NewzIntel.com

Category: Banking

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa relies too heavily on foreign aid for health – 4 ways to fix this

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Francisca Mutapi, Professor in Global Health Infection and Immunity. and co-Director of the Global Health Academy, University of Edinburgh

    There’s been a global trend in the reduction of aid to Africa since 2018. Donors are shifting their funding priorities in response to domestic and international agendas. Germany, France and Norway, for instance, have all reduced their aid to Africa in the past five years. And, in 2020, the UK government reduced its Overseas Development Aid from 0.7% of gross national income to 0.5%.

    Many health services across the African continent rely heavily on overseas aid to provide essential care. International funding supports everything from vaccines and HIV treatment to maternal health programmes.

    Cuts to aid, particularly unilateral ones, can have widespread implications. For instance, about 72 million people missed out on treatment for neglected tropical diseases between 2021 and 2022 due to UK aid cuts.

    The freeze of US aid to Africa in January 2025 is the latest in this trend. It’s already having significant and wide-ranging impacts across the African continent. For example, vaccination campaigns for polio eradication and HIV/Aids treatment through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) have been stopped. This puts millions of lives at risk. In South Africa alone, the cut of Pepfar’s US$400 million a year to HIV programmes risks patients defaulting on treatment, infection rates going up and eventually a rise in deaths.

    President Donald Trump’s actions have highlighted Africa’s reliance on foreign aid for health funding. I’m a global health expert who sits on various funding and advisory boards, including those of the World Health Organization (WHO), the UK government and boards of global resource mobilisation organisations. I am well aware of the competing funding priorities for international funders and have long advocated for local, sustainable health funding mechanisms.

    Long-term strategies to reduce aid dependency are critical. Breaking away from this current funding status requires concerted efforts building on proven best practice.

    Read more: How nonprofits abroad can fill gaps when the US government cuts off foreign aid

    Country-leadership and ownership

    African countries currently face the unique challenge of simultaneously dealing with high rates of communicable diseases, such as malaria and HIV/Aids, and rising levels of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

    But Africa’s health systems are not sufficiently resourced. They’re not able to provide appropriate, accessible and affordable healthcare to address these challenges.

    African governments spend less than 10% of their GDP on health, amounting to capital expenditure of US$4.5 billion. This falls short of the estimated US$26 billion annual investment needed to meet evolving health needs.

    Aid goes towards filling this funding gap. For example, in 2021, half of sub-Saharan African countries relied on external financing, such as grants and loans, for more than one-third of their health expenditures.

    Foreign aid has helped. But it clearly leaves African countries vulnerable to the political mood swings among funders.

    It also leads to loss of self-determination in terms of health priorities as, ultimately, the funder determines the health priorities. This is one reason why many programmes in Africa focus on a single disease, such as HIV. This leads to poorly integrated health services. For instance health workers or services are channelled into managing a single disease.

    New, underutilised financing options

    The current trajectory of reduced aid to Africa is likely to continue. Global aid is being directed to other challenges, such as conflict and illegal immigration.

    The continent cannot continue on the same path while hoping for different outcomes. Africa needs to grow a range of immediately available domestic financing options. Many of these are underutilised and include:

    1.) Diversifying domestic resource mobilisation. This should include commodity taxation to fund health. For instance, tobacco taxes which are currently underutilised in Africa.

    Zimbabwe offers a successful example. It has bridged donor resource gaps through its 3% Aids levy (started in 1999). Imposed on both individual and corporate incomes, it funds domestic HIV/Aids prevention, care and treatment programmes.

    Nigeria’s another country that’s taken initiative, prioritising domestic budget allocation to health. It recently absorbed the 28,000 healthworkers formerly paid by USAid. This demonstrates that domestic health financing in Africa is possible.

    2.) More private-public partnerships. Formed between local and international philanthropies or institutions, these can bridge financing gaps.

    One successful example is the 2015 health service provision partnership between the Kenyan government and GE Healthcare. GE Healthcare provides radiography equipment and services which the government pays for over time. This allows the government to budget and plan healthcare expenditure over several years.

    3.) Promotion of regional integration to boost local production. This will reduce the need for aid-funded imported medical products.

    For instance, the African Union’s harmonised Africa Medicines Authority registration facility creates a single continental market for medicines. This supports local producers and exporters, by allowing them to operate on a larger scale. It also makes production and distribution more cost-effective. Finally, it reduces the reliance on imported medicines, strengthening Africa’s pharmaceutical industry.

    4.) Leverage development finance institutions. These are specialised financial organisations – such as the Africa Development Bank, African Export-Import Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa. They can provide capital and expertise to projects deemed too risky for traditional investors. This includes support for health financing for infrastructure development, private sector development for small and medium-sized enterprises and the regional integration.

    One transformative initiative is the AfricInvest investment platform. With support from development finance institutions in the US and Europe, AfricInvest has raised over US$100 million for health investment in Africa. It has funded at least 45 dialysis facilities in Africa, delivering over 130,000 dialysis sessions annually, primarily to remote and underserved communities all at affordable costs.

    A combination of these approaches at national, regional and continental level will accelerate Africa’s withdrawal from aid dependency.

    – Africa relies too heavily on foreign aid for health – 4 ways to fix this
    – https://theconversation.com/africa-relies-too-heavily-on-foreign-aid-for-health-4-ways-to-fix-this-249886

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New law to ban bonuses for polluting water bosses

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    New law to ban bonuses for polluting water bosses

    The Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 has today received Royal Assent, boosting the powers of water sector regulators to tackle pollution.

    Major legislation to crack down on water bosses polluting Britain’s rivers, lakes and seas has today been signed into law in the most significant increase to enforcement powers in a decade.   

    The Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 will give regulators new powers to take tougher and faster action to crack down on water companies damaging the environment and failing their customers.  

    The Act delivers on the manifesto pledges to clean up the water sector, including increasing the ability of the Environment Agency to bring forward criminal charges against water executives who break the law. It will create new tougher penalties, including possible imprisonment, for water executives who obstruct investigations.   

    The new legislation will provide powers for Ofwat to ban the payment of bonuses to water bosses if they fail to meet high standards to protect the environment, their consumers, and their company’s finances.     

    Other measures in the Act include automatic penalties to allow regulators to issue penalties more quickly, without having to direct resources to lengthy investigations. It will also introduce independent monitoring of every sewage outlet, with water companies required to publish real-time data for all emergency overflows. Discharges will have to be reported within an hour of the initial spill.  

    Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:

    “We promised to put water companies under tough special measures to clean up our waterways. Today, the Government has delivered on that promise as we continue to deliver on our Plan for Change.       

    “Polluting water bosses will no longer be paid undeserved bonuses. And if they break the law over water pollution, they could end up in the dock and face prison time. 

    “This is just the beginning. The Independent Water Commission will report back later this year to shape new laws that will transform our water system so we can clean up our rivers, lakes, and seas for good.” 

    The Act introduces bold new measures to clean up the industry, including:   

    • Enhanced enforcement powers: The Environment Agency will have increased ability to bring criminal charges against water bosses who break the law, who could face tougher penalties such as imprisonment of executives when companies fail to cooperate or obstruct investigations. The cost recovery powers of regulators will be expanded to ensure that water companies bear the cost of enforcement action taken in response to their failings.  

    • Ban on bonuses: Ofwat will have the power to set rules prohibiting the payment of executive bonuses if companies fail to meet high standards in protecting the environment, their consumers, and financial resilience.  

    • Automatic penalties: Automatic penalties will be introduced for a range of offences, allowing regulators to issue penalties more quickly without redirecting resources to lengthy investigations.   

    • Independent monitoring: Every emergency sewage outlet will be monitored, with data independently scrutinised and made publicly available within an hour of sewage spills occurring. This will ensure transparency and direct further investment to improving sewage infrastructure.   

    • Pollution Incident Reduction Plans (PIRPs): Water companies in England will be required to publish annual Pollution Incident Reduction Plans and report regularly on their progress, enabling the public and regulators to hold companies accountable for reducing pollution incidents.   

    The Act marks a major milestone in the government’s long-term approach to tackling the systemic issues in the water sector – helping to meet the challenges of the future, such as climate change, and driving economic growth.   

    Further legislation aimed at fundamentally transforming how our entire water system operates will be guided by the findings of the Independent Water Commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, which is currently conducting the largest review of the industry since privatisation.   

    Action taken so far 

    Immediate steps:   

    In his first week, the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed announced a series of initial steps towards ending the crisis in the water sector: 

    • After writing to Ofwat, the Secretary of State secured agreement that funding for vital infrastructure investment is ringfenced and can only be spent on upgrades benefiting customers and the environment not diverted for bonuses, dividends or salary increases.    

    • Water companies will place customers and the environment at the heart of their objectives. Companies have agreed to change their ‘Articles of Association’ – the rules governing each company – to make the interests of customers and the environment a primary objective.   

    • Consumers will gain new powers to hold water company bosses to account through powerful new customer panels. For the first time in history, customers will have the power to summon board members and hold water executives to account.   

    • Strengthen protection and compensation for households and businesses when their basic water services are affected. We have now doubled the compensation customers are legally entitled to when key standards are not met. The payments will also be triggered by a wider set of circumstances including Boil Water Notices.   

    Independent Commission:   

    • We have launched an Independent Commission into the water sector and its regulation, in what is expected to form the largest review of the industry since privatisation.  

    • Former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, Jon Cunliffe, has been appointed as the chair of the Commission. With several decades of economic and regulatory experience, his appointment demonstrates the Government’s serious ambitions. The Commission will draw upon a panel of experts from across the regulatory, environment, health, engineering, customer, investor, and economic sectors.   

    • A set of recommendations will be delivered to the Defra Secretary of State, and Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs.   

    • These recommendations will form the basis of further legislation to attract long-term investment and clean up our waters for good – injecting billions of pounds into the economy, speeding up delivery on infrastructure to support house building and addressing water scarcity, given the country needs to source an additional 5 billion litres of water a day by 2050.

    Further information:   

    Please see further details on the Water (Special Measures) Act here.

    Stakeholder quotes: 

    Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency, said:   

    “The passing into law of the Water (Special Measures) Act is a crucial step in making sure water companies take full responsibility for their impact on the environment.  

    “The increased regulatory powers introduced by this legislation will allow us to close the justice gap, deliver swifter enforcement action and ultimately deter illegal activity.   

    “Alongside these reforms, we are undertaking the biggest ever transformation to the way we regulate. By investing in additional resources, training and updated digital assets, we are ensuring the water system better meets the needs of both people and the environment, now and in the future.” 

    Huw Irranca-Davies, Wales’s Deputy First Minister for Wales with responsibility for Climate Change, said:  

    “Restoring our rivers and improving water quality is a key priority for us.  

    “We’ve been working in partnership with the UK Government to tackle pollution in our rivers, lakes, and seas, and to make sure the water industry is properly regulated.  

    “Today’s Royal Assent of the Special Measures Bill is another step forward and shows what we can achieve working together.” 

    Helen Campbell, Ofwat’s Senior Director for Sector Performance, said: 

    ‘’We welcome today’s Royal Assent of the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, which provides a clear signal to create a water sector that delivers for all customers and the environment.   

    “The Act gives Ofwat new powers to set requirements for companies on remuneration and governance, including prohibiting performance-related executive pay. These rules are an important step towards rebuilding public trust within the water sector, while also prompting water companies to focus on delivering a change in their culture that better meets the expectations of their customers. 

    “We are working at pace to implement these new rules and intend to launch consultations on the final proposals later this year.” 

    Mike Keil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), said: 

    “Repairing people’s fractured trust in the water sector requires not only a vast improvement in environmental performance, but also a sea change in water company culture so customers’ priorities are put before profit.  

    “It will take time to transform the water sector, but these new legal powers mark an important step in tackling two issues which make people’s blood boil – water company executives being rewarded for failure and pollution in our rivers, lakes, and seas.  

    “Water companies will be placing much bigger demands on billpayers’ finances over the next five years, so people have a right to expect far more for their money.” 

    Mark Lloyd, Rivers Trust CEO, said:   

    “The Water Special Measures Bill is a welcome first step from the government towards building a water system which restores nature, builds resilience to drought and flooding, and tackles the widespread issues of pollution.  

    “We welcome the improvements made to the bill in its passage through the Lords and the Government’s acceptance of amendments strengthening the environment duty of Ofwat and a greater emphasis on Nature Based Solutions.   

    “We are engaging closely with the current Independent Water Commission which we see as a once in a generation opportunity to take several more, and bolder steps towards a more integrated and catchment-based approach to managing water.” 

    “We welcome Royal Assent of the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, an important step toward cleaning up the freshwater environment. Regulators must make decisive use of new enforcement powers wherever companies continue to pollute, and Ofwat should make the most of new financial disclosure rules to ensure that funds that ought to be spent cleaning up rivers are never again siphoned off for profit.  

    “As the Government has recognised, the Act is just a first step. It must be followed promptly by further legislation and action to clamp down on pollution and ramp up environmental investment across whole catchments and across all the sectors responsible for polluting our rivers.” 

    Ali Morse, Water Policy Manager at the Wildlife Trusts, said:  

    “It’s encouraging to see The Water (Special Measures) Act bringing welcome powers and resourcing for regulators, as well as protections for the environment, with additional sewage spill monitoring and a focus on reducing pollution. These are topics that customers really care about. It lays important groundwork for the future legislative changes which are vital to ensure that the water sector can achieve what it needs to in the interests of its customers, and the rivers, lakes, and seas which people cherish. 

    “The work of the Independent Water Commission offers a once in a generation opportunity to reshape the way that we secure the improvements our waters desperately need, across catchment and sectors, and we’ll continue to work with the Commission and Government to ensure that these vital changes are driven forward.” 

    Jamie Cook, Angling Trust CEO, said:  

    “We welcome the government’s early action on water pollution with this bill. The behaviour of water companies is a national scandal, and illegal sewage pollution must result in prosecutions.  

    “The Angling Trust’s network of water-testing volunteers regularly exposes horrendous pollution in waterways and damage done to fisheries. The Environment Agency must use its powers to prosecute any law-breaking water bosses and address any illegal sewage spills uncovered in its long-standing investigation into potential permit breaches.  

    “This bill is a first step toward cleaning up waterways and fixing the regulatory system. The Independent Water Commission must now drive systemic reform, leading to a stronger water bill later in this Parliament—one that transforms water management and safeguards rivers, lakes, seas, and the fish that depend on them.” 

    Ben Seal, Head of Access and Environment at Paddle UK, said: 

    “Paddle UK and The Clean Water Sports Alliance welcomes the Water (Special Measures) Act receiving Royal Assent today. This legislation is a shot across the bows of polluting companies. Banning bonuses for failures and issuing tougher penalties is a very welcome first step by the Government – a down payment on the promised future reform that our broken system so desperately needs” 

    “Enjoying time in, on, or alongside water is vitally important in supporting the health and wellbeing of millions of people. Our community has campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of the impact pollution is having on both people and nature. We will be watching closely to ensure that these new powers are used to their fullest, to hold polluters to account and begin to restore our precious blue spaces”. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: QCR Holdings, Inc. Announces CEO Retirement and Executive Transition

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MOLINE, Ill., Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QCR Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: QCRH) (“QCR Holdings” or the “Company”), today announced that, effective immediately following the annual stockholders meeting on May 22, 2025, Larry J. Helling will retire from his role as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and of Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust Company, one of the Company’s wholly-owned bank subsidiaries. Additionally, Mr. Helling will also retire at that time from the boards of directors of the Company and Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust Company. Upon Mr. Helling’s retirement, Todd A. Gipple, the Company’s current President and Chief Financial Officer, will become President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Additionally, Nick W. Anderson, the Company’s current Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer, will become the Company’s Chief Financial Officer upon Mr. Gipple’s move to Chief Executive Officer.

    “We were extremely fortunate to have Larry’s leadership as CEO over the past 6 years. Larry joined the organization in 2001 with the formation of Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust Company and became CEO of the Company in 2019. Larry has left an indelible mark on the entire organization,” remarked Marie Ziegler, Chair of QCR Holdings. “Larry’s focus on our clients, shareholders and employees through his emphasis on local control of our banking subsidiaries has been critical in guiding us through the past several years, which included the pandemic and the unique inflationary economic environment. We appreciate Larry’s dedication to the organization and working with the board to implement a seamless succession. We congratulate Larry on his impressive career and look forward to his continued friendship during his well-earned retirement.”

    “It’s been an honor to serve at QCR Holdings and its banking subsidiaries for more than two decades. I have been fortunate to see the positive impacts that our company has had on the communities we serve. We are a relationship-driven organization, and that is reflected in our talented employees, who work diligently to make a positive difference for our clients,” commented Mr. Helling. “Our growth and success in recent years have been possible because of Todd’s leadership and exceptional ability to work with others. I leave knowing that the organization will continue to be guided by a strong leader who embraces our culture.”

    Mr. Gipple has served as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer since 2000, when he transitioned from a successful public accounting career. Through his years in the organization, Mr. Gipple has served in other capacities, including Chief Operating Officer, President and, since 2009, as a director of the Company, in addition to serving on the boards of the Company’s various banking subsidiaries. Mr. Gipple also is an active community leader in the Quad Cities and has served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committees of several local organizations during his 40 years in the community. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of The John Deere Classic and is Past-Chair and a current member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for the YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley.   “I’m honored to take on the CEO role of our company following our annual meeting in May,” said Mr. Gipple. “I have been fortunate to work with Larry since he joined QCR Holdings in 2001 when he founded Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust Company, and I have enjoyed working closely with him the past six years as he has led our company as CEO. It has been very rewarding to be a part of the company’s success the past 25 years. I look forward to continuing that success by retaining our local community banking model that keeps us focused on exceeding the expectations of our clients, creating stronger communities, and sustaining our top-tier financial performance. This focus has served us well throughout the history of our company and has created long-term value for our shareholders.”  

    Mr. Anderson, an Illinois native and graduate of Western Illinois University, is a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Anderson began his banking career as a teller while working his way through college. Since late 2019, he has served as Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, overseeing all of the Company’s internal and external financial reporting. He also is actively involved in his community and currently serves as the Vice President of Project Renewal of Davenport, Inc., which provides educational, recreational, and social activities for children during the school year and summer. “I have had the pleasure of working closely with Nick for over 20 years and I am fully confident that his transition into the Chief Financial Officer role will be seamless,” said Mr. Gipple. “He has the trust of the board and the executive management team and will do an excellent job overseeing the financial responsibilities at the Company while continuing to be an important part of communicating our successful story with shareholders and other constituencies.”

    Mr. Helling’s retirement and Messrs. Gipple’s and Anderson’s appointments will be effective immediately following the Company’s annual stockholder meeting, scheduled to be held on May 22, 2025.

    About Us

    QCR Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Moline, Illinois, is a relationship-driven, multi-bank holding company serving the Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Valley, Des Moines/Ankeny, and Springfield communities through its wholly owned subsidiary banks. The banks provide full-service commercial and consumer banking and trust and wealth management services. Quad City Bank & Trust Company, based in Bettendorf, Iowa, commenced operations in 1994; Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust Company, based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, commenced operations in 2001; Community State Bank, based in Ankeny, Iowa, was acquired by the Company in 2016; Springfield First Community Bank, based in Springfield, Missouri, was acquired by the Company in 2018, and Guaranty Bank, also based in Springfield, Missouri, was acquired by the Company and merged with Springfield First Community Bank in 2022, with the combined entity operating under the Guaranty Bank name. Additionally, the Company serves the Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Iowa community through Community Bank & Trust, a division of Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust Company. Quad City Bank & Trust Company offers equipment loans and leases to businesses through its wholly owned subsidiary, m2 Equipment Finance, LLC, based in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and provides correspondent banking services. The Company has 36 locations in Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Illinois. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $9.0 billion in assets, $6.7 billion in loans, and $7.1 billion in deposits. For additional information, please visit the Company’s website at www.qcrh.com.

    PRESS CONTACT:
    Cari Henson
    VP, Corporate Communications Manager
    309.277.2668 | chenson@qcrh.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Capital Bancorp, Inc. Completes Operational Conversion of Integrated Financial Holdings, Inc.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Capital Bancorp, Inc. (“CBNK”) announced that it had completed the conversion of Integrated Financial Holdings, Inc. (“IFH”) into its operations and systems. This conversion integrates IFH customer accounts into CBNK’s products and services.

    West Town Bank & Trust and Windsor Advantage previously operated as subsidiaries of IFH. In connection with the merger completed on October 1, 2024, West Town Bank & Trust merged with and into Capital Bank, N.A. and Windsor Advantage became a subsidiary of Capital Bancorp, Inc.

    “While Capital and IFH have already been effectively operating as one company, this conversion marks a major milestone,” said Ed Barry, Chief Executive Officer of CBNK. “Now that the conversion is complete, we are well positioned to better serve our customers and continue to execute on the meaningful synergies that we expect to accrue in the merger.”

    CBNK completed the conversion between the close of business on February 21st and reopening on February 24th. IFH customers – including customers of its North Riverside, IL branch – now have access to a wide selection of CBNK products and services. In addition, they can bank at any CBNK location, through digital banking or ATM. In connection with the merger, CBNK also anticipates opening a branch in Raleigh, NC on March 3, 2025.

    Information about the conversion and transition to CBNK was mailed to these customers on October 1, 2024. Since then, we have maintained ongoing communications to support a smooth transition.

    ABOUT CAPITAL BANCORP, INC.

    Capital Bancorp, Inc., Rockville, Maryland is a registered bank holding company incorporated under the laws of Maryland. Capital Bancorp has been providing financial services since 1999 and now operates bank branches in six locations including Washington D.C., Reston, VA, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Rockville, MD, Columbia, MD and N. Riverside, IL. Capital Bancorp had assets of approximately $3.2 billion at December 31, 2024 and its common stock is traded in the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “CBNK.” More information can be found at the Company’s website www.CapitalBankMD.com under its Investor Relations page.

    Capital Bank, N.A.
    Media Contact:
    Bryon Stevens
    Investor Relations
    Email: bstevens@capitalbankmd.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Drugs Made in America Acquisition Corp. Announces Advisory Team

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Fort Lauderdale, FL, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Drugs Made in America Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: DMAAU), (the “Company”) today announced the formation of an advisory team to lead its effort towards acquiring a well-managed, revenue generating business for the foundation and development of “End to End production, manufacturing and distribution, for the Drugs Made In America Platform”.  Under the direction of Lynn Stockwell, Chief Executive Officer of DMAAU, the advisory team will proactively pursue the deliverable of a business or combinations that seeks to become a new competitive cost producer of drugs made in America. Onboarding production back to the USA creates jobs, mitigates national security risks and will ensure the American people will have clean, pure, cost-efficient medications through a resilient supply chain made in America.

    The advisory team includes Charles C. Conaway who is chairman of The Sabre group, a private capital business which has operated, acquired & originated a variety of businesses in the health, consumer and other segments.   Mr. Conaway has led and served on the Board of a variety of organizations, including Fortune 100 companies as President of CVS Corporation, where he led the successful restructuring to create CVS as a stand-alone public company.  Mr. Conaway was one of the lead architects in transforming CVS from a large retailer to one of largest health care companies in the U.S.

    The team also includes Paul J. Mastronardi and Edward A. Robinson.

    Mr. Mastronardi is a third-generation greenhouse grower and distributor in the North American market. He was recognized as a Top 10 Under 40 honoree by Greenhouse Canada in 2017 and as a Top 40 Under 40 honoree by Produce Business in 2024. Paul also serves on multiple boards across various industries and brings extensive experience in developing businesses.

    Mr. Robinson is the former Chief Executive Officer of BMW Financial Services N.A. He was responsible for the America’s Region, which included BMW Bank, an Industrial Loan Corporation in Salt Lake City, Utah. Since retiring from BMW, Mr. Robinson has acted as a consultant on a wide range of businesses including public and private entities.

    The team will leverage resources and networks for efficient outreach to commence immediately. The effort will be focused on creating proprietary transaction opportunities. The Company believe personal relationships built over time are critical not just in generating transaction opportunities, but also in consummating a business combination.

    About Drugs Made In America Acquisition Corp.

    The Company is a blank check company incorporated in the Cayman Islands as an exempted company incorporated for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, or other similar business combination with one or more businesses. It has not selected any specific business combination target and has not, nor has anyone on its behalf, engaged in any substantive discussions, directly or indirectly, with any business combination target with respect to an initial business combination. While the Company may pursue a business combination target in any business, industry or geographical location, it intends to focus its search for businesses in the pharmaceutical industry. The Company believes that it is possible to mitigate risks in the U.S. medical supply chain by investing in companies that will reduce America’s overreliance on production of pharmaceuticals from concentrated geographic regions through investments in strategic on-shoring of advanced domestic manufacturing technologies for critical drugs.

    Contact Information

    Drugs Made In America Acquisition Corp.
    1 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 700
    Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

    Lynn Stockwell

    Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chair
    Email: lynn@dmaacorp.com
    Phone: (954) 870-3099

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described, or at all. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Registration Statement and related preliminary prospectus filed in connection with the initial public offering with the SEC. Copies are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Delivery driver who spent Covid funds on drugs and gambling also withdrew cash for home renovations just before he went bankrupt

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Delivery driver who spent Covid funds on drugs and gambling also withdrew cash for home renovations just before he went bankrupt

    Bounce Back Loan fraudster handed suspended sentence and curfew

    • Amraiz Mahmood secured more than £20,000 in Covid support funds by falsely declaring he had a turnover of £81,000 as a self-employed delivery driver and courier  
    • Mahmood spent the money on drugs and gambling and also used a separate non-Covid related loan for almost £40,000 worth of renovations to his home just before he filed for his own bankruptcy 
    • Insolvency Service investigations have resulted in Mahmood being given a suspended prison sentence and 12-month curfew 

    A delivery driver who spent Covid support funds he was not entitled to on drugs and gambling has been sentenced. 

    Amraiz Mahmood fraudulently secured a £20,250 Bounce Back Loan from his bank in 2020 by overstating his 2019 turnover by more than £65,000. 

    The 31-year-old then claimed to have assets of only £100 despite withdrawing almost £40,000 in cash for home improvements in the weeks before he filed for his own bankruptcy.  

    Mahmood, of Booker Lane, High Wycombe, was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, when he appeared at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on Friday 21 February. 

    He is also now subject to a 12-month daily curfew between 9pm and 7.45am which will be monitored with an electronic tag. 

    Mark Stephens, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: 

    Amraiz Mahmood hugely inflated his turnover to secure taxpayers’ money he did not deserve. He then clearly failed to use the loan as it was intended.  

    Bounce Back Loans were designed to support small businesses through the pandemic. They were not intended to be used for personal gain and the Insolvency Service will not hesitate to take action when we identify such blatant abuse of the scheme. 

    Mahmood also concealed tens of thousands of pounds in assets from the Official Receiver when he was declared bankrupt.

    Mahmood fraudulently applied for his Bounce Back Loan in May 2020, claiming his turnover as a self-employed courier and delivery driver was £81,000. 

    His self-assessment return for 2018-19 however showed an income of only £15,018. 

    Mahmood said that he spent the majority of the money he claimed on recreational drugs and gambling. 

    In May 2021, one year on from fraudulently securing the Bounce Back Loan, Mahmood applied for bankruptcy, stating he had assets of just £100 and liabilities of more than £200,000. 

    However, just one month before his bankruptcy, Mahmood had secured a non-Covid related loan from his bank worth £25,000 having also withdrawn £2,000 from his account in the days and weeks before. 

    He then withdrew a further £37,950 in cash across several transactions before being declared bankrupt. 

    Mahmood said he withdrew the money as he needed to make repairs to his home and he knew the assets would be frozen once the bankruptcy order was made. 

    Invoices for the house renovations were dated after Mahmood’s bankruptcy however, meaning he was in possession of the funds when he told the Official Receiver he only had £100 in assets. 

    Mahmood signed an eight-year Bankruptcy Restrictions Undertaking in March 2022, restricting him from being able to borrow more than £500 without disclosing his bankrupt status. 

    Efforts are now being made to recover the funds from Mahmood. 

    Further information 

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: FE International Announces Appointment of Four New Partners

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FE International, a leading M&A advisory firm, announces the appointment of Max Alderman, Ashley Bohn, Anastasia Buraminskaya, and Jake Olivieri as Partners. These appointments strengthen the firm’s leadership team and reflect its continued growth in key global markets.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Max, Ashley, Anastasia, and Jake as partners,” said Thomas Smale, Founder and CEO of FE International. “Each of them has played a crucial role in our firm’s growth and success. Their promotions reflect both their outstanding contributions and our commitment to developing talent within FE.”

    The newly appointed Partners bring diverse expertise and proven track records in managing complex transactions and building strong client relationships:

    • Max Alderman has more than eight years of experience advising on TMT M&A transactions, advising on more than $7 billion in transaction value. As a technology investment banker, he has led complex cross-border deals, managed global deal teams, and built deep relationships with founders, private equity firms, and strategic acquirers. Prior to joining FE International, Max worked in the investment banking groups at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and J.P. Morgan, advising on M&A transactions across the technology sector.
    • Anastasia Buraminskaya brings extensive experience in financial analysis, technical accounting and valuation. Since joining FE International, she has successfully guided clients in refining their financial strategies, enabling them to achieve maximum valuation and effectively position themselves for growth. She is also a Certified Public Accountant in New York State.
    • Jake Olivieri, previously Vice President at FE International, leverages nearly a decade of experience in debt capital markets. Throughout his tenure, he has advised on transactions exceeding $500 million in value, with particular expertise in the e-commerce sector. Jake is a CFA Charterholder.
    • Ashley Bohn brings significant expertise in FinTech and enterprise software advisory services, having closed over 25 deals in just over three years at the firm. Prior to joining FE International, she worked in public accounting, serving emerging growth and technology companies generating over $500 million in annual revenues. She is a Certified Public Accountant in New York State.

    These appointments further strengthen FE International’s position as a leader in technology M&A advisory services. The new Partners will continue to operate from the firm’s established offices, serving clients across the global technology sector.

    About FE International

    Founded in 2010, FE International is an award-winning strategic advisor for technology businesses. The firm’s team has completed over 1,500 transactions with a combined value exceeding $50 billion. FE International has been recognized as one of The Americas’ Fastest Growing Companies by the Financial Times from 2020 to 2024 and has earned a place on the Inc. 5000 list for four consecutive years.

    Media Contact

    Gaj Tanwar
    Marketing Coordinator, FE International
    Email: gaj.tanwar@feinternational.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta Commits $60 Million for Homeownership Grants

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLBank Atlanta) announced today that it is making $60 million in grant funding available through two enhanced programs to help families and individuals purchase or rehabilitate a home. Financial institutions that are members of FHLBank Atlanta can apply for funding to distribute to eligible customers beginning today, Feb. 24, 2025.

    “We are pleased to expand our support for homebuyers and homeowners this year, especially in light of challenges including high home prices and recent natural disasters,” said FHLBank Atlanta President and CEO Kirk Malmberg. “These programs have been designed to assist both first-time and repeat homebuyers, low- and moderate-income families, members of public service occupations, and those in declared emergency areas. We anticipate this funding will significantly impact the lives of thousands of people.”  

    FHLBank Atlanta is committing $40 million through its 2025 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) Homeownership Set-aside Program. Each member financial institution can access up to $750,000 to distribute through three products:

    • First-time Homebuyer: Provides up to $17,500 in downpayment, closing cost, or rehabilitation assistance to first-time homebuyers in connection with the purchase of an existing home. This is an increase from $12,500 offered in 2024.
    • Community Partners: Provides up to $20,000 in downpayment, closing cost, counseling, or rehabilitation assistance in connection with the purchase or purchase and rehabilitation of an existing home by employed or retired law enforcement officers, educators, firefighters, health care workers, veterans and surviving spouses, and other first responders. This is an increase from $15,000 offered in 2024.
    • Community Rebuild and Restore: Provides up to $25,000 in funding for the rehabilitation of an existing owner-occupied home in Major Disaster Declaration areas as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or by a local, state, or other federal government agency. This funding per unit is up from $10,000 in 2024.

    FHLBank Atlanta is contributing $20 million to promote affordable housing through its Workforce Housing Plus+ Program, developed for borrowers with incomes between 80.01% and 120% of the area median income (AMI).

    • Member financial institutions can access up to $500,000 each and disburse grants up to $15,000 per eligible borrower for downpayment and closing costs.
    • Homes must be the primary residence of each grant recipient and located in FHLBank Atlanta’s district, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

    “As a member of FHLBank Atlanta, we have access to a range of affordable housing programs, including downpayment assistance, which reduces barriers to homeownership for many people,” said Paul Phillips, President and CEO of Freedom First Federal Credit Union. “By applying for FHLBank Atlanta funding to distribute, we are creating a ripple effect of positive change – empowering local individuals and families to invest in their futures and build generational wealth while strengthening communities. As a community development financial institution (CDFI), these programs are a powerful way that we fulfill our mission to help people prosper and help communities thrive.”

    Visit the FHLBank Atlanta website for full detail and eligibility requirements for the 2025 Homeownership Set-aside Program and Workforce Housing Plus+ Program. Funds to member institutions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Borrower contribution and credit counseling are required for most products.

    If you need assistance connecting with a member financial institution, or for more information, call the Bank’s Community Investment Services department at 1.800.536.9650, option 3.

    About FHLBank Atlanta
    FHLBank Atlanta offers competitively-priced financing, community development grants, and other banking services to help member financial institutions make affordable home mortgages and provide economic development credit to neighborhoods and communities. The Bank’s members – its shareholders and customers – are commercial banks, credit unions, savings institutions, community development financial institutions, and insurance companies located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. FHLBank Atlanta is one of 11 district Banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Since 1990, the FHLBanks have awarded approximately $9.1 billion in Affordable Housing Program funds, assisting more than 1.2 million households.

    For more information, visit our website at www.fhlbatl.com.

    CONTACT: Sheryl Touchton
    Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta
    stouchton@fhlbatl.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM Urges Long-Term Funding and Partnerships to Tackle Global Displacement at Riyadh Forum

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Riyadh, 24 February 2025 – International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director General Amy Pope underscored at the 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum (RIHF) the need for strengthening partnerships and collaboration as key to delivering solutions to the world’s deteriorating displacement crises.

    “With record numbers of people displaced around the world – and many millions more at risk of becoming so – the international community must develop comprehensive and sustainable approaches, bringing together our efforts across humanitarian response, development initiatives and peacebuilding,” DG Pope said. “This forum is an important and timely opportunity for us to work together towards this goal, keeping the needs of displaced people at the center of our response.”

    The numbers of people already internally displaced globally have reached a record level of about 76 million. Displacement crises have become more protracted, lasting between 10 years to 26 years on average.

    DG Pope emphasized the need for replacing short-term funding with long-term financing for government-led, development-oriented solutions to displacement in close collaboration with multilateral development banks.

    During the event, DG Pope is participating in two key panels, and she will be meeting with senior Saudi government officials on the sidelines, including with His Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior and Dr Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre.

    DG Pope will also meet with Dr. Muhammed Sueliman Al Jazeer, Chairperson of Islamic Development Bank, Ambassador Tariq Ali Bakheet, Assistant Secretary General of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and senior officials from the UN and philanthropy organisations.

    “The Riyadh forum is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s leading humanitarian role and is an important platform to address the challenging humanitarian situation globally at this moment,” said IOM’s Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Othman Belbeisi. “IOM will continue to strengthen its collaboration with the kingdom and King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre to drive solutions to displacement crises.” 

    Discussion at RIHF, whose theme this year is “Navigating the Future of Humanitarian Response”, will focus on exploring innovative approaches to humanitarian aid, the role of technology in crisis response, and the challenges posed by climate change, conflict, and displacement.

    The forum, which takes place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 24-25 February, is organized by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) and attended by humanitarian leaders, donors, practitioners, researchers, and others.

    For more information, please contact:

    In Cairo: Joe Lowry, jlowry@iom.int

    In Geneva: Kennedy Okoth kokoth@iom.int

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Guntur District Co-operative Central Bank Ltd., Andhra Pradesh

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated February 18, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand only) on The Guntur District Co-operative Central Bank Ltd., Andhra Pradesh (the bank) for contravention of provisions of Section 31 read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act). This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the BR Act.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of contravention of statutory provisions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said provisions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had failed to publish its accounts and balance-sheet for the Financial Year 2022-23 and also to furnish the copies thereof to RBI / NABARD within the prescribed timeline.

    This action is based on deficiencies in statutory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2246

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Gulbarga and Yadgir District Co-operative Central Bank Ltd., Karnataka

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated February 18, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹50,000/- (Rupees Fifty thousand only) on The Gulbarga and Yadgir District Co-operative Central Bank Ltd., Karnataka (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in exercise of powers conferred under Section 27(3) read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act) on ‘Offsite Surveillance System-Revision of Due dates for Submission of OSS/FMS Returns’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the BR Act.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by NABARD with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with NABARD directions issued under statutory provisions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had failed to submit the statutory returns to NABARD within the prescribed timeline.

    This action is based on deficiencies in statutory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2247

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung hits the runway with E.L.V. DENIM to showcase sustainable fashion

    Source: Samsung

     
    LONDON, UK – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd is making its London Fashion Week debut as part of E.L.V. DENIM’s first ever presentation titled ‘The Journey’.
     
    The British luxury brand, dedicated to crafting timeless fashion pieces from 100% upcycled materials, created ‘The Journey’ to trace its evolution from the first pair of jeans in 2018 to a full ready-to-wear collection, including shirting, tailoring, leather, and evening wear.
     
    Set to a backdrop of Samsung’s Series 6 Washing Machines and Tumble Dryers – which offer a range of features that help reduce energy consumption[1] as well as decreasing the amount of harmful plastic microfibers clothes shed[2] – the show portrays E.L.V.’s commitment to upcycling, local manufacturing, and true sustainability by exploring the six core elements of E.L.V. DENIM’s production: sourcing, washing, grading, pairing, cutting & sewing.
     
    Dan Barfield, Director of Digital Appliances, Samsung UK & Ireland, comments: “We’re proud to be a part of E.L.V. DENIM’s London Fashion Week debut. The presentation showcases both brand’s dedication to innovation, making our products the perfect backdrop to the first fully upcycled show on-schedule.
     
    “This collaboration is a powerful statement towards responsible consumption. While E.L.V. DENIM transforms garments otherwise destined for landfill into high-end fashion, our laundry innovations help extend the life of clothing by delivering a deep clean using less water and energy. We’re committed to building products and providing consumers with options that put responsible practices at the forefront of fashion.”
     
    Anna Foster, Founder & Designer, E.L.V. DENIM, comments “From the very beginning, we believed—and still believe—that we make the best jeans in the world. Our commitment to upcycling, local manufacturing, and true sustainability sets us apart. Some might call that a bold statement, but we have the processes to prove it. That’s why we’ve created a fully transparent presentation that shows exactly how we do it.
     
    “We welcome questions and interaction—our team is here to share everything. Only by being completely open can we prove who we are, and what we’re striving to become. Today, E.L.V. DENIM is the only brand in the world producing high-end garments at scale entirely from 100% upcycled post-consumer waste. We are not just making jeans; we are rewriting the rules of fashion.”
     

     
    Samsung offers innovative solutions to help consumers reduce water and energy usage. Various Samsung washing machines have AI energy mode[3] that can reduce your energy consumption by up to 70%[4], whilst ecobubble technology can wash effectively at cooler temperatures.
     
    Samsung also offers the Less Microfiber cycle that works to make clothes shed less microplastics, which are discharged into the drain water. By adjusting the motor’s revolution speed and washing intensiveness, the Less Microfiber cycle reduces the amount of microfiber released into the drain by up to 54%[[5]].
     

     
     
    Top Tips: How to Make Your Laundry More Eco-Friendly
     
    Embrace energy-saving tech to cut down on water and energy use
    While it is a staple to our daily lives, electricity production generates the second largest share of greenhouse gas emissions, making it vital we explore how to cut our energy consumption. Our washing machines with AI energy mode can reduce your energy consumption by using sensors to detect the weight of your laundry before calculating and dispensing the optimal amount of water needed for the load. [3+4]
     
    Less is more when it comes to detergent
    Many laundry detergents contain microplastics—harmful plastic microfibres that make it into the ocean[6]. That’s why Samsung developed the new Less Microfiber Filter, an external washing machine filter designed to significantly reduce plastic microfiber emissions during laundry cycles.
     
    Designed with inspiration from apparel maker Patagonia and expertise from the global ocean conservation organisation Ocean Wise, the filter captures 98%[[7]] of microplastics released during laundry from escaping into the ocean, equivalent to eight 500ml plastic bottles per year when used four times a week[8].
     
    To manage the amount of detergent we use to avoid damaging the planet, our clothes and the machine itself over time, Samsung’s Auto Dispense feature automatically adds the right amount of detergent and softener into the washer, taking the guesswork out of every wash.
     
    Don’t be afraid of the cold (wash)
    Using hot water during a laundry cycle uses a substantial amount of energy—in fact, 75% of the energy required during a hot wash cycle is used just to heat up the water[9]. With Samsung’s EcoBubble technology, you need not worry that a colder wash will result in a less effective clean.
     
    Even at a cold wash setting of 15°C, EcoBubble technology will still effectively dissolve detergent and mix it with air and water to create bubbles that thoroughly penetrate clothes so as to remove even the toughest stains.
     
    Choose appliances that are built to last
    A final tip for making your laundry as eco-friendly as possible is to opt for appliances that are sure to last for a long time, a decision that contributes to the reduction of landfill waste, the conversation of resources, the prevention of environmental contamination by toxic materials, and the reduction of greenhouses gases created in the production of new materials.
     
    Samsung’s washers and dryers have been designed for long-term use, coming with industry-leading warranties for both product and parts so that users can rest assured that their appliance decisions are the best ones for the environment.
     
    About E.L.V. DENIM
     
    E.L.V. DENIM is a pioneering British luxury brand dedicated to handcrafting timeless fashion pieces from 100% upcycled materials. Breathing a second life into garments that could otherwise be destined for landfill, E.L.V. DENIM transforms loss into luxury.
     
    In a world of over-consumption, E.L.V. DENIM challenges convention. It’s fabric-first curated sourcing of pre-loved garments ensures every piece is unique and innovative designs create pieces to last a lifetime. Founder and Creative Director Anna Foster launched E.L.V. DENIM to redefine the perfect fit in denim, ensuring every pair of ‘off the rack’ jeans feels like it is tailor made. In addition, it is the first denim brand to launch a jean that can adapt to the wearer’s life with built-in seam allowances for effortless tailoring.
     
    In 2023 the brand extended beyond denim and into new categories; upcycling corduroy, shirting, tailoring, leather and cotton, helping to protect the environment for future generations and proving that a completely circular fashion model can be a success.
     
    All production takes place in East London, minimising carbon footprint and supporting our local
    community of ateliers. The brand has a holistic approach to sustainability and zero-waste, all parts of the jeans are used to make new products, scraps are constructed into sheets of patchwork fabrics and the smaller threads are turned into denim paper.
     
    [1] Our washing machines with AI energy mode* can reduce your energy consumption by up to 70%** * Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. ** Based on internal testing on the WW7000D models on a Cotton 40 degrees wash with the AI Energy Mode turned on compared to not using AI Energy Mode.
     
    [2] The Less Microfiber cycle works to make clothes shed less microplastics, which are discharged into the drain water. By adjusting the motor’s revolution speed and washing intensiveness, the Less Microfiber cycle reduces the amount of microfiber released into the drain by up to 54%. Based on testing by the Ocean Wise Plastics Lab using a 2kg load of 100% polyester hoodies, comparing the Synthetics cycle on a Samsung conventional model WW4000T and the Less Microfiber cycle on the WW7000B. Results may vary depending on the actual clothes and usage conditions.
     
    [3] Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.
     
    [4] Based on internal testing on the WW7000D models on a Cotton 40 degrees wash with the AI Energy Mode turned on compared to not using AI Energy Mode.
     
    [5] Tested with 2kg load of 100% polyester hoodies, comparing Synthetics cycle on Samsung Conventional model WW4000T and the Less Microfiber Cycleon WW9400B. The results may be different depending on the clothes and environment. Tested at the Ocean Wise Plastics Lab. Newsroom post here.
     
    [6] “Fashion’s tiny hidden secret”, United Nations Environment Programme (unep.org/news-and-stories/story/fashions-tiny-hidden-secret).
     
    [7] Tested at Ocean Wise Plastics Lab on the WW90T734DWH model (using Synthetic cycle, approximately 2kg load of synthetic textile laundry) comparing the amount of microfiber released with and without the Less Microfiber Filter installed. The amount is calculated by filtering drain water through a 50um filter. Results may vary depending on clothes and environment.
     
    [8] Tested at Ocean Wise Plastics Lab on the WW90T734DWH model (using Synthetic cycle, approximately 2kg load of synthetic textile laundry) comparing the amount of microfiber released with and without the Less Microfiber Filter installed. The amount is calculated by filtering drain water through a 50um filter. One wash cycle’s reduction amount of 0.627g is based on a 5kg load (0.125g/kg x 5kg). Annual reduction amount (132g) is calculated based on 210 cycles (4 times a week, 52 weeks) and 5kg load on each cycle. 500㎖ bottle weight (15.4g) is based on the Korea Ministry of Environment’s guideline on plastic bottles.
     
    [9] Data source: https://www.euronews.com/living/2019/07/14/eco-washing-your-way-to-a-cleaner-planet
     

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK announces largest sanctions package against Russia since 2022

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK announces largest sanctions package against Russia since 2022

    Three years on from President Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK has today imposed over 100 new sanctions directly targeting those who continue to aid the invasion.

    • 107 new sanctions announced as UK unleashes our largest sanctions package since the early days of the invasion. 

    • Milestone package targets Russian military supply chains, revenues fuelling Putin’s illegal war, and Kleptocrats driving profits for the Kremlin. 

    • Strengthening Ukraine’s hand will help to build a secure and prosperous Europe and UK – a foundation of the government’s Plan for Change.

    Today’s measures will target funds going into Putin’s war chest and propping up Russia’s kleptocratic system.   

    As the Prime Minister said last week, we are facing a once in a generation moment for the collective security of our continent.  The UK is working with our Allies to put Ukraine in the best position to achieve peace through strength. Today’s action is a further step towards this.  

    The sanctions will also target Russia’s military machine, entities in third countries who support it and the fragile supply networks that it relies on.   

    Targets include:  

    • Producers and suppliers of machine tools, electronics and dual-use goods for Russia’s military, including microprocessors used in weapons systems. These are based in a range of third countries including Central Asian states, Turkey, Thailand, India and China, which is the largest supplier of critical goods for Russia’s military.  

    • North Korean Defence Minister No Kwang Chol and other North Korean generals and senior officials complicit in deploying over 11,000 DPRK forces to Russia. Putin is using DPRK forces as cannon fodder; DPRK has suffered over 4,000 casualties.  

    • 13 Russian targets, including LLC Grant-Trade, its owner Marat Mustafaev and his sister Dinara Mustafaeva, who have used the company to funnel advanced European technology into Russia to support its illegal war.  

    For the first time, we are also using new powers to target foreign financial institutions supporting Russia’s war machine.  We are sanctioning the Kyrgyzstan-based OJSC Keremet Bank, disrupting Russia’s use of the international financial system to support its war efforts.

    Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:

    Today’s action, the largest in almost three years, underscores the UK’s commitment to Ukraine.    

    Every military supply line disrupted, every rouble blocked, and every enabler of Putin’s aggression exposed is a step towards a just and lasting peace, and towards security and prosperity in the UK as a part of this government’s Plan for Change. 

    Lasting peace will only be achieved through strength. That is why we are focused on putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position.      

    As the world marks the grim milestone of Putin’s full-scale invasion entering its fourth year, we cannot and will not turn our backs on Ukraine in their fight for our shared security.

    Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority and an integral part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. Sanctions against Russia’s military machine and the revenues fuelling it will improve the chances of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which will benefit security and prosperity in the UK.  

    The new sanctions will put further pressure on Putin’s energy revenues, the most vital source of funding for his illegal invasion. They include specification of another 40 ‘shadow fleet’ ships carrying Russian oil. These vessels have collectively carried more than $5 billion worth of Russian oil and oil products in the last six months alone. The specifications bring the total number of oil tankers sanctioned by the UK to 133 – the highest of any nation in Europe.  

    Finally, we are sanctioning 14 ‘New Kleptocrats’, some of whom are fronting up strategic sectors of Russia’s economy.  Among them are Roman Trotsenko, one of the wealthiest men in Russia, worth £2.2 billion.  

    After three years of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainians continue to defend their country and way of life with ingenuity and courage. They have shown that with the right support they can defend themselves against Russian aggression. Today’s action will strengthen Ukraine’s hand at a critical time in their fight for our shared security.

    Background

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Mahila Sahakari Bank Ltd., Dist. Vadodara, Gujarat

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated February 19, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand only) on Mahila Sahakari Bank Ltd., Dist. Vadodara, Gujarat (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, oral submissions made during the personal hearing and examination of additional submissions made by it, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had failed to upload the KYC records of customers onto Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCR) within the prescribed timeline.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2239

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Capital City Bank Establishes Chief Banking Officer; Names New Chief Lending Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Capital City Bank announces a newly created executive role of chief banking officer, providing comprehensive oversight of the lending and deposit functions of the Bank with a strategic focus on growth, efficiency and operational cohesion. The position has been filled by Ramsay Sims, a tenured member of the Company’s senior leadership team who brings broad expertise in financial services and effective leadership. Concurrently, William Smith has been promoted to chief lending officer, filling the vacancy left by Sims’ promotion to chief banking officer.

    “Adding this new leadership role positions us for long-term success and sustained excellence as we continue to grow,” said Bill Smith, Capital City Bank Group Chairman, President and CEO. “With Ramsay’s extensive experience, proven track record and demonstrated ability to lead in diverse banking environments, he is well-equipped to drive the strategic goals and objectives of this critical role.”

    As chief banking officer providing high-level oversight of both lending and deposit functions of the Bank, Sims will streamline the strategic direction of these areas, allowing for more efficient management and alignment of growth objectives. Smith will focus on driving the lending strategies of the Bank as chief lending officer under Sims’ direction.

    Capital City Bank Group Chairman, President and CEO Bill Smith added, “Ramsay has been a key contributor to our success since he joined the Bank. I have consistently valued his expertise as a member of our executive leadership team. Likewise, William’s diverse background, impressive achievements and deep understanding of the market will add additional strength to our executive ranks. I am confident that these enhancements to our executive management team will provide a solid foundation for continued progress and future growth.”

    Sims came to Capital City Bank in 2010 and served most recently as chief lending officer. He has amassed decades of experience serving corporations, governments and non-profit organizations in the financial sector. Before joining Capital City Bank, Sims spent five years in public finance with Merrill Lynch, three years in corporate tax-exempt finance with Banc of America Securities and six years with GE Capital. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of the South (Sewanee) and a master’s in business administration from Florida State University.

    Smith, who served most recently as North Florida Region executive overseeing an operational area that included Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla counties in Florida and Grady County in Georgia, joined Capital City Bank in 2007 as a management trainee. Over his career, Smith has gained expertise in multiple specialties, including small business, commercial real estate, special assets and private banking. In 2020, he was appointed the market president overseeing Leon County and served three years in that role until being promoted to North Florida Region executive in 2023. Smith demonstrates a deep commitment to community advocacy through service on multiple non-profit boards, including Big Bend Hospice, where he holds the office of treasurer, and the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the Tallahassee Entrepreneurs Organization and Florida Bankers Association Government Relations Council.

    About Capital City Bank Group, Inc.
    Capital City Bank Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CCBG) is one of the largest publicly traded financial holding companies headquartered in Florida and has approximately $4.3 billion in assets. We provide a full range of banking services, including traditional deposit and credit services, mortgage banking, asset management, trust, merchant services, bankcards, securities brokerage services and financial advisory services, including the sale of life insurance, risk management and asset protection services. Our bank subsidiary, Capital City Bank, was founded in 1895 and now has 63 banking offices and 104 ATMs/ITMs in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. For more information about Capital City Bank Group, Inc., www.ccbg.com.

    For Information Contact:
    Brooke Hallock
    Hallock.Brooke@ccbg.com
    850.402.8525

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8d7d86ca-9eaa-4b27-a720-ce03ed405f6f

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/93aea2c1-c40c-48d0-ba61-febe3f386283

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dr. Swati Dhingra reappointed to the Monetary Policy Committee

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Dr. Swati Dhingra reappointed to the Monetary Policy Committee

    Dr. Swati Dhingra has been reappointed as an external member to the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has announced.

    Her three-year term was due to end on 8 August 2025. Following her appointment for a second term, Dr. Dhingra will continue to hold the post until 8 August 2028.

    Dr. Swati Dhingra is an Associate Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics (LSE), and an Associate of the Centre for Economic Performance at LSE. Her research has been funded by the Economic and Social Research Council; European Research Council; International Growth Centre; UK Research and Innovation; and she was awarded the Office for National Statistics’ Research Excellence People’s Choice Award 2019. 

    From 1 January 2023, Dr. Swati Dhingra has been Director of the Review of Economic Studies. She has also been a member of the UK’s Trade Modelling Review Expert Panel and the LSE’s Economic Diplomacy Commission.

    About the reappointment process 

    Reappointments are not automatic, and each case is considered on its own merits. This reappointment was made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in line with the requirements of the Governance Code for Public Appointments.

    About the Monetary Policy Committee 

    The independent MPC makes decisions about the operation of monetary policy. It comprises of the Governor of the Bank of England, three Deputy Governors, the Bank of England’s Chief Economist and four external members. External members, who are appointed by the Chancellor, may serve up to two three-year terms on the MPC. 

    The appointment of external members to the MPC is designed to ensure that the Committee benefits from thinking and expertise in addition to that gained inside the Bank. Each member of the MPC has expertise in the field of economics and monetary policy. They are independent and do not represent particular groups or areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Sp Mortgage Bank Plc: Kai Koskela appointed as CEO of the Savings Banks’ Union Coop

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Sp Mortgage Bank Plc 
    Stock Exchange Release 
    24 February 2025 at 1:00 pm (CET +1)

    The Board of Saving Banks’ Union Coop has appointed acting CEO Kai Koskela (BBA, eMBA) as CEO of the Savings Banks’ Union Coop. Kai Koskela has worked at The Savings Banks Group since 2015. He has over thirty years of experience in domestic and international specialist and senior management positions in the finance sector and business development. Appointment takes place immediately.

    SP MORTGAGE BANK PLC 

    Additional information: 

    Robin Lindahl
    Chairman of the Board, Saving Banks’ Union Coop
    +358 50 595 9616  

    Sp Mortgage Bank Plc is part of the Savings Banks Group and the Savings Banks Amalgamation. The role of Sp Mortgage Bank is, together with Central Bank of Savings Banks Finland Plc, to be responsible for obtaining funding for the Savings Banks Group from money and capital markets. Sp Mortgage Bank is responsible for the Savings Banks Group’s mortgage-secured funding by issuing covered bonds.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Central Bank of Savings Banks Finland Plc: Kai Koskela appointed as CEO of the Savings Banks’ Union Coop

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Central Bank of Savings Banks Finland Plc 

    Stock Exchange Release 

    24 February 2025 at 1:00 pm (CET +1)

    The Board of Saving Banks’ Union Coop has appointed acting CEO Kai Koskela (BBA, eMBA) as CEO of the Savings Banks’ Union Coop. Kai Koskela has worked at The Savings Banks Group since 2015. He has over thirty years of experience in domestic and international specialist and senior management positions in the finance sector and in business development. Appointment takes place immediately.

    CENTRAL BANK OF SAVINGS BANKS FINLAND PLC 

    Additional information: 

    Robin Lindahl
    Chairman of the Board, Saving Banks’ Union Coop
    +358 50 595 9616  

    Central Bank of Savings Banks Finland Plc is part of the Savings Banks Amalgamation and Savings Banks Group and operates as Group’s central credit institution. Central Bank of Savings Banks’ role is to ensure liquidity and wholesale funding of the Savings Banks Group via operating in the money and capital markets, issue payment cards, and provide payment transfer and account operator services. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM-KISAN completes 19 successful installments

    Source: Government of India

    PM-KISAN completes 19 successful installments

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi releases installment to 9.8 Crore Farmers amounting to more than ₹22,000 crore

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 3:33PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi released the 19th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on 24th February, 2025 in Bhagalpur, Bihar. During the event over 9.8 crore farmers including 2.41 crore female farmers across the country will be benefitted through the 19th instalment release, receiving direct financial assistance exceeding ₹22,000 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) without involvement of any middlemen, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to farmer welfare and agricultural prosperity.[1] With this installment, the scheme will be supporting farmers nationwide and further reaffirming the government’s commitment to rural development and agricultural prosperity.

     

    https://pmkisan.gov.in/Creatives.aspx

    Previously, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi released the 18th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on 5th October 2024 in Washim, Maharashtra. This significant event witnessed over 9.4 crore farmers across the country receiving direct financial benefits, amounting to more than ₹20,000 crore.[2]

    The PM-KISAN scheme is a central sector scheme launched in February 2019 by the Hon’ble Prime Minister to supplement the financial needs of land-holding farmers. Under the scheme, a financial benefit of Rs 6,000/- per year is transferred in three equal instalments, into the Aadhaar seeded bank accounts of farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.[3]

    A farmer-centric digital infrastructure has ensured the benefits of the scheme reach all the farmers across the country without involvement of any middlemen. Maintaining absolute transparency in registering and verifying beneficiaries, the Government of India has disbursed over Rs 3.46 lakh Cr. in 18 instalments since inception, as of February 2025.[4]

    Objectives

    With a view to augment the income of the Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs), the PM-KISAN scheme aims to:

    • Supplement the financial needs of the SMFs in procuring various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm income at the end of each crop cycle.
    • This would also protect them from falling in the clutches of moneylenders for meeting such expenses and ensure their continuance in the farming activities.[5]

    Technological Advancements

    With an objective to make the scheme more efficient, effective, and transparent, continuous improvements in a farmer-centric digital infrastructure have been made to ensure the benefits of the scheme reach all the farmers across the country without any middleman involvement.

    The PM-KISAN mobile app was launched on 24th February 2020. This has been developed with an emphasis on greater transparency and to reach more farmers. The PM-KISAN mobile app servers a simple and efficient extension to the PM-KISAN web portal.[6] In 2023, the app was launched with an additional “Face Authentication Feature”. This enabled remote farmers to do e-KYC by scanning their face without OTP or fingerprint.[7]

    The portal and mobile app offer services like self-registration, benefit status tracking, and facial authentication-based e-KYC. Farmers in remote areas can complete e-KYC via face scans, with provisions to assist neighbours.

    Over 5 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs) have been onboarded to facilitate registrations and meet mandatory requirements. Additionally, a robust grievance redressal system was established on the portal, and an AI chatbot, Kisan-eMitra, launched in September 2023, provides instant query resolution in local languages regarding payments, registration, and eligibility. Farmers can also assist 100 other farmers in their neighbourhood to complete e-KYC at their doorstep. In addition, the Government of India has also extended the facility for completing e-KYC of farmers to State Government officials, allowing each official to do e-KYC for 500 farmers.[8]

    PM-KISAN AI CHATBOT

    In 2023, an AI Chatbot was launched for the PM-KISAN scheme, becoming the first AI chatbot integrated with a major flagship scheme of the Union government. The AI Chatbot provides farmers with prompt, clear, and accurate responses to their queries. It has been developed and improved with the support of EKstep foundation and Bhashini. The introduction of the AI chatbot in the PM-KISAN grievance management system is aimed at empowering farmers with a user-friendly and accessible platform.

    https://www.instagram.com/pmkisanofficial/p/DAu8QCsiEoH/?hl=en

    The AI Chatbot, accessible through the PM KISAN mobile app, is integrated with Bhashini, which offers multilingual support, catering to the linguistic and regional diversity of the PM KISAN beneficiaries. ‘Digital India BHASHINI’ seeks to enable easy access to the internet and digital services in Indian languages, including voice-based access, and help the creation of content in Indian languages.[9] This integration of advanced technology will not only enhance transparency but will also empower farmers to make informed decisions.[10]

    Additionally, the Department of Posts offers the facility of linking/updating mobile number with Aadhaar for farmers benefiting from PM KISAN scheme. This is to complete e-KYC, through India Post Payment Bank.[11]

     

    Mandatory information required to enroll in scheme:

    • Farmer’s / Spouse’s name
    • Farmer’s / Spouse’s date of birth
    • Bank account number
    • IFSC/ MICR Code
    • Mobile Number
    • Aadhaar Number
    • Other customer information as available in the passbook which is required for mandate registration

     

    [12]

    Impact and Achievements

    • Since its inception, the Government of India has disbursed over Rs 3.46 lakh Cr. in 18 installments.
    • A significant saturation drive launched in November 2023 under the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra added over 1 crore eligible farmers to the scheme.
    • An additional 25 lakh farmers were included within the first 100 days of the subsequent government in June 2024. As a result, the number of beneficiaries receiving the 18th installment increased to 9.59 crore.
    • The scheme has a wide reach across various states. For instance, during the 18th installment (August 2024 – November 2024), Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of beneficiaries at 2,25,78,654, followed by Bihar with 75,81,009 beneficiaries. [13]

     

    A promising journey

    An independent study conducted by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in 2019, found that PM-KISAN funds boosted rural economic growth, eased farmers’ credit constraints, and increased agricultural input investments. Further, the scheme has enhanced farmers’ risk-taking capacity, leading them to undertake riskier but comparatively productive investments. The funds received by recipients under PM-KISAN are not only helping them with their agricultural needs, but it is also catering to their other expenses such as education, medical, marriage, etc. These are the indicators of the positive impact of the scheme on the farmers of the country. PM KISAN has truly been a game changer for the farming community of our country.[14]

    Conclusion

    In the last five years, the PM-KISAN Scheme has evolved into a transformative initiative for the farming community, achieving significant milestones in financial inclusion and rural empowerment. Its vision of providing direct and timely assistance to millions of farmers has been implemented with remarkable efficiency. The scheme’s seamless digital infrastructure, which enables direct transfers to beneficiaries’ accounts, has set a benchmark for transparency and effective governance. As PM-KISAN continues to expand its reach, it stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and enhancing the livelihoods of India’s farmers.

     

    References:

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2105462

    · https://x.com/pmkisanofficial/status/1890710455896670308

    · https://pmkisan.gov.in/Creatives.aspx

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2061928

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2100758

    · https://pmkisan.gov.in/Documents/PMKisanSamanNidhi.PDF

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1947889

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1934517

    · https://sansad.in/getFile/annex/266/AU1302_YaVIcH.pdf?source=pqars

    · https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2022/aug/doc202282696201.pdf

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1959461

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1869463

    · https://pmkisan.gov.in/Documents/Note-on-Modes-and-processes-of-ekyc-13th-Nov-English.pdf

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2100758

    · https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/1712/AU795.pdf?source=pqals

    · https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2080200

    Click here to see PDF

    *****

    Santosh Kumar/ Sheetal Angral/ Kritika Rane

    (Release ID: 2105745) Visitor Counter : 31

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates the Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates the Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

    The Global Investors Summit in Madhya Pradesh is a commendable initiative; it serves as a vital platform to showcase the state’s immense potential in industry, innovation and infrastructure: PM

    By attracting global investors, it is paving the way for economic growth and job creation, Happy to see Madhya Pradesh emerge as a key hub for business and entrepreneurship: PM

    The future of the world is in India! Come, explore the growth opportunities in our nation: PM

    Madhya Pradesh will benefit significantly from the infrastructure efforts of the NDA Government: PM

    Our Governments, at the Centre and in MP, are focusing on water security, which is essential for growth: PM

    The first 50 days of 2025 have witnessed fast-paced growth: PM

    The past decade has been a period of unprecedented growth for India’s energy sector: PM

    In this year’s budget, we have energised every catalyst of India’s growth: PM

    After national level, reforms are now being encouraged at the state and local levels: PM

    Textile, Tourism and Technology will be key drivers of India’s developed future: PM

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 3:24PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2025 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Addressing the gathering, he apologised for the delay of his entry to the event as there were board exams for the 10th and 12th standard students and his  security measures enroute to the event could have caused inconvenience to the students. Shri Modi said it was his immense pride to welcome the investors and business leaders in the land of Raja Bhoj. He added that today’s event was important as a Viksit MadhyaPradesh or developed Madhya Pradesh is necessary in the journey towards Viksit Bharat. He congratulated the Government of Madhya Pradesh for a wonderful organization of the summit.

    “The whole world is optimistic about India”, exclaimed Shri Modi and said that it was for the first time such an opportunity had risen in the history of India. He added that be it common citizens or policy experts or institutions or countries of the world, everyone had a lot of expectations from India. He highlighted that the comments received in the last few weeks about India will raise the enthusiasm of investors. Recalling the recent statement by the World Bank that India will continue to remain the fastest growing economy, the Prime Minister highlighted that a representative from the OECD remarked, “The future of the world is in India.” He added that recently, a UN organization on climate change declared India as a solar power superpower. This organization also mentioned that while many countries only talk, India delivers results. Shri Modi noted that a new report revealed how India is emerging as an excellent supply chain for global aerospace firms. These firms view India as a solution to global supply chain challenges. The Prime Minister quoted various examples showcasing the world’s confidence in India, which is also boosting the confidence of every Indian state. This confidence is evident at the Global Summit in Madhya Pradesh, he said.

    Noting that Madhya Pradesh is the fifth largest state in India by population, Shri Modi said, “MP is one of the top states in India for agriculture and minerals”. He emphasized that Madhya Pradesh is blessed with the life-giving Narmada River and stated that MP has the potential to become one of the top five states in India by GDP.

    Pointing out the transformative journey of Madhya Pradesh over the past two decades, the Prime Minister remarked that there was a time when the state faced significant challenges with electricity and water, and the law and order situation was even worse. These conditions made industrial development difficult. Shri Modi noted that with the support of the people, their government in Madhya Pradesh has focused on governance over the past two decades. Two decades ago, people were hesitant to invest in MP, while today, MP has become one of the top states in the country for investments, he added. He highlighted that the state, which once struggled with poor roads, is now one of the leading states in India’s EV revolution. He further said that by January 2025, around 2 lakh electric vehicles were registered in MP, reflecting a growth of approximately 90 percent, which demonstrates that MP is becoming an excellent destination for new manufacturing sectors.

    “India has witnessed a boom in infrastructure over the past decade”, highlighted the Prime Minister and remarked that Madhya Pradesh has greatly benefited from this development. He emphasized that the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, which connects two major cities, passes significantly through MP, providing fast connectivity to Mumbai’s ports and North India’s markets. He also highlighted that Madhya Pradesh now has a road network of over five lakh kilometers. He noted that MP’s industrial corridors are connected to modern expressways, ensuring rapid growth in the logistics sector.

    Touching upon the air connectivity, Shri Modi highlighted that the terminals at Gwalior and Jabalpur airports have been expanded to improve air connectivity. He remarked that the modernization of Madhya Pradesh’s extensive rail network is also underway. He noted that the rail network in MP has achieved 100 percent electrification. He mentioned that the images of Bhopal’s Rani Kamalapati Railway Station continue to captivate everyone. Following this model, 80 railway stations in MP are being modernized under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

    “The past decade has seen unprecedented growth in India’s energy sector”, hailed Shri Modi and remarked that India has achieved remarkable progress in green energy, which was once unimaginable. Over the past 10 years, more than $70 billion (over ₹5 trillion) has been invested in the renewable energy sector, and this investment has created over 10 lakh jobs in the clean energy space last year alone, he added. The Prime Minister noted that Madhya Pradesh has greatly benefited from this boom in the energy sector. He said that today, MP is power surplus with a power generation capacity of around 31,000 MW, of which 30 percent is clean energy. He highlighted that Rewa Solar Park is one of the largest in the country, and recently, a floating solar plant was inaugurated in Omkareshwar. Shri Modi mentioned that the Government has invested around ₹50,000 crore in the Bina Refinery Petrochemical Complex, which will help make Madhya Pradesh a hub for petrochemicals. He emphasized that the MP government supports this infrastructure with modern policies and special industrial infrastructure. Noting that MP has over 300 industrial zones, and investment zones spanning thousands of acres are being developed in Pithampur, Ratlam, and Dewas, he highlighted the immense potential for better returns for investors in Madhya Pradesh.

    Emphasising the critical importance of water security for industrial development, the Prime Minister remarked that, on one hand, efforts are being made towards water conservation, and on the other, a mega mission for river interlinking is being advanced. He highlighted that the agriculture and industry sectors in Madhya Pradesh will greatly benefit from these initiatives. Shri Modi mentioned that the ₹45,000 crore Ken-Betwa River Interlinking Project has recently commenced, which will enhance the productivity of approximately 10 lakh hectares of agricultural land and strengthen water management in MP. He stated that these facilities will unlock significant potential in the food processing, agro-industry, and textile sectors.

    Remarking that after the formation of their Government in Madhya Pradesh, the pace of development has doubled, Shri Modi highlighted that the Central government was working shoulder to shoulder with the MP government for the development of the state and the country. He recalled his promise during the elections to work three times faster in his third term and said, “this speed is evident in the first 50 days of 2025”. Shri Modi highlighted the recent budget, which has energized every catalyst for India’s growth. He emphasized that the middle class, being the largest taxpayer, creates demand for services and manufacturing. Various steps have been taken to empower the middle class in this budget, including making income up to ₹12 lakh tax-free and restructuring tax slabs. He also mentioned that the RBI has reduced interest rates following the budget.

    Pointing out that the budget emphasizes building local supply chains to achieve complete self-reliance in manufacturing, Shri Modi said that there was a time when the potential of MSMEs was limited by previous governments, preventing the development of local supply chains at the desired level. He highlighted that the current priority is to build MSME-led local supply chains. The definition of MSMEs has been improved, and credit-linked incentives are being provided, while access to credit is being made easier, and support for value addition and exports has been increased, he added.

    “Over the past decade, significant reforms have been accelerated at the national level, now reforms are being encouraged at the state and local levels as well”, said the Prime Minister discussing the State De-regulation Commission mentioned in the budget. He noted that continuous dialogue is being maintained with the states and over 40,000 compliances have been reduced in recent years in collaboration with the states. Additionally, 1,500 obsolete laws have been eliminated, he added. The Prime Minister emphasized that the objective is to identify regulations that hinder the ease of doing business and the De-regulation Commission will help create an investment-friendly regulatory ecosystem in the states.

    Stressing that the budget has simplified the basic customs duty structure and reduced rates on several essential inputs for the industry, Shri Modi  said that a time limit is being set for the assessment of customs cases. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to open new sectors for private entrepreneurship and investment. This year, avenues such as nuclear energy, bio-manufacturing, critical minerals processing, and lithium battery manufacturing have been opened for investment, he added and said, “these steps demonstrate the Government’s intent and commitment”.

    “Textile, Tourism, and Technology sectors will play a significant role in India’s developed future and create crores of new jobs”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He highlighted that India is the second-largest producer of cotton, silk, polyester, and viscose. He noted that the textile sector provides employment to crores and that India has a rich tradition, skills, and entrepreneurship in textiles. Madhya Pradesh, being the cotton capital of India, contributes to around 25 percent of the country’s organic cotton supply and is the largest producer of mulberry silk while the state’s Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees are highly appreciated and have received the GI Tag, he added. He emphasized that investments in this sector will significantly help Madhya Pradesh’s textiles make a global impact.

    Talking about India exploring new avenues in addition to traditional textiles, the Prime Minister highlighted that technical textiles such as agro textiles, medical textiles, and geotextiles are being promoted, and a national mission has been initiated for this purpose, which has been encouraged in the budget. Shri Modi noted that the Government’s PM MITRA scheme is well-known, and seven large textile parks were being developed across the country, including one in Madhya Pradesh. This initiative will elevate the growth of the textile sector to new heights. The Prime Minister urged investors to take advantage of the PLI scheme announced for the textile sector.

    Remarking that just as India is adding new dimensions to its textile sector, it is also enhancing the tourism sector, Shri Modi recalled the MP Tourism campaign, “MP Ajab Hai, Sabse Gajab Hai,” highlighting the significant development of tourism infrastructure around the Narmada River and in tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh. The Prime Minister spoke about the numerous national parks in the state and the immense potential for health and wellness tourism. He mentioned that the “Heal in India” mantra is gaining global popularity, and investment opportunities in the health and wellness sector are continuously increasing. The Government is encouraging public-private partnerships in this area. Shri Modi highlighted that India’s traditional treatments and AYUSH are being promoted on a large scale, and special AYUSH visas are being issued. He emphasized that these initiatives will greatly benefit Madhya Pradesh. He encouraged visitors to see the Mahakal Mahalok in Ujjain, where they will receive blessings from Mahakal and experience how the country is expanding its tourism and hospitality sector.

    Reiterating his statement from the Red Fort, the Prime Minister concluded that now is the right time for investment and increasing investment in Madhya Pradesh. 

    The Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mohan Yadav were present among other dignitaries at the event.

    Background

    The two-day Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2025 in Bhopal, serves as an important platform to establish Madhya Pradesh as a global investment hub. The GIS includes departmental summits; specialized sessions on Pharma and Medical Devices, Transport and Logistics, Industry, Skill Development, Tourism and MSMEs among others. It also includes international sessions like the Global South countries conference, Latin America and Caribbean session and special sessions for key partner countries.

    Three major industrial exhibitions are being held during the Summit. The Auto Show showcases Madhya Pradesh’s automotive capabilities and future mobility solutions. The Textile and Fashion Expo highlights the state’s expertise in both traditional and modern textile manufacturing. The “One District-One Product” (ODOP) Village showcases the state’s unique craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

    Representatives from over 60 countries, officials from various international organizations, over 300 prominent Industry leaders from India and policymakers among others are participating in the Summit.

     

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2105735) Visitor Counter : 90

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Suspicious website related to Tai Sang Bank Limited

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

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

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

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Counterfeit notes and coins in 2024: the numbers are declining, but it’s important to remain vigilant

    Source: Czech National Bank

    The counterfeit Czech banknotes detected by the Czech National Bank in 2024 were of poor quality. Most of them had almost no imitations of security features. The number of fake banknotes and coins dropped significantly compared to the previous year. The two-thousand-koruna note remained the most frequently counterfeited banknote.

    The CNB detected a total of 1,158 counterfeit and altered Czech banknotes and coins in 2024, of which 704 were banknotes and 454 coins. This represents a decline of around two thirds compared to 2023.

    “Czech banknotes are well protected against counterfeiting. At the same time, the vast majority of counterfeits are of a very low technical quality. What’s more, compared to euros and dollars, koruna banknotes are counterfeited far less often. That’s why anyone who takes a moment to check a banknote and its security features should have no trouble spotting a fake,” said Bank Board member Karina Kubelková.

    Counterfeit banknotes

    The CNB identified 688 Czech banknotes worth almost CZK 1.2 million as counterfeit in 2024. Most of them were two-thousand-koruna notes (38%) – the banknotes most in circulation – followed by one-thousand-koruna notes (19%), five-thousand-koruna notes (13%) and one-hundred-koruna notes (13%).

    The most counterfeit notes were detected in Prague (293), which has a large volume of cash transactions and the densest network of banks. Most of the counterfeit banknotes were detected while being handled in banks, followed by bureaux de change and, to a lesser extent, shops.

    The quality of counterfeit banknotes seized in the Czech Republic has long been low, and this was the case again last year. A total of 680 banknotes were given a grade of 4 or 5 on a five-point security scale. The counterfeit security scale is similar to the marking system in Czech schools. Banknotes with a grade of 4 or 5 either had no security features at all or very poor imitations of them. This category also includes banknotes whose reverse side and face side orientation are wrong, monochrome banknotes and one-sided banknotes. Only eight of the counterfeits seized had relatively high-quality printing and a good imitation of several security features, corresponding to grade 3 on the security scale. No highest-grade counterfeits (grades 1 and 2) were detected among the banknotes seized last year.

    Checking banknotes takes only a moment and can be done in three simple steps. “When you hold a banknote, you’ll notice that the high-cotton-content paper has a different texture than ordinary office paper. You can also feel a distinct raised relief created by the intaglio printing on each banknote,” explained Karina Kubelková. The second step is to hold the banknote up to the light. “When you look through the banknote, you can see, for example, the watermark and the continuous windowed security thread,” she continued. The final step is to check the optically variable colour elements that appear in several areas of the banknote. “Pay close attention to the play of colours which becomes visible when you tilt the banknote,” added Karina Kubelková.

    The CNB continuously monitors the incidence of counterfeits and protects banknotes against counterfeiting. “The Bank Board has commissioned experts to draw up an analysis of new security features. This year, they will submit proposals for possible innovations for the Bank Board to assess,” said Karina Kubelková.

    Counterfeit coins

    In 2024, 452 counterfeit twenty-koruna coins worth a total of CZK 9,040 were seized. They have relatively high-quality minting, but the quality deteriorates from the centre toward the edges. A counterfeit can be distinguished from the original by a visible groove between the raised rim and the field of the coin. In one case, a simple counterfeit fifty-koruna coin was also detected.

    Altered banknotes and coins

    Last year, 16 altered banknotes and one altered coin were also seized. These are genuine banknotes and coins that have been altered to show a higher numerical and/or written value. They were all of poor quality.

    Foreign currency counterfeits

    People may also come across counterfeit foreign banknotes and coins. In the Czech Republic, these are mostly euros and US dollars. These widely circulated currencies are typically counterfeited at a higher quality, making them more difficult to detect. In 2024, the CNB identified a total of 1,200 fake and altered foreign banknotes and coins as counterfeit. Of these, 812 were euro counterfeits, with most rated at grade 3 on the security scale. Another 379 were counterfeit US dollars, the majority of which were rated at grade 2 on the security scale.

    Find out more about Czech banknotes and coins and their security features at the CNB Visitor Centre exhibitions in Prague and Brno. Entry is free of charge. Information is also available on the CNB website (Banknotes and coins).

    Petra Vlčková
    CNB spokesperson

    Related links:

    MIL OSI Economics –

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

    Source: United Nations – English

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

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

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

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

    Entire communities reduced to rubble.

    Hospitals and schools destroyed.

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

    Conflicts like the war in Ukraine exact a heavy toll.

    A toll on people. 

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

    And a toll on the vital business of this Council.

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

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

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

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

    And you’re supporting investigations and accountability.

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

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

    We have our work cut out for us. 

    Human rights are the oxygen of humanity.

    But one by one, human rights are being suffocated.  

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

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

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

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

    Human rights are being suffocated by the climate crisis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Conflicts inflict human rights violations on a massive scale.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The Congolese people deserve peace.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The Sustainable Development Goals and human rights are fundamentally intertwined.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    It shields the most vulnerable.

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

    It supports fair, just and inclusive economies and societies.

    It holds perpetrators of human rights atrocities to account.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Nous devons prendre un autre chemin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Que l’on ne s’y trompe pas.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Excellences,

    Mesdames et Messieurs,

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

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

    Et je vous remercie.

    [all-English version]

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

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

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

    Entire communities reduced to rubble.

    Hospitals and schools destroyed.

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

    Conflicts like the war in Ukraine exact a heavy toll.

    A toll on people. 

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

    And a toll on the vital business of this Council.

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

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

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

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

    And you’re supporting investigations and accountability.

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

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

    We have our work cut out for us. 

    Human rights are the oxygen of humanity.

    But one by one, human rights are being suffocated.  

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

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

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

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

    Human rights are being suffocated by the climate crisis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Conflicts inflict human rights violations on a massive scale.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The Congolese people deserve peace.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The Sustainable Development Goals and human rights are fundamentally intertwined.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    It shields the most vulnerable.

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

    It supports fair, just and inclusive economies and societies.

    It holds perpetrators of human rights atrocities to account.

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

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

    Fourth — human rights through climate action.   

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

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

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

    We must choose a different path.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Make no mistake.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

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

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

    And I thank you.

    [all-French translation]

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

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

    Des communautés entières ont été anéanties.

    Des hôpitaux et des écoles ne sont plus que décombres.

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

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

    Ils déciment les populations.

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

    Ils sapent les activités vitales de ce Conseil.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Excellences,

    Nous avons du pain sur la planche.

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

    Mais ils sont asphyxiés, les uns après les autres.

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

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

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

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

    Les droits humains sont asphyxiés par la crise climatique.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Les conflits infligent des violations massives des droits humains.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Il est temps de faire taire les armes.

    L’heure est à la diplomatie et au dialogue.

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

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

    Le peuple congolais mérite la paix.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Il protège les plus vulnérables.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Nous devons prendre un autre chemin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Que l’on ne s’y trompe pas.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

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

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

    Et je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI Africa –

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

    Source: United Nations secretary general

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

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

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

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

    Entire communities reduced to rubble.

    Hospitals and schools destroyed.

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

    Conflicts like the war in Ukraine exact a heavy toll.

    A toll on people. 

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

    And a toll on the vital business of this Council.

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

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

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

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

    And you’re supporting investigations and accountability.

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

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

    We have our work cut out for us. 

    Human rights are the oxygen of humanity.

    But one by one, human rights are being suffocated.  

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

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

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

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

    Human rights are being suffocated by the climate crisis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Conflicts inflict human rights violations on a massive scale.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The Congolese people deserve peace.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The Sustainable Development Goals and human rights are fundamentally intertwined.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    It shields the most vulnerable.

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

    It supports fair, just and inclusive economies and societies.

    It holds perpetrators of human rights atrocities to account.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Nous devons prendre un autre chemin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Que l’on ne s’y trompe pas.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Excellences,

    Mesdames et Messieurs,

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

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

    Et je vous remercie.

    [all-English version]

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

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

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

    Entire communities reduced to rubble.

    Hospitals and schools destroyed.

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

    Conflicts like the war in Ukraine exact a heavy toll.

    A toll on people. 

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

    And a toll on the vital business of this Council.

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

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

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

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

    And you’re supporting investigations and accountability.

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

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

    We have our work cut out for us. 

    Human rights are the oxygen of humanity.

    But one by one, human rights are being suffocated.  

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

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

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

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

    Human rights are being suffocated by the climate crisis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Conflicts inflict human rights violations on a massive scale.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The Congolese people deserve peace.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The Sustainable Development Goals and human rights are fundamentally intertwined.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    It shields the most vulnerable.

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

    It supports fair, just and inclusive economies and societies.

    It holds perpetrators of human rights atrocities to account.

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

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

    Fourth — human rights through climate action.   

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

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

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

    We must choose a different path.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Make no mistake.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

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

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

    And I thank you.

    [all-French translation]

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

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

    Des communautés entières ont été anéanties.

    Des hôpitaux et des écoles ne sont plus que décombres.

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

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

    Ils déciment les populations.

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

    Ils sapent les activités vitales de ce Conseil.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Excellences,

    Nous avons du pain sur la planche.

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

    Mais ils sont asphyxiés, les uns après les autres.

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

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

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

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

    Les droits humains sont asphyxiés par la crise climatique.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Les conflits infligent des violations massives des droits humains.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Il est temps de faire taire les armes.

    L’heure est à la diplomatie et au dialogue.

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

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

    Le peuple congolais mérite la paix.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Il protège les plus vulnérables.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Nous devons prendre un autre chemin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Que l’on ne s’y trompe pas.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

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

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

    Et je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI Launches Financial Literacy Week 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Reserve Bank has been conducting Financial Literacy Week (FLW) every year since 2016 to promote financial literacy. Governor Shri Sanjay Malhotra launched the tenth edition of Financial Literacy Week (FLW) 2025 and the theme for the current year is Financial Literacy: Women’s Prosperity” (वित्तीय समझदारी – समृद्ध नारी)

    The FLW 2025 will be observed between February 24 and 28, 2025. The launch ceremony was attended by the top management and Regional Heads of the Reserve Bank, NABARD and heads of select commercial banks.

    Speaking at the launch, the Governor, Shri Malhotra underlined the need for empowering women to enhance their participation in driving inclusive and sustained economic growth of our country. He urged banks to use all available channels to continue to promote financial literacy, particularly among women.

    As part of FLW 2025, RBI will undertake multimedia campaigns on the theme. Banks, too, have been advised to give out information and create awareness among their customers.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2237

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Danske Bank share buy-back programme: transactions in week 8

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 9 2025

    Danske Bank

    Bernstorffsgade 40

    DK-1577 København V

    Tel. + 45 33 44 00 00

    24/02/2025

    Page 1 of 1

    Danske Bank share buy-back programme: transactions in week 8

    On 7 February 2025, Danske Bank A/S announced a share buy-back programme for a total of DKK 5 billion, with a maximum of 45,000,000 shares, in the period from 10 February 2025 to 30 January 2026, at the latest, as described in company announcement no. 6 2025.

    The Programme is carried out in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (the “Market Abuse Regulation”) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 (together with the Market Abuse Regulation, the “Safe Harbour Rules”).

    The following transactions on Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S were made under the share buy-back programme in week 8:
      Number of shares VWAP DKK Gross value DKK
    Accumulated, last announcement 25,000 231.7760 5,794,400
    17/02/2025 5,000 232.9045 1,164,523
    18/02/2025 5,000 234.5840 1,172,920
    19/02/2025 5,000 237.2633 1,186,317
    20/02/2025 5,000 237.3594 1,186,797
    21/02/2025 5,000 236.3068 1,181,534
    Total accumulated over week 8 25,000 235.6836 5,892,090
    Total accumulated during the share buyback programme 50,000 233.7298 11,686,490

    With the transactions stated above, the total accumulated number of own shares under the share buy-back programme corresponds to 0.006% of Danske Bank A/S’ share capital.

    Danske Bank

    Contact: Claus Ingar Jensen, Head of Group Investor Relations, tel. +45 25 42 43 70

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Information on unaudited Financial statements for the twelve month period as at 31st of December of 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Urbo Bankas, a Lithuanian capital bank, generated a net profit of EUR 7.4 million in 2024. The Bank’s loan portfolio grew by 30.6% to EUR 414.5 million last year, while the Bank’s assets at the end of the year stood at EUR 634.8 million, or 15.8% more than a year earlier (EUR 548.1 million). 

    “2024 was a good year for the Lithuanian economy. At a time when even the major European countries such as Germany and France were struggling, our economy has adapted and demonstrated both impressive GDP growth (compared, again, to the European Union) and high consumer expectations, which are also contributing significantly to the positive economic trends. It has been a good year for our bank as well – we have maintained consistent, sustainable growth and improved our performance in all key categories of banking activity, from the number of loans issued or the deposit portfolio to the bank’s assets and shareholders’ equity,” says Marius Arlauskas, Head of Administration of Urbo Bankas.

    In addition to the aforementioned almost one-third increase in the loan portfolio, the deposits held with Urbo Bankas reached EUR 543.9 million at the end of December last year, up EUR 76.4 million year-on-year. The Bank’s net interest income increased by a tenth, or EUR 2.1 million, to EUR 22.9 million. The annual net profit for 2024 of EUR 7.4 million was EUR 857 thousand lower than in 2023, which, according to Mr. Arlauskas, was due to lower commission income and investments in the bank’s developments.

    “In 2024, the bank entered a new phase of its development – we changed the long-standing name of Medicinos Bankas and became Urbo, we renewed our visual identity, and we moved our headquarters, which had been located on Pamėnkalnio Street in Vilnius, to the central business district of Vilnius, Konstitucijos Avenue, and settled down in Artery, a modern and sustainable business centre,” shares the Head of Administration of the Bank.

    In the last quarter of last year, net service fee and commission income of Urbo Bankas decreased by 29.9% (EUR 1.5 million) to EUR 3.5 million compared to the last quarter of 2023, mainly due to a 70.2% (EUR 0.8 million) decrease in payment collection income and an 88.2% (EUR 0.4 million) decrease in brokerage income. The net result from foreign currency operations decreased by 26.5% (EUR 0.9 million) to EUR 2.4 million in the reference period.

    “Looking at economic trends, there is little doubt that this year will be better than the last one: there is no threat of new spikes in inflation, GDP should grow by at least 3%, and wage growth, although not reaching a tenth, should remain high. It is expected that the Euribor base rate may be lowered to 2% this year, all of which will increase both the demand for Lithuanian exported goods and services and domestic consumption,” says Mr. Arlauskas, adding that the positive economic trends will also have a positive impact on the bank’s long-term performance.

    The shareholders’ equity of Urbo Bankas was EUR 64.3 million on the last day of the previous year and has increased by 13.3% during the year since 31 December 2023, when it was EUR 56.7 million. At the end of 2024, customer service network of Urbo Bankas consisted of 25 territorial branches with 280 employees.

    For more information please contact: Julius Ivaška, Head of Business Division, tel. +370 601 04 453, e-mail media@urbo.lt

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Societe Generale: Appointment within the Societe Generale Group

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    APPOINTMENT WITHIN THE SOCIETE GENERALE GROUP

    Press release

    Paris, 24 February 2025

    Societe Generale announces the appointment of Lubomira Rochet as Executive Vice President in charge of Retail Banking activities in France, Private Banking and Insurance, as well as the Group’s Chief Operating Office (technology, procurement and real estate). She will join the Bank in April 2025. Lubomira will also become a member of the Group Executive Committee.

    Lubomira Rochet’s mission will be to assist Slawomir Krupa, Chief Executive Officer of Societe Generale, in overseeing Retail Banking activities in France (both SG retail network and BoursoBank), Private Banking and Insurance, as well as the activities of the Group’s Chief Operating Office (including technology, procurement and real estate).

    Lubomira Rochet is an accomplished leader with proven expertise in business transformation, digital businesses and in all aspects of customer relations, particularly for retail activities. She has held high-level responsibilities in these areas on a global scale with a compelling track record. Her technical skills, extensive experience, strategic vision and leadership will be key assets in advancing the development and transformation of the Group and our retail activities in France. She will contribute to enhancing our performance in terms of customer experience and satisfaction, business growth and operational efficiency to support our teams on the ground.

    Slawomir Krupa, Chief Executive Officer, comments: “I am pleased to announce the appointment of Lubomira Rochet to the Group Executive Committee. She will assist me in overseeing Retail Banking activities in France and will also bring her extensive expertise to our projects for the further growth of our retail banking activities and the technological transformation of the Group. Her talent and creativity will further enhance the blend of different skills and wide-ranging experiences within the Group’s leadership team. I wish her every success in her new role.”

    Biography 
     Lubomira Rochet has held strategic positions throughout her career in the technology, digital, and retail sectors. From 2003 to 2007, she was responsible for strategy at Sogeti (Capgemini), before leading innovation and startups in France for Microsoft from 2008 to 2010. In 2010, she joined the digital marketing agency Valtech and became the Managing Director of this agency in 2012. From 2014 to 2021, she drove the digital transformation of L’Oréal as Chief Digital Officer and was a member of the Executive Committee. Since 2021, she has been a Partner at JAB Holding Company LLC. Lubomira also served as an independent Director on the Board of Directors of Societe Generale from 2017 to 2024. An economist by training, Lubomira Rochet is a graduate of the École Normale Supérieure de Paris-Saclay, Sciences Po Paris, and the College of Europe in Bruges.

    Press contact:  
    Jean-Baptiste Froville_+33 1 58 98 68 00_ jean-baptiste.froville@socgen.com

    Societe Generale

    Societe Generale is a top tier European Bank with more than 126,000 employees serving about 25 million clients in 65 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective – to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders.

    The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients:

    • French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance, with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank.
    • Global Banking and Investor Solutions, a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG.
    • Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities.

    Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe).

    For more information, you can follow us on Twitter/X @societegenerale or visit our website societegenerale.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Allens advises Pacific Green on development and sale of Limestone Coast North BESS project

    Source: Allens Insights

    Allens has advised Pacific Green on the development and sale of the Limestone Coast North Energy Park battery energy storage system (BESS) to Intera Renewables, a wholly owned subsidiary of Palisade Partners.

    The 250MW/500MWh BESS is located in the Limestone Coast region of South Australia and is expected to commence commercial operations in early 2027.

    ‘The development of the Limestone Coast North BESS represents a trend we are seeing across Australia in terms of the important role standalone BESS will play in Australia’s energy transition. It is also great to see Pacific Green, as a new entrant in the Australian market, achieve this milestone,’ said Partner and energy sector leader Kate Axup.

    ‘Large-scale energy storage assets are an attractive acquisition target for fund managers like Palisade Partners and we hope to be involved in many more transactions like this one this year,’ said M&A Partner Chelsey Drake.

    The firm advised on all aspects of the transaction including the project documents, connection arrangements, offtake, the sale process and financing.

    Allens has recently been involved in a number of notable battery projects, including advising the lenders on Australia’s largest standalone BESS financing, ZEN Energy on new battery and solar investment platform and ENGIE on virtual battery offtake agreement.

    Allens legal team

    Projects

    Kate Axup (Partner), David Donnelly (Partner), Michael Graves (Partner), Naomi Bergman (Partner), Ben van Weel (Managing Associate), Skye Kirby (Managing Associate), Luisa Colosimo (Senior Associate), Amy Ryan (Senior Associate), Dennis Smith (Senior Associate), Tina Tran (Senior Associate), Madeleine George (Associate), Grace Vipen (Associate), Alisha Arora (Associate), Penny Hollingdale (Lawyer), Alice Warner (Lawyer), Harrison Philp (Lawyer)

    M&A and Capital Markets

    Chelsey Drake (Partner), Annie Shum (Senior Associate), Eleanor Skuza (Associate), Candice Pettegree (Lawyer)

    Finance, Banking & Debt Capital

    Scott McCoy (Partner), Sophie Langham (Associate).

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the Daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on February 24, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 1-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 1,25,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 36,775
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 36,775
    Cut off Rate (%) 6.26
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 6.26
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) N.A.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2234

    MIL OSI Economics –