NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NDA celebrates 20-year partnership with Site Stakeholder Groups

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    NDA celebrates 20-year partnership with Site Stakeholder Groups

    The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority is celebrating its unique 20-year relationship with nuclear communities.

    NDA Group CEO David Peattie speaking at the NDA Stakeholder Summit 2024

    The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) is celebrating its unique 20-year relationship with nuclear communities with a series of special local events and a blueprint for refreshing the relationship, fit for the future.

    Site Stakeholder Groups (SSGs) were created at NDA sites in response to the Energy Act 2004, giving communities a platform to scrutinise the organisation’s work and ensure two-way dialogue between local residents and the nuclear industry.

    The NDA is responsible for decommissioning the UK’s earliest nuclear sites safely, securely and sustainably, leaving a positive legacy for future generations. So, engaging with the communities around its sites about how it carries out this nationally important mission is crucial to its licence to operate.

    Led by elected community volunteers independent of the NDA, the SSGs have played a vital role in shaping NDA strategy and have provided a valuable sounding board on a wide range of issues.

    NDA Group Chief Executive, David Peattie, paid tribute to the work of the SSGs and the spirit of community volunteerism over the past 20 years, saying:

    Our nuclear communities are the foundation on which much of our work in cleaning up the UK’s nuclear legacy is built. The commitment in time and effort of our SSG chairs and vice-chairs has been considerable in representing the viewpoints of their communities.

    We’re marking our 20th anniversary of this unique relationship and I would like to use this opportunity to pay tribute to the work of our community representatives and look forward to continuing dialogue and increasing understanding of our mission.

    To mark the 20th anniversary, the NDA is inviting members from all 14 SSGs around the UK to meetings showcasing the progress made over the last two decades and looking ahead to the future of its nuclear sites.

     There is also work ongoing in partnership with the communities to review and update best practice guidelines for how the groups operate and engage with the NDA, in line with modern communication requirements.

    John McNamara, NDA Director of Communities and Stakeholder Engagement, has been involved with SSGs since their inception. He said:

    Our Site Stakeholder Groups are revered internationally as best practice when it comes to independent scrutiny by communities of the nuclear industry. They have often been cited by organisations such as the IAEA, the US Energy Department and industry colleagues in many countries including Canada, France, and Japan as a blueprint for how communities should interact and hold the nuclear industry to account.

    I’ve worked with these volunteers for many years, and I’m constantly reminded of the terrific job they do. Their commitment benefits the NDA every bit as much as it does the local residents they serve.

    Cllr Aled Morris Jones, Chair of the National SSG Forum which represents the views of NDA nuclear communities, said:

    The SSGs are a crucial supporting pillar of effective local stakeholder engagement which gives the NDA its social licence to operate.

    Our role as an informed ‘critical friend’ ensures the NDA understands the key issues and perspectives within our communities and that our voices are heard as we scrutinise and comment on their work plans and how they go about their business.

    We’ve demonstrated our value during the past 20 years, and we remain committed to continuing to serve our communities as decommissioning continues over the coming decades.

    The NDA’s 20th Anniversary roadshow will visit all NDA sites, from Dungeness on the Kent coast and up to Dounreay on the north coast of Scotland – and all points in-between.

    The review of the SSGs was carried out with wide-ranging input from communities and other stakeholders including the nuclear regulators and local authorities. Recommendations set to be implemented include:

    • Updated NDA guidance for SSGs to provide more support for community volunteers
    • More regular meetings between SSG chairs and the NDA to provide more industry context and consider best practice suggestions
    • Standardisation of documents and websites
    • Assistance to allow SSGs to communicate more widely in their communities
    • Using technology to facilitate more virtual online and hybrid meetings, using evenings too to make it easier for more people to attend
    • Formulating an outreach plan to attract more diversity to SSG meetings

    If you would like to read the updated Guidance or are interested in attending an SSG meeting, please visit the SSG website: Site Stakeholder Groups – Home.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rescue teams keeping positive in search for missing tramper

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A large-scale search and rescue operation has continued today in Milford Sound, for a man who has been missing since Sunday.

    The solo tramper failed to return after a planned day trip to climb Mitre Peak.

    The alarm was raised promptly, and a search and rescue operation began immediately, shortly before midnight on 5 May.

    Detective Tracy Ward says a large number of resources have been working through arduous terrain, assisted by helicopter crews.

    The search is being supported by Land Search and Rescue teams from Fiordland, Caitlins and Southland, Southern Lakes Helicopters, Heli-Otago, Southland Amateur Radio Emergency Communications, a Wakatipu Land Search and Rescue tracking dog team, a Dunedin Land Search and Rescue air scent dog team, and Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue teams.

    “There is also a huge amount of local support being provided by tourism operator Real NZ at Milford Sound. Roughly 60 volunteers, 10 Police staff and the various helicopter and tourism staff are working hard to find the missing man.”

    A Police incident management team is in place in Invercargill, supporting a forward command base at Milford Sound.

    Detective Ward said helicopter searches began on Monday and carried on into the night, before resuming this morning.

    “Land Search and Rescue field and dog teams have been in the search area since Monday morning, as well as alpine cliff rescue teams due to the incredibly steep terrain in the area. Real NZ has assisted the operation with marine vessels and support staff, as well as helping the search staff at the forward control base in Milford Sound.

    “We are looking at a wide search area in a very rugged part of New Zealand. We have yet to find any items that could help narrow the search area, but we are remaining positive.

    “The man we are looking for is experienced in the outdoors and we believe he had suitable clothing and provisions, which can make all the difference. We are in contact with his next of kin, but at this stage are not in a position to release further details about him,” Detective Ward said.

    “We are expecting a deterioration in the weather tonight and that may affect ongoing search efforts, but Police and volunteer staff will remain in Milford Sound until further notice.”

    Police have spoken to a number of people who encountered the man in the vicinity of Mitre Peak on Sunday 4 May. Detective Ward said Police still needed to hear from anyone who was in the area on Sunday if they haven’t already spoken with Police. Please contact Police by making a report online, or by calling 105, referencing the event number P062448221.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Esports Chess: Online Battles, Dynamic Formats, and Hundreds of Thousands of Moves

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Online battles, dynamic formats, streams and hundreds of thousands of moves – this is how the INTER series of eSports chess tournaments, organized by students of the Polytechnic University, took place.

    The tournaments were organized by the INTER team. This project was founded at the Polytechnic University, but has already gone far beyond its borders and become part of the international student chess arena.

    From February to April, several large-scale online competitions in different formats were held under the auspices of INTER. These were the standard Interuniversity Team Battles game and the Hunger Games, where participants played new types of chess at each stage.

    More than a thousand people from 18 countries participated in the tournaments. Representatives from Russia, Bangladesh, Turkey, Fiji, Mexico, Peru, Kenya, Brazil, India, Algeria, the Republic of Congo, Kazakhstan, Ghana, the Republic of South Africa, Turkmenistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Argentina fought for victory. The total number of moves made exceeded half a million. This was not just a game, but a real test of endurance, strategic thinking and psychological fortitude.

    Participants trained weekly, followed game analysis, learned from professionals, and found out what was happening in the world of chess and what helps them win.

    The winners and prize winners of the series were:

    8th Interuniversity Team Battle

    1st place – MTUCI chess club; 2nd place – Voenmekh chess club; 3rd place – TUSUR chess club.

    9th Interuniversity Team Battle

    1st place — VolSU Chess Club (SSC “Kogorta”); 2nd place — Voenmekh Chess Club; 3rd place — Polytechnic Chess Club (SPbPU).

    10th Interuniversity Team Battle

    1st place — VolSU Chess Club (SSC “Kogorta”); 2nd place — MTUCI Chess Club; 3rd place — BSU Chess Club.

    The INTER project is an example of how friendship and rivalry do not need borders. All that is needed are people who believe in the game and in each other, noted organizer Ruslan Barseghyan.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Winners Announced at Taiwan’s Largest AI Competition: The Best AI Awards – 1,253 Teams from 37 Countries Compete for Top Honors in AI Innovation

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    To promote AI innovation and foster emerging talent, Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) hosted the inaugural Best AI Awards Finals and Awards Ceremony on May 3 at the Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1. The competition attracted 1,253 elite teams from 36 countries. From the 233 finalists, 93 awards were presented, including eight Gold Prizes awarded to leading companies and academic teams from HiTRUST Incorporated, eYs3D Microelectronics, Data Yoo Application CO., Jmem Technology, National Central University, National Taiwan University, as well as standout international entries from the UK and the Philippines.

    Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Ho Chin-Tsang highlighted that the competition served as a platform to bring together talent cultivation, real-world application, and industry demand. This year’s entries, he noted, exemplify how AI innovation can be combined with creativity to meet real-world needs. Looking ahead, the Ministry will continue to align policy direction and resource investment with industry needs to bring more AI innovations to market and create meaningful local impact.

    Kuo Chao-Chung, Director General of the Department of Industrial Technology, noted that in addition to enthusiastic participation from domestic companies and universities, the inaugural competition also attracted 353 international entrants from 36 countries, including India, the Philippines, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This strong turnout highlights the Awards’ growing significance as not just a Taiwanese initiative, but a global platform for AI innovation and exchange. Beyond the competition itself, the Ministry of Economic Affairs is working with academic and research institutions to support enterprises in design, product development, and prototyping. It is also partnering with agencies such as the Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration and the Industrial Development Administration to help accelerate AI-driven transformation across industries.

    Chiou Chyou-Huey, Director General of the Industrial Development Administration and a key advocate behind the competition, described the Best AI Awards as Taiwan’s largest and most prestigious AI contest. The Award offers some of the highest prizes and maintains a highly competitive selection process with a winning rate of just 7.4%. He expressed hopes that through further efforts, AI can be integrated across all sectors to drive widespread industrial innovation.

    This year’s entries spanned a diverse range of industries, including ICT (18.4%), manufacturing (16.2%), healthcare (15.9%), wholesale and retail (10.2%), education (8.6%), and finance (7.8%). More than 100 startups, SMEs, and publicly listed companies took part, accelerating the adoption of AI across Taiwan’s industrial landscape.

    Looking ahead, the Ministry of Economic Affairs plans to make the Best AI Awards an annual flagship event for advancing AI development, talent cultivation, and innovation. The finals will be held each May alongside COMPUTEX, with over 20 domestic and international investors and buyers invited to participate in matchmaking sessions. Through this series of initiatives, the Ministry aims to foster new AI applications, accelerate workforce development, and help realize Taiwan’s vision of becoming a global AI Island.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Eternal Memory: China Does Not Forget Soviet Volunteer Pilots Who Died in the Anti-Japanese War

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    NANJING, May 6 (Xinhua) — “The Chinese people will always cherish the memory of the Russians who helped China in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression,” said Xue Lian, director of the Nanjing Anti-Japanese War Airmen’s Martyrs’ Memorial Museum.

    As she reported, soon this museum will once again publish additional information about the Soviet hero pilots who died on Chinese territory.

    HISTORICAL MEMORY

    Established in 2009, the Nanjing Anti-Japanese War Airmen’s Martyrs’ Memorial Museum is China’s first memorial museum for international airmen who died in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Its collection contains rich historical materials about the air forces of China, the Soviet Union, the United States and other countries that fought together against Japanese aggression in China during World War II.

    Since 1995, the names of 4,299 Chinese and foreign fallen heroes, including 236 Soviets, have been engraved on marble memorial steles at this museum in Nanjing, East China’s Jiangsu Province.

    After the start of China’s nationwide war against Japanese aggression, the Soviet Union was the first to provide China with air support. During these difficult years, more than 200 Soviet volunteer air forces perished in China.

    Sergei Dmitrievich Smirnov was one of them. He died in an air battle over Nanchang in 1938 and was buried in the same Chinese city. It is noteworthy that he became the first of all Soviet hero pilots who died in China whose relatives the above-mentioned museum managed to contact.

    On July 7, 2024, on the anniversary of the beginning of China’s nationwide war against Japanese aggression, S. Smirnov’s great-grandson Alexander Vikman, who was in Nanjing on business and had spent a long time searching for information about the burial of his great-grandfather and had visited China many times, visited the above-mentioned museum and finally found his name on one of the memorial steles.

    Let us recall that shortly before this, the museum published a list of Chinese pilots who died in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, which inspired A. Wickman to appeal for help. In September and November 2024, lists of American and Soviet hero pilots were also published, respectively. In particular, the list of Soviet hero pilots was published in full by the museum for the first time.

    “The idea to clarify and publish the lists of Chinese and foreign heroic pilots who died in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression arose because I was deeply moved by the search for information about the fallen Chinese pilot by his relatives, which lasted for more than 80 years,” Xue Lian said.

    She also realized that there could be many more such relatives of fallen heroes. Because of the geographical uncertainty of Air Force operations, their relatives do not even know where their loved ones died, let alone obtain other detailed information.

    “It is still difficult for the relatives of fallen Chinese heroes to find information about them, let alone the relatives of fallen foreign pilots,” Xue Lian said.

    “We have a responsibility to disclose accurate information about these fallen aviators to the public so that more people know about their heroism. It is necessary to urgently search for their families and forever preserve the precious memory of this story.”

    RESPECT FOR HEROES

    Due to the limited historical sources and the lack of language specialists, the museum’s work on collecting information about Soviet heroes progressed slowly at the time.

    Miao Lei, who studied in Russia for many years and speaks Russian, started this job in 2020.

    “Most of the heroes have information about their identities, years of birth and dates of death, but there are no photographs of them, no information about their combat actions in China and no information about their places of death and burial. In addition, some of the Soviet volunteer pilots took part in the war under pseudonyms, which made it difficult to find genuine information about their identities,” he noted.

    To overcome the many difficulties, the museum sought support from universities and commissioned their experts and researchers, including a team of teachers and students from Nanjing University, to carry out part of the work of collecting relevant information. At the same time, through interdepartmental coordination, experts in the field of Russian language and cultural and historical research were found to carry out the joint work.

    In September 2024, the museum’s working team visited Russia and Belarus to collect information about Soviet hero pilots. During the trip, museum representatives in Moscow met with a local resident, Dmitry Pugachev, and received photographs of S. Smirnov from him for the first time.

    “Sergey Dmitrievich is my great-uncle. When they told me that they had found his name in the museum in Nanjing, I burst into tears,” D. Pugachev recalled.

    “When I saw the photograph with my grandfather’s name on the wall of the memorial in Nanjing, I felt some inexplicable connection with Sergei Dmitrievich, whom, unfortunately, I had never met. I was extremely touched by such care and respect on the part of the Chinese people and the Chinese state for the memory of the Soviet volunteer pilots,” he added.

    “We gave D. Pugachev a book of contacts with relatives of fallen heroes, which records the heroes’ deeds and our museum’s contacts, to help them contact us,” Miao Lei explained, noting that the museum also created archives for Soviet hero pilots, including Grigory Akimovich Kulishenko.

    The museum has also established cooperation with the Central Museum of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation /CMAF RF/. Thanks to this, more and more information about the Soviet hero pilots who died in the anti-Japanese war is becoming available.

    According to Miao Lei, additional information that will be released soon includes specific positions of aviation technicians, such as a tinsmith, and the dates of death of some heroes, confirmed through research.

    “In the future, we will continue to publish more information about adjustments and amendments to the list of Soviet heroes, as well as other additional information as we collect and research materials,” he said.

    “These characters are the ‘most familiar strangers’ to us. We have never met them, but we mention their names every day when telling the story to museum visitors,” Miao Lei said.

    “We are doing our utmost to restore the true image of each of the fallen heroes, and this is the respect we should show them,” Miao Lei said.

    JUSTICE AND PEACE

    The current year is marked by the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, the Great Patriotic War and the World Anti-Fascist War. China and Russia made enormous national sacrifices for the sake of victory, and also made an indelible historical contribution to the cause of peace and human progress.

    The efforts of the Nanjing Anti-Japanese War Airmen’s Memorial Museum have received support from the Russian side.

    In September 2024, Advisor to the Governor of the Moscow Region, member of the Public Council of Rossotrudnichestvo Artem Semenov visited the museum and presented it with precious copies of documentaries from the 1930s, telling about the heroic struggle of the Chinese people against the Japanese invaders.

    “It is a great honor for me to serve the common cause in this way – preserving the historical memory of the joint struggle of the peoples of our countries with the Japanese and Nazi invaders for the freedom of not only our Motherland, but also of humanity as a whole,” shared A. Semenov, expressing gratitude to the museum for so carefully preserving the memory of the Soviet heroes who gave their lives for the freedom of China and brought the main victory closer at a great cost.

    On the museum grounds, in addition to the memorial steles of famous heroes whose names have already been carved, space was also left to perpetuate the memory of those heroes whose names are still unknown.

    “We hope that the names of all Soviet heroes will deservedly appear here,” commented A. Semenov.

    Now, the Nanjing Anti-Japanese War Martyrs’ Memorial Museum is holding an exhibition on the theme “Heroes forged immortality together” dedicated to the Soviet pilots who died in China on a permanent basis. This exhibition, jointly organized by the museum and the Central Military and Military Council of the Russian Federation, tells more people the story of the joint struggle of Chinese and Soviet pilots against the Japanese invaders.

    “More than 80 years have passed, there are fewer and fewer people who survived World War II, and those who know about the heroic deeds of the war heroes continue to grow old. There are also fewer and fewer people who can provide clear and reliable historical memory. Since most of the archives at that time were paper, they were not easy to preserve during wars and turmoil, and finding relevant materials can be very difficult,” said Xue Lian.

    “The Russian people provided valuable support to the Chinese people in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression,” she said. “In the future, we look forward to cooperating with relevant departments, institutions and non-governmental organizations on the Russian side to find more historical materials about Soviet hero pilots, so that the feats of these young people who gave their lives for justice and peace will forever remain in the annals of history.” -0- /Authors of the article: Xinhua Correspondent Zheng Dongrui, Zhang Chenguang, Darya Karakash, Lu Huadong, Xia Peng/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese agricultural investment and technology are continuously flowing into ASEAN countries

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    In recent years, with the steady development of economic and trade relations between China and ASEAN, agricultural trade between China and ASEAN countries has seen favorable dynamics. ASEAN has been China’s largest trading partner in agricultural products for eight consecutive years.

    While a wide range of high-quality agricultural products from ASEAN countries are becoming increasingly popular with Chinese consumers, Chinese investment and technology in agriculture have also been continuously flowing into ASEAN countries. In recent years, China and ASEAN countries have jointly carried out hundreds of agricultural cooperation and technical exchange projects, including pest prevention and control, rice yield enhancement methods and rice management. Agricultural technology demonstration bases and experimental stations for breeding promising crop varieties have been established.

    For example, in Cambodia, under Chinese-Cambodian cooperation, demonstration bases for growing rubber, coconuts, peppers and other crops are being consistently created, which helps to increase the yield and efficiency of local crop production. The Chinese side holds training seminars on standardized banana production technologies, transferring experience in the industrialization of fruit cultivation. Together with Cambodia, the construction of a center for the selection of valuable tree species has been completed, which contributes to the sustainable development of forestry.

    Hu Bingchuan, a research fellow at the Institute of Rural Development of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and director of the Agricultural Trade and Policy Research Department, noted that in recent years, in addition to trade, China and ASEAN countries have actively cooperated in agricultural technology and experience sharing, achieving significant results.

    This cooperation helps ASEAN countries improve the yield and quality of agricultural products, expand the range and increase the volume of exports, which in turn promotes further growth of agricultural trade between China and ASEAN countries, improves the living standards of people and promotes agricultural modernization in the region.

    Liu Amin, deputy director and research fellow of the Institute of International Studies, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, stressed that China and ASEAN countries have strong complementarities in agricultural technology, scientific research cooperation and environmentally sustainable development.

    China has been disseminating advanced hybrid rice cultivation technology to ASEAN countries such as Thailand, which has effectively improved rice yield and quality. The exchange of experiences between China and ASEAN countries in agricultural mechanization and pest control has given new impetus to the development of agriculture in these countries.

    The negative list management model under RCEP further simplifies investment in agriculture and lowers the threshold for foreign investment. The successful hosting of international exhibitions such as the China International Consumer Goods Expo has created an effective platform for China-ASEAN agricultural trade networking.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Greater attention to boreal forests needed, says UN Study

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Representing 27% of all forests worldwide, boreal forests are the planet’s terrestrial “second lung” after tropical forests. Encircling the North Pole, they span North America, Europe, and Asia, playing a vital role in global carbon sequestration and storage, biodiversity, and supporting societies and economies. 

    Despite their importance, boreal forests do not receive the same visibility and attention among policymakers and the public as their tropical forest counterparts. A new study published by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), presented today at the United Nations Forum on Forests in New York, highlights the urgent need to increase the understanding of this global “treasure trove” and to safeguard its important contributions.  

    The comprehensive study on boreal forests and accompanying series of national overviews (for Canada, Finland, Norway, Russian Federation, Sweden, USA) finds that despite the importance of the boreal biome, there are significant gaps in knowledge about its forests, their role in sustainable development, and their future. This can be attributed to fragmented research, based on national, site-specific conditions, and the lack of a harmonized and agreed definition and monitoring framework across the boreal region. 

    Call for Action 

    The study highlights the need to place greater focus on boreal forests in global discussions on sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, sustainability indicators and climate change adaptation and mitigation.  

    A commonly agreed definition of boreal forests would help to delineate the area they occupy as a precondition for a consistent monitoring of the boreal forest biome. This could be achieved through the development of a set of dedicated criteria and indicators for monitoring long-term effects of forest management activities, natural and human-caused landscape disturbance, as well as climate change, including fires and insect infestations. 

    Such assessment instruments, resulting from the joint efforts of countries with boreal forests, would generate evidence on the state of the biome for improved policymaking for the sustainable management of boreal forests and help raise their overall profile.  

    The UNECE Committee on Forests and the Forest Industry offers a platform and tools to facilitate the exchange of information and cooperation in this regard. 

    Key Facts

    • Carbon storage: These forests contain about 32% of global terrestrial carbon stocks, with boreal soils holding vast amounts of carbon, significantly impacting atmospheric carbon levels. 

    • Economic importance: They contribute substantially to sustainable livelihoods, including to rural, remote and Indigenous communities, and economic growth, providing 37% of the world’s stock of growing timber. Activities such as berry or mushroom picking, hunting, and recreation/tourism also make important contributions. 

    • Rising threats: Boreal forests face increasing threats from climate change, including wildfires, pest outbreaks, and thawing permafrost. 

    Boreal forests are characterized by short, moist, and moderately warm summers and long, cold, and dry winters. Their flora consists mostly of cold-tolerant evergreen conifer trees, such as spruce, larch, pine and fir, with some broadleaf species such as birch, poplar and alder. The world’s boreal regions are among the least densely populated on earth. 

    Boreal forests contain approximately 48% of global primary forests and are vital for the conservation of biodiversity and climate regulation. They play an important role in global carbon sequestration and storage, and therefore, are key to climate change mitigation. In addition to providing significant ecosystem services, for example, the protection of freshwater resources, boreal forests play a substantial role in contributing to the sustainable economic development of countries in the boreal zone, and provide a sustainable supply of wood and energy to world markets. 

    Boreal forests, like other forest biomes, are important to global goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8, 12, 13 and 15, the six Global Forest Goals and the Targets of the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2030. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS urges co-operation in Milan

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    During day two of the 58th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Milan, Italy, yesterday, Financial Secretary Paul Chan pointed out that it is important for member countries to enhance collaboration.

     

    Speaking at the ADB annual meeting’s Business Session, Mr Chan emphasised the need for member countries to strengthen co-operation amidst significant disruptions caused by unilateralism and protectionism to the global economy and trade order.

     

    He expressed hope that the ADB would continue to be guided by its core principles, supporting projects with actual needs and promoting more inclusive regional development.

     

    Mr Chan stated that Hong Kong, China supports the reform agenda of the ADB following the Mid-term Review of its “2030 Strategy”, which focuses on addressing climate change, developing the private sector, advancing regional co-operation and digital transformation.

     

    He highlighted that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong maintains its status as a free port, implements free trade policies and ensures the free flow of capital, goods, people and information.

     

    Mr Chan reiterated Hong Kong’s steadfast support for a rules-based multilateral trading system. As an international financial centre, Hong Kong is willing to share experiences in innovative financing arrangements with ADB members, including infrastructure loan securitisation and catastrophe bonds, to support high-quality infrastructure and green projects.

     

    Moreover, he said that Hong Kong is open to sharing solutions in the digital economy and innovative technologies with other ADB members to contribute to more inclusive regional economic development.

     

    Mr Chan also met Governor of the Bank of Italy Fabio Panetta to share Hong Kong’s latest economic and financial developments. They exchanged views on the international economic landscape.

     

    Additionally, the Financial Secretary attended yesterday’s opening ceremony of the annual meeting, lunch and dinner for governors, during which he discussed regional development issues, common challenges and strategies in response with other governors.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Good atmostphere in Golden week

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    (To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

    Chief Executive John Lee said that the number of visitors coming to Hong Kong has gone up drastically during the Mainland’s Labour Day Golden Week, creating a very good atmosphere for Hong Kong and bringing huge economic benefits.

    Ahead of the Executive Council meeting this morning, Mr Lee pointed out that he has asked the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau and related departments to sum up their experiences in this Golden Week and work with relevant industries to heighten the good feelings of travellers. 

    “I think we should really gather information about the new travelling patterns of visitors, particularly those from the Mainland, because they represent a big chunk of our tourists, to know about their new travelling patterns, their new needs and new routes, so that we can take good care of them.”

    He highlighted that Hong Kong has to be a city that welcomes all tourists, regardless of whether they are high-end or non-high-end travellers.

    “Anything which we do to make any sector of tourists feel that they are not being welcomed, that will be harmful to the overall image of Hong Kong as a tourist city.

    “There will be high-end travellers and there will also be non-high-end travellers, but we must look at tourism as a whole so that every tourist will find the experience in Hong Kong is an enjoyable one, is a welcome one.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China sees 28.7% increase in cross-border travel during May Day holiday

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

    China sees 28.7% increase in cross-border travel during May Day holiday

    Xinhua | May 6, 2025

    Tourists exchange currency at Tianjin International Cruise Home Port in north China’s Tianjin Municipality, May 1, 2025.  (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

    Border inspection agencies across China have recorded about 10.9 million entry and exit trips made during the five-day May Day holiday, representing a year-on-year increase of 28.7 percent, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA) on Tuesday.

    Of these trips, 5.78 million were made by mainland residents and 4 million were made by residents from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, up 21.2 percent and 37.1 percent year on year, respectively.

    Foreign nationals recorded 1.12 million entry and exit trips, rising 43.1 percent compared with the same period last year, according to the NIA. Notably, about 380,000 of those were visa-free entries, a 72.7 percent surge year on year. The figures highlight the growing appeal and effectiveness of China’s expanded visa-free policy in attracting international visitors.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Gender quotas are the only way for the Liberals to go: Simon Birmingham

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    The Liberals’ former Senate Leader Simon Birmingham has urged the party to adopt quotas for its women in parliament, in an excoriating post-election critique.

    Birmingham, a leading moderate who retired from parliament in January, says given the Liberals’ parliamentary representation will be at an all-time low, “such quotas could and should be hard, fast and ambitious”.

    “There must be a reshaping of the party to connect it with the modern Australian community. Based on who’s not voting Liberal, it must start with women. Based on where they’re not voting, it must focus on metropolitan Australia.”

    In a LinkedIn post, Birmingham admits the concept of quotas might be “somewhat illiberal”.

    “But I struggle to think of any alternatives if there is to be a new direction that truly demonstrates change and truly guarantees that the party will better reflect the composition of modern society.”

    “Standing in the way of such changes are an increasingly narrow membership base, both in numbers and outlook,” he says

    The Liberals have committed to targets for women but without success in reaching them. There has been strong opposition within the party to quotas.

    Former Liberal speaker Andrew Wallace told Sky on Tuesday, “I am uncomfortable with quotas because fundamentally I believe that the best person for the job should get the job”.

    Birmingham suggests the next Liberal leader should consider the use of citizen assemblies “to re-engage back into candidate selection and policy formulation the very forgotten people who Menzies spoke of. Small business owners. Leaders of sporting, multicultural, service and other community organisations. Skilled professionals, especially professional women.

    “The party can no longer expect such people to come to it as members but must find new ways to go to them.”

    Birmingham says lessons from previous failures haven’t been learned.

    He writes that “nothing can be sacrosanct if the party is to find a pathway to relevance with new generations of voters”.

    “The broad church model of a party that successfully melds liberal and conservative thinking is clearly broken. The Liberal party is not seen as remotely liberal and the brand of conservatism projected is clearly perceived as too harsh and  out of touch.

    “A Liberal Party fit for the future will need to reconnect with and represent liberal ideology, belief and thinking in a new and modern context.”

    Birmingham says Australians still  seek the freedoms liberalism stands for. “Yet in 2025 the Liberal Party is seen as grudging if not intolerant of the way some exercise those freedoms. It must be a party that respects all individual choices, actions and opinions, in the way John Stuart Mill articulated 200 years ago, limited only when they would cause harm to others.

    “Respect, inclusion and freedom can stand together, with support for all families, and enterprises. But not alongside judgemental attitudes that exclude or isolate some.”

    Birmingham says the party has to reconcile itself on policy questions “from the size and role of government, through challenges of our time like budget sustainability, climate change and national security”.

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

    – ref. Gender quotas are the only way for the Liberals to go: Simon Birmingham – https://theconversation.com/gender-quotas-are-the-only-way-for-the-liberals-to-go-simon-birmingham-255958

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IAI Task Force convenes 76th Meeting to discuss progress and future direction of ASEAN’s Development Agenda

    Source: ASEAN

    JAKARTA, 6 May 2025 – The Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Task Force convened its 76th Meeting today at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. Representatives from ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste, and the ASEAN Secretariat, attended the meeting, whichreviewed the progress implementation of IAI Work Plan IV (2021–2025) and the formulation of its successor Work Plan.
     
    Chaired by Ambassador Ton Thi Ngoc Huong, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to ASEAN, the meeting focused on addressing key implementation challenges, identifying strategic measures to ensure the successful delivery of ongoing initiatives, and enhancing the completion rate within the remaining timeline of the IAI Work Plan IV (2021–2025).
     
    The meeting also discussed the progress of the formulation of the new IAI Work Plan V, and finalisation of the report for the 36th ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC). The IAI Task Force reaffirmed its strong commitment and readiness to actively support the development of the new Work Plan, which will guide ASEAN’s efforts in narrowing the development gap beyond 2025.
     
    During the meeting, 13 new projects were accredited, bringing the total number of IAI projects under Work Plan IV (2021-2025) to 112. These initiatives address 17 of the 24 actions (70.8%) across the five strategic areas, as well as all four enabling actions.
    For more information on the IAI, please visit https://asean.org/our-communities/initiative-for-asean-integration-narrowing-development-gap-iai-ndg/
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Digitalization Can Reduce Persistent Inequality in Asia and the Pacific

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Digitalization can be a powerful tool to help reduce persistent economic inequality in Asia and the Pacific—but to harness its potential, governments need to narrow “digital gaps,” including gaps in infrastructure, access, and skills, according to a new report by ADB.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ‘Let us know you’re safe’ – Police concerned for missing man

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A Land Search and Rescue team today joined the search for missing Masterton man John Rafferty, who was last seen about midday on Sunday 4 May.

    Sergeant Anthony Matheson says it’s possible John is staying with a friend, but Police and his family want to know he’s safe.

    “A reasonable amount of time has passed, and John doesn’t have his cell phone or wallet. A search team has been out looking for him, and a helicopter also helped us search several areas today. We are really keen to know that he’s safe.

    John is 74 and was last seen at Masterton Railway Station about midday on Sunday. He did not board a train and left on foot about 20 minutes later. The CCTV image shows John on the station platform.

    He was wearing sweatpants, black shoes, and a blue jacket with ‘NASA’ written on the back.

    John may have left the Masterton area, and anyone who sees him is asked to contact Police via 111. Information after the fact can be provided online at 105. Please use the reference number P062453320.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Seminar on China’s Economic Development and Cooperation with Central Asian Countries Held

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, May 6 (Xinhua) — A seminar on China’s (Sichuan Province’s) economic development and cooperation with Central Asian countries was held online late last month, the Sichuan Zaixian (Sichuan Online) news portal reported.

    More than 60 representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan took part in the event, dedicated to the analysis of the experience of developing county-level economy and new-type urbanization in Sichuan Province (Southwest China).

    At the seminar, Qi Yiming, spokesperson for the Sichuan Provincial Development and Reform Commission, and Li Jiangbo, deputy mayor of Deyang City in the province, shared their views on urbanization, innovation in economic development and cooperation between China and Central Asia with their foreign counterparts, according to the Foreign Affairs Office of the Sichuan Provincial People’s Government.

    According to Qi Yiming, in recent years, Sichuan Provincial Government has deeply implemented the new-type urbanization strategy, made great efforts to develop public services in a balanced manner, accelerated the construction of comfortable, sustainable and smart cities, and significantly improved the urbanization rate in the province, with the urbanization rate rising from 43.4 percent to 60 percent.

    The seminar was organized in accordance with the agreement reached at the 5th meeting of the foreign ministers of China and Central Asian countries, which took place from November 30 to December 1 last year in Chengdu, the capital of this province. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: During May Day, the flow of people at Chinese checkpoints increased by 28.7 percent.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, May 6 (Xinhua) — During the five-day holiday to mark International Workers’ Day on May 1, China’s checkpoints saw about 10.9 million inbound and outbound travelers, up 28.7 percent from a year earlier, data from the National Immigration Administration showed Tuesday.

    During the period, residents of mainland China crossed the border in both directions about 5.78 million times, up 21.2 percent year-on-year. And the number of entries and exits through checkpoints among residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan exceeded 4 million person-times, up 37.1 percent year-on-year.

    According to the agency, the number of foreigners crossing the Chinese border during the reporting period increased by 43.1 percent year-on-year, amounting to about 1.12 million people-times.

    The number of visa-free entries to China was 380,000, up 72.7 percent from a year earlier, demonstrating the growing appeal and effectiveness of the expanded visa-free entry policy aimed at attracting foreign tourists. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Problems in relations between Pakistan and India cannot be resolved by military means: UN Secretary General

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    UNITED NATIONS, May 6 (Xinhua) — The problems between Pakistan and India cannot be resolved militarily, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters on Monday.

    “Make no mistake: a military solution is not a solution,” he said. “Tensions between India and Pakistan are at their highest level in years,” Guterres said. “And so it pains me to see the relationship reaching a boiling point,” the secretary-general added.

    A. Guterres once again strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and expressed condolences to the families of the victims. “Attacks on civilians are unacceptable and those responsible must be held accountable through credible and legal means,” he said.

    The UN Secretary-General stressed that it is important, “especially at this critical hour, to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spiral out of control.” “Now is the time to exercise maximum restraint and step back from the brink,” he added.

    “I have spoken about this in my ongoing contacts with both countries,” said A. Guterres.

    He again offered his services to India and Pakistan for the sake of peace. “The UN is ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy and a return to a commitment to peace,” the secretary-general said.

    Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam in Indian-controlled Kashmir on April 22. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Stephen Cenatiempo, Canberra Breakfast, 2CC

    Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

    Stephen Cenatiempo:

    The Member for Fenner, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, Dr Andrew Leigh. Good morning Andrew.

    Andrew Leigh:

    Good morning Stephen, good to be with you.

    Cenatiempo:

    The factional situation in the Labor Party is a lot more formalised and a lot more disciplined, but you fall outside of that. How do you negotiate that?

    Leigh:

    Well, the ACT has always had a tradition of having non‑factional members, going back to people like Bob McMullan. Alicia Payne and I are outside the factional system, and it just means you need to have more friends, hang out with more people and get to know a broad cross section of the party. Now, I’ve got a lot of respect for many people within the left and the right, but the pre‑selectors that chose me wanted someone who’s non‑aligned, and that’s the way I chose.

    Cenatiempo:

    From the perspective of Cabinet – because there’s reports around this morning suggesting that the left faction have now got more members in the Caucus than they previously had, so that will entitle them to more seats at the Cabinet table, and I understand that system but if you’re non‑factional how do you get to the Cabinet table?

    Leigh:

    Well, it’s a matter of engaging with a range of different colleagues. But you know, I’m really very happy doing what I’m doing working as part of the economics team. I’m pretty proud of the competition reforms last time around that Jim Chalmers was able to get through parliament. Being a part of reform really matters. I would always rather be an assistant minister in government than a shadow cabinet member.

    Cenatiempo:

    That’s right. It’s certainly a lot easier, that’s for sure. So what are your priorities for this next term?

    Leigh:

    We talked a lot about bulk‑billing during the campaign. I think getting those bulk‑billing rates up is going to be very important to Canberra. The next piece of the energy transition, that’ll now continue apace. I think there’s a lot of work to be done around productivity. The Treasurer spoke on Sunday about how in the first term it was inflation first, and then a focus on productivity. Now it’ll be around focusing on productivity, but also keeping an eye on inflation. So that means a lot to do around evidence‑based policy, competition reform. We’ve got the non‑compete reforms going through the parliament hopefully. All of that is aiming to see a more dynamic and competitive economy.

    Cenatiempo:

    I want to talk about the bulk‑billing thing, because the promise of 9 out of 10 GP visits being bulk‑billed, it’s just simply not possible – certainly not the ACT anyway. So how do you manage the expectation, given that that was one of the tent poles of the election campaign?

    Leigh:

    Well, I’m not as pessimistic as you Stephen, but I acknowledge it’s a hard task. One of the things we’re doing is making bulk‑billing stack up for the pure bulk‑billing practices. Our calculations were that previously, a pure bulk‑billing practice would have doctors earning around $260,000. Now with our reforms, doctors in those practices will be able to earn $400,000. So that makes it significantly more financially attractive to be part of a bulk‑billing practice, and it means critically, that you’re not relying in setting up your bulk‑billing practice on the altruism of doctors. In those bulk‑billing practices doctors can now earn what their counterparts earn in other parts of the sector.

    Cenatiempo:

    The difficulty you’ve got here in Canberra though, is the cost of doing business. Because every GP clinic is a small business, and we know that small businesses here in Canberra struggle, and that’s really out of the hands of the federal government.

    Leigh:

    Certainly, some of the ACT government settings make a difference and we need to be looking at those as well. But there’s a lot we’ve done at the federal level. The fact that Katy Gallagher has come from the ACT to the federal level, that she’s got that experience as ACT Health Minister which means that she’s acutely aware of those issues, as of course Dave, Alicia and I are.

    Cenatiempo:

    But communication with the ACT government, and you know, in the lead up to the last ACT election as well, you know, we can deal with a Labor government better than we can with a Coalition government. But the results haven’t gone out that way because of a level of belligerence here locally that the federal government doesn’t seem to be able to break through regardless of what Labor it is.

    Leigh:

    Well look, I wouldn’t use that term Stephen. Certainly, we engage frequently with the ACT government. We recognise they’ve got different pressures and different opportunities. Having that constructive working relationship is important, and certainly the ACT government recognises as much as the federal level, the need to get bulk‑billing rates up in Canberra. They’re well below any other jurisdiction, and that makes it hard for middle income Canberrans to go and see a doctor.

    Cenatiempo:

    Yeah. The elephant in the room. Yourself and Alicia both increased your margins which, you know, I don’t think anybody is surprised by. But David Smith seems to be in the fight for his life for his seat. What’s different about the southern part of Canberra?

    Leigh:

    Well, the southern part of Canberra is the part of Canberra that once elected a Liberal member in Brendan Smyth in 1995. So it has been swingier than the rest of the city. We’ll find out how much money went into the independent campaign down there, but I would have a guess that it was more than David Smith spent.

    Cenatiempo:

    I think that’s a lay down misère, yeah.

    Leigh:

    Yeah, I also wouldn’t take for granted the results up in the north. We do see now, the ACT Liberal Party moving quite out of step from Canberrans. Far be it from me to be giving advice to my opponents, but I think the ACT Liberal party would benefit from coming back to that kind of Kate Carnell or Gary Humphries philosophy. You know, something epitomised by your 2CC predecessor, Mark Parton.

    Cenatiempo:

    Yeah look, I don’t know if that’s necessarily true. My argument has always been in my 5 years here is that local politics shouldn’t be about ideology at all. We focus too much on ideology here in Canberra rather than service delivery which I think is the biggest problem, but that’s not an issue for federal politics although we could probably have a conversation about this over a beer one day. But personally, what do you see as your priorities in Fenner?

    Leigh:

    I’m really keen to continue engaging with the electorate. I think we need to constantly be innovating around democratic engagements, whether that’s telephone town halls, whether it’s looking at more opportunities to do things online. Democratic disengagement is a real risk to the political system and we now have a mandate in order to do a lot of things, but that’s also a mandate in order to engage very deeply with the community. Then in terms of the economic reforms, there’s an awful lot that needs to be done around evidence‑based policy, competition policy, productivity – you know, that’s my sweet spot as a former economics professor. So I’m really looking forward to working on the productivity challenge that Australia faces.

    Cenatiempo:

    Let’s talk about it broader level at the moment. In the Lower House you’ve got an absolute majority, so it’s not going to be a problem getting legislation passed through the House. But in the Senate it appears – I know counting is still going, but it appears you’re not going to have that. Given that the Prime Minister was adamant there would be no deals with the Greens, it looks like you’re going to need Greens support to get things through the Senate. Do you bypass them all together and go to the rest of the crossbench and I guess, hold up that promise so to speak?

    Leigh:

    Well, there will be a number of configurations for any bit of legislation, and you would have seen at the end of last year that there were a whole suite of bills that went through with different configurations. So, for example the merger reforms went through with broad support across the parliament. The campaign finance reform – putting ACT style expenditure caps in place – went through with the support of the Coalition. Other bits of legislation went through with support of the crossbench, so that’ll be case by case. We’ll be making our argument to everyone, and of course every bit of legislation we bring to the parliament will be a bit of legislation we reckon everyone should vote for.

    Cenatiempo:

    Well, yeah it stands to reason you would think. Look, let’s hope that you know. I mean John Howard’s Opposition leading up to the 1996 election – his policy was ‘well look if it’s sensible policy that we can all agree on let’s just pass it through and not be obstructionist’. Let’s hope that the Opposition makes that decision moving forward. Andrew, good to talk to you. We’ll catch up in a couple of weeks’ time.

    Leigh:

    Look forward to it Stephen, thank you.

    Cenatiempo:

    Andrew Leigh, the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury and the re‑elected member for Fenner.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Climate envoy visits Singapore to drive regional climate action

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    World news story

    Climate envoy visits Singapore to drive regional climate action

    The visit by UK Special Representative for Climate, Rachel Kyte, will strengthen UK-Singapore partnership and drive regional climate action and investment.

    The UK’s Special Representative for Climate, Rachel Kyte, is in Singapore on 6-7 May to strengthen UK-Singapore partnership on climate and clean investment and support greater climate ambition across Southeast Asia.

    As part of the two-day visit, Ms Kyte will speak at Ecosperity Week and the GenZero Climate Summit, where she will share lessons from the UK’s decarbonisation journey, engage on opportunities to catalyse investment and technical assistance in green growth across Southeast Asia, and together with partners drive development of carbon markets.

    The visit underscores the UK’s renewed commitment to international climate leadership. While here, Ms Kyte will hold meetings with Climate Ambassador Ravi Menon, as well as representatives from GenZero, Temasek, and Singapore’s Energy Market Authority to deepen collaboration on areas such as energy connectivity and carbon markets under the UK-Singapore Green Economy Framework (UKSGEF).

    Rachel Kyte, the UK’s Special Representative for Climate, said:

    Increasingly vulnerable to climate impacts, Singapore has become one of the most important hubs for financing clean growth and climate action. From carbon markets to clean tech to building resilience Singapore, like London, is leading the way. Deepening collaboration and, together, encouraging others to join with us in our ambitions for greener growth benefits everyone in our two countries and in the wider region.

    I hope that the UK-Singapore partnership can help drive demand for high integrity carbon markets that will support stronger financial flows into nature and support companies to move faster with their transition plans and managing their emissions.

    British High Commissioner to Singapore, Nikesh (Nik) Mehta, said:

    The UK and Singapore share not just a commitment to addressing climate change, but a recognition that environmental protection and economic ambition go hand in hand. Singapore is a vital strategic partner in our climate diplomacy across Southeast Asia.

    Through our UK-Singapore Green Economy Framework, we are pioneering approaches that will spur the green transition across the region, unlocking significant investment and genuine climate benefits.

    I’m confident that we will further cement our collaboration and identify exciting new areas for joint action on sustainable finance, carbon markets, and clean energy – areas where our combined expertise can make a real difference to the region’s green transition.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: China sees 28.7 pct increase in cross-border travel during May Day holiday

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

    Border inspection agencies across China have recorded about 10.9 million entry and exit trips made during the five-day May Day holiday, representing a year-on-year increase of 28.7 percent, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA) on Tuesday.

    Of these trips, 5.78 million were made by mainland residents and 4 million were made by residents from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, up 21.2 percent and 37.1 percent year on year, respectively.

    Foreign nationals recorded 1.12 million entry and exit trips, rising 43.1 percent compared with the same period last year, according to the NIA. Notably, about 380,000 of those were visa-free entries, a 72.7 percent surge year on year. The figures highlight the growing appeal and effectiveness of China’s expanded visa-free policy in attracting international visitors.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why do some people get a curved back as they age and what can I do to avoid it?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jakub Mesinovic, Research Fellow at the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University

    fran_kie/Shutterstock

    As we age, it’s common to notice posture changes: shoulders rounding, head leaning forward, back starting to curve. You might associate this with older adults and wonder: will this happen to me? Can I prevent it?

    It’s sometimes called “hunchback” or “roundback”, but the medical term for a curved back is kyphosis.

    When the curve is beyond what’s considered normal (greater than 40 degrees), we refer to this as hyperkyphosis. In more severe cases, it may lead to pain, reduced mobility and physical function, or lower quality of life.

    Here’s how it happens, and how to reduce your risk.

    What causes a curved back?

    A healthy spine has an elongated s-shape, so a curve in the upper spine is completely normal.

    But when that curve becomes exaggerated and fixed (meaning you can’t stand up straight even if you try), it can signal a problem.

    One common cause of a curved back is poor posture. This type, called postural kyphosis, usually develops over time due to muscle imbalances, particularly in younger people who spend hours:

    • hunched over a desk
    • slouched in a chair, or
    • looking down at a phone.

    Fortunately, this kind of curved back is often reversible with the right exercises, stretches and posture awareness.

    When the curve in your back becomes exaggerated and fixed, it can signal a problem.
    Undrey/Shutterstock

    Older adults often develop a curved back, known as age-related kyphosis or hyperkyphosis.

    This is usually due to wear and tear in the spine, including vertebral compression fractures, which are tiny cracks in the bones of the spine (vertebrae).

    These cracks are most often caused by osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones more fragile with age.

    In these cases, it’s not just bad posture – it’s a structural change in the spine.

    Older adults often develop a curved back, known as age-related kyphosis or hyperkyphosis.
    nhk_nhk/Shutterstock

    How can you tell the difference?

    Signs of age-related hyperkyphosis include:

    • your back curves even when you try to stand up straight
    • back pain or stiffness
    • a loss of height (anything greater than 3-4 centimetres compared to your peak adult height may be considered outside of “normal” ageing).

    Other causes of a curved back include:

    • Scheuermann’s kyphosis (which often develops during adolescence when the bones in the spine grow unevenly, leading to a forward curve in the upper back)
    • congenital kyphosis (a rare condition present from birth, caused by improper formation of the spinal bones. It can result in a more severe, fixed curve that worsens as a child grows)
    • scoliosis (where the spine curves sideways into a c- or s-shape when viewed from behind), and
    • lordosis (an excessive inward curve in the lower back, when viewed from the side).

    In addition to these structural conditions, arthritis, and in rare cases, spinal injuries or infections, can also play a role.

    Should I see a doctor about my curved back?

    Yes, especially if you’ve noticed a curve developing, have ongoing back pain, or have lost height over time.

    These can be signs of vertebral fractures, which can occur in the absence of an obvious injury, and are often painless.

    While one in five older adults have a vertebral fracture, as many as two-thirds of these fractures are not diagnosed and treated.

    In Australia, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and Healthy Bones Australia recommend a spine x-ray for:

    • people with kyphosis
    • height loss equal to or more than 3 centimetres, or
    • unexplained back pain.

    What can I do to reduce my risk?

    If you’re young or middle-aged, the habits you build today matter.

    The best way to prevent a curved back is to keep your bones strong, muscles active, and posture in check. That means:

    • doing regular resistance training, especially targeting upper back muscles
    • staying physically active, aiming for at least 150 minutes per week
    • getting enough protein, calcium, and vitamin D to support bone and muscle health
    • avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol to reduce risk factors that worsen bone density and overall wellbeing

    Pay attention to your posture while sitting and standing. Position your head over your shoulders and shoulders over your hips. This reduces strain on your spine.

    If you’re young or middle-aged, the habits you build today matter.
    Doucefleur/Shutterstock

    What exercises help prevent and manage a curved back?

    Focus on exercises that strengthen the muscles that support an upright posture, particularly the upper back and core, while improving mobility in the chest and shoulders.

    In general, you want to prioritise extension-based movements. These involve straightening or lifting the spine and pulling the shoulders back.

    Repeated forward-bending (or flexion) movements may make things worse, especially in people with osteoporosis or spinal fractures.

    Good exercises include:

    • back extensions (gently lift your chest off the floor while lying face down)
    • resistance exercises targeting the muscles between your shoulder blades
    • weight-bearing activities (such as brisk walking, jogging, stair climbing, or dancing) to keep bones strong and support overall fitness
    • stretching your chest and hip flexors to open your posture and relieve tightness.

    Flexibility and balance training (such as yoga and pilates) can be beneficial, particularly for posture awareness, balance, and mobility. But research increasingly supports muscle strengthening as the cornerstone of prevention and management.

    Muscle strengthening exercises, such as weight lifting or resistance training, reduces spinal curvature while enhancing muscle and bone mass.

    If you suspect you have kyphosis or already have osteoporosis or a vertebral fracture, consult a health professional before starting an exercise program. There may be some activities to avoid.

    Resistance training is crucial.
    Yakobchuk Yiacheslav/Shutterstock

    Can a curved back be reversed?

    If it’s caused by poor posture and muscle weakness, then yes, it’s possible.

    But if it’s caused by bone changes, especially vertebral fractures, then full reversal is unlikely. However, treatment can reduce pain, improve function, and slow further progression.

    Protecting your posture isn’t just about appearance. It’s about staying strong, mobile and independent as you age.

    Jakub Mesinovic has received competitive research funding from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

    David Scott has received consulting fees from Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Abbott Nutrition and Alexion AstraZenica. He has received research funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australian Research Council (ARC), Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR), Alexion AstraZenica, Healthy Bones Australia and Amgen Australia. He is a member of the International Osteoporosis Foundation’s Committee of Scientific Advisors.

    – ref. Why do some people get a curved back as they age and what can I do to avoid it? – https://theconversation.com/why-do-some-people-get-a-curved-back-as-they-age-and-what-can-i-do-to-avoid-it-252811

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Laos

    Source:

    Several foreign nationals, including Australians, were victims of methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks in 2024. Be alert to the potential risks, particularly with spirit-based drinks, including cocktails. For further advice on the risks around methanol poisoning as well as drink spiking (see ‘Safety’). Lao authorities issued an order prohibiting the sale and consumption of Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky due to their concerns about these products being a health risk. Australians should avoid consuming these products due to these serious safety concerns.

    Transport and tour operators don’t always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes activities such as river tubing, zip lining, bungee jumping and riding in fast boats (see ‘Safety’).

    Dengue fever is endemic throughout the country year-round, and outbreaks are common during the rainy season (see ‘Health’).

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: International Petroleum Corporation Announces First Quarter 2025 Financial and Operational Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — William Lundin, IPC’s President and Chief Executive Officer, comments: “We are pleased to announce another strong quarter of operational and financial performance for Q1 2025. IPC achieved an average net daily production during the quarter of 44,400 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd). Our results during the quarter were in line with the 2025 guidance announced at our Capital Markets Day in February as we continue to execute according to plan across our operations in Canada, Malaysia and France. Notably, the transformational Blackrod Phase 1 development project in Canada has progressed substantially during the quarter and forecast first oil is maintained with the original project sanction guidance for late 2026. We also continued with purchases of IPC common shares under the normal course issuer bid, having completed approximately 60% of the current 2024/2025 program between December 2024 to March 2025.”

    Q1 2025 Business Highlights

    • Average net production of approximately 44,400 boepd for the first quarter of 2025, within the guidance range for the period (52% heavy crude oil, 15% light and medium crude oil and 33% natural gas).(1)
    • Continued progressing Phase 1 development activity as well as future phase resource maturation works at the Blackrod asset.
    • At Onion Lake Thermal, all four planned production infill wells and the final Pad L well pair have been successfully drilled.
    • 3.9 million IPC common shares purchased and cancelled during Q1 2025 and continuing with target to complete the full 2024/2025 NCIB this year.

    Q1 2025 Financial Highlights

    • Operating costs per boe of USD 17.3 for Q1 2025, in line with guidance.(3)
    • Operating cash flow (OCF) generation of MUSD 75 for Q1 2025, in line with guidance.(3)
    • Capital and decommissioning expenditures of MUSD 99 for Q1 2025, in line with guidance.
    • Free cash flow (FCF) generation for Q1 2025 amounted to MUSD -43 (MUSD 37 pre-Blackrod capital expenditure).(3)
    • Gross cash of MUSD 140 and net debt of MUSD 314 as at March 31, 2025.(3)
    • Net result of MUSD 16 for Q1 2025.

    Reserves and Resources

    • Total 2P reserves as at December 31, 2024 of 493 MMboe, with a reserve life index (RLI) of 31 years.(1)(2)
    • Contingent resources (best estimate, unrisked) as at December 31, 2024 of 1,107 MMboe.(1)(2)
    • 2P reserves net asset value (NAV) as at December 31, 2024 of MUSD 3,083 (10% discount rate).(1)(2)

    2025 Annual Guidance

    • Full year 2025 average net production guidance range forecast maintained at 43,000 to 45,000 boepd.(1)
    • Full year 2025 operating costs guidance range forecast maintained at USD 18 to 19 per boe.(3)
    • Full year 2025 OCF revised guidance estimated at between MUSD 240 and 270 (assuming Brent USD 60 to 75 per barrel for the remainder of 2025) from previous guidance of between MUSD 210 and 280 (assuming Brent USD 65 to 85 per barrel).(3)(4)
    • Full year 2025 capital and decommissioning expenditures guidance forecast maintained at MUSD 320.
    • Full year 2025 FCF revised guidance estimated at between MUSD -135 and -110 (assuming Brent USD 60 to 75 per barrel for the remainder of 2025) from previous guidance of between MUSD -150 and -80 (assuming Brent USD 65 to 85 per barrel), after taking into account MUSD 230 of forecast full year 2025 capital expenditures relating to the Blackrod asset.(3)(4)
      Three months ended March 31
    USD Thousands 2025 2024
    Revenue 178,492   206,419  
    Gross profit 44,149   55,184  
    Net result 16,231   33,719  
    Operating cash flow(3) 74,790   89,301  
    Free cash flow(3) (43,172)   (43,311)  
    EBITDA(3) 70,946   87,020  
    Net cash/(debt)(3) (314,255)   (60,572)  
             

    During the first quarter of 2025, oil prices were relatively stable, with Brent prices averaging just below USD 76 per barrel. Following the quarter, commodity prices pulled back with spot Brent rates falling to USD 60 per barrel in April 2025. The physical crude market remained tight throughout the first quarter, prompting OPEC and the OPEC+ group to increase supply ahead of expectations. The timing of the supply increases coincided with the United States proposing harsh tariffs to countries deemed in a trade surplus of US goods. These two events have impacted future crude supply and demand outlooks, in turn weighing on spot and future oil benchmark prices. Despite the poor market sentiment, global inventories remain below the 5-year average, high geopolitical tensions persist, non-OPEC 2025 oil production (namely, in the US) is unlikely to grow at current prices, and US Federal Reserve Bank rate cuts are likely to occur in the near future. IPC prudently supplemented downside protection measures at the beginning of the first quarter of 2025 through financial swap hedging arrangements which in total represent nearly 40% of our forecast 2025 oil production at around USD 76 and USD 71 per barrel for Dated Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI), respectively, for the remainder of 2025.

    In Canada, WTI to Western Canadian Select (WCS) crude price differentials during the first quarter of 2025 averaged just under USD 13 per barrel, with spot differentials decreasing to around USD 9 per barrel in April 2025. The Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) petroleum producers have greatly benefited from the TMX pipeline expansion with differentials tightening to levels not seen since 2020. There are currently no tariffs on Canadian crude exports to the United States, which remain covered by the US Mexico Canada free trade agreement. IPC has hedged the WTI/WCS differential for approximately 50% of our forecast 2025 Canadian oil production at USD 14 per barrel for 2025.

    Natural gas markets in Canada for the first quarter of 2025 remained weak, given the softer than average winter weather conditions and high natural gas storage levels. The average AECO gas price was CAD 2.1 per Mcf for the first quarter of 2025. The forward strip implies improved pricing for Canadian gas benchmark prices, driven by the pending startup of the West Coast LNG Canada project later this year. Approximately 50% of our net long exposure is hedged at CAD 2.4 per Mcf to end October 2025, dropping to around 15% for November and December at CAD 2.6 per mcf.

    First Quarter 2025 Highlights and Full Year 2025 Guidance

    During the first quarter of 2025, our portfolio delivered average net production of 44,400 boepd, in line with guidance. Operational performance from our producing assets was strong to start the year as high facility and well uptimes were achieved. Drilling activity commenced in the first quarter of 2025 at Onion Lake Thermal, which aims to sustain production levels at the asset for 2025. In Malaysia, drilling and well maintenance works are planned to start in the second quarter of 2025, in line with plan. We maintain the full year 2025 average net production guidance range of 43,000 to 45,000 boepd.(1)

    Our operating costs per boe for the first quarter of 2025 was USD 17.3, in line with guidance. Full year 2025 operating expenditure guidance of USD 18.0 to 19.0 per boe remains unchanged.(3)

    Operating cash flow (OCF) generation for the first quarter of 2025 was MUSD 75. Full year 2025 OCF guidance is tightened to MUSD 240 to 270 (assuming Brent USD 60 to 75 per barrel for the remainder of 2025).(3)(4)

    Capital and decommissioning expenditure for the first quarter of 2025 was MUSD 99 in line with guidance. Full year 2025 capital and decommissioning expenditure of MUSD 320 is maintained.

    Free cash flow (FCF) generation was MUSD -43 (MUSD 37 pre-Blackrod capital expenditure) during the first quarter of 2025. Full year 2025 FCF guidance is tightened to MUSD -135 to -110 (assuming Brent USD 60 to 75 per barrel for the remainder of 2025) after taking into account MUSD 320 of forecast full year 2025 capital expenditures (including MUSD 230 relating to the Blackrod asset).(3)(4)

    As at March 31, 2025, IPC’s net debt position was MUSD 314, from a net debt position of MUSD 209 as at December 31, 2024, mainly driven by the funding of forecast capital expenditures and the continuing share repurchase program (NCIB). Gross cash on the balance sheet as at March 31, 2025 amounts to MUSD 140 and IPC has access to an undrawn Canadian credit facility of greater than 130 MUSD. The access to liquidity supports IPC to follow through on its key strategic objectives of enhancing stakeholder value through organic growth, stakeholder returns, and pursuing value adding M&A.(3)

    Blackrod

    During the first quarter of 2025, IPC continued to advance the Phase 1 development of the Blackrod asset. Growth capital expenditure to first oil is maintained at MUSD 850. First oil of the Phase 1 development is estimated to be in late 2026, with forecast net production of 30,000 boepd by 2028. IPC forecasts capital expenditure in 2025 at the Blackrod asset of MUSD 230, of which MUSD 77 was invested in the Phase 1 development project during Q1 2025. Since the transformational organic growth project was sanctioned in early 2023, MUSD 669, or approximately 80% of the total multi-year project capital budget, has been incurred.(1)

    Project activities for the multi-year Blackrod Phase 1 development have progressed according to plan. Engineering, procurement and fabrication is substantially complete with greater than 90% of all facility modules delivered to site. Equipment installation, piping inter-connects, electrical and instrumentation are the key areas of focus for construction at the Central Processing Facility (CPF) and well pad facilities.

    Resource maturation drilling for future phase expansion considerations took place during Q1 2025. Commercial operational readiness planning has ramped up in line with our progressive turnover strategy to ensure a seamless transition from build to start-up. IPC intends to fund the remaining Blackrod capital expenditure with forecast cash flow generated by its operations, cash on hand and drawing under the existing Canadian credit facility if needed.(3)

    Stakeholder Returns: Normal Course Issuer Bid

    In Q4 2024, IPC announced the renewal of the NCIB, with the ability to repurchase up to approximately 7.5 million common shares over the period of December 5, 2024 to December 4, 2025. Under the 2024/2025 NCIB, IPC repurchased and cancelled approximately 0.8 million common shares in December 2024, 3.7 million common shares during Q1 2025, and a further 0.2 million common shares purchased under other exemptions in Canada. The average price of common shares purchased under the 2024/2025 NCIB during Q1 2025 was SEK 146 / CAD 20 per share.

    As at March 31, 2025, IPC had a total of 115,176,514 common shares issued and outstanding and IPC held no common shares in treasury. As at April 30, 2025, IPC had a total of 114,248,119 common shares issued and outstanding and IPC held no common shares in treasury.

    Notwithstanding the final major capital investment year at Blackrod in 2025, IPC had purchased and cancelled 73% of the maximum 7.5 million common shares allowed under the 2024/2025 NCIB by the end of April 2025 and intends to purchase and cancel the remaining 2.0 million common shares under that program in 2025. This would result in the cancellation of 6.2% of common shares outstanding as at the beginning of December 2024. IPC continues to believe that reducing the number of shares outstanding in combination with investing in long-life production growth at the Blackrod project will prove to be a winning formula for our stakeholders.

    Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Performance

    During the first quarter of 2025, IPC recorded no material safety or environmental incidents.

    As previously announced, IPC targets a reduction of our net GHG emissions intensity by the end of 2025 to 50% of IPC’s 2019 baseline and IPC remains on track to achieve this reduction. IPC has also made a commitment to maintain 2025 levels of 20 kg CO2/boe through to the end of 2028.(5)

    Notes:

      (1) See “Supplemental Information regarding Product Types” in “Reserves and Resources Advisory” below. See also the annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024 (AIF) available on IPC’s website at www.international-petroleum.com and under IPC’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
      (2) See “Reserves and Resources Advisory“ below. Further information with respect to IPC’s reserves, contingent resources and estimates of future net revenue, including assumptions relating to the calculation of net present value (NPV), are described in the AIF. NAV is calculated as NPV less net debt of USD 209 million as at December 31, 2024.
      (3) Non-IFRS measures, see “Non-IFRS Measures” below and in the MD&A.
      (4) OCF and FCF forecasts at Brent USD 60 and 70 per barrel assume Brent to WTI differential of USD 3 and 5 per barrel, respectively, and WTI to WCS differential of USD 10 and 15 per barrel, respectively, for the remainder of 2025. OCF and FCF forecasts assume gas price on average of CAD 2.25 per Mcf for the remainder of 2025.
      (5) Emissions intensity is the ratio between oil and gas production and the associated carbon emissions, and net emissions intensity reflects gross emissions less operational emission reductions and carbon offsets.
         

    International Petroleum Corp. (IPC) is an international oil and gas exploration and production company with a high quality portfolio of assets located in Canada, Malaysia and France, providing a solid foundation for organic and inorganic growth. IPC is a member of the Lundin Group of Companies. IPC is incorporated in Canada and IPC’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange under the symbol “IPCO”.

    For further information, please contact:

    Rebecca Gordon
    SVP Corporate Planning and Investor Relations
    rebecca.gordon@international-petroleum.com
    Tel: +41 22 595 10 50    		 Or Robert Eriksson
    Media Manager
    reriksson@rive6.ch
    Tel: +46 701 11 26 15
         

    This information is information that International Petroleum Corporation is required to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Securities Markets Act. The information was submitted for publication, through the contact persons set out above, at 07:30 CEST on May 6, 2025. The Corporation’s unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements (Financial Statements) and management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) for the three months ended March 31, 2025 have been filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and are also available on the Corporation’s website (www.international-petroleum.com).

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains statements and information which constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable securities legislation). Such statements and information (together, “forward-looking statements”) relate to future events, including the Corporation’s future performance, business prospects or opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, unless otherwise indicated. IPC does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.

    All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, forecasts, guidance, budgets, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “forecast”, “predict”, “potential”, “targeting”, “intend”, “could”, “might”, “should”, “believe”, “budget” and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be “forward-looking statements”.

    Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to:

    • 2025 production ranges (including total daily average production), production composition, cash flows, operating costs and capital and decommissioning expenditure estimates;
    • Estimates of future production, cash flows, operating costs and capital expenditures that are based on IPC’s current business plans and assumptions regarding the business environment, which are subject to change;
    • IPC’s financial and operational flexibility to navigate the Corporation through periods of volatile commodity prices;
    • The ability to fully fund future expenditures from cash flows and current borrowing capacity;
    • IPC’s intention and ability to continue to implement its strategies to build long-term shareholder value;
    • The ability of IPC’s portfolio of assets to provide a solid foundation for organic and inorganic growth;
    • The continued facility uptime and reservoir performance in IPC’s areas of operation;
    • Development of the Blackrod project in Canada, including estimates of resource volumes, future production, timing, regulatory approvals, third party commercial arrangements, breakeven oil prices and net present values;
    • Current and future production performance, operations and development potential of the Onion Lake Thermal, Suffield, Brooks, Ferguson and Mooney operations, including the timing and success of future oil and gas drilling and optimization programs;
    • The potential improvement in the Canadian oil egress situation and IPC’s ability to benefit from any such improvements;
    • The ability to maintain current and forecast production in France and Malaysia;
    • The intention and ability of IPC to acquire further Common Shares under the NCIB, including the timing of any such purchases;
    • The return of value to IPC’s shareholders as a result of the NCIB;
    • IPC’s ability to implement its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity and climate strategies and to achieve its net GHG emissions intensity reduction targets;
    • IPC’s ability to implement projects to reduce net emissions intensity, including potential carbon capture and storage;
    • Estimates of reserves and contingent resources;
    • The ability to generate free cash flows and use that cash to repay debt;
    • IPC’s continued access to its existing credit facilities, including current financial headroom, on terms acceptable to the Corporation;
    • IPC’s ability to identify and complete future acquisitions;
    • Expectations regarding the oil and gas industry in Canada, Malaysia and France, including assumptions regarding future royalty rates, regulatory approvals, legislative changes, tariffs, and ongoing projects and their expected completion; and
    • Future drilling and other exploration and development activities.

    Statements relating to “reserves” and “contingent resources” are also deemed to be forward-looking statements, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves and resources described exist in the quantities predicted or estimated and that the reserves and resources can be profitably produced in the future. Ultimate recovery of reserves or resources is based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.

    The forward-looking statements are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by IPC, including expectations and assumptions concerning: the potential impact of tariffs implemented in 2025 by the U.S. and Canadian governments and that other than the tariffs that have been implemented, neither the U.S. nor Canada (i) increases the rate or scope of such tariffs, or imposes new tariffs, on the import of goods from one country to the other, including on oil and natural gas, and/or (ii) imposes any other form of tax, restriction or prohibition on the import or export of products from one country to the other, including on oil and natural gas; prevailing commodity prices and currency exchange rates; applicable royalty rates and tax laws; interest rates; future well production rates and reserve and contingent resource volumes; operating costs; our ability to maintain our existing credit ratings; our ability to achieve our performance targets; the timing of receipt of regulatory approvals; the performance of existing wells; the success obtained in drilling new wells; anticipated timing and results of capital expenditures; the sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out planned activities; the timing, location and extent of future drilling operations; the successful completion of acquisitions and dispositions and that we will be able to implement our standards, controls, procedures and policies in respect of any acquisitions and realize the expected synergies on the anticipated timeline or at all; the benefits of acquisitions; the state of the economy and the exploration and production business in the jurisdictions in which IPC operates and globally; the availability and cost of financing, labour and services; our intention to complete share repurchases under our normal course issuer bid program, including the funding of such share repurchases, existing and future market conditions, including with respect to the price of our common shares, and compliance with respect to applicable limitations under securities laws and regulations and stock exchange policies; and the ability to market crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids successfully.

    Although IPC believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because IPC can give no assurances that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks.

    These include, but are not limited to: general global economic, market and business conditions; the risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general such as operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to reserves, resources, production, revenues, costs and expenses; health, safety and environmental risks; commodity price fluctuations; interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations; marketing and transportation; loss of markets; environmental and climate-related risks; competition; innovation and cybersecurity risks related to our systems, including our costs of addressing or mitigating such risks; the ability to attract, engage and retain skilled employees; incorrect assessment of the value of acquisitions; failure to complete or realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions or dispositions; the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; failure to obtain required regulatory and other approvals; geopolitical conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia and the conflict in the Middle East, and their potential impact on, among other things, global market conditions; political or economic developments, including, without limitation, the risk that (i) one or both of the U.S. and Canadian governments increases the rate or scope of tariffs implemented in 2025, or imposes new tariffs on the import of goods from one country to the other, including on oil and natural gas, (ii) the U.S. and/or Canada imposes any other form of tax, restriction or prohibition on the import or export of products from one country to the other, including on oil and natural gas, and (iii) the tariffs imposed by the U.S. on other countries and responses thereto could have a material adverse effect on the Canadian, U.S. and global economies, and by extension the Canadian oil and natural gas industry and the Corporation; and changes in legislation, including but not limited to tax laws, royalties, environmental and abandonment regulations. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.

    Additional information on these and other factors that could affect IPC, or its operations or financial results, are included in the MD&A (See “Risk Factors”, “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” and “Reserves and Resources Advisory”), the Corporation’s Annual Information Form (AIF) for the year ended December 31, 2024, (See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information”, “Reserves and Resources Advisory” and “Risk Factors”) and other reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including previous financial reports, management’s discussion and analysis and material change reports, which may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca) or IPC’s website (www.international-petroleum.com).

    Management of IPC approved the production, operating costs, operating cash flow, capital and decommissioning expenditures and free cash flow guidance and estimates contained herein as of the date of this press release. The purpose of these guidance and estimates is to assist readers in understanding IPC’s expected and targeted financial results, and this information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

    Estimated production and FCF generation are based on IPC’s current business plans over the periods of 2025 to 2029 and 2030 to 2034, less net debt of USD 209 million as at December 31, 2024, with assumptions based on the reports of IPC’s independent reserves evaluators, and including certain corporate adjustments relating to estimated general and administration costs and hedging, and excluding shareholder distributions and financing costs. Assumptions include average net production of approximately 57 Mboepd over the period of 2025 to 2029, average net production of approximately 63 Mboepd over the period of 2030 to 2034, average Brent oil prices of USD 75 to 95 per bbl escalating by 2% per year, and average Brent to Western Canadian Select differentials and average gas prices as estimated by IPC’s independent reserves evaluator and as further described in the AIF. IPC’s current business plans and assumptions, and the business environment, are subject to change. Actual results may differ materially from forward-looking estimates and forecasts.

    Non-IFRS Measures
    References are made in this press release to “operating cash flow” (OCF), “free cash flow” (FCF), “Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization” (EBITDA), “operating costs” and “net debt”/”net cash”, which are not generally accepted accounting measures under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable with similar measures presented by other public companies. Non-IFRS measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS.

    The definition of each non-IFRS measure is presented in IPC’s MD&A (See “Non-IFRS Measures” therein).

    Operating cash flow
    The following table sets out how operating cash flow is calculated from figures shown in the Financial Statements:

      Three months ended March 31
    USD Thousands 2025   2024  
    Revenue 178,492   206,419  
    Production costs and net sales of diluent to third party 1 (103,188)   (115,745)  
    Current tax (514)   (1,373)  
    Operating cash flow 74,790   89,301  

    1Includes net sales of diluent to third party amounting to USD 191 thousand for the first quarter of 2025.

    Free cash flow
    The following table sets out how free cash flow is calculated from figures shown in the Financial Statements:

      Three months ended March 31
    USD Thousands 2025   2024  
    Operating cash flow – see above 74,790   89,301  
    Capital expenditures (98,886)   (125,256)  
    Abandonment and farm-in expenditures1 (321)   (122)  
    General, administration and depreciation expenses before depreciation2 (4,358)   (3,653)  
    Cash financial items3 (14,397)   (3,581)  
    Free cash flow (43,172)   (43,311)  

    1 See note 16 to the Financial Statements
    2 Depreciation is not specifically disclosed in the Financial Statements
    3 See notes 4 and 5 to the Financial Statements

    EBITDA
    The following table sets out the reconciliation from net result from the consolidated statement of operations to EBITDA:

      Three months ended March 31
    USD Thousands 2025   2024  
    Net result 16,231   33,719  
    Net financial items 18,855   9,770  
    Income tax 4,679   7,746  
    Depletion and decommissioning costs 29,016   33,153  
    Depreciation of other tangible fixed assets 1,917   2,262  
    Exploration and business development costs 31   75  
    Sale of assets 1 (94)   –  
    Depreciation included in general, administration and depreciation expenses 2 311   295  
    EBITDA 70,946   87,020  

    1 Sale of assets is included under “Other income/(expense)” but not specifically disclosed in the Financial Statements
    2 Item is not shown in the Financial Statements

    Operating costs
    The following table sets out how operating costs is calculated:

      Three months ended March 31
    USD Thousands 2025   2024  
    Production costs 103,379   115,745  
    Cost of blending (37,726)   (45,206)  
    Change in inventory position 3,500   5,277  
    Operating costs 69,153   75,816  
             

    Net cash/(debt)
    The following table sets out how net cash / (debt) is calculated from figures shown in the Financial Statements:

    USD Thousands March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024
    Bank loans (4,449)   (5,121)  
    Bonds1 (450,000)   (450,000)  
    Cash and cash equivalents 140,194   246,593  
    Net cash/(debt) (314,255)   (208,528)  

    1 The bond amount represents the redeemable value at maturity (February 2027).

    Reserves and Resources Advisory
    This press release contains references to estimates of gross and net reserves and resources attributed to the Corporation’s oil and gas assets. For additional information with respect to such reserves and resources, refer to “Reserves and Resources Advisory” in the MD&A. Light, medium and heavy crude oil reserves/resources disclosed in this press release include solution gas and other by-products. Also see “Supplemental Information regarding Product Types” below.

    Reserve estimates, contingent resource estimates and estimates of future net revenue in respect of IPC’s oil and gas assets in Canada are effective as of December 31, 2024, and are included in the reports prepared by Sproule Associates Limited (Sproule), an independent qualified reserves evaluator, in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (NI 51-101) and the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (the COGE Handbook) and using Sproule’s December 31, 2024 price forecasts.

    Reserve estimates, contingent resource estimates and estimates of future net revenue in respect of IPC’s oil and gas assets in France and Malaysia are effective as of December 31, 2024, and are included in the report prepared by ERC Equipoise Ltd. (ERCE), an independent qualified reserves auditor, in accordance with NI 51-101 and the COGE Handbook, and using Sproule’s December 31, 2024 price forecasts.

    The price forecasts used in the Sproule and ERCE reports are available on the website of Sproule (sproule.com) and are contained in the AIF. These price forecasts are as at December 31, 2024 and may not be reflective of current and future forecast commodity prices.

    The reserve life index (RLI) is calculated by dividing the 2P reserves of 493 MMboe as at December 31, 2024 by the mid-point of the 2025 CMD production guidance of 43,000 to 45,000 boepd.

    IPC uses the industry-accepted standard conversion of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil (6 Mcf = 1 bbl). A BOE conversion ratio of 6:1 is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. As the value ratio between natural gas and crude oil based on the current prices of natural gas and crude oil is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a 6:1 conversion basis may be misleading as an indication of value.

    Supplemental Information regarding Product Types

    The following table is intended to provide supplemental information about the product type composition of IPC’s net average daily production figures provided in this press release:

             
      Heavy Crude Oil
    (Mbopd)    		 Light and Medium Crude
    Oil (Mbopd)    		 Conventional Natural Gas
    (per day)    		 Total
    (Mboepd)
    Three months ended        
    March 31, 2025 23.2 6.5 88.2 MMcf
    (14.7 Mboe)    		 44.4
    March 31, 2024 24.9 7.9 96.0 MMcf
    (16.0 Mboe)    		 48.8
    Year ended        
    December 31, 2024 23.9 7.7 95.1 MMcf
    (15.8 Mboe)    		 47.4
             

    This press release also makes reference to IPC’s forecast total average daily production of 43,000 to 45,000 boepd for 2025. IPC estimates that approximately 52% of that production will be comprised of heavy oil, approximately 15% will be comprised of light and medium crude oil and approximately 33% will be comprised of conventional natural gas.

    Currency
    All dollar amounts in this press release are expressed in United States dollars, except where otherwise noted. References herein to USD mean United States dollars and to MUSD mean millions of United States dollars. References herein to CAD mean Canadian dollars.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Viridien secures sale of Sercel Marlin Offshore Logistics solution to ONGC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, France – May 6, 2025

    Viridien has announced a sale of its state-of-the art Sercel Marlin™ Offshore Logistics management solution to Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) to enhance operational efficiency and safety across its Western offshore E&P operations in India. The sale includes a five-year contract to provide ONGC with dedicated on-premises Sercel software and support services.

    The Sercel Marlin Offshore Logistics solution will digitize and streamline ONGC’s complex offshore E&P logistics, increasing situational awareness through real-time vessel tracking and boosting efficiency in operational planning while also managing helicopter transit. Seamless integration with ONGC’s market-leading ERP systems will also ensure efficient data exchange and decision-making. Additionally, Marlin’s advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms will future-proof ONGC’s operations by further enhancing operational efficiency and planning. All of this will support ONGC’s vision to deliver business excellence and achieve their carbon neutrality objectives.

    Jérôme Denigot, EVP, Sensing & Monitoring, Viridien, said: “We are proud to support ONGC’s digitalization strategy with our Sercel Marlin Offshore Logistics solution. Tailored for both cloud-based and on-premises deployment, it offers unparalleled flexibility to accommodate a client’s diverse infrastructure needs. This award widens our footprint in India’s offshore energy sector and opens up future growth opportunities for our Sercel software solutions in the region. This latest collaboration strengthens our position as a leading provider of operations and logistics software for the energy industry and beyond.”

    About Viridien:

    Viridien (www.viridiengroup.com) is an advanced technology, digital and Earth data company that pushes the boundaries of science for a more prosperous and sustainable future. With our ingenuity, drive and deep curiosity we discover new insights, innovations, and solutions that efficiently and responsibly resolve complex natural resource, digital, energy transition and infrastructure challenges. Viridien employs around 3,400 people worldwide and is listed as VIRI on the Euronext Paris SA (ISIN: FR001400PVN6).

    Contacts

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the Daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on May 06, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 1-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 25,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 6,428
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 6,428
    Cut off Rate (%) 6.01
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 6.01
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/258

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Zelensky – not Trump – may have ‘won’ the US-Ukraine minerals deal

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Eve Warburton, Research Fellow, Department of Political and Social Change, and Director, Indonesia Institute, Australian National University

    Last week, the Trump administration signed a deal with Ukraine that gives it privileged access to Ukraine’s natural resources.

    Some news outlets described the deal as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “caving” to US President Donald Trump’s demands.

    But we see the agreement as the result of clever bargaining on the part of Ukraine’s war-time president.

    So, what does the deal mean for Ukraine? And will this be help strengthen America’s mineral supply chains?

    Ukraine’s natural resource wealth

    Ukraine is home to 5% of the world’s critical mineral wealth, including 22 of the 34 minerals identified by the European Union as vital for defence, construction and high-tech manufacturing.

    However, there’s a big difference between resources (what’s in the ground) and reserves (what can be commercially exploited). Ukraine’s proven mineral reserves are limited.

    Further, Ukraine has an estimated mineral wealth of around US$14.8 trillion (A$23 trillion), but more than half of this is in territories currently occupied by Russia.

    What does the new deal mean for Ukraine?

    American support for overseas conflict is usually about securing US economic interests — often in the form of resource exploitation. From the Middle East to Asia, US interventions abroad have enabled access for American firms to other countries’ oil, gas and minerals.

    But the first iteration of the Ukraine mineral deal, which Zelensky rejected in February, had been an especially brazen resource grab by Trump’s government. It required Ukraine to cede sovereignty over its land and resources to one country (the US), in order to defend itself from attacks by another (Russia).

    These terms were highly exploitative of a country fighting against a years-long military occupation. In addition, they violated Ukraine’s constitution, which puts the ownership of Ukraine’s natural resources in the hands of the Ukrainian people. Were Zelensky to accept this, he would have faced a tremendous backlash from the public.

    In comparison, the new deal sounds like a strategic and (potentially) commercial win for Ukraine.

    First, this agreement is more just, and it’s aligned with Ukraine’s short- and medium-term interests. Zelenksy describes it as an “equal partnership” that will modernise Ukraine.

    Under the terms, Ukraine will set up a United States–Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund for foreign investments into the country’s economy, which will be jointly governed by both countries.

    Ukraine will contribute 50% of the income from royalties and licenses to develop critical minerals, oil and gas reserves, while the US can make its contributions in-kind, such as through military assistance or technology transfers.

    Ukraine maintains ownership over its natural resources and state enterprises. And the licensing agreements will not require substantial changes to the country’s laws, or disrupt its future integration with Europe.

    Importantly, there is no mention of retroactive debts for the US military assistance already received by Ukraine. This would have created a dangerous precedent, allowing other nations to seek to claim similar debts from Ukraine.

    Finally, the deal also signals the Trump administration’s commitment to “a free, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine” – albeit, still without any security guarantees.

    Profits may be a long time coming

    Unsurprisingly, the Trump administration and conservative media in the US are framing the deal as a win.

    For too long, Trump argues, Ukraine has enjoyed US taxpayer-funded military assistance, and such assistance now has a price tag. The administration has described the deal to Americans as a profit-making endeavour that can recoup monies spent defending Ukrainian interests.

    But in reality, profits are a long way off.

    The terms of the agreement clearly state the fund’s investment will be directed at new resource projects. Existing operations and state-owned projects will fall outside the terms of the agreement.

    Mining projects typically work within long time frames. The move from exploration to production is a slow, high-risk and enormously expensive process. It can often take over a decade.

    Add to this complexity the fact that some experts are sceptical Ukraine even has enormously valuable reserves. And to bring any promising deposits to market will require major investments.

    What’s perhaps more important

    It’s possible, however, that profits are a secondary calculation for the US. Boxing out China is likely to be as – if not more – important.

    Like other Western nations, the US is desperate to diversify its critical mineral supply chains.

    China controls not just a large proportion of the world’s known rare earths deposits, it also has a monopoly on the processing of most critical minerals used in green energy and defence technologies.

    The US fears China will weaponise its market dominance against strategic rivals. This is why Western governments increasingly make mineral supply chain resilience central to their foreign policy and defence strategies.

    Given Beijing’s closeness to Moscow and their deepening cooperation on natural resources, the US-Ukraine deal may prevent Russia — and, by extension, China — from accessing Ukrainian minerals. The terms of the agreement are explicit: “states and persons who have acted adversely towards Ukraine must not benefit from its reconstruction”.

    Finally, the performance of “the deal” matters just as much to Trump. Getting Zelensky to sign on the dotted line is progress in itself, plays well to Trump’s base at home, and puts pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to come to the table.

    So, the deal is a win for Zelensky because it gives the US a stake in an independent Ukraine. But even if Ukraine’s critical mineral reserves turn out to be less valuable than expected, it may not matter to Trump.

    Eve Warburton receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Westpac Scholars Trust.

    Olga Boichak is a director of the Foundation of Ukrainian Studies in Australia. She receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Westpac Scholars Trust.

    – ref. Why Zelensky – not Trump – may have ‘won’ the US-Ukraine minerals deal – https://theconversation.com/why-zelensky-not-trump-may-have-won-the-us-ukraine-minerals-deal-255875

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Labour welcomes inquiry into school lunches

    Source:

    Labour welcomes the Auditor-General’s inquiry into the Government’s school lunches programme.

    “After months of chaos and kids going hungry, I’m glad that David Seymour’s school lunches mess is now being investigated,” Labour’s education spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime said.

    “I’ve heard from schools who’ve shared their heartbreak at seeing kids going hungry following the government changes to the programme. It’s even more disheartening when the Minister’s response has been to blame and shame schools that speak out.

    “It’s been a huge waste of time and resources for schools and has distracted many teachers from their classrooms as they dealt with David Seymour’s mess.

    “We’ve seen reports showing the lunches are not up to nutritional standard and a procurement process that has raised many unanswered questions.

    “Where Education Minister Erica Stanford has failed to act, I’m glad the Auditor-General is. David Seymour guaranteed that all will be fixed come Term 2, but the problems continue,” Willow-Jean Prime said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace – Luxon Government to pass law tonight that legalises killing Kiwi

    Source: Greenpeace

    The Luxon Government has just introduced a bill into the House that would make it legal to kill protected wildlife. Greenpeace understands the Bill is being rushed through all stages under urgency tonight, without public consultation or proper scrutiny.
    The amendment to the Wildlife Act, New Zealand’s foundational wildlife protection law, would allow the Director-General of Conservation to grant companies permission to kill native animals if they get in the way of projects like roads, mines or dams.
    Greenpeace has condemned the move as a clear and dangerous escalation of the Luxon Government’s war on nature.
    “No one wants to see roading or mining companies handed a licence to kill kiwi – but that’s exactly what this Bill makes possible,” says Greenpeace campaigner Gen Toop.
    “This is a law change no one asked for – except the corporations that see wildlife as an obstacle to profit. It’s being rushed through in the dead of night so the public can’t even have a say,”
    “If this Bill passes, it will go down in history as the moment the Government chose corporate profits over protecting wildlife that is already on the brink of extinction,” says Toop.
    Greenpeace is calling for the immediate withdrawal of the amendment and for the Government to strengthen, not weaken, protections for the country’s threatened wildlife.
    The Bill comes after a landmark High Court decision in the case of the Environmental Law Initiative v The Director-General of the Department of Conservation (DOC) and others. The case challenged DOC’s decision to grant Waka Kotahi permission to kill wildlife during construction of the Mt Messenger Bypass in Taranaki.
    The Judge ruled that the permit was unlawful, upending years of DOC’s practice of granting permits which authorised the killing of wildlife under the Wildlife Act.
    “The Luxon Government is changing the law to legalise what the High Court just ruled is illegal,” says Toop. “We’re talking about the kiwi – our national icon – being sacrificed so a company can build a road faster. That’s just not who we are as a country.”
    Greenpeace says the move is part of a wider pattern of stripping away safeguards for land, fresh water, and wildlife such as the repeal of the oil and gas ban, the introduction of the Fast-Track Act, and the recently announced RMA reforms.
    “Once a species is gone, it’s gone forever. We should be strengthening protections for endangered wildlife, not making it legal to kill them,” says Toop.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Government Rollback on Pay Equity is a Huge Step Backward for Women’s Rights, says ‘Mind the Gap’ co-founder – YWCA

    Source: Auckland YWCA

    The Government’s proposed amendments to the Equal Pay Act 1972 represent a major setback for pay equity and a breach of women’s fundamental rights, says leading gender advocate Dellwyn Stuart, co-founder of Mind the Gap and CEO of YWCA Auckland.
    “This move takes us backwards, not forwards,” says Ms Stuart. “It remains a violation of women’s human rights to be paid unfairly, and this Government is dismantling decades of hard-won progress to close the gender pay gap.”
    Female-dominated professions – including care work, nursing, and early childhood education – continue to be underpaid and undervalued compared to traditionally male-dominated sectors, despite their essential role in the wellbeing of Aotearoa.
    “We saw during Covid-19 how vital these roles are to society. Nurses and carers were rightly recognised as essential. Now, those same workers are being told that fair pay is off the table – that their aspirations for financial security and dignity at work don’t count,” says Ms Stuart.
    She warns that these changes will likely worsen the existing workforce crisis: “Skilled workers will continue to seek better opportunities overseas, leaving our health and social systems even more vulnerable.
    “With many pay equity claims involving government-employed workforces, Ms Stuart points to the contradiction at the heart of current policymaking: “This coalition government is actively perpetuating pay discrimination. At the same time, the Minister for Women is travelling the country asking businesses to close their pay gaps. How can the Government expect the private sector to commit to pay equity when it is not leading by example?”
    The gender pay gap remains a significant issue in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly affecting Māori and Pacific women, who are already over-represented in lower-income statistics. While the national gender pay gap sits at 8.2%, it rises to 15% for Māori women and 17.3% for Pacific women (Source: Ministry for Women, 2024).
    “If we’re serious about fairness and decency in this country, we need to properly value the work of those who contribute the most to the wellbeing of our society,” say Ms Stuart.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Labor settled the ‘funding wars’ just before the election. Here are 4 big issues schools still face

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stewart Riddle, Professor, School of Education, University of Southern Queensland

    Days before Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the federal election, the Labor government settled a long-running argument with the states over school funding.

    This locked in a new 25%–75% split on federal and state funding for schools. It also committed to “fully funding” public schools by 2034, according to the requirements recommended by the Gonski report in 2011.

    But apart from Peter Dutton’s criticism of the curriculum – suggesting students were being “indocrinated” – schools barely figured in the campaign.

    In his victory speech, Albanese declared his new government would deliver on the values of “fairness, aspiration and opportunity for all”.

    Education is the engine room for all three of these. Now Labor has been returned for a second term, what should the priorities be for schooling?

    1. The teacher shortage

    Teachers are burning out and leaving the profession at an alarming rate. We are due to have a shortage of 4,100 high school teachers in 2025.

    There is a large body of research showing unsustainable workload is a key issue. Teachers have also lost professional autonomy and status, while facing increased scrutiny based on standardised test results and accountability metrics.

    A study of 65,000 Australian media articles from 1996 to 2020 found overwhelmingly negative portrayals of teachers, who have been blamed for education failures.

    There needs to be a national response to the teaching workforce crisis that goes beyond the piecemeal approach of previous plans, such as 2022’s National Teacher Workforce Action Plan.

    We need a more coordinated and extensive campaign to attract and retain teachers. This will take substantial time and financial investment.

    2. Student disengagement

    Likewise, we need strategies to support and enable students to participate fully in schooling. Issues around school refusal and attendance are increasing across Australia. A comprehensive response is needed, which addresses the broad range of social, economic, health and wellbeing factors at play.

    Simple policy “fixes” such as prepackaged lessons, mandated explicit teaching practices, or phonics screening will do little to re-engage marginalised young people.

    Schools need to be able to provide inclusive and supportive learning environments, which cater to the diverse needs and interests of their students and communities.

    This requires school-specific approaches to the curriculum, teaching methods and school climate (or the quality of school life), rather than further standardisation.

    3. Educational inequality

    Australia has one of the most unequal schooling systems in the OECD.
    As the MySchool website notes, “there is a substantial body of research evidence that shows the educational performance of students […] is related to certain characteristics of their family […] and school”.

    Put another way, there is a persistent link between postcodes and educational access and outcomes for Australian students.

    Fully funding public schools in communities facing complex disadvantage is a start, but much more is needed to reverse the policy settings that have entrenched inequality in Australian schooling.

    The combined effects of more than two decades of standardisation (including a focus on high-stakes tests) and marketisation (where schools compete for students) have hollowed out public education in Australia.

    There needs to be a bold plan to reshape Australian schools as engines of equality.

    4. Global uncertainty

    Schools need to be places where young people can not only learn about the world, but also how to get along in the world. This need has arguably become even more pressing.

    With the re-election of US President Donald Trump, the world has become more uncertain and more complex. We also know Australian students’ civics knowledge is at its lowest since testing began.

    Making schools more welcoming and inclusive for students from diverse backgrounds is one way to help build a more democratic future in which difference is celebrated and lasting social bonds are formed.

    Giving young people the opportunity to collaborate on problems that matter to their communities (for example, climate change) can also help make them more engaged and critical thinkers.

    In collaborating on problems, schools use traditional curriculum resources as well as local knowledge and cultural wisdom, which helps to connect young people to their schools and communities.

    The Australian Curriculum already provides the opportunity for schools to do this work, but is often pushed aside in the drive for increased literacy and numeracy test results.

    Time for a bold vision

    To deliver on Albanese’s promise of “fairness, aspiration and opportunity for all”, the Australian government must do much more than provide extra funding for schools.

    Now is the time for a big, bold vision of education for all young Australians. This needs to involve the teaching workforce, students from all backgrounds, and a consideration of the skills and knowledge needed to meet the challenges of a complex and volatile world.

    Stewart Riddle receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Labor settled the ‘funding wars’ just before the election. Here are 4 big issues schools still face – https://theconversation.com/labor-settled-the-funding-wars-just-before-the-election-here-are-4-big-issues-schools-still-face-255870

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –