “hard truths” to address the electorate’s loss of trust in the party, but instead the talking points will be culture wars, immigration, and leaving the ECHR.

    Second, as a result, the party will move further from the centre ground, and away from the average voter, and their concerns. The mess the parliamentary party has made of the contest and the long shadow of dysfunctional leadership have served only to remind voters of the reasons why the party was thrown out of office in July. Peering through his snazzy new glasses, Starmer can see his bad week just got a lot better.

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

    – ref. Tory MPs have accidentally knocked out their own man – and reminded voters why they lost the last election – https://theconversation.com/tory-mps-have-accidentally-knocked-out-their-own-man-and-reminded-voters-why-they-lost-the-last-election-240983

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Secretary pledges to take action on poverty

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Ian Murray welcomes recommendations by Joseph Rowntree Foundation and vows to work with Scottish Government to tackle associated issues and break down barriers

    Scottish Secretary Ian Murray spoke at the launch of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s (JRF) annual report into poverty in Scotland this week [7 October].

    The report, summarised here, found that one million people in Scotland are living in poverty and that one in four of them are children. Recommendations were made to overhaul the social security system to tackle the problem and, in particular, for the UK and Scottish Governments to work together to make the process smoother in terms of reserved and devolved policy areas.

    An excerpt follows from the remarks made by the Scottish Secretary at the event: 

    I want to outline some of the steps that the new UK Government is taking to reduce poverty in Scotland and across the whole of the UK.

    We are committed to working together with the Scottish Government, and to reset the relationship between our two governments. Because, as this latest report highlights, it is vital that we can deliver on behalf of the people of Scotland.

    I’ve spent a lot of time with organisations such as Poverty Alliance to understand fully the complexities of what’s happening. 

    Having one million people in poverty – a quarter of those children – is really sobering. But I think the most sobering thing is that none of us are surprised, and that really should be the thing that we need to tackle in terms of policy.

    We are only 95 days into this new government and we’ve already done a lot of engagement to make sure we can develop these policies, whether it be in social security or regarding the underlying parts of poverty. 

    With the Budget coming up on 30 October, the Chancellor has been clear on two things. One is the economic inheritance that we’ve got to try and deal with and that those with the broadest shoulders will carry the majority of what needs to be done to grow the economy for all parts of our country.

    Reducing poverty across all sections of society, particularly child poverty, is in our DNA. We did it before. Unfortunately, we’re going to have to do it again. 

    We will be publishing our Employment Rights Bill this week to fundamentally transform work and pay. It will ban exploitative zero-hour contracts, outlaw fire and rehire and will make sure that the National Minimum Wage becomes a genuine living wage.

    It’s still sobering that two-thirds of children in poverty are in households where one or both adults are working full time, and that means that there’s a big problem with pay. We hope that our New Deal for Working People will start to resolve some of those issues.

    I think it’s also important to highlight our Universal Credit review, which will look at everything from the two-child cap to housing allowances.

    We’ve also launched our Child Poverty Task Force, chaired jointly by the Secretaries of State for Education and the Department of Work and Pensions. It looks at all the other big issues that are around in terms of poverty.

    Yes, it’s about the social security system, Universal Credit, but it’s also about housing, educational attainment, health inequalities, pay in the workplace, progression and skills. It’s about those underlying causes of poverty that are inherent in our society that we need to find a way to resolve once and for all.

    Having grown up on a council estate, I know that having that security of tenure of a house was the bedrock in which the family was built, and without that it’s difficult to see how you can get yourself out of poverty.

    Housing is devolved, but both governments are working very closely together to make sure that we can resolve the housing emergency that’s been declared across a lot of our local authorities. 

    We’ve made a good start over the last 95 days. There will be bumps in the road, because these are fundamental challenges, but the whole culture of the new government is to try and resolve these issues. 

    We want to make sure the system can work better, and joint working is really important in this area. There’s no reason why Social Security Scotland and the DWP can’t work jointly in terms of the delivery of social security, to make sure that we get the best out of both systems for the benefit of everyone who needs to access that system. 

    Regarding the low update of benefits by ethnic minorities, I think that’s a huge challenge for us. Not just finding those individuals and families, but actually being able to engage with them and get them what they deserve to be claiming. That’s a huge battle for us all to try to work together and resolve.

    We’ve got four big priorities as a new government and as a Scotland Office. Growth is the number one priority, but that also feeds into our green agenda, which is our second priority. Our third one is Brand Scotland to try and increase our exports, to improve our businesses and create more jobs. And the fourth one, which attached the first three, is the eradication of poverty.

    That’s something that myself and Ministerial colleague Kirsty McNeill are fundamentally committed to doing. We can only do that by all of us – devolved governments, the UK Government and organisations like JRF working together. We must find ways we can not only make the system better, but make sure that those who require access to the system, get access to that system and get the funds and support they deserve.

    There’s a huge amount of work to be done and this report gives us that very sobering starting point.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –