NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO participates in the United Nations “Summit of the Future”

    Source: NATO

    NATO joined the United Nations “Summit of the Future” in New York on Sunday (22 September 2024), taking part in a session dedicated to the vital role of multilateralism for international peace and security.

    “NATO deeply values our cooperation with the United Nations. We share a commitment to international peace and security, and to upholding the rules-based international order,” said Dylan White, Head of the NATO Liaison Office to the United Nations. “We are here to engage with partners, listen to their perspectives, and continue deepening our cooperation in the face of serious security challenges.”

    The Summit of the Future brought together world leaders, international organizations, and other stakeholders to discuss the future of global governance, emerging global challenges, and strengthening multilateral cooperation.

    On Tuesday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will attend the opening session of the UN General Assembly’s high-level General Debate. He will also meet with a number of world leaders while in New York.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Overview of the National Cemetery Administration Pre-Eligibility and VA Burial Benefits 09.17.2024

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    This webinar provides a brief overview of the benefits and services provided by the VA’s National Cemetery Administration. This briefing is open to Veterans, their families, and the general public.

    The panelists for this training are:

    1. Jay Dalrymple, Director, National Cemetery Scheduling Office, Deputy Director, Field Programs, National Cemetery Administration, U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs
    2. Steve Ecker, Assistant Director, National Cemetery Scheduling Office, National Cemetery Administration, U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiA8amwgPK4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Can anyone attend and watch the GA sessions?- #UNGA Explained | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    From today, UN Video presents a series of videos addressing the most frequently asked questions by the public, aimed at demystifying and explaining the General Assembly. These eight short clips are available, please share! We appreciate your warm reception of these materials! We would like to thank Julia Foxen and Heyi Zou for their contributions to these explainers.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K9ULyZWWK4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Attacks in Lebanon and Syria – Security Council Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Briefing an emergency Security Council meeting on Lebanon in the aftermath of deadly explosions of communication devices in the country, UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo warns Member States of possible bigger conflagration and urges all actors to exercise maximum restraint to avert any further escalation. ‘They must abide by their obligations under international law concerning the protection of civilians’, she said.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxoxXHC42Xw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Voices of Peace: Visions for the future | United Nations | DPPA

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    The video was broadcast on 21 September 2024 during the session on Intergenerational Dialogue for Peace at the UN Summit of the Future #ActionDays. It features the voices of young peacemakers from around the world who are making a difference through their work.

    #OurCommonFuture #PeacefulFuture

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHZ7Srk0WNI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: International Day of Peace 2024 – UN Chief Message | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Video message by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the International Day of Peace (21 September 2024).

    “Everywhere we look, peace is under attack.
    From Gaza, to Sudan, to Ukraine and beyond we see:
    Civilians in the firing line;
    Homes blown apart;
    Traumatised, terrified populations who have lost everything – and sometimes everyone.
    This catalogue of human misery must stop.
    Our world needs peace.
    Peace is the ultimate prize for all humanity.
    And as this International Day of Peace reminds us – the solutions are in our hands.
    Cultivating a culture of peace means replacing division, disempowerment, and despair with justice, equality and hope for all.
    It means focusing on preventing conflict;
    Propelling the Sustainable Development Goals;
    Promoting human rights.
    And tackling all forms of discrimination and hate.
    This month’s Summit of the Future is a vital opportunity to advance these aims.
    Let’s seize it.
    Together, let’s lay the groundwork for peace.
    And let’s nurture a culture where equality, peace and justice thrive.
    Thank you”.

    Website: https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-day-peace

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej9gtJBfQoo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Harnessing the benefits of AI | Summit of the Future | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Artificial Intelligence is shaping our world in unprecedented ways, and its power, scalability, and potential for good is still evolving. But without effective guardrails, AI could become a major threat to our collective future.

    The Summit of the Future (22-23 September 2024) at the United Nations in New York is an is an opportunity for world leaders to agree on ways to harness AI for the benefit of humanity. Together, we can pave the way for #OurCommonFuture.

    Learn more: un.org/summit-of-the-future

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWabGQ8f3p0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Gaza, Lebanon, Summit of the Future & other topics – Daily Briefing (20 Sep 2024) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    – Summit of the Future Action Days
    – Lebanon
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – Syria
    – Venezuela
    – Ukraine
    – Democratic Republic of the Congo
    – Somalia
    – Viet Nam
    – Haiti
    – International Day of Peace
    – World Cleanup Day

    Summit of the Future Action Days
    This afternoon, at 1pm, the Summit of the Future Action days will kick off with a youth-led event.
    Felipe Paullier, the Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, will lead the opening ceremony under the theme #Youthlead the future.
    At 2pm, the Secretary-General will take part in a dialogue with youth advocates. This will also take place in the General Assembly Hall and you will be able to watch the conversation live on UN Webtv.
    The action days, which are convened by the Secretary-General, will continue tomorrow. The Secretary-General will address Saturday’s opening session at 9 a.m, tomorrow.
    Tomorrow’s programme will focus on three priority themes – digital and technology, peace and security, and sustainable development and financing.
    There will also be a dedicated focus throughout the day on future generations.
    The action days bring together representatives from Member States, civil society, the private sector, academia, youth, and more. The full list of events and side events is available on the webpage of the Summit of the Future.

    Lebanon
    We are very concerned at the heightened escalation across the Blue Line, including the deadly strike we saw on Beirut today. We urge all parties to de-escalate immediately. All must exercise maximum restraint.
    We also urge the parties to immediately return to the cessation of hostilities and to fully implement Security Council resolution 1701.
    The region is on the brink of a catastrophe. All efforts should focus on finding a diplomatic solution.
    Our Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeannine Hennis-Plasschaert, has been insistently conveying these messages to her interlocutors in Lebanon and Israel.
    And this afternoon, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, and our High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, will brief the Security Council in an open meeting on developments in Lebanon. They will convey similar messages. Those remarks will be shared with you.
    Meanwhile, on the peacekeeping front, our blue helmets at UNIFIL peacekeepers continue to implement their mandate in, obviously, extremely challenging conditions, working to help avert further escalation and return to a cessation of hostilities.
    The head of the UN peacekeeping mission there, Force Commander General Aroldo Lázaro, has been in constant communication with the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces to help avoid any miscalculations along the Blue Line and to support humanitarian access in southern Lebanon.

    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Turning to the situation in Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that Palestinians already displaced in the Strip are at risk of having to move again as the rainy season approaches, which is expected to bring flooding and high tides.
    OCHA says that many of those displaced by hostilities in Gaza are sheltering along the Mediterranean coast, where Israeli-issued evacuation orders have instructed them to go. Several municipalities in Gaza have also warned of the risks, with some advising people sheltering in low-lying areas to leave and seek out safer places due to the danger of flooding. Displaced people in Khan Younis and Deir al Balah have been warned to move to higher ground and stay away from the shore, as high tides could cause their tents to drift, among other risks.
    UNRWA, for its part, warns that people in Gaza are sheltering in open spaces with no sewage network or rainwater drainage systems. The agency says that as reptiles, rodents and insects spread, its teams are spraying pesticides and removing waste to protect families from diseases.
    Meanwhile, OCHA also reports that water, sanitation and hygiene operations in northern Gaza have been forced to drastically reduce their operating hours to prevent shutdowns.
    Our partners working on the response say it continues to be extremely difficult to get fuel to the north, with deliveries often delayed or rejected at checkpoints.
    In addition to fuel shortages and the ongoing electricity outages that stall pumps, the current water crisis in Gaza has been worsened by damage to water infrastructure, the absence of safety to make repairs, and a lack of spare parts and chlorine.
    To address the critical lack of clean water in Gaza, UNICEF says it is providing 15 litres of water per person per day for nearly 900,000 people, ensuring that part of their water needs are met for a duration of three months.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/ossg/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=20%20September%202024

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Summit of the Future – Pre-Opening and Renée Fleming Performance | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Immediately before the Summit of the Future opening segment, a short video will be played in the General Assembly Hall summarizing the Summit of the Future Action Days.

    Grammy winning singer Renée Fleming will then sing accompanied by a video produced by National Geographic. 

    ——————–

    The Summit of the Future (22-23 September 2024) is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance cooperation on critical challenges and address gaps in global governance, reaffirm existing commitments including to the Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations Charter, and move towards a reinvigorated multilateral system that is better positioned to positively impact people’s lives.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z11Td1KkYzE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Soyuz MS-25 Reentry and Landing with Tracy Dyson

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Watch live as NASA astronaut Tracy Dyson and Roscosmos cosmonauts Nikolai Chub and Oleg Kononenko return home from the International Space Station. Their Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft will head for a parachute-assisted landing on the steppe of Kazakhstan at 8 a.m. EDT Monday, Sept. 23 (1200 UTC).
    Dyson will conclude her fourth spaceflight with the landing of the Soyuz. Dyson’s mission spanned 184 days, 2,944 orbits of the Earth, and a journey of 78 million miles. While on orbit, she conducted an array of experiments and technology demonstrations that contribute to advancements for humanity on Earth and NASA’s trajectory to the Moon and Mars.

    About the science highlights of her mission: https://www.nasa.gov/missions/station/iss-research/nasa-astronaut-tracy-c-dyson-scientific-mission-aboard-space-station/

    Credit: NASA

    #NASA #Space #Astronaut #SpaceStation #ISS

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXfPTDrh2ZY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Seizing Dangerous Foods (Agriculture) – International Travel and Customs | CBP

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Many agriculture products are prohibited entry into the United States from certain countries because they may carry plant pests and foreign animal diseases. All agriculture items must be declared and are subject to inspection by a CBP Agriculture Specialist at ports of entry to ensure they are free of plant pests and foreign animal diseases. Prohibited or restricted items may include meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, seeds, soil and products made from animal or plant materials.

    Visitors to the U.S. are encouraged to declare all agriculture items they are bringing into the United States. A traveler who declares an item that is prohibited or restricted may abandon the item at the port; however undeclared items that are prohibited or restricted can result in a civil fine.

    Declaring Agricultural Items ➤
    https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/agricultural-items

    Instagram ➤ https://instagram.com/CBPgov
    Facebook ➤ https://facebook.com/CBPgov
    Twitter ➤ https://twitter.com/CBP
    Official Website ➤ https://www.cbp.gov

    #cbp
    #agriculture
    #travel
    #customs
    #inspection

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: Taking Action to Support Auto Workers and Manufacturers, Including in  Michigan

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    In Detroit, the White House will convene the Michigan Workforce Hub to announce new commitments to support the auto workforce and increase capital access for auto suppliers
    The American auto industry has driven the U.S. manufacturing base for generations, and the Biden-Harris Administration is ensuring that the future of the auto industry is made in America by American union workers. Today, National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard is traveling to Detroit, Michigan to convene the Michigan Workforce Hub and announce a suite of new actions to support automakers and auto workers, with an emphasis on historic auto communities in Michigan. The Michigan Workforce Hub is one of nine Investing in America Workforce Hubs launched by the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure all Americans can access the good jobs created by the Biden-Harris Investing in America agenda.
    Today’s announcement builds on the actions that Vice President Harris announced in May to support small- and medium-sized auto manufacturers with access to capital to expand or retool manufacturing facilities, new workforce training resources, and new technical assistance programs.
    “I believe in an economy where everyone has a chance to compete and a chance to succeed. Investing in the ambitions and aspirations of our people is the best way to grow the American economy and the middle class,” said Vice President Kamala Harris. “Yet for far too long, we have seen lack of investment in communities across America and profound obstacles to economic opportunity—including in communities with historic manufacturing expertise such as Detroit. Earlier this year, I was proud to announce new support for small- and medium-sized auto suppliers in Detroit. Today’s announcements build on those investments by making sure our auto supply chains stay here in America, strengthening our economy overall by investing in historically underserved communities, and keeping more auto jobs in Detroit.”
    $1 Billion in Financing for Small- And Medium-Sized Auto Suppliers
    Auto suppliers support the majority of auto manufacturing jobs, and small- and medium-sized suppliers employ more than 250,000 workers across the country—serving as economic engines in Michigan, Ohio, and other historic auto communities.
    Today, the Department of the Treasury is announcing a $9.1 million grant to launch the Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program to help small and underserved automotive manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers secure financing to scale and shift to supplying the electric vehicle supply chain. Made possible by Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), the Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program will provide financial, legal, accounting, and other support services to underserved and very small businesses, including helping these firms access the over $230 million in additional lending and equity investments made available to support Michigan businesses through the American Rescue Plan’s SSBCI program. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation will oversee the Auto Supplier Transition program in coordination with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Community and Worker Economic Transition Office. Additionally, Monroe Capital is announcing a commitment to raise up to $1 billion for a new “Drive Forward” Fund to facilitate access to lower cost capital for small- and medium-sized auto manufacturers to refinance, grow, and diversify their businesses. The Drive Forward Fund builds on successful investment funds catalyzed by the Small Business Administration’s Small Business Investment Company program, which provides low-cost government-guaranteed leverage funding to lower the cost of capital for portfolio companies. The Drive Forward Fund will be advised by a council with experts from across the automotive industry to ensure that capital is directed to small and medium-sized auto suppliers with high-road labor practices and significant domestic manufacturing content. A focus will be placed on manufacturers that are well-positioned to lead in the future of the automotive industry and need additional capital and support to grow their manufacturing capacity, including companies making critical investments in the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) production to electric vehicles (EV).
    These new announcements build on investments that the Biden-Harris Administration has already made in auto manufacturers, including in Michigan. For example, under the Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grant Program, the Department of Energy announced a $500 million award to General Motors in Lansing and a $158 million award to ZF North America in Marysville to support the conversion of these legacy ICE facilities to EV production—retaining or creating over 1,000 combined jobs. Both of these facilities are UAW unionized. The Department of Energy also announced that the State of Michigan is eligible to receive over $18 million in funding to provide grants to small- and medium-sized auto suppliers converting their facilities to electric vehicle production. To protect these investments from unfair trade practices abroad, the President has taken strong and strategic action, including by raising tariffs to 100% on EVs and batteries from China.
    The Administration welcomes additional commitments and actions from stakeholders across industry to support automakers and auto workers.
    Michigan Workforce Hub Commitments
    In 2023, First Lady Jill Biden announced the Investing in America Workforce Initiative in five initial locations where the Biden-Harris Investing in America agenda is catalyzing historic investments in industries of the future. In April, President Biden announced Michigan as one of four new Workforce Hubs, designed to prepare Michigan workers for the good-paying and union jobs created by these historic investments, with a focus on the auto sector. Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, industry has announced $28 billion in private investment in clean energy and manufacturing in Michigan. The Hub is focused on four pillars: improving alignment between training programs and industry needs, standardizing training program guidelines for emerging occupations in the auto supply chain, promoting career readiness with a focus on underserved communities, and addressing structural barriers to employment.
    The Michigan Workforce Hub is coordinating across the Department of Labor, the Department of Energy, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, community colleges, unions, employers, philanthropy, nonprofits, and others to deliver on President Biden’s announcement. Since the launch of the Hub, the Department of Labor has invested more than $5.4 million to modernize, expand, and diversify registered apprenticeship programs in Michigan across key industries, including manufacturing, and connect workers to good-paying jobs, and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has continued to leverage $25 million in American Rescue Plan funding to expand apprenticeships in the state. The Detroit Regional Partnership is also continuing to implement its $52.2 million grant from the American Rescue Plan to invest in the Detroit area’s legacy automotive industry and unite 135 local coalition members around a common vision for a collaborative and equitable regional economy; the coalition is undertaking
    To institutionalize the work of the Michigan Workforce Hub, the Department of Energy is announcing the selection of a full-time Michigan Fellow, hosted by the Michigan AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute. This Fellow is part of an inaugural cohort of ten fellows and host organizations funded by the Community Workforce Readiness Accelerator for Major Projects (RAMP) program—which is designed to address workforce gaps while ensuring that historic clean energy investments lift all communities, especially those historically left behind.
    Today, the Michigan Workforce Hub is announcing a suite of new federal, state, philanthropic, nonprofit, and private sector commitments:
    Building pipelines to careers for underserved communities:
    The Department of Labor and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity is announcing a new pilot program to train workers in Wayne County for over 140 high-quality jobs in the auto supply chain. The pilot will partner with local automotive employers to train workers while they earn a paycheck, addressing a major barrier to enrollment. As part of the pilot, the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) will work with employers, including Roush, and provide supportive services to address transportation, childcare, and other needs to make it easier for Detroit-area residents from underserved communities to access both training and good-paying manufacturing jobs.
    The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has partnered with International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and invested $4 million to support more than 500 Michigan workers to receive the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program credential in preparation for good-paying, union jobs installing EV chargers, including through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. Forty percent or more of the participants served will be from underserved targeted populations.
    Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute, and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) are launching an accelerated Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to Registered Apprenticeship Program pilot to expedite preparation of RAP candidates who have completed CDL training. Through collaborative efforts with Labor partners and the IBEW, leveraging innovative Apprenticeship Readiness Programs, 15 participants from traditionally underrepresented groups will receive CDL training and participate in a registered apprenticeship resulting in a good-paying union job.
    Taskforce Movement is partnering with the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity to create career pathways for transitioning service members and veterans into electronic vehicle, manufacturing, and cybersecurity jobs. Transitioning service members and veterans will leverage the skills and discipline honed during military service to build a more robust workforce while providing veterans with stable, high-quality careers.
    The Detroit Lions and Detroit Pistons will partner with Detroit Public Schools to launch new manufacturing career exposure programs for over 1,000 high school students, with a focus on supporting students from underrepresented and employment-distressed neighborhoods.
    Driving career readiness and standardizing training programs for good-paying jobs:
    The Department of Energy and over a dozen industry sponsors are providing $23.6 million in funding for the Battery Workforce Challenge to invest in equipment, technical support, mentorship, internships, and job placements and train up to 14,000 workers across the country for careers across the EV value chain—including technicians, electricians, skilled trades, and engineers. The program will invest more than $600,000 in colleges in Michigan to train over 300 Michiganders. Sponsors include Stellantis, Samsung SDI America, the American Battery Technology Company, AVL North America, Vector, and the Battery Innovation Center.
    The Department of Energy’s Battery Workforce Challenge Program, managed by Argonne National Laboratory, will create STEM talent pipelines in battery manufacturing hubs across the nation—the first being piloted in Michigan with the support of at least $400,000 in total, direct funding. Key partners in the Michigan pilot will include the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, high schools, vocational institutions, higher education, and industry. The Department of Energy will provide $200,000 in seed funding to Henry Ford Community College in Detroit to establish a state-of-the-art Battery/EV Technical Center. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation will also award $200,000 to the University of Michigan-Dearborn to establish an undergraduate-level training program as well as a summer boot camp to educate undergraduate students in EV battery technology and build a talent pipeline.
    The Department of Energy and Argonne will partner with New Energy New York to develop battery and EV training and educational content, “BattTech,” to be used in the Michigan pilot and the other Battery Workforce Hubs. BattTech will provide industry-aligned educational content and training in battery technology, EV development, safety, manufacturing, and recycling—ensuring participants are equipped with the skills required for roles across the battery and electric vehicle value chain.
    As part of the Battery Workforce Challenge, the Department of Energy will provide $250,000 to the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) to pilot a battery manufacturing career pathway in high school career technical education courses in Michigan. The battery manufacturing career pathway will be integrated into the SME PRIME (Partnership Response In Manufacturing Education) program that currently is serves 110 schools and 10,000 students annually across 23 states. SME PRIME also intends to further expand its existing footprint in Michigan.
    The Department of Energy’s Battery Workforce Initiative and Michigan community colleges will launch discussions for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to deploy industry-approved classroom and on-the-job training with battery manufacturers and their community college partners for high-demand occupations. This training program has also been certified by the Department of Labor as the guidelines for battery manufacturing machine operator apprenticeship.
     Supporting employers in building a skilled workforce and navigating resources:
    The Michigan Workforce Hub will provide new resources to employers to attract a skilled and diverse workforce for clean energy manufacturing jobs. The Department of Energy’s Battery Workforce Initiative will invest $200,000 to provide skills assessment and job task analysis to firms transitioning to EV component or clean goods production.
    Additionally, the Families and Workers Fund will partner with the Good Jobs Institute and Toyota Production System Support Center to deliver training and coaching to ten small and medium clean technology manufacturers to help them navigate workforce and operational challenges. The recruitment for the first cohort of manufacturers is now underway, and the program will formally launch in 2025.
    Leveraging American Rescue Plan funding, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and SEMCA Michigan Works! will accelerate the adoption of apprenticeship programs in Michigan, particularly for small- and medium-sized auto manufacturers, by launching a Race to Talent with Registered Apprenticeship Michigan Event on September 25, which is designed to grow employer and industry awareness of the benefits of Registered Apprenticeships in the EV and mobility sector.
    With philanthropic support and in partnership with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, NextStreet will create a digital hub to help connect small- and medium-sized suppliers in Michigan to resources to help with retooling, modernization, and economic transition.
    Supporting employers in building a skilled workforce and navigating resources:
    The Michigan Workforce Hub will provide new resources to employers to attract a skilled and diverse workforce for clean energy manufacturing jobs. The Department of Energy’s Battery Workforce Initiative will invest $200,000 to provide skills assessment and job task analysis to firms transitioning to EV component or clean goods production.
    Additionally, the Families and Workers Fund will partner with the Good Jobs Institute and Toyota Production System Support Center to deliver training and coaching to ten small and medium clean technology manufacturers to help them navigate workforce and operational challenges. The recruitment for the first cohort of manufacturers is now underway, and the program will formally launch in 2025.
    Leveraging American Rescue Plan funding, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and SEMCA Michigan Works! will accelerate the adoption of apprenticeship programs in Michigan, particularly for small- and medium-sized auto manufacturers, by launching a Race to Talent with Registered Apprenticeship Michigan Event on September 25, which is designed to grow employer and industry awareness of the benefits of Registered Apprenticeships in the EV and mobility sector.
    With philanthropic support and in partnership with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, NextStreet will create a digital hub to help connect small- and medium-sized suppliers in Michigan to resources to help with retooling, modernization, and economic transition.
    Building local capacity and promoting economic development:
    With the support of up to $250,000 in funding from the Department of Agriculture, the Federal Interagency Thriving Communities Network will team up with the State of Michigan, local officials, and economic development leaders to build capacity in the historic auto communities of Saginaw and Flint as well as rural communities in the Upper Peninsula. This initiative will work to close gaps related to workforce participation, infrastructure, and poverty—driving local economic comebacks. This work builds upon place-based capacity building efforts that the Network is providing to other parts of Michigan and across the country.
    The City of Lansing will increase representation of women in construction and skilled trades through the Leveraging Infrastructure Networks for Equity Initiative, a partnership between the Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau and the non-profit Accelerator for America. This project has been renewed for second year with nearly $500,000 in funding to improve pathways for women to access the good jobs being created by historical investments in infrastructure.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Incident After-Action Review Observation Development

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    This video describes the development of incident after-action review observations. Observations summarize key topics and resulting recommended actions. The video considers why observations are important and how to write and validate them. Chapter two of the National Continuous Improvement Guidance (NCIG) provides more information on this topic. https://preptoolkit.fema.gov/web/cip-citap/ncig.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syB3oRxRf98

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of British High Commissioner to Canada: Robert Tinline

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Robert Tinline has been appointed British High Commissioner to Canada.

    Robert Tinline

    Mr Robert Tinline has been appointed British High Commissioner to Canada in succession to Ms Susannah Goshko CMG, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. 

    Mr Tinline will take up his appointment during February 2025.

    Curriculum vitae         

    Full name: Robert Tinline

    Year Role
    2022 to present FCDO, Director Americas
    2020 to 2022 FCDO, Director COVID
    2017 to 2019 Joint Intelligence Committee, Chief of the Assessments Staff
    2015 to 2017 Head of HMG Counter Proliferation and Arms Control Centre
    2012 to 2015 UK Representation to the EU, Deputy Head of Mission
    2011 to 2012  Madrid, Deputy Head of Mission
    2010 to 2011 FCO, Head of Consular Assistance
    2008 to 2010 FCO, Head of Near East Department
    2007 to 2008 Basra, Deputy Consul General
    2005 to 2007 FCO, Press Office
    2003 to 2005 FCO, Counter Terrorism Department
    1999 to 2002 Bogotá, Second Secretary
    1997 to 1998 FCO, Security Policy Department
    1997 Joined FCO

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Happy Hispanic Heritage Month from Secretary Cardona

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    #HispanicHeritageMonth is an opportunity to celebrate the Latino students, teachers, staff, and families across the U.S. who are strengthening our schools every day.

    Secretary Miguel Cardona’s message to them for their countless contributions: ¡Muchísimas gracias!

    #HHM

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUjEhK6OICI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Connecting with Multicultural & Multilingual Students

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    By leveraging his Hispanic heritage and his bilingualism, Jorge Torres – the American School Counselor Association’s 2023 Washington State School Counselor of the Year – connects with students who are multilingual & multicultural, helping them feel more seen in their school.

    #HispanicHeritageMonth #HHM

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKJA9FzBbGY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Lebanon: grave concern of explosions & Palestine/Israel: Displaced people- Security Council Briefing

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Briefing UN Security Council members today (19 Sep) on the situation in the Middle East, Tor Wennesland, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process expressed his “grave concern” on the “the series of explosions across Lebanon and rockets fired toward Israel in recent days,” warning that these incidents add to the overall volatility. Wennesland urged all parties to “refrain from steps that will further exacerbate the situation and take immediate steps to deescalate.”

    In his briefing, Wennesland also highlighted the ongoing demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. He noted that over 550 people, including 250 children, had been displaced. He said, “demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures continued… citing the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are almost impossible for Palestinians to obtain.”

    The Special Coordinator also expressed alarm over provocative actions and rhetoric on both sides. Urging all parties to reject such dangerous incitements, he said, “a joint statement from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad threatened a return to the use of suicide bombings… while an Israeli minister said, ‘Palestinian prisoners must be killed. Shot in the head.’”

    Helen Clark, a member of The Elders and former Prime Minister of New Zealand, told the Security Council that the current approach to managing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has failed. She criticized member states that use their veto power to “protect allies” or “obstruct geopolitical rivals,” warning that this undermines the authority of the Council.

    Riyad H. Mansour, Permanent Observer of Palestine to the UN, referred to a recent advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice, declaring Israel’s presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as unlawful. “The Court reaffirmed the illegality of Israel’s settlements… stressing the obligations of the occupying Power to cease immediately all settlement activities,” Mansour said.

    Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon said, “this Council and the world must wake up to the reality of the threat Iran poses. The dark force driving the violence we see today is not a collection of independent groups; it is Iran pulling the strings,” He said, “the Iranian proxies, Hezbollah in the North, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen, Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria and terrorist cells in Judea and Samaria, are all Iran’s attack dogs unleashed to spread death and destruction across the region.” Danon further said that Iran is not only targeting Israel but is seeking domination of the entire Middle East, while the Palestinian Authority is being “utterly weak and impotent.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONnkcIa8MYE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: What major achievement has been made by the General Assembly? – #UNGA Explained | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    From today, UN Video presents a series of videos addressing the most frequently asked questions by the public, aimed at demystifying and explaining the General Assembly. These eight short clips are available, please share! We appreciate your warm reception of these materials! We would like to thank Julia Foxen and Heyi Zou for their contributions to these explainers.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR5H-8XGN98

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Students of SPbGASU participate in the survey “DNA of Russia”

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Students of SPbGASU – participants of the survey “DNA of Russia”. On the left, behind the podium – Irina Lapina

    From September 17 to October 7, the “Not Indifferent Person” platform is conducting a survey called “DNA of Russia”. First-year students of SPbGASU studying the discipline “Fundamentals of Russian Statehood” are actively participating in it.

    “Any civilization is a living organism. This explains the application of such a term as DNA to Russia. After all, DNA is one of the most important molecules through which the genetic code of all living beings is transmitted,” Irina Lapina, head of the history and philosophy department at our university, addressed the survey participants at a meeting with students.

    According to Irina Yuryevna, thanks to digital technologies, expressing one’s opinion has become much easier: in ancient times, one had to gather a veche to do this.

    Student Leonid Razumov reported on the importance of the topics covered by the survey: its questions concern the future of Russia and how young people see themselves in 10–15 years.

    Student Polina Dmitrieva believes that this survey is very relevant, because it makes you think seriously about life.

    “Such a survey motivates, helps to systematize thoughts. It is interesting for people who do not sit still, constantly develop, set goals and want to move towards them,” says student Yaroslav Kudryavtsev.

    The DNA of Russia survey is conducted by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation as part of the state assignment “Organizational and methodological support for research into the socio-psychological well-being of students and employees of higher education institutions using a digital survey system, automated data collection and analysis.” A total of six online surveys are planned for this year.

    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://www.spbgasu.ru/nevs-and-events/nevs/students-spbgasu-participating-in-a-survey-DNA-Russia/

    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 Africa: Condolences for snowfall victim

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Minister, Narend Singh, has expressed sadness at the loss of life that resulted from freezing temperatures and snowfall that covered parts of the country.

    Snowfall brought everyday life to a halt in parts of the country and at least one death over the weekend.

    “We are saddened by the loss of life; one death is one too many. Our hearts go out to the deceased’s loved ones and all the members of the public that remain trapped in the snow covering parts of the country, especially the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands,” Singh said.

    Expressing sadness at the loss of life and the plight of travellers who were stranded along the N3, R74, and the R617 national and regional roads, among others, Singh said it was critical for the public to consult weather forecasts and warnings ahead of outdoor activity, such as travelling, to stay out of harm’s way.

    “It is of paramount importance for the public to normalise checking the weather forecast as they go about planning any outdoor activities including travel and mass events. Such information is disseminated several times each day on traditional and new media platforms to avoid the very dire situation we sadly find ourselves in,” the Deputy Minister said.

    Heavy snowfall occurred over the western and southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the eastern Free State, among other areas, endangering lives. The adverse weather led to difficult driving conditions.

    At least one person has been reported dead due to exposure of extremely cold conditions.

    READ | Roads reopened to traffic after snowfall

    On Wednesday, the South African Weather Service (SAWS), an entity of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, issued a media release alerting the public about expected disruptive snow of 15 to 30cm over parts of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and Mpumalanga between Friday, 20 September and Saturday, 21 September 2024.

    The SAWS said at the time that the snowfall was likely to result in the closure of mountain passes, loss of livestock and crops, and affect major traffic routes including parts of the N3, N5 and N11.

    The entity added that cold to very cold daytime temperatures of between 8 to 12°C could also be expected over Gauteng and the eastern parts of the North West on Saturday, 21 September. The media release was followed by several severe weather warnings.

    Singh said the global Early Warning for All (EW4All) agenda, in terms of which countries of the world are called upon to put measures in place to ensure that everyone on earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through lifesaving Early Warning Systems by the end of 2027, will only bear fruit if the public heeds the warnings of authorities such as the SAWS.

    “The public is advised to follow weather reports on radio and television. More weather information can be accessed through the SAWS website www.weathersa.co.za, its WeatherSMART APP and social media platforms,” Singh said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: KZN emergency services ready to assist residents 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has instructed relevant departments and emergency services to prioritise clearing affected routes and assisting stranded road users amid the adverse weather conditions in the province.

    Addressing the media on the provincial government’s interventions in response to the current severe weather conditions impacting the province, Acting Premier Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa, said the Provincial Executive Council (EXCO) has decided that immediate interventions must be focused on the routes most affected by the heavy snowfall.

    “This decision is aimed at ensuring the safety of motorists and facilitating the swift restoration of normal travel conditions in these areas,” Madlopha-Mthethwa said on Sunday.

    Madlopha-Mthethwa highlighted that the provincial government responded swiftly to the ongoing heavy snowfall affecting various parts of the province, and in coordination with all relevant stakeholders, emergency response measures have been activated to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens and motorists.

    As part of the provincial government’s response, officers from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) have been activated to assist motorists navigating treacherous roads.

    “The Road Traffic Inspectorate and Provincial Emergency Services have been deployed to assist motorists stranded on roads impacted by the snowfall. These teams are working tirelessly to ensure safe passage and provide assistance where necessary.

    “The Municipal Parks Department is on standby to remove tree debris from affected roads and areas. Furthermore, we are collaborating with non-governmental organisations such as the Red Cross and the Al Imdaad Foundation, who are providing food, water, and hot meals to stranded motorists.”

    Provincial agencies, including the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the Department of Social Development, are actively profiling affected families and offering immediate relief.

    “Social workers have also been deployed to offer psycho-social support, social welfare services, and child protection services to those in need. Eskom and municipal electrical departments are on the ground, working to restore power where outages have occurred.

    “Additionally, SAPS [South African Police Service] and SANDF [South African National Defence Force] are on standby with helicopters to assist in delivering hot meals and evacuating individuals in severely impacted areas.
    “Line function departments such as Health, Education, Agriculture, EDTEA [Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs], Transport, and Human Settlements have activated their contingency plans to ensure that the needs of affected communities are met swiftly and efficiently,” Madlopha-Mthethwa explained.

    The provincial government has also called on all citizens to exercise caution considering the heavy snowfall and rain currently affecting the province.

    Madlopha-Mthethwa urged residents to remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines, and avoid unnecessary travel to ensure their safety during these challenging weather conditions.

    “The provincial government remains committed to mitigating the impact of the storm and providing continuous support to affected communities. Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves,” Madlopha-Mthethwa said.

    READ | Government prioritises providing shelter for stranded motorists in anticipation of more snow

    Roads reopened

    Meanwhile, following the deployment of more graders, most routes affected by snow were reopened on Sunday evening.

    These include the N11 Ladysmith to Newcastle; N11 Amajuba Pass; R33 Vryheid to Dundee, water damping on the road at Cotswold; R34 Newcastle to Bloodriver/Vryheid; R33 Vryheid to Paulpietersburg; R34 Vryheid to Melmoth; R69 Vryheid to Pongola; and N2 Richards Bay to Piet Retief.

    The R34 Newcastle to Memel is closed.

    Motorists have been requested to cancel any unnecessary travel.

    READ | Tips for safer driving on icy roads

    The provincial government extended its appreciation to the private sector and many other non-governmental organisations that are taking part in the important rescue operation.

    “As [the] provincial government we wish to extend deepest condolences to the family of the victims who tragically lost their lives due to hypothermia during the recent snowstorm. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this incredibly difficult time.

    “The provincial government stands ready to offer support to the affected family, and we continue to work diligently to ensure the safety of all citizens amid these extreme weather conditions,” Madlopha-Mthethwa said. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Graves Works to Protect Missouri Farmers from Federal Land Grabs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sam Graves (6th District of Missouri)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) introduced the Rails to Trails Landowner Rights Act and the Protecting Our Farmers from the Green New Deal Act today. Both bills strengthen landowner rights to stop federal land seizures.

    “There are few things more sacred than our right to own property, to farm, and to provide for our families,” said Graves. “That’s why our Founding Fathers sought to protect landowners from government land grabs with the Fifth Amendment. Sadly, too many Washington bureaucrats these days just don’t get it—and that’s exactly why we need stronger laws to keep these unaccountable bureaucrats in line, protect landowner rights, and stop unjust federal land grabs.”

    H.R. 9604, the Rails to Trails Landowner Rights Act, reigns in the Surface Transportation Board’s Rails to Trails program, which allows the federal government to take former railroad corridors and give those corridors to third parties for use as recreational trails. This broken process violates the constitutional rights of landowners and unfairly cuts them out of the process. Graves’ legislation would require trail sponsors to get sign off from all impacted landowners and fully compensate landowners when a project moves forward.

    You can read the Rails to Trails Landowner Rights Act here.

    H.R. 9603, the Protecting Our Farmers from the Green New Deal Act repeals provisions from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act(IIJA) signed into law by President Biden that allow the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to override state permitting decisions and approve eminent domain for electric transmission lines.

    You can read the Protecting Our Farmers from the Green New Deal Acthere.

    As Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Congressman Graves also included language in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 that prohibits the United States Army Corps of Engineers from acquiring any lands or interest in lands using eminent domain under the Missouri River BSNP Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Project.

    You can read the Section 331(a)(3) on pg. 269 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 here.

    What They Are Saying:

    Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins:

    “For too long, property owners have been run over by provisions of the federal Rails to Trails program, which allows the conversion of abandoned rail lines to public trails without their consent. Protecting private property rights is a priority for Missouri Farm Bureau. We are grateful to Chairman Graves for leading the charge to ensure landowners rights are protected when new trails are proposed. We look forward to working with Chairman Graves and his colleagues in Congress to move this priority initiative across the finish line.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Health Bureau designates operator of Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute through open tender

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Health Bureau designates operator of Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute through open tender
    Health Bureau designates operator of Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute through open tender
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Health Bureau (HHB) announced today (September 23) that, after months of preparation with full effort since the Chief Executive put forward in the Policy Address last October the establishment of the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute (GBAICTI) in the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (i.e. the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park), the GBAICTI is anticipated to come into full operation in the fourth quarter of this year at the Central Government-Aided Emergency Hospital in the Hetao area upon completion of the construction of its temporary office and biobank therein. The GBAICTI plans to move into one of the wet laboratory-enabled buildings, which is expected to complete construction later in the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, with a view to enhancing Hong Kong’s innovation and technology ecosystem in a proactive manner.     The HHB established the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute Limited in the second quarter of this year and designated the LKS Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong through an open tender process in the third quarter to operate the GBAICTI. The Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute Limited is wholly owned by the Government to oversee the work of the operator and effectively supervise the operations of the GBAICTI.     Clinical trials are an important process in translating basic research on drug and medical device innovation into marketing authorisation and clinical application. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has high-quality healthcare professions, and a considerable amount of high-quality research data generated by local clinical trials over the years has been widely recognised by drug regulatory authorities both on the Mainland and abroad. The GBAICTI will serve as a one-stop clinical trial support platform to co-ordinate and integrate clinical trial resources in Hong Kong’s public and private sectors, including universities, the Hospital Authority and private healthcare facilities, to give impetus to the development of clinical trials on all fronts.     The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, said, “The establishment of the GBAICTI in the strategic location of the Hetao area can combine the strengths of Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and leverage the development positioning of the Hetao Area for technology innovation and institutional innovation as well as the related cross-boundary facilitation measures, to provide multinational pharmaceutical enterprises, Mainland innovative biopharmaceutical enterprises, hospitals and research institutions with more efficient services, encouraging them to conduct clinical trials in Hong Kong and the GBA, thereby expediting the translation of research results. We hope that this will attract more pharmaceutical and medical device enterprises within and outside Hong Kong to conduct clinical trials in Hong Kong to further enhance the city’s capacity, recognition and status in terms of clinical trials and support a progressive transition to a primary evaluation approach for drug registration in Hong Kong.”     The National 14th Five-Year Plan has expressed clear support to develop Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub. The Development Plan for Shenzhen Park of Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone promulgated by the State Council in August last year also indicated clear support for the co-ordinated development of the Hong Kong Park and the Shenzhen Park under the “one zone, two parks” model to promote the innovative application of cutting-edge biomedical technologies. The GBAICTI in the Hong Kong Park and the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Centre in the Shenzhen Park will join forces to synergise the development of clinical trials, drive co-operation among the clinical trial networks of the HKSAR and the Mainland (the GBA in particular), and at the same time co-ordinate clinical trial work of both places to comply with national and international standards.     The GBAICTI will formulate work plans on initiatives including talent training, optimisation of processes and collaboration in the GBA. Details will be announced in due course.

     
    Ends/Monday, September 23, 2024Issued at HKT 18:01

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sun Dong to visit Wuhan

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong will depart for a visit to Wuhan in Hubei Province tomorrow morning to learn more about the province’s efforts in promoting the development of innovation and technology, and new industrialisation.

    He will tour advanced manufacturing and microelectronics enterprises as well as key scientific research institutes and facilities.

    Prof Sun will also meet and engage in exchanges with senior officials of local universities, leaders of high-tech enterprises and technology experts, and call on leaders of the People’s Government of Hubei Province.

    The technology chief is scheduled to attend the 2024 China Automotive Supply Chain Conference & the Third China New Energy Intelligent Networked Vehicle Ecological Conference organised by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers and Dongfeng Corporation.

    Commissioner for Industry (Innovation & Technology) Ge Ming will join the visit.

    Prof Sun will return to Hong Kong on the evening of September 25. During his absence, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Lillian Cheong will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sellafield apprentice nominated for prestigious award

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Lucy Jarvis is a finalist in the Apprentice of the Year category at the Engineering Construction Industry Training and Development Awards.

    Lucy Jarvis, Sellafield Ltd

    Lucy, from Cockermouth, West Cumbria, is a technical degree apprentice and started at Sellafield Ltd in 2022.

    She works in a team managing quality assurance documents which ensure nuclear safety is protected when nuclear waste is packaged and stored.

    One of the highlights of her apprenticeship so far, was being involved in a project designed to overcome robot obsolescence on the Sellafield site.

    Another was representing Sellafield Ltd at the Nuclear Week in Parliament Skills and Apprenticeship Fair 2023.

    She said:

    I was quite surprised when I found out about the nomination. It was a really exciting time when I got the email and I’m looking forward to attending the ceremony.

    I’ve really enjoyed my apprenticeship so far. There have been lots of opportunities to network with different people and learn from subject matter experts. There’s a vast range of roles to venture into and my manager has been really supportive of my development throughout.

    The Sellafield Education and Skills team have been really supportive, they helped to arrange trips to the Vandellos reactor site in Barcelona and the CERN research centre in Switzerland as well as many national EDF sites.

    These visits have allowed me to reach my level 6 apprenticeship competencies as well as gain knowledge from other areas in the sector.

    But Lucy isn’t resting on her laurels, she already has plans for future career development.

    She said:

    Next year I will be starting my secondment in project management at Sellafield, and I will be finishing my foundation degree and starting my degree in plant engineering.

    The Engineering Construction Industry Training and Development Awards are an annual celebration of outstanding achievements in skill enhancement, highlighting exceptional young talent in the sector.

    Lucy will find out if she’s been successful at a ceremony in London on 5 November 2024.

    Her nomination is the third piece of good news for Sellafield’s apprentice scheme in as many months.

    In July, the company was named one of the top 100 apprenticeship employers in England.

    And earlier this month, another 300 vocational and degree apprentices and 150 graduates joined the business.

    The bumper intake underlined Sellafield Ltd’s commitment to investing in young careers and nurturing future talent to ensure the company continues to drive towards its century-long clean up mission.

    Michelle Lambon-Wilks, head of education and skills for Sellafield Ltd, said:

    We’re so proud of Lucy’s achievements. We’re all crossing our fingers she wins the award.

    But even if she doesn’t, she’s still a fabulous role model for other apprentices and young people considering a career in our industry.

    We’ll begin recruiting for next year’s cohort of apprentices in November 2024. Lucy is an example of how far you can go if you’re willing to take a chance and push yourself to achieve.

    Further reading

    Hundreds of new starters begin their careers at Sellafield

    Sellafield Ltd careers – graduates, placements and apprenticeships

    6 things that might surprise you about being a graduate engineer at Sellafield

    How to join our talent community

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: At United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79), African Development Bank affirms standing as champion of Africa’s prosperity

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

    NEW YORK, United States of America, September 23, 2024/APO Group/ —

    As the world convenes in New York this week for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79), Africa’s 1.2 billion people will be counting on their participating leaders and pan-African institutions like the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) to lead the charge on matters critical to the continent’s sustainable development and prosperity.

    Issues of climate change, the reform of the global financial architecture, peace, food and health security, access to clean energy and connectivity, among others, are captured in the Bank’s High 5s (http://apo-opa.co/3BnAsrS), are advanced in the new Ten-Year Strategy (http://apo-opa.co/3ZG5u8q) and are aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, ‘the Africa we want’.

    The High-Level Segment of the 79th Session of UNGA, bringing together member states, international organizations, intergovernmental bodies, and other key stakeholders, will be held from 22-30 September 2024 under the theme “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations.”

    The 2024 meetings take place against a backdrop of growing concern about the ability to meet critical targets outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda.

    The SDGS outline seventeen “goals” collectively described as “a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future” and with a deadline of 2030.  They were first unveiled at UNGA 70 in 2015 which saw Dr. Akinwunmi A. Adesina’s debut appearance as the African Development Bank Group President.

    Over the last decade, the African Development Bank has ramped up efforts and investments aimed to accelerate the attainment of the SDGs, in synergy with its own High-5s agenda of Light Up and Power Africa; Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa. By focusing on these High 5s, the African Development Bank has said, Africa stands the chance of accomplishing 90 percent of its Sustainable Development Goals for Africa.

    Accompanied to New York by a high-level delegation of Bank Group executives, Adesina will helm a major push to strengthen partnerships and generate more support and commitment from key stakeholders for the continent’s development priorities.

    Adesina’s packed UNGA itinerary will kick off on Sunday, 22 September, at this year’s  ‘The Summit of the Future’ (http://apo-opa.co/3MTW2qA), scheduled for 22-23 September 2024. At the summit, Adesina will join world leaders to deliver a statement and adopt an action-oriented document to be known as “A Pact for the Future.”

    He will also take part in a closed-door meeting with UN Secretary General António Guterres to discuss the critical issues of mobilizing greater private sector participation in Africa’s development, and the reform of multilateral development banks (MDBs).

    Adesina will also speak at an event entitled “The World is at a Crossroads”, which will result in a new global blueprint designed to ensure humankind embraces rapid advances in technology and science to deliver on the promise of a better, more peaceful and prosperous future for people and the planet.

    A major issue for the Bank is presenting the case for additional funds for the African Development Fund (ADF) , the Bank’s concessional lending arm, which since 2001 has been at the forefront of the Bank’s drive to advance the fragility agenda in Africa. The Bank, one of the first multilateral institutions to embed the concept of fragility and resilience into all its operations, is seeking to secure an ambitious replenishment of $25 billion for the ADF.

    A fireside chat, hosted by the broadcaster CNN, will present a platform for Adesina to highlight the Bank’s ground-breaking Desert to Power programme across the continent’s Sahel region, which aims to create the largest solar energy zone in the world and connect 250 million people to electricity by 2030.

    The bank president will also address a steering committee meeting of the Access to the Digital Economy (MADE Alliance-Africa) (http://apo-opa.co/4dibTdt) – an organization of which he is a co-chair which aims to provide digital access to 100 million people in Africa. Dr Adesina will stress how he believes the work of MADE is critical to address the ambitious and promising goal of reaching 100 million African farmers in 10 years.

    He will be joined by the Bank’s vice-presidents for Regional Development, Integration, and Business Delivery, Finance, Agriculture, Human, and Social Development, Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialization and Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth and the Chief Economist.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen related to China CITIC Bank International Limited

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

         The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by China CITIC Bank International Limited relating to a fraudulent website and an internet banking login screen, which has been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
          
         The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
          
         Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website or login screen concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sep 21, 2024 HandyDART Strike Over as Workers Reach Tentative Agreement

    Source: US Amalgamated Transit Union

    ATU Local 1724-Vancouver, BC, Members to Hold Ratification Vote

    Vancouver, BC – After an 18-day strike, an aggressive campaign, and months of bargaining, HandyDART workers have reached a tentative agreement with Transdev, the multinational company contracted by Translink to operate the service. The members of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1724-Vancouver, BC, will hold a ratification vote in the coming days.

    On September 3, HandyDART workers launched their strike with a spirited rally attended by ATU International President John Costa, labor leaders from across the region, HandyDART riders, and allies. Since then the two sides have been holding mediated contract talks resulting in this tentative agreement.

    “It’s been a long fight for our HandyDART members, but since day one of our strike, we have stood strong and we have never been more united,” said Local 1724 President/Business Agent Joe McCann. “We nnow have a fair and just contract that narrows the gap between us and conventional transit. It also ensures a safe and reliable transit system for our HandyDART riders who rely on this critical service. We would like to thank our riders in particular, who have shown us overwhelming solidarity during these difficult 18 days.”

    The new contract includes significant wage increases that would address the staffing shortages, and the Union was also able to push back on the use of taxis through creative language on shift scheduling and reporting.

    The Union had been in contract negotiations with Transdev since November 2023. On June 27, 2024, HandyDART workers voted 95% to authorize strike action, with 87% of active members participating in the strike vote overall. Then starting on July 3, HandyDART workers engaged in partial work withdrawals as part of a steady ramp up of job actions. These have included: refusals to wear uniforms; collect fares; work overtime; fill out certain kinds of paperwork; and doing work off the clock.

    Among the other key issues were staffing shortages and high worker turnover, which had been more than double that of the rest of Translink, due to poor compensation in comparison to other transit jobs in the region. Worker shortages have been a major factor in the skyrocketing use of taxis at HandyDART, and riders have complained that taxi drivers do not have the same training nor provide the same door-to-door service. This has led to many Mayors and City Councils openly calling for Translink to bring the service in-house in order to improve safety and public accountability.

    “I am proud of our HandyDART members. On the picket lines and rallies, I saw firsthand their strength, unity, and solidarity,” said International President John Costa. “The result was a strong contract that recognizes the commitment and dedication of our HandyDART members to provide safe and reliable transportation for our seniors and people with disabilities. Our members now have a pathway to the middle class for the critical public service they provide. It was an honor to hold the line with you.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Millions of kids are poisoned by lead every year. We have a plan to save them.

    Source: USAID

    By Administrator Samantha Power and Open Philanthropy CEO Alexander Berger
    Washington Post

    Ten years ago, when residents of Flint, Mich., were exposed to toxic levels of lead in their drinking water, 1 in 20 children in the city had elevated blood lead levels that placed them at risk for heart disease, strokes, cognitive deficits and developmental delays – health effects that residents still grapple with to this day. It was only after activists rallied, organized and advocated relentlessly that national attention focused on Flint, and officials committed nearly half a billion dollars to clean up Flint’s water.

    Today, there is a lead poisoning crisis raging on a far greater scale – and hardly anyone is talking about it.

    In low- and middle-income countries, home to more than 1.5 billion of the world’s children, 1 in 2 children has elevated levels of lead in their blood. That’s 10 times the rate of poisoning at the height of the crisis in Flint. The Center for Global Development estimates that the damage lead is causing to children’s brains accounts for 20 percent of the education gap between high- and low-income countries. All told, every year, lead poisoning is estimated to cost the global economy more than $1 trillion and claims at least 1.5 million lives – more than annual deaths from HIV and malaria combined.

    Yet the yearly global funding for tackling lead poisoning in developing countries totals just $15 million – the cost of a single 60-second ad at the Super Bowl, and a small fraction of what is spent on diseases with similar health burdens.

    CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL OP-ED IN THE WASHINGTON POST

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Administrator Samantha Power Meets with UAE Assistant Minister Lana Nusseibeh

    Source: USAID

    The below is attributable to Spokesperson Benjamin Suarato:‎

    Today, Administrator Samantha Power met with Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs for the United Arab Emirates to discuss necessary actions to more effectively respond to the catastrophic humanitarian crises in Gaza, Sudan, and Yemen.

    MIL OSI USA News –