Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🇻🇪 Venezuela – Foreign Minister Addresses United Nations General Debate, 79th Session | #UNGA

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Yvan Gil Pinto, Minister of the People’s Power for Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, addresses the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 24 – 30 September 2024).

    World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.

    The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.

    General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/

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    مشاهدة هذا الفيديو باللغة العربية على موقع البث الشبكي للأمم المتحدة
    请在联合国网络电视(UN Web TV)观看中文版视频
    Regardez cette vidéo en français sur UN Web TV
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    Смотрите это видео на русском на UN Web TV
    https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k14/k14lcan11k

    Screenshot credit: UN Photo/Loey Felipe

    #UNGA #UnitedNations

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBBe7esckNM

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🇧🇴 Bolivia – Foreign Affairs Minister Addresses United Nations General Debate, 79th Session | #UNGA

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Celinda Sosa Lunda, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, addresses the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 24 – 30 September 2024).

    World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.

    The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.

    General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/

    —————————————-

    مشاهدة هذا الفيديو باللغة العربية على موقع البث الشبكي للأمم المتحدة
    请在联合国网络电视(UN Web TV)观看中文版视频
    Regardez cette vidéo en français sur UN Web TV
    Vean este video en español en UN Web TV
    Смотрите это видео на русском на UN Web TV
    https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1g/k1g79hvlvp

    Screenshot credit: UN Photo/Laura Jarriel

    #UNGA #UnitedNations

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1mjOfKdntI

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🇸🇸 South Sudan – Foreign Minister Addresses United Nations General Debate, 79th Session | #UNGA

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Ramadhan Abdalla Mohammed Goc, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity of the Republic of South Sudan, addresses the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 24 – 30 September 2024).

    World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.

    The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.

    General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/

    —————————————-

    مشاهدة هذا الفيديو باللغة العربية على موقع البث الشبكي للأمم المتحدة
    请在联合国网络电视(UN Web TV)观看中文版视频
    Regardez cette vidéo en français sur UN Web TV
    Vean este video en español en UN Web TV
    Смотрите это видео на русском на UN Web TV
    https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1g/k1gqipfehy

    Screenshot credit: UN Photo/Loey Felipe

    #UNGA #UnitedNations

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnNd-MpoMgc

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Celebration of National Day – The Next Generation Chorus Performance” to be held on September 30

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, “Celebration of National Day – The Next Generation Chorus Performance” organised by the Tourism Commission, with East Union Foundation Limited as an implementing organisation, will be held in Art Park of the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) from 8.30pm to 9.10pm on September 30 (Monday).
          
         The show will cover a wide array of performances, including a drone show with 2 099 drones symbolising “2024” in the year of 2024 and “75” from the 75th National Day, 1 000 students singing patriotic songs on site, and performances by multiple youth groups. The show will showcase the country’s achievements through three themes, namely “Standing Up”, “Growing Prosperous”, and “Becoming Strong”. In addition, Ms Cally Kwong will sing the patriotic education theme song “Our Home”.
          
         Due to space constraints, members of the public may enjoy the drone show from certain parts of the lawn areas in the WKCD. As there may be a restricted view of the drone show in some other areas in the WKCD, members of the public may also enjoy the show on TV screens at designated viewing areas (map enclosed). Participants are advised to use public transport and avoid driving private cars to the vicinity of the WKCD whenever possible. During the show, they should keep public areas clean and take care of public property. Participants are also advised to pay attention to safety in crowded places.
          
         RTHK TV 32, China Central Television, HOY TV, Now TV, Phoenix TV, TVB, ViuTV will live broadcast the show, and members of the public can enjoy the show at home to celebrate National Day.
          
         As the event may be affected by weather conditions, participants should pay attention to public announcements on the event day to obtain the latest information of the event.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Bonfire Festival and Sound Therapy: What Program Moscow Parks Have Prepared for the Weekend

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Parks under the jurisdiction of the capital’s Department of Culture have traditionally prepared a weekend program for Muscovites and city guests. We tell you what to do from September 27 to 29.

    Art Therapy and Music Meditations at the Bonfire Festival

    On September 28, the Hermitage Garden will host a bonfire festival. Guests will enjoy meditations with Tibetan bowls, training practices, express quizzes, and a musical program in the format of an apartment concert.

    A similar festival will also take place in the N.E. Bauman Garden. They have prepared an autumn art therapy session under the guidance of a qualified psychologist, a soul concert, a game based on the novel by Agatha Christie and a program called “Horror Stories of Russian Classics”. Registration is required. art therapy session Anda game based on the novel.

    On September 29 at 17:00, visitors to the N.E. Bauman Garden are invited to a lecture on cocoa culture. At 18:00, guests of the event will be able to join the cocoa ceremony and learn the secrets of making the perfect wish-fulfilling drink.

    At 19:00 there will be ecstatic and intuitive dancing to live musical accompaniment, and at 20:30 guests will enjoy sound healing – sound therapy that allows you to relax and meditate to the music of singing bowls, hang, maracas, percussion, flute and gong.

    Warm gatherings at park apartments

    A colorful two-day event called “Filyovsky Apartment Concert” is planned in Fili Park. On September 28 at 15:00, the Filka art studio will present an immersive performance “Sadeley”, based on the works of Agatha Christie and Keith Chesterton. Each viewer will be able to take part in the performance, directly or indirectly influence the subsequent events. The event is designed for guests over 16 years old. Admission is free, by prior registration.

    On September 29 at 6:00 p.m., the Filka art studio invites residents over the age of six to a chamber concert by the leader of the Nezhdan Negadan group, Nikolai Topnikov. The musician will perform his own songs and cover versions of famous Russian rock ballads that were popular during the era of Soviet apartment concerts. Admission is free, but a pre-register.

    In Gorky Park, the apartment concerts will last until November 3.

    On September 27 from 19:00 to 21:00 in the lecture hall located in the main entrance arch (right pylon), there will be a free master class for adults on Latin choreography and a chamber meeting dedicated to pair dancing. Participants will learn basic techniques. Entrance by prior registration.

    Master classes and petanque game

    A new all-Russian record will be set in Krasnaya Presnya Park. The largest mug of cocoa with a capacity of 100 liters will be brewed here. The result will be officially registered in the Russian Book of Records. The event will feature various themed activities: master classes on painting mugs and decorating gingerbread, a culinary duel to create an original cocoa recipe. The main prize is a year’s supply of cocoa. The event will start at 15:00, admission is free. On Saturday, a free dance evening “Folk Pyatachok” for residents over 14 years old will be held on the stage of Severnoye Tushino Park. The evening is a traditional festivity where young people meet, chat, play, dance to live music and just relax. At 17:00, guests will enjoy pair dances, folk games and songs performed by the folk group “Top-vechera”.

    In the eco-workshop of the Severnoye Tushino Park on September 29 from 11:00 they will create a sea in a shell – decorate it from the inside with amber, pebbles and pearls. Admission is free, by prior registration.

    At 12:00, everyone can learn more about the capabilities of their own body at a master class from the Natural Movement series. Free admission, age limit: 14.

    On September 29 at 11:00 in Druzhby Park there will be a free painting lesson as part of the cycle “Plein Air with a Light Hand”. At the master class, an experienced teacher will demonstrate an unusual painting technique. Participants can be residents over six years old who have completed pre-registration.

    At 12:00 in the Lecture Hall of the Terletskaya Dubrava recreation area, a child psychology specialist will talk to participants about training a child’s attention. Anyone can attend the free lesson of the ABC of Psychology project.

    On September 29 at 12:00, the Khodynka Pole Park will host the Collage Newspaper master class. Participants will learn about the collage technique, its methods and features, the history of newspaper design and the basics of layout, and will be able to create and present their own publication. The class is free for children over six years old, all materials are provided.

    The game of petanque is scheduled for September 28 and 29 in Kuzminki Park. It does not require any special physical training, and you can participate even in a starched white shirt after work. Admission is free, age limit: 6 .

    On September 29, the Lyublino Estate Museum invites you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the 19th century. Here they will perform “Wedding by Lanterns” – an early operetta by Jacques Offenbach. Guests will be able to see a light and naive story, the events of which take place in one place during the evening. Admission is free, by prior registration, for visitors over 12 years old.

    This weekend, creative classes will be held in the southern service building of the Vorontsovo estate as part of the Klen-fest festival. On September 28 at 2:00 p.m., a creative master class, Painting with Threads, will be held for children over six years old. Admission is free, by prior registration.

    On September 29 at 14:00 the master class “Leaf fall” will begin for children over six years old. All those who wish will be able to make an autumn gift using decoupage technique and insert it for themselves or their loved ones. Admission is free, but you need pre-registration.

    Dance and Cinema Journey

    As part of the free film screenings cycle of the Russian Geographical Society, the Angara Ponds Park invites guests to the amphitheater on weekends from 12:00 to 14:00 for a film journey. Age limit: 0, free admission.

    On September 28 from 12:00 to 15:00 in the green theater of Babushkinsky Park there will be an event “Dance evening of historical ballroom dancing”. Participants will be able to feel the elegance and grace of the times, see the exquisite movements that were popular in the aristocratic circles of the 19th century. Dancers under the guidance of experienced instructors will demonstrate various styles and techniques. Admission is free.

    From 18:00 to 19:30 in Babushkinsky Park, Tima Barsoff will gather the audience for his big solo concert. He performs songs in the bel canto technique with his own accompaniment on the guitar. The artist has a tenor with a warm timbre and an operatic range. The performance will include arias, romances and ballads of the Classical and Romantic eras, as well as masterpieces of the 20th century, including “Adagio Albinoni”, “Ave Maria”, as well as “Aranjuez”, Ombra mai fu and Una furtivа lagrima.

    On September 29, from 11:00 to 14:00, the dance floor of Babushkinsky Park will host an event of the project “Family Club “Igromania”, which is supported by the Presidential Grants Fund. Participants will gain experience in offline games, board games, team-building games, as well as in personal communications. The goal of the project is to reduce gadget addiction in schoolchildren. Admission is free, age limit: 6 .

    On September 28, from 11:00 to 16:00, a holiday for the whole family, “Russian Fun”, will be held in the Mitino Landscape Park next to the sports ground. Guests will join sports and games related to the cultural values of the Russian people. The program includes fun games, as well as competitions in wrestling, running, volleyball and football. Admission is free. Residents over six years of age are allowed to participate.

    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://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144497073/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs seizes smuggled goods worth about $150 million (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs seizes smuggled goods worth about $150 million (with photo)
    Hong Kong Customs seizes smuggled goods worth about $150 million (with photo)
    *****************************************************************************

         Hong Kong Customs detected two suspected smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels on September 9 and 19. Large batches of suspected smuggled goods with a total estimated market value of about $150 million were seized.     Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs discovered that criminals intended to use ocean-going vessels to smuggle goods. Strategies were thus formulated, with two suspicious containers scheduled to depart from Hong Kong to Singapore, and one suspicious container prepared to be shipped to Taiwan, via ocean-going vessels selected for inspection.     Customs inspected the three containers that were declared as carrying “household electric items” and “screen, wafer of IC, backlight, computer, game console base, cosmetics and DVD player” on September 9 and 19. Upon examinations, Customs officers found large batches of suspected smuggled goods, including mobile phones, accessories, cosmetics, circuit boards and integrated circuits, in the containers.     An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.     Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has long been combating various smuggling activities at the forefront. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to fiercely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, and carry out targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to disrupt relevant crimes.     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

     
    Ends/Thursday, September 26, 2024Issued at HKT 17:59

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Exports up 6.4% in August

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The value of Hong Kong’s total exports increased to $381.3 billion in August, up 6.4% on the same month last year, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

    The value of the city’s imports rose 7.9% to $414.4 billion in the same period.

    A trade deficit of $33.1 billion, or 8% of the value of imports, was recorded for the month.

    Comparing the three-month period to August with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of Hong Kong’s exports rose 0.3%, while that of its imports increased 3.8%.

    The Government said the value of merchandise exports grew solidly in August over a year earlier. Exports to the Mainland, the US and the European Union registered increases of varying degrees, while exports to other major Asian markets were of mixed performance.

    Looking ahead, the Government said that performance of Hong Kong’s exports should remain positive if external demand continues to hold up, but noted that geopolitical tensions and trade conflicts will present risks.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Proposed BID Fort William

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    A postal ballot is to be held on the arrangements to propose a Business Improvement District (BID) for Fort William for a period of 5 years from 1 December 2024 until 30 November 2029.  

    A notice of ballot has been published today (Thursday 26 September 2024) and a copy of the notice will be issued by post to all persons eligible to vote in the Fort William BID area. 

    Ballot papers will be sent to all eligible voters on Thursday 3 October 2024 for return to CIVICA Election Services by no later than 5pm on Thursday 7 November 2024.  

    The ballot papers will be counted on Friday 22 November 2024, and the result of the ballot will be announced thereafter. 

    The ballot will be conducted entirely by post on behalf of the Ballot Holder and by the independent scrutineer, CIVICA Election Services. 

    The BID arrangements and proposals will be described in detail in the BID Business Plan, which will be issued to those eligible to receive a ballot paper, and copies will also be available on request from BID Fort William, MacLean House, Belford Road, Fort William, PH33 6BT; http://www.bidfortwilliam.co.uk; Email: mark@bidfortwilliam.co.uk or phone: 07804 484650. 

    For further information on the ballot visit: http://www.highland.gov.uk/bidfortwilliam 

    26 Sep 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Video: Vuk Talks Season 2 Episode 20 with Mems Ramaila founder of Bee African

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

    Bee african was born from a unique moment of inspiration (when honeybees visited its founder, Mems Ramaila at her farm in Brits, South Africa) and a deep rooted desire to make a difference. Founded in 2019 by Mems Ramaila, a dynamic professional with with diverse expertise in law, labour relations, management consulting, farming and research, Bee african is more than just a honey company, it’s a catalyst for change.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oH6vj8bvE8U

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO announces launch of the third cycle of the Young Professionals Programme

    Source: NATO

    We are pleased to inform you that the third cycle of the NATO Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is now open for applications!

    Are you a young professional, interested in accelerating your career by gaining experience working for a political and military alliance that protects one billion people?

    If you are a citizen of a NATO member country with a Master’s degree and at least one year of work experience, the YPP offers a unique opportunity to work with NATO for three years across different countries and NATO bodies.

    For the third cycle of the YPP there are 13 positions available for talented people from a wide variety of educational and professional backgrounds, including:

    • Data Science and Innovation
    • Economics and Finance
    • Engineering and Logistics
    • Human Resources
    • ICT and Cyber Security
    • International Political Affairs
    • Legal Affairs
    • Marketing and Communications
    • Programme and Project Management

    The deadline to apply is 27 October 2024. We encourage you to apply well in advance.

    For more information about the NATO Young Professionals Programme, including eligibility criteria and the full application process, please visit the Young Professionals Programme web page.  

    Following Sweden’s accession to NATO on 7 March 2024 as NATO’s 32nd member, we are pleased to announce that Swedish nationals are welcome to apply to the Young Professionals Programme, alongside candidates from NATO’s 31 other member countries.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Postal services to Lebanon subject to delay

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Postal services to Lebanon subject to delay
    Postal services to Lebanon subject to delay
    *******************************************

         Hongkong Post announced today (September 26) that, as advised by the postal administration of Lebanon, due to the recent events in the region leading to a number of flight cancellations and road closures, mail delivery services to Lebanon are subject to delay.

     
    Ends/Thursday, September 26, 2024Issued at HKT 17:35

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former SBA Employee Convicted Of Conspiracy, Bribery, And Wire Fraud

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Angela Chew (60, Leesburg) guilty of conspiracy to bribe a public official and commit wire fraud, three counts of bribery of a public official, and six counts of wire fraud. Chew faces up to 5 years in federal prison on the conspiracy count, up to 15 years in federal prison on each of the bribery counts, and up to 20 years in federal prison on each of the wire fraud counts. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 18, 2024.

    According to evidence presented at trial, Chew conspired with three others to submit applications for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) containing false and fraudulent information in exchange for bribe payments. The evidence showed that Chew used her position as a loan specialist for the Small Business Administration (SBA) to internally access those loan applications that she and a co-conspirator had submitted on behalf of others. Chew then took actions on the applications within the SBA’s internal processing system that moved the loans towards approval. For example, Chew submitted a loan on behalf of a co-conspirator’s business that she knew was not active or operating at the time she submitted the loan. The loan was flagged as a duplicate by the SBA’s internal system, which stopped the application from progressing toward approval and funding. Chew then entered the SBA’s loan processing system, accessed the loan application, reactivated it, and manipulated the loan’s status multiple times in order to progress the application toward approval and funding in the amount of $150,000. In exchange, Chew received thousands of dollars in bribe payments from two of her co-conspirators. The evidence showed that Chew caused the funding of at least six EIDL applications, for a total loss of over $800,000.

    “This conviction underscores our commitment to holding all wrongdoers accountable, including those in positions of public trust like this former SBA employee,” said Inspector General Hannibal “Mike” Ware. “These crimes are far from victimless, as they financially harm taxpayers and erode public trust in SBA programs. I want to extend my gratitude to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the integrity of federal relief programs and ensuring that the system works for those it was designed to help.”          

    This case was investigated by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, the United States Secret Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda Daniels and Diane Hu.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI China: China pledges to retrieve more lost cultural artifacts

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

    BEIJING, Sept. 26 — China will keep working to bring home more of its cultural artifacts lost overseas, according to the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA).

    Deputy director Guan Qiang has said that experts will further research the origins of these cultural relics to gather more evidence to support their return.

    Deeper, more flexible international cooperation is needed and the use of various platforms and mechanisms will be encouraged to facilitate this process, said the official at a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday.

    Guan also highlighted China’s commitment to its international obligations in this field. The country will encourage dialogue between countries of origin and those currently holding displaced artifacts, said the official.

    Since the Opium War in the 1840s, more than 10 million Chinese cultural relics have been displaced due to war and illicit trade, according to the Chinese Society of Cultural Relics, a domestic non-profit organization.

    The Chinese government set out to recover these artifacts since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

    The country now has government-to-government agreements with 27 countries, including Peru, Italy, Greece, Türkiye, the United States and Australia, to combat the theft, looting, and illegal export of cultural relics.

    Thanks to these frameworks, China has successfully recovered more than 1,900 cultural relics in 43 batches, Guan noted.

    This year alone, the country has reclaimed the stolen “Feng Xingshu Gui,” a bronze ritual vessel from the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC), along with 38 ancient artworks from the United States and 14 artifacts from Argentina.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Lam Sai-hung visits Tianjin

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Transport & Logistics Lam Sai-hung today attended the 11th China Air Finance Development (DFTP) Summit in Tianjin.

    Themed “Openness Leads, Multi-dimensions Surge, New Chances for China’s Air Finance”, this year’s summit brought together representatives from various sectors of the industry to discuss opportunities and challenges in the country’s aviation financing, as well as current and future trends among international aircraft leasing enterprises.

    Addressing the summit’s opening ceremony, Mr Lam said the global aircraft leasing market has changed rapidly in recent years. The Dongjiang Free Trade Port Zone (FTPZ) is the largest hub for aircraft leasing in China and the second largest in the world. Delivery of the domestic C919 aircraft has also brought greater momentum to Dongjiang’s rapid growth.

    Mr Lam said co-operation between Hong Kong and Dongjiang will provide new impetus and opportunities for the development of the aircraft leasing industry.

    “Hong Kong, together with the Dongjiang Free Trade Port Zone, will establish closer co-operation to jointly promote the development of the aircraft leasing industry, offering more opportunities and options for airlines around the world and making more contributions to the global air transport industry.”

    At a meeting with representatives of the Tianjin Dongjiang FTPZ Administrative Commission and aircraft leasing and financing companies, Mr Lam briefed them on Hong Kong’s advantages in the aviation industry, including the latest developments in the city’s aircraft leasing policies and its preferential tax regime.

    Having conclude his two-day visit to Beijing and Tianjin, Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong this evening.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Regulator disqualifies trustees after finding serious mismanagement at Fashion for Relief

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments

    The Charity Commission has today (26 September 2024) published the report of its statutory inquiry into Fashion for Relief, concluding the charity was poorly governed and had inadequate financial management.

    As a result of its findings, which included multiple instances of misconduct and / or mismanagement, the Commission took action to disqualify three individuals from trusteeship (Bianka Hellmich for nine years, Naomi Campbell for five years and Veronica Chou for four years), recovered over £344,000 and protected a further £98,000 of charitable funds. These funds were used to make donations to two other charities and settle the charity’s outstanding liabilities.    

    Fashion for Relief, which has been removed from the register of charities, was set up for the purpose of poverty relief and advancing health and education by making grants to charities or other organisations and by giving resources directly to those affected.  

    The inquiry found that between April 2016 and July 2022, only 8.5% of the charity’s overall expenditure was on charitable grants. The inquiry saw no evidence that trustees had reviewed the charity’s operating model to ensure fundraising methods were in the charity’s best interest and costs were reasonable relative to income generated. It also found some of the charity’s fundraising expenditure was not reasonable.  

    The charity had held fundraising events for the Save the Children Fund and the Mayor’s Fund for London. The inquiry found that the trustees of Fashion for Relief failed to manage these partnership arrangements. Interim managers appointed by the Commission made payments to these two charities before the charity was wound-up.  

    The inquiry also found that unauthorised payments totalling £290,000 for consultancy services had been made to a trustee, Bianka Hellmich, which was in breach of the charity’s constitution. Whilst Ms Hellmich had proactively proposed repaying these funds, the Commission-appointed interim managers secured repayments to the charity.  

    Additionally, the inquiry found that the charity’s funds were held and applied on its behalf by external professional advisors (solicitors and accountants) rather than in a dedicated bank account in the charity’s name. After the Commission investigated transactions made under this arrangement, £54,000 was recovered to the charity from one professional advisory firm. These transactions were not identified or challenged by the trustees at the time.   

    Charity Commission Deputy Director for Specialist Investigations and Standards, Tim Hopkins, said:  

    Trustees are legally required to make decisions that are in their charity’s best interests and to comply with their legal duties and responsibilities. Our inquiry has found that the trustees of this charity failed to do so, which has resulted in our action to disqualify them.   

    This inquiry, and the work of the interim managers we appointed to run the charity in place of the trustees, has resulted in the recovery of £344,000 and protection of a further £98,000 charitable funds. I am pleased that the inquiry has seen donations made to other charities which this charity has previously supported.  

    The report detailing the full findings, regulatory actions and conclusions of this inquiry can be found on gov.uk.  

    ENDS  

    Notes to editors  

    1. The Commission publishes a range of guidance to help trustees understand their responsibilities under charity law, including 5-minute guides to decision making and on managing charity finances.   

    2. The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening society. Find out more at About us – The Charity Commission – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

    Press office

    Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: RN-Uvatneftegaz received first oil at the South-Venikhyartskaya area of the Uvat project

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    RN-Uvatneftegaz (part of the oil production complex of NK Rosneft) received the first commercial flow of oil at the Yuzhno-Venikhyartskaya area of the Uvat project. The starting flow rate of the horizontal well was three times higher than the average for the region and amounted to more than 300 tons of oil per day.

    The Yuzhno-Venikhyartskaya area, located within the Yuzhno-Pikhtov license area, was discovered by the Pravdinskaya geological exploration expedition 20 years ago. However, its development was hampered by its remoteness from infrastructure and the complexity of its geological structure.

    RN-Uvatneftegaz has carried out 3D seismic exploration work in the area and drilled exploration wells. It is planned to create infrastructure to connect the new asset with the central oil collection point of the Protozanovskoye field. In the short term, it is planned to drill over 10 production wells in the Yuzhno-Venikhyartskaya area, including horizontal completion and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing operations.

    The Yuzhno-Venikhyartskaya area will be part of the Protozanovsky hub. Development of deposits by creating hubs at the Uvatsky project allows for the development of smaller satellite deposits from a common center, increasing the economic efficiency of asset development by using the existing production infrastructure.

    Increasing the efficiency of reserve replenishment and their consistent introduction into development is one of the key elements of Rosneft’s strategy. In developing the Uvat project fields, the Company applies new technologies – conveyor drilling, rotary-steerable systems, logging while drilling, etc.

    RN-Uvatneftegaz makes a significant contribution to the industrial development of the region. Commissioning of new fields and production facilities creates skilled jobs. The participation of local contractors and suppliers in the implementation of the Uvat project has a multiplier effect on the development of the regional economy.

    Reference:

    OOO RN-Uvatneftegaz is engaged in exploration and development of a group of fields located in the Uvatsky District of the Tyumen Region and the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug-Yugra. Currently, the Uvatsky project includes 19 licensed areas with a total area of over 25 thousand km2.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft September 26, 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.

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/220846/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Managing Director appointed for pioneering partnership

    Source: City of Liverpool

    The person tasked with positioning Liverpool as the ultimate global destination has been appointed.  

    Natalie Wyatt has been announced as the new Managing Director of the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP).

    Natalie, who starts the role at the end of October, will be instrumental in the strategic development and management of LVEP, a newly established body dedicated to enhancing the Liverpool City Region’s thriving visitor economy. The role will focus on destination marketing, stakeholder engagement, and promoting tourism on both a national and international scale. This role is crucial in amplifying the region’s reputation as a premier visitor destination, leveraging the unique cultural and environmental opportunities that the city region offers.

    Although yet to be officially named, the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) has been put in place to significantly boost the region’s £5bn-a-year visitor economy, which currently employs around 51,000 people.

    This partnership, supported by local authorities in the city region, will be delivered in collaboration with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Liverpool City Council. Chaired by Tony Hall CBE, Lord Hall of Birkenhead, LVEP aims to position Liverpool City Region as one of Europe’s major events capitals, maximising the economic benefits of its global appeal.

    Natalie brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise having previously served as Head of Marketing and Revenue Growth at Merseyrail. In her previous role, Natalie led the development and delivery of marketing and passenger communication strategies, strategic partnerships, and supporting major events across the Liverpool City Region.

    For more information about LVEP, head to the official website.

    Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:

    “This new collaborative approach is about unlocking the full potential of the Liverpool City Region and this new appointment plays a pivotal role in its success. Liverpool has already excelled in events and self-promotion, but now, by uniting the entire region, we can achieve even greater impact.

    “Through a one-front-door strategy, we’ll enhance our accessibility and visibility, showcasing our world-class attractions, thriving film industry, leadership in gaming and science, and rich cultural heritage.

    “This partnership will cement the Liverpool City Region’s status as a key global player – accelerating our key strengths, developing our skills, connectivity and international positioning.”  

    Natalie Wyatt said:

    “I can’t wait to get going and start to make a real, positive difference. I’m so pleased to be part of a team committed to devising and delivering a strategy which places our six amazing boroughs at the epicentre of everything.

    “It will be LVEP’s ambition to amplify the City Region’s endless assets to such an extent, that we’re the first destination that comes to mind for anyone organising a major event, looking for new business locations or filming the next Hollywood blockbuster.

    “By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and prioritising the well-being of both visitors and residents, LVEP will ensure Liverpool City Region remains a top destination on the global stage.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City’s spectacular light show will be a real page-turner

    Source: City of Leeds

    A magical journey into the realm of fiction and fairy tales will transform one of the city’s most recognisable buildings during next month’s spellbinding Light Night Leeds. 

    The BookBinder is set to be one of the highly-anticipated cultural event’s most spectacular installations when it is projected onto the façade of the Queens Hotel on October 24 and 25. 

    A collaboration with the British Library, the enchanting, large-scale artwork is inspired by their vast collection, and features a stunning, specially commissioned animation and an immersive soundscape. 

    Led by a mischievous and powerful fairy tale figure, visitors can gather on the newly redeveloped City Square to watch a cast of birds, beasts and boats come to life across the iconic hotel. 

    Artists Illuminos, made up of brothers Rob and Matt Vale, were inspired by the British Library’s Flickr Commons collection, and have scoured its millions of images to create The BookBinder

    Rob Vale, from Illuminos, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing a new and exciting piece to Light Night Leeds, working directly with the team at the British Library to bring some of the remarkable gems that can be found in their Flickr Commons collection to life through The BookBinder.   

    “Their Flickr archive is an absolute treasure trove of unexpected, strange and fantastical drawings, prints and images, and we’ve loved diving into this world to conjure up The BookBinder.” 

     Jamie Andrews, Director of Public Engagement at the British Library, added:  “At the British Library we are thrilled to again be involved with Light Night Leeds, a unique festival that brings art into public spaces in the city, brightening up dark autumn evenings. We’re delighted that this year Illuminos has taken inspiration from our Flickr Commons collection, which offers public access to millions of images and has formed the design behind The BookBinder, a beautiful, immersive celebration of storytelling that will delight visitors of all ages.

    “Our collaboration with Light Night Leeds is part of a wider commitment, as we work towards establishing a major new public space for the British Library in Leeds, to work with local people and partners to open up our collection through events in the city.”

    The BookBinder has been supported by insurance company Markel, based on City Square, The Queens Hotel and Schroders Personal Wealth. It forms part of Light Night Leeds, the UK’s largest light art festival where  the public can engage with  illuminated artworks created by artists from around the world.

    Marking its 20th edition this year, Light Night Leeds will feature other large-scale projections, live street theatre and interactive installations that will incorporate some of city’s most recognisable locations. 

    To date, Light Night Leeds has attracted more than 1.1 million visitors to the city, with last year’s event  alone seeing a record 200,000 people attending and generating an estimated £3.5m for the local economy. 

    Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “Light Night is always an incredible spectacle, which transforms the city and brings thousands of people together to experience something truly special. 

    “It is also an occasion which forges important relationships and partnerships between our local businesses and cultural institutions, and we’re particularly thrilled to be working with the British Library and Markel on this year’s event and highlighting the important role they will have in Leeds for many years to come.” 

    Light Night Leeds 2024 takes place across the city from 6pm to 10pm on October 24 and 25, 2024.

    The festival is supported by Leeds City Council, Arts Council England and many generous sponsors.   

    More details for  the programme will be revealed in the coming weeks. Visit Home – Light Night (lightnightleeds.co.uk) and follow Light Night Leeds on social media for more information. 

    ENDS 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cabinet to consider new council tax support scheme for working age Portsmouth residents

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Portsmouth City Council’s Cabinet will consider a proposal to consult on a new council tax support scheme for working age Portsmouth residents on low income. The Council Tax Support Scheme for pensioners is not affected by these proposals.

    At a meeting on Tuesday 1 October, Cabinet members will review a report seeking changes to the Council’s Local Council Tax Support (LCTS) Scheme from April 2025.

    The proposal seeks to provide more financial help for those on the lowest incomes and create a ‘fairer and simpler’ scheme. Many of the approximately 7,500 working-age people claiming council tax support in Portsmouth would automatically receive an increase, without having to apply.

    Portsmouth’s Local Council Tax Support scheme, adopted in 2013, was and continues to be based upon a now outdated means-tested ‘benefit’ scheme. Due to central government funding cuts, everyone receiving support from the working age council tax support scheme is currently required to pay at least 20% of their council tax bill, including those on the lowest incomes.

    The proposal asks Cabinet to approve a public consultation, to seek people’s views on introducing a new banded council tax support scheme for working aged people from 1 April 2025. It would mean individuals and families would receive different levels of council tax support depending on which of the four proposed income bands they are in.

    The report states the change would simplify the application process, increase LCTS take up, and reduce the current frequent reassessment of council tax bills to give most people greater financial stability.

    The change would see the council tax contribution from those on the lowest incomes reduce from 20% to 10%, helping to support those most in need with the cost of living. The discount would reduce for those with higher incomes, meaning some residents’ council tax contributions would rise.

    It’s estimated that just over 74% of working age LCTS claimants would either benefit or see no change under the new scheme, with 26% having to contribute more.

    Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said: “With no additional central government funding, we have to consider options that would help the largest number of people in the greatest need. While the vast majority of people on the scheme would see a lift or see no impact by this proposal, there would be some whose support would reduce.

    “So, if a consultation is approved next week, it’s crucial we hear from as many people as possible to consider the impact of this change before coming to any decision.”

    If approved, an eight-week public consultation would launch shortly, and feedback would be considered by Full Council ahead of any decision early next year.

    Each year councils are required to review their council tax support schemes, and currently around 100 local authorities, nearly a third, operate banded schemes similar to the one which Portsmouth is considering moving to.

    The proposal would have no impact on pension-age claimants of the scheme, which offers pensioners up to 100% towards their council tax bill.

    Support for older Portsmouth residents

    To support its low-income older residents, Portsmouth City Council is reviewing a range of options, including how to use Household Support Funding when the government allocates the next round this winter.

    Find out more about how we’re supporting our pension-age residents.

    Support for all residents who are struggling is available

    The Cost-of-living helpline and online information hub, for help around essential costs, health and wellbeing, jobs, money and housing, and hardship funding people can apply for. The helpline is open weekdays from 9am-5pm (closes 4.30pm Fridays) on 023 9284 1047, or visit: http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/cost-of-living-hub

    Switched On Portsmouth, for help reducing energy bills, including referring to energy saving scheme and offering free advice. Call on 0800 260 5907 or visit http://www.switchedonportsmouth.co.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Our Town Hall project: Lecture series puts heritage crafts centre-stage

    Source: City of Manchester

    Stained glass in Manchester Town Hall

    Peeling back the layers on the Our Manchester Town Hall restoration project has been a labour of love for hundreds of craftspeople involved in its restoration.

    It has been a painstaking process to repair and restore the Grade I-listed building’s key features while making it fit for the 21 century and ensuring that it is future proofed for the next hundred years or more.

    A series of Our Town Hall lectures has captured some of the incredible work to repair and restore the building’s bricks and mortar and other heritage elements. Behind-the-scenes stories have given a detailed look at the meticulous and intricate work, some of which may not be instantly obvious once the work is done, and the building reopens.

    The films of these Heritage Lectures are now available online and – along with exhibitions and a series of podcasts – they will form a treasure trove of archive material that will tell so much about the restoration of this much-loved icon of a building.

    The Our Town Hall Heritage lectures have been delivered by several of the trades involved. They shine a light on the behind-the-scenes work, reveal a lot about the techniques and tools being used, and form an important part of each contractor’s social contract with the city.

    Councillor Garry Bridges, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said:

    “We want to be able to share the Our Town Hall journey with residents and visitors so that they understand some of the complexities and elements that will not be visible to the untrained eye when the work is complete, and the building reopens.”We’re preserving the heritage, not replacing or changing it, and this is what we are calling the ‘Invisible Story’ of the Our Town Hall project. It’s the painstaking attention and long-learnt skills that are conserving the historic parts of the building to safeguard it for future generations of Mancunians.”

    The lectures capture for posterity the care, attention, and detail with which the crafts people have carried out the work and will be available to watch here 

    The podcasts are available here

    To date lectures have been presented by:

    Hirst Conservation about their work on internal paint finishes, including the fabulous Ford Madox Brown murals in the Great Hall.

    The Mosaic Restoration Company about their work on the building’s many mosaic-tiled floors, including the famous Bees Landing.

    The Cumbria Clock Company about how they’ve removed the clock from the building to give it a full MOT, testing and repair before re-installing it once building works to the tower are complete.

    Recclesia and Shepley Engineering, two of our stained-glass contractors, spoke about their work on the 4,000+ windows that needed repairs and/or restoration.

    Nicholson & Co, one of the two firms charged with removing, restoring, and repairing our magnificent Cavaille-Col organ before reinstating it into the Great Hall.

    Caesar’s Conservation and Hatfields Conservation, two of the firms that have undertaken restoration and repair of the Town Hall’s furniture collection.

    Purcell and Bullens Conservation, describing the restoration and repairs to the Albert Memorial in Albert Square.

    Manchester Libraries Archives+ team have also attended each of the lectures. They have selected a range of relevant materials for each one, adding some historical context to the subject matter.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Trafficking of cultural property: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Emma Logan, UK Delegation to the OSCE, says that by disrupting cultural property trafficking, we can also disrupt broader Serious Organised Criminal activity.

    Thank you Chair for bringing together a set of very interesting speakers today.

    The trafficking of cultural property, be it an antiquity or modern artwork, can be an enabling element to conflict, non-state threats and can facilitate money laundering for Serious Organised Crime (SOC). As today’s panel has illustrated, the protection of cultural property from intentional destruction, looting and trafficking becomes far more complex during times of war.

    I will pick up on three points that have been mentioned today. Firstly, the need for continued cooperation of international organisations, agencies and bodies was recently reaffirmed at the G7 in Naples; with Minister Bryant, Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and- Tourism, representing the UK. Today, we thank the OSCE for continuing the dialogue in this critical area.

    Secondly, I want to add the UK voice to underline the importance of the OSCE’s Heritage Crime Taskforce. The UK Government has invested specifically in the OSCE project establishing the new national Heritage Crime Task Force in Ukraine. We plan to continue this partnership with the OSCE, and invest in the Taskforce beyond this project, as recognition of the critical role that cross-border cooperation plays in combating transnational crime, including the illicit trafficking of cultural property.

    UK organisations are part of that cross-border cooperation. As an example, the Metropolitan Police recently assisted Homeland Security in investigations which revealed new evidence of money laundering by proscribed terrorist organisations through the UK and US art markets.

    We agree with what many of other speakers have said: that by enhancing a collective understanding of the linkages between cultural property trafficking and wider Serious Organised Crime, and by demonstrating opportunities to disrupt broader harms through the cultural property lens, we can expose the harms of cultural property trafficking to a wider group of stakeholders. For example, the UK Department for Culture Media and Sport’s International Cultural Heritage Protection Programme has funded investigations into artefacts known to have been looted from Syria and trafficked through pre-existing networks. Providing information and assistance to law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities, namely the Met Police, OSCE and INTERPOL was integral to this project. Additionally the UK Government is a founding member of the Atrocity Crimes Advisory (ACA) Group, which supports Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression through its own domestic criminal justice system. Over the last year, ACA has made concerted efforts to engage with national-level officials on issues relating to heritage crime.

    The Met Police plays an important role in tackling the illicit trade in cultural property, with the support of expertise from the museum and antiquities sectors. Earlier this month, the Met played a pivotal role in repatriating the largest antiquity back to Iraq, a stone relief carving depicting a winged genie from the Palace of Nimrud, looted from Iraq after the first gulf war.

    Lastly, every panellist has mentioned recommendations of what more needs to be done. For the UK, we recognise that our museums and art market businesses need to undertake more provenance research and engage more actively in the identification and authentication of looted items. And in cases where looted and illicitly-traded objects cannot be seized, we need to find effective ways within existing legal systems and by cooperating with the trade, so that they can be returned to the country or community to which they belong.

    In conclusion, we should continue making the point that by disrupting cultural property trafficking, wider SOC activity can also be disrupted. This may stimulate engagement and a more effective response across operational, policy, programming, and diplomatic partners. The UK remains committed to being part of this network to combat illicit trade in times of war and peace.

    Thank you, Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Lebanon Address by Jean-Noël Barrot Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs at the Security Council (25.09.24)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    President,

    I decided to call this emergency meeting on behalf of France.

    The situation in Lebanon today threatens to reach a tipping point. We are now beyond escalation.

    Israeli strikes have killed too many people, and Hizbullah continues to target population centres in Israel. Since the beginning of the war, Israeli strikes have already killed hundreds of civilians, including dozens of children. That is not acceptable and I wish to extend my total solidarity to Lebanon’s people, on France’s behalf.

    I want to reiterate that compliance with international humanitarian law is not optional. Civilians, be they Lebanese or Israeli, must never be targets.

    Today, the tensions between Hizbullah and Israel could drag the region into a wider conflict. The consequences would be unimaginable. Lebanon, which is already considerably weakened, would not recover from such a war. It is therefore urgent for all actors involved to determinedly take the path of de-escalation. They also need to fully implement our Council’s Resolution 1701. That is the framework set by the Council and approved by the parties. The objective is clear: the end of hostilities along the Blue Line. Attacks from both sides must therefore cease. France is committed to the security of both Lebanon and Israel.

    I would like to commend the crucial contribution of the Blue Helmets engaged within UNIFIL. Their role is essential. With a contingent of almost 700, France contributes fully. And I will recall that the protection of the Blue Helmets is also an obligation for all parties to a conflict. France is committed to this, and committed to averting a regional war.

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    Let us seize the opportunity of having so many leaders in New York this week to impose a diplomatic solution and break the cycle of violence.

    War is not inevitable. A diplomatic solution is possible.

    In recent days, we have worked with our American partners on a platform for a temporary, 21-day ceasefire to make space for negotiations. This platform will be made public very shortly and we are counting on both parties to accept it without delay, in order to protect civilian populations and enable diplomatic negotiations to begin.

    We have worked with the parties to define the parameters for a diplomatic crisis exit on the basis of Resolution 1701.

    It is a challenging path but it is a possible path.

    I repeat: war is not inevitable.

    We are totally committed in our work to avert it, and I will be in Beirut later this week to work on this with the actors concerned.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SIA mounts nationwide operation to disrupt labour exploitation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The SIA has carried out a surprise nationwide operation in conjunction with HMRC and Home Office Immigration Enforcement to tackle labour exploitation.

    On Wednesday 18 September 2024, compliance and criminal investigation officers from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) led an extensive enforcement and intelligence-gathering operation at 35 separate locations across the United Kingdom.

    The SIA mounted the operation to address concerns regarding tax evasion, fraudulent employment status, breaches of National Minimum Wage legislation, immigration offences, and breaches of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 within the private security industry.

    The SIA mounted the operation to address concerns regarding tax evasion, fraudulent employment status, breaches of National Minimum Wage legislation, immigration offences, and breaches of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 within the private security industry.

    Paul Fullwood, the SIA’s Director of Inspections and Enforcement, said: 

    This action involved all of our regional teams in a dynamic and co-ordinated effort to disrupt and dissuade those who direct or facilitate labour exploitation. We are taking the fight to the criminals and thereby supporting legitimate private security business and protecting the public. We would like to thank HMRC and Home Office Immigration Enforcement for their support in this important work.

    The operation was one of a number of enforcement actions which the SIA has planned across the country under Operation EMPOWER, which is intended to tackle the problems associated with labour exploitation.

    Ronnie Megaughin, the SIA’s Head of Compliance and Inspections, said:

    This successful operation highlights our commitment to tackling these harmful and unlawful activities by unscrupulous individuals and businesses. For every corrupt and criminal action carried out to maximise profit, there is the strong likelihood of a victim who is being deprived of their rights. We will continue to work with industry representatives, law enforcement partners, and fellow regulatory agencies to create a hostile environment within the private security industry for these criminals. Operation EMPOWER will be a long-running and focused operation. I encourage anyone with information concerning unlawful activity within the industry to contact us.

    Anyone who is concerned about labour exploitation within the private security industry can report it to the SIA and other agencies. Learn more about Operation EMPOWER in Paul Fullwood’s blog.

    Notes to editors

    By law, security operatives working under contract must hold and display a valid SIA licence. Learn how we enforce SIA regulation.

    Further information

    The Security Industry Authority is the regulator of the UK’s private security industry. Our purpose is to protect the public through effective regulation of the private security industry and working with partners to raise standards across the sector. We are responsible for licensing people who do certain jobs in the private security industry and for approving private security companies who wish to be part of the voluntary ‘Approved Contractor Scheme’. We are marking 20 years since we were set up in 2003 and issued the first SIA licences in April 2004.

    The SIA is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Home Office. For more information, visit: http://www.gov.uk/sia.

    You can also find us on LinkedIn @Security Industry AuthorityFacebook @theSIAUKYouTube @TheSIAUK and X (formerly known as Twitter) @SIAuk.

    Media enquiries

    For media enquiries only please contact: media.enquiries@sia.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Economics: GlobalData Reconfirms Huawei Single Voice Core as Sole Leader in Competitive Landscape Assessment

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: GlobalData Reconfirms Huawei Single Voice Core as Sole Leader in Competitive Landscape Assessment

    [Shenzhen, China, September 26, 2024] GlobalData, a renowned consulting firm, has released its latest IMS and Voice Core: Competitive Landscape Assessment report. It recognizes Huawei’s Single Voice Core (SVC) as the sole leader in the market, achieving a perfect score in all dimensions — a first in the report’s history. This achievement highlights the exceptional competitiveness and market performance of the SVC solution. Huawei was also Sole Leader in the previous GlobalData report.
    Huawei SVC reconfirmed as sole leader

    The 2024 version of the report notes that as 5G deployments accelerate and voice services transition from 2G/3G to VoLTE/VoNR, operators are confronting the complexities of managing multi-platform and multi-generation voice networks. This growing complexity demands a convergent voice network that can seamlessly support 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G services. The report acknowledges Huawei SVC’s leadership in this respect, commending its outstanding contributions to developing simplified, stable, and high-quality voice and video networks. Notably, the report notes Huawei’s pioneering efforts in developing and commercializing New Calling technology. The report ranks Huawei SVC as a leader in all five categories: solution architecture, platform and performance, feature and application support, interoperability, and deployment experience.

    When it comes to solution architecture, Huawei SVC stands out as the only convergent voice solution in the industry. It offers comprehensive support for a wide range of services including 2G/3G/4G/5G voice, VoBB, VoIP, and VoWiFi. This unique capability enables operators to simplify their network architecture, reduce operational costs, and enhance overall efficiency.
    In the category of platform and performance, Huawei SVC is built on the company’s innovative dual-engine container architecture. It guarantees operators’ network investments are protected and enables a seamless evolution of voice networks to 5G/5G-A. Additionally, SVC’s high-reliability redundancy architecture provides operators with a robust defense against the threat of network disconnection.
    In terms of feature and application support, Huawei takes a leadership role in launching the New Calling solution, with flagship services such as visualized voice calling and real-time translation now in large-scale commercial use. This has enabled operators to drive revenue growth and capitalize on the opportunities presented by this innovative technology. New Calling has gained widespread verification in Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, and is rapidly expanding its global presence.
    In terms of interoperability, Huawei SVC offers a comprehensive solution that goes beyond standard 3GPP VoLTE roaming. Its innovative Single Voice Roaming (SVR) solution enables quick and seamless VoLTE roaming with no changes to existing 2G/3G roaming settlement mechanisms. This simplifies VoLTE roaming deployment and accelerates the transition away from 2G/3G networks.
    In the area of deployment experience, Huawei SVC has been commercially deployed on over 420 networks worldwide, serving a massive 1.7 billion VoLTE users and 200 million 2G/3G users. Additionally, New Calling has gained significant traction in China, attracting more than 10 million users.
    As 5G-Advanced and AI continue to mature, operators can leverage their natural advantages to create a new generation of voice services. By harnessing the benefits of app-free, terminal-agnostic, and real-time experiences, operators can transform users’ dial pads into intelligent service entries, unlocking new development opportunities and driving growth. Huawei will continue to drive innovation, and help operators to build robust fundamental networks, make the most of business opportunities with 5G-A, and achieve sustained business success.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: GlobalData Reconfirms Huawei Single Voice Core as Sole Leader in Competitive Landscape Assessment Sep 26, 2024

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: GlobalData Reconfirms Huawei Single Voice Core as Sole Leader in Competitive Landscape Assessment
    Sep 26, 2024

    [Shenzhen, China, September 26, 2024] GlobalData, a renowned consulting firm, has released its latest IMS and Voice Core: Competitive Landscape Assessment report. It recognizes Huawei’s Single Voice Core (SVC) as the sole leader in the market, achieving a perfect score in all dimensions — a first in the report’s history. This achievement highlights the exceptional competitiveness and market performance of the SVC solution. Huawei was also Sole Leader in the previous GlobalData report.
    Huawei SVC reconfirmed as sole leader

    The 2024 version of the report notes that as 5G deployments accelerate and voice services transition from 2G/3G to VoLTE/VoNR, operators are confronting the complexities of managing multi-platform and multi-generation voice networks. This growing complexity demands a convergent voice network that can seamlessly support 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G services. The report acknowledges Huawei SVC’s leadership in this respect, commending its outstanding contributions to developing simplified, stable, and high-quality voice and video networks. Notably, the report notes Huawei’s pioneering efforts in developing and commercializing New Calling technology. The report ranks Huawei SVC as a leader in all five categories: solution architecture, platform and performance, feature and application support, interoperability, and deployment experience.

    When it comes to solution architecture, Huawei SVC stands out as the only convergent voice solution in the industry. It offers comprehensive support for a wide range of services including 2G/3G/4G/5G voice, VoBB, VoIP, and VoWiFi. This unique capability enables operators to simplify their network architecture, reduce operational costs, and enhance overall efficiency.
    In the category of platform and performance, Huawei SVC is built on the company’s innovative dual-engine container architecture. It guarantees operators’ network investments are protected and enables a seamless evolution of voice networks to 5G/5G-A. Additionally, SVC’s high-reliability redundancy architecture provides operators with a robust defense against the threat of network disconnection.
    In terms of feature and application support, Huawei takes a leadership role in launching the New Calling solution, with flagship services such as visualized voice calling and real-time translation now in large-scale commercial use. This has enabled operators to drive revenue growth and capitalize on the opportunities presented by this innovative technology. New Calling has gained widespread verification in Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, and is rapidly expanding its global presence.
    In terms of interoperability, Huawei SVC offers a comprehensive solution that goes beyond standard 3GPP VoLTE roaming. Its innovative Single Voice Roaming (SVR) solution enables quick and seamless VoLTE roaming with no changes to existing 2G/3G roaming settlement mechanisms. This simplifies VoLTE roaming deployment and accelerates the transition away from 2G/3G networks.
    In the area of deployment experience, Huawei SVC has been commercially deployed on over 420 networks worldwide, serving a massive 1.7 billion VoLTE users and 200 million 2G/3G users. Additionally, New Calling has gained significant traction in China, attracting more than 10 million users.
    As 5G-Advanced and AI continue to mature, operators can leverage their natural advantages to create a new generation of voice services. By harnessing the benefits of app-free, terminal-agnostic, and real-time experiences, operators can transform users’ dial pads into intelligent service entries, unlocking new development opportunities and driving growth. Huawei will continue to drive innovation, and help operators to build robust fundamental networks, make the most of business opportunities with 5G-A, and achieve sustained business success.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Election of parent representatives on October 11 and 12, 2024

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Republic of France in FrenchThe French Republic has issued the following statement: Add to my calendar

    Parents are full members of the educational community, according to the Education Code. Thus, the elections of parent representatives are a highlight of the school year; they allow for a real link to be established between families and the school, and they are the beginning of a relationship of trust between members of the educational community. These representatives are notably responsible for facilitating relations between parents and school staff; they can approach the school principal to discuss a particular problem, or to provide mediation at the request of the parents concerned.

    Every year, elections for parent representatives take place before the end of the 7th week of the school year in all establishments (primary schools, middle and high schools, special education establishments). In 2024, they will be held:

    Friday October 11 or Saturday October 12; Friday October 4 or Saturday October 5 in establishments in Reunion and Mayotte, taking into account the school calendar of these two academies.

    The election day is chosen from these two dates:

    by the electoral commission in primary schools (nurseries and elementary schools); by the head of the establishment in secondary schools (middle schools and high schools).

    The choice of polling day is made in agreement with the parents’ associations present or represented in the school establishment.

    Who can be a parent representative?

    If you wish to become a parent representative, you must:

    exercise parental authority over a child enrolled in the establishment in which the elections take place; be registered on an electoral list of at least 2 candidates (parent representatives are elected by list ballot).

    The electoral list must be submitted at least 10 days before the elections:

    to the elections office, if it is a primary school; to the head of the establishment, if it is a middle or high school.

    Once elected, the parent representatives can take part in the life of the school. In this capacity, they are present at the various council meetings and are in contact with the members of the educational community.

    Who can vote?

    To be able to vote, you must exercise parental authority over the child in school (it is not obligatory to have French nationality).

    Each parent is an elector and eligible, and has only one vote regardless of the number of children enrolled in the same establishment.

    You can vote:

    by going to the polling station set up in the school; by sending your vote by mail in a sealed envelope or by having your child drop it off at the school; electronically on the internet.

    Please note

    In general and technological high schools as well as in vocational high schools, the elections of the representatives of the parents of students close the week of school democracy. The aim of this week is to raise awareness of the issues and the importance of these elections; during this week, the elections of the representatives of the students to the councils of delegates for high school life (CVL) are also organized.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: The Middle East North Africa programme: a link between all initiatives linked to the region

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Universities – Science Po in French

    The Middle East North Africa (MENA) program at Sciences Po centralizes initiatives related to the study and research of this region. A study day is organized September 26 on the occasion of the launch of the program on the theme of the wars in the Middle East and their repercussions on the societies of the region.

    An interdisciplinary and transversal structure, the main mission of the MENA program is to promote, coordinate and energize the institution’s activities related to the Middle East and North Africa. By strengthening academic, scientific and cultural collaborations with partner universities, the program supports the work of students at all levels (bachelor, master, doctorate), while creating a unique space for dialogue between researchers, artists and civil society actors, thus promoting an enriched understanding of the region.

    Meeting with the two co-directors of the program: Léa Albrieux, Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, Gulf and Pakistan mission manager at the International Affairs Department, and Bayram Balci, researcher at the Center for International Research (CERI).

    Can you introduce your background and your interest in the Middle East North Africa region?

    We both studied the Middle East and North Africa as part of our studies and spent many years there. Our interest also comes from the fact that this region, its conflicts, but also its culture – including its cuisine – are present in our daily lives in France and we would even say in Europe. Also, the desire to understand this region, whose conflicts have repercussions that go far beyond it, played a central role in the academic choice we made to dedicate ourselves to it. It is also an area that forms a link between several continents, which makes the collaborations to be considered with Sciences Po’s other regional programs, covering Africa and South Asia, all the more interesting.

    What are the major contemporary challenges facing this region and how does this new programme intend to address them?

    The main challenge is to find a path towards peace, stability and democracy that go hand in hand. Cradle of the three great religions, but also of several great cultures and civilizations, the region has been constantly confronted since its emergence from colonial domination with conflicts of varying intensity, security and political challenges that regularly call into question the gains made. Our program is intended to be modest; it does not claim to resolve the tensions that the region in question is experiencing. Helping to analyze and understand it, through research and teaching, would already be a first step.

    Can you explain your vision and ambitions as co-directors of the program?

    This structure brings together the different actors who study and work on the region within the departments, research centers, directorates, campuses and schools at Sciences Po. Its mission is to support and highlight all of the scientific, educational and partnership activities of the institution in relation to the MENA region. To this end, we plan to develop varied activities that combine teaching, research, partnerships, but also actions related to the arts and culture of this region.

    What themes will be highlighted during the launch day on September 26?

    Although the aim of our programme is not to comment on every event that is shaking up the region, the day of 26 September will be mainly devoted to the attack of 7 October 2023 and its effects on the societies of the Middle East. Indeed, the unprecedented attack by Hamas against Israel on 7 October 2023 plunged the Middle East into a new phase of war. While this renewed violence has profound effects on the regional balance, it also has major consequences on the societies of the region, in Israel and Palestine, but also in neighbouring countries. This conference will focus more specifically on this internal and local dimension of the ongoing conflict.

    Sciences Po and the MENA region

    Sciences Po maintains particularly strong links in this vast area stretching from North Africa to Iran. They are reflected in numerous student exchanges with our 35 partner institutions spread across 12 countries, but also in particularly dynamic research: with around twenty researchers and around twenty specialist doctoral and postdoctoral students, Sciences Po is positioned as one of the leading universities in Europe for studies on this region. The region is also present in academic programs, notably with the Mediterranean-Middle East minor of the Menton campus at the bachelor level.

    While 16 nationalities from the MENA region are represented among our initial training students, our institution welcomes an average of 700 students from the region each year. In return, approximately 120 Sciences Po students go on exchange, and 120 on internships, to one of the countries in the region each year. Upon completion of their studies, 5% of young graduates working abroad work in the region.

    Cover image caption: Doha, Qatar, March 2019. (credits: Jaanus Jagomägi / Unsplash)

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: October Play 2024

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    This October holidays, we are arranging a range of activities to support children and families across Perth and Kinross throughout.

    This offer is being across Perth and Kinross. There will be a main session daily which is open to all families, no pre-registration will be required. Families can turn up on the day and join in the fun. There will also be smaller group sessions in different localities which will require pre-registration in advance. 

    For further details, please go to the October Play 2024 page.

    Last modified on 26 September 2024

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Smoke Free website launches to help people in Coventry and Warwickshire quit smoking

    Source: City of Coventry

    A new Smoke Free website has launched to help people in Coventry and Warwickshire quit smoking.

    It provides details of local free, confidential stop smoking services, as well as resources and information about smoking and vaping. It was created through a partnership between Warwickshire County Council (WCC) and Coventry City Council (CCC) with funding from the UK Government.

    The website is part of a national effort championed by the UK Government to create the first ever smoke free generation. Under this initiative, earlier this year both councils received funding to increase local authority-led stop smoking services and support to reduce smoking rates across Coventry and Warwickshire.

    An estimated 18.4% of people aged 18+ smoke in Coventry and 13.9% in Warwickshire. In Warwickshire, this varies across the district and boroughs. (Source: Annual Population Survey, Office for National Statistics, 2022.) Those who wish to quit often struggle due to their addiction to nicotine – over 80% of smokers start before they turn twenty, most as children (Source: Tobacco and Vapes Bill 2024). The new Smoke Free website and enhanced services and initiatives aim to tackle this by providing evidence-based support that is free, non-judgemental, and easy to access.

    People aged 12+ who live, work, or are registered with a GP in Coventry or Warwickshire are entitled to free support. Smokers who sign up to their local stop smoking service get access to the following:

    • 12 weeks of one-to-one support (face-to-face or virtual) with a specialist stop smoking practitioner.
    • Help to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
    • Free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products or Vape Quit Kits (18+ only).
    • Access to a Smoke Free App.

    People who quit smoking with the support of a stop smoking service are three times more likely to quit for good.

    A male Warwickshire resident, aged 67, who recently accessed the Warwickshire stop smoking service said : “I have smoked for over 50 years and smoking 30 cigarettes a day I never in a million years thought I could do it, all of the staff I have spoken to during my journey have been amazing and I thank them very much for helping me get where I am today. I have quit and remain confident that I will continue to stay quit for the future ahead.” 

    Allison Duggal, Director of Public Health in Coventry said: “The website will help people to access services and it really makes sense to work alongside Warwickshire colleagues.

    “We have a particular focus on young people, in fact I started smoking myself at a young age and it doesn’t surprise me that eight of 10 smokers started before they turn 20.

    “I managed to stop 21 years ago, but I know it is not an easy process for people. We have lots more work to do to help people through the process of stopping. It’s about managing cravings, withdrawals and the reliance that people have with smoking.

    “People from the age of 12 can access free support so we want everyone to know there is help available.”

    She added: “I feel so much healthier and it’s why I feel able to train for my first marathon.”

    Councillor Margaret Bell, Portfolio Holder for Social Care and Health at WCC, said: “We know how challenging quitting smoking can be, but having the right support makes all the difference. Our new website is part of a wider enhancement of the stop smoking support available to people in Warwickshire.

    “Smoking has a huge impact on an individual’s health – quitting can reduce your risk of developing dementia, lung disease, heart disease, cancer and stroke. Stopping smoking also boosts your mental health and wellbeing. We encourage any residents who smoke to visit the website and learn more about the support available, and in doing so, take their first step towards happier, healthier lives.”

    Smokers are encouraged to learn more by visiting smokefreecw.co.uk. Free stop smoking support can also be accessed via phone on 0800 122 3780 for Coventry services or 0333 005 0092 for Warwickshire services.

    Stopping smoking is hard, but when a new baby is due, quitting smoking is one of the best choices people can make as a family to give their baby the best start in life. Across Coventry and Warwickshire, there are specialist Stop Smoking in Pregnancy advisors trained to support pregnant people and their families through their journey to stop smoking. Information on stop smoking in pregnancy services.

    Both WCC and CCC are also increasing the awareness of the impact of vaping, with the clear message: if you don’t smoke, don’t vape and children should never vape. Vaping information and advice.

    Further work is being scoped to provide additional support and initiatives to reduce smoking prevalence across Coventry and Warwickshire with a particular focus on priority groups.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Promotion Centre organises start-ups sharing session in Guangzhou (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Promotion Centre (Promotion Centre) of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau held a luncheon sharing session on Start-ups and Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) in Guangzhou today (September 26). The sharing session aimed to provide start-ups with the latest information on ESG development and trends, assist start-ups in formulating ESG policies, and promote sustainable business development.
     
         The Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Ms Maisie Chan, attended the sharing session in Guangzhou and delivered a welcome speech. Ms Chan said that ESG and sustainable development are the foci of global attention. Apart from investors, clients of enterprises are also paying more attention to environmental protection, civic social responsibility and corporate governance. For enterprises, the formulation of ESG strategies to achieve sustainable development has transitioned from being optional to becoming an essential requirement. Today’s sharing session was organised by the Promotion Centre to provide information in this regard to start-ups.
     
         Ms Chan emphasised that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to providing support to Hong Kong residents and enterprises pursuing development in the Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), as well as enhancing the promotion of the enormous opportunities GBA development has to offer. The Promotion Centre, established in Guangzhou in April last year, seeks to better understand the development needs of Hong Kong residents and enterprises in the Mainland cities of the GBA and to provide practical assistance through various forms of activities. The Promotion Centre encourages Mainland talent and enterprises to capitalise on Hong Kong’s unique advantages and status under the principle of “one country, two systems”, and to develop overseas markets through Hong Kong, thereby fully leveraging Hong Kong’s dual roles in “going global and attracting foreign investment”.
     
         The sharing session today, held at Guangzhou Oâ‚‚ PARK, received support from the Human Resources and Social Security Department of Guangdong Province and attracted nearly 100 start-up representatives. In addition to keynote speeches, practical case studies were presented on how enterprises could achieve sustainable development in terms of environmental, social and corporate governance. At the sharing session, four representatives from Hong Kong enterprises also shared their experiences in implementing ESG practices across cultural and creative, environmental protection, architectural design, and educational technology industries. There was an interactive session as well to discuss strategies for implementing the best ESG initiatives to help enterprises stand out from their competitors.
     
         Moreover, participants of the sharing session took the opportunity to visit Oâ‚‚ PARK, a city revitalisation project that has integrated ESG concepts into its development since the design stage. During the visit, participants also further learned from successful cases about the benefits of integrating ESG concepts into the operating strategies of enterprises.      

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News