Source: African Development Bank Group
A school feeding organization in Kenya, Food4Education, left King Letsie III of the Kingdom of Lesotho and the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, so impressed that they made impassioned appeals to governments and corporate leaders to do more to end classroom hunger.
Category: Banking
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MIL-OSI Banking: No child should be forced to choose between hunger and education, King Letsie III and African Development Bank President Adesina declare
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MIL-OSI Banking: World Water Day 2025: Preserving Africa’s Water Resources
Source: African Development Bank Group
Each year, World Water Day highlights the pressing challenges surrounding global water resources and the actions needed to address them. Nowhere is this more critical than in Africa, where nearly 1.4 billion people live, a number expected to rise to 2.5 billion by 2050. -
MIL-Evening Report: This week’s federal budget will focus on cost-of-living measures – and a more uncertain global economy
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra
Treasurer Jim Chalmers will bring down the federal budget on Tuesday.
It’s likely most of the major spending initiatives have already been announced. An extra A$8.5 billion in spending on Medicare will aim to ensure nine out of ten GP visits will be bulk billed by 2030. Queensland’s Bruce Highway is to be upgraded with the Albanese Government providing $7.2 billion of the $9 billion cost.
In a speech last week, Chalmers promised “meaningful and substantial” cost-of-living relief.
He also stressed the global economy is more volatile and unpredictable. He said the budget bottom line would be little changed from the mid-year update released in December, when the deficit was forecast to be $26.9 billion this financial year.
It was a comprehensive dress rehearsal for tomorrow evening’s budget speech.
No rabbits out of the hat
Australian budgets today are well signposted in advance in speeches such as this. That is deliberate. It is seen as a mark of responsible fiscal management to have few surprises, either positive or negative.
In past decades, treasurers were prone to announcing surprise spending measures. No longer. The rationale for rejecting the “rabbit out of a hat” approach was spelled out by former treasurer Wayne Swan in his 2008 budget lockup press conference: he said the budget had to be “responsible”. Chalmers was Swan’s deputy chief of staff at the time.
This means calls by economists such as Chris Richardson and Ken Henry for major tax reform are unlikely to be heeded.
Bracket creep (increases in tax revenues as taxpayers move into higher tax brackets) will do most of the work in the very gradual windback of the budget deficit. In the mid-year budget update, it was projected to take a decade to return the budget to balance.
Read more:
If Treasury forecasts are right, it could be a decade before Australia is ‘back in black’
Good luck rather than good management
Not that a balanced or surplus budget is a sign of good budgeting. The driver of recent budget surpluses under both Labor and Coalition governments has not been government policy but stronger than expected commodity prices and exports. They have been accidental, not deliberate.
While deficits add to debt, imposing costs on future generations, what matters is whether the debts can be paid. If the economy grows faster than the rate of debt, the situation is manageable. So we are likely to see a chart in Tuesday’s budget papers showing this, with debt gradually declining as a share of Gross Domestic Product over time.
However, these forecasts for the bottom line do not include off-budget items such as special green energy funds or student debt write-offs that total close to $100 billion, according to Deloitte Access Economics.
This is because the budget covers only the “general government sector” – public service departments and agencies and the defence force. It is not the whole of the public sector, which includes commercial or financial entities like government business enterprises, the Reserve Bank of Australia, and various funds.
On Sunday, the government announced further cost-of-living relief with an extension of electricity rebates, giving households another $150 this year. This will avoid headline inflation rebounding above 3%, as the Reserve Bank is currently forecasting.
The energy rebate last year cost the budget an estimated $3.5 billion in 2024-25. Extending it for six months will cost $1.8 billion. Chalmers has also promised another reduction in the maximum cost of prescription medicines to $25.
In December’s budget update, the unemployment rate was forecast to be around 4½% in mid-2025 and stay around that level for the next couple of years. Given the unemployment rate was steady at 4.1% in February, that forecast may be lowered.
Inflation was forecast to stay below 3%.
The increasing risk of a global trade war will see some reduction in forecasts for global and Australian economic growth. The OECD has lowered its forecasts for global growth and emphasised the international outlook is highly uncertain.
This means the Australian budget forecasts are more likely than usual to be wrong. We just don’t know in which direction they will be wrong – will they be too optimistic or pessimistic?
What will it mean for interest rates?
The Reserve Bank board is unlikely to feel it has enough additional information to cut interest rates again at the April 1 meeting.
Nonetheless, the government will be constrained in how much support it can provide households. It does not want undermine its narrative of future interest rate cuts by stimulating household spending too much.
Something to watch for will be “decisions taken but not yet announced”. These are additional initiatives the government will announce during the election campaign. They will be able to answer the “where’s the money coming from?” question by saying they are already included in the budget.
Finally, will there be increases in defence spending? US President Donald Trump is pressing US allies to do this. Trouble is, defence spending does not address the political problem of cost-of-living pressures – if anything it adds to them.
A potential way out is for government to support more defence spending, but only “in principle”, leaving the details for future budgets. That would help manage both domestic and international pressures.
John Hawkins was a formerly a senior economist at the Treasury and Reserve Bank.
Stephen Bartos 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. This week’s federal budget will focus on cost-of-living measures – and a more uncertain global economy – https://theconversation.com/this-weeks-federal-budget-will-focus-on-cost-of-living-measures-and-a-more-uncertain-global-economy-252515
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MIL-Evening Report: Trouble at Tesla and protests against Trump’s tariffs suggest consumer boycotts are starting to bite
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erin O’Brien, Associate Professor, School of Government and International Relations, Griffith University
When the United States starts a trade war with your country, how do you fight back? For individuals, one option is to wage a personal trade war and boycott products from the US.
President Donald Trump has said no nation will be exempt from his tariffs, and this includes both Australia and New Zealand. His tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports, in particular, could hurt the sector in Australia, while New Zealand’s meat and wine exports to the US could also feel the effect.
So far, political leaders have responded differently. Canada, Mexico and the European Union have imposed reciprocal tariffs on the US, while Australia has indicated it will not retaliate.
But whether governments choose to push back or not, citizens in those and other countries are making their own stands. This includes artists such as renowned pianist András Schiff, who has cancelled his upcoming US tour.
Most notably, collective outrage at the US president has led to a growing global boycott of Elon Musk’s Tesla due to his role in the Trump administration. Sales of new Tesla vehicles are down 72% in Australia and 76% in Germany. The share price has dropped by more than 50% since December 2024, with calls for Musk to step down as chief executive.
Some governments are even encouraging consumer boycotts. The Canadian government, for example, has urged citizens to “fight back against the unjustified US tariffs” by purchasing Canadian products and holidaying in Canada.
Canadians are clearly embracing this advice. Road trips to the US have dropped by more than 20% in the past month and US liquor brands have been removed from some Canadian stores altogether.
This rise in calls for boycotts of American brands and companies is unsurprising in the Trump 2.0 era, where the lines between government and corporate America have become increasingly blurred.
Political change by proxy
When people want to protest a government policy, but have no political leverage because they’re not citizens of that country, boycotting corporations or brands gives them a voice. These actions are sometimes called “surrogate” or “proxy” boycotts.
This form of “political consumerism”, where individuals align their consumption choices with their values, is now one of the most common forms of political participation in western liberal democracies.
When France opposed the war in Iraq in 2003, US supporters of the war aimed boycotts at French imports. Consumers in the US, United Kingdom and elsewhere have boycotted Russian goods over the invasion of Ukraine, and targeted Israel over its military action and policies in Gaza and the West Bank.
Most famously, protests against the apartheid regime in South Africa from the 1950s through to the 1990s helped isolate and eventually change its government.
The current boycotts are not just protesting Trump’s trade war, of course. They are also about the role of unelected leaders from the corporate world, such as Musk and the heads of the Big Tech and social media companies, and their perceived self-interest and influence.
Trump has responded angrily to consumer boycotts, calling the actions against Tesla “illegal”, which they are not. Indeed, political leaders like Trump often argue that consumer action, rather than government regulation, should be relied on to ensure corporations conform to social expectations.
Ukrainians demonstrate in front of the Lukoil headquarters in Belgium over European imports of Russian fossil fuels, 2022.
Getty ImagesHow to wage a personal trade war
Consumer boycotts do create change under certain conditions – typically when there is a contained problem that the targeted corporation has the power to solve.
For example, consumer boycotts against Nestlé in the 1970s over false and dangerous marketing of powdered milk for infants led to changes in the firm’s marketing approaches. Boycotts of Nike products over sweatshop conditions for workers had a direct impact on the company’s bottom line and led to improvements.
Things may still need to improve at Nestlé and Nike, but these boycotts show consumer pressure can catalyse corporate action. However, it is much harder – though not impossible – for boycott campaigns to succeed when the target is a government.
Consumers boycotting American products can amplify the impact of their protest by also lobbying retailers. For example, if enough consumers stop buying a bottle of soft drink from the US, major supermarkets like Woolworths and Foodstuffs will stop buying thousands of bottles.
There are also other ways to “vote with your wallet”. People can engage in “political investorism” by using their power as a shareholder, bank customer or pension-fund member to express their political views.
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, for example, investors sought to divest from Russian companies, and superannuation funds were pressured by their members to do the same.
As consumers and investors, individuals can wage a personal trade war, sending a clear message. Trump may not be willing to listen to the leaders of allied nations, but if consumer and investor pressure is sustained and spreads globally, he may yet hear the voice of corporate America.
Erin O’Brien receives funding from the Australian Research Council to examine consumer and investor activism for social change. She is affiliated with the Australian Political Studies Association.
Justine Coneybeer receives funding from the Australian Research Council to investigate ethical investment.
– ref. Trouble at Tesla and protests against Trump’s tariffs suggest consumer boycotts are starting to bite – https://theconversation.com/trouble-at-tesla-and-protests-against-trumps-tariffs-suggest-consumer-boycotts-are-starting-to-bite-252489
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MIL-Evening Report: Despite some key milestones since 2000, Australia still has a long way to go on gender equality
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Janeen Baxter, Director, ARC Life Course Centre and ARC Kathleen Fitzpatrick Laureate Fellow, The University of Queensland
Australia has a gender problem. Despite social, economic and political reform aimed at improving opportunities for women, gender gaps are increasing and Australia is falling behind other countries.
The World Economic Forum currently places Australia 24th among 146 countries, down from 15th in 2006. At the current rate of change, the forum suggests it will take more than 130 years to achieve gender equality globally.
Australia has taken important steps forward in some areas, while progress in other areas remains painfully slow. So how far have we come since 2000, and how much further do we have to go?
The good stuff
There are now more women in the labour market, in parliament, and leading large companies than at any other time.
Over the past 25 years, there have been major social and political milestones that indicate progress.
These include the appointment of Australia’s first female governor-general in 2008 and prime minister in 2010, the introduction of universal paid parental leave in 2011, a high-profile inquiry into workplace sexual harassment in 2020, and new legislation requiring the public reporting of gender pay gaps in 2023.
Timeline of equality milestones
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2000
Child Care Benefit introduced, subsidising cost of children for eligible families
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2008
First female Governor-General (Dame Quentin Bryce)
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2010
First female Prime Minister elected (Julia Gillard)
First Aboriginal woman from Australia elected to UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (Megan Davis)
Australia’s first national paid parental leave scheme
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2012
Julia Gillard misogyny speech
Workplace Gender Equality Act becomes law, Workplace Gender Equality Agency established
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2013
Dad or Partner Pay Leave commenced
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2016
First Indigenous woman elected to House of Representatives (Linda Burney)
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2017
Launch of Women’s Australian Football League
#metoo movement spreads globally to draw attention to sexual harassment and assault
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2020
Respect@Work National Inquiry into sexual harassment in the Australian workplace chaired by Kate Jenkins released.
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2021
Grace Tame named Australian of the Year for her advocacy in sexual violence/harassment campaigns
Independent review into Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces launched
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2022
National plan to end violence against women is finalised
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2023
Closing the Gender Pay Gap Bill passes parliament
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2024
Superannuation on government-funded paid parental leave from July 1, 2025
Parental leave to be increased to 26 weeks from July 2026.
There are, however, other areas where progress is agonisingly slow.
Violence and financial insecurity
Women are more likely to be in casual and part-time employment than men. This is part of the reason women retire with about half the superannuation savings of men.
This is also linked to financial insecurity later in life. Older women are among the fastest-growing groups of people experiencing homelessness.
The situation for First Nations women is even more severe. The most recent Closing the Gap report indicates First Nations women and children are 33 times more likely to be hospitalised due to violence compared with non-Indigenous women.
They are also seven times more likely to die from family violence.
Improving outcomes for Indigenous women and children requires tackling the long-term effects of colonisation, removal from Country, the Stolen Generations, incarceration and intergenerational trauma. This means challenging not only gender inequality but also racism, discrimination and violence.
At work, the latest data from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency suggests the gender pay gap is narrowing, with 56% of organisations reporting improvements.
On average, though, the pay gap is still substantial at 21.8% with women earning only 78 cents for every $1 earned by men. This totals an average yearly shortfall of $28,425.
There are also some notable organisations where the gender pay gap has widened.
The burden of unpaid work
Another measure of inequality that has proved stubbornly slow to change is women’s unequal responsibilities for unpaid domestic and care work.
Without real change in gender divisions of time spent on unpaid housework and care, our capacity to move towards equality in pay gaps and employment is very limited.
Australian women do more unpaid and domestic work after having children.
ShutterstockAustralian women undertake almost 70% of unpaid household labour. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics time use data show that of those who participate in domestic labour, women spend an average of 4.13 hours per day on unpaid domestic and care work, compared with men’s 2.14 hours.
This gap equates to more than a third of a full-time job. If we add up all work (domestic, care and paid), mothers have the longest working week by about 10 hours. This has changed very little over time.
These charts, based on analyses of data from the Households, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) study, show what drives this gap.
Women respond to increased demand for care and domestic work by doing more, while men do not. Parenthood significantly increases the time women spend on unpaid care and housework, while also reducing their time in employment.
Men increase their time in unpaid care after a birth, but the jump is minor compared with women, and there is no change to men’s employment hours.
Not surprisingly given these patterns, parenthood is associated with substantial declines in women’s employment hours, earnings, career progression, and mental health and wellbeing.
The way forward
Current policy priorities primarily incentivise women to remain in employment, while continuing to undertake a disproportionate share of unpaid family work, through moving to part-time employment or making use of other forms of workplace flexibility. This approach focuses on “fixing” women rather than on the structural roots of the problem.
There is limited financial or cultural encouragement for men to step out of employment for care work, or reduce their hours, despite the introduction of a two-week Dad and Partner Pay scheme in 2013 and more recent changes to expand support and access.
Fathers who wish to be more actively involved in care and family life face significant financial barriers, with current schemes only covering a basic wage. If one member of the family has to take time out or reduce their hours, it usually makes financial sense for this to be a woman, given the gender earning gap.
The benefits of enabling men to share care work will not only be improvements for women, but will also improve family relationships and outcomes for children.
Research shows relationship conflict declines when men do more at home. Time spent with fathers has been found to be especially beneficial for children’s cognitive development.
Fixing the gender problem is not just about helping women. It’s good for everyone.
Gender inequality costs the Australian economy $225 billion annually, or 12% of gross domestic product.
Globally, the World Bank estimates gender inequality costs US$160.2 trillion. We can’t afford to slip further behind or to take more than a century to fix the problem.
This piece is part of a series on how Australia has changed since the year 2000. You can read other pieces in the series here.
Janeen Baxter receives funding from the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course (CE200100025) and an Australian Research Council Kathleen Fitzpatrick Laureate Fellowship (FL230100104).
– ref. Despite some key milestones since 2000, Australia still has a long way to go on gender equality – https://theconversation.com/despite-some-key-milestones-since-2000-australia-still-has-a-long-way-to-go-on-gender-equality-250250
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MIL-OSI Economics: Asian Development Bank and Canada: Fact Sheet
Source: Asia Development Bank
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet.
Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.
Headquarters
6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550, Metro Manila, Philippines
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MIL-OSI Global: Can Mark Carney truly connect with Canadian voters? Canada will now find out
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kevin Quigley, Scholarly Director of the MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance, Dalhousie University
After a busy two weeks as prime minister, Mark Carney has called an election for April 28.
As the first in Canadian history to be named prime minister without ever having held public office, Carney is hoping he can win the trust of Canadians. He’ll run for a seat in the Ottawa riding of Nepean.
Trustworthiness is awarded to those who are at least perceived as knowledgeable, transparent and concerned. Can Carney pull it off?
When it comes to economics, Carney is among the most knowledgeable in the country. After obtaining a PhD at the University of Oxford, Carney has had a distinguished public service career in the Canadian Department of Finance, the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England.
With such a high level of economic uncertainty today in the face of repeated threats from United States President Donald Trump, his supporters say he’s the right person to lead Canada. His chief rival, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, was first elected to the House of Commons at the age of 25 and has quite a different CV.
Is Carney empathetic?
Carney, however, might struggle more with the other characteristics of trustworthiness — seeming open and showing concern.
The Conservatives have criticized Carney for not being more transparent about his private financial interests. While Carney is following disclosure rules, the Conservatives argue Canadians need to know more about whether he’s in a conflict of interest when he makes decisions in government.
Carney’s answers to questions about his time at Brookfield Asset Management have on occasion been unsteady.
On the surface, this is about transparency, but in fact it’s just as much about empathy and whether Carney can relate to working-class voters. By alluding to Carney’s wealth and connections, the Conservatives are implying that Carney is an out-of-touch elite who doesn’t share the concerns of average Canadians.
Some of the early visuals of Carney can cut both ways.
His recent chummy embrace at the Élysée with French President Emmanuel Macron exemplifies how immediately comfortable he is with world leaders. Some will find this reassuring, given the state of geopolitics; others might find it privileged and off-putting. Even his hockey skills, which were part of a recent photo-op in Edmonton when he practised with the Oilers, were acquired partly during his time at Harvard University, an institution among the most elite in the world.
Empathy, instinct
Can Carney connect with people?
Arguably, he needs work on this front. He might consider some of his Liberal predecessors.
Former prime minister Justin Trudeau could certainly rally a crowd. Trudeau became a motivational speaker in the 2000s and used opportunities like the WE Charity to practise public speaking to what would become an important constituency for him — young voters — when he led the Liberals to victory in 2015.
Not everything can be taught at school. Political instinct is also crucial. It requires reconciling the knowledge of experts with the concerns of everyday citizens. There is no formula for this balance sheet.
Here again, Trudeau had insight. Bill Morneau, a corporate executive himself and the former federal finance minister, noted after the COVID-19 pandemic that government payouts had been too generous and driven more by Trudeau’s view of the politics of the moment than by the economic analysis provided to him by the Finance Department.
This may be so, but most would say Trudeau handled the early stages of the pandemic deftly.
Chretien’s skills
It was interesting that at the recent Liberal convention confirming Carney as leader, delegates gushed over former prime minister Jean Chretien, far from an elitist. A winner of three consecutive majorities, Chretien delivered a speech that went over at least as well with delegates as Carney’s.
Chretien had unparalleled political instincts. When Conservative Prime Minister Brian Mulroney rolled out the GST in 1991, it was deeply unpopular. Despite Chretien later famously backtracking on his original opposition to the GST, the Liberal Party under his stewardship used the issue to exact maximum damage on the Progressive Conservatives, delivering them a near-fatal blow.
Chretien’s killer instincts trumped expert knowledge. While the Progressive Conservatives paid a heavy price for adopting the GST, the policy was largely advocated and shaped by business and economic elites, including in the Department of Finance. Good economics does not always make for good politics.
Emotions to run high
If the 1988 federal election that focused almost exclusively on free trade with the U.S. is any indication of what the next few weeks will look like in Canada, the election campaign is going to get heated quickly. Arguments may be more emotional than sensible.
The fact that Carney dropped the carbon tax and capital gains tax was an early sign that he’s not an economist anymore, he’s a politician.
The challenge for Carney — and for any politician in the heat of an election campaign battle — will be to find the sweet spot that reconciles expert opinion with public concerns and to articulate policies in a manner that voters will understand and support.
Kevin Quigley receives funding from SSHRC.
– ref. Can Mark Carney truly connect with Canadian voters? Canada will now find out – https://theconversation.com/can-mark-carney-truly-connect-with-canadian-voters-canada-will-now-find-out-252365
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MIL-OSI Australia: South West Sydney to benefit from $110 million investment in critical upgrades on Henry Lawson Drive
Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency
The Albanese Labor Government is building New South Wales’ future through a partnership with the New South Wales Government to deliver the next stage of upgrades to Henry Lawson Drive.
The Australian and NSW governments will each provide $110 million to progress the next stage of upgrades to Henry Lawson Drive.
Henry Lawson Drive is a vital north-south connection in Sydney, carrying around 38,000 vehicles during daily peak periods.
It follows the northern bank of the Georges River, passing through Georges Hall, East Hills and onto Peakhurst.
The road varies between a single lane in each direction, to six-lane dual carriageway road towards Peakhurst.
The Henry Lawson Drive Stage 1B project will upgrade approximately 1.8 kilometres of Henry Lawson Drive from Auld Avenue, to its connection with the M5 motorway.
The works will widen this busy section of the road from a two-lane road to a four-lane divided road.
This will provide more capacity for a growing number of vehicles and reduce delays due to merging required by vehicles heading north off the M5 motorway.
Intersections will also be upgraded to improve road safety and connections to the Bankstown Airport and surrounding areas.
The project will include the construction of new walking and cycling shared paths, improving access to the Auld Avenue sporting fields and Milperra Sports Centre.
Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“Ducking and weaving between two and four lane sections of Henry Lawson Drive between the M5 and Milperra Road will no longer be a thing when these vital works are complete.
“This road sees tens of thousands of cars during weekday peak periods, but also on the weekend as people head to Flower Power.
“Widening this road will ensure we have the capacity to accommodate the traffic on these roads, 24 hours, seven days a week.
Quotes attributable to NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:
“This is welcome funding, allowing us to fast track Stage 1B of Henry Lawson Drive.
“The work on Henry Lawson Drive builds on the nearby $144 million Stage 1A upgrade that has made it easier to travel between Auld Avenue and Tower Road, and further upgrades to the north in Georges Hall.”
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MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s message on World Meteorological Day [scroll down for French version]
Source: United Nations secretary general
The dark predictions of meteorologists are coming to pass. Our climate is going up in flames. Every one of the last ten years has been the hottest in recorded history. Ocean heat is breaking records. And every country is feeling the effects – whether scorched by fires, swept by floods, or pummelled by unprecedented storms.
The theme of this year’s World Meteorological Day – Closing the Early Warning Gap Together – reminds us that, in this new climate reality, early warning systems are not luxuries. They are necessities and sound investments – providing an almost ten-fold return. Yet, almost half the world’s countries still lack access to these life-saving systems. It is disgraceful that, in a digital age, lives and livelihoods are being lost because people have no access to effective early warning systems.The United Nations Early Warnings for All initiative aims for everyone, everywhere to be protected by an alert system by 2027. The world must come together, and urgently scale-up action and investment, to realize this goal.
We need high-level political support for the Initiative within countries, a boost in technology support, greater collaboration between governments, businesses and communities, and a major effort to scale-up finance. Increasing the lending capacity of the Multilateral Development Banks is key. The Pact for the Future agreed last year made important strides forward, it must be delivered in full. So must the COP29 finance outcome.
At the same time, we must intensify our efforts to tackle the climate crisis at source – through rapid and deep cuts to greenhouse gas emissions – to prevent it getting unimaginably worse. This year all countries must honour the promise to deliver new national climate action plans that align with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
In an era of climate disaster, every person on Earth must be protected by an early warning system as a matter of justice. Together, let’s deliver.
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Les sombres prévisions des météorologues sont en passe de se réaliser. Notre climat s’embrase. Les dix dernières années ont été les plus chaudes jamais enregistrées dans l’histoire de l’humanité. Les océans connaissent des niveaux record de chaleur. Incendies ravageurs, inondations dévastatrices ou tempêtes sans précédent : aucun pays n’est épargné par les effets des changements climatiques.
Cette année, la Journée météorologique mondiale est placée sous le thème « Combler ensemble les lacunes en matière d’alertes précoces », qui vient nous rappeler que, dans cette nouvelle réalité climatique, les systèmes d’alerte précoce ne sont pas un luxe. En plus d’être indispensables, ils représentent des investissements judicieux, puisque les bénéfices qui en découlent sont pratiquement dix fois supérieurs aux montants investis. Pourtant, près de la moitié des pays de la planète n’ont toujours pas accès à ces systèmes d’une importance vitale. À l’ère du numérique, il est déplorable que des personnes perdent la vie ou voient leurs moyens de subsistance anéantis faute d’avoir accès à des systèmes d’alerte précoce efficaces.
L’initiative « Alertes précoces pour tous » de l’Organisation des Nations Unies vise à ce que chaque habitant de la planète soit protégé par un système d’alerte d’ici à 2027. La communauté internationale doit unir ses forces et accroître d’urgence ses efforts et ses investissements pour atteindre cet objectif.
Il est primordial que chaque pays accorde à l’initiative un soutien politique de haut niveau, qu’un appui plus énergique soit offert sur le plan des technologies, que les gouvernements, les entreprises et les communautés resserrent leur coopération et que les financements connaissent un véritable bond. Il est également crucial d’accroître la capacité de prêt des banques multilatérales de développement. Le Pacte pour l’avenir, adopté l’an dernier, a permis de poser des bases solides ; il doit maintenant être appliqué pleinement. Il faut également concrétiser les engagements pris en matière de financement à la vingt-neuvième session de la Conférence des Parties à la Convention-cadre des Nations Unies sur les changements climatiques (COP 29).
Dans le même temps, il nous faut redoubler d’efforts pour chercher à résoudre la crise climatique à la source, en réduisant rapidement et fortement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre, afin d’éviter que la situation n’empire dans des proportions inimaginables. Cette année, tous les pays doivent honorer leur promesse de présenter de nouveaux plans d’action nationaux pour le climat qui soient compatibles avec l’objectif consistant à limiter le réchauffement planétaire à 1,5 degré Celsius.
À l’ère des catastrophes climatiques, il faut que chaque personne sur Terre soit protégée par un système d’alerte précoce ; il s’agit là d’une question de justice. Ensemble, donnons corps à cette ambition.
***
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MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: Federal government invests in community buildings across Canada
Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation
Ontario
Algonquins of Pikwakanagan Health Centre Renovations
Replace the wood siding and wood frame windows with triple-paned windows, and increasing the basement insulation. The heating will be upgraded to an energy efficient heat pump, which provides significant GHG savings. The propane unit will remain, providing back up support in the case of extreme cold temperatures. Energy saving will also come from upgrading to low flow plumbing fixtures and lighting to LEDs. Accessibility will be improved by retrofitting the bathroom and upgrading the ramp to the building to meet code. A wing of the Centre will be retrofitted to improve accessibility with wider hallways and larger door frames.
$2,989,125
Ayr
Ontario
North Dumfries Net Zero Arena Project
The Township of North Dumfries is embarking on an exciting project to construct a new state-of-the-art ice arena. This facility aims to provide a modern, accessible, and energy-efficient space for ice sports and community events. The project includes a full-sized ice rink, seating for spectators, locker rooms, and multipurpose rooms for community use.
The goal is to create a hub for local sports teams, recreational leagues, and public skating, fostering a sense of community and promoting healthy, active lifestyles. The new arena will serve residents of all ages, from young children learning to skate to seniors participating in recreational activities. By incorporating sustainable building practices and energy-efficient technologies, we aim to minimize the environmental impact and ensure long-term operational cost savings.
This project will not only enhance the quality of life for North Dumfries residents but also attract visitors and events, boosting local economy and community spirit.$5,000,000
Beamsville
Ontario
The Next Chapter – Vineland Library
The Town of Lincoln will retrofit and expand the public library in Vineland. The branch, built in 1996, is showing signs of wear and aging. It is the only public space on the East side of Lincoln and is currently visited by over 38,000 each year. Lincoln is experiencing significant planned residential growth, and the increased population will include newcomers, seniors and children at risk, who require space to meet and connect.
This project will include a 6000 sq foot addition, including new study and community spaces and a place for the local archives, a green retrofit complying with the zero-carbon building design standard v4, and will improve the accessibility of the branch to 2024 AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) standards.The upgraded library will provide inclusive space for residents to access library programs and services and be a model of Net Zero design and construction in the Niagara Region.
$2,000,000
Blood 148
Alberta
Unlocking Energy Efficiency Potential for Blood Tribe Employment and Skills Training (BTEST) Building
Improve the comfort and efficiency of the facility and the success of programming by lowering energy consumption, reducing operating costs and demonstrating energy efficiency leadership.
Works include upgrading lights to LED, improving insulation and sealing of windows and doors, and building out a solar array. The expected energy efficiency improvements from these projects is 32.4%.$307,119
Bonnechere Valley
Ontario
Eganville Community Arena GHG Reduction and Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Replace refrigeration equipment, install a 272 kW solar array, upgrade to LED lighting, improve air tightness and optimize the Building Automation System (BAS) for better climate control.
These measures aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower operational costs, and ensure the arena remains a vital community space for activities and events.$1,000,000
Breton
Alberta
Carolyn Strand Civic Centre Energy Retrofit Improvements
Replace the outdated HVAC system with a high-efficiency heat pump and upgrade interior lighting with LED fixtures and a control panel, which will reduce energy consumption by 54.5%. An accessible ramp will also be installed to ensure all community members, including those with mobility challenges, can access the services.
$527,625
Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Reserve
Manitoba
Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Community Hall
Convert the existing kitchen into a commercial-grade kitchen, install an energy efficient backup generator for emergency power, improve HVAC and audio-visual systems, and accessibility within the building based on CSA standard. Energy efficiency upgrades will feature an air source heat pump, ductwork repairs, demand-controlled ventilation, and repairing the kitchen’s heat recovery ventilator (HRV), leading to a 47.1% reduction in energy consumption and carbon emissions.
$996,368
Burlington
Ontario
Skyway Community Centre and Park
Build a new facility that will exceed the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) for accessibility requirements. This new community centre will feature a revitalized park which includes a baseball diamond, natural playground, arena, program rooms and an indoor walking track. This will be a low carbon operating facility which aligns with the City’s goal of being a net carbon operation by 2040.
$1,000,000
Caledon
Ontario
Low Carbon Electric Heating Retrofits and Building Automation System Expansion at Caledon East Community Complex
Retrofit end-of-life natural gas heaters to electric radiant heaters in two arenas and a garage bay at the Caledon East Community Complex. Expand existing building automation system (BAS), as well as optimize the remaining assets which span the remaining 95,962 ft2 of original floor space at the complex. The retrofitted heaters and expanding the BAS system will result in energy savings of 944,583 ekWh and abate 131 tonnes of CO2e from entering the atmosphere.
$336,688
Cape Breton Regional Municipality
Nova Scotia
Going Green in 2023 2023
Install a new refrigeration system which will utilize significant green energy and carbon reductions measures and put in place solar panels as the primary energy source. This will lead to greater efficiency and significantly reduced utility rates and will also be part of a net-zero objective. Building renovations will assist with greater accessibility.
$1,000,000
Edmonton
Alberta
Pimatisiwin Bridge Housing Renovation
The Pimatisiwin Bridge Housing Renovation Project will rehabilitate and transform a former tavern space into a comprehensive support hub featuring 44 bridge housing units, a commercial kitchen, office space, conference rooms, spiritual space, and accessible washrooms. This project will serve individuals experiencing chronic homelessness by providing 24/7 accommodations, meals, showers, and wrap-around services. Residents will receive culturally sensitive support, helping them stabilize and transition to permanent housing. The renovated space will accommodate over 100 people daily, offering holistic care, including cultural, spiritual, and healthcare services. This project directly supports Edmonton’s unhoused population, particularly Indigenous individuals, and promotes long-term housing solutions.
$5,000,000
Edmonton
Alberta
Terra Centre 146 Street Renovation
Terra Centre recently purchased a building to accommodate the expansion of our programmes. Terra Centre is instrumental in raising the standard of living for minority families in Edmonton by being the only organization solely dedicated to pregnant and parenting teen mothers.
By reducing energy consumption and operating costs, we can ensure that services remain free for teen parents and their families. The agency has implemented many strategies to achieve this goal:
– Energy Efficiency Upgrade: HRV Replacement, Built-Up Roof System Replacement, Windows, Skylight and Storefront Replacement, LED Lighting Fixture Upgrade.
The retrofit plan includes enhancing accessibility in the building to welcome more employees, clients, and members of the public, thereby expanding access to more people who require service – Accessibility Retrofits: Accessible family washrooms, Ramps (Exterior and Interior), Automatic Doors, Accessible Reception Desk.$1,000,000
Edmonton
Alberta
North Glenora Community League – Net Zero Retrofit
Improve the energy efficiency of the Community Leagues buildings and retrofit them to net zero. This project will eliminate the carbon emissions of the Community League, act as a demonstration for energy retrofits for residents, improve community climate resilience by providing emergency shelter from extreme weather, and increase the accessibility of the League buildings.
$752,113
Edmonton
Alberta
Avonmore Community League – Hall Building – Stepped Pathway to Net Zero
Reduce annual energy consumption by 87.3% (45,880 kWh), reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 89.4% (10.1 tCO2e), improve climate resilience, and work towards removing accessibility barriers. This will be achieved with a building envelope retrofit, reduction of natural gas consumption, electric heating and cooling, renewable energy generation, and accessibility enhancements.
$406,667
Edmonton
Alberta
Ritchie Community Hall Replacement Project
Replace the hall to align with community needs and municipal requirements. With a secured development permit, support from various organisations and access to 552 memberships and over 30 businesses, the league is shovel ready and feasible. The building currently serves as an affordable space for charities and non-profit organisations to provide affordable programs to young families and cultural groups. The new hall will also better serve houseless residents.
$4,287,392
Edmonton
Alberta
Crestwood Hall HVAC and Envelope Upgrades
Correct stucco cladding, windows and doors, and heating and air conditioning systems.
This will also support the long term goal of becoming NetZero in an incremental and financially responsible way. This project will cut energy use by 44%, and prepare the building for full electrification.$396,000
Edmonton
Alberta
Edmonton’s Food Bank (EFB) Solar Array Project (Main Building)
Reduce the operating costs for EFB yearly by at least $70,000 and reduce the carbon emissions (GHG) associated with the operation of EFB by 225 tCO2. Funding will also create a sustainable and prosperous community by reduced costs and reinvestment into the local economy through things like food purchases and programs.
$482,160
Georgina
Ontario
Energy, Accessibility, and Climate Resiliency Retrofit of Sutton Arena
Improve the energy efficiency, accessibility, and climate resiliency of the facility by retrofitting the building envelope and equipment to reduce energy usage by over 26%, upgrading the elevator and flooring to meet accessibility standards, and implementing low impact development features in the parking lot to mitigate climate risks. The project will improve the enjoyment and usability of the space for the community by improving temperature controls and occupancy comfort, improving indoor air quality and accessibility, and building in climate resiliency.
$1,118,412
Grand Cache
Alberta
Aseniwuche Winewack Nation of Canada (AWN) Tawow Centre Retrofit
Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and operational costs while expanding programming for the community. Key upgrades will include optimizing heating and cooling systems, improving insulation, replacing windows and lighting with energy-efficient alternatives, and enhancing air quality.
The retrofit will benefit over 500 AWN members, including youth, elders, and families.$399,700
Hamlet of Kugaaruk
Nunavut
Wellness Centre Renovation and Expansion
Renovate and expand the Centre to better serve the rapidly growing community, with a programming based on Inuit traditions. The Hamlet will install a new kitchen and additional food storage to support the Elders lunch and soup kitchen programs that provide services for the most vulnerable. To better serve expecting mothers and early families through the Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program, a 25 m² expansion is planned. Additionally, the project will include a solar and battery energy storage system, enabling the Centre to operate essential services in emergencies and reducing reliance on diesel-powered electricity.
$2,998,331
High Prairie
Alberta
High Prairie Friendship Centre Retrofit
Improve the building envelope and HVAC systems, as well as implement rooftop solar. These upgrades will significantly reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, promote climate resiliency, improve accessibility and building comfort, and ensure vital community services for years to come.
$1,350,995
Kingston
Ontario
Isabel Turner Library Renovation
Isabel Turner Library is a 32,000 sq. ft public library constructed in 1997 and serves as a critical community hub in the west-end of Kingston. The retrofit project will involve aggressive decarbonization measures, energy efficiency upgrades, and site-wide accessibility improvements, including:
- Extensive building mechanical upgrades (i.e. new high efficiency heat pumps)
- Full lighting replacement from fluorescent to LEDs
- Modifications to public and staff entrances to make them fully accessible
- Washroom renovations to make them accessible and a new universal washroom
- General accessibility improvements, including: colour contrasting floors and walls, improved circulation, elevator repairs, low reach shelving, integrated assistive devices, and wayfinding
- Building envelope improvements (water sealing).
$1,000,000
Kingston
Ontario
Solar PV Array – Rideau Heights Community Centre
Retrofit the facility with a net-metered photovoltaic array on the roof and in the adjacent parking lot.
$1,294,560
Kitchener
Ontario
Quad Gymnasium at RBJ Schlegel Park
The new 33,800 sq. ft. gymnasium will be Kitchener’s first facility of this kind, designed to competition standards for pickleball, basketball, indoor cricket, volleyball, and badminton. Located at the intersection of Huron Road and Fischer-Hallman Road, the facility is in the rapidly growing southwestern area of Kitchener, an area that has historically lacked sufficient recreational infrastructure. Just a 10-minute drive from Highway 401 and near other arterial routes the facility will be easily accessible by many, with an expected 150,000 local and non-local visitors in the first year with numbers expected to grow. The gymnasium will operate as a Net-Zero facility, making it one of the most environmentally sustainable recreation centers in Ontario. This will be achieved through a combination of advanced geo-thermal and solar photovoltaics as well as sustainable material selection such as cross-laminated timber wall systems, which significantly reduce the building’s carbon footprint.
$2,000,000
Lac Brome, Quebec (formerly known as Knowlton)
Quebec
Lac Brome Museum Expansion – New Building
Construction a 6000 sq.ft., 2-story building to expand museum displays/public spaces and to provide access during winter to museum and public events. The climate-controlled building will have an elevator, disabled-friendly washrooms and ground-floor exhibits.
$2,211,089
Lindsay
Ontario
Ampere’s Community STEAM Space
Ampere is undertaking a green and inclusive retrofit to create a community STEAM space in Lindsay, Ontario.
Currently, this 13,248 sq.ft. facility is largely inaccessible with poor energy efficiency. Retrofits will help create a safe, energy efficient, and inclusive multi-purpose learning and activity space. Its ambitious goals include:
– Green measures (target 65% energy savings, -90% in annual GHG emissions): Adding insulation and curtain walls, upgrading windows and exterior doors, upgrading HVAC, installing LED lighting
– Accessibility measures (exceeding the highest accessibility standards): Installing exterior/interior ramps, non-slip flooring, elevator, and accessible doors.This project will primarily benefit underserved/high needs groups in rural Ontario, including people experiencing poverty, Indigenous peoples, people living with disabilities, newcomers, and seniors.
$2,000,000
Little Current
Ontario
Fuel Electrification and Solar Net Metering at NEMI Municipal Library
Offset existing propane and heating oil fuel consumption through installation of cold temperature air-source heat pumps as the new primary heating source, while retaining some of the existing heating system for backup and peak heating demand during extreme cold weather. Other ventilation, HVAC control and building envelope improvements are planned to increase occupant comfort and reduce issues around shoulder season heating with existing heating systems.
$97,362
London
Ontario
Shelter from the Heat: Creating a Community Forestry Centre for Southwestern Ontario
Transform a 1940s Veterans facility into an energy-efficient, solar-powered, climate-resilient centre for community forestry programs aimed at combating climate change, particularly extreme heat, through tree planting and other nature-based solutions. The centre will offer a variety of free, publicly accessible programs, events, and services.
$2,195,115
London
Ontario
LOSC BMO Sports Centre Green Retrofit Project
Retrofit windows and minimize energy loss, and update outdated mechanical systems and HVAC equipment to optimize performance and reduce environmental impact. The project will provide a more eco-friendly facility, benefiting the London community and its 600,000+ annual visitors by improving comfort and lowering operational costs.
$600,000
Madeira Park, Sunshine Coast Regional District, Area A
British Columbia
Pender Harbour Community Hall Renovation & Upgrade Project
Replace the rafters and roof of the Hall with the goal of extending the life of the building and reduce GHG emissions by upgrading insulation, installing LED lighting and an ERV. The project will enable a solar panel array on the roof. The project will improve accessibility by installing automatic door opener at the main entrance which will complement the accessibility ramp donated by a local business. The project will reduce operating costs by reducing energy consumption and making the Hall more accessible for stakeholders.
$532,059
Mississippi Mills
Ontario
Reducing the Carbon Footprint: Museum Retrofit
Improve energy efficiency, reduce the carbon footprint of the MVTM, and increase long-term viability of the site through investments in grid-connected solar PV, high-efficiency electric heat pumps, improved thermal performance, electrical system upgrade, and WIFI-enabled computerized energy management.
$800,000
Montréal
Quebec
Project Second Chance – Enhancing Community Inclusion, Integration and Support Services to Ex-Inmates
Expand the Maison Belfield facility by approximately 8% by removing walls between the living room, kitchen, and dining areas to create a more open and functional environment and enhance public accessibility to group meetings, social events, and rehabilitation activities.
$294,455
Montréal
Quebec
The Oasis in Transformation: together for an inclusive and sustainable environment for the families of our community
Renovation of the backyard to better manage rainwater and reduce its impact on the building. To improve accessibility, plans include renovating common areas, automating one of the entrance doors, and installing a weather-protected universal access ramp. Improvements to insulation, windows, doors, the air conditioning and heating system, and lighting are also planned.
$550,000
Montréal
Quebec
Montreal North Sport Centre
Build the sports section of the arena, which includes a double gymnasium, a gymnastics area, a walking track, locker rooms, bleachers, and administrative offices for the organizations.
$15,000,000
Municipality of Pictou
Nova Scotia
MARSA Expansions
Expand kitchen and greenroom/storage, deck, and improve energy and climate and accessibility.
$202,840
Nepean
Ontario
Mamaawi Lodge: Expanding Green Spaces for an Inclusive Future
The Mamaawi Lodge Expansion project involves a substantial addition to cultural performance and education facility, addressing the growing demand for its programming. The expansion will add 457.7 m² to the existing 442 m² pavilion, creating space for an artisan marketplace, office, makerspace, classroom, storage, washrooms, and more.
Upgrades to the current pavilion will include refinishing the event space, energy-efficient lighting, new AV and stage systems, and enhancements to the building envelope such as re-cladding, new windows, doors, insulation, and barriers. A new heat pump, septic system, and hydro service upgrades will further improve sustainability.
This expansion enhances the organization’s ability to offer culturally immersive and educational experiences, benefiting Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities by promoting cultural understanding and reconciliation.$5,000,000
Norfolk County
Ontario
Reducing CO2 Emissions: Port Rowan Community Centre Retrofit
Install a new roof with insulation, solar panel installation with battery storage, HVAC improvements, building envelope upgrades, and enhanced accessibility features.
$1,510,000
Oka
Quebec
Renovation of Juliette Huot Place
Modernize and make this seniors’ reception center more environmentally friendly. The work will include demolishing and rebuilding the entrance ramp for better accessibility, replacing doors and windows with more energy-efficient models, adding gutters and roof ventilators, and improving insulation. The project also includes decontaminating and removing a buried oil tank, installing an electric furnace, and making various repairs to the building envelope.
$442,008
Ottawa
Ontario
African, Caribbean & Black Wellness Resource Centre: Breaking Barriers
Install energy-efficient windows, lighting, and HVAC systems to reduce the building’s environmental impact and operational costs. Install automatic, wheelchair-accessible doors and an exterior ramp, ensuring ease of access for all members of the community, especially those with mobility impairments. The subfloors will be upgraded to smooth, safe vinyl flooring, improving traction and significantly reducing the risk of accidents.
$237,699
Percé
Quebec
Renovation of the Charles Robin heritage barn (built in 1780) into the Percé community Art Centre
For 16 years, the Percéides Festival has been a major cultural player in the region, offering programming for all audiences. As a long-term tenant of the Charles Robin heritage building, Les Percéides wants to restore this venue’s artistic and community vocation by restoring and redeveloping it into the Percé Art Centre, offering cutting-edge cultural, community, and educational activities year-round, aimed at all ages. The winterized building will be accessible and serve the various communities of Greater Percé and the Gaspé Peninsula so they can meet and develop social and multidisciplinary activities. The renovated building will include various accessible spaces such as a meeting room, a community kitchen for events, a community café, a screening room, artist residencies, and an exhibition hall.
$2,000,000
Pictou County, District 10: Coalburn, Greenwood, Kirmount, McLellans Brook, McLellans Mountain
Nova Scotia
Ivor MacDonald Deep Energy Retrofit Project
Reduce the building emissions (by over 85%) from the Ivor MacDonald Community Arena by making vast improvements to the properties envelope, mechanical, lighting, and renewable energy systems. Targeted upgrades include converting aging oil and wood boilers to an efficient closed-loop geothermal heating system, installing ductless heat pumps, adding a 75kW solar PV array, replacing fluorescent lighting with LED, upgrading controls, and increasing wall insulation. In total the project looks to reduce total on-site energy use by 87%.
$200,000
Qualicum Beach
British Columbia
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project
Double the size of the current facility, connecting rural and urban residents of the Oceanside, BC area with publicly accessible, affordable aquatics programming. This improve community services while meeting the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Standard V4.The new facility includes a new pool area and modernized change rooms.
$7,000,000
Rothesay
New Brunswick
The Rothesay Intergenerational Centre – Phase 2
The Rothesay Intergenerational Centre (RIC) – phase 2 project is to refurbish and repurpose the 50-year-old Rothesay Arena as a multiuse recreation facility serving the broad Rothesay community and the nearby town of Quispamsis (total population ±35,000).
The existing rink boards and ice plant will be removed and a new multipurpose floor installed suitable for a variety of sports, recreation and cultural activities. The existing structure and select components of the building will be retained and a new, energy-efficient building envelope and HVAC system added. The facility will be upgraded to universal design standards (barrier free). Usage will be intergenerational responding to the needs of a growing senior’s population, active adults and emerging needs of newcomers. Sited adjacent one of our neighbourhoods under stress and within walking distance of a second, this facility is expected to provide wellness opportunities for youth and adults otherwise unserved or underserved.$7,000,000
Saint-Félix-de-Valois
Quebec
Energy renovation and remodelling of the old Presbytery
Modernization, roof repair, replacement of the heating and ventilation system, renovation of the sanitary blocks and redefinition of the storage and office spaces so that the building complies with the building code will allow the rehabilitation of the premises to accommodate community organizations, to preserve an important element of the built, religious and historical heritage of the community while improving the accessibility of the building and its ecological footprint in order to make it a truly green, inclusive and accessible community building.
$1,300,000
Saint Theresa Point First Nation # 298
Manitoba
Saint Theresa Point First Nation Daycare Solar Project
Retrofit the St. Theresa Point First Nation Daycare building with a grid tied solar photovoltaic system. The 50.6 kW solar PV system is designed to reduce carbon emissions and overall carbon footprint. The solar system will create ~55,900 kWh or 98% of the electricity requirements, lowering operating expenses by ~$6000/year that can to go towards equipment, toys, lunches and even additional staff to meet the constant demand.
$255,332
Sault Ste. Marie
Ontario
John Rhodes Community Centre Energy Retrofit and Accessibility Project
Replace the existing roof to support solar panel installation, upgrading the roof condenser and air handling units for better HVAC efficiency, converting the entire facility to LED lighting and solar panel installation. These changes aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs, aligning with Canada’s climate goals. Additionally, accessible bleachers will be installed in the hockey arena to create an inclusive environment for families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
$1,000,000
Seine River First Nation
Ontario
Seine River Community Centre Renovations
Retrofit the 20-year old gymnasium / community centre, that includes replacing the diesel boiler with a geothermal system, adding a solar panel array and replacing windows, and improving accessibility of the building by installing a wider entryway with a concrete apron.
$2,998,863
St. John’s
Newfoundland and Labrador
Kilbride Lions Community Centre: Deep Energy Retrofit & Renewal Project
The City of St. John’s is undertaking a comprehensive retrofit of the Kilbride Lions Community Centre to improve energy efficiency, accessibility, and safety. This project will focus on deep energy retrofits, including upgrades to insulation, heating systems, and lighting, key accessibility upgrades, such as the installation of a gender-neutral accessible washroom and an elevator and, critical safety upgrades, including modernizing outdated electrical systems to address long-overdue maintenance issues.
These improvements target an 80% reduction in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, aligned with the City’s climate action plans, while also promoting inclusivity and safety. The project will benefit all residents, especially vulnerable populations such as indigenous households, single-parent families, and those experiencing energy poverty in the community.
$1,000,000
Surrey
British Columbia
North Surrey Indigenous Learning Centre
The North Surrey Indigenous Learning Centre is a new construction project designed to support the cultural, educational, and social needs of the Kwantlen, Katzie, and Semiahmoo First Nations. The Centre will feature workshops, classrooms, and gathering spaces, fostering cultural knowledge sharing and Indigenous traditions like wood carving. Designed with a focus on sustainability and accessibility, the fully electrified building will meet Zero Carbon Building standards and feature energy-efficient systems. The Centre will also offer the broader Surrey community an opportunity to learn about and engage with First Nations culture, enhancing cultural exchange and inclusivity.
$2,000,000
Temiskaming Shores, Timiskaming District
Ontario
Waterfront Pool & Fitness Centre Energy & GHG Retrofit
Upgrade the regional health and wellness facility, which is the only indoor aquatic and fitness facility within a 75 km radius, providing essential services to seniors, low-income families, and other vulnerable populations, and improve thermal comfort by modernizing HVAC system. This will achieve a 32% improvement in energy efficiency.
$810,160
The Magdalen Islands
Quebec
Musée de la Mer des Îles-de-la-Madeleine: Geothermal upgrading and climate resilience
Improve the performance of the envelope to save energy. Subsequently, an increase in auxiliary power will be necessary to relieve the overstressed geothermal units in the friable soil of the archipelago by about 40%. The new auxiliary system will consist of overhead VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) units to complement the geothermal system.
$116,766
Thessalon
Ontario
The Town of Thessalon Sustainability Initiative: Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Accessibility at the Thessalon Memorial Arena and Thessalon Curling Club
This transformative project aims to modernize the Thessalon Memorial Arena and Curling Club by installing an energy-efficient CO2 refrigeration plant and implementing a suite of energy conservation measures, including electric resurfacing equipment, space temperature setbacks, and ice temperature optimization. The project will reduce electrical consumption by 35.3% and lower CO2e emissions by 42.4%, supporting Canada’s climate goals. Additionally, key accessibility upgrades, such as automatic door openers, improved washrooms, and ramp modifications, will ensure that the facility is inclusive for all community members. These improvements will safeguard the arena’s future, ensuring it remains a vital recreational hub for Town of Thessalon, Thessalon First Nation and many other surrounding communities.
$2,000,000
Thunder Bay
Ontario
Science North Thunder Bay: A Net Zero Attraction and Home for Science in Northwestern Ontario
Build a net-zero science centre attraction in Thunder Bay, designed to the Canadian Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Standard (V4) and provide accessible community services to 67,500 people annually, including populations experiencing higher needs.
$20,000,000
Toronto
Ontario
YMCA Bridletowne Neighbourhood Centre
This is a new mixed-use community and recreation centre, owned by the YMCA of Greater Toronto, will contain a combination of health, fitness and child programming along with leased spaces for local community social and health services. The facility will be roughly 14,000 m2 and brings together numerous local small United Way community agencies alongside large established organizations like Scarborough Health Network (SHN) to weave health and well-being into this forward-thinking model of caring for all ages at all stages of their wellness journey.
The project is targeting LEED certification, Toronto Green Standard Tier 2, and Fitwel – making it an example of healthy and climate-smart development. The current design includes ultra-efficient energy systems and low-carbon materials, and GICB funding will allow the project to achieve Zero Carbon Standard certification by eliminating fossil fuels and offsetting any residual emissions associated with the project.
$9,000,000
Toronto
Ontario
Central YMCA energy infrastructure retrofit
Implement a variety of repairs and retrofit measures to significantly reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions, which will ultimately result in a 38% reduction in fuel consumption, 32% reduction in fuel cost, and 49% reduction in carbon emissions.
$1,060,152
Toronto
Ontario
Oshawa YMCA energy infrastructure retrofit
This is an existing, 5,794 sqm mixed-use community and recreation centre owned by the YMCA of Greater Toronto. It brings together the local community and features a wide range of health and fitness facilities and programs, childcare, and day camps. However, as an older building, the building currently contains a number of inefficient systems and building features, resulting in higher energy consumption and GHG emissions, as well as increased fuel cost.
The project will implement a variety of repairs and retrofit measures to significantly reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions, which will ultimately result in a 40% reduction in fuel consumption, 34% reduction in fuel cost, and 60% reduction in carbon emissions. With these measures funded through the GICB program, this project is an excellent example of retrofitting existing buildings to convert them into modern, high-performance facilities.
$1,000,000
Toronto
Ontario
Parkdale Activity-Recreation Centre (PARC) Community Hub Revitalization and Energy Saving Retrofit
Replace the windows and the roof, insulating walls and replace the 25-year-old rooftop HVAC units with a new, highly efficient centralized HVAC (VRF) system. Accessibility and fire safety systems will conform to the highest standards. The renovation will not only improve energy efficiency, accessibility, and safety but will reduce GHG emissions, make PARC more resilient to climate change and reduce the risks and costs associated with it.
$500,000
Toronto
Ontario
Westend YMCA energy retrofit
Implement a variety of repairs and retrofit measures to significantly reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions, which will ultimately result in a 39% reduction in fuel consumption, 32% reduction in fuel cost, and 44% reduction in carbon emissions.
$414,624
Town Of Bancroft
Ontario
The Green Ice Initiative: Accessible and Sustainable Upgrades to the North Hastings Community Centre
Upgrade to the Thermalcare refrigeration system, which is safer and offers up to a 41% reduction in energy costs, and install a universal washroom addressing the lack of accessible facilities in the arena.
$1,944,217
Town of Main Brook
Newfoundland and Labrador
Moving Towards a Green Future – Revitalizing Community Spaces
Retrofit an existing municipal storage and warehousing building to become a multi-purpose building that enhances community engagement and interactions, attracts guests, visitors and new families, and supports diverse and underserved local groups with a focus on mental health, aging in place, education and entertainment for youth.
$230,323
Town of Olds
Alberta
Olds Men’s Shed and Community Arts Hub: Activating the former Town of Olds Operations Shop
Renovate the interior of the building to ensure it is safe, accessible, and functional as a community building while improving energy efficiency, lowering carbon emissions and enhancing climate resilience. A Community Arts Hub would offer space for local artists to gather, create and share their talents through various projects and cultural events. The Hub would also be a place for community members to come together to engage in art creation, appreciate art, and participate in other cultural activities.
$199,824
Town of Whitby
Ontario
55+ – Feasibility Study / HVAC Upgrades & Interior Renovations
Upgrade the Seniors Activity Centre HVAC systems, including new air handling units, rooftop unit condensers, replacement of hot water tanks, and building automation system upgrades.
$798,486
Township of Johnson
Ontario
Johnson Township Community Centre Green Efficiency Updates
Improve the ice making plant, HVAC system, bathrooms, showers, lighting, and enclosure tightness. The installation of automation solutions and replacement of equipment long past its useful life, will reduce consumption, limit water usage, and reduce product waste throughout the building. This will increase energy efficiency’s by approximately 25%, reduce GHG emissions by approximately 35%, reduce costs by $45,000, and reduce water consumption by a minimum of 660,000 gallons annually.
$1,309,728
Trenton
Ontario
Wooler Schoolhouse Project
The Wooler Schoolhouse Project will renovate the heritage 1915 Wooler Schoolhouse in Quinte West, Ontario to return it community service as a modernized, sustainable, climate change resilient, and accessible recreation facility. Renovations will include an addition to provide elevator access and a second emergency exit.
The Schoolhouse’s 2.8-acre property will be developed to support outdoor recreational and cultural activities identified by the community.The Project is led by the non-profit Wooler and Area Community Organization that will operate the renovated Schoolhouse to provide inclusive, affordable, local access to recreational programs and spaces for community events, services missing in the area since the demolition of the Wooler Town Hall in 2012.
The revitalized Schoolhouse will become a sustainable platform for community engagement, economic development, preservation of history, and cultural events, including meeting the needs of underserved area youth and seniors.$1,000,000
Village of Memramcook
New Brunswick
Memramcook Recreation Centre
Build a sustainable recreation centre in the rural linguistic minority community. This centre will be a modern and inclusive space, designed to meet the needs of vulnerable groups such as at-risk youth, newcomers, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families. The centre will offer affordable and accessible programming. The project aligns with Canada’s net-zero carbon energy goals, aiming for net-zero energy performance.
$6,000,000
Waterloo
Ontario
MSCC Energy and Accessibility Retrofit
Reductions Energy/GHG by electrification of (natural) gas heating systems, energy recovery, lighting, controls, and new roofing. Accessibility and inclusivity is enhanced with a new universal washroom, and automatic door operators. Community service offering is increased with a new arena dehumidifier with air conditioning.
$2,399,582
Westport
Ontario
WTC Communication Center GHG Reduction & Energy Efficiency Upgrades
The Westport Community Arena Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Upgrades project aims to enhance the facility’s energy performance and environmental impact through a series of targeted measures. These include optimizing dehumidifier controls, installing air-source heat pump water heaters, implementing night temperature setbacks, and upgrading to LED lighting with occupancy sensors. Additionally, the project will integrate a hydronic forced-air bleacher heating system using reclaimed heat, and install a solar photovoltaic system on the roof. These upgrades will reduce energy consumption by 98.6%, lower operational costs, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 96.1%, benefiting the entire Westport community by providing a more sustainable and cost-effective recreational facility. The project will also improve accessibility, indoor air quality and comfort for users, ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable environment for all.
$2,000,000
Winnipeg
Manitoba
Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum Energy & Envelope Upgrade
Replace windows, and mechanical systems including HVAC system with heat pumps, new ductwork, controls and energy recovery ventilators.
$1,000,000
Winnipeg
Manitoba
Riverview Community Centre – Comprehensive Green Energy Retrofit: Interior & Exterior
Replace mechanical systems and interior and exterior components that have exceeded their functional lifespan. These upgrades will improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and prepare the centre to serve the community in a carbon-constrained future.
$924,079
Yellowknife
Northwest Territories
Endacho Healing Lodge
Build a new, energy efficient and eco-sensitive Endacho Healing Lodge that will be built as a place of harmony with the land and water. In this place, Indigenous people who have suffered trauma can heal by connecting with their culture and the land through a combination of traditional and western healing methods. The Lodge is designed to integrate into the natural contours of the land, incorporating energy efficiency technology proven effective and sustainable in the northern environment.
$7,000,000
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Activist News – PSNA to protest Winston Peters’ policy of appeasement towards the US/Israel
Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)
PSNA supporters will protest at the Winston Peters public meeting in Ōtautahi/Christchurch this afternoon calling for him to end his policy of appeasement towards the US and Israel.
“Winston Peters’ is New Zealand’s Neville Chamberlain” says PSNA Co National Chair John Minto. “He has refused to condemn any of Israel’s war crimes against Palestinians, including the total humanitarian aid blockade of Gaza”
(Neville Chamberlain was Britain’s Prime Minister from 1937 to 1940. His name is synonymous with the policy of “appeasement” because he conceded territorial concessions to Nazi Germany in the late 1930s, fruitlessly hoping to avoid war)
“It’s unprecedented in New Zealand history that a government would refuse to condemn Israel breaking its ceasefire agreement and resuming industrial-scale slaughter of civilians. That is what Israel is doing today in Gaza, with full backing from the White House,” Minto says.
“Chamberlain went to meet Hitler in Munich in 1938 to whitewash Nazi Germany’s takeovers of its neighbours’ lands.”
“Peters has been in Washington to agree to US approval of the occupation of southern Syria, more attacks on Lebanon, resumption of the land grab genocide in Gaza and get a heads-up on US plans to ‘give’ the Occupied West Bank to Israel later this year.”
“If Peters disagrees with any of this, he’s had plenty of chances to say so.”
“New Zealanders are calling for sanctions on Israel but Mr Peters and the National-led government are looking the other way.”
“Today’s protest will be holding Peters to account.”
John Minto
Co National Chair
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa
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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Breast milk donations save lives
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Last April, Ida Chan welcomed her son into the world. He was born a kilogramme lighter than expected, and Ida decided to breastfeed to help him bulk up.
Initially, she faced challenges. As her baby was hospitalised due to newborn jaundice, Ida missed the initial window to start breastfeeding. As she struggled to produce enough milk herself, she was also distressed to discover that her son had trouble digesting baby formula.
Fortunately, she managed to boost her milk supply through consistent pumping and was finally able to breastfeed exclusively three months later.
With her son now thriving, she knows she made the right decision. “Every drop of breast milk is not just about tiredness, pain and time,” she reflected. “It is all about a mother’s love to her baby.
Heartfelt giving
When Ida subsequently learned about some of her friends’ premature babies being severely underweight, it hit close to home. Accordingly, when she learned about the launch of the Hong Kong Breast Milk Bank, she did not hesitate to sign up online right away.
After clearing a health screening, she began donating some of her breast milk, just as she had hoped.
Even though she has returned to working full-time and her own child is eating more solid foods, combined with three milk feeds a day, Ida still makes time to pump and reserve an extra bag to donate to other babies.
Altogether, it takes half an hour for her to pump the milk, store it, and clean up, but she is heartened that she is able to lend a hand to other families in need. “I think it is worth it because I am doing something good for the community.”
She added that she wants to set an example to her son. “In the future, I want to tell my baby ‘Your mother was helping others, and I want you to be a person like me.’”
Beyond expectations
Donating breast milk is not as simple as having good intentions, however. To qualify, donors need to be currently lactating, and have a baby under one year old. They also have to be in good health, pass a thorough assessment that includes a review of their medication history, and submit to undergoing blood tests every three months.
Since launching in January of this year, the Hong Kong Breast Milk Bank, located in the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, has collected more than 300 litres of donated breast milk and recruited over 100 eligible donors.
Hong Kong Breast Milk Bank Director Dr Rosanna Wong said the numbers are beyond expectations.
This month, the initiative began its second phase, offering donor breast milk to all nine of the Hospital Authority’s Neonatal Intensive Care Units.
“The first priority of using this milk are those babies who are born under 32 weeks of gestation, or with birth weight less than 1.5kg,” Dr Wong explained. “Other babies who require the milk will be those who have severe diseases like congenital heart disease, or after a gastrointestinal operation.”
She added that if the bank could gather more donations, milk could be given to less premature babies, or even full-term babies with special needs.
All milk donated to the bank undergoes pasteurisation, microbiological testing and nutritional analysis, all under strict temperature controls, to ensure its safety and quality.
Ideal nourishment
Dr Wong described breast milk as the best nutrition for infants, particularly premature babies, as it contains unique properties such as immunoglobulins and immune factors that protect these babies from infections.
She emphasised that using breast milk for such babies reduces complications, including necrotising enterocolitis.
Calling on the community to rally behind the cause,” she added: “Each drop of donated breast milk is a gift of life for these vulnerable babies. We are looking forward to receiving more support from the mothers and the community.”
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MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Taking on Trump
Source: Liberal Democrats UK
Amendments
Drafting Amendments
The FCC has agreed to make the following drafting amendments to the motion:
Delete iii) (lines 12-13) and insert:
iii) Trump’s suspension of military aid to Ukraine, and lack of commitment to NATO.
In iv) (line 15) after ‘Greenland’ insert: ‘…and his threat to annexe Canada as the US 51st state.’
After line 15, insert new v):
v) Trump’s reckless comments proposing that Palestinians be removed from Gaza and ‘resettled’ elsewhere – which would constitute a grave violation of international law – undermining the already fragile ceasefire and disregarding the legitimate right of Palestinians for their own state.
After line 28, insert new x), xi) and xii):
x) Trump’s cancellation of USAID, which could lead to China increasing its influence in the Global South.
xi) The disgraceful verbal assault by Trump and Vance on President Zelensky in the Oval Office on 28 February 2025.
xii) The Trump Administration’s actions to roll back the rights of LGBTQ+ people in the US, in particular towards trans people, as well as those of women and ethnic minorities.
Amendment One
Submitted by: 12 members
Mover: Helen Maguire MP (Spokesperson for Defence)
Summation: Baroness Smith of Newnham (Lords Spokesperson for Defence)After line 37, insert:
Conference welcomes the Government’s decision to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, but expresses concern that doing so by cutting Official Development Assistance will ultimately make the UK less secure.
Delete E. b) (lines 69-70) and insert:
b) Committing to spending 2.5% of GDP as soon as possible – to be funded by raising the Digital Services Tax from 2% to 10% – and holding cross-party talks to agree a consensus on how to reach spending 3% of GDP on defence.
After line 84, insert:
d) Support the creation of a Rearmament Bank, together with our European and other allies, to enable greater access to finance for defence programmes.
Amendment Two
Submitted by: 12 members
Mover: James McCleary MP (Spokesperson for Europe)
Summation: David Chalmers (Chair of the Federal International Relations Committee)At end of line 39, insert: ‘…and that enhancing economic ties with the EU, including by cutting red tape and boosting trade links, is essential for insulating the UK from Trump’s unpredictability as well as growing our economy’.
At end of line 57, insert: ‘…and, as the culmination of the third stage in our roadmap, negotiate a new UK-EU Customs Union by 2030 at the latest.’
Amendment Three
Submitted by: Yorkshire and Humber
Mover: Samuel Jackson
Summation: Adrian RamsdaleAfter line 53, insert new B.:
B. Ensure Ukraine’s participation in peace negotiations as an equal partner to safeguard against a coerced and detrimental peace settlement.
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MIL-Evening Report: Green Party’s Swarbrick calls for urgent NZ action over Israel’s ‘crazy’ Gaza slaughter
Asia Pacific Report
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick called on New Zealand government MPs today to support her Member’s Bill to sanction Israel over its “crazy slaughter” of Palestinians in Gaza.
Speaking at a large pro-Palestinian solidarity rally in the heart of New Zealand’s largest city Auckland, she said Aotearoa New Zealand could no longer “remain a bystander to the slaughter of innocent people in Gaza”.
In the fifth day since Israel broke the two-month-old ceasefire and refused to begin negotiations on phase two of the truce — which was supposed to lead to a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the besieged enclave and an exchange of hostages — health officials reported that the death toll had risen above 630, mostly children and women.
Five children were killed in a major overnight air attack on Gaza City and at least eight members of the family remained trapped under the rubble as Israeli attacks continued in the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
Confirmed casualty figures in Gaza since October 7, 2023, now stand at 49,747 with 113,213 wounded, the Gaza Health Ministry said.
For more than two weeks, Israel has sealed off border crossings and barred food, water and electricity and today it blew up the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, the only medical institution in Gaza able to provide cancer treatment.
“The research has said it from libraries, libraries and libraries. And what is it doing in Gaza?” said Swarbrick.
‘Ethnic cleansing . . . on livestream’
“It is ethnic cleansing. It is apartheid. It is genocide. And we have that delivered to us by livestream to each one of us every single day on our cellphones,” she said.“That is crazy. It is crazy to wake up every single day to that.”
Swarbrick said Aotearoa New Zealand must act now to sanction Israel for its crimes — “just like we did with Russia for its illegal action in Ukraine.”
She said that with the Green Party, Te Pāti Māori and Labour’s committed support, they now needed just six of the 68 government MPs to “pass my Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill into law”.
“There’s no more time for talk. If we stand for human rights and peace and justice, our Parliament must act,” she said.
“Action for Gaza Now” banner heads a march protesting against Israel’s resumed attacks on the besieged Strip in Auckland today. Image: APR In September, Aotearoa had joined 123 UN member states to support a resolution calling for sanctions against those responsible for Israel’s “unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in relation to settler violence”.
“Our government has since done nothing to fulfil that commitment. Our Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill starts that very basic process.
“No party leader or whip can stop a Member of Parliament exercising their democratic right to vote how they know they need to on this Bill,” she said to resounding cheers.
‘No hiding behind party lines’
“There is no more hiding behind party lines. All 123 Members of Parliament are each individually, personally responsible.”Several Palestinian women spoke of the terror with the new wave of Israeli bombings and of their families’ personal connections with the suffering in Gaza, saying it was vitally important to “hear our stories”. Some spoke of the New Zealand government’s “cowardice” for not speaking out in opposition like many other countries.
About 1000 people took part in the protest in a part of Britomart’s Te Komititanga Square in a section now popularly known as “Palestine Corner”.
Amid a sea of banners and Palestinian flags there were placards declaring “Stop the genocide”, “Jews for tangata whenua from Aotearoa to Palestine”, “Hands off West Bank End the occupation” , “The people united will never be defeated”, “Decolonise your mind, stand with Palestine,” “Genocide — made in USA”, and “Toitū Te Tiriti Free Palestine”.
“Genocide – Made in USA” poster at today’s Palestinian solidarity rally. Image: APR The ceasefire-breaking Israeli attacks on Gaza have shocked the world and led to three UN General Assembly debates this week on the Middle East.
France, Germany and Britain are among the latest countries to condemn Israel for breaching the ceasefire — describing it as a “dramatic step backwards”, and France has told the UN that it is opposed to any form of annexation by Israel of any Palestinian territory.
Meanwhile, Sultan Barakat, a professor at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar, told Al Jazeera in an interview that the more atrocities Israel committed in Gaza, the more young Palestinian men and women would join Hamas.
“So it’s not going to disappear any time soon,” he said.
With Israel killing more than 630 people in five days and cutting off all aid to the Strip for weeks, there was no trust on the part of Hamas to restart the ceasefire, Professor Barakat said.
“Jews for tangata whenua from Aotearoa to Palestine” . . . a decolonisation placard at today’s Palestine solidarity rally in Auckland. Image: APR -
MIL-OSI Africa: Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) announces 2nd Edition of The Prize for Publishing in Africa
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
CAIRO, Egypt, March 22, 2025/APO Group/ —
Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), an intervention by African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) invites African publishers of trade books to apply for the second edition of the CANEX Book Factory Prize for Publishing in Africa.
The initiative, developed in partnership with Narrative Landscape Press Limited, underscores the commitment of Afreximbank through the CANEX Book Factory to showcasing of the literary and publishing value chain in Africa, and developing literary talent across the continent and its diaspora. The inaugural edition saw Cassava Republic Press, win the Prize in 2024 for the “Female Fear Factory: Unveiling Patriarchy’s Culture of Violence,” by Pumla Dineo Gqola.
The CANEX Book Factory Prize for Publishing in Africa is designed to celebrate and recognise the outstanding contributions of African publishers and authors to the literary world. The total prize fund is $28,000, with $20,000 awarded to the winner and $2,000 distributed to each of the four finalists. The prize is open to trade books published by Africa-domiciled publishers in the year preceding the prize, in one or more of the official languages of the African Union: Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili, and any other African language.
Submissions will be judged on the quality of writing, editing and production. Priority will be given to books printed and produced on the African continent, as well as to books published in indigenous African languages. Interested publishers should visit https://apo-opa.co/4hsvFVy to register, with entries open from 17 March – 30 April 2025.
The CANEX Book Factory is an annual programme of events under Afreximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus initiative. This year’s programme will culminate in an awards ceremony at the fourth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) (https://apo-opa.co/4hwpf7R), Africa’s premier trade and investment event, taking place in Algiers, Algeria from 4 – 10 September 2025.
During the week-long fair, more than 2,000 exhibitors, including businesses from the African continent and globally, will be showcasing their goods and services to the visitors and buyers while exploring opportunities and exchanging information. This is projected to translate into over US$44 billion in trade and investment deals.
Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra African Trade and Export Development, Afreximbank, said, “We are delighted to announce the 2025 CANEX Book Factory Prize for Publishing in Africa. Building on last year’s successful edition, this landmark initiative celebrates African publishing excellence. Through the CANEX Book Factory, we aim to put a spotlight on the enormous contribution of African authors and publishers to Africa’s cultural identity and economy.”
Dr Eghosa Imasuen, co-founder of Narrative Landscape Press Limited and Programme Manager for the CANEX Book Factory, said, “The first edition of the Prize greatly underscored the necessity of this intervention in the publishing value chain in Africa. We are grateful to Afreximbank and CANEX for their ongoing support of African publishing. We are excited to launch this second edition, and we hope to see submissions from more publishers across the continent than in the inaugural edition.”
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MIL-OSI Germany: Volume of counterfeits in Germany up again | Total loss arising from counterfeits down
Source: Deutsche Bundesbank in English
In 2024, the Bundesbank registered approximately 72,400 counterfeit euro banknotes with a nominal value of €4.5 million in German payments. The number of counterfeits was thus up by 28% on the year.
“The number of counterfeits detected rose in 2024 but, at the same time, the loss arising from counterfeiting went down. This is because perpetrators have again tended increasingly towards introducing simple counterfeits of low denomination into transactions,” said Burkhard Balz, the Bundesbank Executive Board member whose remit includes cash management. As a result, the total loss arising from counterfeits in 2024 was 12% lower than in the previous year. “Overall, the incidence of counterfeit money remains moderate in scale: statistically speaking, in 2024 there were nine counterfeit banknotes per 10,000 inhabitants,” Mr Balz added.
The table below shows the distribution of counterfeits across the various denominations in 2024 and changes compared with 2023.
Banknotes
Number
Share (rounded)
Year-on-year change
€5
1,020
1%
+47%
€10
4,759
7%
+37%
€20
20,552
28%
+66%
€50
29,103
40%
+35%
€100
10,385
14%
+47%
€200
5,827
8%
-34%
€500
767
1%
-71%
Total
72,413
At around 33,800, the number of counterfeits detected in the second half of 2024 was lower than the figure for the first half of the year (38,600).
As in previous years, a large proportion of the counterfeits could easily be recognised as such. The banknotes have the words “MovieMoney” or “Prop copy” printed on them and do not mimic any of the security features found on a genuine banknote. On some of the specimens the label “MovieMoney” had been covered over and replaced with an imitation signature.
Recognising counterfeit banknotes
As counterfeit banknotes are not replaced, the Bundesbank strongly recommends checking banknotes using the “feel, look, tilt” method. It is advisable to compare a suspicious banknote with one definitely known to be genuine and to always check more than one security feature.
All counterfeits can be identified by checking the following authentication features:
Feel:
Most euro banknotes have paper that is crisp and firm to the touch, which means it is possible to identify simple counterfeits just by feeling the banknote. However, to be on the safe side, the Bundesbank recommends checking other features as well. A coating was applied to €5 and €10 banknotes from the Europa series, as well as some of the Europa series €20 notes; those notes feel smooth and firm. Both coated and uncoated €20 banknotes are in circulation.
Raised print on the front of the banknotes can be identified by touch. For example, banknotes belonging to the Europa series have the letters “BCE ECB EЦБ EZB EKP EKT EKB BĊE EBC” (and “ESB” on denominations of €50 and above) down their left edge as well as a series of short lines on the left and right-hand edges.Look:
When any banknote is held against the light, the watermark appears as a shadowy image in the unprinted area.
On denominations of €20 and above belonging to the Europa series, the upper section of the hologram contains a transparent window showing a portrait of Europa, a figure from Greek mythology.Tilt:
An emerald number can be seen on the bottom left-hand side on the front of the banknotes belonging to the Europa series. When the banknote is tilted, the emerald number changes colour and the effect of a light stripe moving upand down becomes visible.
The hologram images change when the banknote is tilted. Rainbow-coloured effects appear around the motifs.
The €100 and €200 euro banknotes have been equipped with additional security features. The emerald number contains several euro symbols that change in colour. The hologram contains a satellite feature showing two euro symbols that move around the denomination number.More counterfeit coins
In 2024, approximately 141,300 counterfeit coins were detected in German payments, compared with around 115,900 counterfeit coins in the previous year. Statistically, this equates to 17 counterfeit coins per 10,000 inhabitants in Germany. The increase was due to a number of companies accumulating coins that they suspected of being counterfeits over several years and then submitting them to the Bundesbank as a batch in 2024. There was also a rise in the number of counterfeit €2 coins being introduced into the payments system.
Counterfeits were identified in only the three highest denominations, and their incidence in 2024 was as follows.
Coins
Number
Share (rounded)
50 cent
658
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MIL-OSI: Mirastar Federal Credit Union Recognized for Best Mortgage Experience with 2025 MemberXP™ Best of the Best Award
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SAN JOSE, Calif., March 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mirastar Federal Credit Union is proud to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious 2025 Best of the Best Award for Best Mortgage Experience by MemberXP, a leading customer experience program offered through CUSG. This recognition celebrates credit unions that go above and beyond to create outstanding member experiences.
“We are incredibly honored to receive the Best of the Best award. This recognition is a testament to our team’s deep commitment to making homeownership more accessible and creating a mortgage experience that feels seamless, supportive, and personal,” said Rebecca Reynolds Lytle, Chief Executive Officer at Mirastar Federal Credit Union. “It’s not just about financing a home; it’s about guiding our members toward their goals and making the process as stress-free as possible.”
The 2025 MemberXP Best of the Best Awards is based on insights from more than 2.6 million data points, reflecting the experiences of approximately 8.6 million credit union members nationwide. Using key performance measures like Net Promoter Score (NPS) and Member Effort Score (MES), data experts evaluate and identify the top 25% of credit unions excelling in delivering superior member experiences. Mirastar was recognized as a top performer for Best Mortgage Experience, underscoring a commitment to making home financing smooth and accessible for members.
“This award reflects the heart of what we do – putting people first. We take the time to listen, understand, and tailor solutions to meet each member’s unique needs,” said Joni Barnes, VP of Lending Experience at Mirastar Federal Credit Union. “Buying a home is a major milestone, and we’re honored to be trusted partners in that journey.”
Mirastar Federal Credit Union
Mirastar Federal Credit Union (formally Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union) is a federally insured, member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative that ensures financial well-being should be within reach for everyone. Since 1950, Mirastar Federal Credit Union has dedicated itself to serving our more than 47,000 members and communities with affordable, high-quality financial services that empower them to achieve their goals. A pinnacle community outreach provides free financial education, volunteer support, and resources to local nonprofit organizations – because when our communities thrive, we all succeed. For more information about Mirastar Federal Credit Union and our commitment to exceptional member service, please visit Mirastarfcu.org or call 408.282.0700.
ABOUT CUSG
CUSG is a leading provider of innovative software and services in human resources, marketing, technology, and financial empowerment. The organization’s mission is to support businesses with the delivery of exceptional experiences for their employees and customers while also maintaining a secure and resilient environment. CUSG is home to numerous national brands, including Performance Pro, Compease, The Learning Center, MemberXP, BankingXP, Save to Win, and Love My Credit Union Rewards. Serving over 2,200 financial institutions, universities, hospitals, and other businesses nationwide, CUSG is a trusted partner in their growth and development. The company has established strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Trust & Will, Intuit TurboTax, H&R Block, Marquis, WHITE64, AudioEye, CalcXML, and Think|Stack, enabling it to offer comprehensive solutions tailored to support diverse business strategies and needs. For more information, visit CUSG.com.Net Promoter Score (NPS®) is a trademark of Satmetrix, Bain & Company, and Fred Reichfield.
Teresa Caseras
VP Marketing
Mirastar Federal Credit Union
tcaseras@mirastarfcu.org
mirastarfcu.org -
MIL-OSI Germany: Unchanged global climate policies will cost India 19% and world 15% of GDP by 2050 | Interview with The Economic Times
Source: Deutsche Bundesbank in English
The interview was conducted by Deepshikha Sikarwar & Vinay Pandey.
How do you see US president Donald Trump’s election weighing in on the entire climate debate?
We are central bankers and supervisors, so we are non-political. We are data-dependent and science-based. We are here together to discuss the impact of climate and nature-related risks on our economies. Talking about climate change in general, there are two major risks: physical risks; meaning increasing numbers of droughts, floods, hurricanes and wildfires. And transition risks, which are the costs and consequences of the transition to net zero.
If climate policy falls short then, of course, economic and financial risks will increase. That’s what central banks must look at. We analyze the data and see what kind of impact climate change has on the economy. That’s our job. We must deal with these risks, and we will address them, also towards governments.
What does the withdrawal of the US Federal Reserve mean for NGFS and its agenda?
The NGFS was founded at the end of 2017. At that time, we were only eight members. Now we are 144. The Fed, as you just mentioned, left in January. Except for the US, none of the members have exited so far. Instead, thirteen new members have joined since I took over as NGFS Chair at the start of 2024. So, we are still a growing organization.
And our agenda stays the same, because it has nothing to do with the exit of one member. If we see deregulation, if we see climate being taken off the policy agenda, then we might see increasing physical risk, meaning an acceleration of climate change. And that might mean that we even become more vocal on the risks we see.
How do you see India’s progress? What more needs to be done?
It’s not up to me to judge the stance and actions of our colleagues from the Reserve Bank of India. I just mentioned our latest update on the long-term scenarios about GDP being 15 % lower, worldwide, than in a world without climate change. For India, the GDP loss is even bigger. If the world keeps its current policies unchanged, global temperatures are expected to rise by three degrees Celsius (on average). And this could cost India roughly 19 % of GDP by 2050, compared to a world without climate change. So, for India, we show that climate change can have even more serious consequences than elsewhere. And, at the same time, the scenarios show that India is among those countries who would benefit the most from a global transition towards net zero emissions.
You’ve said your actions are data dependent. What is the data telling us in terms of the economic impact of climate change? Because there is also a pushback.
We are analytical powerhouses. Our climate scenarios are our flagship product. We have set up different long-term scenarios. For example, a current policy scenario or a fragmented world one, where climate policy is delayed, divergent and/or insufficient across the globe. Or a scenario where policy would bring us to a Paris-aligned world. We look at what those different climate scenarios mean in economic terms, for GDP, inflation, productivity, and so on.
The fifth vintage of our long-term climate scenarios was published at the start of November last year. It told us that under the current policies scenario, global GDP will be 15 % lower globally in 2050 than it would be without climate change. This is a striking number, and in fact we have reason to believe that it doesn’t even show the full picture, because we do not yet have a full set of data. It does not reflect, for example, future sea level rises, or the kind of climate migration that we might see. When we have more data, we will get more insights, and the results might even change.
What has the conversation been like at the plenary in the backdrop of the US exit and what is the assessment of the progress made so far?
We’ve never seen such a strong commitment as we see here in India today. More than 100 people from over 60 countries came from all around the world to be here in person. Another 100 people participated virtually. We’ve never had so many senior level representatives from central banks and financial supervisors. We have more than 25 governors or deputy governors here in India at our annual meeting.
What we’ve reflected on today is how political headwinds, deregulation, impact our work. And our work stays the same, because we are non-political animals, and we stick to our mandates. With so many central banks from all over the world in our network, we all have different mandates. In emerging markets or developing countries, the mandates are often not as narrow as they are in, for example, Europe. So, we do have members with broader mandates. That allows them to do different things, such as promoting green finance or other financial sector development.
Most central banks have initiated some sort of action on tackling climate change and its economic impact. What is your assessment of the progress and what more is needed?
With 144 members from all over the globe, there are members at completely different stages, depending on when they started and how big their capacities are. Some members are very advanced, like the French, the Dutch, the UK, and there are those who have just started or are so small that they barely have capacity.
What are the advanced central banks doing? They have started with climate stress testing in the banking sector. For example, in Europe, we have already done a few climate stress tests. In India, Brazil and many countries in Africa, you see that climate change strongly affects food prices. We also see, in some African countries for example, that energy prices are significantly affected by climate change. We cannot rely on past data or experiences; we need a forward-looking perspective. There’s a lot of uncertainty and non-linearity. So, we must work in terms of scenarios.
When the NGFS was set up in December 2017, there were some central banks who thought, “oh my god, there’s climate change and we do not know at all whether this will affect our work, our mandates”. We thought, “this might be such a big threat that it’s better to collaborate, put together all the resources we have and to see what will come out”. This is why the NGFS was set up. Over the years, we have not only realized that climate change really matters to the economy but also confirmed that it affects our mandates.
The whole idea of this network is that we share our knowledge amongst our members. This is the benefit of being a member of the NGFS. And we also produce public goods like the scenarios mentioned, which can be used by financial sector players and policymakers beyond the network.
Different governments have different commitments to climate change and central banks have different mandates. Given that, how effective can this body be?
Climate policy is not part of our mandate. What governments do is another thing. Of course, our analysis shows that if governments take less action on climate, it will have a huge impact on the economy, often also on inflation.
You are right, central banks globally have a wide range of different tasks and mandates. But this is also the beauty of our network. 144 different organisations learn from each other. Many members – for example emerging markets – have a lot in common with each other. These countries often form groups among peers so that they can share experience and best practice.
Any thinking on short-term scenario mapping?
We will soon publish our short-term scenarios with a time horizon of three to five years, hopefully in the first half of the year. We think it is important to show what will happen within this time horizon.
Not many care about 2050 and 2100. Not many of us work over this time horizon. If you are a CEO, your contract lasts 3‑5 years. If you’re a politician, you want to be re-elected within 3‑5 years. A scenario which tells you what might happen in 2050, of course, really matters for human beings. But, to tell the story to someone who thinks short term, you need also short-term scenarios.
© The Times Group. All rigths reserved. -
MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Moran Statement on Michelle Bowman’s Nomination for Federal Reserve Board Vice Chair for Supervision
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today applauded President Donald Trump’s appointment of Michelle Bowman to serve as the Federal Reserve Board Vice Chair for Supervision:
“While wielding significant power in the nation’s capital, Governor Bowman remains rooted in her home state and exemplifies the characteristics Kansans appreciate: independence, integrity, courage and a demonstrated record of service to her state and her country,” said Sen. Moran. “Since being appointed to the board in 2018, Governor Bowman has been a steadfast champion of community banks, and she understands the role that relationships play in business from her experience working at and supervising a small lender. Her perspective is desperately needed at the Federal Reserve, and I look forward to her confirmation.”
Michelle Bowman was appointed to serve as a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in 2018. Prior to her appointment, she served as the Kansas State Bank Commissioner.
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MIL-OSI Canada: The Government of Canada invests over $107 million to help stop gun violence and fight crime in Québec
Source: Government of Canada News
March 21, 2025 – Ottawa, ON
Today, the Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced that the Government of Canada is investing $107.3 million to fight crime in Quebec. This includes $84.8 million through the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund and up to $22.5 million in federal support until 2027 to bolster Quebec’s participation in the National DNA Data Bank – an essential tool to solving crimes.
Combatting gun violence
The $84.8 million, through to 2028, supports efforts by community organizations and law enforcement to combat gun violence and keep our communities safe. This announcement will ensure the renewal and implementation of promising initiatives in crime prevention, crime repression and the development of knowledge and skills on the subject in Quebec. These initiatives target both the use of armed violence to support the activities of organized crime groups, and the more erratic use of violence resulting from conflicts between rival gangs. This investment builds on the success of the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence (ITAAGGV), announced in 2017, which provides federal support to provinces and territories who then distribute the funding to where it has the biggest impact on reducing gun violence.
The ITAAGGV is a central part of the government’s plan to fight crime and keep Canadians safe. It includes investing in the men and women who protect our borders, building capacity to further strengthen our cooperation with the United States to fight gun smuggling, developing knowledge informing major changes to strengthen our firearms legislation, as well as support for prevention and enforcement efforts.
Enhancing forensic capacity
The funding of up to $22.5 million through to 2027 for the National DNA Data Bank will help law enforcement across Canada identify suspects, persons of interest and victims through DNA matches. This investment builds on existing federal funding of $3.45 million annually, provided through Public Safety Canada’s Biology Casework Analysis Contribution Program and will go toward boosting forensic lab capacity, purchasing new equipment and hiring more staff. These enhancements are expected to result in an increase in the number of DNA profiles uploaded to the national data base each year, strengthening criminal investigations and prosecutions both in the province and across the country.
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MIL-OSI: Dime Expands Lending Presence on Long Island
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., March 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: DCOM) (the “Company” or “Dime”), the parent company of Dime Community Bank (the “Bank”) announced that it has hired Antonia (Toni) Badolato as Senior Vice President and Group Leader. Toni comes to Dime from M&T Bank where she held the position of Senior Vice President, Group Manager.
“I joined Dime given the organization’s commitment to growing their business lending presence. Dime’s ability to respond to customers quickly, combined with a flat organizational structure is a proven strategy for success. These qualities are key differentiators to win business and grow,” said Toni.
Stuart H. Lubow, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dime said “Hiring Toni to help drive our growth in business lending is a win for Dime. Toni’s addition is another example of our commitment to our stated goal of diversifying our balance sheet and growing our market share.”
ABOUT DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC.
Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company for Dime Community Bank, a New York State-chartered trust company with over $14 billion in assets and the number one deposit market share among community banks on Greater Long Island (1).
Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.
Investor Relations Contact:
Avinash Reddy
Senior Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer
Phone: 718-782-6200; Ext. 5909
Email: avinash.reddy@dime.com¹ Aggregate deposit market share for Kings, Queens, Nassau & Suffolk counties for community banks with less than $20 billion in assets.
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MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council Speakers Warn of ‘Gazafication’ of West Bank, Urge Israel to End Illegal Settlements, Occupation
Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council
Israeli West Bank Operations Aimed at Dismantling Iran’s Terror Networks, Says Delegate
Speakers in the Security Council today warned of the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank and its “Gazafication” amid Israel’s ongoing counter-terrorism operations, which its representative described as efforts to dismantle Iran’s terror networks.
“The relentless expansion of Israeli settlements is dramatically altering the landscape and demographics of the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, presenting an existential threat to the prospect of a contiguous, viable, independent Palestinian State,” said Sigrid Kaag, United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process ad interim. Presenting the latest Secretary-General’s report on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2334 (2016) — a measure calling on Israel to “immediately and completely cease all settlement activity in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem” — she pointed out that settlement activity has nevertheless continued at a high rate, with Israeli planning authorities advancing or approving approximately 10,600 housing units in settlements in the occupied West Bank, including 4,920 in East Jerusalem.
Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures accelerated across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, she continued, reporting that Israeli authorities demolished 460 structures and displaced 576 people, including 287 children and 149 women, because they did not possess Israeli-issued building permits, which are almost impossible for Palestinians to obtain. Meanwhile, “alarming levels” of violence continued, with 123 Palestinians, including 6 women and 19 children, killed amidst Israeli forces’ air strikes, operations, armed exchanges and other incidents, she said, adding: “Most Palestinians were killed in the context of Israeli operations in Area A, including during exchanges of fire with armed Palestinians.”
Israel’s largest operation in the occupied West Bank since 2002 began on 21 January and has since expanded across the northern West Bank in what Israeli authorities described as a counter-terrorism operation, displacing 40,000 people, she continued. On 9 February, Israeli operations expanded into Nur Shams Camp in Tulkarem where Israel Defense Forces soldiers shot and killed two Palestinian women, one of whom was pregnant, she said, adding that two Palestinian children were killed by Israeli soldiers in incidents in Jenin and Hebron on 21 February, bringing the total number of children killed to eight across the occupied West Bank since the operation began. Detailing other developments in the occupied West Bank, including widespread movement restrictions, the arrest of 1,711 Palestinians, settler-related violence in 11 Palestinian towns and villages, and Palestinian attacks against Israelis, she called on both parties to refrain from provocative actions and inflammatory rhetoric, which has, unfortunately continued.
Echoing the Secretary-General’s observations on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016), she drew attention to the emptying out of refugee camps in the northern West Bank during Israeli operations. She also voiced concern that any long-term presence of Israeli security forces in the camps would further undermine the Palestinian Authority and contravene Israel’s obligation to end its unlawful continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as affirmed by the International Court of Justice.
Clear Response Needed at International Conference in June
“Israel’s goal has always been maximum Palestinian land with minimum Palestinians,” said the Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine, adding: “Instead of ending its occupation, it is attempting to end the occupied people.” Pointing to the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the “most massive ethnic-cleansing campaign since 1967” in the northern West Bank, displacing 40,000 Palestinians in weeks, he underscored the need for accountability, emphasizing: “Confronted with this unprecedented Israeli escalation, there must be an unprecedented escalation of international measures in response.”
Voicing concern that Israel aims to entrench its occupation, rather than reverse or end it, he spotlighted the International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in June, hoping it would be a platform for mobilization and action. “Israel’s intentions have never been clearer. The international response needs to be equally clear,” he emphasized, calling for “unprecedented decisions by States” to change the course of history.
Israel’s delegate, denouncing “morally obscene” remarks equating Israeli hostages with Palestinian terrorists “legally arrested by Israel”, said his country had “no choice” but to act decisively, considering Hamas’ rejection of the offer to release the remaining hostages for a continued ceasefire. It has struck targets with precision, eliminating “arch-terrorists” such as Mahmoud Abu Watfa, head of Hamas’ internal security forces and Issam al-Daalis, head of Hamas’ Government in Gaza. The group has a choice: “Come back to the table and negotiate or wait and watch as its leadership falls one by one.”
His country’s operations in “Judea and Samaria” intend to break down Iran’s terror networks there, he continued, citing 2,000 attempted terror attacks originating there over 11 months. The Palestinian Authority left the job of “taking care of the terror cells” in [refugee] camps in Jenin and Tulkarm to his country, he said, stressing that terrorists will be given no sanctuary, in Gaza, Judea and Samaria, Yemen or Iran.
United States Dismisses Passage of Resolution 2334 (2016) as ‘Mistake’
The United States’ delegate, characterizing the passage of the Council resolution 2334 (2016) as “a mistake”, called on the UN Secretary-General to join the United States in putting pressure on Hamas. Just as Hamas could end the war by releasing the hostages, Iran “could chose to join the community of nations by ending its support for terrorist proxy groups and providing transparency on its nuclear programme”, she added, reiterating her Government’s support for the Israel Defense Forces and the Palestinian Authority Security Forces in rooting out extremists in Jenin and Tulkarm. “The future of the Middle East must look different. Fresh thinking is needed for a better tomorrow,” she added.
France’s representative, however, stated that the reason evoked by Israel to justify its new massive bombardments does not hold water, and delays in the hostages’ release cannot justify the punishment of the entire people. Noting that settlements in the West Bank are becoming more violent, with active participation of Israeli security forces, he reiterated that France opposes any annexation in the West Bank or Gaza. To that end, his Government has been working with all countries to find a mechanism and to use ceasefire as a starting point for resuming dialogue.
Pakistan’s representative warned that “daily military raids, settler violence and illegal land annexations are part of a systematic effort to ethnically cleanse the Palestinian people in the West Bank,” he said. The Security Council, and the world community, cannot sit back and watch this ongoing ethnic cleansing. “A failure to halt this brutal war will unleash the worst instinct of powerful and predatory States,” he said, urging the elected Council members to initiate measures to end “this cruel war”. Somalia’s delegate called on States to present a united front against forced demographic changes, displacement from Palestinian communities or attempts to annex territories in either Gaza or the West Bank, a point echoed by China’s delegate, who urged Israel to “abandon its obsession with the use of force”.
Unchecked Settlements Darken Prospect of Palestine’s Statehood
Many speakers echoed alarm over the threat posed by unchecked settlement activities in the West Bank to the prospects for Palestinian statehood, with the representative of Denmark, Council President for March, who spoke in her national capacity, stating that such developments “rob Palestinians of their land, [and] push them into isolated enclaves, making it virtually impossible to form a connected and viable land for a future Palestinian State”. Any unilateral attempt to change the geography of the occupied Palestinian territories is unacceptable, she said, stating that some settlements come about through settler violence. She added: “We have the frameworks. What is needed is full implementation of resolution 2334 (2016).”
“We have been witnessing what many are calling the Gazafication of the West Bank,” echoed Slovenia’s delegate, noting that, not only dights, but also dynamics “remind us of Gaza”. “The one radical solution is a real peace,” he said, calling for the end of occupation and return of displaced persons. Pages of history already written, including those contained in the reports of accountability mechanisms, must be a wake-up call for a new chapter to take place, he added.
Greece’s representative, calling the Arab plan for Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction “a constructive proposal”, deplored the increase of settlement activity in the West Bank, a concern echoed by the representative of the Republic of Korea, who called the ongoing violence and vandalism by Israeli settlers unacceptable.
On that, the representative of the United Kingdom highlighted three rounds of sanctions on violent settlers and their supporters imposed by his country to bring accountability for abuses of human rights, in the absence of sufficient Israeli action. “The level of restrictions on Palestinian movement in the West Bank are crippling,” he observed, underscoring the importance of ensuring that religious freedoms are respected, especially during Ramadan.
Many speakers emphasized the urgent need for progress towards a political solution, including the delegates of Guyana and Panama, with the latter stating that, in the future, Gaza — free from extremist groups, together with the West Bank and East Jerusalem — can be integrated into a territorial and political structure. Sierra Leone’s representative, also calling for the political process to be revitalized, expressed hope for the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza, guided by the proposal tabled by the League of Arab States in Egypt.
Noting that the West Bank “risks repeating the Gaza scenario”, the representative of the Russian Federation underscored that what is happening in the West Bank is a “good illustration” that there is no alternative to political solutions. Israel’s settlement actions are aimed to undermine a two-State solution, he said, adding that, while Israel is using “crude force” to ensure their security, he said it is not surprising that the radical forces are popular among regular Palestinians. The only sensible alternative is for Israel to return to negotiations, he noted, stating that the Council can and should play a role in this process.
Algeria’s delegate said that the Israeli occupying Power’s objective in the West Bank is clear: total sovereignty over it. Their modus operandi is also well-known: killing, forced demolition, displacement, dispossession and settlement. Over 40,000 people have been forcibly displaced in the past two months in the West Bank. Striking a note of urgency, he asked: “When will we rise to the level of our obligations and impose respect and implementation for our collective decision to establish a Palestinian State with Al-Quds al-Sharif as its capital?”
Rounding out the meeting, the representative of Jordan recalled that the Arab League summit held in Cairo at the beginning of the month confirmed the bloc’s rejection of any attempt to displace the Palestinian people from their occupied lands, and approved the Gaza Early Recovery and Reconstruction Plan presented by Egypt. This is a comprehensive Arab plan, based on joint Egyptian-Palestinian efforts, to organize an international conference on recovery and reconstruction in Gaza, in cooperation with the UN, he said. Deploring the dangerous escalation in the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem, marked by recurrent military incursions into Palestinian towns, population displacements and home demolitions, he called on the Council and the international community to address these violations.
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MIL-OSI United Nations: Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council
The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General.
**Guest
Alright. Good afternoon, everyone. As you know, tomorrow [22 March] is World Water Day. I will be joined here shortly by Bhanu Neupane, the Process Coordinator for the UNESCO [United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization] World Water Development Report, who will talk to you about the report.
**Secretary-General’s Travel
The Secretary-General is about to leave Brussels. Earlier today, he was in Leuven, where he accepted an honorary doctorate given to the United Nations by the universities KU Leuven and UC Louvain. In his remarks, Mr. [António] Guterres said that by bestowing this honour, the universities are sending a message of support for the mission of the United Nations — a message of solidarity to all those working to make it real — and a message of inspiration for us to keep up the fight.
He said the universities’ 600th anniversary coincides with a moment of reflection for the United Nations, which marks its own eightieth anniversary as an organization at the epicentre of multilateralism. Standing here in Europe, the Secretary-General added, we know this same commitment to multilateralism is the beating heart of the European Union – a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to the world’s most vulnerable people, and proof that isolationism is an illusion, never a solution.
Turning to the situation in Gaza, the Secretary-General renewed his appeal for the ceasefire to be restored, for unimpeded humanitarian assistance to be reestablished and for the remaining hostages to be released immediately and unconditionally. His full remarks have been shared with you.
This afternoon, the Secretary-General also had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Belgium, Bart De Wever. I believe the readout of this meeting had just been made available. The Secretary-General will be back in the office on Monday morning.
**Security Council
Sigrid Kaag, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process ad interim, briefed the Security Council this morning on Israel and Palestine, and she said that hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. She strongly condemned the reported ill-treatment of hostages, as well as the fact that there are reasonable grounds to believe that hostages may be subjected to sexual violence and abuse.
Ms. Kaag unequivocally condemned the widespread killing and injury of civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza. Nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, she said. She mourned the UN staff killed in Gaza and strongly condemned the killing of all humanitarian personnel and called for the full investigation of all such incidents.
The Special Coordinator reiterated her call for a sustained ceasefire and urged the parties to redouble efforts to end human suffering. She rejected the forced displacement of the Palestinian population from any part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which would constitute a grave violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. Ms. Kaag added that the escalation of violence in the occupied West Bank is deeply troubling. Alongside the rising death toll, Palestine refugee camps in the northern West Bank are being emptied and are sustaining massive infrastructure damage during Israeli operations.
**Occupied Palestinian Territory
Turning to Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says that as hostilities continue across the Strip, the Israeli closure of all crossings for incoming cargo has entered its twentieth day — the longest shutdown since 7 October 2023. As a reminder, the crossings were also completely closed for two weeks starting on that date. This latest closure is having a devastating impact on people already facing catastrophic conditions. Each passing day further erodes the progress made by the UN and our humanitarian partners during the first six weeks of the ceasefire.
Beyond the depletion of stocks, OCHA warns that humanitarian operations are now being severely hampered by hostilities. Civilians, including aid workers, and civilian assets have come under attack. The UN is seeking concrete assurances for the safety of our staff and operations in Gaza, following the killing of six UN personnel and injury of several others this week, including in the attack on a clearly designated UN compound. As Tom Fletcher, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, said Wednesday, we demand answers on their behalf and for those who continue the work.
As attacks continue across multiple areas of the Gaza Strip, OCHA warns that the steady flow of trauma injuries is putting even more pressure on an already shattered healthcare system. Our humanitarian partners estimate that more than 120,000 Palestinians have been displaced once again this week, driven by intensified attacks and new Israeli evacuation orders across the Gaza Strip. That’s about 6 per cent of the surviving population. A new evacuation order covering areas in northern Gaza was also issued today, following reports of rocket fire by Palestinian armed groups.
And turning to the West Bank, OCHA has just released the findings of a rapid survey of movement obstacles across the occupied territory. It recorded nearly 850 checkpoints, gates and other physical obstacles — the highest number documented in any of the 16 surveys OCHA has conducted over the past two decades. In just the past three months, three dozen new movement obstacles have been established — most of them following the announcement of the Gaza ceasefire in mid-January. Road gates account for a third of all obstacles — and most of them are frequently kept closed.
Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), noted that today marks 60 days since Israeli began its military operations in Jenin Camp in the West Bank. He said that such large-scale, militarized operations cannot become the new norm in the West Bank. This trend of escalating violence — which started even before 7 October 2023 — must be reversed. OCHA adds that it has received just over 4 per cent of the roughly $4 billion required to meet vast needs across the Occupied Palestinian Territory — in the West Bank and Gaza — this year.
**Democratic Republic of the Congo
Turning to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that clashes continue in parts of North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri. In North Kivu Province, fighting continued yesterday in several areas of Walikale Territory, damaging a humanitarian partner’s logistics base and other civilian infrastructure. We and humanitarian organizations in the area have relocated staff to Kisangani, in the neighbouring Province of Tshopo.
In South Kivu, people from Burembo and Fizi-Centre have fled fighting among armed groups in several waves since 5 March. And in Ituri, clashes in the town of Fataki yesterday continued to displace people. Since 18 March, many humanitarian partners have suspended their activities there due to the ongoing insecurity. OCHA reiterates that all parties to the conflict must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in military operations.
**Sudan
Turning to Sudan: Today, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has condemned in the strongest terms the looting of vital humanitarian supplies from Al Bashair Hospital in Jabal Awlia in Khartoum. These supplies are intended to support malnourished children and provide critical healthcare to mothers and newborns.
The Al Bashir Hospital is one of the last functioning medical facilities in Jabal Awlia. UNICEF had managed to deliver these critical supplies on 20 December 2024, marking the first successful humanitarian shipment to Jabal Awlia in over 18 months. The looting of these supplies will compound an already dire humanitarian catastrophe for children and families in the area. We reiterate our urgent call for an unimpeded humanitarian access to reach children and families in need and we call for the protection of hospitals and other civilian infrastructure in line with international humanitarian law.
**South Sudan
Our peacekeeping colleagues in South Sudan have an update on the intensive diplomacy that is under way in the country. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom, is working with international and regional partners, including Heads of States, the African Union and others, to try and de-escalate tensions and stop the aerial bombardment of civilian areas in Upper Nile State, which could spill over into wider conflict.
Mr. Haysom is also engaging with influential national partners to promote a peaceful resolution. He is urging the parties to adhere to the ceasefire and peace agreement, and to resolve tensions through dialogue rather than military confrontation. Mr. Haysom stresses that the already troubled region cannot afford another war. And in fact, on Monday, our guest will be Nicholas Haysom. He will join us virtually to brief on the situation in South Sudan.
**Ukraine
Today in Ukraine, authorities and our humanitarian partners confirmed that hostilities across multiple regions killed a dozen civilians and injured many others, with widespread damage to homes. In Odesa, a large-scale drone attack injured children and damaged shops, warehouses and vehicles. Most casualties were reported in the Donetsk region, while in the Kharkiv region, local authorities report intensified hostilities and disrupted electricity in Kupiansk town and neighbouring villages.
Yesterday, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, condemned an attack in the central Ukrainian city of Kropyvnytskyi, in which children were among many civilians injured. Apartment buildings were also damaged. Mr. Schmale stressed that international humanitarian law is clear: Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected.
Amid relentless hostilities, evacuations from high-risk areas continue, with scores of people leaving front-line areas each day. Humanitarians are supporting the most vulnerable — especially families with children and people with limited mobility — through medical evacuations, psychosocial support and basic items. Most evacuees have remained within their home regions, while some have been relocated to central and western Ukraine.
OCHA reports that in the first two months of the year, seven humanitarian staff were injured in six separate incidents near the front line. Attacks also damaged humanitarian assets and facilities in the Kharkiv, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolai, and Sloviansk regions, further hampering the response.
**Haiti
Turning to Haiti, our humanitarian colleagues tell us that the recent United States funding freeze is having a devastating impact on the overall HIV response, including treatment and prevention. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) says that, as a result of the freeze, most pre-exposure prophylaxis services, also known as PrEP — which are key to reducing HIV infections — had to be suspended, affecting 80 per cent of interventions.
The National HIV Programme estimates that at least 35,000 people living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral treatment are being affected by the freeze on USAID-funded health services. The Programme also foresees an increase between 30 and 50 per cent in new HIV infections in the absence of prevention activities. HIV/AIDS affects an estimated 140,000 people in Haiti.
The health sector, as part of the broader humanitarian response, needs $43.5 million to address the urgent needs for healthcare services and support to vulnerable people in Haiti. The Government, World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAIDS are exploring alternatives to ensure that health services can continue.
**International Days
Today we have multiple International Days. It’s the Day of Days, as we call it. Starting off with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In a message, the Secretary-General says that the poison of racism continues to infect our world. He urges everybody, including business leadership, civil society and ordinary people to take a stand against racism in all its forms.
Today is also the International Day of Nowruz. In his message, Mr. Guterres says that Nowruz celebrates new beginnings and the arrival of spring.
Today is World Down Syndrome Day. People with Down syndrome need support to live and be included in the community, like everyone else.
Today is also World Poetry Day. On this Day, we celebrate one of humanity’s most treasured forms of cultural and linguistic expression and identity.
And moving on to environment-related days. Today is the World Day for Glaciers, and coincidentally, this year was declared the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation.
And if that’s not enough, today is also the International Day of Forests, and the theme this year is “Forests and Food”.
And tomorrow is World Water Day and the theme this year is glacier preservation. Our guests will be here to talk more about this, but I just want to mention that in his message, the Secretary-General said that glaciers may be shrinking, but we cannot shrink from our responsibilities.
And Sunday is World Meteorological Day and the theme is “Closing the early warning gap together”. So, those are all the days; anything before we go to our guest? Yes, Edie.
**Questions and Answers
Question: Thank you, Farhan. Does the Secretary-General have any comment on the Israeli Defence Minister’s announcement ordering an increase in an intensified military operation in Gaza?
Deputy Spokesman: This is completely contrary to what the Secretary-General has been calling for days. And even today, in Belgium, and in the previous days, he’s said repeatedly that what we need is to get back to a ceasefire. In what I just read at the first part of this briefing, it’s clear that all of our efforts to help the people of Gaza are at a standstill as long as this goes on. There are millions of people who need for this to end now.
Question: On Sudan, with the Government forces claiming they’re back in the Presidential Palace in Khartoum and other areas, is Mr. [Ramtane] Lamamra going to make any kind of a fresh effort to bring both sides together for peace talks?
Deputy Spokesman: Yeah. On that, regarding Mr. Lamamra’s efforts, he continues to engage the parties with the aim of bringing them closer to a peaceful resolution. He’s intensifying consultations with the parties and other key stakeholders on modalities to strengthen the protection of civilians and to deescalate the conflict. A sustainable resolution to this devastating conflict can only be achieved through an inclusive political process. And from the Secretary-General’s side, I can say that he, the Secretary-General, renews his appeal for the parties to immediately cease the fighting and take steps towards the lasting peace that the people in Sudan demand. Benno?
Question: Thank you, Farhan. There has been quite a number of stories of people that were either denied entrance to the United States recently or have been arrested and deported or tried to being deported. I want to focus on these last cases. In many cases, they were not based on actual crimes, but the authorities said the people were parts of protests that they deemed as antisemitic or dangerous for the United States’ security. Do you have any comment on this ongoing situation in the United States?
Deputy Spokesman: I think it’s important that all of the basic rules in terms of dealing with entrants into the United States, including migrants, including refugees and others, follow the accepted norms of international law. And part of what you’re saying is that there are many cases where people were moved without sufficient due process, and it’s important that everyone’s due process rights be respected.
Question: Do you see that there is an implication for free speech in the United States, especially when we see the Columbia [University] protest and other university protests last year? Does the UN have an opinion or a standpoint if pro-Palestinian protests are also antisemitic protests at the same time? This is how the US Government obviously portrays it right now.
Deputy Spokesman: Well, certainly for us, it’s important that freedom of speech and freedom of peaceful assembly be protected. So, obviously, if there are expressions of racial hatred, of actual antisemitism, those are things that authorities need to respond to. But, that shouldn’t impede the rights of people to conduct peaceful protest. Yes, Denis?
Question: So, there are reports that head of UNCTAD [United Nations Conference on Trade and Development), Rebeca Grynspan, will head to Moscow. So, when will she go to Moscow, and what is her programme in here?
Deputy Spokesman: Yes, I can confirm that Rebeca Grynspan and her team will have their next consultation in Moscow on 24 March. That’s part of regular consultations to discuss the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the UN and the Russian Federation on food security.
Question: So, will she discuss alleviating sanctions from Russian fertilizers — so, easing the access of Russian fertilizers to world markets?
Deputy Spokesman: I think I’ll wait for the discussions to take place before we provide more details. But, like I said, it’ll concern the various aspects of the memorandum of understanding. Yes, please?
Question: Thank you. Do you have any updates on the condition of the UN staff who were wounded in Gaza and their whereabouts? Thank you.
Deputy Spokesman: They’re receiving hospital assistance. As you know, there were five people who were injured. One of them was lightly injured; two of them, I believe, have ever remained in intensive care, and their condition is being monitored. And we hope that they will all recover.
Question: Could you help with the nationality of the two who remain in intensive care, please?
Deputy Spokesman: I believe we’ll provide those details further down. The hiring organization, the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), I believe is in touch with the respective Governments and family members at this stage. Benny, I think you have a question online, and then we’ll go to Ephrem. Are you there? Are you there?
Question: Thank you, Farhan. The ban on UNRWA, it’s been a few weeks now since it entered into effect. How would you say it is being felt on the ground so far?
Deputy Spokesman: It’s affected the ability of UNRWA staff to move in and out in terms of getting visas for UNRWA personnel. But, to the extent that UNRWA is capable of going about its work, including in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA continues to go about its work. And Benny, are you online?
Question: I have a question, Farhan. Can you hear me?
Deputy Spokesman: I can hear you.
Question: Should I go ahead? Farhan, I want to ask you about the Turkish Palestinian Friendship Hospital in Gaza, which was built by Türkiye, and it was actually operated by local authorities as a cancer treatment centre. You may have seen images online. It was completely blown up by Israel. And Israel argued that it was used being used by Hamas. But, in fact, you may recall that after 7 October [2023], there are also many images that showed Israel deploying many military vehicles around the hospital. So, I would just like to ask you, why is there no mention of this in your briefing today? I mean, have we become so accustomed to Israel blowing up hospitals that we don’t need to bring it up? And does the Secretary-General have a reaction to this hospital being blown up? Thank you.
Deputy Spokesman: Yes. On that, we certainly are against any of the attacks on medical infrastructure. All attacks against medical infrastructure by any of the parties is a violation of international humanitarian law, and we stand opposed to this. And we have reported, as you know, regularly on the fact that all of the hospitals in Gaza have sustained at least some damage over the course of this conflict, and that is an intolerable situation for the suffering population. And with that, let me go to our guest.
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MIL-OSI Economics: Transforming Grievance Redress: The AI Advantage – Inaugural Address by Shri Sanjay Malhotra, Governor, Reserve Bank of India – March 17, 2025 – at the Annual Conference of the RBI Ombudsmen, Mumbai
Source: Reserve Bank of India
I am delighted to participate in this year’s Annual Conference of the RBI Ombudsmen. The Reserve Bank has been organising this conference on or around the World Consumer Rights Day, that is, 15th March. World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated every year with the aim of raising global awareness about consumer rights and needs. We organise this conference to reflect on our achievements with regard to consumer services and to deliberate on how to improve services and reduce grievances. We need to improve consumer services, not only because it is our duty to do so, but because it is in our selfish interest to do so. In this age of competition, we would not survive long if we do not provide quality service to our consumers.
2. We have made tremendous strides in improving consumer services over the years. We have enabled internet banking and mobile banking. Most of the banking services, be it opening a deposit account, or taking a small loan have been digitised, adding to the convenience and speed. We are making record number of digital transactions through UPI and other means of digital payments. Many among the younger generation may have never visited a bank branch. We have even enabled opening of accounts using video KYC.
3. While we have enhanced customer experience over the years, the high number of customer grievances continues to be a matter of serious concern. I am told that last year (2023-24), the 95 Scheduled Commercial Banks alone received over 10 million complaints from their customers. If we take into account the complaints received at other RBI-regulated entities (REs), the number would be even higher. One may argue that this amounts to only four complaints per thousand accounts per year as there are about 2.5 billion bank accounts. But, for us, even one complaint is a cause of concern. We have 10 million complaints and with the rapidly growing customer base and expanding suite of products, this may grow, if we do not get our act together.
Customer satisfaction – a cornerstone for banking and other financial services
4. Excellent customer service, in fact excellent customer experience is a sine qua non in any service industry. Our effort should be to enhance the total customer experience. The experience should be such that there is no cause for a grievance that requires a redress. Let me state a fundamental truth: every complaint is a test of trust. When a consumer files a grievance – whether for a disputed transaction, a lapse in service, inappropriate pricing or charges or an unfair practice – it is a signal that our system has fallen short. Left unresolved, such issues can erode consumer confidence and tarnish the entire ecosystem.
5. I am reminded of a real story about customer service. Some of you, especially the management graduates, may have heard it but it is so appropriate for today’s theme that it is worth being retold. In the winter of 1975, in a town in Alaska, a man walked into a store and complained to the salesman present that the snow tyres that he bought some time ago were not holding. The salesman was a little puzzled. He said that he could not replace them but will check what he could do and went to the back of the store. Those of you, who have visited departmental stores in the USA, would know that refunds are processed at the back of the store. The salesman came back after some time and handed over some cash as refund and the customer left satisfied. Can anyone guess why this was unique, as no questions asked policy for refunds is fairly common in the USA? It is because the company in question is Nordstrom which does not even sell tyres. It sells apparel and shoes. But, for Nordstrom, customer comes first. Trusting him and winning his trust is more important than anything else.
6. Some say that this is not a true story. How is this possible? How could a company offer refund for a product which it never sold? Nordstrom, however, insists that this incident did take place. Nordstrom had acquired three stores from another company that sold miscellaneous articles including tyres. The customer did not realise that the store had changed and walked in with his complaint. The key message is that Nordstrom saw itself being in the business of customer service, and not just selling goods. We too need to realise that we are in the business of providing unalloyed customer service and not just selling banking and other financial services.
Top management to accord priority to customer service
7. I am sure you will all agree that we are indeed in the business of customer service. However, I suspect that we are not spending enough time on customer service and grievance redressal as a result of which not only are there a large number of complaints being received by banks and NBFCs but in the absence of satisfactory resolution, a large number of them are getting escalated to RBI Ombudsmen.
8. Let me give you some perspective. The number of complaints received under RBI’s Integrated Ombudsman Scheme increased at a compounded average growth rate of almost 50 per cent per year over last two years to 9.34 lakh in 2023-24. The number of complaints processed at the Office of RBI Ombudsman increased by 25 per cent from about 2,35,000 in 2022-23 to almost 2,94,000 in 2023-24. Not only are large number of complaints getting escalated, a large proportion of them – nearly 57 per cent of the maintainable complaints last year – required mediation or formal intervention by the RBI Ombudsmen. You would all agree that this is a highly unsatisfactory situation and needs our urgent attention.
9. I would, therefore, strongly urge all the MD&CEOs, Zonal and Regional Managers and the Branch Managers to spend some time every week, if not every day on grievance redressal. This is a must. All great CEOs find time to do it. We too must keep some time in our diary for improving customer service and grievance redressal.
Improving customer service systems
10. Customer complaints aren’t a nuisance – they are in fact opportunities to improve, innovate, and build trust. Handling them well can define your success. Each unresolved grievance is a missed opportunity for regulated entities to reaffirm customer trust and loyalty. It is also a warning signal as repeat complaints are often signs of systemic flaws. Today, complaints often surface on social media even before reaching official channels, highlighting the need for proactive measures.
11. The effort thus should be to not only resolve the complaints but also to ensure that the same type of complaint does not arise again. Many of the complaints like digital transaction disputes, unauthorized charges, or miscommunication frequently recur. These are clearcut symptoms of underlying issues in the overall customer service framework of the regulated entities. A thorough root cause analysis should be performed for each complaint so as to enable remedial action and avoid repetition of same type of complaint.
12. In fact, I would go a step further. Best service is not one in which there is no occasion for grievance redressal but one in which there is no occasion for the customer service department to step in. Systems should work seamlessly and conveniently so that customers do not have to call the branch or the customer service centre or talk to anyone in the Bank or NBFC. Systems have to be so user-friendly that customers can rely on self-service rather than being dependent on anyone else.
Improving internal grievance redressal systems
13. While improving systems to reduce grievances is important, setting up a robust grievance redressal system is equally important for all regulated entities. I would urge you all to review the same. While the regulations do not make any prescription for the organisational structure for grievance redressal, my experience suggests that there should be at least two levels for grievance redressal in large REs, with unresolved grievances getting escalated from the lower to the higher level. The highest level should be at a fairly high rank. This to ensure that requests do not get rejected without having been examined by a senior functionary who is empowered to take decisions in consumer interest. This will help reduce grievances getting escalated to the Ombudsman. It must also be ensured that there are sufficient number of grievance redress officers at all levels including in the Internal Ombudsman office.
14. I would also like to draw your attention to the misclassification of complaints as requests, queries, and disputes by the regulated entities. This results in the complainants’ grievances remaining unaddressed. Moreover, this is also a gross regulatory violation.
Major areas of service improvement
15. Let me now briefly allude to some of the major areas where we need to improve. These relate to KYC, digital frauds, mis-selling, and aggressive recovery practices.
16. As for KYC, we need to ensure that once a customer has submitted documents to a financial institution, we do not insist on obtaining the same documents again. Once the customer has updated his details, for example, his residential address, with one regulated entity of any financial sector regulator, it gets updated in CKYCR and other REs are notified of the updation. PML Rules made by the Department of Revenue in the Ministry of Finance and RBI’s Master Directions on KYC mandate regulated entities to check the CKYCR system before seeking KYC documents for opening an account. However, most banks and NBFCs have not enabled the same in their branches/business outlets, causing avoidable inconvenience to customers. This may be facilitated early. This will be in the interest of all.
17. Another important issue connected to customer protection is rising digital frauds. It is a matter of great concern that innocent customers continue to fall prey to scamsters. While this could be attributed to rise in digital transactions and innovative methods adopted by fraudsters, lack of customer awareness is also a major reason for the same. To mitigate this menace, REs not only need to put in place robust internal controls but also enhance digital financial literacy.
18. The issues of mis-selling and aggressive recovery practices have been highlighted earlier too. In this context too, I would request you to keep consumer interest supreme.
Embracing technology – the AI way
19. Let me now come to the theme of this year’s conference: AI’s potential to revolutionize grievance redressal. We are entering an exciting era where technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), can drive remarkable improvements in speed, accuracy, and fairness of complaint resolution.
20. AI can help categorize incoming complaints by urgency, complexity, or subject area, ensuring minimal delay in reaching the right people or the right team. AI can also help in optimising complaint routing. Further, it can assist in decision-making and reducing processing time.
21. Secondly, AI can be used to pinpoint systemic gaps by analysing both structured and unstructured data such as emails, chat logs, and call transcripts. This will aid in identifying training needs and guiding necessary process reforms. Using data from millions of consumer branch visits, call centre logs, mobile apps, and social media, a unified, AI-driven view of all these interactions can help identify common pain points more efficiently. Leveraging data analytics, sentiment analysis, and predictive models, AI can be used to analyse large volumes of data to detect spikes in issues – such as ATM failures or erroneous charges – and alert REs pre-emptively.
22. Lastly, in a linguistically diverse country like India, AI-driven chatbots and voice recognition tools can eliminate language barriers by operating in local languages. Moreover, the implementation of conversational AI in chatbots, voicebots, and advanced IVR systems can handle routine queries round the clock, thereby freeing people to focus on cases that require empathy and complex problem-solving.
23. In short, integrating AI at every stage – from complaint lodging to closure – can result in a seamless, efficient, and data-driven grievance redressal system. Such a framework not only reduces processing times and addresses repetitive complaints but also fosters equitable outcomes by mitigating human biases. It is time that the banking industry explores and pioneers the integration of technology – including AI – to strengthen the grievance resolution mechanisms and make it best in class across the globe.
Challenges and guardrails in AI driven grievance redressal system
24. While AI presents unparalleled opportunities, we need to be cognizant of the challenges and risks that its adoption poses. There are concerns on data privacy, algorithmic bias and complexity in AI-driven models. As we embrace AI in grievance redressal or any other process, we must also remain mindful of ethical considerations. Human oversight, bias mitigation and data privacy must be integrated into the AI Systems to ensure transparent and consistent outcomes.
Investing in human resources
25. While technology in all its forms is a powerful enabler, I would like to emphasise that it is no substitute for integrity, empathy, and human judgment. In a world increasingly driven by data, algorithms, and automation, it is all too easy to lose sight of the human element. Every transaction represents not just a number in a ledger, but the hard-earned savings of a family, the dreams of a small entrepreneur, or the lifelong savings of a senior citizen. It is, therefore, critical that REs continue to invest in human resources dedicated for customer service and grievance redressal. It is essential to invest in training of staff, especially in behavioural aspects of customer service. Moreover, the staff needs to be empowered to take decisions based on their judgement to redress consumer grievances, enhance customer satisfaction and win consumer trust.
RBI as a facilitator
26. In the end, I would like to assure you that, while we exhort you to provide services efficiently to customers, we in the Reserve Bank shall also provide various services, approvals, clarifications, etc. to the regulated entities in a timely manner. We already have a citizen’s charter. We are in the process of reviewing the charter. We will make the charter comprehensive to include all services that we offer either to the REs or directly to citizens. Moreover, we are reviewing the timelines for each service. It will be our endeavour to provide all approvals, etc. within the timelines. We are also making mandatory the use of PRAVAAH, which is RBI’s secure and centralised web-based portal for any individual or entity to seek authorisation, license or regulatory approval on any reference made to the Reserve Bank in a timely manner. This will help us in expediting the disposal of applications received by the Reserve Bank.
Conclusion
27. We stand at a pivotal juncture as India looks to realise its dream of a more resilient and inclusive Viksit Bharat. With the financial sector touching the lives of almost the entire population, we have a critical role. To succeed in this role, we must continue to enhance customer service and customer protection.
Thank you !
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MIL-OSI United Nations: Middle East crisis spirals amid mounting civilian deaths, aid blockade
Source: United Nations 2
Peace and SecurityThe Israel-Palestine conflict is descending further into violence, with mounting civilian casualties in the West Bank and a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the UN’s top envoy for the region warned on Friday.
Sigrid Kaag, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (ad interim) briefed the Security Council on the latest report relating to resolution 2334 (2016), which calls for an immediate halt to Israeli settlement activity in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
She detailed continued violations, escalating military operations and rising attacks against civilians, including deadly assaults by both Palestinian militants and Israeli forces.
Between 7 December 2024 and 13 March this year, at least 3,897 Palestinians were killed in Gaza, according to the enclave’s Ministry of Health, and 59 Israeli hostages are still being held captive by Hamas and other groups, according to Israeli sources.
In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations during the same period led to the deaths of 123 Palestinians, while 10 Israelis were killed in Palestinian attacks. Women and children were among the victims on both sides.
Israeli settler violence also continued to displace Palestinian communities.
“The Secretary-General is alarmed by the lethal attacks carried out by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, including sometimes in the proximity and with the support of Israeli security forces, as well as by Palestinians against Israelis,” Ms. Kaag said.
“All perpetrators must be held accountable,” she stressed.
Settlement expansion continues
She also reported that Israeli planning authorities advanced or approved about 10,600 housing units in settlements in the occupied West Bank, including 4,920 in East Jerusalem. Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures also accelerated in the region.
“Citing the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are almost impossible for Palestinians to obtain, Israeli authorities demolished, seized, sealed or forced people to demolish 460 structures, displacing 576 people, including 287 children and 149 women,” Ms. Kaag said.
Israel’s aid blockade of Gaza
Ms. Kaag further reported that the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to remain dire.
Though 57,000 metric tons of food aid were delivered in the first month of the ceasefire, Israel halted all humanitarian and commercial supply entries on 2 March, worsening food, water and medical shortages.
At least 600,000 Gazans now lack access to clean water after Israel cut power to a desalination plant.
In addition, between 12,000 and 14,000 people, including over 4,500 children, require urgent medical evacuation, according to the UN World Health Organization (WHO).
Echoing the Secretary-General’s call for the urgent resumption of negotiations to reinstate a ceasefire, Ms. Kaag also underscored the need for unimpeded humanitarian access across the Gaza Strip and for the immediate and unconditional release of remaining hostages.
Two-State solution
Concluding her briefing, Ms. Kaag reiterated the UN chief’s call to establish a political framework that outlines tangible, irreversible and time-bound steps to be taken by Israeli and Palestinian leaders.
“The occupation must end as rapidly as possible,” she said, stating that a viable two-State solution – Israel and Palestine, of which Gaza is an integral part, living side-by-side in peace and security, “is long overdue”.
“The United Nations will continue to support all efforts towards that goal.”
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MIL-OSI Banking: Reserve Bank of India (Financial Statements – Presentation and Disclosures) Directions, 2021: Clarifications
Source: Reserve Bank of India
RBI/2024-25/126
DOR.ACC.REC.No.66/21.04.018/2024-25March 20, 2025
Madam / Sir,
Reserve Bank of India (Financial Statements – Presentation and Disclosures) Directions, 2021: Clarifications
The Reserve Bank has received queries and suggestions from banks and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) on certain aspects of disclosures in the notes to accounts to the financial statements as well as on the notes and instructions for compilation of balance sheet specified in the Annex II Part A of the Reserve Bank of India (Financial Statements – Presentation and Disclosures) Directions, 2021.
2. The queries and suggestions received, and the clarifications thereof are enclosed in the Annex.
Applicability
3. These instructions are applicable to all commercial and cooperative banks for preparation of financial statements for the financial year ending March 31, 2025 and onwards.
4. The Reserve Bank of India (Financial Statements-Presentation and Disclosures) Directions, 2021 shall be updated suitably to reflect these changes.
Yours faithfully,
(Usha Janakiraman)
Chief General Manager-in-Charge
Sr. No. Queries / Suggestions Clarification 1. Reference is invited to Notes and Instructions for Compilation of Balance Sheet specified in Part A of Annex II with respect to Schedule 5: Other Liabilities and Provisions: Others (including provisions) of the Directions ibid in terms of which certain types of deposits where the repayment is not free, shall also be included under this head. We have received queries from banks on the classification in the balance sheet, of margin money received in the form of deposits, where lien is marked by banks in the ordinary course of business. It is clarified that lien marked deposits shall continue to be classified under Schedule 3: Deposits with suitable disclosures. 2. In terms of Notes and Instructions for Compilation for Balance Sheet in Annex II Part A for Schedule 9 (B) (ii): Advances Covered by Bank/Government Guarantee of the Directions ibid, whether advances guaranteed by Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) should be disclosed under Schedule 9 (B) (ii) (i.e., advances covered by bank/government guarantees) or under Schedule 9(B) (iii) (i.e., unsecured advances)? It is clarified that advances, to the extent they are covered by Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) and Credit Risk Guarantee Fund Trust for Low Income Housing (CRGFTLIH) and individual schemes under National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Ltd. (NCGTC), which are backed by explicit Central Government Guarantee, in terms of paragraph 5.2.3 and 5.2.4 of Master Circular DOR.CAP.REC.4/21.06.201/2024-25 on Basel III Capital Regulations dated April 1, 2024, as amended from time to time, shall also be disclosed under Schedule 9 (B) (ii) i.e. ‘Advances Covered by Bank/Government Guarantee’. 3. Whether market value of repo and reverse repo transactions would better reflect the financials of banks instead of face value in terms of disclosures prescribed in Paragraph C. 3(e) of Annex III Disclosure in Financial Statements: Notes to Accounts to the Directions ibid ? It is clarified that disclosures on repo/ reverse repo transactions shall be done in market value terms as well as face value terms. -
MIL-OSI Banking: Amortisation of additional pension liability – Implementation of Pension Scheme in Regional Rural Banks with effect from November 1, 1993 – Prudential Regulatory Treatment
Source: Reserve Bank of India
RBI/2024-2025/127
DOR.ACC.REC.No.67/21.04.018/2024-25March 20, 2025
Madam / Sir,
Amortisation of additional pension liability – Implementation of Pension Scheme in Regional Rural Banks with effect from November 1, 1993 – Prudential Regulatory Treatment
In terms of NABARD circular NB.DoS.Pol.HO/2533/J-1/2019-20 dated December 12, 2019, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) were earlier permitted to amortise their pension liability on account of RRB (Employee) Pension Scheme 2018 over a period of five years, beginning with financial year ending March 31, 2019. RRBs are now required to implement the pension scheme with effect from November 1, 1993. However, in view of the difficulties expressed in absorbing the increased liability in a single year, it has been decided that RRBs may take the following course of action in the matter:
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The liability on account of applicability of pension scheme shall be fully recognised as per the applicable accounting standards.
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The expenditure, on account of revision in the pension, may, if not fully charged to the Profit and Loss Account during the financial year 2024-25, be amortised over a period not exceeding five years beginning with the financial year ending March 31, 2025, subject to a minimum of 20 per cent of the total pension liability involved being expensed every year.
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Appropriate disclosure of the accounting policy followed in this regard shall be made in the ‘Notes to Accounts’ to the financial statements. Banks shall also disclose the amount of unamortised expenditure and the consequential net profit if the unamortised expenditure had been fully recognised in the Profit & Loss Account.
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Pension related unamortised expenditure would not be reduced from Tier 1 Capital of the RRBs.
Applicability
2. This circular is applicable to all the RRBs with effect from financial year 2024-25.
3. The Reserve Bank of India (Financial Statements – Presentation and Disclosures) Directions, 2021 shall be updated suitably to reflect these changes.
Yours faithfully,
(Usha Janakiraman)
Chief General Manager-in-Charge -
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MIL-OSI: SIGNING OF PRIMARY DEALER AGREEMENTS
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Today the Government Debt Management on behalf of the Treasury and primary dealers signed agreements regarding issuance and market making in Treasury securities. The objective of the agreements is to maintain the Treasury’s access to financing, to enhance price formation in the secondary market for Treasury securities and promote an active system of benchmark issues in Iceland.
As of 1 April 2025, five financial institutions have been appointed as “primary dealers in Treasury securities”. They are: Arion Banki hf., Fossar Investment Bank hf., Islandsbanki hf., Kvika banki hf. and Landsbankinn hf.
The following bullet points describe the main content of the primary dealer agreement:
- Primary dealers have exclusive access to regular auctions of Treasury securities.
- Primary dealers have exclusive access to special facilities such as repurchase agreements offered by the Government Debt Management on behalf of the Treasury.
- Primary dealers are obliged to submit bids at each auction for a minimum of 100 m.kr. nominal value.
- Primary dealers are Market Makers in the secondary market for government bond series. They are obliged to submit bid and ask offers on the stock exchange for at least 60 to 100 m.kr. nominal value in each benchmark series (as laid out in the agreements).
- Primary dealers are in their bid and ask quotes governed by maximum spreads as laid out in the agreements.
- Primary dealers are obliged to renew their offers within ten minutes after execution of transaction. The primary dealer is entitled to depart from the maximum spread requirement if certain conditions are fulfilled.
- The agreement is valid from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
Further information can be obtained from Björgvin Sighvatsson, head of the Government Debt Management at +354 569 9600.
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MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK opposes any attempt to forcibly annex land in Gaza or expand settlements in the West Bank: UK statement at the UN Security Council
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
SpeechThe UK opposes any attempt to forcibly annex land in Gaza or expand settlements in the West Bank: UK statement at the UN Security Council
Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.
We welcome this opportunity to discuss the evolving situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
First, I’ll address recent developments in Gaza.
This week saw more bloodshed return to the Gaza strip.
It is appalling that hundreds of Palestinians have been killed following Israeli strikes since 18 March.
We strongly oppose Israel’s resumption of hostilities.
Escalation and endless violence is in nobody’s interests.
We are outraged that a UN compound in Gaza was hit on Wednesday morning.
Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.
There must be a full investigation into what happened.
We urge all parties to return to dialogue and to implement the ceasefire agreement in full.
This must include the return of the 59 hostages who have been cruelly held by Hamas for over 500 days.
As we said in the Council yesterday, Hamas must be held accountable for their depraved actions.
We also call on Israel to immediately restore humanitarian access and electricity to Gaza.
Refusing to do so risks breaching international humanitarian law.
Second, President, we must look to the future and redouble our efforts to secure long-term peace for Israelis and Palestinians.
This means a credible plan to allow Palestinians in Gaza to return home and rebuild their lives, with Hamas removed from power.
To be clear, we oppose any attempt to forcibly annex land in Gaza.
We welcome the Arab initiative of a recovery and reconstruction plan for Gaza and we urge all parties to engage constructively with it.
Sustainable peace also means addressing worrying developments in the West Bank.
We are seriously concerned by the scale of the Israeli miliary operation in the West Bank and the displacement of nearly 40,000 Palestinian refugees.
We recognise Israel’s right to self defence, but civilians must be protected, and Israel must ensure its operations are proportionate to the threat posed.
Israel must halt settlements which are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Violent settlers must be held to account.
The UK has introduced three rounds of sanctions on violent settlers and their supporters to bring accountability for abuses of human rights, in the absence of sufficient Israeli action.
We will consider all further options.
Reports of the killing of Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, including children, are abhorrent.
The IDF must take all precautions to prevent civilian deaths, and must investigate civilian deaths thoroughly and demonstrate full accountability to the law.
The level of restrictions on Palestinian movement in the West Bank are crippling.
These only fuel further instability.
It is important, especially during the month of Ramadan, that religious freedoms are respected.
Restrictive visa and registration processes are also deeply concerning.
Israel must ensure the UN, including UNRWA, can provide essential humanitarian and service delivery in a safe and secure environment.
President, seventeen months on from the dreadful attacks of 7 October, we urge all parties to implement the ceasefire agreement in full and to work towards a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian State.
This is the best way to deliver a peaceful future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
Updates to this page
Published 21 March 2025
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MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/CHINA – New church in Yiwu named after Saint Joseph: Home to the world’s largest wholesale market
Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
by Marta ZhaoBeijing (Agenzia Fides) – The new church, recently inaugurated in Yiwu, in the diocese of Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province, is named after Saint Joseph, Patron Saint of missions in China. And the mission entrusted to the local parish is unique, considering the location of the new parish. Indeed, Yiwu is home to the world’s largest wholesale market for small goods. It is also the starting point for many of the devotional objects sold in churches, parishes, and religious shops around the world, including those around the Vatican. Chinese merchants and businessmen from all over the world can now also visit the new church to pray, receive the sacraments, or perhaps experience the Christian proclamation for the first time. The new church was consecrated by Bishop Joseph Yang Yongqiang of Hangzhou on March 18, the eve of St. Joseph’s Day. The following day, the Feast of the Spouse of the Virgin Mary, the bishop administered the sacrament of Confirmation to approximately 40 adults of the new parish. More than 2,000 faithful participated in the ordination liturgy, celebrated by 23 priests from Hangzhou, the Diocese of Wenzhou, and Ningbo, together with the bishop.Retracing the parish’s history, Bishop Joseph Yang recalled that “the church is a home, a place of love and affection,” and thanked St. Joseph, who intercedes for the local Church as Patron of the mission in China. The city of Yiwu is located 300 kilometers from Shanghai. According to local statistics, there are more than 1,000 Catholics and nearly 20,000 Christians of other denominations. In addition, baptized businessmen, both from China and abroad, come to the city to work.Until 2001, there was no Catholic place of worship in this international hub. With the region’s economic growth, Chinese and foreign Catholics who do business, run factories, study, and work in Yiwu began to gather for prayer in private homes. In 2007, 500 Catholics gathered to celebrate Christmas together. On June 14, 2008, a Catholic church was opened in Yiwu that could accommodate approximately 200 people. Gradually, a faithful and vibrant community has emerged in this center of global trade, welcoming those who come from far away to work in the city. The diocese has sent three priests to oversee the pastoral care of the local community, which can now also count on the new St. Joseph’s Church to fulfill its mission of proclaiming the Gospel to the merchants at the Yiwu wholesale market.Masses are already being celebrated in Chinese, English, and Korean in the new church. Yiwu is a county-level city in Zhejiang Province and belongs to the Diocese of Hangzhou. In 2005, the United Nations, the World Bank, Morgan Stanley, and other international financial agencies jointly published the report “Shocking the World of China’s Numbers,” which described the Yiwu market as “the world’s largest wholesale market for small goods.” (Agenzia Fides, 21/3/2025)
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