NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special traffic arrangements for National Day Fireworks Display on October 1

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Police will implement special traffic arrangements on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon to facilitate the National Day Fireworks Display to be held on October 1 (Tuesday).Kowloon——-Crowd safety management measures in Tsim Sha Tsui————————————————-     Police will implement crowd safety management measures in Yau Tsim District and Hung Hom Waterfront Promenade, including pedestrianising roads at Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom Waterfront Promenade in phases.      Depending on the prevailing crowd situation, Police will implement safety measures within the pedestrianised areas including the closure of pedestrian subways and putting up barriers. One-way flow will be applied on overcrowded footbridges and in the vicinity of the waterfront promenade. If necessary, restrictions on access to MTR stations will be put into force by the MTR Corporation Limited.      The Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the vicinity of the Clock Tower, and the Avenue of Stars are known to be popular gathering and vantage points. When these areas are saturated, the crowd will be diverted to other areas.      At present, there are some construction works at the West Kowloon Cultural District. The contractors have erected hoardings and barriers to seal off the area concerned with relevant notices displayed. Members of the public are urged not to enter these sites and not to climb or lean against the barriers.      Members of the public should follow the instructions given by Police officers and take heed of Police signage and broadcasts at scene.Special traffic arrangements—————————-     The following special traffic arrangements will be implemented by phases until the crowd has dispersed and traffic resumes normal:A. Road closure and traffic diversionsPhase I (from 6pm onwards)    The following roads will be closed:- Eastbound and westbound Hung Hom Bypass between Salisbury Road and Hung Hom Road;- Southbound and northbound Hung Hom Bypass between Salisbury Road and Metropolis Drive;- Southbound Salisbury Road between Hong Chong Road and Hung Hom Bypass;- Eastbound and westbound Salisbury Road between Science Museum Road and Kowloon Park Drive, including Salisbury Road’s eastbound and westbound underpass;- The U-turn slip road of Salisbury Road leading from eastbound Salisbury Road U-turn to westbound Salisbury Road;- Hong Wan Path;- Mody Lane;- Mody Road;- Mody Square;- Granville Square;- Granville Road between Chatham Road South and Science Museum Road, except for franchised buses and green minibuses (GMBs) (the road will be will be re-routed to one-way eastbound);- Southbound Chatham Road South between Cheong Wan Road and Salisbury Road;- Southbound Chatham Road South between Cheong Wan Road and Granville Road, except for franchised buses and GMBs;- Northbound Chatham Road South between Granville Road and Salisbury Road;- Southbound and northbound Carnarvon Road between Granville Road and Nathan Road;- Hau Fook Street;- Cameron Lane;- Cameron Road;- Humphreys Avenue;- Prat Avenue;- Hart Avenue;- Hanoi Road;- Bristol Avenue;- Minden Row;- Minden Avenue;- Blenheim Avenue;- Middle Road;- Northbound Nathan Road between Austin Road and Salisbury Road;- Southbound Nathan Road between Granville Road and Salisbury Road;- Southbound Kowloon Park Drive between Canton Road and Salisbury Road;- Southbound Canton Road between Kowloon Park Drive and Salisbury Road;- Ashley Road;- Hankow Road;- Lock Road;- Haiphong Road;- Ichang Street; and- Peking Road.    During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:- Traffic along southbound Hung Hom Road will be directed from Hung Hom Bypass to Cheong Tung Road South roundabout;- Traffic along eastbound Metropolis Drive cannot turn right to southbound Hung Hom Bypass;- Traffic along southbound Hung Hom Bypass must turn right to westbound Metropolis Drive;- Traffic along westbound Cheong Wan Road leading to Chatham Road South must turn right to northbound Chatham Road South or go straight to westbound Austin Road, except for franchised buses and GMBs;- Franchised buses and GMBs along southbound Chatham Road South must turn left to eastbound Granville Road;- Franchised buses along southbound Nathan Road must turn right to westbound Public Square Street or westbound Jordan Road;- Traffic along westbound Jordan Road cannot turn left to southbound Canton Road. Vehicles must go straight to Nga Cheung Road direction or turn left to southbound Wui Man Road;- Traffic along southbound Canton Road must make a U-turn to northbound Canton Road outside China Hong Kong City;- Traffic along northbound Kowloon Park Drive cannot turn left to southbound Canton Road;- Traffic along eastbound Salisbury Road must turn left to northbound Kowloon Park Drive;- Traffic along northbound Kowloon Park Drive cannot turn right to Peking Road;- Westbound Granville Road between Nathan Road and Carnarvon Road will turn to eastbound contraflow. Traffic along southbound Nathan Road will be instructed to turn left to eastbound Granville Road;- Traffic along Science Museum Road cannot turn to Mody Road and Granville Road;- Traffic along southbound Salisbury Road near Hong Chong Road will be diverted to Tsim Sha Tsui East; and- Traffic along eastbound Granville Road must turn left to northbound Chatham Road South.Phase II (from 6.30pm onwards)     The following roads will be closed:- Northbound Kowloon Park Drive between Canton Road and Salisbury Road; and- Eastbound and westbound Salisbury Road between Canton Road and Kowloon Park Drive.Phase III (from 7pm onwards)     The following roads will be closed:- The U-turn slip road of Austin Road West near the Xiqu Centre leading from westbound Austin Road West U-turn to eastbound Austin Road West;- The first lane of Austin Road West leading to Austin Road West roundabout;- The U-turn slip road of Austin Road West near The Harbourside leading from eastbound Austin Road West U-turn to westbound Austin Road West;- Museum Drive; and- Cultural Drive.    During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:- Traffic along eastbound and westbound Austin Road West cannot enter the slip roads of Austin Road West; and- Traffic along southbound Nga Cheung Road entering Austin Road West roundabout cannot turn to Museum Drive. Vehicles will be directed to eastbound Austin Road West or northbound Nga Cheung Road.Phase IV (from 8.45pm onwards)     The following roads will be closed:- Southbound and northbound Nathan Road between Jordan Road and Austin Road;- Eastbound Bowring Street between Pilkem Street and Nathan Road;- Eastbound Tak Shing Street between Tak Hing Street and Nathan Road;- Southbound Nathan Road between Austin Road and Granville Road;- Pine Tree Hill Road;- Hillwood Road;- Carnarvon Road between Kimberley Road and Granville Road;- Shun Yee Street;- Granville Circuit;- Northbound Chatham Road South between Observatory Road and Granville Road;- Kimberley Road between Nathan Road and Observatory Road;- Kimberley Street;- Granville Road between Nathan Road and Chatham Road South;- Southbound and northbound Canton Road between Austin Road and Kowloon Park Drive;- Austin Road West roundabout between the entrance of Austin Road West and the exit and entrance of Museum Drive; and- Southbound and northbound Nga Cheung Road between Jordan Road and Austin Road West.    During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:- Traffic along southbound Nathan Road must turn right to westbound Jordan Road;- Traffic along westbound Jordan Road cannot turn left to southbound Nathan Road;- Traffic along westbound Austin Road and southbound Cox’s Road cannot turn to Pine Tree Hill Road;- Traffic along Observatory Road cannot turn to westbound Kimberley Street;- Traffic along northbound Pilkem Street cannot turn right to eastbound Bowring Street;- Traffic along eastbound Bowring Street must turn left to northbound Pilkem Street;- Traffic along southbound Canton Road cannot go straight. Vehicles must turn left to eastbound Austin Road or turn right to westbound Austin Road West;- Traffic along eastbound Austin Road West cannot turn right. Vehicles must turn left to northbound Canton Road or go straight to eastbound Austin Road;- Traffic along northbound Gateway Boulevard must leave from northbound Kowloon Park Drive;- Traffic along westbound Jordan Road must turn to the Kowloon Station Public Transport Interchange after turning left to southbound Nga Cheung Road;- Traffic along westbound Austin Road West must go straight to Nga Cheung Road elevated road; and- Traffic along southbound Nga Cheung Road entering Austin Road West roundabout must turn left to eastbound Austin Road West.Contingency plan     If necessary, the following roads will be closed:- Hung Luen Road between Wa Shun Street and Hung Lok Road;- Oi King Street; and- Kin Wan Street.     During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:- Traffic along westbound Hung Luen Road must turn left to Wa Shun Street;- Traffic along Wa Shun Street must turn right to eastbound Hung Luen Road;- Traffic along southbound Hung Lok Road cannot turn left to eastbound Hung Luen Road; and- Traffic along eastbound Hung Luen Road must turn left to northbound Hung Lok Road.B. Suspension of Bus Terminus and Public Transport Interchange     The following Bus Terminus and Public Transport Interchange will be suspended, until the crowd has dispersed and traffic resumes normal:     The Mody Road Bus Terminus will be suspended from 6pm.     The Star Ferry Bus Terminus will be suspended from 6.30pm.     The China Hong Kong City Public Transport Interchange will be suspended from 8.45pm.C. Suspension of car park     Vehicles will not be permitted to access or leave car parks in the affected areas during the road closure period.D. Suspension of on-street parking spaces     All on-street parking spaces located at Tsim Sha Tsui South (i.e. South of Austin Road) will be suspended from noon on October 1 to 0.01am of the following day.Hong Kong Island—————-A. Road closurePhase I (Before the fireworks display)Central District—————     Tramway Lane outside Lower Peak Tram Station leading from Garden Road to the office of World Wild Fund for Nature Hong Kong will be closed from 2pm to 11.59pm, except for franchised buses.Wan Chai North————–     Expo Drive East at the north of Expo Drive outside Golden Bauhinia Square including the pick-up and drop-off areas will be closed from 4pm to 11.59pm.     The following roads will be closed from 7.30pm onwards:Central District—————- Man Kwong Street;- Man Fai Street;- Man Yiu Street between Man Kwong Street and Man Po Street;- Loading and unloading area outside Central Ferry Piers 7, 8 and 9; and- Unnamed Road near Lung Wo Road outside General Post Office.Central – Wan Chai Bypass————————- – The slip road linking eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass to Expo Drive;- The slip road linking Lung Wo Road to eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass; and- The slip road linking westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass to Lung Wo Road.Wan Chai North————— Eastbound Fenwick Pier Street;- Lung King Street;- Eastbound Harbour Road;- Expo Drive;- Expo Drive Central;- Expo Drive East;- Lung Wo Road between Lung Hop Street and Fleming Road;- Lung Tat Path;- Convention Avenue;- Fleming Road Flyover;- Fleming Road between Expo Drive and Harbour Road;- Northbound Tonnochy Road between eastbound Harbour Road and Hung Hing Road;- Southbound Tonnochy Road between Hung Hing Road and Gloucester Road;- Marsh Road between Gloucester Road and Hung Hing Road;- Marsh Road Flyover;- Marsh Road between Hennessy Road and Lockhart Road;- Hung Hing Road;- Hung Hing Road Flyover;- Wan Shing Street; and- Wan Ying Street.Peak Area———- Northbound Peak Road beyond the car park entrance of Peak Galleria, except for residents’ vehicles;- Barker Road, except for residents’ vehicles;- All laybys along Stubbs Road between Peak Road and Stubbs Road roundabout; and- All laybys along Magazine Gap Road between Peak Road and May Road.     The following roads will be closed from 8pm onwards:Eastern District————– Watson Road;- Whitfield Road;- Glass Street;- King Ming Road;- Hing Fat Street northward of Whitfield Road; and- Victoria Park Road (Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter).     The following roads will be closed from 8.15pm onwards:Central District————— Yiu Sing Street;- Lung Wo Road;- Edinburgh Place;- Tim Wa Avenue;- Legislative Council Road;- Tim Mei Avenue;- Lung Wui Road;- Lung Hop Street;- Unnamed road between Harcourt Road and Performing Arts Avenue;- Performing Arts Avenue; and- Edinburgh Place.Wan Chai North————— Tonnochy Road Flyover;- Northbound Tonnochy Road between Gloucester Road and Harbour Road;- Westbound Harbour Road;- Harbour Drive;- Fleming Road between Gloucester Road and Harbour Road; and- Fenwick Street between Gloucester Road and Harbour Road.Phase II (During the fireworks display)     The following roads will be closed from 8.55pm to 9.28pm:Eastern District—————– Westbound Island Eastern Corridor between Victoria Park Road and Man Hong Street, except for franchised buses;- Slip roads leading to westbound Island Eastern Corridor from Healthy Street Central and Tong Shui Road; and- Westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass.Phase III (After the fireworks display)     The following roads will be closed from 8.55pm onwards:Central District————— Man Yiu Street between Man Cheung Street and Man Po Street;- Man Po Street; and- Finance Street between Man Yiu Street and Man Po Street.Wan Chai South————— Lockhart Road between Percival Street and Luard Road;- Jaffe Road between Percival Street and Luard Road;- Southbound Luard Road between Gloucester Road and Jaffe Road;- O’Brien Road;- Fleming Road between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road;- Stewart Road;- Tonnochy Road between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road;- Marsh Road between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road;- Canal Road West between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road;- Canal Road East between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road;- If necessary, Percival Street between Lockhart Road and Gloucester Road; and- If necessary, westbound Gloucester Road service road between Percival Street and Canal Road East.B. Traffic Diversions     In connection with the above road closure, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:From 7.30pm onwards:- Rumsey Street between Chung Kong Road and Connaught Road Central will be re-routed to one-way southbound; and- All uphill traffic along Peak Road towards Harlech Road, Lugard Road and Mount Austin Road will be diverted downhill via the slip road beside the car park entrance at the Peak Galleria, except for residents’ vehicles or vehicles with permits.From 8.55pm to 9.28pm:     Traffic along westbound Island Eastern Corridor will be diverted to Man Hong Street.From 8.55pm onwards:     Traffic along eastbound Connaught Road West Flyover will be diverted to Finance Street.C. Suspension of parking spaces     All on-street metered, motorcycle and disabled parking spaces (Meter nos: 3186 to 3188, 3190 to 3193 and 3197) at Tramway Lane outside Lower Peak Tram Station will be suspended from 1pm to 11pm.     All on-street parking spaces at Expo Drive East at the north of Expo Drive outside Golden Bauhinia Square will be suspended from 4pm to 11.59pm.     All on-street metered and motorcycle parking spaces at Victoria Peak Garden and Mount Austin Road (Meter nos: 1515(A/B) to 1518(A/B), 1523(A/B) to 1526(A/B), 1519A, 1520A, 1521(A/B) and 1522B) will be suspended from 7pm to 11.59pm.     All parking spaces at the following locations will be suspended from 3pm to 11.59pm:- Man Kwong Street;- Ying Sing Street;- Lung Wo Road;- Unnamed Road near Lung Wo Road outside General Post Office;- Edinburgh Place;- Lung Wui Road; and- Lung Hop Street.     All parking spaces at the following locations will be suspended from 4pm to 11.59pm:- Hung Hing Road;- Expo Drive;- Expo Drive East;- Convention Avenue;- Wan Shing Street;- Gloucester Road service road;- Stewart Road between Jaffe Road and Gloucester Road service road;- Marsh Road between Hennessy Road and Lockhart Road;- Jaffe Road between Percival Street and Luard Road; and- Lockhart Road between Percival Street and Luard Road.     All parking spaces at the following locations will be suspended from 7pm to 11.59pm:- Watson Road; and- Whitfield Road.D. Suspension of Public Transport Interchange     The Exhibition Centre Station Public Transport Interchange and Man Yiu Street Public Transport Interchange will be suspended from 6.30pm to 11.59pm.E. Suspension of car parks     Vehicles parked in car parks within the above closed areas at North Point, Wan Chai North, Wan Chai South and Central District will not be permitted to enter/leave the car parks during the road closure period.     If necessary, the vehicular entrance/exit along on westbound Gloucester Road between Paterson Street and Percival Street will be closed without prior notice.     Any vehicles found illegally parked within the precincts mentioned above will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing.     Members of the public are advised to use public transport to access the above areas. They should pay attention to the latest special traffic arrangements announced by the Transport Department and the latest weather news released by the Hong Kong Observatory. Actual implementation of the crowd safety management measures and traffic arrangements will be made depending on traffic and crowd conditions in the areas. Members of the public are advised to exercise tolerance and patience and take heed of instructions of the Police on site.     If the cancellation of the fireworks display is announced by the organiser, the above-mentioned crowd safety management measures and special traffic arrangements will not be implemented.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Children get creative with plants and poetry to illustrate their hopes as child rights mark 100 years

    Source: Save The Children

    Photo: Oksana Parafeniuk/Save the Children
    LONDON/GENEVA, 26 September 2024 – Using flowers, shells, leaves, and paper clips, children from Indonesia, Syria and Ukraine have created photo montages and written poems to show what is most important to them to mark 100 years of the global recognition of child rights.
     
    Working with three award-winning photographers, children were encouraged to get creative by combining photos of themselves with everyday items for mixed media projects that celebrate their optimism and hopes for the future but also risks if progress on their rights stalls or is reversed.  

    The montages and poems are being used to commemorate the agreement on 26 September 1924 of the Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child, the groundbreaking document drafted by Save the Children founder Eglantyne Jebb that affirmed for the first time the existence of rights specific to children.  

    Elin, 15 from Sumba, Indonesia, said she was passionate about protecting the ocean but worried about the impact of climate change. She collected sand and shells while swimming and combined them with her photo portrait, writing the following poem. “In this scorching world, I have the right to be happy. I have the right to breathe fresh air. I have the right to access clean water, because my study time is not to fetch water. Together, we can protect the nature, because I am human, you are human, we are human.”

    Anjar,18, from Indonesia tackles the lack of access to clean water in his friend Sandi’s village. Together, they designed a borehole that brought running water to the village for the first time. Anjar is worried about the impact of deforestation and used his artwork to portray himself as a warrior protecting the trees that he loves, using rocks and plants he has gathered. 

    “We have to learn and guard our nature, so it won’t be destroyed”, said Anjar, who was supported by Save the Children’s Inclusive Incubator for Young Changemakers (i2Change) programme which gives young people the chance to learn how to create a project that will change their community. 

    In Romania, eight-year-old Marko* is trying to rebuild his life and make new friends after he fled Ukraine with mother when the war broke out.  

    It took him months to settle into school, but with support from Save the Children’s hub in Romania, he is now more at ease. He made a collage by decorating his printed portrait with colourful clips and pegs. His montage represents his personality, his big dreams for the future and how important his homeland and school are to him.

    “I want to be a captain because I would like to travel all over the world”, he said. 

    Shehab*, 16, is living in Za’atari, Jordan, the world’s largest camp for displaced Syrian refugees. She was born with a disability and bullied at school which made her drop out. At the Adolescent Girls Empowerment Centre, run by Save the Children and the United Nations Population Fund, Jordan  is learning self-defence, art and yoga which is helping her find her inner strength. 

    Her portrait shows the importance to her of the rights to education and protection and includes a caption saying, “Women of the world, unite!” 

    “I was destroyed before I came to the centre, now I have more self-esteem and confidence” she said. “When I came here, I learned what children’s rights are and I started raising awareness for others and the younger ones. It’s a very good feeling because I felt like I was doing something for society, I was changing something. I felt like I was a leader for those children.”

    The project that ran over three months involves the photographers Ulet Ifansasti from Indonesia, Kate Stanworth from the UK and Oksana Parafeniuk from Ukraine. 

    Despite much progress over the last century, children’s rights are today at risk of being eroded and inequality is growing.

    One in five children globally is growing up in a conflict zone [1] and one in 50 is forcibly displaced- twice the number a decade ago, according to Save the Children analysis. [2] Thirty-three children were born into hunger each minute last year [3], while every year, extreme weather events interrupt learning for about 40 million children, a figure likely to rise as the intensity and frequency increase due to climate change [4]. 

    Inger Ashing, Save the Children International’s Chief Executive Officer said:     “So much has changed for children in 100 years. Most children now live to see their fifth birthday. Almost nine in 10 primary and six in 10 secondary-age school children complete their education. The vast majority are no longer forced to engage in the kind of work that deprives them of their childhood and harms their development.  “Today, every child has rights – including the right to health, to education, to protection, and to security. They have the right to be themselves, to have their voices heard and to design their futures.  “But this wasn’t always accepted or supported – and still isn’t in many places around the world.  Children currently face a world in crisis where their rights are systematically undermined and violated. The vital progress made over the past 100 years is being reversed with catastrophic conflicts for children while children also experience all-too-frequent climate disasters, poverty and inequality. “Standing up for children’s rights is our history, present, and future. Our work to support children to claim their rights is just as urgent and relevant today as it was 100 years ago and we will not stop until children’s rights are respected, supported, and protected worldwide.”Save the Children is calling on leaders to listen to children and to provide safe, meaningful, child-friendly spaces where children can speak freely and their ideas are respected.  
    The child rights organisation is also calling for: 
    •  States to hold perpetrators of crimes against children in conflict to account and ensure adherence to international humanitarian and human rights law.  
    • At the upcoming Ministerial Conference to Ending Violence against Children, states should  make concrete, ambitious and funded commitments to protect children and end all forms of violence against them 
    • Children’s rights and views to be prioritised in climate policy and financing, including climate loss and damage and adaptation, 
    • Leaders to put children’s rights and the Sustainable Development Goals at the centre of policy and financing decisions to create a safer, greener and more sustainable world.  
    For further enquiries please contact:  
    Our media out of hours (BST) contact is media@savethechildren.org.uk / +44(0)7831 650409. Please also check our Twitter account @Save_GlobalNews for news alerts, quotes, statements and location Vlogs. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Haiti’s class sizes double as mental health crisis worsens among students – Save the Children

    Source: Save The Children

    PORT-AU-PRINCE, 26 September 2024 – Haiti’s ongoing violence is set to force thousands of children into overcrowded classrooms when schools reopen next week, with some classes expected to double to 80 students while hundreds of schools remain closed, Save the Children said.

    The Haitian government delayed the start of the academic year until 1 October due to the ongoing threat from armed groups, which has displaced about 600,000 people this year – or about 5% of the population. Over the past school year, more than 900 schools temporarily closed, affecting about 200,000 children’s access to education. Many of these schools will likely remain closed next week as they are being used as shelters for displaced families.

    In Haiti’s South Department, an influx of displaced families fleeing violence in Port-au-Prince has severely strained an already fragile education system. Save the Children’s local partners in Les Cayes report that internally displaced children will push class sizes to upwards of 80 students—more than double the recommended class size.

    Maria Rosette, a school director supported by Save the Children’s local partner ProDev, highlighted the challenges of providing quality education in such overcrowded conditions. 

    She also noted the psychological impact on displaced students, due to their distressing experiences. Parents and teachers have reported an increase in aggression, withdrawal, and emotional distress among students due to prolonged exposure to armed violence, hunger, and uncertainty. 

    “What the children should be receiving in terms of quality education they won’t get  because there are too many students. Children at the back of the class always tend to suffer the most; they get distracted easily. 

    “Also, one of the first things I noticed [towards the end of the last academic year] was the mental health and psychosocial support issues that need to be addressed among displaced students. Displaced children witnessed so much when they were in Port-au-Prince, they now suffer from stress and anguish. They are extremely aggressive; they fight and throw rocks at each other – the new arrivals and local children. Many children are not motivated at school. Still, hopefully, as time goes on, they will be more receptive to continuing their education and be able to address and cope with the issues they face.” 

    As schools begin to reopen, families still face significant challenges in sending their children back into classrooms. Ongoing violence and soaring inflation have impacted families’ ability to afford basic school supplies for their children. Also, some schools that have been used as shelters require extensive cleanup and repairs before they can fully resume educational activities. 

    For children living in areas with active fighting in Port-au-Prince, starting the new school year next week may not be possible, even if schools reopen. The journey to school in armed group-controlled areas poses significant risks, including being caught in the crossfire and the threat of recruitment into these groups.

    Chantal Sylvie Imbeault, Save the Children’s Country Director in Haiti, said: 

    “The crisis in Haiti is, above all, a children’s crisis. Hundreds of thousands of children have been displaced, robbed of their education, and deeply affected by the violence unfolding before their eyes. 

    “In Port-au-Prince, access to education is severely limited due to school closure in areas controlled by armed groups, attacks on schools, displacement, and widespread violence. Many children can’t safely get to school because of the violence surrounding their communities. This means they likely won’t be returning at all to school next week if armed groups continue to wreak havoc across the city.

    “A lack of education, overcrowded classrooms, and a growing mental health emergency is threatening to devastate an entire generation—a generation who has already lived through deadly earthquakes, hurricanes, and waves of relentless violence. For many children in Haiti, education is their only hope in an increasingly uncertain world. But that hope is slipping away.”

    Save the Children is providing cash assistance for displaced families in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince living in schools-turned-shelters to find more dignified housing solutions while helping to free up schools to resume educational activities. The child rights organisation is also working through local partners in Haiti’s West, Grand’Anse and South departments, including in Les Cayes, to provide access to quality education, and psychosocial support to students who need it, while calling for more funding to provide mental health support for children who have been exposed to violence.

    Save the Children is calling on the international community to support the government of Haiti in prioritising the reopening of schools while ensuring displaced families currently sheltering in classrooms can afford safe, alternative shelter, and teachers are paid on time.

    Save the Children has been working in Haiti since 1978 in both urban and rural communities. It provides cash assistance so families can meet their most urgent needs, delivers health and nutrition support, and supports children´s access to quality education.

    ENDS

    *******************************************************************************************************************

    For further enquiries please contact:

    Our media out of hours (BST) contact is media@savethechildren.org.uk / +44(0)7831 650409

    Please also check our Twitter account @Save_GlobalNews for news alerts, quotes, statements and location Vlogs.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Young Climate Activist and NASA Scientist Discuss the Impacts of Sea Level Rise | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Young climate activist from Tuvalu, Ms. Grace Malie, and NASA scientist, Dr. Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, discuss the impacts of sea level rise for the High-Level Meeting on Sea Level Rise during the UN General Assembly. The second story of IN FOCUS series of UNGA79.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DE3KaHj3z08

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🇲🇭 Marshall Islands – President Addresses United Nations General Debate, 79th Session | #UNGA

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Hilda Heine, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, addresses the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 24 – 30 September 2024).

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

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

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

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    https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k19/k19y8b5ics

    Screenshot credit: UN Photo/Loey Felipe

    #UNGA #UnitedNations

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3IzgmDCdZU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI: RBC iShares Expands Access to BlackRock’s Award-Winning Investment Platform with Active ETFs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Today, RBC iShares expands access to BlackRock’s award-winning investment platform with the launch of two active bond ETFs (collectively the iShares Funds).1 The iShares Funds provide clients with the best of BlackRock’s fixed income investment insights in liquid, transparent and cost-effective ETFs.

    The iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF (XFLI, XFLI.U) invests in the BlackRock Flexible Income ETF (BINC)2, managed by Rick Rieder, Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income at BlackRock. The strategy will also be available hedged to the Canadian dollar with the listing of the iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF (CAD-Hedged)(XFLX). The iShares Funds seek to deliver monthly income by primarily allocating to hard-to-reach global fixed income sectors, such as high yield, emerging markets debt and securitized assets.

    The iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF has now closed the initial offering of its units and the units will be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) when markets open today. The units of the iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF (CAD-Hedged) are expected to be listed on the TSX when markets open on October 1, 2024.

    The iShares Funds are designed to complement core bond exposures by providing enhanced yield across the global fixed income opportunity set, unconstrained by traditional benchmarks. They leverage the scale of BlackRock’s US$2.8 trillion fixed income platform,3 providing clients with unparalleled market access.

    Rick Rieder, Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income, BlackRock:

    “Today’s investment environment presents a golden age for fixed income. Investors can achieve high yields without taking on excessive risk. By staying active, agile, and well-diversified, these ETFs aim to capture historic opportunities across fixed income markets whenever and wherever they become available.”

    Helen Hayes, Head of iShares Canada, BlackRock:

    “The launch of these ETFs brings the alpha generation capabilities of BlackRock’s global fixed income platform to Canadian investors. The deep resources and specialized market insights of our Fundamental Fixed Income Team will provide investors exposure to less accessible sectors of fixed Income, further enabling opportunities to capitalize on the strong yield environment.”

    The new iShares Funds are noted in the table below and will be managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc.

    Fund Name Ticker Management Fee4 Listing Date
    iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF XFLI
    XFLI.U    		 0.55 % September 26, 2024
    iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF (CAD-Hedged) XFLX 0.55 % October 1, 20245

    RBC iShares aims to help clients achieve their investment objectives by empowering them to build efficient portfolios and take control of their financial futures. RBC iShares is committed to delivering a truly differentiated ETF experience and positive outcomes for clients.

    For more information about RBC iShares, please visit https://www.rbcishares.com.

    About BlackRock        

    BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit http://www.blackrock.com/corporate.

    About iShares ETFs

    iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1400+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$3.86 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2024, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.

    iShares® ETFs are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited.
      
    About RBC

    Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 100,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 18 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.

    We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact.

    About RBC Global Asset Management
    RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM) is the asset management division of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). RBC GAM is a provider of global investment management services and solutions to institutional, high-net-worth and individual investors through separate accounts, pooled funds, mutual funds, hedge funds, exchange-traded funds and specialty investment strategies. RBC Funds, BlueBay Funds, PH&N Funds and RBC ETFs are offered by RBC Global Asset Management Inc. (RBC GAM Inc.) and distributed through authorized dealers in Canada. The RBC GAM group of companies, which includes RBC GAM Inc. (including PH&N Institutional) and RBC Indigo Asset Management Inc., manage approximately $660 billion in assets and have approximately 1,600 employees located across Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia.

    RBC iShares ETFs are comprised of RBC ETFs managed by RBC Global Asset Management Inc. and iShares ETFs managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. ETFs are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.

    ® / TM Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under license. iSHARES is a registered trademark of BlackRock, Inc., or its subsidiaries in the United States and elsewhere. Used under license. © 2023 BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited and RBC Global Asset Management Inc. All rights reserved.

    Contact for Media:
    Reem Jazar
    Email: reem.jazar@blackrock.com

    1 Rick Rieder, Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income at BlackRock, was awarded the U.S. Morningstar Award for Investing Excellence: Outstanding Portfolio Manager on March 21, 2023.
    2 Currently, the iShares Funds will, directly or indirectly, invest all or substantially all of their assets in BINC.
    3 Source: BlackRock Q2 2024 Earnings, as of June 30, 2024.

    4 As an annualized percentage of the iShares Fund’s daily net asset value. If applicable, BlackRock Canada or an affiliate is entitled to receive a fee for acting as manager of each iShares ETF in which this iShares Fund may invest (an “underlying product fee” and together with the management fee payable to BlackRock Canada, the “total annual fee”). As the underlying product fees are embedded in the market value of the iShares ETFs in which this iShares Fund may invest, any underlying product fees are borne indirectly by this iShares Fund. BlackRock Canada will adjust the management fee payable to it by this iShares Fund to ensure that the total annual fees paid directly or indirectly to BlackRock Canada and its affiliates by this iShares Fund will not exceed the percentage of the NAV set out above. The total annual fee is exclusive of HST. Any underlying product fees borne indirectly by this iShares Fund are calculated and accrued daily and are paid not less than annually.
    5 Listing date is subject to regulatory approvals.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: KMIN GROUP Corp.’s Skincare Brand O’CLEARIEN Expands Globally and Participates in major events

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEOUL, KOREA, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KMIN GROUP Corp.’s premium skincare brand, O’CLEARIEN, is solidifying its position in the global market. Since being named “Rookie of the Year” at the Cosmo Beauty Expo in May, O’CLEARIEN has actively participated in major events such as The Hyundai Pop-Up Store, Mexico Brand Expo, and CosmoProf Las Vegas. Furthermore, the brand has recently completed its European export certification (CPNP) and U.S. export certification (MoCRA), enhancing its credibility in the global market.

    O’CLEARIEN’s main product lineup includes toners, mists, serums, creams, cleansers, and sunscreens, which will be showcased at Seoul Beauty Week (October 1–3, 2024) and the K-Beauty Expo (October 17–19, 2024). Seoul Beauty Week will be held at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), while the K-Beauty Expo will occur at KINTEX in Ilsan. These events will allow attendees to experience O’CLEARIEN’s product lines firsthand and explore collaboration opportunities with global beauty partners and buyers.

    Currently, O’CLEARIEN exports to 10 countries, including the U.S., Mexico, the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Germany, France, and Mauritius. The brand is gaining recognition globally as a rapidly growing clean beauty brand. O’CLEARIEN products, which are made from the finest natural ingredients, provide gentle yet effective skincare, meeting the standards of clean beauty and receiving high praise.

    KMIN GROUP Corp., founded in 2019, specializes in beauty and women’s fashion and has received positive feedback from consumers who prefer clean beauty products made with natural ingredients through its premium product development and sustainable production practices. O’CLEARIEN, as an inclusive clean beauty brand catering to all generations, has garnered significant acclaim for its highly effective skincare products.

    Regarding distribution, O’CLEARIEN sells through offline and global e-commerce platforms, with special emphasis on sales through its online store, oclearien.com. This multi-faceted distribution strategy has allowed more consumers to experience O’CLEARIEN’s products, with serums and creams receiving particularly favorable reviews.

    An O’CLEARIEN representative stated, “We are delighted to introduce our premium skincare philosophy and top-quality natural ingredients to the world through global certifications and participation in major beauty events. We look forward to continuing our global expansion and reaching more consumers with our products.”

    O’CLEARIEN’s best-selling products will be featured at Seoul Beauty Week and the K-Beauty Expo, and the brand plans to further strengthen its presence in the global beauty market through continued participation in various international events and activities.

    Media Contact

    Company: Kmin Group Corp.

    Contact: Jeongbeen Lee

    Telephone: +82 1054912616

    Email: sales@oclearien.com

    Website: http://www.oclearien.com

    SOURCE: Kmin Group Corp.

    The MIL Network –

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

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

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

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bybit to Host WSOT 2024 Livestream: Featuring Past Champions, Industry Insights, and Special Giveaways

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bybit’s World Series of Trading (WSOT) 2024, the longest-running and most rewarding trading competition of its kind by the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, invites the crypto community to meet former WSOT legends and unlock auspicious rewards on livestream. Joining the trading champions will be other crypto insiders, including co-host Gareth Jenkinson, Managing Editor at Cointelegraph for the first time.

    Themed WSOT Legends: What’s New, What’s Next on Bybit Livestream, viewers can tune in for insights from iconic crypto traders from the past WSOT and try their luck in a live giveaway of 750 CATI and 350 USDT in airdrops and red packets.

    Streaming live on Sep. 27 at 8AM UTC, the event will feature industry insiders and master traders and official Top Captains in WSOT 2023. The session is guaranteed to be lively with speakers celebrating past victories and embracing new possibilities. The champions will review their 2023 performances, their first-hand experience with formulating winning strategies, summoning and maintaining powerful squads in WSOT, delving into new trends such as the convergence of centralized and decentralized exchanges in Web3, and exploring the newly added Web3 segment in the 2024 competition.

    “What better way to gear up for WSOT 2024 than going live with the champions,” said Joan Han, Sales and Marketing Director at Bybit. “Each year the games are evolving, and the stakes are higher as our community grows. We are filled with excitement for the WSOT season this year for all the new features and innovative ways of competing, and we hope to spread the joy with this livestreaming event,” she added.

    Toh Shun Gui, Master Liquidator at Bybit and Kate Panchenko, Senior BD for the CIS region at Bybit will be joined by co-host Gareth Jenkinson at Cointelegraph.

    Featured Speakers:

    • Mr. Ken, Top Captain in WSOT 2023 (Japan)
    • Leonid Maloletov, Top Captain in WSOT 2023 (Russia)
    • AZ, Web3 Evangelist, Bybit
    • Ye, CEO, Character X
    • Argiris Sotirakis, Co-Founder, Cryptominder and Cryptominder Academy
    • Gianluca Grossi, Editor in Chief, Criptovaluta.it®️

    What to Expect:

    • Certified champions: Past winners will shed lights on their top performance in 2023 and uncover new developments in WSOT and in the crypto space this year. 
    • New possibilities: Upcoming squad leaders and Web3 project leads will have a chance to pitch. 
    • Livestream giveaways: Participants of the live chat may raise questions to share a 500 CATI prize pool, others may send a love note Bybit WSOT for a chance to win 250 CATI airdrop. Another 350 USDT prize pool awaits for new users when the session hits 15k viewers.

    Users can join the Livestream Here: WSOT Legends: What’s New, What’s Next

    #Bybit / #TheCryptoArk

    About Bybit
    Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving over 50 million users. Established in 2018, Bybit provides a professional platform where crypto investors and traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, 24/7 customer service, and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One’s reigning Constructors’ and Drivers’ champions: the Oracle Red Bull Racing team.

    For more details about Bybit, users can visit Bybit Press 
    For media inquiries, users can contact: media@bybit.com
    For more information, users can visit: https://www.bybit.com
    For updates, users can follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

    Contact

    Head of PR
    Tony Au
    Bybit
    tony.au@bybit.com

    The MIL Network –

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

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

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

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

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

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

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

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

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

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

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

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

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

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI China News –

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

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

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

    Source: Huawei

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Economics –

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

    Source: Huawei

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Economics –

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

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

    Source: Universities – Science Po in French

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Sciences Po and the MENA region

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

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

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

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

    MIL Translation OSI

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

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

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

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Peace Action Wellington – New Zealand Foreign Minister must be clear at United Nations

    SOURCE: Peace Action Wellington

    26 September 2024 – Foreign Minister Winston Peters is due to give his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Friday morning in New York outlining the government’s views on the state of world affairs.

    “New Zealanders expect that the Foreign Minister will be absolutely clear in his remarks that Israel’s illegal occupation and genocide will no longer be tolerated. He must be clear that Israel’s attacks on Lebanon must cease immediately,” said Valerie Morse, spokesperson for Peace Action Wellington.

    “We applaud the recent courageous Aotearoa New Zealand vote for a UN resolution calling on Israel to end its unlawful presence in the occupied territories. However, these symbolic resolutions must be backed up by real material actions.”

    “Like the actions taken to stop Russia, Israel must be subjected to sanctions and commercial trade embargos to drain it of the resources to continue its genocide of Palestinian people and its provocation of war in Lebanon.”

    “This session of the United Nations is critically important for Aotearoa New Zealand because the world is at a crossroads: international law is being thrown away in favour of hard power politics. That does not serve the interests of small countries like Aotearoa New Zealand. It is harmful for human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

    “The Foreign Minister must be clear that Aotearoa New Zealand will be a force for upholding international law no matter who is involved. Siding with a genocidal regime involved in mass human rights abuses is not the hallmark of a free and democratic society. That the other Five Eyes countries continue to support Israel shows the moral bankruptcy of their claims to care about rights and seriously undermines their credibility on the world stage.”

    “Since October, the world has seen the face of Zionist terrorism exposed in its full horror. There is no going back to the false narratives and double-standards that have upheld Israel since 1948. The UN must act decisively to end the genocide and occupation, and to stop a wider war. Aotearoa New Zealand must be on the right side of history.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Universities – New book describes the rise of the ocean’s most fearsome predators – Flinders

    Source: Flinders University

    If you think Jaws is scary, then imagine a 16 metre super-sized shark weighing more than 60 tonnes  attacking a dolphin or small whale.
     
    The rise and fall of the ancient megalodon (Otodus megalodon) is among the stories contained in a major new book by leading Australian palaeontologist, Flinders University Professor John Long.
     
    The Secret History of Sharks, to be launched at a special event hosted by the South Australian Museum, covers the complete, untold story of how sharks emerged as Earth’s ultimate survivors.
     
    Professor Long says: “Sharks have been fighting for their lives for 500 million years and today are under dire threat.
     
    “They are the longest-surviving jawed vertebrate on Earth, outlasting all five major global mass extinction events that decimated life on the planet.
     
    “But how did they thrive for so long? By developing superpower-like abilities that allowed them to ascend to the top of the oceanic food chain.”
     
    As well as the megalodon, the book describes a gigantic shark with a deadly saw blade of jagged teeth and bizarre sharks fossilised while in their mating ritual.
     
    Flinders University Strategic Professor of Palaeontology Long has been studying fossil fishes and sharks all his life, and draws upon his own experiences and adventures in remote localities around the world when he was involved in some of the key discoveries contained in the book.
     
    Over the past 30 years, Professor Long’s own research efforts led to the discovery of the first fossil found in the Kimberley region Gogo fossil field in Western Australia. This demonstrated how early sharks had remnant bone cells in their cartilage. He also named a fossil shark found in Victoria (Maiseyodus).
     
    Among a range of global experts in shark evolution and biology are Flinders University Southern Shark Ecology researchers Professor Charlie Huveneers and Dr Lauren Meyer who study the tourism attraction of White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) cage diving in South Australia and elsewhere.
     
    Other novel research outlined in the book includes ways sharks contribute to medical advances and how Flinders University Professor Youhong Tang and other experts’ discovered the potential for marine vessels to copy the streamlined pattern of shark skin.  
     
    “These amazing scientific discoveries have ramifications far beyond the ocean and can teach us about our own survival.”
     
    Hear Strategic Professor Long discuss his latest book – The Secret History of Sharks: The Rise of the Ocean’s Most Fearsome Predators – at the SA Museum.
     
    Tuesday 8 October 6pm-8pm
    South Australian Museum
     
    Listen to Professor Long on RN Conversations here  https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/sharks-megalodon-ocean-history-paleontology/104215338
    The Secret History of Sharks: The Rise of the Ocean’s Most Fearsome Predators by John Long (Quercus Books, Australia; Ballantine Books, USA).

    Professor John Long is the strategic professor of palaeontology at Flinders University, one of Australia’s largest palaeontological research groups. The former vice president of research and collections at the Museum of Natural History of Los Angeles County, Long has published more than 200 peer-reviewed papers, some 25 books and over 150 popular science articles. His groundbreaking research work on the evolution of fishes and the origins of sex has appeared in the magazines Nature, Science, and Scientific American.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Underwater Ship Husbandry Seminar preview

    Source: International Marine Contractors Association – IMCA

    Headline: Underwater Ship Husbandry Seminar preview

    Published on 26 September 2024

    On Thursday 10 October, delegates will gather in Singapore to explore how we can improve the safety of Underwater Ship Husbandry operations.

    Delegates will hear from IMCA and ACDI chief executives, the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore, clients such as Total Energies. IMCA Members will be represented with a presentation from Subsea7.

    Attendees will be reminded of the real-life consequences and impacts of diving injuries with a young diver sharing his story from the stage and the valuable lessons which should be shared with the industry.

    Commenting on the Seminar, Bill Chilton, Diving Manager, IMCA said: “I’m looking forward to our event which will bring the industry together to explore ways we can improve safety and respond to the rising number of Underwater Ship Husbandry incidents. It is currently the most dangerous area of commercial diving, and we hope that our engaging and informative event will both spread awareness and help us find potential solutions together.”

    We’re also pleased to share the Smart Dives is supporting the Seminar as a platinum sponsor.

    Commenting on their involvement, Ali Qaiser, CEO of Smart Dives said: “We are happy to be part of this important Seminar and once again work with IMCA, continuing our commitment to advancing safety and performance in Underwater Ship Husbandry.”

    “As equipment manufacturers, we focus on delivering tools that support both diver safety and operational efficiency. We look forward to meaningful discussions in Singapore.”

    Owing to unprecedented demand, we have expanded capacity for the Seminar. Make sure you don’t miss out and register your free place today. Find out more on our event entry page.

    IMCA Contact

    Bill Chilton
    Diving Manager
    Contact

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Development Asia: Promoting Gender-Inclusive Growth Through Regional Integration

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    The Impact of Economic Opportunities for Women

    Expanding economic opportunities for women trigger widespread benefits. In South Asia, equal employment opportunities for men and women could enhance incomes by 25% and increase intraregional trade of $44 billion. Despite progress in education and health outcomes, low women’s economic participation remains a major issue . In 2021, women’s labor force participation was 22%  in South Asia and 32%  in Sri Lanka, while other regions, except the Middle East and North Africa (18%), surpassed 50%. Also, a 27%  gender wage gap indicates that women in Sri Lanka earn about 20% less than men. Achieving gender parity in South Asia will take 149 years, compared to 67 years in Europe and 95 years in North America.

    Challenges and Opportunities in Regional Integration

    Unlike South Asia, regions like East Asia, Europe, and North America harness the benefits of regional integration by developing strong relationships with their neighbors. Intraregional trade make up 50% of total trade in East Asia and 22% in Sub-Saharan Africa but only 5% in South Asia. In South Asia, intraregional trade accounts for just  1% of regional GDP,  compared to 2.6% in Sub-Saharan Africa and 11% in East Asia and the Pacific.

    South Asia’s regional integration is restricted by high tariffs, non-tariff measures, lack of trust and political will, weak policy implementation, and inadequate infrastructure. Deeper regional integration offers benefits like cheaper goods for consumers, better access to inputs, and expanded market access for producers and exporters.

    Reforming Regional Integration for Gender-Inclusive Growth

    To promote gender-inclusive growth, it is essential to improve the lagging dimensions of regional integration. This process is complex and varies by country due to its multidimensional nature. The six key dimensions are trade and investment, movement of capital, regional value chains, infrastructure and connectivity, people’s mobility, and legal and institutional basis for international policy cooperation.

    Balanced progress across these dimensions leads to stronger regional integration and higher women’s economic participation. The EU, with the most evenly distributed dimensions, is the most integrated regions, with more than 50% women’s participation in the workforce.

    Figure 1: Heterogeneity in the Contribution of Multiple Dimensions of Regional Integration

    NOTE: Regions with the most evenly distributed dimensions have the highest women labor force participation, e.g., the European Union.

    SOURCE: C.Y. Park and R. Claveria. 2018. Does Regional Integration Matter for Inclusive Growth? Evidence from the Multidimensional Regional Integration Index. ADB Economics Working Paper Series. No. 559. Asian Development Bank.

    In contrast, South Asia’s uneven dimensional distribution makes it one of the least integrated and lowest women’s economic participating regions. South Asia prioritizes infrastructure, and connectivity and movement of people, and less on money and finance. Similarly, Sri Lanka has focused heavily on infrastructure, with 60% of public investment directed toward it in recent decades.

    Table 1: Identifying Specific Dimensions of Regional Integration Toward Gender-Inclusive Growth

    Country Year 2020 Highest Share Lowest Share
    Bhutan 0.524 Movement of people Institutional and social integration
    Nepal 0.518 Trade and investment Institutional and social integration
    India 0.487 Institutional and social integration Trade and investment
    Sri Lanka 0.474 Infrastructure and connectivity

    Institutional and social integration

    Money and finance
    Bangladesh 0.415 Money and finance Regional value chains
    Pakistan 0.381 Infrastructure and connectivity

    Trade and investment

    Movement of people
    Afghanistan 0.345 Infrastructure and connectivity Institutional and social integration

    NOTE: The Multidimensional Regional Integration Index (MDRII) provides a cumulative score across six dimensions: 1) Trade and Investment, 2) Money and Finance, 3) Regional Value Chain, 4) Movement of People, 5) Infrastructure and Connectivity, and 6) Institutional and Social Integration. A higher score indicates better integration. Dimensions with scores below 0.4 require significant reforms to ensure that regional integration promotes gender-inclusive sustainable growth.

    Author’s calculations basis:  C.Y. Park and R. Claveria. 2018. Does Regional Integration Matter for Inclusive Growth? Evidence from the Multidimensional Regional Integration Index. ADB Economics Working Paper Series. No. 559. Asian Development Bank.

    Strengthening institutional and social integration, alongside improvements in money and finance, could reduce gender inequality by nearly 50% in South Asia. Enhanced mobility and institutional and social integration benefit women in industry and services but not in agriculture. In developing countries, women often work in low-skilled, labor-intensive, low-skilled, and low-paid sectors—referred to as the “feminization of labor.” Regional integration can reverse this trend by increasing employment in manufacturing and services, resulting in higher wages and demand for women labor. 

    In contrast, trade and integration negatively impact women in agriculture due to limited skills and mobility. Regional integration alters the production structures, where sectors with export potential grow, and import-dependent sectors shrink. Women in shrinking sectors may face job losses, and gender segregation can limit their benefits in growing sectors. Opening specific sectors and providing opportunities for upskilling and reskilling women can mitigate these negative effects. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – Cautionary Tale – “Learning on the job” – The Northland Transpower transmission tower – QPEC

    Quality Public Education Coalition (QPEC)
     
    RNZ reports  that Transpower did not follow standard practice and did not provide sufficient training on the job (Midday Report, Wed 25 Sep),
     
    There is a disturbing parallel currently taking place in vocational education.   Learning on the job is the. mantra of Te Pūkenga, the umbrella organisation of polytechnics and ITOs.  
     
    Te Pūkenga relies heavily on shipping students out to work-sites, for industry and businesses to “train” the learners.   There is a real question whether such enterprises have the time, interest and ability to train novices properly.  
     
    But a major issue confronting learning on the job is that trades and professions are becoming increasingly complex, and the world is becoming more demanding and threatening – climate change, new technologies, AI, ethical issues, pressure on resources, coercive employment practices, corporatising.   
     
    Staff in the polytechnics insist that there simply has to be intensive, comprehensive and thorough education off-site.  
     
    It’s not that staff don’t want on-site experience for their students.   They have always supported practicums and practical experience as in nursing, house construction, engineering, health technology. 
     
     But they want to avoid proposals like this story from a QPEC Forum in June 2021.   A polytechnic lecturer reports a question from an industry contact:  
     
    Why are you teaching your students everything about plumbing – hot water, fluid pressure, all that?   All we need is for our students to join pipes, because that’s our main activity, as the biggest employer. 
    The staff member is adamant that students need far-sighted, comprehensive education in their trades and professions, as a base for life-long learning.   
     
    Providing vocational education
     
    The Transpower issue raises two problems.  
     
    One, learning on the job is not infallible.   Transpower apparently delegated job learning to Omoxon, who did not carry it out.   Transpower then played Blame-the-Contractor, to try to avoid the public outcry. 
     
    The pylon toppling cost millions and Transpower’s failure suggests that business can’t be the vehicle for reliable job preparation.   That lies outside the primary task of running a business or industry, and points to the second issue.  
    To serve the best interests of vocational education, we must avoid short cuts like relying heavily on work-based learning.   Instead, we need to insist on the importance of polytechnics for off-site, institutional education., integrated with work experience.
     
    That means providing well-designed programmes in polytechnics that are very stable. richly resourced and feature well-supported, professional educators – the teaching staff.   
    David Cooke, National Chair, QPEC

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 2024 Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest – Hong Kong Chapter successfully held (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    2024 Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest – Hong Kong Chapter successfully held (with photos)
    2024 Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest – Hong Kong Chapter successfully held (with photos)
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         The Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest – Hong Kong Chapter (MiCHK) 2024 Final was held successfully at Cyberport today (September 26). “The next-generation photonic integrated circuits for future high-bandwidth optical links, sensing and computing” by Kokoxili Photonics Limited won the Champion prize, while “Electron Beam (EB) irradiation technology application” by HK Highsolve Technology Limited and “All-scenario rapid testing platform against antimicrobial resistance” by MicroFlow Innovation Limited won the First Runner-up prize and the Second Runner-up prize respectively. They will represent the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to compete in the Global Final Contest of the Maker in China to be held in the fourth quarter of this year in Guangzhou.     Speaking at today’s event, the Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Tony Wong, said that the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint has set “To proactively integrate into the overall development of the country and consolidate our role as a bridge connecting the Mainland and the world” as one of the four broad development directions. The MiCHK is a sound platform for Hong Kong start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to further expand business opportunities in the Mainland market, with numerous winning teams establishing their foothold in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and expanding their operations on the Mainland in recent years. Moreover, many teams have attracted the attention of corporate investors from the Mainland and overseas, receiving a considerable number of procurement contracts and collaboration opportunities.     Mr Wong stressed that the theme of this year’s contest has been extended to cover the frontier technology fields such as advanced network equipment, quantum technology and green technology with a view to fostering the development of innovation and technology (I&T) and related industries, and promoting the development of new quality productive forces in Hong Kong. He congratulated the winning teams and encouraged all participating teams to continue to forge ahead in the area of I&T, so as to contribute to the high-quality development of the country and Hong Kong.     The MiCHK 2024 has received overwhelming response with a total of 153 local innovation projects. After initial screening and a semi-final held earlier, the top 10 finalists entered the Final today, where they competed for the Champion, First Runner-up and Second Runner-up honours by staging roadshows to a panel of judges comprising local and Mainland experts of different I&T fields. Apart from building a platform for local I&T startups, the MiCHK arranges one-on-one business matching sessions between the top 10 finalists and the investors and enterprises from the GBA. The top 10 finalists were given opportunities to join different incubation and acceleration programmes and exhibitions to promote their products and services to different regions through various platforms. Details about the entries can be obtained from makerinchina.hk/.     The MiCHK 2024 is organised by the Digital Policy Office of the HKSAR Government, the China Centre for Promotion of SME Development of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China, the Department of Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, and the China International Cooperation Association of SMEs, and formulated by the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, the Angel Investment Foundation and the Guangzhou SME’s Promotion Association For Specialization Refinement Differentiation Innovation Development. With the support of the Guangzhou Municipal Industry and Information Technology Bureau, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Guangzhou Municipality and the People’s Government of Guangzhou Nansha District, this is the sixth time the regional chapter took place in Hong Kong. 

     
    Ends/Thursday, September 26, 2024Issued at HKT 16:50

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Marine traffic control and safety measures to be implemented at 2024 National Day Fireworks Display

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Marine traffic control and safety measures to be implemented at 2024 National Day Fireworks Display
    Marine traffic control and safety measures to be implemented at 2024 National Day Fireworks Display
    ******************************************************************************************

         ​With regard to the 2024 National Day Fireworks Display to be held on October 1, the Marine Department (MD) will strictly enforce marine traffic control and strengthen the inspection of spectator vessels on the event day to ensure that safety requirements are met.     The MD will establish a Closed Area in the waters off the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, where barges and pontoons for the fireworks will be anchored, from 2pm to about 11pm on the event day. All vessels will be prohibited from entering the area. The two Restricted Areas will be established in two stages. The Restricted Area 1 will be established in the waters off the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui from 6.30pm to about 10pm to facilitate the drone performance, while the Restricted Area 2 in the Central Harbour will be established from 8pm to about 10pm. Other than authorised vessels, no vessels will be allowed to enter. Scheduled ferry vessels with permission may continue services until 8.30pm.     Spectator vessels could stay inside the Specified Area other than the Restricted Areas and the Closed Area for viewing from 7pm to about 10pm on the event day. To enhance marine safety during a major event at sea, coxswains of spectator vessels in the Specified Area during the specified period must ensure that children on board are accompanied by an adult and wear a lifejacket at all times. Coxswains must also keep a passenger and crew list on board for emergency purposes. The MD will enhance enforcement work and initiate prosecution if any vessel fails to meet with these requirements.     In addition, to ensure vessels disperse in an orderly manner, the Eastern and Western Cordon Lines of the Restricted Area will be lifted in stages after the event. The Western Cordon Line will be lifted first at about 10pm. Spectator vessels behind the Western Cordon Line and those wishing to move to the east must follow the instructions of officers from the MD and the Police at the scene. The Eastern Cordon Line will be lifted later depending on traffic conditions in Victoria Harbour. It is anticipated that the Restricted Areas will be lifted by about 10.15pm.      For landside crowd control, public landing steps at Kowloon Public Pier will be closed temporarily from 7pm to about 10pm, while other public landing steps within the Restricted Areas will be closed temporarily from 7.30pm to about 10pm. Buffer Zones at Kowloon Public Pier, Kwun Tong Public Pier and Central Piers 9 and 10 will be established immediately after the event for safe and orderly disembarkation of passengers.      Officers from the MD and the Police will also maintain order at major landing facilities after the event. Coxswains and crew members should remind passengers to pack their personal belongings early before the vessels arrive alongside the landing steps, as well as assisting passengers to disembark. Coxswains and passengers should follow the guidance of the MD and the Police at the scene.      The MD and the Marine Police will also strengthen law enforcement, especially on conditions of life-saving appliances, speeding and overloading. Coxswains and persons-in-charge of vessels should check again and reconfirm that the operating licence, the certificate of survey and the third-party risk insurance are valid before setting sail.      MD Notice No. 175 of 2024 on the marine traffic control and safety measures has been issued and is available for viewing on the MD’s website (www.mardep.gov.hk).

     
    Ends/Thursday, September 26, 2024Issued at HKT 16:35

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/INDIA – Archbishop Neli: the path to peace in Manipur is not achieved with weapons and separation walls

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    by Paolo AffatatoImphal (Agenzia Fides) – “Peace and reconciliation in Manipur cannot be based on the separation of ethnic communities; they will not be achieved by building a new separation wall on the border with Myanmar, which the state wants to build for over 1,600 kilometers,” says the Archbishop of Imphal, capital of the Indian state of Manipur, Linus Neli. “Peace – continues the Archbishop – will not be achieved by rearming ethnic groups, as is dangerously happening between the Kuki and Meitei communities. Peace will be achieved by resuming dialogue and negotiations, and by pursuing a path of equality and justice that overcomes old rivalries and ethnic claims”.In an interview with Fides, the Archbishop speaks about the crisis that has shaken north-east India for over a year. The Archbishop places the problem in the ethnic and cultural reality of the northeastern region of India, “a region with its own specific dimension, characterized by ethnic, linguistic and cultural pluralism”.The northeast of India includes the seven states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, as well as the Himalayan state of Sikkim and the Jalpaiguri region, which legally belongs to West Bengal. “It is also geographically remote,” the Archbishop notes, “because it is only connected to the rest of the country by a narrow corridor between Bhutan and Bangladesh, the Siliguri Corridor. This geographical peculiarity is not irrelevant, also in terms of relations with the central government in New Delhi,” he notes.The region has often been plagued by social, ethnic and political conflicts and tensions in the past. When they were founded, the Northeastern States were created, said the Archbishop, “to give the respective indigenous communities the opportunity to preserve their identity and to make their own contribution to the Indian Federation with the unique resources of their cultural heritage. Some tribal groups are also infinitely small communities and are only now entering the highly competitive world of modern India.”Northeast India, meanwhile, is one of the regions in India where the concentration of citizens of Christian faith is the highest: of the approximately 27.8 million Christians in the whole of India, around 7.8 million live in this region in the Northeast. “This also gives rise to our responsibility to promote peace, justice and brotherhood between people and groups of different faiths, languages, cultures and ethnicities,” said the Archbishop.Archbishop Neli outlines and explains the internal situation in Manipur, where “there are three major ethnic groups: the Kuki, the Meitei and the Naga. Coexistence and relations between the ethnic groups have not been easy in the past either. There is a dispute over who came first, i.e. who can claim more rights in social life, because the Kuki came centuries ago (from the 16th century, ed.) from neighboring Myanmar (where they are called Chin, ed.). The confrontation, even the conflict, has always had a central theme: ownership of land as a source of livelihood and wealth. The current conflict between Kuki and Meitei is no exception: it is basically about land rights,” he explains.”Geographically speaking – and here too the geographical aspect cannot be neglected – the Meitei now own about 10% of the land and are settled in the valley where the capital Imphal is located. The other groups, Naga and Kuki, live in the hill and mountain regions, claim about 90 percent of the land and are recognized as so-called scheduled tribes.” These are historically marginalized tribes who are granted Indian state welfare and support programs, special rights and, in northeast India, autonomous self-government in some cases.In March 2023, a ruling by the Manipur High Court recommended that the central government include the Meitei community in the list of “recognized tribal communities,” sparking protests that later escalated into clashes and general conflict. “It must be said that the Meitei are a numerical minority, but they are a political majority that controls the local government (the state’s prime minister is N. Biren Singh, a member of the Baratiya Janata Party, the party of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ed.) and has over the years pursued policies that other groups believe discriminate against the tribal population.”There is also the religious element, because the Meitei are Hindus and live – an exception in India – as a minority in a state with a majority Christian population. “In recent years, Hindu extremists have tried to colonize the area,” explains the Pastor of the Catholic community in Imphal. “The destruction of the Christian chapels during the conflict is, however, due, among other things, to the internal religious disputes within the Meitei community, which then reunited against the common enemy, the Kukis,” he adds, providing an element that complicates the picture that does not appear in the media.”Christians,” continues Archbishop Neli, “are everywhere, in all three tribal communities, the Kuki, the Meitei and the Naga, and therefore, in essence, the experience of being brothers and sisters in Christ can restore the sense of community and fraternity and help to see the other not as an enemy, but as brothers and sisters with whom one can live peacefully. Faith in Christ helps to create peace and justice.”The Archbishop refers to the current situation of absolute separation, with military checkpoints between the areas inhabited by the Meitei and the Kuki, who cannot enter each other’s territories: “This separation may have temporarily broken the spiral of conflict, but it is not enough because it has not healed the trauma and wounds (more than 220 victims and 67,000 displaced people), nor has it calmed the hatred and desire for revenge: in fact, all the communities are currently rearming and organizing themselves with increasingly heavy weapons. It gives the impression of a powder keg ready to explode. And if this were to happen, the use of these weapons would make the conflict even bloodier,” he notes.In this context, Archbishop Neli, who himself belongs to the Naga ethnic group and is considered “neutral”, has no problem visiting the parishes in the various areas where there are also priests (76 in the diocese), who are also divided by ethnicity. “Because I am a Naga, I can visit the various communities and be at their side. This also applies to religious and priests from the Indian state of Kerala (in southern India). I can say that during my visits I have seen a clear desire: people are hungry and thirsty for peace. It is urgent that a political solution be sought and pursued with all energy,” he says, reporting on the situation of more than 1,000 Catholic Kuki refugees who have had to leave areas such as the city of Imphal where they used to live. “The Catholic community offers them support and food, and we have also built small wooden houses where they can stay,” he reports.At the political level, the Archbishop expresses doubts about the plan announced by Home Minister Amit Shah in the central government because “the central government has long neglected Manipur and the response to dealing with the violence has been inadequate, there has been no clear political vision and now the social, employment and economic crisis is deepening in the entire state, which is today stuck in the impasse of inability to communicate between regions and groups, with negative consequences for businesses, schools and socio-economic activities”.In addition, fearing the infiltration of Kuki militants from Myanmar, the government has started building a separation wall to seal off a 1,600-kilometer border, “which means institutionalizing separations, reasoning according to the logic of division, which, however, continues to agitate minds and fuel hatred,” he notes.Politicians, adds Archbishop Neli, “should think about concrete solutions and measures, such as the possible creation of two different autonomous administrative units or – another proposal that has emerged – that the Kuki districts become a Union State, that is, directly dependent on the central government. But any proposal can only start from a dialogue, a mediation, a negotiation that takes into account the need to create geographical and socio-cultural harmony.”“This process,” concludes Archbishop Neli, “starts from a fundamental assumption that must be accepted by all: the recognition of others as ‘brothers in humanity’, the basis that allows coexistence even between peoples who differ in language, history, ethnicity, culture and religion. This is why we are also inspired by Pope Francis’ document ‘Fratelli Tutti’, which we hope will be welcomed by Christians and non-Christians”.(Agenzia Fides, 25/9/2024)

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women Announces $86.16M in Grants to Support American Indian and Native Alaskan Survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Stalking, and Sex Trafficking

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    The Justice Department announced yesterday more than $86.16 million in grants administered by the Tribal Affairs Division within the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to American Indian and Alaska Native communities to support survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking.

    The grants provided through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) will fund services for victims of these crimes while providing support for Tribal governments, including law enforcement, prosecutors, and Tribal courts, to enhance safety and support Tribal sovereignty. The Tribal Affairs Division within OVW is responsible for the administration of Tribal specific grant programs and initiatives, management of Tribal specific training and technical assistance, and coordination with other federal departments and Justice Department offices on Tribal issues. Principal Deputy Director Allison Randall of OVW made the announcement at the annual Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program Institute, a convening of Tribal officials, victim advocates, and other Tribal leaders, as well as OVW-funded training and technical assistance advisors, who work to support Tribes in developing and improving programs to support survivors of sexual assault.

    “Tribal communities, and particularly American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls, have experienced disproportionately high levels of violence for too long,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This $86 million dollar investment represents the Justice Department’s commitment to working in partnership with Tribal nations to address and prevent gender-based violence and provide safety and justice for survivors.”

    Included in these awards is more than $7.58 million that OVW is awarding under its new Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program: Strengthening Tribal Advocacy Responses Track (START) Program. The program is for Tribal governments that have not previously or recently participated in OVW’s Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program and focuses on capacity building early in the project period. Awardees will receive additional training, technical assistance, and support to implement their programs. Additionally, OVW awarded $45.17 million under the established Tribal Governments Program to support Tribal governments in responding to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking in Tribal communities.

    OVW also launched a new grant program this year through its Healing and Response Teams Special Initiative, which was created in response to recommendations made by the Not Invisible Act Commission. OVW awarded $2 million under this initiative to support the creation, training, and sustainability of Healing and Response Teams using a Tribal-based model of care to respond to Missing or Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) cases related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking.

    OVW is awarding grants totaling more than $3.57 million to Tribes under its Special Tribal Criminal Grant (STCJ) Program and $1.5 million under its Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction: Targeted Support for Alaska Native Tribes Special Initiative. The programs support Tribes that are preparing to exercise or are already exercising STCJ to ensure that victims find safety and justice and that non-Indians who commit covered crimes within their communities, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking, are held accountable.

    OVW is also awarding grants totaling $3.75 million under its Violence Against Women Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Initiative to support the collaboration between Tribes and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in their investigation and prosecution of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, sex trafficking, and stalking cases in Indian country.

    OVW is also awarding grants totaling more than $11.11 million under its Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program to support Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Tribal nonprofit organizations in operating sexual assault services programs in Indian country and Alaska Native villages. Additionally, OVW awarded funding totaling more than $8.28 million under its Grants to Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program to support the development and operation of nonprofit, nongovernmental Tribal domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions.

    “We are committed to addressing the disproportionately high rates of violent crime faced by American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls and ensuring everyone can access both safety and justice,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “This funding supports Tribal governments and Tribal organizations’ efforts to provide legal services, housing assistance, medical care, and counseling to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of gender-based violence.”

    OVW is also awarding grants totaling $3.2 million for Tribal training and technical assistance (TA) programs. The TA programs support grantees through in-person and online educational opportunities, peer-to-peer networks, on-site technical assistance, and tailored support to help grantees further develop expertise and targeted strategies to implement their programs successfully.

    “The strength of VAWA is enhancing a coordinated community response,” said OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo. “These grant programs provide critical support for Tribes to address gender-based violence by fostering essential partnerships among victim services organizations, law enforcement, prosecutors, community-based organizations, and other key stakeholders who play a crucial role in supporting survivors and providing pathways for them to access justice, safety, and healing.”

    OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW has awarded more than $11 billion in funding to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies, and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW supports policy development and undertakes special initiatives in response to community-identified needs. Learn more at http://www.justice.gov/ovw.

    View the Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction: Targeted Support for Alaska Native Tribes Special Initiative (STCJ AK) Program Award.

    View the Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Initiative Awards.

    View the Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Invitation to Apply Awards.

    View the Indian Tribal Governments: Strengthening Tribal Advocacy Responses Track (START) Awards.

    View the Healing and Response Teams Special Initiative Awards.

    View the Indian Tribal Governments Program Awards.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women Announces $86.16M in Grants to Support American Indian and Native Alaskan Survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Stalking, and Sex Trafficking

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    The Justice Department announced yesterday more than $86.16 million in grants administered by the Tribal Affairs Division within the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to American Indian and Alaska Native communities to support survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking.

    The grants provided through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) will fund services for victims of these crimes while providing support for Tribal governments, including law enforcement, prosecutors, and Tribal courts, to enhance safety and support Tribal sovereignty. The Tribal Affairs Division within OVW is responsible for the administration of Tribal specific grant programs and initiatives, management of Tribal specific training and technical assistance, and coordination with other federal departments and Justice Department offices on Tribal issues. Principal Deputy Director Allison Randall of OVW made the announcement at the annual Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program Institute, a convening of Tribal officials, victim advocates, and other Tribal leaders, as well as OVW-funded training and technical assistance advisors, who work to support Tribes in developing and improving programs to support survivors of sexual assault.

    “Tribal communities, and particularly American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls, have experienced disproportionately high levels of violence for too long,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This $86 million dollar investment represents the Justice Department’s commitment to working in partnership with Tribal nations to address and prevent gender-based violence and provide safety and justice for survivors.”

    Included in these awards is more than $7.58 million that OVW is awarding under its new Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program: Strengthening Tribal Advocacy Responses Track (START) Program. The program is for Tribal governments that have not previously or recently participated in OVW’s Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program and focuses on capacity building early in the project period. Awardees will receive additional training, technical assistance, and support to implement their programs. Additionally, OVW awarded $45.17 million under the established Tribal Governments Program to support Tribal governments in responding to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking in Tribal communities.

    OVW also launched a new grant program this year through its Healing and Response Teams Special Initiative, which was created in response to recommendations made by the Not Invisible Act Commission. OVW awarded $2 million under this initiative to support the creation, training, and sustainability of Healing and Response Teams using a Tribal-based model of care to respond to Missing or Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) cases related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking.

    OVW is awarding grants totaling more than $3.57 million to Tribes under its Special Tribal Criminal Grant (STCJ) Program and $1.5 million under its Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction: Targeted Support for Alaska Native Tribes Special Initiative. The programs support Tribes that are preparing to exercise or are already exercising STCJ to ensure that victims find safety and justice and that non-Indians who commit covered crimes within their communities, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking, are held accountable.

    OVW is also awarding grants totaling $3.75 million under its Violence Against Women Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Initiative to support the collaboration between Tribes and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in their investigation and prosecution of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, sex trafficking, and stalking cases in Indian country.

    OVW is also awarding grants totaling more than $11.11 million under its Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program to support Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Tribal nonprofit organizations in operating sexual assault services programs in Indian country and Alaska Native villages. Additionally, OVW awarded funding totaling more than $8.28 million under its Grants to Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program to support the development and operation of nonprofit, nongovernmental Tribal domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions.

    “We are committed to addressing the disproportionately high rates of violent crime faced by American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls and ensuring everyone can access both safety and justice,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “This funding supports Tribal governments and Tribal organizations’ efforts to provide legal services, housing assistance, medical care, and counseling to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of gender-based violence.”

    OVW is also awarding grants totaling $3.2 million for Tribal training and technical assistance (TA) programs. The TA programs support grantees through in-person and online educational opportunities, peer-to-peer networks, on-site technical assistance, and tailored support to help grantees further develop expertise and targeted strategies to implement their programs successfully.

    “The strength of VAWA is enhancing a coordinated community response,” said OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo. “These grant programs provide critical support for Tribes to address gender-based violence by fostering essential partnerships among victim services organizations, law enforcement, prosecutors, community-based organizations, and other key stakeholders who play a crucial role in supporting survivors and providing pathways for them to access justice, safety, and healing.”

    OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW has awarded more than $11 billion in funding to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies, and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW supports policy development and undertakes special initiatives in response to community-identified needs. Learn more at http://www.justice.gov/ovw.

    View the Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction: Targeted Support for Alaska Native Tribes Special Initiative (STCJ AK) Program Award.

    View the Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Initiative Awards.

    View the Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Invitation to Apply Awards.

    View the Indian Tribal Governments: Strengthening Tribal Advocacy Responses Track (START) Awards.

    View the Healing and Response Teams Special Initiative Awards.

    View the Indian Tribal Governments Program Awards.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Wage and Payroll Statistics for June 2024

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Overall Wage and Payroll Statistics
     
         According to the figures released today (September 26) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the average wage rate for all the selected industry sections surveyed, as measured by the wage index, increased by 3.7% in nominal terms in June 2024 over a year earlier.
     
         About 63% of the companies reported increase in average wage rates in June 2024 compared with a year ago. A total of 32% of the companies recorded decrease in average wage rates over the same period. The remaining 5% reported virtually no change in average wage rates.
     
         After discounting the changes in consumer prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index (A), the overall average wage rate for all the selected industry sections surveyed increased by 1.9% in real terms in June 2024 over a year earlier.  
     
         As for payroll, the index of payroll per person engaged for all the industry sections surveyed increased by 3.5% in nominal terms in the second quarter of 2024 over a year earlier. 
     
         After discounting the changes in consumer prices as measured by the Composite Consumer Price Index, the average payroll per person engaged increased by 2.2% in real terms in the second quarter of 2024 compared with a year earlier.
     
         The wage rate includes basic wages and other regular and guaranteed allowances and bonuses. Payroll includes elements covered by wage rate as well as other irregular payments to workers such as discretionary bonuses and overtime allowances. The payroll statistics therefore tend to show relatively larger quarter-to-quarter changes, affected by the number of hours actually worked and the timing of payment of bonuses and back-pay.
     
    Sectoral Changes
     
         For the nominal wage indices, year-on-year increases were recorded in all selected industry sections in June 2024, ranging from 3.1% to 4.5%.
     
         For the real wage indices, year-on-year increases were also recorded in all selected industry sections in June 2024, ranging from 1.3% to 2.7%.
     
         The year-on-year changes in the nominal and real wage indices for the selected industry sections from June 2023 to June 2024 are shown in Table 1.
     
         As for the nominal indices of payroll per person engaged, year-on-year increases were recorded in all selected industry sections in the second quarter of 2024, ranging from 1.6% to 8.6%.

         For the real payroll indices, year-on-year increases were also recorded in all selected industry sections in the second quarter of 2024, ranging from 0.4% to 7.3%.
     
         The year-on-year changes in the nominal and real indices of payroll per person engaged for selected industry sections from the second quarter of 2023 to the second quarter of 2024 are shown in Table 2. The quarterly changes in the seasonally adjusted nominal and real indices of payroll per person engaged in the same period are shown in Table 3.
     
    Commentary
     
         A Government spokesman said that wages and labour earnings continued to record decent increases in the second quarter of 2024 over a year earlier.
     
         The average wage rate for all selected industries rose further by 3.7% in nominal terms in June 2024. After discounting for inflation, the average wage rate increased by 1.9% in real terms.
     
         Payroll per person engaged, which includes basic wage, discretionary bonuses and other irregular payments, increased further by 3.5% in nominal terms in the second quarter of 2024. After discounting for inflation, payroll per person engaged increased by 2.2% in real terms. All selected industries saw increases in payroll per person engaged in both nominal and real terms.
     
         Looking ahead, the tight overall labour market should provide support to growth in wages and labour earnings in the near term, though the pace of growth may vary across sectors in tandem with their business performance.
     
    Other Information
     
         Both wage indices and payroll indices are compiled quarterly based on the results of the Labour Earnings Survey (LES) conducted by C&SD. Wage index only covers employees up to the supervisory level (i.e. not including managerial and professional employees), whereas payroll index covers employees at all levels and proprietors actively engaged in the work of the establishment.
     
         Apart from the differences in employee coverage, wage statistics are conceptually different from the payroll statistics. Firstly, wage rate for an employee refers to the sum earned for his normal hours of work. It covers basic wages and other regular and guaranteed allowances and bonuses, but excludes earnings from overtime work and discretionary bonuses, which are however included in payroll per person engaged. Secondly, the payroll index of an industry is an indicator of the simple average payroll received per person engaged in the industry. Its movement is therefore affected by changes in wage rates, number of hours of work and occupational composition in the industry. In contrast, the wage index of an industry is devised to reflect the pure changes in wage rate, with the occupational composition between two successive statistical periods being kept unchanged. In other words, the wage index reflects the change in the price of labour. Because of these conceptual and enumeration differences between payroll and wage statistics, the movements in payroll indices and in wage indices do not necessarily match closely with each other.
     
         It should also be noted that different consumer price indices are used for compiling the real indices of wage and payroll to take into account the differences in their respective occupation coverage. Specifically, the Composite Consumer Price Index, being an indicator of overall consumer prices, is taken as the price deflator for payroll of workers at all levels of the occupational hierarchy. The Consumer Price Index (A), being an indicator of consumer prices for the relatively low expenditure group, is taken as the price deflator for wages in respect of employees engaged in occupations up to the supervisory level.
     
         Detailed breakdowns of the payroll and wage statistics are published in the “Quarterly Report of Wage and Payroll Statistics, June 2024”. Users can browse and download the publication at the website of C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050009&scode=210).
     
         For enquiries on wage and payroll statistics, please contact the Wages and Labour Costs Statistics Section (1) of C&SD (Tel: 2887 5550 or email: wage@censtatd.gov.hk).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: External Merchandise Trade Statistics for August 2024

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    External Merchandise Trade Statistics for August 2024
    External Merchandise Trade Statistics for August 2024
    *****************************************************

         The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (September 26) the external merchandise trade statistics for August 2024. In August 2024, the values of Hong Kong’s total exports and imports of goods both recorded year-on-year increases, at 6.4% and 7.9% respectively.      In August 2024, the value of total exports of goods increased by 6.4% over a year earlier to $381.3 billion, after a year-on-year increase by 13.1% in July 2024. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 7.9% over a year earlier to $414.4 billion in August 2024, after a year-on-year increase by 9.9% in July 2024. A visible trade deficit of $33.1 billion, equivalent to 8.0% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in August 2024.      For the first eight months of 2024 as a whole, the value of total exports of goods increased by 11.5% over the same period in 2023. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 8.0%. A visible trade deficit of $216.0 billion, equivalent to 6.8% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in the first eight months of 2024.      Comparing the three-month period ending August 2024 with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of total exports of goods increased by 0.3%. Meanwhile, the value of imports of goods increased by 3.8%. Analysis by country/territory      Comparing August 2024 with August 2023, total exports to Asia as a whole grew by 9.9%. In this region, increases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations, in particular Vietnam (+27.0%), Malaysia (+23.7%), Thailand (+15.3%), the Philippines (+14.5%) and the mainland of China (the Mainland) (+12.9%). On the other hand, decreases were recorded in the values of total exports to India (-20.5%) and Singapore (-14.5%).      Apart from destinations in Asia, decreases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations in other regions, in particular Switzerland (-62.0%) and the United Kingdom (-46.2%).      Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from some major suppliers, in particular Singapore (+26.8%), Vietnam (+26.2%), Korea (+19.6%), Malaysia (+17.4%) and the Mainland (+9.7%). On the other hand, decreases were recorded in the values of imports from the Philippines (-10.0%) and the USA (-5.1%).      For the first eight months of 2024 as a whole, year-on-year increases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations, in particular Thailand (+28.3%), Vietnam (+23.8%), the Mainland (+18.9%), the USA (+15.2%) and the United Arab Emirates (+4.8%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of total exports to India (-10.3%).      Over the same period of comparison, year-on-year increases were registered in the values of imports from some major suppliers, in particular Vietnam (+48.0%), Korea (+46.0%), Singapore (+20.7%), the Mainland (+9.6%) and Malaysia (+4.8%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of imports from the Philippines (-13.8%). Analysis by major commodity      Comparing August 2024 with August 2023, increases were registered in the values of total exports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $14.4 billion or +43.5%) and “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $13.0 billion or +7.5%).      Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $19.7 billion or +79.6%) and “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $17.0 billion or +10.0%).      For the first eight months of 2024 as a whole, year-on-year increases were registered in the values of total exports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $149.1 billion or +11.9%) and “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $82.3 billion or +32.6%).      Over the same period of comparison, year-on-year increases were registered in the values of imports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $122.7 billion or +9.6%) and “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $70.5 billion or +35.1%). Commentary      A Government spokesman said that the value of merchandise exports grew solidly in August 2024 over a year earlier.  Exports to the Mainland, the United States and the European Union registered increases of varying degree, while those to other major Asian markets saw mixed performance.      Looking ahead, while geopolitical tensions and trade conflicts will present risks, Hong Kong’s exports performance should remain positive if external demand continues to hold up. The Government will monitor the situation closely. Further information      Table 1 presents the analysis of external merchandise trade statistics for August 2024. Table 2 presents the original monthly trade statistics from January 2021 to August 2024, and Table 3 gives the seasonally adjusted series for the same period.      The values of total exports of goods to 10 main destinations for August 2024 are shown in Table 4, whereas the values of imports of goods from 10 main suppliers are given in Table 5.      Tables 6 and 7 show the values of total exports and imports of 10 principal commodity divisions for August 2024.      All the merchandise trade statistics described here are measured at current prices and no account has been taken of changes in prices between the periods of comparison. A separate analysis of the volume and price movements of external merchandise trade for August 2024 will be released in mid-October 2024.      The August 2024 issue of “Hong Kong External Merchandise Trade” contains detailed analysis on the performance of Hong Kong’s external merchandise trade in August 2024 and will be available in early October 2024. Users can browse and download the report at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1020005&scode=230).      Enquiries on merchandise trade statistics may be directed to the Trade Analysis Section of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 4691).

     
    Ends/Thursday, September 26, 2024Issued at HKT 16:30

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –