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  • MIL-OSI Global: Parasitic worms could be hiding in you – how to spot the unusual signs

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dan Baumgardt, Senior Lecturer, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol

    Dmytro Flisak/Shutterstock

    The comedian Shappi Khorsandi once commented that she used the mythical concept of “sugar worms” to get her children to brush their teeth after sweets. It’s a trick I poached to convince my daughter to do the same. She’s since grown wise to this, but now luckily manages to navigate her way around a toothbrush twice a day without resistance.

    Real worms have now replaced fictitious worms as a point of discussion in many other households with young children. Every few weeks, nurseries and schools inform parents of yet another occurrence of threadworm. It’s not surprising that these wriggly beasties keep rearing their heads, considering how easily transmissible they are.

    Threadworm

    Threadworm infestation is a common minor ailment, particularly in kids. The worm species that causes it – Enterobius vermicularis – goes by many other names, including pinworm. This is because it really is as thin and pointy as a pin, and silvery-white in appearance. It’s also sometimes known as seatworm, possibly because the body parts it most commonly affects are those which you sit on.

    The circle of life for a threadworm is simple. Their larvae come from ingested eggs that then hatch in the small intestine. They typically form a colony within the first part of the large intestine (the caecum).

    But their most noticeable effect appears to be on the back passage, since the female worms migrate there, usually at nighttime, to lay their eggs. This results in the common symptoms of a very itchy bottom, especially at night. The itching naturally makes the sufferer scratch, installing the newly laid eggs under their fingernails and allowing them to spread to other hosts through contact. It can affect anyone – both adults and children.

    It’s possible to spot threadworms in the stool after a bowel movement. They can make themselves known in several other ways, including nighttime irritability and bed wetting. Because the worms prefer living in the intestine, in rare conditions they may cause abdominal pain and mimic appendicitis. In fact, in some cases the appendix is removed and found to be chock-full of wriggling worms.

    In rare cases, symptoms can mimic appendicitis.
    Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock

    The condition is usually mild and can be treated at home. Mebendazole, an oral anti-worm medication, can be bought over the counter at most pharmacies and is normally effective.

    It’s recommended to treat everyone in the household over the age of two, in case they have already spread – remembering that sometimes there are no symptoms to be noted at all. But it’s important to speak to a doctor for children younger than two years old, and pregnant or breastfeeding women with threadworm, as medication may not be suitable.

    Hygiene measures are important to help clear the infection and prevent the spread, especially in those who can’t take medication. This involves scrupulous washing of hands, laundry and avoiding scratching the affected areas. It’s a good idea to trim fingernails too, to prevent the eggs from getting caught under them.

    Hookworm

    Threadworms aren’t the only worms (helminths) that invade humans. Hookworms, for example, affect about 470 million people worldwide. Infections in the UK are rarer, since hookworms favour a warmer climate.

    Like threadworm, they also tend to take up residence in the small intestine – though they can also get there in a much more complicated way. The larvae of hookworms are able to pass through the skin and travel to the lungs in the bloodstream. Once there, they journey upwards into the throat where they can then be swallowed down.

    Since the respiratory tract and gut are the favourite places for these worms to bunk down, the symptoms of a hookworm infection tend to be associated with them – such as coughing and wheezing. Inflammation in the small intestine, triggered by the infestation can generate abdominal pain and diarrhoea. It can also hamper the absorption of proteins and iron from the gut, causing anaemia.

    A characteristic rash might be noted in the stage where the larvae start to burrow through the skin – looking a bit like a snake writhing through it. In the medical profession, we call this cutaneous larva migrans.

    Like threadworm, hookworm can also be treated with oral medications.

    Cutaneous larva migrans can resemble snakes burrowing under the skin.
    TisforThan/Shutterstock

    Filariae

    Worms don’t just invade the gut or lungs. Some of them work their way into other regions of the body. Take lymphatic filariasis, a condition that arises when certain worms of the Filariidae order, infiltrate the lymphatic system.

    The lymph vessels act as drainage pipes, removing excess fluid from the tissues and returning it to the bloodstream. When the worms invade and inflame the lymphatic system, the result is lymphoedema – an accumulation of fluid in the extremities (like the legs), which causes swelling and discomfort.

    In extreme cases, the swelling can be profound, resulting in a condition known as elephantiasis. This is because the worm infestation causes not just swelling, but also skin changes – making it thicker and tougher, and taking on the appearance of elephant skin.

    These are just a few of the helminth conditions that can affect humans. Other examples include tapeworms and whipworms – which are also intestinal. Ringworm is a misnomer though, and not a worm at all – it’s actually caused by a fungal infection.

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

    – ref. Parasitic worms could be hiding in you – how to spot the unusual signs – https://theconversation.com/parasitic-worms-could-be-hiding-in-you-how-to-spot-the-unusual-signs-250703

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: For narcissistic people, the gap between perception and reality may go far deeper than we thought

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ava Green, Lecturer in Forensic Psychology, City St George’s, University of London

    Cristina Conti/Shutterstock

    Despite exuding confidence, narcissistic people relentlessly crave admiration. In other words, they are unable to convince themselves of their own brilliance.

    Growing research shows the gap between perception and reality for narcissistic people goes far deeper than their inflated views about their appearance, accomplishments and abilities.

    Narcissism is a personality trait that exists along a spectrum, where the lower end reflects a healthy balance of self-esteem and confidence. At the extreme end of the spectrum, however, narcissism is considered a personality disorder which affects 1-2% of the population. Most of us manifest narcissistic traits to varying degrees, but the more elevated the features are, the wider the gap between perception and reality.

    Narcissistic people with elevated features frequently belittle anyone who fails to provide them with the special treatment they feel entitled to. Ironically, they continuously undermine the false self they are trying to build and maintain.

    They can also be quick to respond with anger and aggression to criticism, in an attempt to protect their grandiose yet fragile sense of self. A 2021 UK study found they experience more paranoia, even when there is no evidence of people meaning to harm them, compared with people with lower levels of narcissism.

    Similarly, recent research by US psychologists found that narcissistic people experienced heightened fear of being left out, and accused others of deliberately ostracising them when there was no evidence to support their belief.

    The study found that participants high in narcissistic traits were more likely to interpret ambiguous social cues as rejection (for instance, a delayed text message). This suggests their perceptions of social behaviour may be distorted.

    Narcissism and ostracism fuel one another

    Narcissism can be expressed in “vulnerable” features (socially-inhibited and neurotic) as well as “grandiose” features (dominant and extroverted). People with more grandiose features are overtly assertive and self-promoting. People with more vulnerable features tend to be outwardly distressed, hypersensitive and inhibited.

    Although these are separate forms of narcissism, they share a core of entitlement and an antagonistic character style. And just like we all exhibit varying degrees of narcissistic traits, we also fluctuate between these two expressions of narcissism.

    The US researchers chose to focus on grandiose narcissism only. The study differentiated between two facets of grandiose narcissism: narcissistic admiration (the ability to charm and manipulate people) and narcissistic rivalry, which includes devaluing and acting aggressively towards others.

    Narcissism can be grandiose or covert.
    Nicoleta Ionescu/Shutterstock

    The research team analysed data for more than 77,000 participants from a series of seven studies by other scientists spanning 2009-2022. The first two studies investigated the relationship between narcissism and ostracism using surveys and experience sampling (a method used to investigate participants’ cognition and behaviour outside the lab – for example, using participants’ smartphones to track their behaviour).

    The first study found people who reported higher narcissism levels said they experienced significantly more ostracism, compared with other participants. This was backed up by the second study, in which participants completed the narcissism assessments then reported feelings of ostracism within a 14-day period, using a mobile app.

    The remaining experiments examined how people with higher levels of narcissism perceive ambiguous social interactions, and how others respond to narcissistic traits. After a group task, people with higher traits in narcissistic rivalry were more likely ostracised, even when other participants weren’t told the target had elevated levels of narcissism.

    This supports the findings of a 2017 meta-study showing that people high in narcissistic rivalry may provoke direct conflict through their behaviour, and perceive others more negatively.

    The US researchers concluded that, while narcissistic features can fuel social exclusion, ostracism itself can, over time, contribute to pronounced narcissistic traits. It appears that ostracism can make people already high in narcissism even higher in these traits.

    Other research has similarly shown disparity between the narcissistic self and reality, and the role paranoia plays in this relationship. For instance, a 2015 study found that elevated levels of narcissism are associated with belief in conspiracy theories. This association was driven by paranoid thought.

    These findings are concerning given the harmful consequences of conspiracy theories for society. They can fuel violence, climate denial and vaccine hesitancy.

    Narcissistic personality features also tend to be higher among political leaders than the general population. Conspiracy theories may be appealing to politicians – particularly during times that challenge their entitled need for superiority and power.

    The ideal self and the actual self

    The US study’s findings carry practical implications for interventions aimed at people with high levels of narcissism. The researchers said interventions should not only try to improve relationships by identifying personality risk factors (in this instance, the rivalry component of narcissism), but also consider the perceptions of the person involved.

    Narcissistic personality disorder comes with a higher risk of suicide and mental health difficulties, and treatment rarely makes much difference. This is partly because of patients’ resistance to abandoning the “ideal self”, leading to frustration, anger and conflict with their therapist.

    But some interventions could target the cognitive distortions of narcissistic people that hamper their ability to function in society. For example, psychological therapies could aim to help them process the defensive mechanisms (overvaluing themselves) that mask underlying feelings of vulnerability.

    Helping narcissistic people develop greater insights into their habitual reactions – such as responding aggressively to self-esteem threats and feelings of social exclusion – could help them foster skills that reshape their cognitive distortions. This could ameliorate distress, anger and hostility for narcissistic people – and the people around them.

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

    – ref. For narcissistic people, the gap between perception and reality may go far deeper than we thought – https://theconversation.com/for-narcissistic-people-the-gap-between-perception-and-reality-may-go-far-deeper-than-we-thought-250434

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Women always suffer in times of conflict. Yet the arms industry is accused of gender washing war

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rosie Walters, Lecturer in International Relations, Cardiff University

    A displaced Yemeni woman makes food for her children in the camp where they live in the city of Taiz. akramalrasny/Shutterstock

    International Women’s Day, marked each year on March 8, is all about celebrating women and furthering efforts towards gender equality. Companies are keen to join these conversations and shout about their achievements on a day when minds are focused on female empowerment. But this has led to accusations of hypocrisy.

    In 2021, one user on X created the Gender Pay Gap bot. Until 2023,this automated account reposted companies’ supportive messages about International Women’s Day, quoting information about their gender pay gap. The bot’s posts received tens of thousands of views and shares, showing an appetite for calling out misleading corporate claims about women’s empowerment.

    Activists and researchers label these misleading actions “gender washing”. It describes communications and practices that present corporations as taking action on gender inequalities even as they engage in things that may be harmful to women and girls.

    Gender washing takes many forms. It might be, for example, sponsoring girls’ education programmes without addressing known practices of child labour and sexual harassment in supply chains. Or it could be applying for corporate social responsibility awards while facing lawsuits for discrimination against female employees.

    Our research examines global arms manufacturers, including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman. It is estimated that the global arms trade as a whole was worth US$138 billion (£109 billion) in 2022 (the last year for which data are compiled).

    It is hard to say how many people are killed by these weapons, but at a minimum it numbers in the tens of thousands each year. Beyond this, the after-effects of weapons use include displacement, starvation and health emergencies, as has been seen in Yemen.

    Arms manufacturers continue to produce and sell weapons that cause untold suffering (including to women) across the world. But interestingly, arms manufacturers also issue communications celebrating International Women’s Day.

    Careers in science and tech

    Where previous research highlights how gender washing shows corporations or their products in a positive light, our research revealed bigger effects. We found that, through joint communications with governments and militaries, arms manufacturers were engaged in the process of gender washing war itself.

    By posting for International Women’s Day, these companies portray the technologies and corporate operations of warfare as empowering to women and girls. They show women succeeding in science and technology careers, and girls receiving inspirational talks and science education, while saying nothing about what that science is being used for.

    For example, Lockheed Martin Middle East and Africa shared a video on X showing a group of female engineers at the company’s innovation centre in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The post states that the company is “committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers through real-world #STEM education”.

    The video shows a group of women wearing traditional Emirati dress in futuristic labs. They are interacting with touchscreen images of helicopters flying over deserts, examining a drone and sitting next to magnifying glasses. The soundtrack is like something out of a Hollywood action movie.

    But the women do not speak for themselves. We are supposed to assume that, thanks to Lockheed Martin, they are being educated in cutting-edge technology and empowered to pursue careers in science. They get hands-on experience using the very military technologies being deployed in many parts of their region.

    Lockheed Martin’s sale of weapons to warring parties in the Middle East, including arms sold to Saudi Arabia with devastating consequences for Yemeni women, is presented as a learning opportunity, “inspiring” women of the Middle East into science careers.

    For its part, Lockheed Martin said in its 2023 gender pay gap report that it had closed the salary gap by 12.1% since 2017. It also said its investment in STEM activities helped it to focus on a future pipeline of female talent.

    We also found that some corporations attempt to join progressive conversations without actually saying anything at all. We label this “constructive silences”. This is where companies say nothing of substance on gender issues, and do not reveal any efforts to tackle gender inequalities within their own practices. But nonetheless they tap into conversations about International Women’s Day that might enhance their reputations.

    A post on X from Lockheed Martin India uses International Women’s Day hashtags. But there is no clear link to the accompanying text, which does not mention women specifically. Nor is there any connection to initiatives to address gender inequalities. Instead it talks about how “an inclusive environment” helps employees to “develop innovative solutions”.

    This matters because – through social media – arms manufacturers present technologies of war as a force for public good. It is easier to deflect criticism of the harms created by your products when you can point to your efforts supporting women’s empowerment.

    These posts for International Women’s Day, and other gender-washing practices, make it easier for governments to continue subsidising the arms industry, buying and using weaponry, and issuing licenses for the sale of weapons in conflicts across the globe. All the while, they give the impression that the corporations producing those weapons are educating and empowering women and girls.

    This International Women’s Day, take a look for yourself. Think about which companies are professing care for women and what harms might they be obscuring.

    In a statement to The Conversation, a spokesman for Lockheed Martin said: Lockheed Martin’s core business safeguards human rights by advancing cutting-edge technologies that help US and allied defence forces promote deterrence and protect their people. We adhere to strict and ethical business practices guided by US government laws, regulations and policies related to international military sales and the use of products sold to international customers. Our company culture is collaborative and respectful, which allows all of our team members to impactfully contribute to our mission-critical work.

    Raytheon and Northrop Grumman were also approached for comment about the claims made in this article, but did not respond by the time we published.

    Rosie Walters receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council, the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the Learned Society of Wales.

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

    – ref. Women always suffer in times of conflict. Yet the arms industry is accused of gender washing war – https://theconversation.com/women-always-suffer-in-times-of-conflict-yet-the-arms-industry-is-accused-of-gender-washing-war-249775

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Montana Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Summer Drought

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif., The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Montana of the April 7, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought beginning June 1, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Glacier, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Missoula, Pondera, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow and Teton in Montana, as well as Clark, Fremont, Idaho and Lemhi counties in Idaho.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the drought and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than April 7.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Iowa Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by June Storm

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Iowa of the April 7, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the excessive rain, flash flooding, hail, high winds and lightning occurring June 1, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas and Sioux in Iowa, as well as Jackson, Nobles and Rock counties in Minnesota, and Lincoln, Minnehaha and Union counties in South Dakota.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than April 7.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Oklahoma Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Summer Drought

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Oklahoma of the April 7, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought beginning June 11, 2024.

    This disaster declaration covers the counties of Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Comanche, Custer, Grady, Greer, Jackson, Kiowa, Tillman and Washita.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the drought and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than April 7.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Montana Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by July Storm

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Montana of the April 7, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the excessive rain, flash flooding, hail, high winds and lightning occurring on July 13, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Carter, Custer, Fallon and Powder River in Montana, Butte and Harding counties in South Dakota, and Crook County in Wyoming.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than April 7.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Egypt on edge: finding a delicate balance between Gaza and Trump

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By May Darwich, Associate Professor of International Relations of the Middle East, University of Birmingham

    US president Donald Trump famously called Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi his “favourite dictator” in 2019, but their relationship has been complex. Trump’s return to the White House for a second term has sent ripples of concern through Cairo. In January 2025, Trump proposed a resolution to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza: forcibly relocating Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan. Trump simultaneously threatened to withdraw US aid if these countries didn’t comply with the proposal. Sisi’s Egypt will need to navigate Trump’s ambition without sacrificing the regime’s own survival. May Darwich, who has studied Arab states’ foreign policies and alliances in the Middle East, explains what’s at stake.

    How dependent is Egypt on the US?

    Over time, Egypt has received more US foreign aid than any country besides Israel. It has received US$78 billion for economic assistance and US$90 billion in military assistance since 1946.

    A peace agreement with Israel in 1979 concluded the war between the two countries. Israeli forces withdrew from Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. Since then, the US has provided Egypt with a fixed amount of US$1.5 billion, of which US$1.3 billion is military aid, every year. It goes to financing Egypt’s purchase of weapons systems from US defence contractors.

    US aid has been a cornerstone of Egyptian-US relations for decades.

    Since 1979, Egypt has been a central pillar of US policies in the Middle East. Military aid is deemed essential to ensure that the regime in Egypt aligns with US interests. At the same time, this aid is widely seen as contributing to the survival of Egypt’s authoritarian regime.

    But history shows that Egypt can soften the potential impact of the US freezing assistance during periods of strained relations.

    The US suspended some military assistance to Egypt after the regime change in 2013. During that time, el-Sisi, who was elected president in 2014, received support from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. He also increased weapon imports from France and Russia.

    After a period of review, the Barack Obama administration released aid to Egypt to preserve US interests. As US secretary of state John Kerry once explained:

    We are getting a return on that investment that is not inconsequential. The army also is helping us enforce security in the Sinai (in Egypt). The army is also helping us enforce the Gaza peace.

    Should this relationship come under strain again, Egypt could learn to become even more independent. China’s influence in Egypt is growing, and the Gulf states that enjoy a close relationship with Sisi may also decide to commit funding.

    How has Egypt balanced its interests with Arab states, Israel and the US?

    The signing of the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty in 1979 marked a shift in Egyptian foreign policy. The treaty aligned Egypt with the west in recognising Israel. This decision, however, led to Egypt’s isolation in the Arab world and its expulsion from the Arab League (it was readmitted in 1989).

    When Mohamed Hosni Mubarak assumed power following Anwar el-Sadat’s assassination in 1981, Egypt had to balance its partnership with the US, maintain peace with Israel and reconcile its relations with Arab states.

    Egypt condemned Israeli aggression against Palestinians and against Lebanon in 1982 and 2006, and froze efforts to normalise relations with Israel. This reinforced its pivotal position in Arab circles without jeopardising its peace with Israel.

    Meanwhile, Egypt helped US military assets to move across the region and oil to flow through the Suez Canal. It maintained peace and stability with Israel by pressuring Palestinian resistance movements into de-escalation. This balancing act allowed Egypt to become a mediator between Palestine and Israel.

    Egypt under Sisi has made efforts to maintain the balancing act. However, the ongoing Gaza war has intensified Egypt’s challenges. These include refugee flights and instability at its border. The war has also threatened Egypt’s longstanding role in the Middle East region.

    How has the Gaza war threatened Egypt’s balancing act?

    The onset of the Gaza war in October 2023 put Egypt on edge. Cairo is apprehensive about Israel’s potential strategy of forcibly locating Palestinians to the Sinai Peninsula, which is on its territory. Egyptian officials have deemed that scenario as a red line. Cairo doesn’t want to be seen as undermining the Palestinian cause.

    Also, Egyptians harbour concerns that the presence of a substantial Palestinian population in Sinai – which links Africa to Asia, and borders Israel and Gaza – could transform the region into a launchpad for attacks on Israel. This would compel Egypt to either suppress such activities or face retaliation from Israel.

    This concern stems from a 1955 incident. The Israeli army raided an Egyptian military camp in the Gaza strip, which was then under Egyptian control. Seventeen soldiers were killed following a Palestinian militant’s killing of an Israeli. A plan to move Palestinians to Sinai sparked protests in the Gaza strip, bringing the Egyptian military in direct confrontation with Palestinians.

    This historical event has continued to shape Egyptian foreign policy, which rejects any relocation of Palestinians in Sinai.

    The current war has highlighted structural weaknesses in the already precarious Egyptian economy. The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea that began in 2024 caused a sharp drop in revenues from the Suez Canal, a critical source of foreign revenue for Egypt.

    Sisi played on European fears that what happened in Gaza could harm Egypt’s economic situation and lead to mass migration to Europe. But cash infusions won’t solve the deep-seated economic challenges facing the country.

    Cairo’s role as a mediator between the west, Israel and the Arab world is facing renewed challenges. Other mediators, like Qatar, have emerged.

    What could affect Egypt’s response to Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians?

    Trump’s proposal places the Egyptian regime in a precarious position. If Egypt agrees to the plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, it would signify a dramatic departure from its foundational foreign policies. It could also reignite discontent among its population.

    Rejecting the proposal would strain Egypt-US relations, potentially undermining the support for Sisi’s regime, which might then have to seek aid from other countries.

    The Gaza conflict underscores Egypt’s historical and political entanglement with the Palestinian issue.

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

    – ref. Egypt on edge: finding a delicate balance between Gaza and Trump – https://theconversation.com/egypt-on-edge-finding-a-delicate-balance-between-gaza-and-trump-251375

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SEC Charges Investment Adviser and Two Officers for Misuse of Fund and Portfolio Company Assets

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    The Securities and Exchange Commission today filed settled charges against registered investment adviser Momentum Advisors LLC, its former managing partner Allan J. Boomer, and its former chief operating officer and partner Tiffany L. Hawkins, for breaches by Boomer and Hawkins of their fiduciary duties when they misused fund and portfolio company assets.

    According to the SEC’s orders, from at least August 2021 through February 2024, Hawkins misappropriated approximately $223,000 from portfolio companies of a private fund she managed with Boomer and that was advised by Momentum Advisors. Specifically, Hawkins misused portfolio company debit cards in more than 100 transactions to pay for vacations, clothing, and other personal expenses, and caused herself to be paid compensation in excess of her authorized salary. As set forth in the orders, Hawkins concealed her misconduct from Momentum Advisors, from the portfolio companies’ bookkeeper, and from SEC staff, and Boomer failed to reasonably supervise Hawkins despite red flags of her misappropriation. The order against Boomer also finds that he caused the fund to pay a business debt that should have been paid by an entity he and Hawkins controlled, resulting in an unearned benefit to the entity of $346,904, and that Momentum Advisors failed to adopt and implement adequate policies and procedures and to have the fund audited as required.

    “As the orders find, Hawkins and Boomer breached their fiduciary duties and misused fund and portfolio company assets for their own benefit, all to the detriment of their clients,” said Thomas P. Smith, Jr., Associate Regional Director in the New York Regional Office. 

    The orders find that Hawkins and Boomer violated the antifraud provisions of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and that Momentum Advisors violated the compliance and custody rule provisions of the Advisers Act. Without admitting or denying the SEC’s findings, Hawkins, Boomer, and Momentum Advisors consented to the entry of cease-and-desist orders. Additionally, Hawkins agreed to pay a $200,000 civil penalty and to be subject to an associational bar; Boomer agreed to pay an $80,000 civil penalty and to be subject to a 12-month supervisory suspension; and Momentum Advisors agreed to a censure and to pay a $235,000 civil penalty.

    The SEC’s investigation was conducted by Alexander M. Levine, James Flynn, and Steven G. Rawlings, under the supervision of Mr. Smith, all of the New York Regional Office. The examination that led to the investigation was conducted by Emanuel S. Asmar, Majid S. Mahmood, and Arjuman Sultana of the Division of Examinations in the New York Regional Office.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Announces Settlement with App Developer for Failing to Protect Young Users’ Privacy

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced a settlement with Saturn Technologies, a developer of an app called Saturn used by high school students, for failing to protect young users’ privacy. Saturn allows high school students to create a personal calendar, message other members, share social media accounts, join groups, and know where other users are located based on their calendars. Saturn Technologies claimed that its app only allowed users from the same high school to interact with each other. However, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) investigation found that the company failed to verify users’ school email and age to ensure they were high school students and allowed users from different high schools to interact with each other. As a result of today’s settlement, Saturn Technologies must pay $650,000 in penalties and significantly change its practices to protect users.

    “The Saturn App helps students stay up to date with school-related events, sports, exams, and homework, but it failed to protect young users’ safety and privacy,” said Attorney General James. “Saturn Technologies should have strictly verified users to ensure that they were actually high school students and should have made sure students were interacting with others in their high school, not strangers. With this settlement, Saturn Technologies will have to update its practices, better protect users, and keep its promises. My top priority is always to stand up for New Yorkers’ safety, especially when it comes to vulnerable youth.”

    The Saturn app is a social network built around a customized calendar for high school students. The app allows students to choose their high school community and share personal information with that high school community, such as their name, picture, biography, social media links, and school schedule. Students could also befriend other users in their school and chat with them. Saturn Technologies promised users that their platform was limited to high school students who had been verified to attend the same school. Initially, Saturn required all app users to verify their membership in a particular high school community using their high school email credentials.  

    However, OAG found that in 2021, Saturn Technologies made email-based user verification optional and did not notify users of the change or modify the safety promises it had previously made. Saturn Technologies also turned off user verification for more than 4,000 high schools between 2021 and 2023, allowing anyone to join the students’ high school community and access their schedules and other personal information.

    The OAG investigation also found that after Saturn Technologies made school email credential verification optional in 2021, it began to use unproven and untested user verification methods. One unproven method of verifying users as members of a high school community was checking whether they appeared in the phone contact books of as few as three other users. Another unproven method of verifying users as members of a high school community was confirming that the user was accepted as SaturnApp “friends” with as few as one other user. These methods of verification are not strong enough to confirm that a user belongs to a certain high school community.

    The OAG’s investigation also determined that Saturn Technologies:

    • Did not screen new users based on birth date to confirm that they were high school-aged until August 2023;
    • Promoted its app through other high school students without disclosing that they were compensated for their promotions;
    • Made a copy of users’ contact books (with names, personal phone numbers, and other contact information) and continued using the copies even if the user changed their phone settings to deny the app access to their contact book; and
    • Failed to keep sufficient records regarding data privacy, data permissions, user verification, and user privacy. 

    This settlement requires Saturn Technologies to notify current users regarding verification changes to its app and provide users with options to modify their privacy settings. The company is also required to provide all current and future users under the age of 18 with enhanced privacy options, such as hiding social media accounts from non-friends. Saturn will also prompt all users under 18 to review their privacy settings every six months. In addition, Saturn Technologies is prohibited from making any future claims about user safety or user verification unless the company has a reasonable basis for making the claim based on competent and reliable scientific evidence.

    This settlement also requires Saturn Technologies to:

    • Limit the visibility of information about non-Saturn-using students that other Saturn users may enter into the app, such as the non-Saturn user’s class enrollment or event attendance;
    • Allow teachers to block their name, initials, or other personal identifier from appearing in the app’s class schedule feature;
    • Delete retained copies of the phone contact books of certain users; and
    • Hide the personal information of current users under 18 until Saturn Technologies obtains informed consent to the new Saturn app terms. 

    Saturn Technologies is also required to pay $650,000 in penalties and costs to the state. The company will pay $200,000 immediately and $450,000 will be suspended to ensure SaturnTechnologies’ compliance with the settlement terms.

    Attorney General James has taken several actions to protect children online.  In November 2024, Attorney General James urged Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) to protect children from dangerous social media features. In October 2024, Attorney General James and a bipartisan coalition of 14 state Attorneys General sued TikTok for harming children’s mental health. In September 2024, Attorney General James co-led a bipartisan coalition of 42 attorneys general in urging Congress to implement warning labels on social media platforms as called for by the United States Surgeon General. In June 2024, two pieces of legislation advanced by Attorney General James became law in New York State; these new laws will prevent collection of children’s personal data and limit social media features that are harmful to teen mental health.

    This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Gena Feist and Deputy Bureau Chief Clark Russell, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Kim Berger of the Bureau of Internet and Technology. The Bureau of Internet and Technology is a part of the Division for Economic Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris D’Angelo and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: BW Offshore: New awards under Long-Term Incentive Programme

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New awards under Long-Term Incentive Programme

    The Board of Directors of BW Offshore Limited (“BWO” or the “Company”) has approved new awards under the Long-Term Incentive Programme (LTIP) adopted in 2024. The programme is a combination of Share Options and Restricted Share Unit (RSUs), aimed to align the interests of the participating employees with those of the Company’s shareholders. The programme is discretionary, and participants are invited on an annual basis.

    The total number of options awarded under the LTIP for 2025 is 800,000 where each option will give the holder the right to acquire one BW Offshore share. A total of 6 BW Offshore employees have been invited to participate in the Share Option Programme.

    The strike price of the options is calculated based on the volume weighted average share price five trading days prior to grant date, plus a premium of 15.76% (corresponding to a 5% increase annually over three years). The strike price for the options awarded on 7 March 2025 is NOK 32.19.

    The options will have a vesting period of three years, followed by a three-year exercise period. Exercise windows will be set by the Company. The options will expire six years after the award date.

    The options are non-tradable and conditional upon the option holder being employed by the Company and not having resigned or being terminated for cause prior to the vesting date.

    For the year 2025, the Board of Directors has on 7 March 2025 also awarded 92,400 RSUs to 18 employees within the Company.

    The RSUs will be settled in shares following a three-year vesting period from the grant date.

    The following primary insiders of the Company have been awarded options under the LTIP:

    1. Chief Executive Officer, Marco Beenen
    Options awarded: 300,000
    Total number of options: 2,159,372
    Shares held: 49,993

    2. Chief Financial Officer, Ståle Andreassen
    Options awarded: 100,000
    Total number of options: 634,355
    Shares held: 229,273

    3. Chief Commercial Officer, Mona Rajoo
    Options awarded: 100,000
    Total number of options: 189,689
    Shares held: 1,618

    4. Chief Technical Officer, Mike McAreavey
    Options awarded: 100,000
    Total number of options: 264,860
    Shares held: 0

    5. Chief Strategy Officer, Anders S. Platou
    Options awarded: 100,000
    Total number of options: 364,860
    Shares held: 0

    6. General Counsel, Ming Yen Yip
    Options awarded: 100,000
    Total number of options: 236,360
    Shares held: 0

    For further information, please contact:
    Ståle Andreassen, CFO, +47 91 71 86 55
    IR@bwoffshore.com or www.bwoffshore.com

    About BW Offshore:
    BW Offshore engineers innovative floating production solutions. The Company has a fleet of 3 FPSOs with potential and ambition to grow. By leveraging four decades of offshore operations and project execution, the Company creates tailored offshore energy solutions for evolving markets world-wide. BW Offshore has around 1,100 employees and is publicly listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange.

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks to the UN Observance of International Women’s Day 2025 [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French versions]

    Source: United Nations – English

    xcellencies, Dear friends,

    Thank you for the invitation – and for the moving performance.

    We gather today not just to celebrate the International Women’s Day, but to move forward – resilient, united, and unwavering in our pursuit of “equality, development and peace for all women everywhere in the interest of humanity.”

    Those are the first words of the Beijing Declaration – and this year marks the 30th anniversary of that landmark conference and its reaffirmation that women’s rights are human rights.

    Since then, women have broken barriers, shattered ceilings, and reshaped societies.

    More girls are in school.

    More women hold positions of power.

    And digital activism has ignited global movements for justice.

    Yet, these hard-fought gains remain fragile – and far from enough.

    Age-old horrors – violence, discrimination and economic inequality – still plague our societies.

    Every ten minutes, a woman is killed by her partner or a family member.

    612 million women and girls live under the shadow of armed conflicts – where their rights are too often considered expendable.

    Less than two-thirds of women worldwide participate in the labour market – and those who do earn far less than men.

    At this pace, eradicating extreme poverty for women and girls would take 130 years.

    And as we see in every corner of the world, from pushback to rollback, women’s rights are under attack.

    Centuries of discrimination are being exacerbated by new threats.

    Digital tools, while brimming with promise, are also often silencing women’s voices, amplifying bias, and fuelling harassment.

    Women’s bodies have become political battlegrounds.

    And online violence is escalating into real-life violence.

    Instead of mainstreaming equal rights, we are witnessing the mainstreaming of chauvinism and misogyny.

    We cannot stand by as progress is reversed.

    We must fight back.

    Last September, Member States adopted the Pact for the Future.

    The Pact reminds us that equality is the engine of progress for all people – and that Agenda 2030 can only be realized when all women and girls enjoy their full rights.

    It calls for greater investment in the SDGs, expanded debt relief, and stronger support from Multilateral Development Banks so that governments can invest in what their people need —  education, training, job creation and social protections that can help drive equality for all.

    And the Global Digital Compact calls for closing the gender digital divide, pushing back against online abuse, and ensuring women and girls everywhere can access the benefits from the opportunities of a rapidly evolving global economy.

    Meanwhile, we are also working to end the scourge of violence against women and girls.

    Through the Spotlight Initiative, the UN and the EU have shown that comprehensive approaches to eliminating gender-based violence can work.

    We have helped keep one million more girls in school.

    We have helped prevent 21 million women and girls from experiencing gender-based violence.

    And across 13 Spotlight Initiative countries, the conviction rate for gender-based violence has doubled.

    These achievements prove that when we unite behind ambitious strategies, we can deliver real change.

    But our work is far from over.

    We must never accept a world where women and girls live in fear, where their safety is a privilege rather than a non-negotiable right.

    Excellencies and friends,

    Leadership on this International Women’s Day belongs to us all.

    At the United Nations, we have achieved and maintained gender parity among senior leadership and Resident Coordinators at world level since 2020.

    And for the first time in our organization’s history, we have also reached parity in the international professional categories.

    This proves once again that systemic change is possible – with concerted and determined action.

    Today, as part of the UN System-wide Gender Equality Acceleration Plan, I am proud to announce our commitment to the Gender Equality Clarion Call:

    A bold, urgent pledge to defend and advance the rights of all women and girls.

    The Clarion Call sets out four priorities:

    Unified leadership – all UN leaders must champion and defend women’s rights in every decision and in every forum;

    Action against pushbacks – We must actively confront backlash, prevent rollbacks, and create spaces where women’s rights can thrive;

    Coordinated impact – working across sectors and all levels to dismantle systemic inequalities; and

    Protecting women human rights defenders – we will defend and amplify the voices of women on the frontlines, standing firm against those who seek to silence them.

    This Clarion Call and the Gender Equality Acceleration Plan must drive real political change in all that we do.

    And we are leading by example – and we call on governments, organizations and businesses to do the same.

    Chers amis,

    La lutte pour l’égalité des genres ne peut se résumer à une question d’équité.

    Il s’agit d’une question de pouvoir – qui participe à la prise des décisions, et qui en est exclu.

    Il s’agit de démanteler les systèmes qui perpétuent les inégalités.

    Et d’assurer ainsi un monde meilleur pour tous.

    Quand les femmes participent aux négociations, la paix dure plus longtemps.

    Quand les filles peuvent aller à l’école, des générations entières sortent de la pauvreté.

    Quand les femmes bénéficient d’opportunités professionnelles égales, les économies se renforcent.

    Et avec la parité dans le leadership politique, les décisions sont plus justes, les politiques sont mieux ciblées et les sociétés sont plus équitables.

    En somme : quand les femmes et les filles vont de l’avant, tout le monde prospère.

    Alors, en cette Journée internationale des droits des femmes, soyons inspirés par les voix des femmes et des filles du monde entier – et choisissons toujours l’action plutôt que l’apathie.

    Réalisons la vision de la Déclaration de Pékin.

    Accélérons le changement.

    Et avançons – pour chaque femme, pour chaque fille, pour chacun, partout.

    Je vous remercie.

    ***
    [All-English]

    Excellencies, Dear friends,

    Thank you for the invitation – and for the moving performance.

    We gather today not just to celebrate the International Women’s Day, but to move forward – resilient, united, and unwavering in our pursuit of “equality, development and peace for all women everywhere in the interest of humanity.”

    Those are the first words of the Beijing Declaration – and this year marks the 30th anniversary of that landmark conference and its reaffirmation that women’s rights are human rights.

    Since then, women have broken barriers, shattered ceilings, and reshaped societies.

    More girls are in school.

    More women hold positions of power.

    And digital activism has ignited global movements for justice.

    Yet, these hard-fought gains remain fragile – and far from enough.

    Age-old horrors – violence, discrimination and economic inequality – still plague our societies.

    Every ten minutes, a woman is killed by her partner or a family member.

    612 million women and girls live under the shadow of armed conflicts – where their rights are too often considered expendable.

    Less than two-thirds of women worldwide participate in the labour market – and those who do earn far less than men.

    At this pace, eradicating extreme poverty for women and girls would take 130 years.

    And as we see in every corner of the world, from pushback to rollback, women’s rights are under attack.

    Centuries of discrimination are being exacerbated by new threats.

    Digital tools, while brimming with promise, are also often silencing women’s voices, amplifying bias, and fuelling harassment.

    Women’s bodies have become political battlegrounds.

    And online violence is escalating into real-life violence.

    Instead of mainstreaming equal rights, we are witnessing the mainstreaming of chauvinism and misogyny.

    We cannot stand by as progress is reversed.

    We must fight back.

    Last September, Member States adopted the Pact for the Future.

    The Pact reminds us that equality is the engine of progress for all people – and that Agenda 2030 can only be realized when all women and girls enjoy their full rights.

    It calls for greater investment in the SDGs, expanded debt relief, and stronger support from Multilateral Development Banks so that governments can invest in what their people need —  education, training, job creation and social protections that can help drive equality for all.

    And the Global Digital Compact calls for closing the gender digital divide, pushing back against online abuse, and ensuring women and girls everywhere can access the benefits from the opportunities of a rapidly evolving global economy.

    Meanwhile, we are also working to end the scourge of violence against women and girls.

    Through the Spotlight Initiative, the UN and the EU have shown that comprehensive approaches to eliminating gender-based violence can work.

    We have helped keep one million more girls in school.

    We have helped prevent 21 million women and girls from experiencing gender-based violence.

    And across 13 Spotlight Initiative countries, the conviction rate for gender-based violence has doubled.

    These achievements prove that when we unite behind ambitious strategies, we can deliver real change.

    But our work is far from over.

    We must never accept a world where women and girls live in fear, where their safety is a privilege rather than a non-negotiable right.

    Excellencies and friends,

    Leadership on this International Women’s Day belongs to us all.

    At the United Nations, we have achieved and maintained gender parity among senior leadership and Resident Coordinators at world level since 2020.

    And for the first time in our organization’s history, we have also reached parity in the international professional categories.

    This proves once again that systemic change is possible – with concerted and determined action.

    Today, as part of the UN System-wide Gender Equality Acceleration Plan, I am proud to announce our commitment to the Gender Equality Clarion Call:

    A bold, urgent pledge to defend and advance the rights of all women and girls.

    The Clarion Call sets out four priorities:

    Unified leadership – all UN leaders must champion and defend women’s rights in every decision and in every forum;

    Action against pushbacks – We must actively confront backlash, prevent rollbacks, and create spaces where women’s rights can thrive;

    Coordinated impact – working across sectors and all levels to dismantle systemic inequalities; and

    Protecting women human rights defenders – we will defend and amplify the voices of women on the frontlines, standing firm against those who seek to silence them.

    This Clarion Call and the Gender Equality Acceleration Plan must drive real political change in all that we do.

    And we are leading by example – and we call on governments, organizations and businesses to do the same.

    Dear friends,

    The fight for gender equality is not just about fairness.

    It is about power – who gets a seat at the table, and who is locked out.

    It is about dismantling systems that allow inequalities to fester.

    And it is about ensuring a better world for all.

    When women participate in negotiations, peace lasts longer.

    When girls can go to school, entire generations lift out of poverty.

    When women enjoy equal job opportunities, economies grow stronger.

    And with parity in political leadership, decisions are fairer, policies are sharper, and societies are more just.

    Simply put: when women and girls rise, everyone thrives.

    So, on this International Women’s Day, let us be guided by the voices of women and girls around the world – and always choose action over apathy.

    Let us realize the vision of the Beijing Declaration.

    Accelerate action.

    And march forward — for every woman, for every girl, for everyone, everywhere.

    Thank you.

    ***
    [All-French]

    Mesdames et Messieurs, chers amis,

    Merci pour votre invitation – et pour cet émouvante prestation.

    Nous sommes réunis aujourd’hui non seulement pour célébrer la Journée internationale des femmes, mais aussi pour aller de l’avant, résilients, unis et résolus, dans notre quête des « objectifs d’égalité, de développement et de paix pour toutes les femmes dans le monde entier, dans l’intérêt de l’humanité tout entière ».

    Ces mots sont les premiers de la déclaration de Beijing. Cette année marque le trentième anniversaire de cette conférence historique, lors de laquelle il a été réaffirmé que les droits des femmes étaient des droits humains.

    Depuis, les femmes ont levé des barrières, brisé des plafonds et remodelé nos sociétés.

    Il y a davantage de filles scolarisées.

    Il y a davantage de femmes aux postes de pouvoir.

    Et le militantisme en ligne a lancé des mouvements mondiaux en faveur de la justice.

    Pourtant, ces avancées obtenues de haute lutte restent fragiles et sont loin d’être suffisantes.

    Des abominations séculaires comme la violence, la discrimination et les inégalités économiques continuent d’accabler nos sociétés.

    Toutes les dix minutes, une femme est tuée par son partenaire ou un membre de sa famille.

    612 millions de femmes et de filles vivent sous la menace de conflits armés, dans lesquels, trop souvent, l’on considère que leurs droits peuvent être sacrifiés.

    Moins de deux tiers des femmes dans le monde participent au marché du travail, et celles qui le font gagnent beaucoup moins que les hommes.

    À ce rythme, il faudrait 130 ans pour mettre fin à l’extrême pauvreté des femmes et des filles.

    Et comme on peut le voir aux quatre coins du monde, de recul en recul, les droits des femmes s’érodent.

    Les effets de siècles de discrimination sont exacerbés par de nouvelles menaces.

    Les outils numériques, bien que pleins de promesses, étouffent souvent la voix des femmes, amplifient les préjugés et alimentent le harcèlement.

    Le corps des femmes est devenu un champ de bataille politique.

    Et la violence en ligne se transforme en violence dans la vie réelle.

    Au lieu d’observer une généralisation de l’égalité des droits, nous assistons à la banalisation du machisme et de la misogynie.

    Nous ne pouvons pas rester les bras croisés alors que les progrès sont réduits à néant.

    Nous devons riposter.

    En septembre dernier, les États Membres ont adopté le Pacte pour l’avenir.

    Ce pacte nous rappelle que l’égalité est le moteur du progrès pour tous et toutes, et que le Programme 2030 ne pourra être réalisé que lorsque toutes les femmes et les filles jouiront pleinement de leurs droits.

    Il appelle à un investissement accru dans les objectifs de développement durable, à un plus grand allègement de la dette et à un soutien plus fort des banques multilatérales de développement, afin que les gouvernements puissent investir dans ce dont leurs populations ont besoin – notamment l’éducation, la formation, la création d’emplois et la protection sociale, qui peuvent faire avancer l’égalité pour tous et toutes.

    Le Pacte mondial pour le numérique appelle à combler la fracture numérique qui existe entre les hommes et les femmes, à lutter contre les atteintes commises en ligne et à veiller à ce que les femmes et les jeunes filles du monde entier puissent saisir et exploiter les possibilités offertes par une économie mondiale en rapide évolution et en tirer profit.

    De notre côté, nous nous efforçons de mettre fin au fléau de la violence à l’encontre des femmes et des filles.

    Grâce à l’Initiative Spotlight, l’ONU et l’Union européenne ont montré que, s’agissant d’éliminer la violence de genre, les approches globales fonctionnent.

    Nous avons aidé un million de filles de plus à continuer d’aller à l’école.

    Nous avons aidé 21 millions de femmes et de filles à ne pas subir de violences de genre.

    Dans 13 pays participant à cette initiative, le taux de condamnation pour violences de genre a doublé.

    Ces résultats prouvent que lorsque nous nous unissons autour de stratégies ambitieuses, nous obtenons des changements réels.

    Mais notre tâche est loin d’être achevée.

    Nous ne pouvons en aucun cas tolérer un monde où les femmes et les filles vivent dans la peur, où leur sécurité est un privilège plutôt qu’un droit non négociable.

    Mesdames et Messieurs,

    En cette Journée internationale des femmes, le leadership nous appartient à toutes et à tous.

    À l’ONU, depuis 2020, nous sommes parvenus à la parité hommes-femmes aux postes de haute direction et parmi les Coordonnateurs et Coordonnatrices résidents, et nous la maintenons.

    Et pour la première fois dans l’histoire de notre organisation, nous avons également atteint la parité parmi les administrateurs et administratrices recrutés sur le plan international.

    Voilà qui prouve une fois encore qu’avec de la détermination et de la concertation, le changement systémique est possible.

    Aujourd’hui, je suis fier d’annoncer que dans le cadre du Plan pour l’accélération de la réalisation de l’égalité des genres dans le système des Nations Unies, nous avons pris un engagement en faveur de l’Appel urgent à l’égalité des genres :

    Un engagement ambitieux et résolu de tout faire, de toute urgence, pour défendre et faire progresser les droits de toutes les femmes et de toutes les filles.

    Cet appel définit quatre priorités :

    L’unification des équipes dirigeantes – les hautes et hauts responsables des entités des Nations Unies doivent, toutes et tous, défendre les droits des femmes dans toutes les décisions et tous les lieux de débat ;

    La lutte contre le repli – nous devons activement combattre les remises en cause, empêcher les retours en arrière et créer des espaces où les droits des femmes peuvent prospérer ;

    La coordination de l’impact – pour abolir les inégalités systémiques dans tous les secteurs et à tous les niveaux ; et

    La protection des défenseurs et défenseuses des droits des femmes – nous défendrons et amplifierons les voix des femmes présentes en première ligne, en nous opposant fermement à ceux qui cherchent à les réduire au silence.

    Cet appel urgent et le Plan pour l’accélération de la réalisation de l’égalité des genres doivent induire un véritable changement politique dans toutes nos actions.

    L’ONU montre la voie. Nous demandons aux gouvernements, aux organisations et aux entreprises de suivre cet exemple.

    Chers amis,

    La lutte pour l’égalité des genres ne peut se résumer à une question d’équité.

    Il s’agit d’une question de pouvoir – qui participe à la prise des décisions, et qui en est exclu.

    Il s’agit de démanteler les systèmes qui perpétuent les inégalités.

    Et d’assurer ainsi un monde meilleur pour tous.

    Quand les femmes participent aux négociations, la paix dure plus longtemps.

    Quand les filles peuvent aller à l’école, des générations entières sortent de la pauvreté.

    Quand les femmes bénéficient d’opportunités professionnelles égales, les économies se renforcent.

    Et avec la parité dans le leadership politique, les décisions sont plus justes, les politiques sont mieux ciblées et les sociétés sont plus équitables.

    En somme : quand les femmes et les filles vont de l’avant, tout le monde prospère.

    Alors, en cette Journée internationale des droits des femmes, soyons inspirés par les voix des femmes et des filles du monde entier – et choisissons toujours l’action plutôt que l’apathie.

    Réalisons la vision de la Déclaration de Pékin.

    Accélérons le changement.

    Et avançons – pour chaque femme, pour chaque fille, pour chacun, partout.

    Je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Mike Lee and Rep. Thomas Massie Introduce Bill to End the Fed

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) have introduced the Federal Reserve Board Abolition Act, legislation that dissolves the United States Federal Reserve and transfers its assets and liabilities to the Department of the Treasury.
    “The Federal Reserve has not only failed to achieve its mandate, it has become an economic manipulator, directly contributing to the financial instability many Americans face today,” said Sen. Lee. “We need to protect our economic future, end the monetization of federal debt that fuels unchecked federal spending, and put American money on solid ground. We need to End the Fed.”
    “Americans have suffered under crippling inflation, and the Federal Reserve is to blame,” said Rep. Massie. “During COVID, the Federal Reserve created trillions of dollars out of thin air and loaned it to the Treasury Department to enable unprecedented deficit spending. By monetizing the debt, the Federal Reserve devalued the dollar and enabled free money policies that caused high inflation.”
     “Monetizing debt is a closely coordinated effort between the Federal Reserve, Treasury Department, Congress, Big Banks, and Wall Street,” Rep. Massie continued. “Through this process, retirees see their savings evaporate due to the actions of a central bank pursuing inflationary policies that benefit the wealthy and connected. If we really want to reduce inflation, the most effective policy is to end the Federal Reserve.”
    *****
    You can read the Daily Caller exclusive HERE.
    You can read the bill text HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee Leads GOP Urging End to Biden Firearm Export Rule

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) and House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) have issued a letter with 86 colleagues in the Senate and House requesting that the Secretary of Commerce reverse a rule restricting firearm exports for law-abiding American manufacturers.
    “As soon as is practically possible, we respectfully request that you rescind the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security’s (BIS) recent interim final rule (IFR) “Revision of Firearms License Requirements” (89 FR 34680; RIN 0694-AJ46). This misguided and destructive IFR is costing the American firearms industry nearly $500 million annually while doing nothing to advance U.S. interests or regional stability. Despite numerous attempts to rein in these actions through letters, legislation, hearings, markups, and oversight, the Biden BIS ignored Congress and used the IFR to advance the Biden administration’s anti-firearms agenda.”
    “President Trump recently signed an executive order to secure Second Amendment rights. The order instructs Attorney General Pam Bondi to review all orders, regulations, guidance, plans, international agreements, and other actions of executive departments and agencies that violate the Second Amendment or furthered the Biden administration’s anti-firearms agenda. Section (2)(b)(vii) of the executive order specifically requires the review and remediation of any agency action regarding the “processing of applications, to make, manufacture, transfer, or export firearms.” Because this IFR stops the commercial export of firearms, ammunition, and related components to over 36 countries and severely limits the ability of American businesses to obtain export licenses, we believe this IFR ought to be addressed immediately.”
    “For too long, federal agencies have tried to constrict our Second Amendment rights indirectly, in this case by hurting law-abiding gun manufacturers by severely limiting their ability to export firearms,” said Sen. Lee. “I look forward to the Trump administration rectifying this unjust rule pushed by Joe Biden’s bureaucrats.”
    “The Biden-Harris administration’s interim final rule on issuance and renewal of export licenses for certain firearms, related components, and ammunition has now lasted almost a year,” said Rep. Green. “With the confirmation of Secretary Lutnick, I trust that this IFR will come to an end. BIS’s actions cost American firearm manufacturers over $500 million annually. It’s time to end this attack on the Second Amendment, and I look forward to immediate action from the Department of Commerce.”
    You can read the entire letter HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Who was Private First Class Roland Bragg? | Army History | U.S. Army

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    Today, Fort Liberty, N.C., is being redesignated as Fort Bragg, but who was the hero this base is being named after? Find out a little about Army Pfc. Roland Bragg.

    by Army Multimedia and Visual Information Division

    About the U.S. Army:
    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: https://www.goarmy.com/?iom=BNL7-22-0029_N_OSOC_OCPA_YT_ocpagen_xx_xx

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army

    #Soldiers #Military

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: EU Archives: Jacques Delors’ speech, Council in Ireland, remembering the victims of terrorism

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    Have you ever wondered what the European Union was up to 50 years ago? Dive with us into the European Commission’s audiovisual archives and discover important anniversaries with our new weekly AV history teaser!

    Upcoming anniversaries in the teaser:

    · 1975: First European Council in Ireland
    · 1985: President Jacques Delors’ speech on the working program of the CEC for 1985
    · 2005: First European Remembrance Day for the Victims of Terrorism
    · 2024: Press Conference after the first 100 Days of the past von der Leyen Commission

    Get the complete material from our archive:
    https://europa.eu/!Vp63GJ
    https://europa.eu/!wV88Wf
    https://europa.eu/!FyYKRX
    https://europa.eu/!dV64kF

    Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission:
    Follow us on:
    -X: https://twitter.com/EU_Commission
    -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/europeancommission/
    -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCommission
    -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-commission/
    -Medium: https://medium.com/@EuropeanCommission

    Check our website: http://ec.europa.eu/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLUNFrC2Ud0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prison expanded to create UK’s largest public sector jail and make streets safer

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Prison expanded to create UK’s largest public sector jail and make streets safer

    More dangerous criminals will be taken off the streets thanks to a 700-place expansion which will turn a Suffolk jail into the UK’s largest public sector prison.

    • three new houseblocks to be built at HMP Highpoint in Suffolk by summer 2027
    • key milestone in efforts to deliver 14,000 extra prison places nationwide by 2031
    • part of Government’s Plan for Change to create safer streets

    The three new, four-storey houseblocks at HMP Highpoint will boost its capacity by more than 50 percent– and is the latest step in Government action to create safer streets.  

    The houseblocks will include innovative workshops and teaching facilities to train prisoners with skills to secure a job on release and turn their backs on crime for good. The new cells will be fully operational by summer 2027. 

    The construction is a significant milestone in the Government’s plan to deliver 14,000 more prison places by 2031 to lock up dangerous offenders and keep the public safe.   

    Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, Lord James Timpson said: 

    This government is fixing the broken prison system it inherited – wasting no time in getting shovels in the ground to deliver the spaces needed to protect the public. 

    These new houseblocks have been designed with a laser-focus on cutting crime and are a major step in our plan to deliver 14,000 more prison places by 2031.  

    But we cannot simply build our way out of this crisis, which is why we’re also reviewing sentencing so we can lock up dangerous offenders, cut crime and make our streets safer.

    HMP Highpoint Prison Governor Nigel Smith said: 

    The expansion at Highpoint will provide much-needed prisoner places in our region.

    The new accommodation will provide a safe and secure environment for us to rehabilitate prisoners and get them ready for release.  

    We are pleased that the construction work has officially begun and we look forward to working with our contractors to get things delivered.

    The build will be delivered by Wates Group, a leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance company. Once completed Highpoint will be the largest public sector prison in terms of land size in North-West Europe and the largest in the UK based on prisoner population.

    It will help provide an economic boost to East Anglia with hundreds of jobs created during construction and over 200 permanent jobs at the prison once built. Construction alone will bring investment into local businesses with 30% of materials/subcontractors coming from within a 50-mile radius. 

    Phil Shortman, Regional Managing Director at Wates said:   

    We are proud to be involved in the major programme of delivering much-needed prison spaces.  

    Through the construction of this project, around 2,000 building components have been crafted in prison workshops, providing meaningful employment opportunities, helping develop valuable skills and supporting brighter futures.  

    We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the government delivering additional prison capacity with a focus on rehabilitation, sustainability and social value for the local community.

    The development is part of the government’s 10-year prison capacity strategy published in December. It includes 6,400 places through new houseblocks and 6,500 places via new prisons. One thousand rapid deployment cells will be rolled out across the estate while more than 1,000 existing cells will be refurbished. 

    A 1,500-capacity prison in Yorkshire, HMP Millsike, will be opened in the coming weeks. The government is investing £2.3 billion to deliver these prison builds, while a further £500 million will go towards vital building maintenance across prisons and the probation service.     

    The strategy will work alongside the Independent Sentencing Review to ensure the most serious offenders can always be sent to prison to protect the public.    

    Notes to editors 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the UN Observance of International Women’s Day 2025 [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French versions]

    Source: United Nations

    Excellencies, Dear friends,

    Thank you for the invitation – and for the moving performance.

    We gather today not just to celebrate the International Women’s Day, but to move forward – resilient, united, and unwavering in our pursuit of “equality, development and peace for all women everywhere in the interest of humanity.”

    Those are the first words of the Beijing Declaration – and this year marks the 30th anniversary of that landmark conference and its reaffirmation that women’s rights are human rights.

    Since then, women have broken barriers, shattered ceilings, and reshaped societies.

    More girls are in school.

    More women hold positions of power.

    And digital activism has ignited global movements for justice.

    Yet, these hard-fought gains remain fragile – and far from enough.

    Age-old horrors – violence, discrimination and economic inequality – still plague our societies.

    Every ten minutes, a woman is killed by her partner or a family member.

    612 million women and girls live under the shadow of armed conflicts – where their rights are too often considered expendable.

    Less than two-thirds of women worldwide participate in the labour market – and those who do earn far less than men.

    At this pace, eradicating extreme poverty for women and girls would take 130 years.

    And as we see in every corner of the world, from pushback to rollback, women’s rights are under attack.

    Centuries of discrimination are being exacerbated by new threats.

    Digital tools, while brimming with promise, are also often silencing women’s voices, amplifying bias, and fuelling harassment.

    Women’s bodies have become political battlegrounds.

    And online violence is escalating into real-life violence.

    Instead of mainstreaming equal rights, we are witnessing the mainstreaming of chauvinism and misogyny.

    We cannot stand by as progress is reversed.

    We must fight back.

    Last September, Member States adopted the Pact for the Future.

    The Pact reminds us that equality is the engine of progress for all people – and that Agenda 2030 can only be realized when all women and girls enjoy their full rights.

    It calls for greater investment in the SDGs, expanded debt relief, and stronger support from Multilateral Development Banks so that governments can invest in what their people need —  education, training, job creation and social protections that can help drive equality for all.

    And the Global Digital Compact calls for closing the gender digital divide, pushing back against online abuse, and ensuring women and girls everywhere can access the benefits from the opportunities of a rapidly evolving global economy.

    Meanwhile, we are also working to end the scourge of violence against women and girls.

    Through the Spotlight Initiative, the UN and the EU have shown that comprehensive approaches to eliminating gender-based violence can work.

    We have helped keep one million more girls in school.

    We have helped prevent 21 million women and girls from experiencing gender-based violence.

    And across 13 Spotlight Initiative countries, the conviction rate for gender-based violence has doubled.

    These achievements prove that when we unite behind ambitious strategies, we can deliver real change.

    But our work is far from over.

    We must never accept a world where women and girls live in fear, where their safety is a privilege rather than a non-negotiable right.

    Excellencies and friends,

    Leadership on this International Women’s Day belongs to us all.

    At the United Nations, we have achieved and maintained gender parity among senior leadership and Resident Coordinators at world level since 2020.

    And for the first time in our organization’s history, we have also reached parity in the international professional categories.

    This proves once again that systemic change is possible – with concerted and determined action.

    Today, as part of the UN System-wide Gender Equality Acceleration Plan, I am proud to announce our commitment to the Gender Equality Clarion Call:

    A bold, urgent pledge to defend and advance the rights of all women and girls.

    The Clarion Call sets out four priorities:

    Unified leadership – all UN leaders must champion and defend women’s rights in every decision and in every forum;

    Action against pushbacks – We must actively confront backlash, prevent rollbacks, and create spaces where women’s rights can thrive;

    Coordinated impact – working across sectors and all levels to dismantle systemic inequalities; and

    Protecting women human rights defenders – we will defend and amplify the voices of women on the frontlines, standing firm against those who seek to silence them.

    This Clarion Call and the Gender Equality Acceleration Plan must drive real political change in all that we do.

    And we are leading by example – and we call on governments, organizations and businesses to do the same.

    Chers amis,

    La lutte pour l’égalité des genres ne peut se résumer à une question d’équité.

    Il s’agit d’une question de pouvoir – qui participe à la prise des décisions, et qui en est exclu.

    Il s’agit de démanteler les systèmes qui perpétuent les inégalités.

    Et d’assurer ainsi un monde meilleur pour tous.

    Quand les femmes participent aux négociations, la paix dure plus longtemps.

    Quand les filles peuvent aller à l’école, des générations entières sortent de la pauvreté.

    Quand les femmes bénéficient d’opportunités professionnelles égales, les économies se renforcent.

    Et avec la parité dans le leadership politique, les décisions sont plus justes, les politiques sont mieux ciblées et les sociétés sont plus équitables.

    En somme : quand les femmes et les filles vont de l’avant, tout le monde prospère.

    Alors, en cette Journée internationale des droits des femmes, soyons inspirés par les voix des femmes et des filles du monde entier – et choisissons toujours l’action plutôt que l’apathie.

    Réalisons la vision de la Déclaration de Pékin.

    Accélérons le changement.

    Et avançons – pour chaque femme, pour chaque fille, pour chacun, partout.

    Je vous remercie.

    ***
    [All-English]

    Excellencies, Dear friends,

    Thank you for the invitation – and for the moving performance.

    We gather today not just to celebrate the International Women’s Day, but to move forward – resilient, united, and unwavering in our pursuit of “equality, development and peace for all women everywhere in the interest of humanity.”

    Those are the first words of the Beijing Declaration – and this year marks the 30th anniversary of that landmark conference and its reaffirmation that women’s rights are human rights.

    Since then, women have broken barriers, shattered ceilings, and reshaped societies.

    More girls are in school.

    More women hold positions of power.

    And digital activism has ignited global movements for justice.

    Yet, these hard-fought gains remain fragile – and far from enough.

    Age-old horrors – violence, discrimination and economic inequality – still plague our societies.

    Every ten minutes, a woman is killed by her partner or a family member.

    612 million women and girls live under the shadow of armed conflicts – where their rights are too often considered expendable.

    Less than two-thirds of women worldwide participate in the labour market – and those who do earn far less than men.

    At this pace, eradicating extreme poverty for women and girls would take 130 years.

    And as we see in every corner of the world, from pushback to rollback, women’s rights are under attack.

    Centuries of discrimination are being exacerbated by new threats.

    Digital tools, while brimming with promise, are also often silencing women’s voices, amplifying bias, and fuelling harassment.

    Women’s bodies have become political battlegrounds.

    And online violence is escalating into real-life violence.

    Instead of mainstreaming equal rights, we are witnessing the mainstreaming of chauvinism and misogyny.

    We cannot stand by as progress is reversed.

    We must fight back.

    Last September, Member States adopted the Pact for the Future.

    The Pact reminds us that equality is the engine of progress for all people – and that Agenda 2030 can only be realized when all women and girls enjoy their full rights.

    It calls for greater investment in the SDGs, expanded debt relief, and stronger support from Multilateral Development Banks so that governments can invest in what their people need —  education, training, job creation and social protections that can help drive equality for all.

    And the Global Digital Compact calls for closing the gender digital divide, pushing back against online abuse, and ensuring women and girls everywhere can access the benefits from the opportunities of a rapidly evolving global economy.

    Meanwhile, we are also working to end the scourge of violence against women and girls.

    Through the Spotlight Initiative, the UN and the EU have shown that comprehensive approaches to eliminating gender-based violence can work.

    We have helped keep one million more girls in school.

    We have helped prevent 21 million women and girls from experiencing gender-based violence.

    And across 13 Spotlight Initiative countries, the conviction rate for gender-based violence has doubled.

    These achievements prove that when we unite behind ambitious strategies, we can deliver real change.

    But our work is far from over.

    We must never accept a world where women and girls live in fear, where their safety is a privilege rather than a non-negotiable right.

    Excellencies and friends,

    Leadership on this International Women’s Day belongs to us all.

    At the United Nations, we have achieved and maintained gender parity among senior leadership and Resident Coordinators at world level since 2020.

    And for the first time in our organization’s history, we have also reached parity in the international professional categories.

    This proves once again that systemic change is possible – with concerted and determined action.

    Today, as part of the UN System-wide Gender Equality Acceleration Plan, I am proud to announce our commitment to the Gender Equality Clarion Call:

    A bold, urgent pledge to defend and advance the rights of all women and girls.

    The Clarion Call sets out four priorities:

    Unified leadership – all UN leaders must champion and defend women’s rights in every decision and in every forum;

    Action against pushbacks – We must actively confront backlash, prevent rollbacks, and create spaces where women’s rights can thrive;

    Coordinated impact – working across sectors and all levels to dismantle systemic inequalities; and

    Protecting women human rights defenders – we will defend and amplify the voices of women on the frontlines, standing firm against those who seek to silence them.

    This Clarion Call and the Gender Equality Acceleration Plan must drive real political change in all that we do.

    And we are leading by example – and we call on governments, organizations and businesses to do the same.

    Dear friends,

    The fight for gender equality is not just about fairness.

    It is about power – who gets a seat at the table, and who is locked out.

    It is about dismantling systems that allow inequalities to fester.

    And it is about ensuring a better world for all.

    When women participate in negotiations, peace lasts longer.

    When girls can go to school, entire generations lift out of poverty.

    When women enjoy equal job opportunities, economies grow stronger.

    And with parity in political leadership, decisions are fairer, policies are sharper, and societies are more just.

    Simply put: when women and girls rise, everyone thrives.

    So, on this International Women’s Day, let us be guided by the voices of women and girls around the world – and always choose action over apathy.

    Let us realize the vision of the Beijing Declaration.

    Accelerate action.

    And march forward — for every woman, for every girl, for everyone, everywhere.

    Thank you.

    ***
    [All-French]

    Mesdames et Messieurs, chers amis,

    Merci pour votre invitation – et pour cet émouvante prestation.

    Nous sommes réunis aujourd’hui non seulement pour célébrer la Journée internationale des femmes, mais aussi pour aller de l’avant, résilients, unis et résolus, dans notre quête des « objectifs d’égalité, de développement et de paix pour toutes les femmes dans le monde entier, dans l’intérêt de l’humanité tout entière ».

    Ces mots sont les premiers de la déclaration de Beijing. Cette année marque le trentième anniversaire de cette conférence historique, lors de laquelle il a été réaffirmé que les droits des femmes étaient des droits humains.

    Depuis, les femmes ont levé des barrières, brisé des plafonds et remodelé nos sociétés.

    Il y a davantage de filles scolarisées.

    Il y a davantage de femmes aux postes de pouvoir.

    Et le militantisme en ligne a lancé des mouvements mondiaux en faveur de la justice.

    Pourtant, ces avancées obtenues de haute lutte restent fragiles et sont loin d’être suffisantes.

    Des abominations séculaires comme la violence, la discrimination et les inégalités économiques continuent d’accabler nos sociétés.

    Toutes les dix minutes, une femme est tuée par son partenaire ou un membre de sa famille.

    612 millions de femmes et de filles vivent sous la menace de conflits armés, dans lesquels, trop souvent, l’on considère que leurs droits peuvent être sacrifiés.

    Moins de deux tiers des femmes dans le monde participent au marché du travail, et celles qui le font gagnent beaucoup moins que les hommes.

    À ce rythme, il faudrait 130 ans pour mettre fin à l’extrême pauvreté des femmes et des filles.

    Et comme on peut le voir aux quatre coins du monde, de recul en recul, les droits des femmes s’érodent.

    Les effets de siècles de discrimination sont exacerbés par de nouvelles menaces.

    Les outils numériques, bien que pleins de promesses, étouffent souvent la voix des femmes, amplifient les préjugés et alimentent le harcèlement.

    Le corps des femmes est devenu un champ de bataille politique.

    Et la violence en ligne se transforme en violence dans la vie réelle.

    Au lieu d’observer une généralisation de l’égalité des droits, nous assistons à la banalisation du machisme et de la misogynie.

    Nous ne pouvons pas rester les bras croisés alors que les progrès sont réduits à néant.

    Nous devons riposter.

    En septembre dernier, les États Membres ont adopté le Pacte pour l’avenir.

    Ce pacte nous rappelle que l’égalité est le moteur du progrès pour tous et toutes, et que le Programme 2030 ne pourra être réalisé que lorsque toutes les femmes et les filles jouiront pleinement de leurs droits.

    Il appelle à un investissement accru dans les objectifs de développement durable, à un plus grand allègement de la dette et à un soutien plus fort des banques multilatérales de développement, afin que les gouvernements puissent investir dans ce dont leurs populations ont besoin – notamment l’éducation, la formation, la création d’emplois et la protection sociale, qui peuvent faire avancer l’égalité pour tous et toutes.

    Le Pacte mondial pour le numérique appelle à combler la fracture numérique qui existe entre les hommes et les femmes, à lutter contre les atteintes commises en ligne et à veiller à ce que les femmes et les jeunes filles du monde entier puissent saisir et exploiter les possibilités offertes par une économie mondiale en rapide évolution et en tirer profit.

    De notre côté, nous nous efforçons de mettre fin au fléau de la violence à l’encontre des femmes et des filles.

    Grâce à l’Initiative Spotlight, l’ONU et l’Union européenne ont montré que, s’agissant d’éliminer la violence de genre, les approches globales fonctionnent.

    Nous avons aidé un million de filles de plus à continuer d’aller à l’école.

    Nous avons aidé 21 millions de femmes et de filles à ne pas subir de violences de genre.

    Dans 13 pays participant à cette initiative, le taux de condamnation pour violences de genre a doublé.

    Ces résultats prouvent que lorsque nous nous unissons autour de stratégies ambitieuses, nous obtenons des changements réels.

    Mais notre tâche est loin d’être achevée.

    Nous ne pouvons en aucun cas tolérer un monde où les femmes et les filles vivent dans la peur, où leur sécurité est un privilège plutôt qu’un droit non négociable.

    Mesdames et Messieurs,

    En cette Journée internationale des femmes, le leadership nous appartient à toutes et à tous.

    À l’ONU, depuis 2020, nous sommes parvenus à la parité hommes-femmes aux postes de haute direction et parmi les Coordonnateurs et Coordonnatrices résidents, et nous la maintenons.

    Et pour la première fois dans l’histoire de notre organisation, nous avons également atteint la parité parmi les administrateurs et administratrices recrutés sur le plan international.

    Voilà qui prouve une fois encore qu’avec de la détermination et de la concertation, le changement systémique est possible.

    Aujourd’hui, je suis fier d’annoncer que dans le cadre du Plan pour l’accélération de la réalisation de l’égalité des genres dans le système des Nations Unies, nous avons pris un engagement en faveur de l’Appel urgent à l’égalité des genres :

    Un engagement ambitieux et résolu de tout faire, de toute urgence, pour défendre et faire progresser les droits de toutes les femmes et de toutes les filles.

    Cet appel définit quatre priorités :

    L’unification des équipes dirigeantes – les hautes et hauts responsables des entités des Nations Unies doivent, toutes et tous, défendre les droits des femmes dans toutes les décisions et tous les lieux de débat ;

    La lutte contre le repli – nous devons activement combattre les remises en cause, empêcher les retours en arrière et créer des espaces où les droits des femmes peuvent prospérer ;

    La coordination de l’impact – pour abolir les inégalités systémiques dans tous les secteurs et à tous les niveaux ; et

    La protection des défenseurs et défenseuses des droits des femmes – nous défendrons et amplifierons les voix des femmes présentes en première ligne, en nous opposant fermement à ceux qui cherchent à les réduire au silence.

    Cet appel urgent et le Plan pour l’accélération de la réalisation de l’égalité des genres doivent induire un véritable changement politique dans toutes nos actions.

    L’ONU montre la voie. Nous demandons aux gouvernements, aux organisations et aux entreprises de suivre cet exemple.

    Chers amis,

    La lutte pour l’égalité des genres ne peut se résumer à une question d’équité.

    Il s’agit d’une question de pouvoir – qui participe à la prise des décisions, et qui en est exclu.

    Il s’agit de démanteler les systèmes qui perpétuent les inégalités.

    Et d’assurer ainsi un monde meilleur pour tous.

    Quand les femmes participent aux négociations, la paix dure plus longtemps.

    Quand les filles peuvent aller à l’école, des générations entières sortent de la pauvreté.

    Quand les femmes bénéficient d’opportunités professionnelles égales, les économies se renforcent.

    Et avec la parité dans le leadership politique, les décisions sont plus justes, les politiques sont mieux ciblées et les sociétés sont plus équitables.

    En somme : quand les femmes et les filles vont de l’avant, tout le monde prospère.

    Alors, en cette Journée internationale des droits des femmes, soyons inspirés par les voix des femmes et des filles du monde entier – et choisissons toujours l’action plutôt que l’apathie.

    Réalisons la vision de la Déclaration de Pékin.

    Accélérons le changement.

    Et avançons – pour chaque femme, pour chaque fille, pour chacun, partout.

    Je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Nova Scotia to Recoup Hundreds of Millions from Tobacco Settlement

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Nova Scotia will receive about $809 million from tobacco companies for the impact of smoking on the healthcare system.

    All provinces and territories joined together to sue for the healthcare costs related to tobacco use. A mediated settlement was approved by the Superior Court of Ontario Thursday, March 6.

    In the first year, Nova Scotia is expected to receive about $200 million and expects to receive the rest over the next 15 to 20 years.

    “The Government of Nova Scotia pursued this litigation to hold the tobacco industry accountable for the harms it has caused Nova Scotians and for the related healthcare costs,” said Premier Tim Houston. “Those wrongful practices resulted in extraordinary costs to our healthcare system, and we set out to recover those costs.”

    The resolution pertains to alleged past practices by the tobacco companies from the 1950s to 1980s.

    The total value of the court-ordered resolution is $32.5 billion, with the provinces getting $24.7 billion.

    Smoking is linked to more than two dozen diseases and conditions. Most lung cancer is caused by smoking, but smoking can also cause cancer in other parts of the body. Tobacco contains thousands of chemicals with hundreds being toxic and at least 70 known to cause cancer.

    About 13.7 per cent of Nova Scotians smoke. There is support available for people who want to quit smoking and using tobacco:

    Quotes:

    “This is a historic day for healthcare. Nova Scotia’s healthcare system has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to treat smoking-related illnesses, and these illnesses were devastating to Nova Scotians and put a major strain on our healthcare system.”
    — Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness

    Quick Facts:

    • the companies involved are JTI-Macdonald Corp., Rothmans, Benson & Hedges and Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd.
    • the mediation process took five years
    • B.C. filed the first lawsuit to recover healthcare costs from tobacco companies in 1998
    Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK deepens cooperation with France on people smuggling

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    The UK deepens cooperation with France on people smuggling

    The UK and France sign a roadmap to deepen cooperation on people smuggling.

    The UK and France have further deepened their small boats cooperation with the signing of the Upstream Working Group Roadmap yesterday (6 March) at the Ministry of Interior.

    The UK’s Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt, and France’s Special Representative on Immigration for the Minister of State, Patrick Stefanini, met in Paris to agree stronger measures, focussing on stemming irregular migration flows into both France and the UK. 

    The signing follows the Home Secretary’s visit to the Northern French coast last week where she met with French Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, to agree a series of new, stronger enforcement measures.

    The Franco-British Upstream Working Group marks a significant step in ongoing efforts to combat organised immigration crime. The roadmap has 4 priority issues:

    • disrupting the criminal gangs at the heart of organised immigration crime
    • deterring illegal migrants from taking the dangerous journey to France and the UK
    • ensuring the effective and prompt return of irregular migrants to source and transit countries
    • tackling the root causes of irregular migration

    The 2 co-chairs welcomed British and French joint efforts and set a date for the next Upstream Working Group plenary meeting, due to take place in May 2025. 

    Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt, said: 

    When I first took on my role as Border Security Commander, one of my key priorities was to strengthen our work with partners across the world to tackle the criminal networks facilitating illegal migration to the UK. 

    In just a few short months, we have fundamentally enhanced our international cooperation, but it is our close cooperation with French partners that remains, as ever, the cornerstone to stopping the gangs and preventing loss of life. 

    Beyond France, the Border Security Command has deepened coordination with law enforcement to smash the criminal people smuggling gangs, securing vital agreements with other international partners including Germany, Western Balkan nations and Iraq.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The EU Roadmap for Women’s Rights: a renewed push for gender equality

    Source: European Union 2

    Returning home after sunset, a woman removes her headphones, lowers her hood, and keeps an eye on each man she passes. She cannot stop thinking about the man who followed her home and attacked her. She is 1 in 3 women to have experienced physical and/or sexual violence in the past 12 months and to have told no one.

    Meanwhile, a group of women walk back from a march for women’s rights. Some men walk past yelling and gesturing from across the street. Because one in six men still consider it acceptable to catcall women. 

    For many women in Europe, these stories are unfortunately all too familiar. So too is the fact that more than 60% of the time women are the ones doing the daily cooking and/or housework. This shows that progress towards gender equality remains far too slow. There are still countless structural discriminatory norms in our societies that need to be addressed and overcome.

    That is why today, ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March, the European Commission is reinforcing its commitment to  gender equality, with a long-term vision for progress. With the new Roadmap for Women’s Rights, the Commission plans to further pave the way towards:

    • freedom from gender-based violence
    • the highest standards of health
    • equal pay and economic empowerment
    • work-life balance and care
    • equal employment opportunities and adequate working conditions
    • quality and inclusive education
    • political participation and equal representation
    • institutional mechanisms that deliver on women’s rights

    The Roadmap aims to build on the significant progress achieved under the Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025. Thanks to this strategy, historic progress has been made in the EU over the past five years, with rules on pay transparency, gender balance on company boards, and on combating violence against women. The 2025 Report on Gender Equality in the EU – which was also published today – provides a more detailed overview of this progress and where more action is needed. 

    For more information

    Press release: Commission unveils its Roadmap to strengthen women’s rights

    Roadmap for Women’s Rights

    Annual Report on Gender Equality 

    Actions for gender equality

    Gender equality strategy

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-Japan Economic 2+2

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    News story

    UK-Japan Economic 2+2

    The UK and Japanese governments have met for the Economic 2+2 Ministers’ Meeting

    On March 7, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for approximately 2 hours, the Japan-UK Economic 2+2 Ministers’ Meeting (“Economic 2+2”) was held. The meeting was attended by Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. MUTO Yoji, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, the Rt. Hon. David Lammy MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Rt. Hon. Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

    At the outset, Minister Iwaya stated that it was his pleasure to host the first Japan-UK Economic 2+2 Ministers’ Meeting in Tokyo, the establishment of which was announced by the leaders of Japan and the UK to promote dialogue on how trade and economic security converges with foreign policy; and hoped that today’s meeting would be an opportunity for both countries, as each other’s closest security partners in Europe and Asia, to strengthen their economic ties, building on the strong foundations of the Japan-UK Global Strategic Partnership articulated by the Hiroshima Accord.

    Minister Muto stated that he welcomed holding the Japan-UK Economic 2+2 Ministers’ Meeting and expressed his expectations for enhanced cooperation in areas such as economic security, energy, and innovation between Japan and the UK, which share fundamental values and continue to build a strong relationship.

    Foreign Secretary Lammy thanked Japan for hosting this inaugural meeting and underscored the importance of the dialogue in addressing the increasing convergence between economic and foreign policy issues and the significance of UK-Japan collaboration to forge a path in an increasingly volatile world.

    Minister Reynolds stated national security and economic growth are mutually reinforcing, and that he looked forward to using the discussion to explore areas of cooperation where the UK and Japan can jointly mitigate global risks to economic growth and trade.

    The global economic order now faces significant challenges. With shared fundamental values including freedom, democracy, and rule of law, the four Ministers from Japan and the UK committed to work to uphold these values by sustaining and strengthening a free, fair, and rules-based global economic order, and discussed issues on Economic Security, Free and Open International Trade, Energy Security, Global South as follows.

    Economic Security

    The four Ministers concurred that, given challenges in global trade, enhancing economic resilience internationally is an important contributor to sustainable and stable global growth.

    The four Ministers affirmed that coordination between partners and like-minded countries is essential to bolster economic resilience. Ministers also confirmed that the relationship between Japan and the UK is increasingly important and expressed their joint ambition to strengthen cooperation on economic resilience and economic security, including sharing analysis and insights, enhancing supply chain resilience and cooperation on critical and emerging technology issues.

    The four Ministers instructed officials to have meetings to take forward discussions to address the economic security challenges facing Japan and the UK, including enhancing supply-chain resilience, developing a fair market, and other relevant issues – with a view to enhancing their economic security partnership.

    The four Ministers concurred that this would support the industrial strategy partnership as discussed in the Strategic Economic Policy and Trade Dialogue.

     The four Ministers expressed concern over economic coercion, non-market policies and practices including harmful industrial subsidies, market-distorting practices of state-owned enterprises, as well as forced technology transfer, and harmful non-market overcapacity and other market distortions resulting from the non-market policies and practices.

     The four Ministers also reconfirmed the importance of cooperating with like-minded countries to build resilient and reliable supply-chains, including those for critical minerals that are essential for net-zero transition and digitalisation.

     In this regard, the four Ministers concurred to explore criteria that take into account not only economic factors, but also factors linked to the Principles on Resilient and Reliable Supply Chains, comprising of transparency, diversification, security, sustainability, and trustworthiness and reliability.

     Furthermore, the four Ministers concurred on continuing discussions to strengthen the coordination of their respective policies to further promote and protect critical and emerging technologies, recognising the importance of strategic public-private partnership, information exchange on economic security and the value of our two countries’ like-mindedness. The four Ministers concurred on deepening cooperation on export controls and research security to further facilitate the exchange of controlled goods and technologies between the two countries.

     The four Ministers welcomed the signing of Memorandums of Understanding between Japanese and UK industry partners that will facilitate joint Japan-UK supply chains and collaboration in the development of next-generation quantum computing.

     The four Ministers concurred on further strengthening effective export controls on materials, technology, and research that could be used for military purposes in a way that keeps pace with rapid technological developments.

     The four Ministers expressed their desire to see a just and lasting peace in Ukraine which ensures its future sovereignty and security. The four Minister reaffirmed their continued support to Ukraine in pursuit of peace through strength, in line with Ukraine’s needs. The four Ministers expressed their resolve to continue our comprehensive sanctions and economic measures to restrict as far as possible the revenues, goods, and technology Russia uses to fund and conduct its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.

     To that end, the four Ministers concurred to continue action against Russia and countries supporting the Russian military complex through technical discussions to prevent diversion of key critical, specialist and emerging technologies. They reiterated their concern for China’s increasing support to Russia and Russia’s defense industrial base, which is decisively enabling Russia to maintain its illegal war in Ukraine.

    Free and Open International Trade

     The four Ministers reaffirmed the importance of the rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core as an important structure that affords legal stability and predictability for businesses, and concurred on moving towards strengthening all of the WTO’s functions, including negotiation, monitoring, deliberation and dispute settlement, as it marks the 30th anniversary of its establishment with an eye to the outcome of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) scheduled for next March.

     The four Ministers recognised the role played by plurilateral discussions and negotiations within the WTO in advancing issues of interest and called for the early incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement and the Agreement on Electronic Commerce into the WTO’s legal framework.

     The four Ministers also confirmed that they will work closely together in WTO discussions, including addressing contemporary trade-related issues such as non-market policies and practices, as well as climate change.

     The four Ministers emphasised the importance of developing robust international rules and norms and effectively utilising existing tools to ensure a global level playing field.

     In addition, the Japanese Ministers welcomed the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) last December, and the four Ministers recognised that the CPTPP is an important pillar in promoting a free and fair rules-based economic order in the Indo-Pacific region.

     The Ministers confirmed that they would continue to work closely together with other parties to ensure CPTPP remains a modern, high-standards agreement.

    Energy Security

     The four Ministers discussed energy security risks and opportunities for Japan-UK collaboration to support further development of clean energy supply-chains.

     Ministers welcomed the signing of the Memoranda of Cooperation on offshore wind cooperation among governments, organisations, companies and on cooperation in advanced robotics and autonomous systems, and welcomed the  civil-nuclear collaboration between companies and research institutions of both countries, including on advanced nuclear technologies, fusion energy, and  nuclear decommissioning.

     They reaffirmed that they would continue promoting energy cooperation between Japan and the UK to deliver energy security for their citizens.

     Furthermore, they acknowledged their collaboration in the clean energy sector and emphasised the importance of creating Japan-UK collaborative projects to accelerate the clean energy transition in third countries and to strengthen coordination in pursuit of this.  

     The four Ministers also reaffirmed their shared commitment to keeping a limit of 1.5C temperature rise within reach and achieving net zero by 2050.

     They confirmed the need to reduce reliance on energy supply from unreliable and hostile actors.

     All four Ministers concurred that Russia’s illegal, unjustifiable and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine threatens the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific, which is inseparable.

    Engagement with Global South

     The four Ministers shared the recognition that it is important to further enhance cooperation with Global South countries to maintain and strengthen a rule-based international economic order and affirmed that they would engage with the Global South towards sustainable development and trade mechanisms that support economic development and poverty reduction.

     They noted the importance of the WTO 14th Ministerial Conference, which will be held in Cameroon – in supporting this.

    The four Ministers reaffirmed the need for Japan and the UK to remain advocates of a free, open, and rules-based international economic order in the face of growing risks of global economic fragmentation and concurred on continuing their bilateral cooperation in areas such as the economic policies of both countries and economic security, while deepening discussions and cooperation with like-minded countries in related fields.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: ECB International Women’s Day 2025 | Opening remarks

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Opening remarks
    Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9QEyfCcIyw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: ECB International Women’s Day 2025 | In conversation

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    In conversation

    Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank
    Claudia Buch, Chair of the Supervisory Board of the European Central Bank
    Klaas Knot, President of De Nederlandsche Bank
    Annamaria Lusardi, Professor at Stanford University
    Joachim Nagel, President of the Deutsche Bundesbank
    Fabio Panetta, Governor of the Banca d’Italia

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: ECB International Women’s Day 2025 | Q&A and Closing remarks

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Questions & answers and open forum
    Closing remarks

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PESjE3xSHl0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Lords spotlights women in science and technology during #IWD debate | #HouseOfLords

    Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

    Promoting women’s participation and leadership in science and technology in the UK and around the world was on the agenda in the House of Lords this week. Members debated the subject ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March.

    Scientists, educators, medics, entrepreneurs and economists spoke in the debate on a range of subjects

    Find out more, watch or read the full debate https://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2025/march/international-womens-day-on-lords-agenda/

    Catch-up on House of Lords business:

    Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
    Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/

    Stay up to date with the House of Lords on social media:

    • X: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/houseoflords.parliament.uk
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UKHouseofLords/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/ukhouseoflords/albums
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-house-of-lords
    • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@UKHouseOfLords

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament #InternationalWomensDay

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk_Pl2rcBlM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Councillors campaign to tackle economic inequality

    Source: City of Plymouth

    This International Women’s Day, Councillors have formed a new collaboration to tackle the economic inequality between men and women in the city. 

    Cabinet Members Chris Penberthy, Jemima Laing and Sally Haydon have implemented action on Community Safety, Poverty, Skills and Education, Housing, Health, and Children’s Services throughout their careers. 

    They are starting this focus on work and wages, with an invitation to women’s organisations in Plymouth to meet to discuss the causes and consequences of economic inequality. 

    Trevi, Gifted Women, and Westcountry Women’s Awards will be founder contributors to the discussion.  Professor Jasmine Kelland at the University of Plymouth Business School will support discussions with her expertise and network that focusses on men’s experiences of balancing work with caring responsibilities.

    Phase two will invite businesses from the city to discuss their experiences of tackling work accessibility, low wages, flexible working, discrimination, and other measures to address this persistent imbalance.

    Councillor Jemima Laing, Deputy Leader of the Council said: “This project is something we are all equally passionate about, we want to come together and help tackle economic inequality.

    “A real living wage is necessary for individuals to pay for basic living expenses.  At £12.60 per hour or £466 for a 37 hour week, around half of women in Plymouth earn less compared to one in five men. 

    “The consequences of this don’t just leave women relying on other people for basic living expenses, it also affects families and children, and wider communities.

    “We look forward to starting this project and engaging with businesses in the city on this important issue.”

    Proactive approaches by businesses in the city include enhanced support for flexible working, enhanced paternity pay and parental leave, travel to work plans for parents and carers and women-specific support such as networking, mentoring, and ensuring that there is a woman on recruitment panels for shortlisting and interviews. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Walking netball takes centre court for International Women’s Day

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Over fifty ladies from walking netball groups across Northern Ireland gathered at Banbridge Leisure Centre for on-the-court and off-the-court activities to celebrate International Women’s Day.

    The event was organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Sports Development Department and funded by Sport NI, through the District Council’s Community Planning Investment Programme.

    Supporting on the day were Netball NI, Banbridge Netball Club and Billy Stewart from the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Policing Community Safety Partnership (ABCPCSP) who spoke to the ladies about being vigilant for online scams, financial safety and ‘in case of emergency’ cards.

    The main event kicked off with a ‘shooter of the week’ challenge and warm-up activities before the competitions got into full swing between the ‘Jeth Throwers’ (Lurgan), the ‘Nutty Netballers’ (Larne), the ‘Nifty Netballers’ (Bangor), the ‘Lilies of the Valley’ (Newtownabbey) and the ‘Bann Ballers’ (Banbridge).

    After some show-stopping skills and impressive competitive spirit, Larne’s Nutty Netballers were crowned overall winners and awarded prizes sponsored by Netball NI. Local team ‘Bann Ballers’ finished in second place and received some baked goods sponsored by Irwin’s Bakery.

    Walking Netball has evolved from a growing demand for walking sports. The inclusive nature of the game encourages those who have dropped out of the sport they love due to serious injury, to those who believed they had hung up their netball trainers many years ago, to get going again! The fun, laughter and camaraderie throughout the social sessions are just as important as the health benefits from being active.

    The ‘Bann Ballers’ netball group was established after a successful pilot as part of ABC Council’s Positive Aging Month campaign. The group meets every Friday at Banbridge Leisure Centre from 12.30 – 1.30pm. New members are always welcome! For more information please visit www.getactiveabc.com/walkingnetball

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bowman, Remarks on “Monetary Policy Transmission to Real Activity” and the Recent Experience

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    Thank you for the invitation to participate at this year’s U.S. Monetary Policy Forum conference. It is a pleasure to be here to discuss the conference report and present my views on the transmission of monetary policy to real activity in recent years.1 I would like to start by thanking the authors of the paper for their thoughtful and comprehensive analysis of the effects of monetary policy on economic activity. As you all may know, my background is in banking and bank regulation, so my experience with and interest in understanding the transmission and effects of monetary policy stems from my responsibilities as a Member of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC).
    Turning to the discussion, I will begin with a few comments and suggestions on the paper and then focus on how monetary policy and other factors influenced U.S. economic performance during the tightening cycle that started in March 2022. I will then conclude with some thoughts on the relevance of the results in the paper for monetary policy going forward.
    Comments and Suggestions on “Monetary Policy Transmission to Real Activity”The paper’s stated purpose is to estimate how monetary policy shocks affect gross domestic product (GDP) and employment through the use of a range of models. The evidence is generally similar to previous studies, supporting the broader principle that monetary policy exerts its effects with long lags and has a limited contribution to changes in real activity when the shock is small and not very persistent. We should keep in mind, however, that many other shocks hit the economy and that at times it may be hard to see the effects of monetary policy actions estimated in the paper as they work through the actual economy.
    The paper notes that a 1 percentage point increase in the federal funds rate that retraces gradually, taking five to six quarters to reach half of its initial size, has persistent negative effects on GDP and employment. At maximum, this shock lowers GDP by 0.4 percent in about 18 months and employment by 0.3 percent in about two years, on average across the models considered in the paper. However, there is a wide range of estimated responses, as they depend on each model specification and the data used. The most sensitive components of GDP are residential investment, business fixed investment, and durable goods consumption, which is consistent with employment in the construction and durable goods manufacturing industries being highly interest-rate sensitive.
    The paper analyzes the transmission of monetary policy to real activity, but it would have been very interesting to go one step further and also see the effects of monetary policy on inflation. This is especially relevant because the FOMC has been focused on bringing inflation down to its 2 percent target over the past few years. Of course, higher interest rates lower inflation by dampening aggregate demand and real activity, thereby removing pressure on resource utilization, wages, and prices.
    The authors use several models to analyze the transmission of monetary policy. They use two well-known structural models created by Federal Reserve Board staff that have been used in Tealbook, the FRB/US and EDO models, in addition to two reduced-form VAR models, the New York Fed Bayesian VAR model and a simple four-variable proxy VAR model. It is reassuring that the estimated responses to a federal funds rate shock in the two models that I am most familiar with, the Board FRB/US and EDO models, seem consistent with previous findings.2
    One small issue is that neither of the VAR models directly includes the federal funds rate. The authors acknowledge this limitation in the analysis and address it by roughly estimating that a 100-basis points shock to the policy rate boosts the 1-year and 2‑year Treasury yields by 45 and 40 basis points, respectively. This approach may have resulted in the implied monetary policy shock in the two VAR models looking more persistent than in the two structural models. I would suggest the authors take another look at this aspect of their exercise, so that the contours of the monetary policy shocks look more similar across the different models.
    An alternative approach would have been to take the 1- and 2-year averages of the federal funds rate from the FRB/US and EDO impulse responses and possibly add a small term premium. This approach would have suggested larger effects of the federal funds rate shock on the 1- and 2-year Treasury yields than estimated by the authors. Another approach, especially in the proxy VAR setting, would have been to use a measure of the shadow federal funds rate, which provides a gauge of the overall monetary policy stance and is not constrained by the zero lower bound.3
    The paper focused on the effect of changes in the policy rate, but an important channel for the transmission of monetary policy is how it affects private interest rates that are relevant for households and businesses consumption and investment decisions. Private rates include interest rates charged on outstanding credit card balances, rates on auto and other durable goods loans, mortgage rates, and corporate bond yields. Although credit card rates move closely in line with the policy rate and include a time-varying spread that depends on the default risk profile of the borrower, longer-term private fixed rates on mortgages and corporate bonds depend on the expected path of the federal funds rate, the term premium embedded in longer-term Treasury yields, and risk spreads relative to Treasury securities of comparable maturity. Accordingly, monetary policy tools other than the policy rate, including forward guidance and the amount of securities holdings in the central bank’s balance sheet, are also important for the transmission of monetary policy since they can more forcefully affect the expected path of the federal funds rate, term premiums, and risk spreads.
    The authors analyze the contribution of major aggregate demand components to the overall effect of a monetary policy shock on GDP. One minor issue is that not all the models treat business investment equally. In particular, the EDO model includes inventory investment under business investment, while all other models do not appear to do so. This difference may contribute to the much larger initial reaction of business investment in the EDO model compared to the other models, as inventory investment reacts quickly to a shock in the federal funds rate.
    I would like to offer one last comment on the relatively small effect of monetary policy on real activity. Although I do not disagree with the authors’ assessment, I think that the estimated effects can cumulate to be quite sizable even for the transient unexpected shock considered. The FOMC quickly raised interest rates to fight surging inflation between March 2022 and July 2023 by a cumulative 5-1/4 percentage points. According to the average impulse responses, a shock of this magnitude would lead to declines of about 2 percent on the level of real GDP and 1.5 percent on the level of employment, which would translate into a similarly large increase in the unemployment rate if those who lost their jobs mostly remained in the labor force. This seems to suggest the potential for fairly large effects on real activity, especially when the monetary policy shock has more persistent effects on the policy rate and results in larger increases in term premiums and risk spreads.
    The Recent Tightening CycleThe FOMC started raising the federal funds rate in March 2022 to combat rising inflation. Although the initial rate hike was a mere 1/4 percentage point, the pace of tightening was faster over the remainder of the year, with an overall increase of more than 4 percentage points in the policy rate by the end of 2022. Rate hikes continued in smaller 1/4 percentage point steps the following year, adding to 1 additional percentage point increase by July 2023. As the authors note in the paper, the rapid pace of monetary policy tightening was somewhat surprising, especially as the FOMC was initially slow to react to signs that the rise in inflation during 2021 was not merely transitory and required more aggressive action.
    As financial conditions tightened rapidly and the yield curve inverted in 2022, fears of an impending recession started to rise, with Federal Reserve Board staff mentioning downside risks to real activity and that a mild recession seemed equally likely to the baseline Tealbook projection for sluggish economic growth over the next year.4 The staff eventually predicted a mild recession in the Tealbook forecast after the bank failures and banking system stress in the spring of 2023.5 Such recession was widely predicted and, in hindsight, it never materialized. As you well know, the yield curve inversion has not been the only predictor of recessions that has failed in recent years.
    On a Q4-over-Q4 basis, GDP growth slowed considerably in 2022 to a modest pace of only 1.3 percent. The components of GDP that exerted the most drag on growth that year were residential investment, goods consumption, and inventory investment, subtracting a total of 1‑1/2 percentage points from real GDP growth in 2022.
    Residential investment weakened rather quickly and fell more than 16 percent in 2022. The sharp decline in this category seems largely explained by higher mortgage rates, which surged more than 3 percentage points over the course of the year as the FOMC aggressively tightened monetary policy. In addition to higher interest rates, the 1-1/2 percent drop in goods consumption in 2022 likely reflected the imprint of higher inflation on real disposable income and the unwinding of previous fiscal stimulus.
    Somewhat at odds with the empirical results in the paper, business fixed investment continued to rise appreciably as special factors led to a delayed response to the rise in interest rates. A broader measure of business investment that includes inventories did show a slowdown in growth, but even this broad measure continued to rise appreciably in 2022. Business fixed investment was likely supported by construction of new microchip and battery plants, the continued boost to software investment following the switch to remote work, and a rebound in nonresidential structures and transportation equipment investment after their protracted decline over the pandemic.
    Payroll employment increased strongly in 2022 as labor force participation rose, the unemployment rate declined, and the labor market tightened considerably. Payroll employment moved back up to its pre-pandemic level and approached its trend as social distancing receded. The recovery dynamics in employment largely masked any effects from rising interest rates in 2022. The effect from higher interest rates on employment also tends to lag and be more persistent than the effect on GDP, so any effects likely showed up in 2023, an outcome that is consistent with the findings in the paper.
    Some Reasons Why the Economy OutperformedThe economy outperformed in 2023 as widespread predictions of an impending recession never materialized and instead growth picked up. From the point of view of the models in the paper, the stronger economy in 2023 also seems surprising, but this likely reflected other factors that influenced the economy and that are not accounted for in the model simulations.
    Despite significant tightening in broad financial conditions in 2023, GDP growth strengthened notably as fiscal policy turned from a drag into a meaningful boost to growth and potential output accelerated further due to increased immigration and strong productivity growth. These favorable supply developments allowed for stronger economic activity along with easing of inflationary pressures. Although growth surprised to the upside in 2023, labor market tightness eased with the unemployment rate edging up over the year and payroll employment growth slowing markedly.
    Faster GDP growth in 2023 was driven by a rebound in goods consumption, some recovery in residential investment, and stronger government spending. Goods consumption was boosted by strong gains in real compensation and personal income, including from declining inflation. Despite continued drag from higher mortgage rates, residential investment started recovering in 2023 as other factors supported demand. In particular, the labor market remained strong and household balance sheets were still healthy. The sharp rise in mortgage rates also created a lock‑in effect that increased demand for new housing and construction activity.
    The marked deceleration in employment in 2023 seems consistent with the longer lags in the response of employment to the rise in interest rates relative to that of GDP, especially as a significant portion of employment gains reflected increased labor supply from immigration, which allowed the labor market to come into better balance. Also consistent with the paper results, employment gains in the construction and durable goods manufacturing industries were more noticeably below their 2015-2019 trends than employment gains for the aggregate economy.
    As the authors argue, another reason why real activity was more resilient in the face of higher interest rates may have been the healthy balance sheets of households and businesses at the start of the tightening cycle. Households had accumulated excess savings during the pandemic, reflecting both increased fiscal stimulus and reduced consumption due to social distancing and supply bottlenecks.6 In fact, data from the Financial Accounts of the U.S. indicate that in the two years between the end of 2019 and the end of 2021, household bank deposits rose by nearly $4 trillion.7
    In addition, many households and nonfinancial businesses were able to refinance their mortgages and corporate bonds at very low rates during the pandemic. Although higher interest rates likely held back additional consumption expenditures and investment spending, they had less of an effect on households’ and nonfinancial businesses’ net cash flows as the average interest rates on household mortgages and business debt remained low.8
    With historically low borrowing costs during the pandemic era, mortgage originations and refinancing activity reached very high levels. As a result, the share of outstanding mortgages with an interest rate below 4 percent increased to nearly 70 percent by 2022 and it remains well above pre-pandemic levels today. Similarly, nonfinancial businesses issued record amounts of corporate bonds and extended the maturity of their debt to avoid new debt issuance earlier in the subsequent rate hiking cycle. Between 2020 and 2021, the fraction of triple-B corporate bonds maturing within three years fell to its lowest levels in nearly 20 years.
    Fiscal policy also reentered expansionary territory in 2023, with above-trend stimulus partly driven by strong state and local government spending. Although the unwinding of COVID-19 fiscal support continued in 2023, the federal budget deficit turned back up and rose to near 6 percent of GDP, while the primary deficit inched up towards 4 percent of GDP. These deficit levels are unusual for an expansion, especially as fiscal policy seems to have contributed to the degree of tightness in the economy.
    One way to describe the resiliency of real activity to higher interest rates during the recent tightening cycle is to say that some of the previously noted factors led to a rise in r-star. Higher population growth, from the influx of new immigrants, and higher productivity growth, arguably from the use of new technologies like artificial intelligence and the surge in new business formations, especially in high-tech industries, have likely boosted investment demand. In addition, the lack of significant fiscal consolidation has also increased demand for savings. An economy with stronger investment demand and very little household savings likely requires a higher equilibrium interest rate relative to pre-pandemic norms.
    Relevance of Results for Monetary Policy Going ForwardThe U.S. economy has been experiencing major shocks and structural changes since the pandemic, which may have influenced or masked the transmission of monetary policy to real activity. It is, therefore, not straightforward to see how the impulse responses shown in this paper have translated in practice. And, as the paper acknowledges, a large portion of the fluctuations in real activity are driven by shocks other than those to monetary policy. Although the FOMC has been focused on lowering inflation in the past few years, as we continue to make progress on approaching our 2 percent target, I expect that the labor market and economic activity will become a larger factor in the FOMC’s policy discussions. Accordingly, the stylized results on real activity effects in the paper will prove especially useful going forward.
    ConclusionI will conclude by saying that I enjoyed the paper, and that I appreciate the opportunity to be here to share my views on this topic. I look forward to the discussion and to hearing feedback from other participants and the perspective of my FOMC colleague and fellow discussant.
    ReferencesAladangady, Aditya, David Cho, Laura Feiveson, and Eugenio Pinto (2022). “Excess Savings during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” FEDS Notes. Washington: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, October 21.
    Brayton, Flint, Thomas Laubach, and David Reifschneider (2014). “The FRB/US Model: A Tool for Macroeconomic Policy Analysis,” FEDS Notes. Washington: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, April 3.
    Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (2022). “Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee, November 1-2, 2022,” press release, November 23, 2022.
    Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (2023). “Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee, March 21-22, 2023,” press release, April 12, 2023.
    Castro, Andrew, Michele Cavallo, and Rebecca Zarutskie (2022). “Understanding Bank Deposit Growth during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” FEDS Notes. Washington: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, June 6.
    Chung, Hess, Michael Kiley, and Jean-Philippe Laforte (2010). “Documentation of the Estimated, Dynamic, Optimization-based (EDO) Model of the U.S. Economy: 2010 Version (PDF),” Federal Reserve Board Finance and Economics Discussion Series 2010-29. Washington: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, May.
    Eichenbaum, Martin, Sergio Rebelo, and Arlene Wong (2022). “State-Dependent Effects of Monetary Policy: The Refinancing Channel,” American Economic Review, vol. 112 (March), pp. 721‑61.
    Fabiani, Andrea, Falasconi, Luigi, and Heineken, Janko (2024). “Monetary Policy and the Maturity Structure of Corporate Debt,” unpublished paper, available at SSRN: http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3945615.
    Jungherr, Joachim, Matthias Meier, Timo Reinelt, and Immo Schott (2024). “Corporate Debt Maturity Matters for Monetary Policy,” International Finance Discussion Papers 1402. Washington: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, December 6.
    Wu, J. Cynthia and F. Dora Xia (2016). “Measuring the Macroeconomic Impact of Monetary Policy at the Zero Lower Bound,” Journal of Money, Credit, and Banking, vol. 48 (March-April), pp. 253-91, https://doi.org/10.1111/jmcb.12300.

    1. The views expressed here are my own and are not necessarily those of my colleagues on the Federal Reserve Board or the Federal Open Market Committee. I would like to thank Eugenio Pinto and Michele Cavallo for their assistance in preparing these remarks. Return to text
    2. See Brayton et al. (2014) and Chung et al. (2010). Return to text
    3. The estimated measure of the shadow federal funds rate is based on the work by Wu and Xia (2016). Return to text
    4. See Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System FOMC Minutes (November 2022). Return to text
    5. See Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System FOMC Minutes (March 2023). Return to text
    6. See Aladangady et al. (2022). Return to text
    7. See Castro et al. (2022). Return to text
    8. The effectiveness of monetary policy can be substantially reduced both during a long period of low interest rates and for a long period after interest rates renormalize. See Eichenbaum et al. (2022) for the mortgage refinancing channel and Fabiani et al. (2024) and Jungherr et al. (2024) for the corporate debt maturity channel. Return to text

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Denver Warns of Online File Converter Scam

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    The FBI Denver Field Office is warning that agents are increasingly seeing a scam involving free online document converter tools, and we want to encourage victims to report instances of this scam.

    In this scenario, criminals use free online document converter tools to load malware onto victims’ computers, leading to incidents such as ransomware.

    “The best way to thwart these fraudsters is to educate people so they don’t fall victim to these fraudsters in the first place,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “If you or someone you know has been affected by this scheme, we encourage you to make a report and take actions to protect your assets. Every day, we are working to hold these scammers accountable and provide victims with the resources they need.”

    To conduct this scheme, cyber criminals across the globe are using any type of free document converter or downloader tool. This might be a website claiming to convert one type of file to another, such as a .doc file to a .pdf file. It might also claim to combine files, such as joining multiple .jpg files into one .pdf file. The suspect program might claim to be an MP3 or MP4 downloading tool.

    These converters and downloading tools will do the task advertised, but the resulting file can contain hidden malware giving criminals access to the victim’s computer. The tools can also scrape the submitted files for:

    • Personal identifying information, such as social security numbers, dates of birth, phone numbers, etc.)
    • Banking information
    • Cryptocurrency information (seed phrases, wallet addresses, etc.)
    • Email addresses
    • Passwords

    Unfortunately, many victims don’t realize they have been infected by malware until it’s too late, and their computer is infected with ransomware or their identity has been stolen.

    The FBI Denver Field Office encourages victims or attempted victims of this type of scheme to report it to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

    In addition, the FBI Denver Field Office recommends taking the following actions to protect yourself from this scam:

    • Take a breath, slow down and think. Be aware of your actions online and what risks you could be exposed to.
    • Keep your virus scan software up to date and scan any file you receive before opening it to help eliminate malicious software from being installed on your computer.

    If you are a victim of this scam, here are some steps to take:

    • Contact your financial institutions immediately. Take steps to protect your identity and your accounts.
    • Change all your passwords using a clean, trusted device.
    • Make a report at IC3.gov
    • Run up-to-date virus scan software to check for potentially malicious software installed by the scammers. Consider taking your computer to a professional company specializing in virus and malware removal services.

    MIL Security OSI –