NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Searching for a Universal Principle for Unconventional Superconductivity

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    You may recognize graphite as the “lead” in a pencil, but besides helping you take notes or fill in countless bubbles on exam answer sheets, it is helping scientists grapple with the secrets of superconductivity.

    Superconductivity happens when an electric current is transmitted through wires without the loss of any energy in the form of heat or resistance. Superconducting materials have the potential to revolutionize many aspects of our daily lives, from improving the electrical grid to making more powerful computers. However, superconductivity generally requires very low temperatures, so low they may become impractical, and the exact mechanisms of superconductivity are not well understood for many superconducting materials.

    In their recent Nature publication, a collaboration of researchers, including UConn Department of Physics Professor Pavel Volkov, detail surprising findings about superconductivity in twisted trilayer graphene.

    In 2018, attention focused on the rich physics of superconductivity in multilayer graphene, which is a single layer of carbon atoms forms graphite. As a single layer, graphene is not superconducting; however, this changes when two layers are stacked and slightly twisted to form twisted bilayer graphene (TBG). Stacking three layers to make twisted trilayer graphene (TTG) together makes the system more stable and robust and was the subject for much of this study.

    The twist leads to unique and unconventional superconducting properties in the twisted trilayer graphene. Volkov says that at a so-called ‘magic’ twist angle, quantum interference effects lead to the motion of elections slowing down enormously as they move through the layers of graphene, allowing them to interact much more strongly with one another, which is likely the driving force of superconductivity.

    “A number of observations on twisted trilayer graphene are quite similar to another system of immense interest where interactions are strong — the cuprate high transition temperature superconductors. We’re interested in it fundamentally because we don’t quite understand how this works,” Volkov says.

    Indeed, the famous theory of Bardeen, Cooper and Schrieffer, published in 1957, is known to fit well many known superconductors, Volkov explains. Their theory attributes superconductivity to the electrons forming “Cooper pairs” due to interaction with lattice vibrations. However, it does not match the observations for cuprates and several other material classes, which has since earned the name of “unconventional” superconductors. Some of them, like cuprates, become superconducting at relatively high temperatures – which in this case is -200°F – while others, including TTG, superconduct only at extremely low temperatures below -450°F. Yet, the presence of strong interactions between the electrons unites these rather different materials.

    Scientists hope that studying how superconductivity happens in TTG may help gain understanding the origin of unconventional superconductivity and in raising the extremely low temperatures required.

    Getting a conclusive answer 

    Volkov says the graphene system is great for studying superconductivity because it is clean, and fairly easy to control.

    “After adding the twist, suddenly it starts to show all the physics that we don’t understand,” he says. “The hope is that if we start with a system which is perhaps a little bit more in the theoretical control than the messy chemistry of the cuprates, maybe we can understand the general principles behind unconventional, non-BCS superconductors.”

    Many previous studies in graphene, though they contribute important information, are limited in describing superconductivity, says Volkov, because those experiments focus on the properties of single electrons rather than electron pairs.

    “What matters is that electrons form pairs, and somehow you want to probe the properties of those pairs to be able to study superconductivity. That is what this experiment achieves.”

    Volkov offers an analogy: if an electric field is applied to a superconductor, it will result in an increase in the velocity and acceleration of the electron pairs and a current increasing in time. This phenomenon is known as inductance.

    “At an engineering level, a superconductor is just an inductor, the problem is they are typically bad inductors. The better a superconductor is, the worse it is as an inductor.”

    Volkov says that co-authors Abhishek Bannerjee, Zeyu Hao and Mary Kreidel from the groups of Philip Kim, from Harvard’s Department of Physics, and K.C. Fong from Raytheon BBN Technologies, developed electrical circuits that allow the researchers to perform experiments to study the inductance of the superconducting graphene. Then, they were able to directly measure the inertia and density of the Cooper pairs that lead to superconductivity.

    Volkov says the question they wanted to answer concerns the structure of the electron pairs. When particles form a pair, their relative motion does not stop, but different kinds of motion can occur. While in the BCS theory relative motion of electrons in a pair is uniform, or isotropic, Volkov says there is evidence that the electrons in unconventional superconductors pair in a non-uniform, or anisotropic way.

    “Up to this work, I don’t think we had a conclusive answer on whether that pairing is isotropic or anisotropic in twisted graphene,” he says. “It’s important because the conventional mechanisms of superconductivity, such as what is proposed in BCS theory, typically advocate for uniform isotropic pairing. This experiment demonstrates that pairing in TTG is strongly anisotropic, and it reinforces the connection between twisted tri-layer graphene and high transition temperature cuprates, which is remarkable. As scientists, we want to see things that are that are complex but universal, because there’s trivial complexity. Every sample is different. Here we find two very different materials, showing quite similar properties, including superconductivity. Given the excellent tunability of TTG, the hope is that maybe we can get our hands on the universal principles of unconventional superconductivity, which are still missing.”

    ‘Beautiful experiments’ 

    Volkov says the discovery has been made by studying how temperature and current breaks the electron pairs apart. For strongly anisotropic pairs, there are always directions along which the pair is easy to break. Thus, even a tiny temperature change can lead to anisotropic pairs breaking apart. Volkov says they experimented with other parameters to disrupt the Cooper pairs, such as altering the current, and the results further confirm that the Cooper pairs in TTG are highly anisotropic.

    To understand more about the underlying electronic state, Volkov developed a theoretical model for the behavior of the TTG inductance as a function of temperature and current, in collaboration with co-authors Patrick Ledwith and Ashvin Vishwanath from Harvard’s Department of Physics.

    “By measuring the properties of superconducting pairs of electrons, we also get information on the underlying electronic structure and underlying properties of single electrons in that highly anisotropic state,” Volkov says. “That information is something we had to do theoretical modeling for, because it was not conforming to some simple expectations, where the more electrons you put in, the more superconducting pairs you get. That’s not how it works here. These beautiful experiments also gave us insights on the behavior of single electrons in TTG.”

    The take-home message of the paper is the electrons in twisted multilayer graphene behave unlike those described by BCS theory; but remarkably, they share properties with high-temperature cuprates, which may have practical uses. As Volkov says, they need to go back to the drawing board to develop a new theory of the superconducting state that accounts for these extraordinary materials because they may pave the way for a new generation of superconductors for real-world applications.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Virus vs. Bacteria: Phages Prove Effective at Killing Pathogens in Milk

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Dennis D’Amico, associate professor of animal science, has demonstrated that bacteriophages can effectively reduce the amount of common foodborne pathogens in milk.

    Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria. Some phages follow a lytic life cycle where they inject their DNA into the host cell and hijack its mechanisms to reproduce. When the number of phages grows too large, the cell will burst, killing the bacteria. The released phages will continue to self-propagate, seeking out more and more of their target bacteria to infect and kill. Then, once they have used up all the bacteria, they will simply die off.

    Each bacteriophage is highly specific and will only target one genus or one species, and in some cases, only one strain of a bacteria.

    “If you have a target like a foodborne pathogen – like E. coli – there are phages that will really only infect E. coli,” says D’Amico. “So, any good bacteria in your gut and in your food will be unaffected, and your human cells will be completely unaffected.”

    Bacteriophages are an organic anti-bacterial option that has no impact on the color, flavor, or texture of the food.

    “The reception for the use of phages from producers is very high because it’s a natural approach,” says D’Amico, who also has an appointment with UConn Extension to share his expertise with communities.

    D’Amico looked at a series of commercially available bacteriophages that target the most common dairy-borne pathogens: Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli to see how effective they were in destroying these bacteria in milk and cheese.

    Each of the products D’Amico evaluated were a mixture of phages that target certain pathogenic species or strains.

    “You do a big mix of these phages with the hope that you’ll cover all the strains that you might encounter in your food product,” D’Amico says.

    D’Amico saw significant reductions in pathogen counts in pasteurized milk. These effects were observable within a few hours and held steady for a week.

    Listeria counts decreased by a factor of 10,000 compared to the control. For E. coli it was a bit more complicated, as some strains decreased by only a factor of five, while others decreased by 100 times.

    These findings were published in Food Microbiology.

    In raw milk, the phages did not reduce counts of Listeria or E. coli. In fact, phage counts decreased.

    This is because the heat used in pasteurization changes the shape of the proteins that would otherwise interfere with the phage’s activity. In raw milk, these proteins bind to the phages and prevent them from reaching their bacterial targets.

    Salmonella, however, was a different story. The phages successfully reduced that pathogen’s count in both pasteurized and raw milk.

    In pasteurized milk, the phages reduced pathogen counts by a factor of 200-1,500. In raw milk, the reductions were more modest but still significant at 13 to nearly 200 times. These findings were also published in Food Microbiology.

    D’Amico did not observe significant reductions in either gouda (a semihard, aged cheese) or queso fresco (a soft, fresh cheese).

    “Cheese is the act of turning a liquid to a solid,” D’Amico says. “Those phages are now trapped in a spot, and the bacteria are trapped in a spot, and their ability to find each other is greatly reduced. So, we saw a major reduction in their effectiveness during the cheese making process.”

    However, there were modest reductions in pathogen counts compared to the control in the cheese samples treated with the phages.

    “If you step back, there was a mild effect if you add the phage during the cheese-making process and that difference between treatment and control holds throughout the whole period,” D’Amico says. “Our goal would be to increase the impact during the cheesemaking process because it would probably maintain its effectiveness through the storage period.”

    The major limitation for using bacteriophages to combat dairy pathogens remains the cost.

    D’Amico had to add 1,000,000 times as many phages as pathogen to see these results in milk.

    Given that the phage products are relatively expensive, this is a significant barrier to their widespread application, especially for smaller producers.

    “There were a million times more phages than bacteria,” D’Amico says. “It doesn’t matter from a human health standpoint, or a product quality standpoint, but from a wallet standpoint you have to add quite a bit of this product to get the effect we observed.”

    This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Enhancing Health and Well-Being Locally, Nationally, and Globally and Ensuring a Vibrant and Sustainable Agricultural Industry and Food Supply.

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Red Cat Holdings Proud to Announce Teal’s Black Widow™ and FlightWave’s Edge 130 Selected as Winners of the Blue UAS Refresh     

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or the “Company”), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, today announced that its Black Widow drone and FlightWave Edge 130 were included on the list of 23 platforms and 14 unique components and capabilities selected as winners of the Blue UAS Refresh. The platforms will undergo National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) verification and cyber security review with the ultimate goal of joining the Blue UAS List.

    Over the coming months, the Blue UAS List and Blue UAS Framework will expand with new additions. The inclusion of the Black Widow and Edge 130 as winners of the Refresh further validates Red Cat’s commitment to delivering NDAA-compliant unmanned systems for defense and government applications.

    “We applaud the DIU’s ongoing diligence and focus on U.S. drone manufacturing,” said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO. “The inclusion of both Teal’s Black Widow and FlightWave’s Edge 130 in the NDAA verification and cyber security review underscores our dedication to providing safe and secure solutions for the U.S. military and the warfighters that use them. As national security concerns around drone technology continue to grow, our systems ensure that the military and government agencies have access to reliable, mission-ready platforms.”

    Teal’s Black Widow is Red Cat’s small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) designed for short-range reconnaissance (SRR) missions. The system, which was down selected for the U.S. Army’s SRR Program of Record contract, provides military operators with improved situational awareness, autonomous capabilities, and rugged performance in contested environments. The company recently announced a partnership with Palantir to integrate Visual Navigation software (VNav) into Red Cat’s Black Widow drones.

    FlightWave’s Edge 130 is a high-endurance vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone engineered for medium-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. Its modular payload system and extended flight capabilities make it a versatile asset for defense and government missions.

    Inclusion in the review continues Red Cat’s legacy of having Blue listed solutions, including Teal 2 and Golden Eagle. Pending inclusion in the updated Blue UAS approved list, Red Cat’s drones can continue to be easily procured by the U.S. Department of Defense, federal agencies, and allied partners, eliminating lengthy waiver processes and ensuring rapid deployment to the field.

    For more information on Red Cat’s approved Blue UAS products, visit www.redcat.red or the official DIU Blue UAS page at www.diu.mil/blue-uas.

    About Red Cat Holdings, Inc.

    Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a Family of Systems. This includes the Black Widow™, a small unmanned ISR system that was awarded the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record contract. The Family of Systems also includes TRICHON™, a fixed-wing VTOL for extended endurance and range, and FANG™, the industry’s first line of NDAA-compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities. Learn more at www.redcat.red.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2023. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

    Contact:

    INVESTORS:
    E-mail: Investors@redcat.red

    NEWS MEDIA:
    Phone: (347) 880-2895
    Email: peter@indicatemedia.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Houston American Energy Corp. Enters Definitive Agreement to Acquire Abundia Global Impact Group, Expanding into Renewable Fuels and Chemicals

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, TX, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Houston American Energy Corp. (NYSE American: HUSA) (“HUSA” or the “Company”) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Abundia Global Impact Group, LLC (“AGIG”), a company specializing in converting waste into high value fuels and chemicals. The acquisition supports HUSA’s strategy to diversify its portfolio, expand its global footprint and execute its comprehensive strategy aimed at driving shareholder value through innovation in the renewable energy sector. The agreement is subject to HUSA shareholder approval and standard closing conditions.

    Under the terms of the agreement, HUSA will acquire 100% of AGIG’s issued and outstanding units from AGIG’s members and HUSA will issue to AGIG’s members a number of shares of HUSA common stock which shall equal 94% of HUSA’s aggregate issued and outstanding common stock at the time of the Closing. AGIG is preparing to build its first advanced plastic recycling facility in Cedar Port, Texas. The facility represents the first phase of a structured, capital-efficient growth plan aimed at scaling and deploying AGIG’s suite of technologies for producing renewable fuels and chemicals from waste.

    Building a Scalable, Sustainable Business in Renewable Fuels

    “The AGIG acquisition aligns with our strategy to position HUSA into the multi-billion dollar renewable energy market” said Peter Longo, CEO of Houston American Energy Corp. “AGIG has developed a commercially ready project for converting waste into valuable fuels and chemicals, and this transaction gives HUSA shareholders a ready-made platform and project pipeline for future value generation. We are witnessing the growing momentum of the fuel and chemical industry’s transformation into alternative solutions like recycled chemical alternatives and the highly publicized sustainable aviation fuel market.”

    A Structured Path to Growth

    AGIG’s Cedar Port facility will serve as the hub for its five-year development plan in the US. This facility will be designed to scale production capacity while maintaining capital discipline. The company’s proven upgrading processes, strategic technology partnerships, and established industry relationships are expected to provide a clear path to commercialization.

    “The consummation of this transaction represents a major milestone for AGIG, demonstrating our commitment to drive shareholder value through strategic commercial opportunities,” said AGIG CEO Ed Gillespie. “We are excited to use this platform to support the deployment and development of our suite of technologies that will assist in the evolution of fuel, chemical and waste markets, providing commercial alternatives and sustainable products.”

    Looking Ahead

    HUSA and AGIG will continue working toward a structured integration and execution plan, with additional updates expected in the coming months as the acquisition advances toward closing and AGIG further develops its business. HUSA expects to close on the AGIG acquisition early in the second quarter.

    About HUSA

    HUSA is an independent oil and gas company focused on the development, exploration, exploitation, acquisition, and production of natural gas and crude oil properties. Our principal properties, and operations, are in the U.S. Permian Basin and the South American country of Colombia. Additionally, we have properties in the Louisiana U.S. Gulf Coast region. For more information, please visit: https://houstonamerican.com/

    About AGIG

    AGIG develops scalable technologies for converting plastic and biomass waste into renewable fuels and chemicals. AGIG’s focus on commercial readiness, capital efficiency, and strategic industry partnerships supports a disciplined path to growth in sustainable energy markets.

    Important Information About the Proposed Acquisition and Where to Find It

    For additional information on the proposed transaction, see HUSA’s Current Report on Form 8-K, which will be filed concurrently with this press release. In connection with the proposed acquisition, HUSA intends to file relevant materials with the SEC, including a proxy statement, and will file other documents regarding the proposed acquisition with the SEC. HUSA’s stockholders and other interested persons are advised to read, when available, the proxy statement and documents incorporated by reference therein filed in connection with the proposed acquisition, as these materials will contain important information about AGIG and HUSA and the acquisition. HUSA will mail the definitive proxy statement and a proxy card to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting relating to the approval of the acquisition and other proposals set forth in the proxy statement. Before making any voting or investment decision, investors and stockholders of HUSA are urged to carefully read the entire proxy statement, when available, and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC, as well as any amendments or supplements thereto, because they will contain important information about the proposed acquisition. The documents filed by HUSA with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to HUSA at 801 Travis Street, Suite 1425, Houston, Texas 77002.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    HUSA and certain of its directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may, under SEC rules, be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from HUSA’s stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. A list of the names of those directors and executive officers and a description of their interests in HUSA will be included in the proxy statement for the proposed acquisition when available at www.sec.gov. Other information regarding the interests of the participants in the proxy solicitation will be included in the proxy statement pertaining to the proposed acquisition when it becomes available. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the source indicated above.

    AGIG and its directors and executive officers may also be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of HUSA in connection with the proposed acquisition. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers and information regarding their interests in the proposed acquisition will be included in the proxy statement for the proposed acquisition.

    Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests will be included in the proxy statement filed with the SEC. Stockholders, potential investors, and other interested persons should read the proxy statement carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources indicated above.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information in this news release may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to (i) AGIG’s growth prospects and market size; (ii) AGIG’s projected financial and operational performance; (iii) new product and service offerings by AGIG may introduce in the future; (iv) the potential acquisition, including the likelihood and ability of the parties to consummate the potential acquisition successfully; (v) the risk the proposed acquisition may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of HUSA’s securities; (vi) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the proposed acquisition, including the approval of the proposed acquisition by the stockholders of HUSA (vii) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the proposed acquisition on HUSA’s or AGIG’s business relationships, performance and business generally; (viii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against HUSA or AGIG related to the proposed acquisition or any agreement related thereto; (ix) the ability to maintain the listing of HUSA on NYSE American; (x) the price of HUSA’s securities, including volatility resulting from changes in the competitive and regulated industry in which AGIG operates, variations in performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting AGIG’s business; (xi) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations after the completion of the proposed acquisition and identify and realize additional opportunities; and (xii) other statements regarding HUSA’s or AGIG’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions and strategies regarding the future.

    In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “outlook,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would,” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject, are subject to risks and uncertainties.

    With respect to the forward-looking information contained in this news release, the company has made numerous assumptions. While the company considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, market and social uncertainties and contingencies. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. A complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing our business is disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC on www.sec.gov. You should carefully consider those risks and uncertainties, as well as those described in the “Risk Factors” section of HUSA’s proxy statement relating to the proposed acquisition, which is expected to be filed by HUSA with the SEC, other documents filed by HUSA from time to time with SEC, and any risk factors made available to you in connection with HUSA, AGIG, and the proposed acquisition. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond the control of HUSA and AGIG) and other assumptions, that may cause the actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. HUSA and AGIG caution that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive.

    All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This press release relates to a proposed acquisition between HUSA and AGIG, and does not constitute a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of HUSA or AGIG, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

    For additional information, view the company’s website at www.houstonamerican.com or contact Houston American Energy Corp. at (713) 222-6966.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Asteroid has a very small chance of hitting Earth in 2032, but a collision could devastate a city

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Maggie Lieu, Research Fellow, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham

    In December 2024, astronomers in Chile spotted a new asteroid streaking through the sky, which they named 2024 YR4. What’s significant about this 100m-wide space rock is that it has a small chance of hitting Earth in 2032.

    Since its discovery, the asteroid’s probability of an impact with our planet has gone all over the place. At one point, the risk rose as high as 3.1%. This may not sound like a lot, until you realise that that is a 1 in 32 chance of collision.

    As of February 21 2024, the European Space Agency’s (Esa) Near Earth Object Centre predicts the collision probability to be just 0.16%, which is a 1 in 625 chance – a huge difference. So why is there such a huge variability in these predictions? And is there really a need to be concerned?

    Asteroids are left over remnants from the formation of the solar system, mostly rock, but also metallic, or icy bodies that tend to live in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

    Space agencies like Nasa and Esa independently monitor and track over 37,000 near Earth asteroids (NEAs). These NEAs are those that come within 1.3 astronomical units distance of Earth, where 1 astronomical unit is the average distance between the Earth and Sun. Around 1,700 objects are considered to have an elevated risk because they make a relatively close approach to Earth at some point in the future. They are said to have a non-zero probability of colliding with our planet.

    Now it’s estimated that 44,000 kg of space rock hits our planet every year, but most of it is dust or sand grain sized particles that will burn up in the atmosphere, creating the beautiful streaks in the sky that we know as shooting stars.

    Rarely do these objects make it to the Earth intact as a meteorite and it’s even rarer to have a cataclysmic impact, like the 10km wide object that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. The last major asteroid event in recent history was the 18m wide meteorite that hit Chelyabinsk in Russia in 2013.

    The fireball turned night into day and released an estimated 500 kilotons of energy (equivalent to 500,000 tonnes of TNT) as it explosively broke apart in our atmosphere. Around 1,500 people were injured – many through the sonic waves shattering windows.

    Current estimates for 2024 YR4 suggest it to be up to 100m in size. It is capable of releasing about 7.8 Megatons of energy (equivalent to 7.8 million tonnes of TNT explosive), which is much more than Chelyabinsk. If such an asteroid were to hit the centre of London you could expect over 2 million fatalities. But the effects would be felt over a larger area.

    The impact would have a “thermal radiation radius” of 26 km. Within this radius, the heat from the impact would be so intense it would cause third degree burns. So despite the small probabilities, there’s no question that this asteroid should be monitored and tracked closely.

    Nasa has also reported a very small chance that 2024 YR4 could collide with the Moon instead. This would pose no threat to people on Earth, but would generate a sizeable impact crater on our planet’s only natural satellite.

    No simple answers

    Tracking an asteroid turns out to be more complex than you might think. Unlike stars and galaxies, asteroids don’t emit light so are notoriously difficult to spot. This faintness likely contributed to why 2024 YR4 4 eluded detection up until so recently.

    In addition, the shape of the asteroid, and its albedo – which measures how reflective the asteroid is – is still highly uncertain, further complicating the prediction of its future path. The albedo of the asteroid not only tells us about the composition of the asteroid, but can inform us of interactions with the Sun.

    A 10 metre-wide asteroid broke up over Chelyabinsk, Russia, in 2013.

    A darker asteroid will absorb more light, heating up any gases within the asteroid. When released, these gases can act like jet thrusters, altering the trajectory of the asteroid. A more reflective asteroid, might incur more radiation pressure from the Sun. This pressure can actually push it in another direction to the one it was previously going in.

    The current estimates of YR4’s albedo are between 0.05 – 0.25, with 0 being completely matte, and 1 being completely reflective, so the margin of uncertainty is wide. As you might expect, the shape of the asteroid will also affect the direction in which these forces act and the resulting trajectory of the object.

    Current trajectory estimates assume a spherical asteroid, with a typical density for an S-type asteroid (a common type of rocky asteroid). The asteroid 2024 YR 4 has very little chance of being spherical (that shape tends to be seen in bigger objects with stronger gravity) and we don’t know what exactly it’s made from. Future observations, potentially including those from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), aim to refine our understanding of the asteroid’s shape.

    Comet 67P up close, in an image taken by the Rosetta spacecraft.
    ESA/Rosetta/NavCam – CC BY-SA IGO 3.0, CC BY-SA

    However, past discrepancies between predictions of the comet 67P, as seen by the Hubble telescope from far away, versus its actual shape captured by the Rosetta spacecraft, which explored it up close, demonstrate the limitations of our predictions.

    Spectral imaging (which measures different colours of light to give an indication of composition) will hopefully allow us to better understand what type of material is on the surface of the asteroid and whether there could be volatile gases hiding beneath it that could affect its future path.

    Given that the projected Earth impact is a mere seven years away, the window for sending a spacecraft to try and divert it away from our planet, as successfully demonstrated by Nasa’s Dart mission in 2022, is rapidly closing. While other options such as detonating a nuclear weapon near the asteroid to deflect its path remain theoretically possible, they come with significant risks and ethical considerations. For instance, instead of diverting the asteroid, a nuclear explosion could break it into two or more pieces, which could then collide with Earth in distinct locations.

    There is a possibility that the asteroid could be nudged off course by collisions with other space rocks. It’s also likely that, if it does collide with Earth, it won’t hit a populated region, since the majority of our planet is uninhabited. However, it should be possible to evacuate people should it threaten a populated area.

    For now, the best thing we can do is track the asteroid with more observations, refining its trajectory, properties and impact probability estimates as more data becomes available. As we have already seen over the past few days, the predictions are likely to continue changing.

    Maggie Lieu has received funding from STFC.

    – ref. Asteroid has a very small chance of hitting Earth in 2032, but a collision could devastate a city – https://theconversation.com/asteroid-has-a-very-small-chance-of-hitting-earth-in-2032-but-a-collision-could-devastate-a-city-250598

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Orca Energy Group Inc. Announces Prepayment of International Finance Corporation Loan, Settlement of Supplementary Gas Sales Agreement and Judgment of the Tanzanian High Court

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orca Energy Group Inc. (“Orca” or the “Company” and includes its subsidiaries and affiliates) (TSX-V: ORC.A, ORC.B) announces that it has permanently prepaid the US$60 million investment (the “Loan“) made by International Finance Corporation (“IFC“) in the Company’s operating subsidiary, PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Limited (“PAET“), pursuant to a loan agreement dated October 29, 2015 among IFC, PAET and the Company (the “Loan Agreement“). To effect the foregoing prepayment, the Company paid to IFC US$30.6 million, representing the aggregate outstanding principal of the Loan together with all accrued interest thereon and all other amounts owing in connection with the Loan as of February 21, 2025.

    As of the date hereof, the annual variable participating interest granted by PAET to IFC under the terms of the Loan Agreement remains outstanding.

    In addition, Orca announces PAET has reached an agreement with Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (“TPDC“) and the Tanzania Portland Cement Company Limited (“TPCC“) in respect to the SGSA (defined below). In 2008, PAET, TPDC and TPCC signed a Gas Sale Agreement (“2008 GSA“) for the supply of Additional Gas (defined below) to TPCC’s Wazo Hill plant (“Wazo Hill“). At the same time, TPDC supplied Protected Gas (defined below) to Wazo Hill. In anticipation of the cessation of Protected Gas on July 31, 2024, PAET and TPCC negotiated a Supplementary Gas Sales Agreement (“SGSA“) to supply to Wazo Hill increased volumes of gas to replace Protected Gas. The SGSA is arranged to operate alongside the original 2008 GSA.

    The price of natural gas sold to TPCC is based on the contracted prices as set out in the Amendment Agreement No 2 to the 2008 GSA agreed to in October 2017, plus an estimation of the Songas transportation tariff as determined by the energy regulator, Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority. The gas price under the SGSA is lower than that of the 2008 GSA, affording TPCC a commercially viable blended gas price across the two contracts. Initially, TPDC opposed the SGSA, but an agreement was reached with TPDC in January 2025 and the SGSA was executed, effective August 1, 2024.

    “Additional Gas” and “Protected Gas” as used in the 2008 GSA and SGSA are defined in the Songo Songo Production Sharing Agreement between TPDC, the Government of Tanzania and PAET and the Gas Agreement between the Government of Tanzania, TPDC, Songas Limited (“Songas“) and PAET.

    In addition, Orca announces it has received a judgment (the “Judgment“) from the Tanzanian High Court (Commercial Division) (the “Court“) for a claim brought by a contractor against PAET. The claim was brought by the contractor for losses arising from PAET’s termination of a contract relating to the Company’s 3D seismic acquisition program. The contract was signed in 2022 and works were due to be completed by the end of 2022. However, work only commenced in 2023 and was never completed. Pursuant to the Judgment, the Court ordered specific and general damages in the aggregate of US$23,100,451, plus legal costs and interest at a rate of 7% per annum be paid by PAET to the contractor. PAET respectfully disagrees with the Judgment and is currently preparing to launch an appeal. It is likely PAET will be required to post-security for the full amount of the judgment until the appeal is resolved.

    Jay Lyons, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

    “We are pleased to have successfully prepaid our US$60 million loan with the IFC. We are grateful to the IFC for their financial support with developing the Songo Songo Field for the benefit of the nation of Tanzania. While we acknowledge the Judgment awarded by the Commercial Court regarding the claim by the contractor, we intend to seek a review of the decision and appeal the Judgment, as the Board remain of the view that the Company’s actions with regard to termination of the contract for the 3D seismic program were legally fair and just.

    Taking into account these recent events, Orca continues to possess a robust cash position and is performing in line with previous guidance operationally.”

    Orca Energy Group Inc.

    Orca Energy Group Inc. is an international public company engaged in natural gas development and supply in Tanzania through PAET. Orca trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbols ORC.B and ORC.A.

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Forward-Looking Information

    Certain information regarding Orca set forth in this news release, including but not limited to Orca’s ability to continue regular distributions to shareholders constitutes “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. The words “may”, “will”, “would”, “should”, “could”, “expects”, “plans”, “intends”, “trends”, “indications”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “likely” or “potential” or the negative or other variations of these words or other comparable words or phrases, are intended to identify forward-looking information. More particularly, this news release contains, without limitation, forward-looking information pertaining to the following: timing as to when PAET will submit it appeal; that PAET will be required to post-security in respect of the appeal and the timing of such security; the assessment by the Company of the merits of the seeking the appeal; the Company’s liabilities pursuant to the appeal; and that the Company will continues to be in a robust cash position and will continue to perform operationally in line with previous guidance. Forward-looking information, by its very nature, involves inherent risks and uncertainties and is based on several assumptions, both general and specific. Orca cautions that its assumptions may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although believed reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. Such forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of Orca to be materially different from the outlook or any future results or performance implied by such information.

    The forward-looking information contained in this news release is provided as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable Canadian securities laws.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: JPMorgan Announces Cash Distributions for the JPMorgan ETFs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — J. P. Morgan Asset Management (JPMAM)* today announced the final February 2025 cash distributions for the below listed JPMorgan ETFs. The JPMorgan ETFs trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). Unitholders of record on March 3, 2025 will receive cash distributions payable on March 7, 2025. Details of the “per unit” distributions are as follows:

    JPMorgan ETF name Ticker symbol Distribution per unit ($) Payment frequency
    JPMorgan US Equity Premium Income Active ETF JEPI 0.10777 Monthly
    JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income Active ETF JEPQ 0.15646 Monthly

    To learn more about the JPMorgan ETFs, please visit www.jpmorgan.com/ca/advisors

    For more information, please e-mail: jpmam.canada@jpmorgan.com

    About J.P. Morgan Asset Management

    J.P. Morgan Asset Management, with assets under management of US$3.5 Trillion1 (as of September 30, 2024), is a global leader in investment management. J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s clients include institutions, retail investors and high net worth individuals in every major market throughout the world. J.P. Morgan Asset Management offers global investment management in equities, fixed income, real estate, hedge funds, private equity and liquidity. For more information: www.jpmorganassetmanagement.com.

    * Legal entity in Canada: JPMorgan Asset Management (Canada) Inc.

    1 Source: J.P. Morgan Asset Management, as of September 30, 2024.

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with ETF investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. ETFs are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

    Past returns are not necessarily indicative of future performance. You should not rely on or view any past performance as a guarantee of future investment performance.

    Nasdaq®, Nasdaq-100 Index®, Nasdaq 100® and NDX® are registered trademarks of Nasdaq, Inc. (which with its affiliates is referred to as the “Corporations”) and are licensed for use by J.P. Morgan Asset Management (Canada) Inc. and J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income Active ETF has not been passed on by the Corporations as to its legality or suitability. This ETF is not issued, endorsed, sold, or promoted by the Corporations. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTIES AND BEAR NO LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THIS ETF.

    This communication is issued in Canada, by JPMorgan Asset Management (Canada) Inc., which is a registered Portfolio Manager and Exempt Market Dealer in all Canadian provinces and territories except the Yukon and is also registered as an Investment Fund Manager in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador.

    J.P. Morgan Asset Management is the brand for the asset management business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates worldwide.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Yellowstone and Hawaiʻi—how similar are they?

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Mark Stelten, research geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey and deputy Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.

    Yellowstone and the Hawaiian Islands are some of the most spectacular examples of active volcanic systems in the world, each drawing millions of visitors annually. These volcanic systems are separated by over 3,000 mi (almost 5,000 km) and have dramatically different behaviors and appearances. Yellowstone doesn’t produce tall volcanic features but instead forms large depressions in the ground, referred to as calderas, due to explosive eruptions of rhyolite magma. After formation, Yellowstone’s calderas tend to fill with viscous rhyolite lava flows and domes that from broad plateaus or steep dome-like structures that are often covered with lodgepole pine trees.

    Map of the Northwestern United States showing major volcanic features associated with the mantle plume currently underneath Yellowstone caldera.  Colors indicate general basaltic (blues) versus rhyolitic (reds) compositions, with shades indicating age (darker shades are older).  Rough outlines of calderas that formed due to the Yellowstone hotspot are given, with numbers indicating approximate ages in millions of years.

    In contrast, volcanic activity in Hawaiʻi tends to build broad shield volcanoes like Mauna Loa (the largest active volcano on Earth) that are composed of numerous fluid lava flows and stand above the surrounding landscape.  Hawaiian volcanoes are often capped by calderas, albeit much smaller than those produced by Yellowstone and that formed by collapse due to emission of lava flows, rather an explosive eruptions. Hawaiian volcanoes erupt much more frequently than Yellowstone, typically producing fluid basalt lavas, but individual eruptions tend to be much smaller than those from Yellowstone.

    Despite these differences in eruptive behavior and outward appearance, Yellowstone and Hawaiʻi have some deeply rooted similarities. Most volcanic systems around the world are related to either subduction zones, where one crustal tectonic plate slides under another (as beneath the Cascade Range in the western US), or at divergent plate margins, where magma ascends as the crust is being pulled apart (often in the middle of ocean basins like along the mid-Atlantic Ridge). Volcanism in Hawaiʻi and Yellowstone, however, is instead driven by mantle plumes, which are regions where the Earth’s mantle is anomalously hot and buoyantly upwelling. As the hot mantle rises to shallower depths it causes melting, which in turn leads to the development of a magmatic system that can produce volcanic eruptions. 

    Mantle plumes operate independently of plate tectonics and remain mostly stationary as the Earth’s tectonic plates move above them. As a result, magmatic systems like those in Hawaiʻi and Yellowstone produce chains of volcanoes that have an age progression along their lengths. For example, over the past 16 million years, the hotspot currently feeding Yellowstone caldera produced several caldera systems extending from McDermitt Caldera in southeastern Oregon and northern Nevada to Yellowstone caldera in northwest Wyoming. Each of these now-buried volcanic systems was similar to Yellowstone caldera in that they produced large explosive eruptions before plate motion carried the system far enough away from the hotpot that access to the mantle plume was cut off.  Eventually, a new volcanic center formed to the northeast of the previous one above the new crustal location of the mantle plume. The eastern Snake River Plain of southern Idaho marks this chain of “ancient Yellowstones” that gets older as you move to the southeast from Yellowstone caldera.

    Map of the Pacific Ocean basin showing volcanoes associated with the Hawaiian hotspot.  Vectors indicate Pacific Plate motion relative to presumed fixed mantle hot spot in millimeters per year. Gray lines indicate fracture zones. Numbers along the Emperor Seamounts chain show the age of volcanism in millions of years. Ocean floor ages indicated by colored shades and derived from imagery available on EarthByte.

    Similarly, the hotspot currently under Hawaiʻi is responsible for producing the Hawaiian Ridge-Emperor Seamount chain over the past 80 million years. Volcanoes in that chain get older the farther northwest you go across the Pacific Ocean from the Hawaiian Islands.  The oldest “ancient Hawaiʻis” are located off the coast of Kamchatka, Russia.

    Given that Yellowstone and Hawaiʻi are both powered by mantle plumes, why do these volcanic systems behave so differently? There are many reasons, but perhaps the most significant is the nature of the crust in the two locations. Hawaiʻi is located on oceanic crust, which is much thinner (~10 km, or ~6 mi) than the continental crust present at Yellowstone (which is ~45 km, or ~28 mi, thick). Due to the thinner crust underneath Hawaiʻi, magma is able to rise more quickly and easily. This means the magma doesn’t have time to crystallize or interact with the crust and instead tends to erupt as runny, or low viscosity, basaltic lava flows. Eruptions also tend to be more frequent and smaller in volume. In contrast, the thick continental crust underneath Yellowstone prevents magma from easily ascending. As a result, this magma stalls and accumulates in the crust. Over time this process has led to the development of a large magmatic system that spans most of the crust underneath Yellowstone and includes a large rhyolite magma reservoir in the upper crust (at depths of 5 to 19 km, or about 3 to 12 mi) that feeds Yellowstone’s dramatic eruptions.

    Despite their outward differences, the fundamental engines that power volcanism in Yellowstone and Hawaiʻi are quite similar. So the next time you need a Hawaiian vacation, consider visiting the Yellowstone region.  There’s a lot of Aloha in southern Idaho and northwestern Wyoming.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Crypto Fight Night Hong Kong Draws 550 Elite Attendees and 600,000 Global Viewers, Setting the Stage for 2025 World Tour

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Hong Kong, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — – On Thursday evening Crypto Fight Night (CFN) took centrestage with an exclusive, sold-out event held in tandem with the highly anticipated Consensus Hong Kong, the premier crypto conference. Hosted at the iconic Grand Hyatt, the event captivated a global audience both in-person and online, drawing 550 of the most influential figures in the crypto space. Attendees included top-tier founders, visionary thought leaders, and major investors, solidifying its position as a premier networking opportunity and providing a unique look into the crypto industry. 

    Beyond the excitement at the live event, the Hong Kong event attracted a significant online audience, with over 600,000 viewers streaming the fight across multiple platforms. The broadcast reached audiences worldwide, with the highest viewership coming from the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Thailand. Social media engagement was equally impressive, with 1.2 million impressions and 100,000 engagements across platforms. 

    The night was full of high-stakes clashes, incredible comebacks, and victories. The main showcase fight of the night was between high-profile rivals Korean Jew and Crypto Bitlord. The rivals were close from the start, prompting Korean Jew to set the tone early with a decisive MMA takedown, but Crypto Bitlord regained momentum in the later rounds, landing a clean knockdown that shifted the tide. After a hard-fought contest, Crypto Bitlord secured a unanimous decision victory, reinforcing his reputation as a formidable competitor.  

    In the YouTube division, MyMateNate dominated his opponents and called out Deji for a potential showdown. Meanwhile, the underdog, The Iron Bit pushed Biel to the distance but ultimately lost as Biel’s striking power proved decisive. Overcome by emotions, Biel dedicated his win to his late grandfather, who passed away the week before.  

    CFN’s 2025 Roadmap
    Earlier this month CFN unveiled its 2025 roadmap, sharing plans to expand into major sporting hubs globally. The upcoming event will be held in Paris on April 9th, in official partnership with Paris Blockchain Week. This partnership highlights CFN’s commitment to bridging the gap between sports and blockchain technology. Fighters and sponsors can join the action by signing up through the CFN website. 

    Rahul Suri, Founder of Crypto Fight Night and Partner at Ghaf Capital, said “The Hong Kong event showcased the powerful connection between the realms of cryptocurrency and combat sports. As we gear up for our 2025 World Tour, beginning with Paris Blockchain Week, we are thrilled to keep bridging the gap between blockchain innovation and the electrifying energy of combat sports.”

    Following Paris, CFN will continue its world tour with events scheduled in Dubai and Las Vegas in May, London in October, Tokyo in August, Singapore in October, Bangkok in November, and Miami in December 2025. Additionally, CFN is proud to be an official partner of Paris Blockchain Week and to announce that long-time sponsor BONK will continue its support, bringing along the beloved BONK-girls to enhance the excitement of the CFN 2025 World Tour.  

    Sign up to Fight in Paris: https://www.cfn.wtf/fighter-application
    Sign up to Sponsor CFN Paris: https://www.cfn.wtf/sponsor-application

    -ENDS-

    About Crypto Fight Night

    Crypto Fight Night is an avant-garde platform designed to bring together the dynamic energy of combat sports to the futuristic audience of crypto investors, entrepreneurs, and influencers. Founded by Rahul Suri of Ghaf Capital, along with Jai Vora and RookieXBT, the first edition was held in 2021. Organized under the banner of Savy Promotions, CFN has garnered critical acclaim from both the boxing and crypto communities, experiencing continuous growth annually with millions of live streams, through a series of successful championships. CFN’s pioneering collaboration with the World Boxing Council represents a historic milestone in both the professional boxing and the crypto domain, establishing CFN as a distinctive and influential Crossover Boxing IP. Off-chain is CFN’s international event series, uniting regional fans from across the globe.

    For more details: https://cfn.wtf/ 

    Follow: X | Instagram

    Media Contact
    Romina Perino
    romina@lunapr.io
    Luna PR

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Gran Tierra Energy Inc. Announces 2024 Fourth Quarter & Year-End Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Record Fourth Quarter Production of 41,009 BOEPD
    • Realized 2024 Net Income of $3 Million ($0.10 per Share, Basic) and 2024 Adjusted EBITDA1of $367 Million
    • Delivered Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities of $239.3 million, up 5% from 2023
    • Generated 2024 Funds Flow from Operations1of $225 Million and Achieved 2024 Average Working Interest Production of 34,710 BOEPD, up 6% from 2023
    • Sixth Consecutive Year of 1P Total Company Reserves Growth
    • Highest Year-End Total Company Reserves in Company History – 167 MMBOE 1P, 293 MMBOE 2P and 385 MMBOE 3P and Achieved 702% 1P, 1,249% 2P and 1,500% 3P Reserves Replacement
    • Net Asset Value per Share3of $35.22 Before Tax and $19.51 After Tax (1P), and $71.14 Before Tax and $41.03 After Tax (2P)
    • Achieved Company’s Best Safety Performance on Record in 2024

    CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (“Gran Tierra” or the “Company”) (NYSE American:GTE) (TSX:GTE) (LSE:GTE) today announced the Company’s financial and operating results for the fourth quarter (“the Quarter”) and year ended December 31, 2024.3 All dollar amounts are in United States (“U.S.”) dollars and all reserves and production volumes are on an average working interest before royalties (“WI”) basis unless otherwise indicated. Production is expressed in barrels of oil equivalent (“boe”) per day (“boepd”), and reserves are expressed in boe or million boe (“MMBOE”), unless otherwise indicated. Gran Tierra’s 2024 year-end reserves were evaluated by the Company’s independent qualified reserves evaluator McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd. (“McDaniel”) in a report with an effective date of December 31, 2024 (the “GTE McDaniel Reserves Report”). All reserves values, future net revenue and ancillary information contained in this press release have been prepared by McDaniel and calculated in compliance with Canadian National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“NI 51-101”) and the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (“COGEH”) and derived from the GTE McDaniel Reserves Report, unless otherwise expressly stated. The following reserves categories are discussed in this press release: Proved Developed Producing (“PDP”), Proved (“1P”), 1P plus Probable (“2P”) and 2P plus Possible (“3P”).

    FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL-YEAR 2024 OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

    Message to Shareholders

    Gary Guidry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gran Tierra, commented: “2025 is set to be a transformational year for Gran Tierra as we advance exploration drilling in Ecuador, fulfilling all our commitments in the country while integrating our new entry into Canada. We ended 2024 at record highs across all reserve categories and production, setting a solid foundation for the future. While 2024 was dedicated to investing in resource capture, 2025 and beyond will be focused on execution—unlocking the full potential of our extensive, oil-weighted portfolio, which holds over 293 million BOE of 2P reserves. We are also pleased to confirm that Gran Tierra successfully met its average production guidance target for 2024. Furthermore, in 2024, Gran Tierra demonstrated its confidence in the Company’s future prospects by repurchasing 6.7% of our outstanding shares4 of common stock through our normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) program, showing our dedication to long-term shareholder value creation. With a current before tax 1P net asset value of $35.23 per share, repurchases remain a strategic and efficient way to return capital to our shareholders, while reinforcing our commitment to long-term value creation.

    We are excited about the prospects of our 2025 exploration initiatives in Ecuador and Colombia, where we are set to drill between 6 to 8 high-impact exploration wells in our base case. These prospects have the potential to be significant catalysts in our commitment to unlock new reserves and drive sustainable growth. On the development front, we look forward to further appraising our Ecuador discoveries, commencing development of the large Cohembi field, drilling wells in the Montney and appraisal wells in the Clearwater and Central Alberta. With a robust and diverse portfolio of assets, Gran Tierra is poised to capitalize on emerging opportunities and deliver value to all our stakeholders. As we continue to profitably advance our operational and financial goals, we remain deeply committed to the well-being of our employees and the communities where we operate, recognizing their essential role in our success.”  

    Operational:

    • Production:
      • Gran Tierra achieved 2024 average WI production of 34,710 boepd, representing a 6% increase from 2023, as a result of positive exploration results in Ecuador and two months of production from Canadian operations acquired on October 31, 2024, partially offset by lower production in the Acordionero field caused by downtime related to workovers and deferred production from blockades in Suroriente during the Quarter.
      • Building on the Company’s successful development drilling in 2024 and integrating its recently acquired Canadian assets, Gran Tierra expects 2025 production of 47,000-53,000 boepd, as previously forecast. This projected 2025 production increase is expected to result from the Company’s previously forecast 2025 development drilling program of 5-7 gross wells in Suroriente, 2-3 appraisal wells in Ecuador, as well as 6 development wells in Canada. Gran Tierra also plans to drill 6-8 exploration wells in South America in 2025.
    • 2024 Year-End Reserves and Values3,6:
    Before Tax (as of December 31, 2024) Units 1P 2P 3P
    Reserves MMBOE 167 293 385
    Net Present Value at 10% Discount (“NPV10”) $ million 1,950 3,242 4,517
    Net Debt1 $ million (683) (683) (683)
    Net Asset Value (NPV10 less Net Debt) (“NAV”) $ million 1,267 2,559 3,834
    Outstanding Shares million 35.97 35.97 35.97
    NAV per Share $/share 35.23 71.14 106.62
    After Tax (as of December 31, 2024) Units 1P 2P 3P
    Reserves MMBOE 167 293 385
    NPV10 $ million 1,385 2,159 2,930
    Net Debt1 $ million (683) (683) (683)
    NAV $ million 702 1,476 2,247
    Outstanding Shares million 35.97 35.97 35.97
    NAV per Share $/share 19.51 41.03 62.46
             
    • As of December 31, 2024, Gran Tierra achieved6:
      • Before Tax NAV of $1.3 billion (1P), $2.6 billion (2P), and $3.8 billion (3P)
      • After Tax NAV of $0.7 billion (1P), $1.5 billion (2P), and $2.2 billion (3P)
      • Strong reserves replacement ratios of:
        • 702% 1P, with 1P reserves additions of 89 MMBOE.
        • 1,249% 2P, with 2P reserves additions of 159 MMBOE.
        • 1,500% 3P, with 3P reserves additions of 191 MMBOE.
      • NAV per share of $35.23 Before Tax and $19.51 After Tax (1P), and $71.14 Before Tax and $41.03 After Tax (2P). Gran Tierra’s current share price trades at significant discounts across all of the Company’s NAV per share categories.
      • Finding, development and acquisition costs (“FD&A”), including change in future development costs (“FDC”), on a per boe basis of $9.74 (1P), $8.11 (2P) and $6.92 (3P).
      • FD&A costs excluding change in FDC, on a per boe basis of $4.49 (1P), $2.52 (2P) and $2.10 (3P).
      • Canada now represents 46% of 1P and 51% of 2P reserves compared to Gran Tierra’s total reserves.

    Financial:

    • 2024 Net Income: Gran Tierra realized a net income of $3.2 million or $0.10 per share (basic and diluted), compared to net loss of $6.3 million, or $(0.19) per share (basic and diluted) in 2023.
    • 2024 Adjusted EBITDA1: The Company realized Adjusted EBITDA1 of $366.8 million, a decrease of 8% from $399.4 million in 2023, commensurate with the decrease in the Brent oil price.
    • 2024 Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: The Company generated net cash provided by operating activities of $239.3 million, an increase of 5% from $228.0 million in 2023.
    • 2024 Funds Flow from Operations1: Gran Tierra realized funds flow from operations1 of $224.9 million, compared to $276.8 million in 2023.
    • 2024 Capital Expenditures: Capital expenditures increased by $7.7 million or 3% to $234.2 million compared to 2023 due to a higher number of wells drilled in 2024, which was predominately funded by the Company’s 2024 net cash provided by operating activities of $239.3 million.
    • Key Metrics During the Quarter: The Company realized net income of $34.2 million, Adjusted EBITDA1 of $76.2 million, and funds flow from operations1 of $44.1 million, compared with $1.1 million, $92.8 million, and $60.3 million, respectively, in third quarter 2024 (“the Prior Quarter”). The Company recognized record high quarterly production of 41,009 BOEPD.
    • Cash Balance: The Company had $103.4 million in cash and cash equivalents as at December 31, 2024 an increase compared to a cash balance of $62.1 million as at December 31, 2023.
    • Share Buybacks: Since January 1, 2022, through its NCIB programs, the Company has re-purchased 6.8 million shares of Common Stock representing about 19% of shares outstanding as of December 31, 2024.
    • 2024 Operating Costs: Total operating expenses were $202.3 million, compared to $186.9 million in 2023, representing an 8% increase while operating expenses per boe were $16.14, 2% higher when compared to 2023. This increase in 2024 was primarily as a result of higher workovers, and removal of diesel subsidies and higher gas and electricity costs in Colombia, partially offset by lower operating costs in Ecuador as a result of production ramp-up in 2024.
    • 2024 Cash General and Administrative Costs: The Company’s gross cash general and administrative (“G&A”) costs decreased to $3.18 per boe from $3.38 per boe in 2023. Total cash G&A costs were $39.9 million, a decrease of 1% from $40.1 million in 2023, due to lower business development, legal and consulting costs compared to 2023, offset by the addition of two months of G&A from the newly acquired Canadian operation.
    • Oil, Natural Gas and Natural Gas Liquids (“NGL”) Sales:
      • 2024: Gran Tierra’s oil, natural gas and NGL sales decreased 2% to $621.8 million, compared to $637.0 million in 2023. This decrease was primarily driven by a 3% decrease in Brent price and a 6% decrease in sales volumes in Colombia, offset by an increase in sales volumes in Ecuador and two months of production in Canada and lower differentials.
      • The Quarter: Gran Tierra generated oil, natural gas and NGL sales of $147.3 million, a decrease of 3% or $4.1 million from the Prior Quarter, primarily driven by a 6% decrease in the Brent oil price, offsetting a 31% increase in production. Oil, natural gas and NGL sales were $39.73 per boe, a 22% decrease from the Prior Quarter primarily as a result of low natural gas prices in Canada.
    • Operating Netback1:
      • 2024: Gran Tierra’s operating netback1 of $31.99 per boe was down 13% from $36.72 in 2023.
      • The Quarter: The Company’s operating netback1 of $22.19 per boe was lower by 38% from the fourth quarter 2023 and a decrease of 35% from the Prior Quarter due to increased weighting to natural gas in Canada and lower oil price.

    Operational Update

    • Colombia:
      • Suroriente Block: The first well on the Cohembi North pad spud on February 10, 2025, with production expected by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
    • Ecuador:
      • Iguana Block: Gran Tierra is currently drilling the first exploration well in its 6-8 well program with the Iguana SUR-B1 exploration well which was spud on February 4, 2025.
    • Canada:
      • Simonette: The development plan with our new joint venture partner, Logan Energy Corp., has commenced with the first two horizontal wells being drilled. Both wells are planned to be stimulated by the end of February and onstream by the end of the first quarter 2025.
      • Central: Gran Tierra has drilled and completed a well in the Nisku with a horizontal lateral length of over 3,000 meters; testing has commenced.
      • Clearwater: Gran Tierra has drilled 5 new wells in the Clearwater at East Dawson and Walrus. The program has confirmed the quality of our acreage in the Clearwater play. These wells are expected to come on-stream in the first quarter 2025. A pilot waterflood at Marten Hills will commence with the drilling of a multilateral injector in the first quarter 2025.

    Gran Tierra’s Commitment to Go “Beyond Compliance” with Safe and Sustainable Operations

    • 2024 was the Company’s safest year on record. GTE has accumulated a total of 27.8 million person-hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI), and in 2024, the Company’s Total Recordable Incident Frequency (TRIF) was 0.03, placing Gran Tierra in the top quartile for safety performance across its operating regions.
    • 2024 was another exciting year for the NaturAmazonas project, a partnership founded by Conservation International and Gran Tierra Energy in 2017. The high-quality cocoa produced through this program garnered international attention resulting in a signed commercial agreement with KAOKA, one of the largest buyers of organic cocoa worldwide, to export 12.5 tons of organic deforestation free cocoa. This outcome means additional markets and incomes for producers in Putumayo.
    • To date, the NaturAmazonas program has seen over 3,500 hectares of the Amazonian rainforest restored including over 1.6 million trees planted. The meliponiculturists (stingless beekeepers) from our Sustainable Productive Landscapes program, own Colombia’s largest number of hives, which is estimated to be 6,000 hives. Their bees contribute to pollination across approximately 24,000 hectares of native forests and cultivated plantations.
    • The NaturAmazonas project has also benefited more than 4,200 families from the departments of Putumayo, Caquetá and Cauca, who have been trained in conservation techniques and supported the implementation of sustainable economic opportunities such as the production of organic cocoa, honey and açaí.
    • Gran Tierra has been accepted by the Voluntary Principles Initiative (VPI) as an official member of the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights world-wide initiative.

    Corporate Presentation:

    • Gran Tierra’s Corporate Presentation has been updated and is available at www.grantierra.com.

    Financial and Operational Highlights5(all amounts in $000s, except per share and boe amounts)

      Year Ended   Three Months Ended
      December 31, December 31,   December 31, December 31, September 30,
        2024     2023       2024     2023     2024  
    Net Income (Loss) $ 3,216   $ (6,287 )   $ (34,210 ) $ 7,711   $ 1,133  
    Net Income (Loss) Per Share – Basic $ 0.10   $ (0.19 )   $ (1.04 ) $ 0.24   $ 0.04  
    Net Income (Loss) Per Share – Diluted $ 0.10   $ (0.19 )   $ (1.04 ) $ 0.23   $ 0.04  
                 
    Oil, Natural Gas and NGL Sales $ 621,849   $ 636,957     $ 147,290   $ 154,944   $ 151,373  
    Operating Expenses   (202,331 )   (186,864 )     (60,770 )   (47,637 )   (46,060 )
    Transportation Expenses   (18,464 )   (14,546 )     (4,279 )   (3,947 )   (3,911 )
    Operating Netback1 $ 401,054   $ 435,547     $ 82,241   $ 103,360   $ 101,402  
                 
    G&A Expenses Before Stock-based Compensation $ 39,912   $ 40,124     $ 8,672   $ 11,072   $ 9,491  
    G&A Expenses (Recovery) Stock-Based Compensation   9,707     5,722       3,331     1,974     (3,145 )
    G&A Expenses, Including Stock-Based Compensation $ 49,619   $ 45,846     $ 12,003   $ 13,046   $ 6,346  
                 
    EBITDA1 $ 355,690   $ 377,550     $ 65,247   $ 83,634   $ 97,365  
                 
    Adjusted EBITDA1 $ 366,758   $ 399,355     $ 76,168   $ 92,964   $ 92,794  
                 
    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 239,321   $ 227,992     $ 26,607   $ 69,027   $ 78,654  
                 
    Funds Flow from Operations1 $ 224,941   $ 276,785     $ 44,129   $ 84,663   $ 60,338  
                 
    Capital Expenditures $ 234,236   $ 226,584     $ 70,413   $ 35,826   $ 49,779  
                 
    Free Cash Flow1 $ (9,295 ) $ 50,201     $ (26,284 ) $ 48,837   $ 10,559  
                 
    Average Daily Volumes (BOEPD)            
    Working Interest Production Before Royalties   34,710     32,647       41,009     31,309     32,764  
    Royalties   (6,820 )   (6,548 )     (7,327 )   (6,417 )   (6,776 )
    Production NAR   27,890     26,099       33,682     24,892     25,988  
    (Decrease) Increase in Inventory   (454 )   (152 )     (712 )   57     (523 )
    Sales   27,436     25,947       32,970     24,949     25,465  
    Royalties, % of WI Production Before Royalties   20 %   20 %     18 %   20 %   21 %
                 
    Per boe5            
    Brent $ 79.86   $ 82.16     $ 74.01   $ 82.85   $ 78.71  
    Quality and Transportation Discount   (17.93 )   (14.91 )     (25.45 )   (15.34 )   (14.10 )
    Royalties   (12.33 )   (13.55 )     (8.83 )   (13.47 )   (13.58 )
    Average Realized Price $ 49.60   $ 53.70     $ 39.73   $ 54.04   $ 51.03  
    Transportation Expenses   (1.47 )   (1.23 )     (1.15 )   (1.38 )   (1.32 )
    Average Realized Price Net of Transportation Expenses $ 48.13   $ 52.47     $ 38.58   $ 52.66   $ 49.71  
    Operating Expenses   (16.14 )   (15.75 )     (16.39 )   (16.61 )   (15.53 )
    Operating Netback1 $ 31.99   $ 36.72     $ 22.19   $ 36.05   $ 34.18  
    Cash G&A Expenses   (3.18 )   (3.38 )     (2.34 )   (3.86 )   (3.20 )
    Severance Expenses   (0.12 )   —       (0.41 )   —     —  
    Transaction Costs   (0.47 )   —       (1.20 )   —     (0.49 )
    Realized Foreign Exchange Gain (Loss)   0.07     (1.43 )     0.07     (0.34 )   0.34  
    Cash Settlement on Derivative Instruments   0.09     —       0.30     —     —  
    Interest Expense, Excluding Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs   (5.38 )   (4.21 )     (5.40 )   (5.35 )   (5.65 )
    Interest Income   0.29     0.17       0.34     0.10     0.23  
    Other Cash Gain   0.12     —       0.40     —     —  
    Net Lease Payments   0.07     0.16       0.07     0.13     0.07  
    Current Income Tax (Expense) Recovery   (5.53 )   (4.70 )     (2.12 )   2.80     (5.13 )
    Cash Netback1 $ 17.95   $ 23.33     $ 11.90   $ 29.53   $ 20.35  
                 
    Share Information (000s)            
    Common Stock Outstanding, End of Period   35,972     32,247       35,972     32,247     33,288  
    Weighted Average Number of Common – Basic   32,043     33,470       34,333     32,861     33,287  
    Weighted Average Number of Common – Diluted   32,043     33,470       34,333     32,921     33,350  
      As at December 31
     ($000s)   2024   2023 % Change
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 103,379 $ 62,146 66  
           
    Credit facility $ — $ 36,364 (100 )
           
    Senior Notes $ 786,619 $ 536,619 47  
                 

    Additional information on 2024 expenses:

    • Quality and Transportation Discount: increased in 2024 to $17.93 per boe compared to $14.91 per boe in 2023.
    • Transportation Expenses: increased by 20% to $1.47 per boe in 2024 from $1.23 per boe in 2023 primarily due to higher sales volumes transported in Ecuador, two months transportation of sales volumes in Canada through pipelines, and an increase in trucking tariffs for Acordionero volumes in 2024.
    • Royalties: decreased to $12.33 per boe in 2024, from $13.55 per boe in 2023. This decrease was driven by the 3% decrease in the Brent oil price in 2024 relative to 2023.

    1 Operating netback, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, funds flow from operations, net debt, free cash flow, and cash netback, are non-GAAP measures and do not have a standardized meaning under GAAP. Cash flow refers to the GAAP line item “net cash provided by operating activities”. Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this press release for descriptions of these non-GAAP measures and reconciliations to the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.
    2 NAV per share is calculated as NPV10 (before or after tax, as applicable) of the applicable reserves category minus net debt, divided by the number of shares of Gran Tierra’s common stock issued and outstanding.
    3 All dollar amounts are in United States dollars and production and reserves volumes are on an average WI before royalties basis, unless otherwise indicated. Per boe amounts are based on WI sales before royalties. Production is expressed in boepd and reserves are expressed in boe or MMBOE, unless otherwise indicated. For per boe amounts based on net after royalty (“NAR”) production, see Gran Tierra’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 24, 2025
    4 Outstanding shares based on December 31, 2023 balance of 32,246,501 shares
    5 Per boe amounts are based on WI sales before royalties. For per boe amounts based on NAR production, see Gran Tierra’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2025.
    6 The after-tax net present value of the Company’s oil and gas properties reflects the tax burden on the properties on a stand-alone basis. It does not consider the corporate tax situation, or tax planning. It does not provide an estimate of the value at the Company level which may be significantly different. The Company’s financial statements should be consulted for information at the Company level.

    Conference Call Information

    Gran Tierra will host its fourth quarter and full year 2024 results conference call on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time, 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time, and 4:00 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time. Interested parties may register for the conference call by going to the following link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI73eac887f1ea473fb403e3c298d6860c. Please note that there is no longer a general dial-in number to participate and each individual party must register through the provided link. Once parties have registered, they will be provided a unique PIN and call-in details. There is also a feature that allows parties to elect to be called back through the “Call Me” function on the platform. Interested parties can also continue to access the live webcast from their mobile or desktop devices by going to the following link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/6sr4wvg8, which is also available on Gran Tierra’s website at https://www.grantierra.com/investor-relations/presentations-events/.

    About Gran Tierra Energy Inc.

    Gran Tierra Energy Inc., together with its subsidiaries, is an independent international energy company currently focused on oil and natural gas exploration and production in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador. The Company is currently developing its existing portfolio of assets in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador and will continue to pursue additional new growth opportunities that would further strengthen the Company’s portfolio. The Company’s common stock trades on the NYSE American, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GTE. Additional information concerning Gran Tierra is available at www.grantierra.com. Except to the extent expressly stated otherwise, information on the Company’s website or accessible from our website or any other website is not incorporated by reference into and should not be considered part of this press release. Investor inquiries may be directed to info@grantierra.com or (403) 265-3221.

    Gran Tierra’s Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) filings are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company’s Canadian securities regulatory filings are available on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.ca and UK regulatory filings are available on the National Storage Mechanism website at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism.

    Contact Information

    For investor and media inquiries please contact:

    Gary Guidry, President & Chief Executive Officer

    Ryan Ellson, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Tel: +1.403.265.3221

    For more information on Gran Tierra please go to: www.grantierra.com.

    Forward Looking Statements and Legal Advisories:

    This press release contains opinions, forecasts, projections, and other statements about future events or results that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and financial outlook and forward looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, “forward- looking statements”), which can be identified by such terms as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “forecast,” “budget,” “will,” “estimate,” “target,” “project,” “plan,” “should,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “strives” or similar expressions are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the Company’s strategies and expectations, capital program, drilling plans, cost saving initiatives, future sources of funding for capital expenditures and other activities, future planned operations and production estimates, forecast prices, and the Company’s plans to benefit the environment or communities in which it operates. Statements relating to “reserves” are also deemed to be forward-looking statements, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, including that the reserves described can be profitably produced in the future.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect several material factors and expectations and assumptions of Gran Tierra including, without limitation, that Gran Tierra will continue to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with its current expectations, the ability of Gran Tierra to successfully integrate the assets and operations of i3 Energy or realize the anticipated benefits and operating synergies expected from the acquisition of i3 Energy, the accuracy of testing and production results and seismic data, pricing and cost estimates (including with respect to commodity pricing and exchange rates), rig availability, the risk profile of planned exploration activities, the effects of drilling down-dip, the 5-year weighted-average Brent forecast, the effects of waterflood and multi-stage fracture stimulation operations, the extent and effect of delivery disruptions, and the general continuance of current or, where applicable, assumed operational, regulatory and industry conditions in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador and areas of potential expansion, and the ability of Gran Tierra to execute its business and operational plans in the manner currently planned. Gran Tierra believes the material factors, expectations and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable at this time but no assurance can be given that these factors, expectations and assumptions will prove to be correct.

    Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements in this press release are: our operations are located in South America and unexpected problems can arise due to guerilla activity, strikes, local blockades or protests; technical difficulties and operational difficulties may arise which impact the production, transport or sale of our products; other disruptions to local operations; global health events; global and regional changes in the demand, supply, prices, differentials or other market conditions affecting oil and gas, including inflation and changes resulting from a global health crisis, geopolitical events, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza region, or from the imposition or lifting of crude oil production quotas or other actions that might be imposed by OPEC and other producing countries and resulting company or third-party actions in response to such changes; changes in commodity prices, including volatility or a prolonged decline in these prices relative to historical or future expected levels; the risk that current global economic and credit conditions may impact oil and natural gas prices and oil and natural gas consumption more than we currently predict, which could cause further modification of our strategy and capital spending program; prices and markets for oil and natural gas are unpredictable and volatile; the effect of hedges; the accuracy of productive capacity of any particular field; geographic, political and weather conditions can impact the production, transport or sale of our products; our ability to execute our business plan, which may include acquisitions, and realize expected benefits from current or future initiatives; the risk that unexpected delays and difficulties in developing currently owned properties may occur; the ability to replace reserves and production and develop and manage reserves on an economically viable basis; the accuracy of testing and production results and seismic data, pricing and cost estimates (including with respect to commodity pricing and exchange rates); the risk profile of planned exploration activities; the effects of drilling down-dip; the effects of waterflood and multi-stage fracture stimulation operations; the extent and effect of delivery disruptions, equipment performance and costs; actions by third parties; the timely receipt of regulatory or other required approvals for our operating activities; the failure of exploratory drilling to result in commercial wells; unexpected delays due to the limited availability of drilling equipment and personnel; volatility or declines in the trading price of our common stock or bonds; the risk that we do not receive the anticipated benefits of government programs, including government tax refunds; our ability to comply with financial covenants in its credit agreement and indentures and make borrowings under any credit agreement; and the risk factors detailed from time to time in Gran Tierra’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, under the caption “Risk Factors” in Gran Tierra’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed February 24, 2025 and its other filings with the SEC. These filings are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the current guidance, capital spending program and long term strategy of Gran Tierra are based upon the current expectations of the management of Gran Tierra, should any one of a number of issues arise, Gran Tierra may find it necessary to alter its business strategy and/or capital spending program and there can be no assurance as at the date of this press release as to how those funds may be reallocated or strategy changed and how that would impact Gran Tierra’s results of operations and financial position. Forecasts and expectations that cover multi-year time horizons or are associated with 2P reserves inherently involve increased risks and actual results may differ materially.

    All forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the fact that this press release remains available does not constitute a representation by Gran Tierra that Gran Tierra believes these forward-looking statements continue to be true as of any subsequent date. Actual results may vary materially from the expected results expressed in forward-looking statements. Gran Tierra disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. In addition, historical, current and forward-looking sustainability-related statements may be based on standards for measuring progress that are still developing, internal controls and processes that continue to evolve, and assumptions that are subject to change in the future.

    The estimates of future production, future net revenue and certain expenses or costs set forth in this press release may be considered to be future-oriented financial information or a financial outlook for the purposes of applicable Canadian securities laws. Financial outlook and future-oriented financial information contained in this press release about prospective operational and financial performance, financial position or cash flows are provided to give the reader a better understanding of the potential future performance of the Company in certain areas and are based on assumptions about future events, including economic conditions and proposed courses of action, based on management’s assessment of the relevant information currently available, and to become available in the future. In particular, this press release contains projected operational and financial information for 2025. These projections contain forward-looking statements and are based on a number of material assumptions and factors set out above. Actual results may differ significantly from the projections presented herein. The actual results of Gran Tierra’s operations for any period could vary from the amounts set forth in these projections, and such variations may be material. See above for a discussion of the risks that could cause actual results to vary. The future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks contained in this press release have been approved by management as of the date of this press release. Readers are cautioned that any such financial outlook and future-oriented financial information contained herein should not be used for purposes other than those for which it is disclosed herein. The Company and its management believe that the prospective operational and financial information has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management’s best estimates and judgments, and represent, to the best of management’s knowledge and opinion, the Company’s expected course of action. However, because this information is highly subjective, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results.

    Non-GAAP Measures

    This press release includes non-GAAP financial measures as further described herein. These non-GAAP measures do not have a standardized meaning under GAAP. Investors are cautioned that these measures should not be construed as alternatives to net income or loss, cash flow from operating activities or other measures of financial performance as determined in accordance with GAAP. Gran Tierra’s method of calculating these measures may differ from other companies and, accordingly, they may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Each non-GAAP financial measure is presented along with the corresponding GAAP measure so as not to imply that more emphasis should be placed on the non-GAAP measure.

    Net Debt, as presented as at December 31, 2024 is comprised of $787 million (gross) of senior notes outstanding less cash and cash equivalents of $103 million, prepared in accordance with GAAP. Management believes that net debt is a useful supplemental measure for management and investors in order to evaluate the financial sustainability of the Company’s business and leverage. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is total debt.

    Operating netback, as presented is defined as oil, natural gas and NGL sales less operating and transportation expenses. Operating netback per boe, as presented is defined as average realized price per boe less operating and transportation expenses per boe. Cash netback, as presented, is defined as net income or loss adjusted for depletion, depreciation and accretion (“DD&A”) expenses, deferred tax expense or recovery, stock-based compensation expense or recovery, amortization of debt issuance costs, non-cash lease expense, lease payments, unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses, other non-cash gains or losses and other financial instruments gains or losses. Cash netback per boe, as presented, is defined as cash netback over WI sales volumes. Management believes that operating netback and cash netback are useful supplemental measures for investors to analyze financial performance and provide an indication of the results generated by Gran Tierra’s principal business activities prior to the consideration of other income and expenses. See the table entitled Financial and Operational Highlights above for the components of operating netback and operating netback per boe. A reconciliation from net income or loss to cash netback is as follows:

        Year Ended   Three Months Ended
        December 31,   December 31,   September 30,
    Cash Netback – Non-GAAP Measure ($000s)     2024       2023       2024       2023       2024  
    Net (loss) income   $ 3,216     $ (6,287 )   $ (34,210 )   $ 7,711     $ 1,133  
    Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash netback                    
    DD&A expenses     230,619       215,584       63,406       52,635       55,573  
    Deferred tax (recovery) expense     (27,888 )     56,759       4,444       13,517       5,550  
    Stock-based compensation expense (recovery)     9,707       5,722       3,331       1,974       (3,145 )
    Amortization of debt issuance costs     12,918       5,831       3,743       2,437       3,109  
    Non-cash lease expense     5,923       4,967       1,759       1,479       1,370  
    Lease payments     (5,035 )     (3,018 )     (1,495 )     (1,100 )     (1,171 )
    Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss     (7,893 )     (5,085 )     (223 )     2,729       (2,081 )
    Other non-cash loss     —       2,312       —       3,281       —  
    Unrealized derivative instruments loss     3,374       —       3,374       —       —  
    Cash netback (non-GAAP)   $ 224,941     $ 276,785     $ 44,129     $ 84,663     $ 60,338  

    EBITDA, as presented, is defined as net income or loss adjusted for DD&A expenses, interest expense, and income tax expense. Adjusted EBITDA, as presented, is defined as EBITDA adjusted for non-cash lease expense, lease payments, foreign exchange gains or losses, transaction costs, other financial instruments gains or losses, other non-cash gain or loss and stock-based compensation expense. Management uses this supplemental measure to analyze performance and income generated by our principal business activities prior to the consideration of how non-cash items affect that income, and believes that this financial measure is a useful supplemental information for investors to analyze our performance and our financial results. A reconciliation from net income or loss or loss to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA is as follows:

        Year Ended   Three Months Ended
        December 31,   December 31,   September 30,
    EBITDA – Non-GAAP Measure ($000s)     2024       2023       2024       2023       2024  
    Net (loss) income   $ 3,216     $ (6,287 )   $ (34,210 )   $ 7,711     $ 1,133  
    Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA                    
    DD&A expenses     230,619       215,584       63,406       52,635       55,573  
    Interest expense     80,466       55,806       23,752       17,789       19,892  
    Income tax expense     41,389       112,447       12,299       5,499       20,767  
    EBITDA (non-GAAP)   $ 355,690     $ 377,550     $ 65,247     $ 83,634     $ 97,365  
    Non-cash lease expense     5,923       4,967       1,759       1,479       1,370  
    Lease payments     (5,035 )     (3,018 )     (1,495 )     (1,100 )     (1,171 )
    Foreign exchange loss     (8,808 )     11,822       (496 )     3,696       (3,084 )
    Unrealized derivative instruments loss     3,374       —       3,374       —       —  
    Transaction costs     5,907       —       4,448       —       1,459  
    Other non-cash gain     —       2,312       —       3,281       —  
    Stock-based compensation expense (recovery)     9,707       5,722       3,331       1,974       (3,145 )
    Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)   $ 366,758     $ 399,355     $ 76,168     $ 92,964     $ 92,794  

    Funds flow from operations, as presented, is defined as net income or loss adjusted for DD&A expenses, deferred tax expense or recovery, stock-based compensation expense or recovery, amortization of debt issuance costs, non-cash lease expense, lease payments, unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses, other non-cash gains or losses, and other financial instruments gains or losses. Management uses this financial measure to analyze performance and income or loss generated by our principal business activities prior to the consideration of how non-cash items affect that income or loss, and believes that this financial measure is also useful supplemental information for investors to analyze performance and our financial results. Free cash flow, as presented, is defined as funds flow from operations adjusted for capital expenditures. Management uses this financial measure to analyze cash flow generated by our principal business activities after capital requirements and believes that this financial measure is also useful supplemental information for investors to analyze performance and our financial results. A reconciliation from net income or loss or loss to funds flow from operations and free cash flow is as follows:

        Year Ended Three Months Ended
        December 31,   December 31,   September 30,
    Funds Flow From Operations – Non-GAAP Measure ($000s)     2024       2023       2024       2023       2024  
    Net (loss) income   $ 3,216     $ (6,287 )   $ (34,210 )   $ 7,711     $ 1,133  
    Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to funds flow from operations                    
    DD&A expenses     230,619       215,584       63,406       52,635       55,573  
    Deferred tax (recovery) expense     (27,888 )     56,759       4,444       13,517       5,550  
    Stock-based compensation expense (recovery)     9,707       5,722       3,331       1,974       (3,145 )
    Amortization of debt issuance costs     12,918       5,831       3,743       2,437       3,109  
    Non-cash lease expense     5,923       4,967       1,759       1,479       1,370  
    Lease payments     (5,035 )     (3,018 )     (1,495 )     (1,100 )     (1,171 )
    Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss     (7,893 )     (5,085 )     (223 )     2,729       (2,081 )
    Other non-cash loss     —       2,312       —       3,281       —  
    Unrealized derivative instruments loss     3,374       —       3,374       —       —  
    Funds flow from operations (non-GAAP)   $ 224,941     $ 276,785     $ 44,129     $ 84,663     $ 60,338  
    Capital expenditures   $ 234,236     $ 226,584     $ 70,413     $ 35,826     $ 49,779  
    Free cash flow (non-GAAP)   $ (9,295 )   $ 50,201     $ (26,284 )   $ 48,837     $ 10,559  


    DISCLOSURE OF OIL AND GAS INFORMATION

    Gran Tierra’s Statement of Reserves Data and Other Oil and Gas Information on Form 51-101F1 dated effective as at December 31, 2024, which includes disclosure of its oil and gas reserves and other oil and gas information in accordance with NI 51-101 and COGEH forming the basis of this press release, is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. All reserves values, future net revenue and ancillary information contained in this press release as of December 31, 2024 are derived from the GTE McDaniel Reserves Report.

    Estimates of net present value and future net revenue contained herein do not necessarily represent fair market value of reserves. Estimates of reserves and future net revenue for individual properties may not reflect the same level of confidence as estimates of reserves and future net revenue for all properties, due to the effect of aggregation. There is no assurance that the forecast price and cost assumptions applied by McDaniel in evaluating Gran Tierra’s reserves and future net revenue will be attained and variances could be material. See Gran Tierra’s press release dated January 23, 2025 for a summary of the price forecasts employed by McDaniel in the GTE McDaniel Reserves Report and other information regarding the disclosed future net revenue.

    All evaluations of future net revenue contained in the GTE McDaniel Reserves Report are after the deduction of royalties, operating costs, development costs, production costs and abandonment and reclamation costs but before consideration of indirect costs such as administrative, overhead and other miscellaneous expenses. It should not be assumed that the estimates of future net revenue presented in this press release represent the fair market value of the reserves. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of crude oil and natural gas reserves and the future cash flows attributed to such reserves. The reserve and associated cash flow information set forth in the GTE McDaniel Reserves Report are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated reserves will be recovered. Actual reserves may be greater than or less than the estimates provided therein.

    BOEs have been converted on the basis of six thousand cubic feet (“Mcf”) natural gas to 1 boe of oil. BOEs may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A BOE conversion ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 boe is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. In addition, given that the value ratio based on the current price of oil as compared with natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalent of six to one, utilizing a BOE conversion ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 boe would be misleading as an indication of value.

    References to a formation where evidence of hydrocarbons has been encountered is not necessarily an indicator that hydrocarbons will be recoverable in commercial quantities or in any estimated volume. Gran Tierra’s reported production is a mix of light crude oil and medium, heavy crude oil, tight oil, conventional natural gas, shale gas and natural gas liquids for which there is no precise breakdown since the Company’s sales volumes typically represent blends of more than one product type. Well test results should be considered as preliminary and not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. Well log interpretations indicating oil and gas accumulations are not necessarily indicative of future production or ultimate recovery. If it is indicated that a pressure transient analysis or well-test interpretation has not been carried out, any data disclosed in that respect should be considered preliminary until such analysis has been completed. References to thickness of “oil pay” or of a formation where evidence of hydrocarbons has been encountered is not necessarily an indicator that hydrocarbons will be recoverable in commercial quantities or in any estimated volume.

    Future Net Revenue

    Future net revenue reflects McDaniel’s forecast of revenue estimated using forecast prices and costs, arising from the anticipated development and production of reserves, after the deduction of royalties, operating costs, development costs and abandonment and reclamation costs and taxes but before consideration of indirect costs such as administrative, overhead and other miscellaneous expenses. The estimate of future net revenue below does not necessarily represent fair market value.

    Consolidated Properties at December 31, 2024
    Proved (1P) Total Future Net Revenue ($ million)
    Forecast Prices and Costs
    Years Sales
    Revenue    		 Total
    Royalties    		 Operating
    Costs    		 Future
    Development
    Capital    		 Abandonment
    and Reclamation
    Costs    		 Future Net
    Revenue Before
    Future Taxes    		 Future
    Taxes    		 Future Net
    Revenue After
    Future Taxes*
    2025-2029
    (5 Years)    		 5,139 (981 ) (1,385 ) (1,025 ) (27 ) 1,721 (491 ) 1,230
    Remainder 3,617 (578 ) (1,549 ) (4 ) (377 ) 1,109 (370 ) 739
    Total (Undiscounted) 8,756 (1,559 ) (2,934 ) (1,029 ) (404 ) 2,830 (861 ) 1,969
    Total (Discounted @ 10%)           1,950 (565 ) 1,385
    Consolidated Properties at December 31, 2024
    Proved Plus Probable (2P) Total Future Net Revenue ($ million)
    Forecast Prices and Costs
    Years Sales
    Revenue    		 Total
    Royalties    		 Operating
    Costs    		 Future
    Development
    Capital    		 Abandonment
    and Reclamation
    Costs    		 Future Net
    Revenue Before
    Future Taxes    		 Future
    Taxes    		 Future Net
    Revenue After
    Future Taxes*
    2025-2029
    (5 Years)    		 6,620 (1,297 ) (1,583 ) (1,438 ) (25 ) 2,277 (791 ) 1,486
    Remainder 8,685 (1,529 ) (2,967 ) (371 ) (420 ) 3,398 (1,082 ) 2,316
    Total (Undiscounted) 15,305 (2,826 ) (4,550 ) (1,809 ) (445 ) 5,675 (1,873 ) 3,802
    Total (Discounted @ 10%)           3,242 (1,083 ) 2,159
    Consolidated Properties at December 31, 2024
    Proved Plus Probable Plus Possible (3P) Total Future Net Revenue ($ million)
    Forecast Prices and Costs
    Years Sales
    Revenue    		 Total
    Royalties    		 Operating
    Costs    		 Future
    Development
    Capital    		 Abandonment
    and Reclamation
    Costs    		 Future Net
    Revenue Before
    Future Taxes    		 Future
    Taxes    		 Future Net
    Revenue After
    Future Taxes*
    2025-2029
    (5 Years)    		 7,490 (1,467 ) (1,672 ) (1,563 ) (25 ) 2,763 (1,015 ) 1,748
    Remainder 13,422 (2,598 ) (4,106 ) (519 ) (439 ) 5,760 (1,907 ) 3,853
    Total (Undiscounted) 20,912 (4,065 ) (5,778 ) (2,082 ) (464 ) 8,523 (2,922 ) 5,601
    Total (Discounted @ 10%)           4,517 (1,587 ) 2,930


    Definitions

    Proved reserves are those reserves that can be estimated with a high degree of certainty to be recoverable. It is likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the estimated proved reserves.

    Probable reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves. It is equally likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the sum of the estimated proved plus probable reserves.

    Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than Probable reserves. It is unlikely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the sum of the estimated proved plus probable plus possible reserves. There is a 10% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of Proved plus Probable plus Possible reserves.

    Certain terms used in this press release but not defined are defined in NI 51-101, CSA Staff Notice 51-324 – Revised Glossary to NI 51-101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“CSA Staff Notice 51-324”) and/or the COGEH and, unless the context otherwise requires, shall have the same meanings herein as in NI 51-101, CSA Staff Notice 51-324 and the COGEH, as the case may be.

    Oil and Gas Metrics

    This press release contains a number of oil and gas metrics, including NAV per share, FD&A costs, operating netback, cash netback, and reserves replacement which do not have standardized meanings or standard methods of calculation and therefore such measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies and should not be used to make comparisons. Such metrics have been included herein to provide readers with additional measures to evaluate the Company’s performance; however, such measures are not reliable indicators of the future performance of the Company and future performance may not compare to the performance in previous periods.

    • NAV per share is calculated as the applicable NPV10 (before or after-tax, as applicable) of the applicable reserves category minus estimated net debt, divided by the number of shares of Gran Tierra’s common stock issued and outstanding. Management uses NAV per share as a measure of the relative change of Gran Tierra’s net asset value over its outstanding common stock over a period of time.
    • FD&A costs are calculated as estimated exploration and development capital expenditures, including acquisitions and dispositions, divided by the applicable reserves additions both before and after changes in FDC costs. The calculation of FD&A costs incorporates the change in FDC required to bring proved undeveloped and developed reserves into production. The aggregate of the exploration and development costs incurred in the financial year and the changes during that year in estimated FDC may not reflect the total FD&A costs related to reserves additions for that year. Management uses FD&A costs per boe as a measure of its ability to execute its capital program and of its asset quality
    • Operating netback and cash netback are calculated as described in this press release. Management believes that operating netback and cash netback are useful supplemental measures for the reasons described in this press release.
    • Reserves replacement is calculated as reserves in the referenced category divided by estimated referenced production. Management uses this measure to determine the relative change of its reserves base over a period of time.

    Disclosure of Reserve Information and Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors

    Unless expressly stated otherwise, all estimates of proved developed producing, proved, probable and possible reserves and related future net revenue disclosed in this press release have been prepared in accordance with NI 51-101. Estimates of reserves and future net revenue made in accordance with NI 51-101 will differ from corresponding GAAP standardized measures prepared in accordance with applicable SEC rules and disclosure requirements of the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), and those differences may be material. NI 51-101, for example, requires disclosure of reserves and related future net revenue estimates based on forecast prices and costs, whereas SEC and FASB standards require that reserves and related future net revenue be estimated using average prices for the previous 12 months and that the standardized measure reflect discounted future net income taxes related to the Company’s operations. In addition, NI 51-101 permits the presentation of reserves estimates on a “company gross” basis, representing Gran Tierra’s working interest share before deduction of royalties, whereas SEC and FASB standards require the presentation of net reserve estimates after the deduction of royalties and similar payments. There are also differences in the technical reserves estimation standards applicable under NI 51-101 and, pursuant thereto, the COGEH, and those applicable under SEC and FASB requirements.

    In addition to being a reporting issuer in certain Canadian jurisdictions, Gran Tierra is a registrant with the SEC and subject to domestic issuer reporting requirements under U.S. federal securities law, including with respect to the disclosure of reserves and other oil and gas information in accordance with U.S. federal securities law and applicable SEC rules and regulations (collectively, “SEC requirements”). Disclosure of such information in accordance with SEC requirements is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other reports and materials filed with or furnished to the SEC and, as applicable, Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The SEC permits oil and gas companies that are subject to domestic issuer reporting requirements under U.S. federal securities law, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only estimated proved, probable and possible reserves that meet the SEC’s definitions of such terms. Gran Tierra has disclosed estimated proved, probable and possible reserves in its filings with the SEC. In addition, Gran Tierra prepares its financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, which require that the notes to its annual financial statements include supplementary disclosure in respect of the Company’s oil and gas activities, including estimates of its proved oil and gas reserves and a standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved oil and gas reserve quantities. This supplementary financial statement disclosure is presented in accordance with FASB requirements, which align with corresponding SEC requirements concerning reserves estimation and reporting.

    The Company believes that the presentation of NPV10 is useful to investors because it presents (i) relative monetary significance of its oil and natural gas properties regardless of tax structure and (ii) relative size and value of its reserves to other companies. The Company also uses this measure when assessing the potential return on investment related to its oil and natural gas properties. NPV10 and the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows do not purport to present the fair value of the Company’s oil and gas reserves. The Company has not provided a reconciliation of NPV10 to the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows because it is impracticable to do so.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA University Research Program Makes First Award to a Community College Project

    Source: NASA

    Great ideas, and the talent and passion that bring them to life, can be found anywhere.
    In that spirit, NASA’s University Student Research Challenge (USRC) in 2024 selected its first group of community college students to contribute original research to the agency’s transformative vision for 21st century aviation.
    The student-led group, from Cerritos Community College in California, is researching a new method of safely extinguishing wildfires using eco-friendly pellets dropped from uncrewed drones they call Project F.I.R.E. (Fire Intervention Retardant Expeller).
    “Wildfires are a major problem we’re facing today,” said Angel Ortega, project technical director and lead research engineer for Project F.I.R.E. at Cerritos Community College. “The goal of our research is to demonstrate that our prototype drone with biodegradable fire retardant can successfully put out a controlled fire.”
    A Community College First
    Until now, USRC has only selected participants from traditional four-year institutions, compared to a two-year community college. This award exemplifies the activity’s goal of giving all of tomorrow’s aeronautical innovators a shot at NASA support for their research ideas.
    “The University Innovation (UI) project provides a number of different avenues for students to contribute to aeronautics,” said Steven Holz, who manages the USRC award process. “All of the opportunities are different and help build knowledge and skills that would be advantageous to those wanting to continue working on UI opportunities or within NASA.”
    This award is one of two from NASA’s USRC selected in 2024. The team received the USRC award prior to the devastating Los Angeles fires of January 2025.
    “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy,” members of the team said in a statement. “As a team, we are deeply committed to advancing innovative solutions to enhance safety and resilience, working toward a future where communities are better protected against such disasters.”
    Innovating a Solution
    The six team members of Project F.I.R.E. are driven by an ethic of public service. As fires continue to affect communities in their native southern California, they are applying their skills to finding a way to help.
    “We want to get the public inspired that there are possible solutions at hand,” Ortega said. “And the work we’re doing now can hopefully build towards that bigger goal of a widespread solution.”
    The research they are pursuing involves dropping biodegradable pellets into fires from uncrewed, autonomous drones. The pellets, upon reaching the ground, combine chemical ingredients which create a foamlike solution of fire retardant that will not contaminate the environment after the fire is extinguished.

    The team is keen to support firefighters and wildland fire managers and keep them safe while managing these natural disasters. The group has met with firefighters, discussed the idea with them, and received useful feedback on how to make the technology work best in the field.
    Though the group is only at the outset of the research, their idea has existed for longer.
    Blue Skies Forever
    Prior to applying for a USRC, Project F.I.R.E. also presented at NASA’s 2024 Gateway to Blue Skies competition, in which they won the “Future Game-Changer” award.
    Through Gateway to Blue Skies, NASA challenges college students to research climate-friendly technologies and applications related to the future of aviation and present them at an annual forum.
    Following Project F.I.R.E.’s participation in the forum, they applied for a USRC grant to begin turning their vision into reality.
    “Our experience with NASA has been incredibly supportive and inspiring,” said Logan Stahl, the project’s operations director. “We thought competing against some of the other schools would be intimidating, but the experience we’ve had is the complete opposite. Everyone was very welcoming, and the NASA representatives communicated with us and asked questions.”
    The USRC support will allow the team to build on their earlier foundations, they said.
    “Because Gateway to Blue Skies is more conceptual, it let us bring our idea to the table. Now through USRC, we can start building hands-on and make our idea come to life,” said Larisa Mayoral, chemical engineer and laboratory operations manager.

    The team expressed gratitude, speaking as community college students, for their ability to participate in and contribute research at a level that competes with top-brass universities.
    “We’re very appreciative of our college and NASA providing us this opportunity,” said Paola Mayoral Jimenez, laboratory coordinator and safety manager. “By doing this project, we hope to shine a light on community colleges, their students, and what they have to offer.”
    Complete details on USRC awardees and solicitations, such as what to include in a proposal and how to submit it, are available on the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate solicitation page.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appointment of Lord-Lieutenant for Stirling and Falkirk: 24 February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Appointment of Lord-Lieutenant for Stirling and Falkirk: 24 February 2025

    The King has been pleased to appoint Colonel Charles Wallace DL as His Lord-Lieutenant for Stirling and Falkirk.

    The King has been pleased to appoint Colonel Charles Wallace DL as His Lord-Lieutenant for Stirling and Falkirk, to succeed Alan Simpson CVO, OBE, FRSE following his retirement on 15th February 2025.

    Background

    Charles Wallace spent 35 years in the Army serving across the world from the Falkland Islands to Brunei and Hong Kong; and from India and Nepal to North America. He was on operational service in Northern Ireland, with the UN in the Former Yugoslavia (Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia), in Iraq and Afghanistan where, as the Chief Planner in Helmand Province, he was awarded the US Bronze Star.

    Charles was the Scottish Veterans Commissioner from September 2018 to March 2022. Deeply committed to addressing the challenges that individuals and their families face after military service, he sought innovative and novel approaches to highlight the impressive talent this group of people bring to our society.  He has been the Chairman of the Scottish Veterans Fund Panel and of the Highland and Lowland Brigades Club as well as the Vice Chairman (Army) for the Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association.  He remains a trustee on the Royal Company of Archers Charitable Trust.

    He is currently the Secretary to the King’s Body Guard for Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers.  As Secretary, he was instrumental in orchestrating over 390 Archers across 21 different duties during the period of Mourning and State Funeral for the late Queen Elizabeth II in Scotland and London in 2022 and for the Coronation of King Charles III in 2023.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: The GitVenom campaign: cryptocurrency theft using GitHub

    Source: Securelist – Kaspersky

    Headline: The GitVenom campaign: cryptocurrency theft using GitHub

    In our modern world, it’s difficult to underestimate the impact that open-source code has on software development. Over the years, the global community has managed to publish a tremendous number of projects with freely accessible code that can be viewed and enhanced by anyone on the planet. Very frequently, code published on the Internet serves as a source of inspiration for software developers – whenever they need to implement a project feature, they often check whether the code they need is already available online. This way, they avoid reinventing the wheel and thus save their precious time.

    With more and more open-source projects being published, both state-sponsored actors and cybercriminals started using freely available code as a lure to infect their targets. Of course, this trend shows no sign of slowing down as evidenced by a currently active campaign aimed at GitHub users that we dubbed GitVenom.

    Promise-filled yet fake projects

    Over the course of the GitVenom campaign, the threat actors behind it have created hundreds of repositories on GitHub that contain fake projects with malicious code – for example, an automation instrument for interacting with Instagram accounts, a Telegram bot allowing to manage Bitcoin wallets, and a hacking tool for the video game Valorant.

    Clearly, in designing these fake projects, the actors went to great lengths to make the repositories appear legitimate to potential targets. For instance, the malicious repositories we discovered contained well-designed README.md files, possibly generated using AI tools. We observed these files to contain information about the projects, as well as instructions on how to compile their code.

    Snippets of README.md pages with descriptions of fake projects

    In addition to that, the attackers added multiple tags to their repositories, as well as artificially inflated the number of commits made to them. To do that, they placed a timestamp file in these repositories, which was updated every few minutes:

    Example structure of a malicious repository

    Malicious code implanted in many ways

    While analyzing repositories created over the course of the GitVenom campaign, we noted that the fake projects we found were written in multiple programming languages – specifically Python, JavaScript, C, C++ and C#. As may be expected, these projects did not implement the features discussed in the README.md file, and their code mostly performed meaningless actions. At the same time, each of the projects was infected with malicious code, with its placement depending on the programming language used.

    For instance, the attackers placed malicious code in Python-based projects by inserting a long line in one of the project files. This line consisted of about 2,000 tab characters, followed by the following code, responsible for decrypting and executing a Python script:

    In the case of projects coded in JavaScript, the attackers created a malicious function inside them, which was in turn invoked from the main file of the project. Below is an example of such a function:

    Example of a malicious function placed in JavaScript-based projects. It decodes a script from Base64 and executes it.

    As for repositories containing C, C++ and C# code, the attackers decided to hide a malicious batch script inside Visual Studio project files, configuring it to execute at project build time:

    Snippet from a malicious Visual Studio project file. It contains a PreBuildEvent attribute, which instructs the payload to execute at project build time.

    Further payloads deployed

    While coded in different programming languages, the malicious payloads stored inside the fake projects had the same goal – download further malicious components from an attacker-controlled GitHub repository (URL at the time of research: hxxps://github[.]com/Dipo17/battle) and execute them. These components were as follows:

    • A Node.js stealer that collects information such as saved credentials, cryptocurrency wallet data and browsing history, packs it into a .7z archive and uploads it to the attackers via Telegram.

    Structure of the archive which the stealer sends to the attackers

    • The open-source AsyncRAT implant (C2 server address: 68.81[.]155);
    • The open-source Quasar backdoor (C2 server address: same as above)
    • A clipboard hijacker, which searches the clipboard contents for cryptocurrency wallet addresses and replaces them with attacker-controlled ones. Notably, the attacker-controlled Bitcoin wallet ( ID: bc1qtxlz2m6r[...]yspzt) received a lump sum of about 5 BTC (approximately 485,000 USD at the time of research) in November 2024.

    Impact of the campaign

    While investigating malicious repositories related to the GitVenom campaign, we found several fake projects published two years ago. Given that the attackers have been luring victims with these projects for several years, the infection vector is likely quite efficient. In fact, based on our telemetry, infection attempts related to GitVenom have been observed worldwide, with the highest number of them being in Russia, Brazil and Turkey. We expect these attempts to continue in the future, possibly with small changes in the TTPs.

    Blindly running code from GitHub can be detrimental

    As code-sharing platforms such as GitHub are used by millions of developers worldwide, threat actors will certainly continue using fake software as an infection lure. For that reason, it is crucial to handle processing of third-party code very carefully. Before attempting to run such code or integrate it into an existing project, it is paramount to thoroughly check what actions it performs. This way, it will be very easy to spot fake projects and prevent malicious code placed in them from being used to compromise the development environment.

    Reference hashes for infected repository archives

    63739e000601afde38570bfb9c8ba589 (06d0d13a4ce73775cf94a4a4f2314490de1d5b9af12db8ba9b01cd14222a2756)

    3684907e595cd04bf30b27d21580a7c6 (bd44a831ecf463756e106668ac877c6b66a2c0b954d13d6f311800e75e9c6678)

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s Remarks to the Human Rights Council [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations – English

    Scroll down for all-English and all-French versions]

    Mr. President of the General Assembly, Mr. President of the Human Rights Council, High Commissioner,
    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    We begin this session under the weight of a grim milestone — the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in violation of the UN charter.

    More than 12,600 civilians killed, with many more injured.

    Entire communities reduced to rubble.

    Hospitals and schools destroyed.

    We must spare no effort to bring an end to this conflict, and to achieve a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions.

    Conflicts like the war in Ukraine exact a heavy toll.

    A toll on people. 

    A toll on fundamental principles like territorial integrity, sovereignty and the rule of law.

    And a toll on the vital business of this Council.

    Without respect for human rights — civil, cultural, economic, political and social — sustainable peace is a pipedream.

    And like this Council, human rights shine a light in the darkest places.

    Through your work, and the work of the High Commissioner’s Office around the world, you’re supporting brave human rights defenders risking persecution, detention and even death.

    You’re working with governments, civil society and others to strengthen action on human rights.

    And you’re supporting investigations and accountability.

    Five years ago, we launched our Call to Action for Human Rights, embedding human rights across the work of the United Nations around the world in close cooperation with our partners.

    I will continue supporting this important work, and the High Commissioner’s Office, as we fight for human rights everywhere.
    Excellencies,

    We have our work cut out for us. 

    Human rights are the oxygen of humanity.

    But one by one, human rights are being suffocated.  

    By autocrats, crushing opposition because they fear what a truly empowered people would do. 

    By a patriarchy that keeps girls out of school, and women at arm’s length from basic rights.

    By wars and violence that strip populations of their right to food, water and education.

    By warmongers who thumb their nose at international law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter.  

    Human rights are being suffocated by the climate crisis.

    And by a morally bankrupt global financial system that too often obstructs the path to greater equality and sustainable development.

    By runaway technologies like Artificial Intelligence that hold great promise, but also the ability to violate human rights at the touch of a button.

    By growing intolerance against entire groups — from Indigenous peoples, to migrants and refugees, to the LGBTQI+ community, to persons with disabilities.  
    And by voices of division and anger who view human rights not as a boon to humanity, but as a barrier to the power, profit and control they seek.

    In short — human rights are on the ropes and being pummeled hard.

    This represents a direct threat to all of the hard-won mechanisms and systems established over the last 80 years to protect and advance human rights. 

    But as the recently adopted Pact for the Future reminds us, human rights are, in fact, a source of solutions.

    The Pact provides a playbook on how we can win the fight for human rights on several fronts.   

    First — human rights through peace and peace through human rights.

    Conflicts inflict human rights violations on a massive scale.

    In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, violations of human rights have skyrocketed since the horrific Hamas attacks of October 7 and the intolerable levels of death and destruction in Gaza.

    And I am gravely concerned by the rising violence in the occupied West Bank by Israeli settlers and other violations, as well as calls for annexation. We are witnessing a precarious ceasefire. We must avoid at all costs a resumption of hostilities. The people in Gaza have already suffered too much.

    It’s time for a permanent ceasefire, the dignified release of all remaining hostages, irreversible progress towards a two-State solution, an end to the occupation, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with Gaza as an integral part.

    In Sudan, bloodshed, displacement and famine are engulfing the country.  

    The warring parties must take immediate action to protect civilians, uphold human rights, cease hostilities and forge peace.

    And domestic and international human rights monitoring and investigation mechanisms should be permitted to document what is happening on the ground.

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we see a deadly whirlwind of violence and horrifying human rights abuses, amplified by the recent M23 offensive, supported by the Rwandan Defense Forces.  
    As more cities fall, the risk of a regional war rises. 
     
    It’s time to silence the guns. 
     
    It’s time for diplomacy and dialogue. 
     
    The recent joint summit in Tanzania offered a way forward with a renewed call for an immediate ceasefire.

    The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected.

    The Congolese people deserve peace.

    In the Sahel, I call for a renewed regional dialogue to protect citizens from terrorism and systemic violations of human rights, and to create the conditions for sustainable development. 

    In Myanmar, the situation has grown far worse in the four years since the military seized power and arbitrarily detained members of the democratically elected government.

    We need greater cooperation to bring an end to the hostilities and forge a path towards an inclusive democratic transition and a return to civilian rule, allowing for the safe return of the Rohingya refugees.

    And in Haiti, we are seeing massive human rights violations — including more than a million people displaced, and children facing a horrific increase in sexual violence and recruitment into gangs.

    In the coming days, I will put forward proposals to the United Nations Security Council for greater stability and security for the people of Haiti — namely through an effective UN assistance mechanism to support the Multilateral Security Support mission, the national police and Haitian authorities.

    A durable solution requires a political process — led and owned by the Haitian people — that restores democratic institutions through elections.

    The Pact for the Future calls for peace processes and approaches rooted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international law and the UN Charter.

    It proposes specific actions to prioritize conflict prevention, mediation, resolution and peacebuilding.

    And it includes a commitment to tackle the root causes of conflict, which are so often enmeshed in denials of basic human needs and rights.  

    Second — the Pact for the Future advances human rights through development.

    The Sustainable Development Goals and human rights are fundamentally intertwined.

    They represent real human needs — health, food, water, education, decent work and social protection.

    With less than one-fifth of the Goals on track, the Pact calls for a massive acceleration through an SDG Stimulus, reforming the global financial architecture, and taking meaningful action for countries drowning in debt.

    This must include focused action to conquer the most widespread human rights abuse in history — inequality for women and girls.

    The Pact calls for investing in battling all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls, and ensuring their meaningful participation and leadership across all walks of life.
    And along with the Declaration on Future Generations, the Pact calls for supporting the rights and futures of young people through decent work, removing barriers for youth participation, and enhancing training.

    And the Global Digital Compact calls on nations to champion young innovators, nurture entrepreneurial spirit, and equip the next generation with digital literacy and skills.
    Third — the Pact for the Future recognizes that the rule of law and human rights go hand-in-hand.

    The rule of law, when founded on human rights, is an essential pillar of protection.

    It shields the most vulnerable.

    It’s the first line of defense against crime and corruption.

    It supports fair, just and inclusive economies and societies.

    It holds perpetrators of human rights atrocities to account.

    It enables civic space for people to make their voices heard — and for journalists to carry out their essential work, free from interference or threats.

    And it reaffirms the world’s commitment to equal access to justice, good governance, and transparent and accountable institutions.   

    Quatrièmement, réaliser les droits humains grâce à l’action climatique.

    L’année dernière a été la plus chaude jamais enregistrée, et vient couronner la décennie la plus chaude jamais enregistrée.

    La hausse des températures, la fonte des glaciers et le réchauffement des océans ne peuvent mener qu’au désastre.

    Inondations, sécheresses, tempêtes meurtrières, famine, déplacements massifs : notre guerre contre la nature est aussi une guerre contre les droits humains.

    Nous devons prendre un autre chemin.

    Je salue les nombreux États Membres qui reconnaissent légalement le droit à un environnement sain, et j’appelle tous les pays à faire de même.

    Les gouvernements doivent tenir leur promesse d’élaborer cette année de nouveaux plans d’action nationaux pour le climat couvrant l’ensemble de l’économie, et ce bien avant la COP 30 qui se tiendra au Brésil.

    Ces plans doivent limiter la hausse de la température mondiale à 1,5 degré, notamment en accélérant la transition énergétique mondiale.

    Nous avons également besoin d’une augmentation massive des financements pour l’action climatique dans les pays en développement, afin de s’adapter au réchauffement de la planète, de réduire les émissions et d’accélérer la révolution des énergies renouvelables, qui offre d’énormes possibilités économiques.

    Nous devons nous opposer aux campagnes mensongères menées par de nombreux acteurs de l’industrie des combustibles fossiles et à ceux qui la font vivre et s’en rendent complices…

    Tout comme nous devons protéger et défendre les personnes qui sont en première ligne de la lutte pour une justice climatique.

    Et cinquièmement, réaliser les droits humains grâce à une gouvernance renforcée et améliorée des technologies.

    À l’heure où des technologies en rapide mutation s’immiscent dans tous les aspects de notre vie, je m’inquiète des risques qu’elles représentent pour les droits humains.

    Dans le meilleur des cas, les médias sociaux sont un lieu de rencontre où l’on peut échanger des idées et débattre avec respect.

    Mais ils peuvent aussi devenir un théâtre de confrontations enflammées et d’une ignorance flagrante.

    Un lieu où les poisons que sont la mésinformation, la désinformation, le racisme, la misogynie et les discours de haine sont non seulement tolérés, mais, bien souvent, encouragés.

    La violence verbale en ligne peut facilement se transformer en violence physique dans le monde réel.

    Les reculs récents en matière de vérification des faits et de modération de contenu sur les réseaux sociaux rouvrent grand la porte à plus de haine, plus de menaces et plus de violence.

    Que l’on ne s’y trompe pas.

    Ces reculs entraîneront une diminution de la liberté d’expression, et non une amplification – car les gens craignent de plus en plus de s’exprimer sur ces plateformes.

    Dans le même temps, la grande promesse de l’intelligence artificielle s’accompagne d’un risque insondable qui met en péril l’autonomie, l’identité et le contrôle humains – jusqu’aux droits humains.

    Face à ces menaces, le Pacte numérique mondial rassemble le monde entier pour veiller à ce que les droits humains ne soient pas sacrifiés sur l’autel de la technologie.

    Il s’agit notamment de collaborer avec les entreprises numériques et les décideurs politiques pour étendre le respect des droits humains à tous les recoins du cyberespace, en mettant notamment l’accent sur l’intégrité de l’information sur toutes les plateformes numériques.

    Les Principes mondiaux pour l’intégrité de l’information que j’ai lancés l’année dernière viendront étayer et orienter les efforts que nous déploierons en vue de créer un écosystème de l’information plus humain.

    Le Pacte numérique mondial comprend également le premier accord universel sur la gouvernance de l’intelligence artificielle qui donne voix au chapitre à tous les pays, ainsi que des engagements en matière de renforcement des capacités, visant à ce que tous les pays et toutes les personnes bénéficient du potentiel de l’intelligence artificielle.

    Pour cela, il faut investir dans l’accès à l’Internet à un prix abordable, dans les formations au numérique et dans les infrastructures ;

    Aider les pays en développement à utiliser l’intelligence artificielle pour développer les petites entreprises, améliorer les services publics et connecter les communautés à de nouveaux marchés.

    Et mettre les droits humains au centre des systèmes fondés sur l’intelligence artificielle.

    Les décisions du Pacte – d’établir un Groupe scientifique international indépendant et un Dialogue mondial régulier garantissant la participation de tous les pays dans l’élaboration de l’avenir de l’intelligence artificielle – constituent des avancées importantes. Il faut les concrétiser.

    Excellences,

    Mesdames et Messieurs,

    Nous pouvons mettre fin à l’asphyxie des droits humains en donnant vie au Pacte pour l’avenir et aux travaux de ce Conseil.

    Attelons-nous à cette tâche – ensemble. Nous n’avons pas un instant à perdre.

    Et je vous remercie.

    [all-English version]

    Mr. President of the General Assembly, Mr. President of the Human Rights Council, High Commissioner,
    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    We begin this session under the weight of a grim milestone — the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in violation of the UN charter.

    More than 12,600 civilians killed, with many more injured.

    Entire communities reduced to rubble.

    Hospitals and schools destroyed.

    We must spare no effort to bring an end to this conflict, and to achieve a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions.

    Conflicts like the war in Ukraine exact a heavy toll.

    A toll on people. 

    A toll on fundamental principles like territorial integrity, sovereignty and the rule of law.

    And a toll on the vital business of this Council.

    Without respect for human rights — civil, cultural, economic, political and social — sustainable peace is a pipedream.

    And like this Council, human rights shine a light in the darkest places.

    Through your work, and the work of the High Commissioner’s Office around the world, you’re supporting brave human rights defenders risking persecution, detention and even death.

    You’re working with governments, civil society and others to strengthen action on human rights.

    And you’re supporting investigations and accountability.

    Five years ago, we launched our Call to Action for Human Rights, embedding human rights across the work of the United Nations around the world in close cooperation with our partners.

    I will continue supporting this important work, and the High Commissioner’s Office, as we fight for human rights everywhere.
    Excellencies,

    We have our work cut out for us. 

    Human rights are the oxygen of humanity.

    But one by one, human rights are being suffocated.  

    By autocrats, crushing opposition because they fear what a truly empowered people would do. 

    By a patriarchy that keeps girls out of school, and women at arm’s length from basic rights.

    By wars and violence that strip populations of their right to food, water and education.

    By warmongers who thumb their nose at international law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter.  

    Human rights are being suffocated by the climate crisis.

    And by a morally bankrupt global financial system that too often obstructs the path to greater equality and sustainable development.

    By runaway technologies like Artificial Intelligence that hold great promise, but also the ability to violate human rights at the touch of a button.

    By growing intolerance against entire groups — from Indigenous peoples, to migrants and refugees, to the LGBTQI+ community, to persons with disabilities.  
    And by voices of division and anger who view human rights not as a boon to humanity, but as a barrier to the power, profit and control they seek.

    In short — human rights are on the ropes and being pummeled hard.

    This represents a direct threat to all of the hard-won mechanisms and systems established over the last 80 years to protect and advance human rights. 

    But as the recently adopted Pact for the Future reminds us, human rights are, in fact, a source of solutions.

    The Pact provides a playbook on how we can win the fight for human rights on several fronts.   

    First — human rights through peace and peace through human rights.

    Conflicts inflict human rights violations on a massive scale.

    In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, violations of human rights have skyrocketed since the horrific Hamas attacks of October 7 and the intolerable levels of death and destruction in Gaza.

    And I am gravely concerned by the rising violence in the occupied West Bank by Israeli settlers and other violations, as well as calls for annexation. We are witnessing a precarious ceasefire. We must avoid at all costs a resumption of hostilities. The people in Gaza have already suffered too much.

    It’s time for a permanent ceasefire, the dignified release of all remaining hostages, irreversible progress towards a two-State solution, an end to the occupation, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with Gaza as an integral part.

    In Sudan, bloodshed, displacement and famine are engulfing the country.  

    The warring parties must take immediate action to protect civilians, uphold human rights, cease hostilities and forge peace.

    And domestic and international human rights monitoring and investigation mechanisms should be permitted to document what is happening on the ground.

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we see a deadly whirlwind of violence and horrifying human rights abuses, amplified by the recent M23 offensive, supported by the Rwandan Defense Forces.  
    As more cities fall, the risk of a regional war rises. 
     
    It’s time to silence the guns. 
     
    It’s time for diplomacy and dialogue. 
     
    The recent joint summit in Tanzania offered a way forward with a renewed call for an immediate ceasefire.

    The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected.

    The Congolese people deserve peace.

    In the Sahel, I call for a renewed regional dialogue to protect citizens from terrorism and systemic violations of human rights, and to create the conditions for sustainable development. 

    In Myanmar, the situation has grown far worse in the four years since the military seized power and arbitrarily detained members of the democratically elected government.

    We need greater cooperation to bring an end to the hostilities and forge a path towards an inclusive democratic transition and a return to civilian rule, allowing for the safe return of the Rohingya refugees.

    And in Haiti, we are seeing massive human rights violations — including more than a million people displaced, and children facing a horrific increase in sexual violence and recruitment into gangs.

    In the coming days, I will put forward proposals to the United Nations Security Council for greater stability and security for the people of Haiti — namely through an effective UN assistance mechanism to support the Multilateral Security Support mission, the national police and Haitian authorities.

    A durable solution requires a political process — led and owned by the Haitian people — that restores democratic institutions through elections.

    The Pact for the Future calls for peace processes and approaches rooted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international law and the UN Charter.

    It proposes specific actions to prioritize conflict prevention, mediation, resolution and peacebuilding.

    And it includes a commitment to tackle the root causes of conflict, which are so often enmeshed in denials of basic human needs and rights.  

    Second — the Pact for the Future advances human rights through development.

    The Sustainable Development Goals and human rights are fundamentally intertwined.

    They represent real human needs — health, food, water, education, decent work and social protection.

    With less than one-fifth of the Goals on track, the Pact calls for a massive acceleration through an SDG Stimulus, reforming the global financial architecture, and taking meaningful action for countries drowning in debt.

    This must include focused action to conquer the most widespread human rights abuse in history — inequality for women and girls.

    The Pact calls for investing in battling all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls, and ensuring their meaningful participation and leadership across all walks of life.
    And along with the Declaration on Future Generations, the Pact calls for supporting the rights and futures of young people through decent work, removing barriers for youth participation, and enhancing training.

    And the Global Digital Compact calls on nations to champion young innovators, nurture entrepreneurial spirit, and equip the next generation with digital literacy and skills.
    Third — the Pact for the Future recognizes that the rule of law and human rights go hand-in-hand.

    The rule of law, when founded on human rights, is an essential pillar of protection.

    It shields the most vulnerable.

    It’s the first line of defense against crime and corruption.

    It supports fair, just and inclusive economies and societies.

    It holds perpetrators of human rights atrocities to account.

    It enables civic space for people to make their voices heard — and for journalists to carry out their essential work, free from interference or threats.

    And it reaffirms the world’s commitment to equal access to justice, good governance, and transparent and accountable institutions.

    Fourth — human rights through climate action.   

    Last year was the hottest on record — capping the hottest decade on record.

    Rising heat, melting glaciers and hotter oceans are a recipe for disaster.  

    Floods, droughts, deadly storms, hunger, mass displacement — our war on nature is also a war on human rights.

    We must choose a different path.

    I salute the many Member States who legally recognize the right to a healthy environment — and I call on all countries to do the same.

    Governments must keep their promise to produce new, economy-wide national climate action plans this year, well ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

    Those plans must limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees — including by accelerating the global energy transition.   

    We also need a surge in finance for climate action in developing countries, to adapt to global heating, slash emissions and accelerate the renewables revolution, which represents a massive economic opportunity.  

    We must stand up to the misleading campaign of many in the fossil fuel industry and its enablers who are aiding and abetting this madness, while also protecting and defending those on the front lines of climate justice.

    And fifth — human rights through stronger, better governance of technology.

    As fast-moving technologies expand into every aspect of our lives, I am deeply concerned about human rights being undermined.

    At its best, social media is a meeting ground for people to exchange ideas and spark respectful debate.

    But it can also be an arena of fiery combat and blatant ignorance.

    A place where the poisons of misinformation, disinformation, racism, misogyny and hate speech are not only tolerated — but often encouraged.

    Verbal violence online can easily spill into physical violence in real life. 

    Recent rollbacks on social media fact-checking and content moderation are re-opening the floodgates to more hate, more threats, and more violence.

    Make no mistake.

    These rollbacks will lead to less free speech, not more, as people become increasingly fearful to engage on these platforms.

    Meanwhile, the great promise of Artificial Intelligence is matched by limitless peril to undermine human autonomy, human identity, human control — and yes, human rights.

    In the face of these threats, the Global Digital Compact brings the world together to ensure that human rights are not sacrificed on the altar of technology.

    This includes working with digital companies and policymakers to extend human rights to every corner of cyberspace — including a new focus on information integrity across digital platforms.

    The Global Principles for Information Integrity I launched last year will support and inform this work as we push for a more humane information ecosystem.

    The Global Digital Compact also includes the first universal agreement on the governance of AI that brings every country to the table and commitments on capacity-building, so all countries and people benefit from AI’s potential.

    By investing in affordable internet, digital literacy, and infrastructure.

    By helping developing countries use AI to grow small businesses, improve public services, and connect communities to new markets.

    And by placing human rights at the centre of AI-driven systems.

    The Pact’s decisions to create an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and an ongoing Global Dialogue that ensure all countries have a voice in shaping its future are important steps forward. We must implement them.

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    We can help end the suffocation of human rights by breathing life into the Pact for the Future and the work of this Council. 

    Let’s do that together. We don’t have a moment to lose.

    And I thank you.

    [all-French translation]

    L’ouverture de la présente session coïncide avec un sinistre jalon : le troisième anniversaire de l’invasion de l’Ukraine par la Russie, en violation de la Charte des Nations Unies.

    Plus de 12 600 civils ont été tués et bien plus encore ont été blessés.

    Des communautés entières ont été anéanties.

    Des hôpitaux et des écoles ne sont plus que décombres.

    Nous ne devons ménager aucun effort pour mettre un terme à ce conflit et parvenir à une paix juste et durable, conformément à la Charte des Nations Unies, au droit international et aux résolutions de l’Assemblée générale.

    Les conflits comme la guerre en Ukraine prélèvent un lourd tribut.

    Ils déciment les populations.

    Ils érodent les principes fondamentaux que sont l’intégrité territoriale, la souveraineté et l’état de droit.

    Ils sapent les activités vitales de ce Conseil.

    Sans le respect des droits humains – qu’ils soient civils, culturels, économiques, politiques ou sociaux – la paix durable n’est qu’une chimère.

    Et comme ce Conseil, les droits humains sont une source de lumière dans l’obscurité la plus profonde.

    Grâce à vos travaux et à ceux que le Haut-Commissariat mène dans le monde entier, vous soutenez les défenseurs et défenseuses des droits humains qui, avec courage, risquent la persécution, la détention et même la mort.

    Vous travaillez avec les gouvernements, la société civile et d’autres acteurs pour renforcer l’action en faveur des droits humains.

    Et vous apportez votre soutien aux mécanismes d’enquête et d’établissement des responsabilités.

    Il y a cinq ans, nous avons lancé notre appel à l’action en faveur des droits humains, l’objectif étant d’intégrer les droits humains dans toutes les activités des Nations Unies menées à travers le monde, en étroite collaboration avec nos partenaires.

    Je continuerai d’apporter mon appui à ces travaux importants, ainsi qu’au Haut-Commissariat, dans notre lutte pour les droits humains partout dans le monde.

    Excellences,

    Nous avons du pain sur la planche.

    Les droits humains sont l’oxygène de l’humanité.

    Mais ils sont asphyxiés, les uns après les autres.

    Par les autocrates, qui écrasent l’opposition parce qu’ils craignent ce dont serait capable un peuple ayant pleinement les moyens d’agir.

    Par le patriarcat, qui empêche les filles d’aller à l’école et les femmes de jouir de leurs droits fondamentaux.

    Par les guerres et la violence, qui privent les populations de leur droit à l’alimentation, à l’eau, et à l’éducation.

    Par les bellicistes, qui se rient du droit international, du droit international humanitaire et de la Charte des Nations Unies.

    Les droits humains sont asphyxiés par la crise climatique.

    Par un système financier mondial en faillite morale, qui fait trop souvent obstacle à une plus grande égalité et au développement durable.

    Par des technologies incontrôlables comme l’intelligence artificielle, qui suscitent de grands espoirs mais recèlent aussi la capacité de violer les droits humains en un seul clic.

    Par une intolérance croissante à l’égard de groupes entiers, qu’il s’agisse des peuples autochtones, des migrants et réfugiés, de la communauté LGBTQI+, ou encore des personnes handicapées.

    Et par les discours de ceux qui, prêchant la division et la colère, considèrent les droits humains non pas comme un bienfait pour l’humanité, mais comme un obstacle au pouvoir, au profit et au contrôle qu’ils convoitent.

    En bref, les droits humains, sous le coup d’attaques vicieuses, sont dans leurs derniers retranchements.

    Cette situation représente une menace directe pour tous les mécanismes et systèmes établis de haute lutte au cours des 80 dernières années pour protéger et faire progresser les droits humains.

    Or, comme le rappelle le Pacte pour l’avenir adopté récemment, les droits humains sont, en fait, une source de solutions.

    Le Pacte définit les mesures que nous pouvons prendre pour gagner le combat pour les droits humains sur plusieurs fronts.

    Premièrement, réaliser les droits humains grâce à la paix et instaurer la paix grâce aux droits humains.

    Les conflits infligent des violations massives des droits humains.

    Dans le Territoire palestinien occupé, les violations des droits humains ont connu une hausse vertigineuse depuis les horribles attaques perpétrées par le Hamas le 7 octobre, et les niveaux intolérables de mort et de destruction à Gaza.

    Je suis gravement préoccupé par la montée des violences et des autres violations commises en Cisjordanie occupée par les colons israéliens, ainsi que par les appels à l’annexion. Nous assistons à un cessez-le-feu précaire. Nous devons éviter à tout prix une reprise des hostilités. La population de Gaza a déjà trop souffert.

    Il est temps d’instaurer un cessez-le-feu permanent, de libérer tous les otages restants, de réaliser des progrès irréversibles vers la solution des deux États, la fin l’occupation, et la création d’un État palestinien indépendant, dont Gaza ferait partie intégrante.

    Au Soudan, les bains de sang, les déplacements de population et la famine ravagent le pays.

    Les parties en conflit doivent prendre immédiatement des mesures pour protéger les civils, défendre les droits humains, cesser les hostilités et instaurer la paix.

    Les mécanismes nationaux et internationaux de surveillance et d’enquête en matière de droits humains devraient être autorisés à documenter ce qui se déroule sur le terrain.

    En République démocratique du Congo, nous sommes témoins d’un tourbillon mortel de violences et d’atroces violations des droits humains, amplifié par la récente offensive du M23, soutenue par les forces de défense rwandaises.

    Plus les villes tombent, plus le risque d’une guerre régionale augmente. 

    Il est temps de faire taire les armes.

    L’heure est à la diplomatie et au dialogue.

    Le récent sommet conjoint qui s’est tenu en Tanzanie a ouvert la voie en renouvelant l’appel à un cessez-le-feu immédiat.

    La souveraineté et l’intégrité territoriale de la RDC doivent être respectées.

    Le peuple congolais mérite la paix.

    Au Sahel, j’appelle à la reprise du dialogue régional afin de protéger les citoyens du terrorisme et des violations systémiques des droits humains et de créer les conditions du développement durable.

    Au Myanmar, la situation s’est considérablement aggravée au cours des quatre années qui se sont écoulées depuis que les militaires ont pris le pouvoir et détenu arbitrairement des membres du gouvernement démocratiquement élu.

    Il nous faut resserrer la coopération pour mettre fin aux hostilités et ouvrir la voie à une transition démocratique inclusive et au retour à un régime civil, permettant le retour en toute sécurité des réfugiés rohingyas.

    En Haïti, nous constatons des violations massives des droits humains : plus d’un million de personnes ont été déplacées et les enfants sont en proie à une augmentation effroyable des violences sexuelles et de l’enrôlement dans les gangs.

    Dans les jours à venir, je présenterai au Conseil de sécurité des Nations unies des propositions pour renforcer la stabilité et la sécurité du peuple haïtien, notamment par le biais d’un mécanisme d’assistance efficace des Nations unies destiné à soutenir la Mission multilatérale de soutien à la sécurité, à la police nationale et aux autorités haïtiennes.

    Une solution durable nécessite un processus politique – mené et pris en charge par le peuple haïtien – qui rétablisse les institutions démocratiques à travers des élections.

    Le Pacte pour l’avenir demande la mise en place de processus et de démarches pour la paix ancrés dans la Déclaration universelle des droits de l’Homme, le droit international et la Charte des Nations Unies.

    Le Pacte pour l’avenir appelle à des processus et des approches de paix fondés sur la Déclaration universelle des droits de l’homme, le droit international et la Charte des Nations unies.

    Il propose des mesures précises visant à privilégier la prévention des conflits, la médiation, le règlement des conflits et la consolidation de la paix.

    Il énonce également l’engagement pris de s’attaquer aux causes profondes des conflits, qui sont bien souvent liées au déni des besoins et des droits humains fondamentaux.

    Deuxièmement, le Pacte pour l’avenir fait progresser les droits humains grâce au développement.

    Les objectifs de développement durable et les droits humains sont intrinsèquement liés.

    Ils représentent des besoins humains réels : la santé, l’alimentation, l’eau, l’éducation, le travail décent et la protection sociale.

    Alors que moins d’un cinquième des objectifs sont en passe d’être réalisés, le Pacte appelle à une accélération massive des progrès grâce au plan de relance des objectifs de développement durable, à la réforme de
    l’architecture financière mondiale et à la prise de mesures réfléchies pour les pays qui croulent sous la dette.

    Il s’agit donc, notamment, de mener une action ciblée pour vaincre la violation des droits humains la plus répandue dans l’histoire : l’inégalité pour les femmes et les filles.

    Le Pacte appelle à investir pour lutter contre toutes les formes de discrimination et de violence à l’égard des femmes et des filles et pour permettre à celles-ci de participer véritablement à tous les domaines de la vie et d’y jouer un rôle moteur.

    Avec la Déclaration sur les générations futures, le Pacte appelle à défendre les droits et l’avenir des jeunes en promouvant le travail décent, en éliminant les obstacles à la participation des jeunes et en améliorant la formation.

    Le Pacte numérique mondial appelle tous les pays à soutenir les jeunes innovateurs, à cultiver l’esprit entrepreneurial et à doter la prochaine génération des connaissances et compétences numériques nécessaires.

    Troisièmement, le Pacte pour l’avenir établit que l’état de droit et les droits humains vont de pair.

    L’état de droit, lorsqu’il est fondé sur les droits humains, est un pilier essentiel de la protection.

    Il protège les plus vulnérables.

    C’est la première ligne de défense contre la criminalité et la corruption.

    Il favorise des économies et des sociétés équitables, justes et inclusives.

    Il oblige les auteurs d’atrocités commises en violation des droits humains à rendre compte de leurs actes.

    Il offre aux individus un espace civique où faire entendre leur voix et permet aux journalistes d’accomplir leur travail essentiel, à l’abri des ingérences et des menaces.

    Et il réaffirme l’engagement du monde en faveur de l’égalité d’accès à la justice, de la bonne gouvernance et d’institutions transparentes et responsables.

    Quatrièmement, réaliser les droits humains grâce à l’action climatique.

    L’année dernière a été la plus chaude jamais enregistrée, et vient couronner la décennie la plus chaude jamais enregistrée.

    La hausse des températures, la fonte des glaciers et le réchauffement des océans ne peuvent mener qu’au désastre.

    Inondations, sécheresses, tempêtes meurtrières, famine, déplacements massifs : notre guerre contre la nature est aussi une guerre contre les droits humains.

    Nous devons prendre un autre chemin.

    Je salue les nombreux États Membres qui reconnaissent légalement le droit à un environnement sain, et j’appelle tous les pays à faire de même.

    Les gouvernements doivent tenir leur promesse d’élaborer cette année de nouveaux plans d’action nationaux pour le climat couvrant l’ensemble de l’économie, et ce bien avant la COP 30 qui se tiendra au Brésil.

    Ces plans doivent limiter la hausse de la température mondiale à 1,5 degré, notamment en accélérant la transition énergétique mondiale.

    Nous avons également besoin d’une augmentation massive des financements pour l’action climatique dans les pays en développement, afin de s’adapter au réchauffement de la planète, de réduire les émissions et d’accélérer la révolution des énergies renouvelables, qui offre d’énormes possibilités économiques.

    Nous devons nous opposer aux campagnes mensongères menées par de nombreux acteurs de l’industrie des combustibles fossiles et à ceux qui la font vivre et s’en rendent complices…

    Tout comme nous devons protéger et défendre les personnes qui sont en première ligne de la lutte pour une justice climatique.

    Et cinquièmement, réaliser les droits humains grâce à une gouvernance renforcée et améliorée des technologies.

    À l’heure où des technologies en rapide mutation s’immiscent dans tous les aspects de notre vie, je m’inquiète des risques qu’elles représentent pour les droits humains.

    Dans le meilleur des cas, les médias sociaux sont un lieu de rencontre où l’on peut échanger des idées et débattre avec respect.

    Mais ils peuvent aussi devenir un théâtre de confrontations enflammées et d’une ignorance flagrante.

    Un lieu où les poisons que sont la mésinformation, la désinformation, le racisme, la misogynie et les discours de haine sont non seulement tolérés, mais, bien souvent, encouragés.

    La violence verbale en ligne peut facilement se transformer en violence physique dans le monde réel.

    Les reculs récents en matière de vérification des faits et de modération de contenu sur les réseaux sociaux rouvrent grand la porte à plus de haine, plus de menaces et plus de violence.

    Que l’on ne s’y trompe pas.

    Ces reculs entraîneront une diminution de la liberté d’expression, et non une amplification – car les gens craignent de plus en plus de s’exprimer sur ces plateformes.

    Dans le même temps, la grande promesse de l’intelligence artificielle s’accompagne d’un risque insondable qui met en péril l’autonomie, l’identité et le contrôle humains – jusqu’aux droits humains.

    Face à ces menaces, le Pacte numérique mondial rassemble le monde entier pour veiller à ce que les droits humains ne soient pas sacrifiés sur l’autel de la technologie.

    Il s’agit notamment de collaborer avec les entreprises numériques et les décideurs politiques pour étendre le respect des droits humains à tous les recoins du cyberespace, en mettant notamment l’accent sur l’intégrité de l’information sur toutes les plateformes numériques.

    Les Principes mondiaux pour l’intégrité de l’information que j’ai lancés l’année dernière viendront étayer et orienter les efforts que nous déploierons en vue de créer un écosystème de l’information plus humain.

    Le Pacte numérique mondial comprend également le premier accord universel sur la gouvernance de l’intelligence artificielle qui donne voix au chapitre à tous les pays, ainsi que des engagements en matière de renforcement des capacités, visant à ce que tous les pays et toutes les personnes bénéficient du potentiel de l’intelligence artificielle.

    Pour cela, il faut investir dans l’accès à Internet à un prix abordable, dans les formations au numérique et dans les infrastructures ;

    Aider les pays en développement à utiliser l’intelligence artificielle pour développer les petites entreprises, améliorer les services publics et connecter les communautés à de nouveaux marchés.

    Et mettre les droits humains au centre des systèmes fondés sur l’intelligence artificielle.

    Les décisions du Pacte – d’établir un Groupe scientifique international indépendant et un Dialogue mondial régulier garantissant la participation de tous les pays dans l’élaboration de l’avenir de l’intelligence artificielle – constituent des avancées importantes. Il faut les concrétiser.

    Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

    Nous pouvons mettre fin à l’asphyxie des droits humains en donnant vie au Pacte pour l’avenir et aux travaux de ce Conseil.

    Attelons-nous à cette tâche – ensemble. Nous n’avons pas un instant à perdre.

    Et je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s Remarks to the Human Rights Council [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    [Scroll down for all-English and all-French versions]

    Mr. President of the General Assembly, Mr. President of the Human Rights Council, High Commissioner,
    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    We begin this session under the weight of a grim milestone — the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in violation of the UN charter.

    More than 12,600 civilians killed, with many more injured.

    Entire communities reduced to rubble.

    Hospitals and schools destroyed.

    We must spare no effort to bring an end to this conflict, and to achieve a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions.

    Conflicts like the war in Ukraine exact a heavy toll.

    A toll on people. 

    A toll on fundamental principles like territorial integrity, sovereignty and the rule of law.

    And a toll on the vital business of this Council.

    Without respect for human rights — civil, cultural, economic, political and social — sustainable peace is a pipedream.

    And like this Council, human rights shine a light in the darkest places.

    Through your work, and the work of the High Commissioner’s Office around the world, you’re supporting brave human rights defenders risking persecution, detention and even death.

    You’re working with governments, civil society and others to strengthen action on human rights.

    And you’re supporting investigations and accountability.

    Five years ago, we launched our Call to Action for Human Rights, embedding human rights across the work of the United Nations around the world in close cooperation with our partners.

    I will continue supporting this important work, and the High Commissioner’s Office, as we fight for human rights everywhere.
    Excellencies,

    We have our work cut out for us. 

    Human rights are the oxygen of humanity.

    But one by one, human rights are being suffocated.  

    By autocrats, crushing opposition because they fear what a truly empowered people would do. 

    By a patriarchy that keeps girls out of school, and women at arm’s length from basic rights.

    By wars and violence that strip populations of their right to food, water and education.

    By warmongers who thumb their nose at international law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter.  

    Human rights are being suffocated by the climate crisis.

    And by a morally bankrupt global financial system that too often obstructs the path to greater equality and sustainable development.

    By runaway technologies like Artificial Intelligence that hold great promise, but also the ability to violate human rights at the touch of a button.

    By growing intolerance against entire groups — from Indigenous peoples, to migrants and refugees, to the LGBTQI+ community, to persons with disabilities.  
    And by voices of division and anger who view human rights not as a boon to humanity, but as a barrier to the power, profit and control they seek.

    In short — human rights are on the ropes and being pummeled hard.

    This represents a direct threat to all of the hard-won mechanisms and systems established over the last 80 years to protect and advance human rights. 

    But as the recently adopted Pact for the Future reminds us, human rights are, in fact, a source of solutions.

    The Pact provides a playbook on how we can win the fight for human rights on several fronts.   

    First — human rights through peace and peace through human rights.

    Conflicts inflict human rights violations on a massive scale.

    In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, violations of human rights have skyrocketed since the horrific Hamas attacks of October 7 and the intolerable levels of death and destruction in Gaza.

    And I am gravely concerned by the rising violence in the occupied West Bank by Israeli settlers and other violations, as well as calls for annexation. We are witnessing a precarious ceasefire. We must avoid at all costs a resumption of hostilities. The people in Gaza have already suffered too much.

    It’s time for a permanent ceasefire, the dignified release of all remaining hostages, irreversible progress towards a two-State solution, an end to the occupation, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with Gaza as an integral part.

    In Sudan, bloodshed, displacement and famine are engulfing the country.  

    The warring parties must take immediate action to protect civilians, uphold human rights, cease hostilities and forge peace.

    And domestic and international human rights monitoring and investigation mechanisms should be permitted to document what is happening on the ground.

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we see a deadly whirlwind of violence and horrifying human rights abuses, amplified by the recent M23 offensive, supported by the Rwandan Defense Forces.  
    As more cities fall, the risk of a regional war rises. 
     
    It’s time to silence the guns. 
     
    It’s time for diplomacy and dialogue. 
     
    The recent joint summit in Tanzania offered a way forward with a renewed call for an immediate ceasefire.

    The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected.

    The Congolese people deserve peace.

    In the Sahel, I call for a renewed regional dialogue to protect citizens from terrorism and systemic violations of human rights, and to create the conditions for sustainable development. 

    In Myanmar, the situation has grown far worse in the four years since the military seized power and arbitrarily detained members of the democratically elected government.

    We need greater cooperation to bring an end to the hostilities and forge a path towards an inclusive democratic transition and a return to civilian rule, allowing for the safe return of the Rohingya refugees.

    And in Haiti, we are seeing massive human rights violations — including more than a million people displaced, and children facing a horrific increase in sexual violence and recruitment into gangs.

    In the coming days, I will put forward proposals to the United Nations Security Council for greater stability and security for the people of Haiti — namely through an effective UN assistance mechanism to support the Multilateral Security Support mission, the national police and Haitian authorities.

    A durable solution requires a political process — led and owned by the Haitian people — that restores democratic institutions through elections.

    The Pact for the Future calls for peace processes and approaches rooted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international law and the UN Charter.

    It proposes specific actions to prioritize conflict prevention, mediation, resolution and peacebuilding.

    And it includes a commitment to tackle the root causes of conflict, which are so often enmeshed in denials of basic human needs and rights.  

    Second — the Pact for the Future advances human rights through development.

    The Sustainable Development Goals and human rights are fundamentally intertwined.

    They represent real human needs — health, food, water, education, decent work and social protection.

    With less than one-fifth of the Goals on track, the Pact calls for a massive acceleration through an SDG Stimulus, reforming the global financial architecture, and taking meaningful action for countries drowning in debt.

    This must include focused action to conquer the most widespread human rights abuse in history — inequality for women and girls.

    The Pact calls for investing in battling all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls, and ensuring their meaningful participation and leadership across all walks of life.
    And along with the Declaration on Future Generations, the Pact calls for supporting the rights and futures of young people through decent work, removing barriers for youth participation, and enhancing training.

    And the Global Digital Compact calls on nations to champion young innovators, nurture entrepreneurial spirit, and equip the next generation with digital literacy and skills.
    Third — the Pact for the Future recognizes that the rule of law and human rights go hand-in-hand.

    The rule of law, when founded on human rights, is an essential pillar of protection.

    It shields the most vulnerable.

    It’s the first line of defense against crime and corruption.

    It supports fair, just and inclusive economies and societies.

    It holds perpetrators of human rights atrocities to account.

    It enables civic space for people to make their voices heard — and for journalists to carry out their essential work, free from interference or threats.

    And it reaffirms the world’s commitment to equal access to justice, good governance, and transparent and accountable institutions.   

    Quatrièmement, réaliser les droits humains grâce à l’action climatique.

    L’année dernière a été la plus chaude jamais enregistrée, et vient couronner la décennie la plus chaude jamais enregistrée.

    La hausse des températures, la fonte des glaciers et le réchauffement des océans ne peuvent mener qu’au désastre.

    Inondations, sécheresses, tempêtes meurtrières, famine, déplacements massifs : notre guerre contre la nature est aussi une guerre contre les droits humains.

    Nous devons prendre un autre chemin.

    Je salue les nombreux États Membres qui reconnaissent légalement le droit à un environnement sain, et j’appelle tous les pays à faire de même.

    Les gouvernements doivent tenir leur promesse d’élaborer cette année de nouveaux plans d’action nationaux pour le climat couvrant l’ensemble de l’économie, et ce bien avant la COP 30 qui se tiendra au Brésil.

    Ces plans doivent limiter la hausse de la température mondiale à 1,5 degré, notamment en accélérant la transition énergétique mondiale.

    Nous avons également besoin d’une augmentation massive des financements pour l’action climatique dans les pays en développement, afin de s’adapter au réchauffement de la planète, de réduire les émissions et d’accélérer la révolution des énergies renouvelables, qui offre d’énormes possibilités économiques.

    Nous devons nous opposer aux campagnes mensongères menées par de nombreux acteurs de l’industrie des combustibles fossiles et à ceux qui la font vivre et s’en rendent complices…

    Tout comme nous devons protéger et défendre les personnes qui sont en première ligne de la lutte pour une justice climatique.

    Et cinquièmement, réaliser les droits humains grâce à une gouvernance renforcée et améliorée des technologies.

    À l’heure où des technologies en rapide mutation s’immiscent dans tous les aspects de notre vie, je m’inquiète des risques qu’elles représentent pour les droits humains.

    Dans le meilleur des cas, les médias sociaux sont un lieu de rencontre où l’on peut échanger des idées et débattre avec respect.

    Mais ils peuvent aussi devenir un théâtre de confrontations enflammées et d’une ignorance flagrante.

    Un lieu où les poisons que sont la mésinformation, la désinformation, le racisme, la misogynie et les discours de haine sont non seulement tolérés, mais, bien souvent, encouragés.

    La violence verbale en ligne peut facilement se transformer en violence physique dans le monde réel.

    Les reculs récents en matière de vérification des faits et de modération de contenu sur les réseaux sociaux rouvrent grand la porte à plus de haine, plus de menaces et plus de violence.

    Que l’on ne s’y trompe pas.

    Ces reculs entraîneront une diminution de la liberté d’expression, et non une amplification – car les gens craignent de plus en plus de s’exprimer sur ces plateformes.

    Dans le même temps, la grande promesse de l’intelligence artificielle s’accompagne d’un risque insondable qui met en péril l’autonomie, l’identité et le contrôle humains – jusqu’aux droits humains.

    Face à ces menaces, le Pacte numérique mondial rassemble le monde entier pour veiller à ce que les droits humains ne soient pas sacrifiés sur l’autel de la technologie.

    Il s’agit notamment de collaborer avec les entreprises numériques et les décideurs politiques pour étendre le respect des droits humains à tous les recoins du cyberespace, en mettant notamment l’accent sur l’intégrité de l’information sur toutes les plateformes numériques.

    Les Principes mondiaux pour l’intégrité de l’information que j’ai lancés l’année dernière viendront étayer et orienter les efforts que nous déploierons en vue de créer un écosystème de l’information plus humain.

    Le Pacte numérique mondial comprend également le premier accord universel sur la gouvernance de l’intelligence artificielle qui donne voix au chapitre à tous les pays, ainsi que des engagements en matière de renforcement des capacités, visant à ce que tous les pays et toutes les personnes bénéficient du potentiel de l’intelligence artificielle.

    Pour cela, il faut investir dans l’accès à l’Internet à un prix abordable, dans les formations au numérique et dans les infrastructures ;

    Aider les pays en développement à utiliser l’intelligence artificielle pour développer les petites entreprises, améliorer les services publics et connecter les communautés à de nouveaux marchés.

    Et mettre les droits humains au centre des systèmes fondés sur l’intelligence artificielle.

    Les décisions du Pacte – d’établir un Groupe scientifique international indépendant et un Dialogue mondial régulier garantissant la participation de tous les pays dans l’élaboration de l’avenir de l’intelligence artificielle – constituent des avancées importantes. Il faut les concrétiser.

    Excellences,

    Mesdames et Messieurs,

    Nous pouvons mettre fin à l’asphyxie des droits humains en donnant vie au Pacte pour l’avenir et aux travaux de ce Conseil.

    Attelons-nous à cette tâche – ensemble. Nous n’avons pas un instant à perdre.

    Et je vous remercie.

    [all-English version]

    Mr. President of the General Assembly, Mr. President of the Human Rights Council, High Commissioner,
    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    We begin this session under the weight of a grim milestone — the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in violation of the UN charter.

    More than 12,600 civilians killed, with many more injured.

    Entire communities reduced to rubble.

    Hospitals and schools destroyed.

    We must spare no effort to bring an end to this conflict, and to achieve a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions.

    Conflicts like the war in Ukraine exact a heavy toll.

    A toll on people. 

    A toll on fundamental principles like territorial integrity, sovereignty and the rule of law.

    And a toll on the vital business of this Council.

    Without respect for human rights — civil, cultural, economic, political and social — sustainable peace is a pipedream.

    And like this Council, human rights shine a light in the darkest places.

    Through your work, and the work of the High Commissioner’s Office around the world, you’re supporting brave human rights defenders risking persecution, detention and even death.

    You’re working with governments, civil society and others to strengthen action on human rights.

    And you’re supporting investigations and accountability.

    Five years ago, we launched our Call to Action for Human Rights, embedding human rights across the work of the United Nations around the world in close cooperation with our partners.

    I will continue supporting this important work, and the High Commissioner’s Office, as we fight for human rights everywhere.
    Excellencies,

    We have our work cut out for us. 

    Human rights are the oxygen of humanity.

    But one by one, human rights are being suffocated.  

    By autocrats, crushing opposition because they fear what a truly empowered people would do. 

    By a patriarchy that keeps girls out of school, and women at arm’s length from basic rights.

    By wars and violence that strip populations of their right to food, water and education.

    By warmongers who thumb their nose at international law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter.  

    Human rights are being suffocated by the climate crisis.

    And by a morally bankrupt global financial system that too often obstructs the path to greater equality and sustainable development.

    By runaway technologies like Artificial Intelligence that hold great promise, but also the ability to violate human rights at the touch of a button.

    By growing intolerance against entire groups — from Indigenous peoples, to migrants and refugees, to the LGBTQI+ community, to persons with disabilities.  
    And by voices of division and anger who view human rights not as a boon to humanity, but as a barrier to the power, profit and control they seek.

    In short — human rights are on the ropes and being pummeled hard.

    This represents a direct threat to all of the hard-won mechanisms and systems established over the last 80 years to protect and advance human rights. 

    But as the recently adopted Pact for the Future reminds us, human rights are, in fact, a source of solutions.

    The Pact provides a playbook on how we can win the fight for human rights on several fronts.   

    First — human rights through peace and peace through human rights.

    Conflicts inflict human rights violations on a massive scale.

    In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, violations of human rights have skyrocketed since the horrific Hamas attacks of October 7 and the intolerable levels of death and destruction in Gaza.

    And I am gravely concerned by the rising violence in the occupied West Bank by Israeli settlers and other violations, as well as calls for annexation. We are witnessing a precarious ceasefire. We must avoid at all costs a resumption of hostilities. The people in Gaza have already suffered too much.

    It’s time for a permanent ceasefire, the dignified release of all remaining hostages, irreversible progress towards a two-State solution, an end to the occupation, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with Gaza as an integral part.

    In Sudan, bloodshed, displacement and famine are engulfing the country.  

    The warring parties must take immediate action to protect civilians, uphold human rights, cease hostilities and forge peace.

    And domestic and international human rights monitoring and investigation mechanisms should be permitted to document what is happening on the ground.

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we see a deadly whirlwind of violence and horrifying human rights abuses, amplified by the recent M23 offensive, supported by the Rwandan Defense Forces.  
    As more cities fall, the risk of a regional war rises. 
     
    It’s time to silence the guns. 
     
    It’s time for diplomacy and dialogue. 
     
    The recent joint summit in Tanzania offered a way forward with a renewed call for an immediate ceasefire.

    The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected.

    The Congolese people deserve peace.

    In the Sahel, I call for a renewed regional dialogue to protect citizens from terrorism and systemic violations of human rights, and to create the conditions for sustainable development. 

    In Myanmar, the situation has grown far worse in the four years since the military seized power and arbitrarily detained members of the democratically elected government.

    We need greater cooperation to bring an end to the hostilities and forge a path towards an inclusive democratic transition and a return to civilian rule, allowing for the safe return of the Rohingya refugees.

    And in Haiti, we are seeing massive human rights violations — including more than a million people displaced, and children facing a horrific increase in sexual violence and recruitment into gangs.

    In the coming days, I will put forward proposals to the United Nations Security Council for greater stability and security for the people of Haiti — namely through an effective UN assistance mechanism to support the Multilateral Security Support mission, the national police and Haitian authorities.

    A durable solution requires a political process — led and owned by the Haitian people — that restores democratic institutions through elections.

    The Pact for the Future calls for peace processes and approaches rooted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international law and the UN Charter.

    It proposes specific actions to prioritize conflict prevention, mediation, resolution and peacebuilding.

    And it includes a commitment to tackle the root causes of conflict, which are so often enmeshed in denials of basic human needs and rights.  

    Second — the Pact for the Future advances human rights through development.

    The Sustainable Development Goals and human rights are fundamentally intertwined.

    They represent real human needs — health, food, water, education, decent work and social protection.

    With less than one-fifth of the Goals on track, the Pact calls for a massive acceleration through an SDG Stimulus, reforming the global financial architecture, and taking meaningful action for countries drowning in debt.

    This must include focused action to conquer the most widespread human rights abuse in history — inequality for women and girls.

    The Pact calls for investing in battling all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls, and ensuring their meaningful participation and leadership across all walks of life.
    And along with the Declaration on Future Generations, the Pact calls for supporting the rights and futures of young people through decent work, removing barriers for youth participation, and enhancing training.

    And the Global Digital Compact calls on nations to champion young innovators, nurture entrepreneurial spirit, and equip the next generation with digital literacy and skills.
    Third — the Pact for the Future recognizes that the rule of law and human rights go hand-in-hand.

    The rule of law, when founded on human rights, is an essential pillar of protection.

    It shields the most vulnerable.

    It’s the first line of defense against crime and corruption.

    It supports fair, just and inclusive economies and societies.

    It holds perpetrators of human rights atrocities to account.

    It enables civic space for people to make their voices heard — and for journalists to carry out their essential work, free from interference or threats.

    And it reaffirms the world’s commitment to equal access to justice, good governance, and transparent and accountable institutions.

    Fourth — human rights through climate action.   

    Last year was the hottest on record — capping the hottest decade on record.

    Rising heat, melting glaciers and hotter oceans are a recipe for disaster.  

    Floods, droughts, deadly storms, hunger, mass displacement — our war on nature is also a war on human rights.

    We must choose a different path.

    I salute the many Member States who legally recognize the right to a healthy environment — and I call on all countries to do the same.

    Governments must keep their promise to produce new, economy-wide national climate action plans this year, well ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

    Those plans must limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees — including by accelerating the global energy transition.   

    We also need a surge in finance for climate action in developing countries, to adapt to global heating, slash emissions and accelerate the renewables revolution, which represents a massive economic opportunity.  

    We must stand up to the misleading campaign of many in the fossil fuel industry and its enablers who are aiding and abetting this madness, while also protecting and defending those on the front lines of climate justice.

    And fifth — human rights through stronger, better governance of technology.

    As fast-moving technologies expand into every aspect of our lives, I am deeply concerned about human rights being undermined.

    At its best, social media is a meeting ground for people to exchange ideas and spark respectful debate.

    But it can also be an arena of fiery combat and blatant ignorance.

    A place where the poisons of misinformation, disinformation, racism, misogyny and hate speech are not only tolerated — but often encouraged.

    Verbal violence online can easily spill into physical violence in real life. 

    Recent rollbacks on social media fact-checking and content moderation are re-opening the floodgates to more hate, more threats, and more violence.

    Make no mistake.

    These rollbacks will lead to less free speech, not more, as people become increasingly fearful to engage on these platforms.

    Meanwhile, the great promise of Artificial Intelligence is matched by limitless peril to undermine human autonomy, human identity, human control — and yes, human rights.

    In the face of these threats, the Global Digital Compact brings the world together to ensure that human rights are not sacrificed on the altar of technology.

    This includes working with digital companies and policymakers to extend human rights to every corner of cyberspace — including a new focus on information integrity across digital platforms.

    The Global Principles for Information Integrity I launched last year will support and inform this work as we push for a more humane information ecosystem.

    The Global Digital Compact also includes the first universal agreement on the governance of AI that brings every country to the table and commitments on capacity-building, so all countries and people benefit from AI’s potential.

    By investing in affordable internet, digital literacy, and infrastructure.

    By helping developing countries use AI to grow small businesses, improve public services, and connect communities to new markets.

    And by placing human rights at the centre of AI-driven systems.

    The Pact’s decisions to create an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and an ongoing Global Dialogue that ensure all countries have a voice in shaping its future are important steps forward. We must implement them.

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    We can help end the suffocation of human rights by breathing life into the Pact for the Future and the work of this Council. 

    Let’s do that together. We don’t have a moment to lose.

    And I thank you.

    [all-French translation]

    L’ouverture de la présente session coïncide avec un sinistre jalon : le troisième anniversaire de l’invasion de l’Ukraine par la Russie, en violation de la Charte des Nations Unies.

    Plus de 12 600 civils ont été tués et bien plus encore ont été blessés.

    Des communautés entières ont été anéanties.

    Des hôpitaux et des écoles ne sont plus que décombres.

    Nous ne devons ménager aucun effort pour mettre un terme à ce conflit et parvenir à une paix juste et durable, conformément à la Charte des Nations Unies, au droit international et aux résolutions de l’Assemblée générale.

    Les conflits comme la guerre en Ukraine prélèvent un lourd tribut.

    Ils déciment les populations.

    Ils érodent les principes fondamentaux que sont l’intégrité territoriale, la souveraineté et l’état de droit.

    Ils sapent les activités vitales de ce Conseil.

    Sans le respect des droits humains – qu’ils soient civils, culturels, économiques, politiques ou sociaux – la paix durable n’est qu’une chimère.

    Et comme ce Conseil, les droits humains sont une source de lumière dans l’obscurité la plus profonde.

    Grâce à vos travaux et à ceux que le Haut-Commissariat mène dans le monde entier, vous soutenez les défenseurs et défenseuses des droits humains qui, avec courage, risquent la persécution, la détention et même la mort.

    Vous travaillez avec les gouvernements, la société civile et d’autres acteurs pour renforcer l’action en faveur des droits humains.

    Et vous apportez votre soutien aux mécanismes d’enquête et d’établissement des responsabilités.

    Il y a cinq ans, nous avons lancé notre appel à l’action en faveur des droits humains, l’objectif étant d’intégrer les droits humains dans toutes les activités des Nations Unies menées à travers le monde, en étroite collaboration avec nos partenaires.

    Je continuerai d’apporter mon appui à ces travaux importants, ainsi qu’au Haut-Commissariat, dans notre lutte pour les droits humains partout dans le monde.

    Excellences,

    Nous avons du pain sur la planche.

    Les droits humains sont l’oxygène de l’humanité.

    Mais ils sont asphyxiés, les uns après les autres.

    Par les autocrates, qui écrasent l’opposition parce qu’ils craignent ce dont serait capable un peuple ayant pleinement les moyens d’agir.

    Par le patriarcat, qui empêche les filles d’aller à l’école et les femmes de jouir de leurs droits fondamentaux.

    Par les guerres et la violence, qui privent les populations de leur droit à l’alimentation, à l’eau, et à l’éducation.

    Par les bellicistes, qui se rient du droit international, du droit international humanitaire et de la Charte des Nations Unies.

    Les droits humains sont asphyxiés par la crise climatique.

    Par un système financier mondial en faillite morale, qui fait trop souvent obstacle à une plus grande égalité et au développement durable.

    Par des technologies incontrôlables comme l’intelligence artificielle, qui suscitent de grands espoirs mais recèlent aussi la capacité de violer les droits humains en un seul clic.

    Par une intolérance croissante à l’égard de groupes entiers, qu’il s’agisse des peuples autochtones, des migrants et réfugiés, de la communauté LGBTQI+, ou encore des personnes handicapées.

    Et par les discours de ceux qui, prêchant la division et la colère, considèrent les droits humains non pas comme un bienfait pour l’humanité, mais comme un obstacle au pouvoir, au profit et au contrôle qu’ils convoitent.

    En bref, les droits humains, sous le coup d’attaques vicieuses, sont dans leurs derniers retranchements.

    Cette situation représente une menace directe pour tous les mécanismes et systèmes établis de haute lutte au cours des 80 dernières années pour protéger et faire progresser les droits humains.

    Or, comme le rappelle le Pacte pour l’avenir adopté récemment, les droits humains sont, en fait, une source de solutions.

    Le Pacte définit les mesures que nous pouvons prendre pour gagner le combat pour les droits humains sur plusieurs fronts.

    Premièrement, réaliser les droits humains grâce à la paix et instaurer la paix grâce aux droits humains.

    Les conflits infligent des violations massives des droits humains.

    Dans le Territoire palestinien occupé, les violations des droits humains ont connu une hausse vertigineuse depuis les horribles attaques perpétrées par le Hamas le 7 octobre, et les niveaux intolérables de mort et de destruction à Gaza.

    Je suis gravement préoccupé par la montée des violences et des autres violations commises en Cisjordanie occupée par les colons israéliens, ainsi que par les appels à l’annexion. Nous assistons à un cessez-le-feu précaire. Nous devons éviter à tout prix une reprise des hostilités. La population de Gaza a déjà trop souffert.

    Il est temps d’instaurer un cessez-le-feu permanent, de libérer tous les otages restants, de réaliser des progrès irréversibles vers la solution des deux États, la fin l’occupation, et la création d’un État palestinien indépendant, dont Gaza ferait partie intégrante.

    Au Soudan, les bains de sang, les déplacements de population et la famine ravagent le pays.

    Les parties en conflit doivent prendre immédiatement des mesures pour protéger les civils, défendre les droits humains, cesser les hostilités et instaurer la paix.

    Les mécanismes nationaux et internationaux de surveillance et d’enquête en matière de droits humains devraient être autorisés à documenter ce qui se déroule sur le terrain.

    En République démocratique du Congo, nous sommes témoins d’un tourbillon mortel de violences et d’atroces violations des droits humains, amplifié par la récente offensive du M23, soutenue par les forces de défense rwandaises.

    Plus les villes tombent, plus le risque d’une guerre régionale augmente. 

    Il est temps de faire taire les armes.

    L’heure est à la diplomatie et au dialogue.

    Le récent sommet conjoint qui s’est tenu en Tanzanie a ouvert la voie en renouvelant l’appel à un cessez-le-feu immédiat.

    La souveraineté et l’intégrité territoriale de la RDC doivent être respectées.

    Le peuple congolais mérite la paix.

    Au Sahel, j’appelle à la reprise du dialogue régional afin de protéger les citoyens du terrorisme et des violations systémiques des droits humains et de créer les conditions du développement durable.

    Au Myanmar, la situation s’est considérablement aggravée au cours des quatre années qui se sont écoulées depuis que les militaires ont pris le pouvoir et détenu arbitrairement des membres du gouvernement démocratiquement élu.

    Il nous faut resserrer la coopération pour mettre fin aux hostilités et ouvrir la voie à une transition démocratique inclusive et au retour à un régime civil, permettant le retour en toute sécurité des réfugiés rohingyas.

    En Haïti, nous constatons des violations massives des droits humains : plus d’un million de personnes ont été déplacées et les enfants sont en proie à une augmentation effroyable des violences sexuelles et de l’enrôlement dans les gangs.

    Dans les jours à venir, je présenterai au Conseil de sécurité des Nations unies des propositions pour renforcer la stabilité et la sécurité du peuple haïtien, notamment par le biais d’un mécanisme d’assistance efficace des Nations unies destiné à soutenir la Mission multilatérale de soutien à la sécurité, à la police nationale et aux autorités haïtiennes.

    Une solution durable nécessite un processus politique – mené et pris en charge par le peuple haïtien – qui rétablisse les institutions démocratiques à travers des élections.

    Le Pacte pour l’avenir demande la mise en place de processus et de démarches pour la paix ancrés dans la Déclaration universelle des droits de l’Homme, le droit international et la Charte des Nations Unies.

    Le Pacte pour l’avenir appelle à des processus et des approches de paix fondés sur la Déclaration universelle des droits de l’homme, le droit international et la Charte des Nations unies.

    Il propose des mesures précises visant à privilégier la prévention des conflits, la médiation, le règlement des conflits et la consolidation de la paix.

    Il énonce également l’engagement pris de s’attaquer aux causes profondes des conflits, qui sont bien souvent liées au déni des besoins et des droits humains fondamentaux.

    Deuxièmement, le Pacte pour l’avenir fait progresser les droits humains grâce au développement.

    Les objectifs de développement durable et les droits humains sont intrinsèquement liés.

    Ils représentent des besoins humains réels : la santé, l’alimentation, l’eau, l’éducation, le travail décent et la protection sociale.

    Alors que moins d’un cinquième des objectifs sont en passe d’être réalisés, le Pacte appelle à une accélération massive des progrès grâce au plan de relance des objectifs de développement durable, à la réforme de
    l’architecture financière mondiale et à la prise de mesures réfléchies pour les pays qui croulent sous la dette.

    Il s’agit donc, notamment, de mener une action ciblée pour vaincre la violation des droits humains la plus répandue dans l’histoire : l’inégalité pour les femmes et les filles.

    Le Pacte appelle à investir pour lutter contre toutes les formes de discrimination et de violence à l’égard des femmes et des filles et pour permettre à celles-ci de participer véritablement à tous les domaines de la vie et d’y jouer un rôle moteur.

    Avec la Déclaration sur les générations futures, le Pacte appelle à défendre les droits et l’avenir des jeunes en promouvant le travail décent, en éliminant les obstacles à la participation des jeunes et en améliorant la formation.

    Le Pacte numérique mondial appelle tous les pays à soutenir les jeunes innovateurs, à cultiver l’esprit entrepreneurial et à doter la prochaine génération des connaissances et compétences numériques nécessaires.

    Troisièmement, le Pacte pour l’avenir établit que l’état de droit et les droits humains vont de pair.

    L’état de droit, lorsqu’il est fondé sur les droits humains, est un pilier essentiel de la protection.

    Il protège les plus vulnérables.

    C’est la première ligne de défense contre la criminalité et la corruption.

    Il favorise des économies et des sociétés équitables, justes et inclusives.

    Il oblige les auteurs d’atrocités commises en violation des droits humains à rendre compte de leurs actes.

    Il offre aux individus un espace civique où faire entendre leur voix et permet aux journalistes d’accomplir leur travail essentiel, à l’abri des ingérences et des menaces.

    Et il réaffirme l’engagement du monde en faveur de l’égalité d’accès à la justice, de la bonne gouvernance et d’institutions transparentes et responsables.

    Quatrièmement, réaliser les droits humains grâce à l’action climatique.

    L’année dernière a été la plus chaude jamais enregistrée, et vient couronner la décennie la plus chaude jamais enregistrée.

    La hausse des températures, la fonte des glaciers et le réchauffement des océans ne peuvent mener qu’au désastre.

    Inondations, sécheresses, tempêtes meurtrières, famine, déplacements massifs : notre guerre contre la nature est aussi une guerre contre les droits humains.

    Nous devons prendre un autre chemin.

    Je salue les nombreux États Membres qui reconnaissent légalement le droit à un environnement sain, et j’appelle tous les pays à faire de même.

    Les gouvernements doivent tenir leur promesse d’élaborer cette année de nouveaux plans d’action nationaux pour le climat couvrant l’ensemble de l’économie, et ce bien avant la COP 30 qui se tiendra au Brésil.

    Ces plans doivent limiter la hausse de la température mondiale à 1,5 degré, notamment en accélérant la transition énergétique mondiale.

    Nous avons également besoin d’une augmentation massive des financements pour l’action climatique dans les pays en développement, afin de s’adapter au réchauffement de la planète, de réduire les émissions et d’accélérer la révolution des énergies renouvelables, qui offre d’énormes possibilités économiques.

    Nous devons nous opposer aux campagnes mensongères menées par de nombreux acteurs de l’industrie des combustibles fossiles et à ceux qui la font vivre et s’en rendent complices…

    Tout comme nous devons protéger et défendre les personnes qui sont en première ligne de la lutte pour une justice climatique.

    Et cinquièmement, réaliser les droits humains grâce à une gouvernance renforcée et améliorée des technologies.

    À l’heure où des technologies en rapide mutation s’immiscent dans tous les aspects de notre vie, je m’inquiète des risques qu’elles représentent pour les droits humains.

    Dans le meilleur des cas, les médias sociaux sont un lieu de rencontre où l’on peut échanger des idées et débattre avec respect.

    Mais ils peuvent aussi devenir un théâtre de confrontations enflammées et d’une ignorance flagrante.

    Un lieu où les poisons que sont la mésinformation, la désinformation, le racisme, la misogynie et les discours de haine sont non seulement tolérés, mais, bien souvent, encouragés.

    La violence verbale en ligne peut facilement se transformer en violence physique dans le monde réel.

    Les reculs récents en matière de vérification des faits et de modération de contenu sur les réseaux sociaux rouvrent grand la porte à plus de haine, plus de menaces et plus de violence.

    Que l’on ne s’y trompe pas.

    Ces reculs entraîneront une diminution de la liberté d’expression, et non une amplification – car les gens craignent de plus en plus de s’exprimer sur ces plateformes.

    Dans le même temps, la grande promesse de l’intelligence artificielle s’accompagne d’un risque insondable qui met en péril l’autonomie, l’identité et le contrôle humains – jusqu’aux droits humains.

    Face à ces menaces, le Pacte numérique mondial rassemble le monde entier pour veiller à ce que les droits humains ne soient pas sacrifiés sur l’autel de la technologie.

    Il s’agit notamment de collaborer avec les entreprises numériques et les décideurs politiques pour étendre le respect des droits humains à tous les recoins du cyberespace, en mettant notamment l’accent sur l’intégrité de l’information sur toutes les plateformes numériques.

    Les Principes mondiaux pour l’intégrité de l’information que j’ai lancés l’année dernière viendront étayer et orienter les efforts que nous déploierons en vue de créer un écosystème de l’information plus humain.

    Le Pacte numérique mondial comprend également le premier accord universel sur la gouvernance de l’intelligence artificielle qui donne voix au chapitre à tous les pays, ainsi que des engagements en matière de renforcement des capacités, visant à ce que tous les pays et toutes les personnes bénéficient du potentiel de l’intelligence artificielle.

    Pour cela, il faut investir dans l’accès à Internet à un prix abordable, dans les formations au numérique et dans les infrastructures ;

    Aider les pays en développement à utiliser l’intelligence artificielle pour développer les petites entreprises, améliorer les services publics et connecter les communautés à de nouveaux marchés.

    Et mettre les droits humains au centre des systèmes fondés sur l’intelligence artificielle.

    Les décisions du Pacte – d’établir un Groupe scientifique international indépendant et un Dialogue mondial régulier garantissant la participation de tous les pays dans l’élaboration de l’avenir de l’intelligence artificielle – constituent des avancées importantes. Il faut les concrétiser.

    Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

    Nous pouvons mettre fin à l’asphyxie des droits humains en donnant vie au Pacte pour l’avenir et aux travaux de ce Conseil.

    Attelons-nous à cette tâche – ensemble. Nous n’avons pas un instant à perdre.

    Et je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Globe Telecom, Nokia collaborate on network APIs to provide banks with enhanced security #MWC25

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release
    Globe Telecom, Nokia collaborate on network APIs to provide banks with enhanced security #MWC25

    • Globe tests Nokia’s Network Exposure Platform (NEP) to enhance security in financial services.

    24 February 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Globe Telecom, one of the largest telecommunications operators in the Philippines with over 60 million subscribers, today announced that it is collaborating with Nokia to provide banks and other enterprises with enhanced security through the utilization of network Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).

    Globe Telecom, which already uses a host of other Nokia solutions including 5G RAN, is testing Nokia’s Network Exposure Platform in expanding and simplifying the number of APIs available to the operator and its enterprise partners to enable the creation of security-focused applications. APIs provide access to deep functionality and data within networks, allowing application developers to utilize those network capabilities to build new use cases for their customers.

    “With cyberattacks on banking services accelerating, it is crucial that we make available the latest network-powered technologies to our enterprise customers and help them safeguard against fraud. We are now at the stage of testing how Nokia’s NEP can support our customers in the banking and enterprise sectors with security verification tools to prevent fraudulent transactions,” said Joel Agustin, Globe’s Head of Service Planning and Engineering.

    Nokia Network Exposure Platform (NEP) is an implementation of the GSMA Operator Platform, a standard for a common platform exposing operator capabilities to developers. Globe Telecom and Nokia contribute to GSMA Open Gateway and Linux Foundation CAMARA, both of which are leading the way to harmonize the efforts of operators around the world through the development of standards-based APIs. 

    Nokia NEP complements and integrates with Nokia’s Network as Code platform with developer portal, which aligns with the GSMA Open Gateway aggregator concept and provides a cloud-based platform to connect and monetize service provider networks with application developers.
    Since launching the Network as Code platform in September 2023, Nokia’s ecosystem of Network as Code platform partners has grown to 48 currently and includes BT, Orange, StarHub, Telefonica, and Telecom Argentina. Nokia’s commitment to API monetization extends beyond network-side aggregation and includes hyperscalers like Google Cloud; Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) platform providers such as Infobip; large system integrators such as Global Logic; vertical independent software vendors like Elmo; and the world’s largest public API hub through Nokia’s recent acquisition of Rapid.

    “We are very pleased to work with Globe Telecom, along with our growing developer community, in the building of new applications that strengthen security for financial service providers in the Philippines. Nokia NEP will help Globe Telecom organize, control, and secure the way its network is integrated into developer ecosystems and platforms, ensuring choice, flexibility, and security in creating new application use cases,” said Shkumbin Hamiti, Head of Network Monetization Platform, Cloud and Network Services at Nokia.

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: A Bold Experiment: Red Notice Coin (RNC) Drops a Game-Changer in the Crypto World

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LA PAZ, MEXICO, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Notice Coin (RNC) just dropped a groundbreaking initiative, using blockchain tech to shake up the global law enforcement scene. This ain’t your average crypto move; it’s a whole new vibe in the industry, setting a fresh precedent for what’s possible.

    RNC is bringing the heat with a unique digital ecosystem, introducing a brand-new asset class: RWCA. Taking cues from Interpol’s Red Notice list, they’re putting 6,700 high-profile international individuals on the blockchain. This is next-level crypto blending innovation with some serious thought-provoking vibes.

    A Social Experiment Meets Blockchain Frontier

    Interpol’s Red Notice list has been the go-to for global law enforcement for decades, spotting everyone from financial hustlers to international heavyweights. But RNC ain’t just another crypto project – it’s a social experiment, a fresh brand, and a deep dive into how justice, digital ownership, and blockchain collide. It’s like, “What if we took the system and flipped it on its head?” RNC ain’t here to judge who’s on the list, it’s about asking the big questions:

    • Can digital assets challenge real-world legal frameworks?
    • Is the global legal system playing fair, or is it getting swayed by outside noise?
    • Should blockchain just chill and stay neutral, or can it rewrite the whole story?

    You know the deal – crypto OGs like Ross Ulbricht (Silk Road), Roger Ver (Bitcoin Cash), and Richard Heart (HEX, PulseChain, PulseX) have been in the hot seat, challenging the status quo in the digital world. RNC’s not picking sides; it’s just putting publicly available info out there on tokens to get people talking about justice, transparency, and how blockchain keeps it real forever.

    Crypto’s all about decentralization and doing your own thing, right? Well, RNC’s flipping the script by locking high-profile names on a ledger that can’t be messed with. It’s like, “Here’s the tea, and it’s staying put.”

    The project’s slick, eye-catching website is a total vibe – complete with their own original rap music video that slaps and a daring, edge-pushing search engine that lets you track Interpol’s Most Wanted in real time like some next-level spy thriller.

    Some folks might see RNC as the next big thing in blockchain storytelling, while others might think it’s stirring the pot. But RNC’s just chilling in the middle, giving you a new lens to look at legal history and chew on it. This project ain’t here to change the system – it’s about shining a light on the legal, ethical, and moral dilemmas and letting the public analyze and interpret independently.

    The Red Notice Coin & NFT Ecosystem: The Lowdown

    • Token Symbol: RNC
    • Total Supply: 670,000,000,000 RNC
    • Blockchain Networks: Ethereum & Arbitrum
    • Launch Strategy: Dropping straight on Uniswap and hitting the major crypto trackers. No waiting around.
    • New NFT Asset Class: We’re talking 6,700 one-of-a-kind NFTs, each a digital avatar based on real-deal individuals. These bad boys are tradeable and hooked up to a merch system where NFT owners get 50% of the sales when their avatar’s gear sells. Cha-ching!

    A Social and Financial Revolution

    RNC’s pushing blockchain into new territory by linking up with:

    • Indie news outlets that ain’t afraid to call out the legal system’s BS.
    • A Red Notice digital show that’s gonna dissect how law, ethics, and crypto collide.
    • A Play-to-Earn game where you can dive into the whole ecosystem and maybe make some cash while you’re at it.

    Get Involved Before It Blows Up

    Don’t sleep on this – get in on the Red Notice Coin presale before it hits the street. This ain’t just about stacking coins; it’s your ticket to one of the most mind-bending blockchain experiments of the decade. Want the deets? Hit ’em up at +526122341159 or swing by their spot at 118 Calle Marina Central, 23097 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Let’s make moves!

    Social Links

    https://linktr.ee/RedNoticeCoin

    Press Contact

    Brand: Red Notice LLC

    Contact: Alex Harrington

    Email: pr@rednotice.run

    Website: https://rednotice.run

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Human Rights – The medical humanitarian needs in Ukraine remain as urgent as ever

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    Kyiv, 24 February 2025 – Three years after Russian forces invaded Ukraine, dramatically escalating an international armed conflict that began in 2014, people continue to bear the burden of the war’s devastation as seen through their lost lives, lost limbs, and lost homes. 

    The resulting medical humanitarian needs are clearer than ever. The strain on Ukraine’s medical services has only increased, exacerbated by frequent attacks on hospitals, ambulances and medical structures.

    Since 2022, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has seen more patients with war-related trauma in need of early rehabilitation, namely post-amputation physiotherapy. There is also an increase in the number of patients requiring treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. In areas close to the frontlines, daily shelling means that some of the most vulnerable, including older people and people with chronic conditions, have extremely limited access to medical care.

    MSF runs an early rehabilitation project with centres in Cherkasy and Odesa, where people receive early post-operative physiotherapy, mental health support and nursing care following incidents of violent trauma. MSF treated 755 patients in 2023 and 2024. From one year to the next, there was a 10 per cent increase in the number of patients requiring post-operative care for leg amputations.

    In 2024, half of all patients in the project were diagnosed with either post-traumatic stress disorder, or depression. The need for mental health support in Ukraine is significant. In addition to the centres in Cherkasy and Odesa, MSF has established a project focused on post-traumatic stress disorder in Vinnytsia.

    “The ferocity of this war has not diminished, and the medical humanitarian needs have only grown more complex. Even if the war were to end tomorrow, hundreds of thousands of people would require years of long-term physiotherapy, or counselling for post-traumatic stress disorder. Ensuring this care requires an ongoing humanitarian commitment.”

    – Thomas Marchese, MSF Head of Programmes in Ukraine

    Today, Ukraine’s healthcare system faces immense pressure, balancing emergency responses with the ongoing needs of patients affected by the war. For three years, drone and missile attacks have been a daily occurrence, in some cases striking cities more than 1,000 kilometres from the frontline. Medical facilities and systems have been forced to adapt to treating patients in bunkers or basements, as well as to frequent power cuts from attacks on energy infrastructure.

    In response to this, MSF operates ambulances, transferring patients from overburdened hospitals near the frontline to medical facilities in central and western Ukraine with greater capacity. Over the past three years, MSF ambulances have transferred more than 25,000 patients, more than half of whom had injuries caused by violent trauma.

    In 2024, MSF mobile clinic and ambulance teams working near the frontlines saw a significant increase in referrals for patients with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and cancer. In 2023, these cases accounted for 24 per cent of all referrals, rising to 33 per cent in 2024. However, regular shelling and strikes mean that the access of MSF’s teams is not guaranteed. Many of those living with chronic conditions are older, and less mobile, in some areas, people have begun living in their basements or in bunkers, due to the intense shelling.

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Environment – EPA approves new crop protection tool

    Source: Environmental Protection Authority

    The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved a new insecticide to control pests on key crops such as beets for livestock, and brassicas.
    Bayer New Zealand applied to import or manufacture Sivanto Prime, an insecticide containing 200 g/L of flupyradifurone, a chemical new to New Zealand.
    Bayer says Sivanto Prime has a new way of working that targets sucking pests such as aphids, nysius fly and springtails, providing growers with an alternative to older, broad-spectrum insecticides.
    “This decision will help farmers protect crops that are essential to New Zealand’s primary sector,” says Dr Lauren Fleury, EPA Hazardous Substances Applications Manager.
    Insect pests can cause significant damage to feed crops, making them less palatable to stock and reducing yields.
    Bayer says Sivanto Prime may be considered compatible with newer, lighter-touch farming practices because it works in a more targeted way.
    The decision to approve Sivanto Prime was made following a rigorous assessment and consultation process, says Dr Fleury.
    “As this product contains an active ingredient that is new to New Zealand, we assessed the scientific data and evidence, as well as economic and local information, to help enable new chemistry while continuing to protect people’s health and our unique environment.”
    Flupyradifurone is approved for use in other countries, including Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan, and the United States of America.
    The substance can only be used by professionals in commercial settings, and users must comply with specific controls.
    As an agricultural compound, Sivanto Prime must also receive approval from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) before it can be used in New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Awards Planetary Defense Space Telescope Launch Services Contract

    Source: NASA

    NASA has selected SpaceX of Starbase, Texas, to provide launch services for the Near-Earth Object (NEO) Surveyor mission, which will detect and observe asteroids and comets that could potentially pose an impact threat to Earth.
    The firm fixed price launch service task order is being awarded under the indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity NASA Launch Services II contract. The total cost to NASA for the launch service is approximately $100 million, which includes the launch service and other mission related costs. The NEO Surveyor mission is targeted to launch no earlier than September 2027 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida.
    The NEO Surveyor mission consists of a single scientific instrument: an almost 20-inch (50-centimeter) diameter telescope that will operate in two heat-sensing infrared wavelengths. It will be capable of detecting both bright and dark asteroids, the latter being the most difficult type to find with existing assets. The space telescope is designed to help advance NASA’s planetary defense efforts to discover and characterize most of the potentially hazardous asteroids and comets that come within 30 million miles of Earth’s orbit. These are collectively known as near-Earth objects, or NEOs.
    The mission will carry out a five-year baseline survey to find at least two-thirds of the unknown NEOs larger than 140 meters (460 feet). These are the objects large enough to cause major regional damage in the event of an Earth impact. By using two heat-sensitive infrared imaging channels, the telescope can also make more accurate measurements of the sizes of NEOs and gain information about their composition, shapes, rotational states, and orbits.
    The mission is tasked by NASA’s Planetary Science Division within the agency’s Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Program oversight is provided by NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office, which was established in 2016 to manage the agency’s ongoing efforts in planetary defense. NASA’s Planetary Missions Program Office at the agency’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, provides program management for NEO Surveyor. The project is being developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.
    Multiple aerospace and engineering companies are contracted to build the spacecraft and its instrumentation, including BAE Systems SMS (Space & Mission Systems), Space Dynamics Laboratory, and Teledyne. The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado, Boulder, will support operations, and the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena, California, is responsible for processing survey data and producing the mission’s data products. Caltech manages JPL for NASA. Mission team leadership includes the University of California, Los Angeles. NASA’s Launch Services Program at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida is responsible for managing the launch service.
    For more information about NEO Surveyor, visit:

    NEO Surveyor

    -end-
    Tiernan Doyle / Joshua FinchHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600 / 202-358-1100tiernan.doyle@nasa.gov / joshua.a.finch@nasa.gov
    Patti BiellingKennedy Space Center, Florida321-501-7575patricia.a.bielling@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kayco Issues an Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Limited Units of Glicks Dark Chocolate Conettos

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    FDA Publish Date:
    Product Type:
    Food & Beverages
    Allergens
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description

    Undeclared milk allergen

    Company Name:
    Kayco
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)

    Glicks

    Product Description:

    Product Description

    Dark Chocolate Conettos

    Company Announcement

    Bayonne, NJ. (February 21st, 2025) – Kayco, a Bayonne NJ company is recalling their Glicks Dark Chocolate Conettos because it may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk, run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

    The Glicks Dark Chocolate Conettos were distributed to stores nationwide, predominately located in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut regions, during the weeks of October 13th, 2024 through February 14th, 2025. Some units were sold on Amazon.com.

    This recall was initiated after the company was notified by their Quality Control Department that a limited number of bags labeled as “Dark Chocolate Conettos” contained Milk Chocolate Conettos, which contains milk allergen that is not declared on the label.

    Only packages bearing the Lot Code below, may potentially have milk Conettos in the “darkchocolate Conettos” bag.

    UPC Code 

    Description 

    Lot Code 

    840762044535 Case UPC
    is 10840762044549

    Glicks Dark Chocolate Conettos 2.47 oz

    02092024

    The company has received no reports of illness or injury to date.

    We immediately informed all retailers who had purchased this lot code about this recall and instructed them to inspect their inventory or remove any potential affected product on their shelves.

    Consumers who may have purchased this product are advised to inspect their product for the affected Lot Code 02092024. Consumers may return the product for credit or refund. If a consumer experiences an allergic reaction they are urged to report to a medical provider.

    Consumers who have questions may contact us at Customercare@kayco.com or by phone at 718-369-4600 Monday through Friday 9 AM to 5PM Eastern Time.

    This recall is being made with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.

    Company Contact Information

    Product Photos

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Awards Delivery Order for NOAA’s Space Weather Program

    Source: NASA

    NASA, on behalf of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has awarded a delivery order to BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems Inc. of Boulder, Colorado, to build spacecraft for the Lagrange 1 Series project as a part of NOAA’s Space Weather Next program.
    The award made under the Rapid Spacecraft Acquisition IV contract, has a total value of approximately $230.6 million with the period of performance running from February 2025 to February 2035. The work will take place at the awardee’s facility in Boulder.
    The firm-fixed-price delivery order covers all phases of the Lagrange 1 Series project operations including developing up to two spacecraft, instrument integration, satellite-level testing, training and support for the spacecraft flight operations team, and mission operations support. Rapid IV contracts serve as a fast and flexible means for the government to acquire spacecraft and related components, equipment, and services in support of NASA missions and other federal government agencies.
    The Space Weather Next program will maintain and extend space weather observations from various orbitally stable points such as Lagrange 1, which is about a million miles from Earth. The first Space Weather Next Lagrange 1 Series launch, planned in 2029, will be the first observatory under the program and will provide continuity of real-time coronal imagery and upstream solar wind measurements. Space Weather Next will provide uninterrupted data continuity when NOAA’s Space Weather Follow On Lagrange 1 mission comes to its end of operations.
    Observations of the Sun and the near-Earth space environment are important to protecting our technological infrastructure both on the ground and in space. The spacecraft will provide critical data to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center which issues forecasts, warnings and alerts that help mitigate space weather impacts, including electric power outages and interruption to communications and navigation systems.
    NASA and NOAA oversee the development, launch, testing, and operation of all the satellites in the Lagrange 1 Series project. NOAA is the program owner providing the requirements and funding along with managing the program, operations, data products, and dissemination to users. NASA and its commercial partners develop and build the instruments, spacecraft, and provide launch services on behalf of NOAA.
    For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

    Home Page

    -end-
    Karen Fox/Liz VlockHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600karen.c.fox@nasa.gov / elizabeth.a.vlock@nasa.gov
    Jeremy EggersGoddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.757-824-2958jeremy.l.eggers@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California to launch first-in-the-nation digital democracy effort to improve public engagement

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 23, 2025

    Pilot program to help LA recover and rebuild together

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom will debut a first-in-the-nation deliberative democracy program to help community members directly influence and inform the ongoing Los Angeles firestorm rebuilding and recovery. Engaged California is a new program that will bring together community voices and viewpoints supported by digital platforms — empowering Californians to help inform policy decisions and program design. 

    LOS ANGELES — Governor Gavin Newsom today announced California’s upcoming launch of a bold, innovative program that will bring Californians together to engage, interact, and share ideas to help shape government services and collectively create policy solutions. Engaged California is a program to support community conversations about important topics using digital platforms. With this new initiative, the state will lead the nation in deliberative democracy, better ensuring decisions are centered on the people’s voices. As part of California’s all-in response to the firestorm, this pilot program is being launched now for survivors and the greater Los Angeles community. 

    “Government works better when we build it together – and this means making it easier for everyone to be involved.  After years of development, I am excited to launch this new pilot program to help create a town hall for the modern era – where Californians share their perspectives, concerns, and ideas geared toward finding real solutions. We’re starting this effort by more directly involving Californians in the LA firestorm response and recovery. As we recover, reimagine, and rebuild Los Angeles, we will do it together.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    How Engaged California works

    In California, we know a strong democracy takes work. We build it through practices that spark conversation and solve problems. With Engaged California, we will better empower Californians to have honest, respectful discussions on important topics to help create more responsive and people-driven policies and programs. The program is modeled after successful digital democracy efforts in Taiwan, which used digital tools to help increase consensus-building and build governance powered by the people.

    The foundation of the program will encourage participation from Californians across all walks of life to interact with each other to find common ground and help set priorities for state government action. The program will help people to directly voice their concerns and ideas, and improve policymakers’ and administrators’ efforts to listen to Californians outside of election cycles and to be more responsive to their concerns.

    “Fire survivors are looking for answers, and California is gearing up to meet them where they are,” said Government Operations Secretary Amy Tong. “We have to think differently to bring us closer to those we serve, especially those whose voices we may be missing through traditional channels.”

    Engaged California is different from a poll or town hall, and is not designed to mimic social media. The platform is the intersection between technology, democracy, and state government. The end goal is to encourage more discussions as a new way to find common ground, a process known internationally as deliberative democracy.

    The launch of Engaged California will initially focus on the response to the Los Angeles firestorms, bringing together community members to help influence response efforts and better address issues based on community experiences and voices. 

    “The launch of this program and our first deliberation will help us hear from the people we serve,” said California Office of Data and Innovation Director Jeffery Marino. “Far from just a technical tool, this is an innovative approach to foster greater collaboration and co-creation between the people of California and their government.”

    The Government Operations Agency, the California Office of Data and Innovation (ODI), in partnership with Carnegie California, the West Coast office and program of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, are leading the development of this program and its supporting deliberative engagement tools. The state is also partnering with the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and community organizations to help ensure the program is accessible for community members who may be harder to reach. 

    Other program design partners and advisors for this initiative include scholars and leaders from the American Public Trust, the Berggruen Institute, Stanford University’s Deliberative Democracy Lab, UC Berkeley, Harvard University’s Center for Internet and Society, the San Francisco Foundation, Project Liberty Institute and the Kapor Center.

    What our partners are saying

    Mariano-Florentino (Tino) Cuéllar, President, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: “The future of democracy depends on finding new ways for public officials to become more responsive to the people, to bridge divides, and to harness emerging technologies that can help solve problems and improve lives in California and around the world.  This effort brings us closer to that future by helping to strengthen democracy’s capacity for both deliberation and action on the issues that matter most.” 

    Nathan Gardels, Editor-in-Chief of Noema Magazine and Co-Founder of the Berggruen Institute’s Think Long Committee for California: “Engaged California is a new tool the Office of Data and Innovation has been developing over the last two years that is intended to be a permanent feature of state government. Engaged California is a three-way tool that enables policymakers and administrators to listen to average citizens outside of election cycles and be responsive; it invites citizens to directly voice their concerns and proposals on an ongoing basis; and it is a platform that encourages and enables Californians from all walks of life to interact with each other to find common ground.” 

    Audrey Tang, Taiwan’s first Digital Minister and creator of vTaiwan: “Instead of just one idea dominating the conversation of the entire population, we can have thousands of different ideas and meld them together into something that is working with the people, not just for the people. And the digital participation infrastructure that enables this, I see a great future in California continuing to lead in this direction.” 

    Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger: “I am excited to be part of the new Engaged California pilot program, which will harness the power of technology to strengthen my connection with Eaton Fire survivors and ensure their voices shape our recovery efforts. This innovative platform will help us better understand the community’s priorities as we focus on a swift and effective rebuilding process in Altadena. I look forward to leveraging this tool to drive meaningful engagement and deliver the support and resources our residents need.” 

    This announcement builds on the strong digital tools California has implemented to help address and streamline response. In addition to offering disaster recovery services in person, the state is providing survivors with the same services online through its ca.gov/lafires website.

    To learn more, visit engaged.ca.gov.

    Recent news

    Feb 21, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Bhavana Prakash, of San Jose, has been appointed to the Physician Assistant Board. Prakash has been a Physician Assistant and Program Manager for the Adult Congenital Heart…

    Feb 20, 2025

    News Sacramento, California –Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Mayumi Kimura, of Temecula, has been appointed Deputy Secretary of Woman Veterans at the California Department of Veterans Affairs. Kimura has been the Founder and Director…

    Feb 19, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Andrew “Andy” Nakahata, of San Francisco, has been appointed Chief Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank….

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 2.21.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 21, 2025

    Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Bhavana Prakash, of San Jose, has been appointed to the Physician Assistant Board. Prakash has been a Physician Assistant and Program Manager for the Adult Congenital Heart Program at Stanford Children’s Health since 2024 and a Supervising Physician Assistant at The Permanente Medical Group since 2015. She is a member of the American Congenital Heart Association. Prakash earned a Doctor of Medical Science degree from A.T. Still University, a Master of Medical Science degree from Saint Francis University, and a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Stanford University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Prakash is a Democrat.

    Joanne Pacheco, of Fresno, has been appointed to the Dental Hygiene Board of California. Pacheco has been Director of the Dental Hygiene Program at Fresno City College since 2017. She is a member of the American Dental Education Association, American Dental Hygienists’ Association, California Dental Hygienists’ Association, and California Dental Hygiene Educators’ Association. Pacheco earned a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Behavior from Alliant International University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Development from Fresno Pacific University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Pacheco is a Republican.

    Mark Apostolon, of Stockton, has been appointed to the 2nd District Agricultural Association San Joaquin Fair Board. Apostolon has been Vice President of Strategic Innovation at El Concilio California since 2016. He was an Executive Producer for TV Pug Entertainment from 2008 to 2016. He was a Producer for Comcast from 2000 to 2007. He was a Producer for Calliope Films from 1995 to 1999. Apostolon earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Tufts University. He is a member of the San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Lodi Animal Services Foundation, and Gay Men’s Sexual Health Foundation. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Apostolon is a Democrat.

    Kevin Alto, of McKinleyville, has been appointed to the 9th District Agricultural Association Redwood Acres Fair Board. Alto has been President of Kevin Alto Equipment since 1998. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Alto is a Republican.

    Norma Rojas-Mora, of Bakerfield, has been appointed to the 15th District Agricultural Association Kern County Fair Board. Rojas-Mora has been the Associate Vice Chancellor, Public Relations and Development for the Kern Community College District since 2024.  She was Executive Director of Government Relations and Development for the Kern Community College District from 2022 to 2024. She was the Director of Communication and Community Relations at Bakersfield College from 2018 to 2022. Rojas-Mora was the Resident Services Director at Kern County Housing Authority from 1998 to 2018. She is a member of Latina Leaders of Kern County, Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Business Education Foundation, and the Kern County Workforce Development Board. Rojas-Mora earned a Master of Science degree in Administration from the California State University Bakersfield and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Chicana/Chicano Studies from UCLA. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Rojas-Mora is a Democrat.

    Emily Schoeder, of Dixon, has been appointed to the 36th District Agricultural Association Dixon May Board. She has been a Legislative Assistant for the California Hospital Association since 2019. She was an Office Assistant at Capitol Partners from 2015 to 2018. She is a board member of the Friends of the Crisis Nurseries, an auxiliary of the Sacramento Children’s Home. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Schroeder has no party preference.

    Elizabeth Lincoln, of Kelseyville, has been appointed to the 49th District Agricultural Association Lake County Fair Board. Lincoln has been the Economic Development Director for the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians since 2015 and Owner of Indigenous Management Services since 2012. She was a Grant Writer for the Colusa Indian Community from 2009 to 2014. She earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Park Resource Management and Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources from Kansas State University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Lincoln is a Democrat.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Feb 20, 2025

    News Sacramento, California –Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Mayumi Kimura, of Temecula, has been appointed Deputy Secretary of Woman Veterans at the California Department of Veterans Affairs. Kimura has been the Founder and Director…

    Feb 19, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Andrew “Andy” Nakahata, of San Francisco, has been appointed Chief Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank….

    Feb 19, 2025

    News What you need to know: A court has denied the city of Norwalk’s request to dismiss the state’s lawsuit against the city for its unlawful ban on homeless shelters.  NORWALK — Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement in response to a court decision…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lombardo Appoints Judge Adriana Rincon White to the Eighth Judicial District Court, Department Y

    Source: US State of Nevada

    Las Vegas, NV – February 21, 2025

    Today, Governor Joe Lombardo appointed Adriana Rincon White to the Eighth Judicial District Court, Department Y. White currently serves as the Domestic Violence Protection Order Hearing Master in the Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County, where she presides over applications for protection orders, conducts initial hearings, and determines whether to issue protective orders.

    “I’m pleased to announce my appointment of Adriana Rincon White to the Eighth Judicial District Court, Department Y,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “Adriana has an extensive career in law, including ten years of experience on the bench. Her credentials in family law and her work ethic are exceptional, and she has established a reputation as one of Nevada’s strongest advocates for children and families.”

    “I am truly honored to be selected by Governor Lombardo to serve in Department Y of District Court, Family Division,” said Judge Adriana Rincon White. “I look forward to working hard and serving our community with a fair and balanced approach.”

    After five years in real estate and passing the bar exam, White opened an independent firm, where she focused on family law and personal injury cases. After joining a firm, she exclusively represented family law matters before taking on her current role as Hearing Master in Clark County.

    A California native, White has lived in Nevada for 21 years. She is a first-generation high school graduate and was an active leader in the Future Farmers of America (FFA). While attending law school, she served as president of the Pre-Law Society, worked for a state attorney general, and helped launch a mentorship program. In her spare time, White enjoys participating in a book club with her daughter, cooking, exercising, and attending her children’s extracurricular activities.

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Duffy’s response to the California high-speed rail investigation protesters.

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

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rivnA4MV-CA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Need Assistance After The Wildfires Sign Language

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

    This resource is specifically designed for the Deaf community, offering clear steps on how to request assistance from FEMA if you have experienced losses due to the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBttF55nX9o

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Kennedy’s Message to America

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

    No stone will be left unturned in our effort to end chronic disease. The health of our children is a higher calling for all of us. Watch my message to America and join me in this effort to Make America Healthy Again.
    —

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | http://www.hhs.gov

    http://www.Twitter.com/HHSGov | http://www.Facebook.com/HHS http://www.Instagram.com/HHSGov
    http://www.LinkedIn.com/company/us-department-of-health-and-human-services

    HHS Privacy Policy: http://www.hhs.gov/Privacy.html

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pbXrXGur-4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: VA Secretary Doug Collins Highlights Accomplishments in First 30 Days

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

    Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins outlined key accomplishments at VA during the first 30 days of the Trump administration, emphasizing the department’s commitment to prioritizing Veterans.

    “The Veteran is back first at the VA,” Collins stated. “We’re putting the Veteran first in everything we do, ensuring they receive the benefits and health care they have earned.”

    A key change includes eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, reallocating $14 million toward Veterans’ health care and caregiver programs. Additionally, the department has identified and redirected nearly $98 million to further support health care benefits.

    VA has also revised its flag policy, now exclusively flying the American flag and the POW/MIA flag at its facilities. “For all of us who served in uniform, that American flag is what unites us,” Collins said.
    Efforts to combat waste, fraud, and abuse are also underway. The department has assigned employees to scrutinize contracts, ensuring funds are spent efficiently. As a result, $178,000 previously allocated for Politico newsletters has been redirected to Veteran services.

    “30 days in, Donald Trump hasn’t let up, and neither have we at the VA,” Collins concluded.
    For more updates on VA policies and initiatives, visit news.va.gov.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNC85KSLbVM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: NASA Expert Answers Your Questions About Asteroid 2024 YR4

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

    You’ve heard about asteroid 2024 YR4 and we’ve heard your questions — so let’s talk about it. What are the chances it’ll hit Earth? Why do those odds keep changing? And should you be worried? (Spoiler alert: No). Get the facts from a NASA expert and learn how we track asteroids, update predictions, and keep an eye on the skies.

    Asteroid 2024 YR4 FAQ: https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/asteroids/2024-yr4/

    Stay tuned for the latest updates: https://blogs.nasa.gov/planetarydefense/

    Coming April 2025, NASA’s Planetary Defenders documentary will showcase the international collaboration and dedicated team of astronomers and scientists working tirelessly to track and monitor near-Earth asteroids, aiming to protect our planet from potential impacts: https://go.nasa.gov/NASAPlanetaryDefenders

    Producers: Scott Bednar, Jessie Wilde, Pedro Cota

    Credit: NASA

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWhj4qJdYWw

    MIL OSI Video –