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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Country heat policy review: Bangladesh

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Bangladesh has adopted various governance structures within its broader climate change adaptation and disaster management frameworks to address extreme heat.

    Key national policies include the National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA), the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP), and the National Disaster Management Plan(NDMP), which collectively outline measures for mitigating and adapting to extreme heat.

    The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), and the Disaster Management Bureau (DMB) play central roles in policy development, early warning systems, and disaster preparedness. Local governments and municipalities implement heat adaptation plans, supported by NGOs and community-based programmes that raise awareness and build resilience.

    Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are increasingly vital in addressing extreme heat in Bangladesh. These partnerships focus on enhancing climate resilience through various initiatives and enhance Bangladesh’s ability to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of extreme heat, contributing significantly to the country’s overall climate resilience.

    Examples of PPPs for extreme heat include the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) collaboration with private real estate developers to create green spaces in urban areas, including parks, rooftop gardens, and green belts, to mitigate the urban heat island effect; the Cool Roofs Initiative, a partnership between the Government and local private companies, implements reflective rooftops in urban slums to reduce indoor temperatures; and BRAC, a major NGO, partners with private hospitals and pharmaceutical companies to improve healthcare responses to heat-related illnesses through training and public awareness campaigns. These diverse PPPs enhance Bangladesh’s resilience to extreme heat and contribute to overall climate adaptation efforts.

    Key achievements include developing heat action plans, enhancing urban planning to reduce heat impacts, conducting public education campaigns, and preparing the health sector to manage heat-related illnesses. Bangladesh also collaborates with international organizations to strengthen its capacity to manage extreme heat effectively.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Country heat policy review: United States of America

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    The United States has adopted comprehensive governance structures to address extreme heat, involving federal, state, local, and Tribal initiatives.

    At the federal level, the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) is an interagency effort initially formed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The mission of NIHHIS is to develop and provide actionable, science-based information to help decision- makers protect people from heat. Currently, NIHHIS coordinates more than 27 federal agencies. The U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) also manages a National Climate Assessment (NCA) that summarizes the impact of climate change on the US and includes chapters specific to extreme heat. Most recently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared heat a priority and improved its guidance to help state-level emergency managers prepare for and respond to heat impacts.

    As an innovative approach to improve heat governance, NIHHIS and NOAA collaborate with local governments and community- based organizations to host tabletop exercises that test and evaluate heat response efforts. These exercises bring together leaders from various sectors, including health departments and emergency management, to identify and refine strategies for enhancing heat resilience in their communities. This proactive, hands-on approach allows participants to simulate heat emergencies and collaboratively develop effective response plans tailored to local needs.

    States like California, Arizona, New York, and North Carolina have developed specific heat action plans, and cities such as New York City (NYC), Los Angeles, Miami, and Phoenix have implemented heat response programmes focusing on public awareness, emergency response, and urban design modifications.

    Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are integral to these efforts, with initiatives like Cool Neighborhoods NYC and Phoenix’s HeatReady Initiative collaborating with private organizations, nonprofits, and academic institutions to enhance heat resilience. For example, the City of New York collaborates with private organizations and community groups through the Cool Neighborhoods NYC programme. This initiative focuses on increasing tree canopies, installing cool roofs, and educating residents about heat risks. Private companies contribute funding, technology, and expertise to support these efforts.

    Kaiser Permanente, a major healthcare provider, also works with local health departments and nonprofits to support community health initiatives addressing extreme heat. They fund programmes that provide cooling centres, hydration stations, and public education on heat-related health risks.

    Key measures include Heat Alert and Response Systems (HARS), urban planning initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and the establishment of cooling centres and hydration stations. Additionally, ongoing research and data collection by federal agencies, academic institutions, and private organizations help refine adaptation strategies, while international collaboration ensures the sharing of best practices. These coordinated efforts protect public health, enhance urban resilience, and mitigate the impacts of extreme heat across the United States.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Country heat policy review: Republic of Korea

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    The Republic of Korea has developed a comprehensive and multi-tiered approach to managing extreme heat, integrating national policies, institutional frameworks, local government initiatives, and community-based actions.

    National frameworks such as the Climate Change Adaptation Plan and the Basic Plan for the Promotion of Climate Change Response guide efforts to address extreme heat as part of broader climate resilience strategies.

    The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) plays a key role by issuing heatwave warnings and impact-based heatwave forecasts , using an updated alert system based on Daily Maximum Perceived Temperature, which takes humidity into account to better reflect health impacts.

    Additionally, the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), alongside the KMA, published the first Climate Health Impact Assessment Report in March 2022. In this report, published every five years, heat-related deaths and illnesses are identified as key health indicators to be monitored.

    Collaboration among key institutions enables a coordinated response to heat risks across sectors-including health, industry, livestock, agriculture, and aquaculture-each managed by distinct governmental bodies, and consolidated guidelines have been given. Healthcare preparedness has been strengthened with the publication of the Climate Health Impact Assessment Report, which monitors heat-related illnesses and deaths. Hospitals and healthcare centres, particularly those with emergency services, have improved their capacity to manage heat-related conditions. Additionally, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Republic of Korea, has called for meetings with other governmental institutions across different sectors.

    Local governments, especially in urban areas like Seoul, lead heat mitigation efforts through urban cooling strategies, public awareness campaigns, and the expansion of green spaces.

    Initiatives include installing green roofs, promoting public transportation through the Climate Card programme, and constructing cooling stations in public areas to offer relief from heat.

    Public-private partnerships have been instrumental in enhancing the country’s resilience to extreme heat. The Seoul Metropolitan Government collaborates with private real estate developers to implement green rooftops across the city, while telecommunications company SK Telecom partners with KMA to send real-time heatwave alerts to millions of subscribers.

    Currently, emergency information about heatwaves is being provided through the cell broadcast service in Korea. Hyundai Motor Company collaborates with local governments in urban cooling projects, such as installing cooling stations in public areas. These stations provide cool air and water, offering relief to residents and visitors during heatwaves. LG Electronics partners with Seoul National University Hospital to develop and distribute advanced cooling technologies for healthcare facilities, ensuring hospitals are equipped with energy-efficient air conditioning systems that improve patient care during extreme heat periods. These examples demonstrate the impact of leveraging resources and expertise to enhance resilience to extreme heat.

    On the international stage, the Republic of Korea partners with organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health, the Green Climate Fund, and the International Vaccine Institute-all located in the country-to advance knowledge and technical capacity for climate resilience. These collaborations contribute to their leadership in responding to extreme heat.

    Through its coordinated approach involving national agencies, local governments, public-private partnerships, and international collaboration, the Republic of Korea has strengthened its ability to manage extreme heat. Key achievements include the updated heatwave alert system, localized urban cooling projects, and strengthened healthcare preparedness, positioning the country as a regional leader in climate adaptation.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Flying Dust First Nation and Canada reach settlement agreement

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    July 25, 2025 — Flying Dust First Nation, Treaty 6 Territory, Saskatchewan — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Flying Dust First Nation

    Today, Chief Tyson Bear of Flying Dust First Nation and the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced a settlement agreement to resolve a land-related claim between Canada and the First Nation.

    Canada will provide more than $55 million in compensation to the Flying Dust First Nation for the improper transfer of 214.81 acres of treaty land in 1932 to the Canadian Pacific Railway which denied the First Nation its use for generations.

    Since then, about 200.8 acres have been returned, including two pieces of land held by Canada for a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) detachment. The RCMP and the First Nation signed a lease, and on November 7, 2024, the land was formally transferred back to reserve status. The remaining land, once owned by the railway company, was remediated through cooperation between Canada, the Canadian National Railway (successor to the Canadian Pacific Railway) and the community.

    As part of the agreement, the First Nation may also add nearly 14 acres to its reserve through Canada’s Additions to Reserve process.

    The Flying Dust First Nation has always recognized the Railway lands as reserve land. The story of how it it was expropriated in the early 1930s is part of the oral history of leadership. The story of the land has been passed down the years to ensure the people didn’t forget. From Chief to Chief, from Council to Council, the Flying Dust First Nation always committed to have the railway lands returned home.

    A plan was made in 1992 when Chief Richard Gladue placed a caveat on the lands and launched the lawsuit. In the 30 years that followed, every Chief and Council joined the team and pushed the file forward. The most recent leadership team, Chief Tyson Bear, Council Calvin Bear, Marie Gladue, Nick Derocher, Charmaine Mirasty, were the ones who got to see the claim to its fruition.

    The vision of reacquiring the Railway Lands has always been seen as a certainty. As such, plans for development of the property has been ongoing for almost 20 years.  Flying Dust has always had a vision of what the land could be and what it would mean for the people of Flying Dust, Meadow Lake and the surrounding communities.

    Settlements like this provide funding that First Nations can use to buy land and create new opportunities for their communities and economies. Settling specific claims is one way Canada is working to rebuild trust and strengthen its relationships with First Nations. By providing fair compensation when promises haven’t been kept, Canada is taking responsibility for the past and working toward a more respectful future. These efforts are guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Nigerian Poet Designated United Nations Global Advocate for Peace

    Source: APO


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    Ms. Maryam Bukar Hassan of Nigeria was today officially designated as the United Nations’ Global Advocate for Peace. A renowned spoken word artist, poet, and peace advocate, Ms. Bukar uses the power of poetry and performance to champion gender equality, youth empowerment and inclusive peacebuilding.

    Ms. Bukar has showcased her work on prestigious platforms including the UN SDG Awards, TED Talks and the World Bank Youth Summit. She has collaborated with the UN on initiatives such as the “Peace Begins With Me” poetry video for the International Day of Peace and her impactful spoken word performance at last year’s Summit of the Future.

    Her dedication has earned her accolades such as the Sustainable Africa Award at COP28 and finalist recognition for the 2024 UN SDG Creativity Award.

    Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, highlighted the significance of her designation, stating that “the dedication of the Global Advocate’s time and energy to this effort will greatly increase awareness of the peace and security priorities of the United Nations, particularly the vital role of women and youth in advancing inclusive and sustainable peace.”

    Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo also welcomed the designation, noting that “art has the power to move hearts, inspire action, and bring communities together. Through her compelling words and performances, Ms. Bukar has shown how creativity can be a force for peacebuilding, dialogue and inclusion. Her voice will be an important partner in amplifying the UN’s efforts to advance political solutions, empower young people and women, and sustain peace.”

    In her new role as the first Global Advocate for the entire Peace and Security Pillar, Ms. Bukar will advance the UN’s peace efforts including through the Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security agendas, through storytelling, digital engagement, and public speaking. She will participate in key UN campaigns and events, including an upcoming performance at New York City’s SummerStage festival on Sunday, 27 July, alongside renowned artists Femi Kuti and Elida Almeida, among others.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Peacekeeping.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ambassador GAO Wenqi Visits Chinese-Invested Enterprises in Rwanda

    Source: APO


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    On July 25, Ambassador GAO Wenqi visited the C&D Products Group. The company executives gave a briefing on the company’s production, operations, and development, as well as the working and living conditions of its employees. Ambassador GAO encouraged the company to adhere to safe production and compliant operation, and take good care of its employees, so as to actively fulfill its social responsibilities and set up a good image for Chinese enterprises. He also asked the company to actively take part in and contribute to Rwanda’s economic and social development, and promote China-Rwanda relations.

    Specializing in apparel manufacturing and export, C&D was established in Rwanda in 2019. It has created over 7,000 jobs for local communities. 

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Rwanda.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Q&A: National Whistleblower Day

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    Q: What’s your most recent work to strengthen whistleblower protections?

    A: Estimates show federal contractors outnumber roughly two million civilian employees in the federal workforce. In July I introduced bipartisan legislation to address gaps in existing federal law that leave millions of people who work as federal contractors vulnerable to reprisal if they report waste, fraud and abuse in federal agencies. As a longtime champion for whistleblowers, I’m pushing to close this loophole with Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan. Our Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act is another step we can take to empower the millions of contractors who work for federal agencies to be the eyes and ears on behalf of the taxpayer. Whistleblowers provide a crucial layer of protection for the American public to ferret out fraud and mismanagement, from tax evasion, to securities law violations and patient safety. As a co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus, I’m constantly on the lookout for ways to support and encourage people to come forward with credible information to root out wrongdoing and help ensure the government works on behalf of the American people, not the other way around. Whistleblowers put their jobs and reputations on the line to tell the truth.

    Earlier this year, I introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure whistleblower protections keep pace with the fast-growing Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry. The rapid growth in AI would benefit from disclosures of wrongdoing brought forward by whistleblowers to hold the industry accountable and protect national security, public health, privacy and public safety. Employees working within the AI sector deserve whistleblower protections that would empower those helping to develop this new frontier of technology to report wrongdoing. AI has the potential to reshape daily life, our economy and the geopolitical landscape. My Artificial Intelligence Whistleblower Protection Act would provide explicit whistleblower protections for those developing and deploying AI across the economy. To date AI companies have fostered a chilling effect on current and former employees looking to make whistleblower disclosures to the federal government, including Congress. My bipartisan legislation strengthens federal laws to shield the communications of current and former employees who make disclosures. It also would provide relief for AI whistleblowers who suffer retaliation, including reinstatement, back pay and compensation for damages.

    Q: How did your advocacy for whistleblowers get started?

    A: For nearly five decades, I’ve led efforts on Capitol Hill to protect those who come forward to tell the truth. My oversight work digging under the hood of the Pentagon’s financial mess was prompted by civilian employees who blew the whistle on defense contractor fraud. That includes a staff analyst at the Department of Defense named Chuck Spinney who graced the cover of Time magazine in 1983 for blowing the whistle on billions of dollars of wasteful spending at the Pentagon and the practice of keeping two sets of books. He exposed the $750 billion dollar mismatch between the Pentagon’s Five Year Defense Program (FYDP) and budget. The bureaucrats were trying to squeeze ten pounds of manure into a five pound bag and got caught. I’ve been doggedly working to tighten the Pentagon’s fiscal leash ever since. Whistleblowers from across the federal bureaucracy who step forward to “commit the truth” – like Chuck Spinney and Ernie Fitzgerald – help hold government accountable to the American people. Since my first term in the Senate, my door is open to whistleblowers as part of my congressional oversight work. It also prompted me to write bipartisan landmark amendments in 1986 to beef up the False Claims Act, a tool deployed by President Abraham Lincoln to root out fraudsters during the Civil War. The qui tam amendments are the federal government’s #1 anti-fraud tool in its arsenal. To date, it’s helped recover more than $78 billion in fraud and deterred the loss of untold billions more over the last four decades. Last year, I wrote all 74 federal inspectors general to strengthen their whistleblower protections and stop using unlawful non-disclosure policies that stymie employees from reporting wrongdoing. I also recently wrote to President Trump urging that he protect whistleblowers while cutting federal waste, fraud, and abuse. Simply put, the work of whistleblowers is invaluable to American society. They are heroes among us who identify violations of law, gross mismanagement, negligence and threats to public health and safety. Whistleblowers who have the guts to stick their necks out to tell the truth – while putting their livelihoods and careers on the line – merit support and incentives under federal law for their bravery. Every year since the Reagan administration, I’ve called upon the president to hold a Rose Garden ceremony on Whistleblower Appreciation Day. Our nation owes these patriots a debt of gratitude. It also would send a clear message that retaliation for telling the truth will not be tolerated.

    National Whistleblower Day is July 30. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Duckworth Celebrate 100 Years Of Chicago Union Station

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    July 25, 2025

    SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statements to celebrate 100 years of Chicago Union Station:

    “Chicago, often referred to as the crossroads of America, holds a unique position in the converging point for railroads that cross our nation,” said Durbin. “Our very own Union Station is one of the busiest rail terminals in the country, and this week marks 100 years of reliable transportation for passengers. We were able to secure a significant federal investment for Union Station to ensure our city remains not just a crossroads, but a thriving nexus that efficiently connects people, goods, and ideas—and I’ll continue working to secure resources to modernize the Station. As we celebrate this centennial achievement, I look forward to keeping the heart of America’s rail network beating strong into the future.”

    “Chicago is a national epicenter of passenger, commuter and freight rail—with Union Station at the heart,” Duckworth said. “As we celebrate the Station’s 100-year anniversary, we also honor the hardworking engineers, conductors and staff who help more than 30 million riders each year get where they need to go safely and efficiently. I’m proud to work alongside Senator Durbin and our local leaders to secure critical investments for Union Station and the Chicago Hub Improvement Program—efforts that will improve passenger rail not only in Chicago but across the Midwest foryears to come.”

    In 2023, Durbin and Duckworth announced $93.6 million in secured federal funding for the Chicago Hub Improvement Project (CHIP) through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal-State Partnerships for Intercity Passenger Rail grant program, which received funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. CHIP is Amtrak’s multi-phased project to revitalize Chicago Union Station and revolutionize Midwest passenger rail.

    Durbin worked to bring parties together—local officials, the State, Amtrak, and other stakeholders including labor, environmental groups, and businesses—to ensure there was a unified push for the project. In September of 2023, Durbin, Duckworth, and U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL-05) led 29 Midwest colleagues in a bipartisan, bicameral letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Amit Bose expressing their support for Amtrak’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program application for CHIP.

    In May of this year, Durbin raised the issue of CHIP funding with Transportation Secretary Duffy, urging the DOT to obligate the remaining funds for the $93.6 million grant awarded in 2023.

    Durbin and Duckworth will continue to build upon previous investments in the CHIP and lead stakeholders in advocating to advance the improvement of Chicago Union Station, cementing its critical importance to both Illinois and the Midwest.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Foreign Investors in Charlotte Eagle Lake (JF42) Project Obtain Conditional Green Card Approval

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WASHINGTON, July 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EB5 Capital is pleased to announce the first individual I-526E petition approval for an investor in its Charlotte Eagle Lake (JF42) project. An I-526E approval is a significant step in the EB-5 immigration process as it qualifies the investor and their eligible family members for conditional permanent residency in the United States. The approved petition was filed in January 2025 and was pending for approximately six months.

    Charlotte Eagle Lake (JF42) is the development of a five-building apartment complex with 280 units located in the Eagle Lake neighborhood of Charlotte, North Carolina. It is expected to create over 800 jobs and is poised to contribute to the growth and economic revitalization of the Charlotte metropolitan area. The project is one of 21 multifamily developments in EB5 Capital’s portfolio.

    “We’re excited to have secured the first I-526E approval for this project in such a short time,” said Juline Kaleyias, Vice President of Business Development at EB5 Capital. “This achievement reflects our dedication to providing high-quality EB-5 investment opportunities to our investors.”

    To date, EB5 Capital has raised investor funds across over 45 EB-5 projects throughout the United States. JF42 is EB5 Capital’s 34th project which has reached the conditional green card stage for foreign investors going through the EB-5 immigration process. Now that the first petition has been approved, additional I-526E petition adjudications for this project are expected in the coming months.

    About EB5 Capital

    EB5 Capital provides qualified foreign investors opportunities to invest in job-creating commercial real estate projects under the United States Immigrant Investor Program (EB-5 Visa Program). As one of the country’s oldest and most active Regional Center operators, the firm has raised more than one billion dollars of foreign capital across over 45 EB-5 projects. Headquartered in Washington, DC, EB5 Capital’s distinguished track record and leadership in the industry has attracted investors from over 75 countries. Please visit www.eb5capital.com for more information.

    Contact:
    Katherine Willis
    Director, Marketing & Communications
    media@eb5capital.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Alford Applauds USDA Reorganization Plan, Selection of Kansas City as Hub

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Alford (Missouri 4th District)

    Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a reorganization plan that includes making Kansas City, Missouri a new staffing and services hub for the

    “We applaud Agriculture Secretary Rollins bold reorganization plan, which will bring the USDA closer to the farmers and ranchers it serves,” said Congressman Alford. “With more than 87,000 farms, Missouri is an excellent choice as a new hub for agency staff and services. With costly deferred maintenance and low occupancy rates, the USDA’s headquarters and other offices in the DC area have become an onerous burden on American taxpayers. Our office has long advocated for decentralizing federal agencies from the USDA to the Small Business Administration. The Kansas City Metro Area is proud to welcome the Agriculture Department.”

    Congressman Alford has been a longtime advocate for the decentralization of federal agencies, including USDA. As a member of the Agriculture Committee in the 118th Congress, he specifically pushed for this action. Now, as a member of the Appropriations Committee he has oversight of the USDA’s budget.

    Additional background courtesy of the USDA:

    The Department currently has approximately 4,600 employees within the National Capital Region (NCR). This Region has one of the highest costs of living in the country, with a federal salary locality rate of 33.94%. In selecting its hub locations, USDA considered where existing concentrations of USDA employees are located and factored in the cost of living. Washington, D.C. will still hold functions for every mission area of USDA at the conclusion of this reorganization, but USDA expects no more than 2,000 employees will remain in the NCR.

    USDA will vacate and return to the General Services Administration the South Building, Braddock Place, and the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, and revisit utilization and functions in the USDA Whitten Building, Yates Building, and the National Agricultural Library. The George Washington Carver Center will also be utilized until space optimization activities are completed. These buildings have a backlog of costly deferred maintenance and currently are occupied below the minimum set by law. For example, the South Building has approximately $1.3 billion in deferred maintenance and has an average daily occupancy of less than 1,900 individuals for a building that can house over 6,000 employees.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: More Than $59 Million for Maine Drinking Water, Wastewater Infrastructure Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $59,063,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects throughout Maine in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill. The bill, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee this week, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.
    “Maintaining and upgrading drinking water and wastewater infrastructure is vital to strengthening the economic and environmental health of communities throughout Maine,” said Senator Collins. “This funding would help to ensure Mainers continue to have access to clean, safe drinking water and functioning sewer systems while preserving Maine’s natural resources. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
    This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY 2026 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill—an important step that now allows the bill to be considered by the full Senate.
    Funding advanced by Senator Collins is as follows:
    City of Biddeford for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: City of Biddeford
    Project Location: Biddeford, ME
    Amount Requested: $6,000,000
    Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Biddeford.
    City of Brewer for Drinking Water Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: City of Brewer
    Project Location: Brewer, ME
    Amount Requested: $1,576,000
    Project Purpose: To upgrade drinking water infrastructure in Brewer.
    Canton Water District for Drinking Water Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: Canton Water District
    Project Location: Canton, ME
    Amount Requested: $1,250,000
    Project Purpose: To upgrade drinking water infrastructure in Canton.
    Caribou Utilities District for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: Caribou Utilities District
    Project Location: Caribou, ME
    Amount Requested: $3,288,000
    Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Caribou.
    Clinton Water District for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: Clinton Water District
    Project Location: Clinton, ME
    Amount Requested: $3,250,000
    Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Clinton.
    Town of Fort Kent for Water Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: Town of Fort Kent
    Project Location: Fort Kent, ME
    Amount Requested: $3,500,000
    Project Purpose: To improve water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure in Fort Kent.
    City of Gardiner for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: City of Gardiner
    Project Location: Gardiner, ME
    Amount Requested: $1,422,000
    Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Gardiner.
    Town of Gorham for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: Town of Gorham
    Project Location: Gorham, ME
    Amount Requested: $3,000,000
    Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Gorham.
    Loring Development Authority for Water Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: Loring Development Authority
    Project Location: Limestone, ME
    Amount Requested: $1,740,000
    Project Purpose: To upgrade water infrastructure in Loring Commerce Centre.
    Lubec Water District for Drinking Water Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: Lubec Water District
    Project Location: Lubec, ME
    Amount Requested: $2,000,000
    Project Purpose: To upgrade drinking water infrastructure in Lubec.
    Town of Machias for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: Town of Machias
    Project Location: Machias, ME
    Amount Requested: $1,378,000
    Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Machias.
    Monmouth Water Association for Drinking Water Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: Monmouth Water Association
    Project Location: Monmouth, ME
    Amount Requested: $3,555,000
    Project Purpose: To upgrade drinking water infrastructure in Monmouth.
    Town of North Haven for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: Town of North Haven
    Project Location: North Haven, ME
    Amount Requested: $4,000,000
    Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in North Haven.
    Town of Old Orchard Beach for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: Town of Old Orchard Beach
    Project Location: Old Orchard Beach, ME
    Amount Requested: $1,000,000
    Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Old Orchard Beach.
    Old Town Water District for Drinking Water Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: Old Town Water District
    Project Location: Old Town, ME
    Amount Requested: $3,560,000
    Project Purpose: To upgrade drinking water infrastructure in Old Town.
    Presque Isle Utilities District for Water Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: Presque Isle Utilities District
    Project Location: Presque Isle, ME
    Amount Requested: $2,000,000
    Project Purpose: To upgrade drinking water infrastructure in Presque Isle.
    Richmond Utilities District for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: Richmond Utilities District
    Project Location: Richmond, ME
    Amount Requested: $2,500,000
    Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Richmond.
    South Berwick Sewer District for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: South Berwick Sewer District
    Project Location: South Berwick, ME
    Amount Requested: $3,000,000
    Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in South Berwick.
    Town of Southwest Harbor for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: Town of Southwest Harbor
    Project Location: Southwest Harbor, ME
    Amount Requested: $780,000
    Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Southwest Harbor.
    Vassalboro Sanitary District for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: Vassalboro Sanitary District
    Project Location: Vassalboro, ME
    Amount Requested: $386,000
    Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Vassalboro.
    Veazie Sewer District for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: Veazie Sewer District
    Project Location: Veazie, ME
    Amount Requested: $1,878,000
    Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Veazie.
    Pleasant Point for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point
    Project Location: Washington County, ME
    Amount Requested: $5,000,000
    Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Washington County.
    Wells Sanitary District for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements
    Recipient: Wells Sanitary District
    Project Location: Wells, ME
    Amount Requested: $3,000,000
    Project Purpose: To upgrade wastewater infrastructure in Wells.
    In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending. Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured more than $1 billion for hundreds of Maine projects for FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 170 companies from all over the world participated in all eight CIIEs

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    SHANGHAI, July 25 (Xinhua) — A total of 170 overseas companies and 27 institutions have joined the eight China International Import Expos (CIIE), the organizer of the expo announced at a press conference on Friday.

    According to the organizer, more than 50 countries and international organizations have confirmed their participation in the national comprehensive exhibition, which will be held within the framework of the upcoming 8th CIIE this year. Sweden, the UAE and other countries will act as honorary guest countries, and Kyrgyzstan will participate for the first time.

    This year, the volume of reserved exhibition space for the CIIE commercial exposition has exceeded 330,000 square meters, the organizer added.

    As CIIE Deputy Bureau Director Wu Zhengping noted, companies from Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Peru and other countries set a record in participation, which clearly demonstrates their confidence in the Chinese economy and enthusiasm for the CIIE.

    This year, CIIE will for the first time include a special zone for products from participating least developed countries. The expo will also expand and upgrade the existing African products zone and launch a “cross-border e-commerce product selection platform” to help overseas SMEs successfully enter the Chinese market. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Hong Kong SAR, Vanuatu officials discuss strengthening business and trade exchanges

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    HONG KONG, July 25 (Xinhua) — Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Chief Executive Lee Jiachao met with Vanuatu Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Management Johnny Koanapo Rasu here on Friday.

    Welcoming the visit of J. Koanapo Rasu and his delegation to Hong Kong to participate in trade and economic cooperation activities, Li Jiachao said the SAR invites Vanuatu enterprises to leverage the city’s role as a “super-connector” and “super-value-added creator” to explore overseas markets and China’s hinterland, and expand trade and business exchanges between the two sides.

    Li Jiachao stressed that Hong Kong is currently making full use of its advantage as a link between China’s interior and the rest of the world under the policy of “one country, two systems” and actively deepening international exchanges and cooperation.

    The SAR chief executive also noted that in addition to strengthening development in traditional markets, Hong Kong will continue to explore emerging markets around the world, such as those in the Belt and Road Initiative countries, and expand trade and economic ties with countries in the Global South, including Vanuatu. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell, Colleagues Call For Investigations Into Deaths of Americans in Gaza

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    07.25.25
    Cantwell, Colleagues Call For Investigations Into Deaths of Americans in Gaza
    Lawmakers seeking accountability for the July 11 death of Saifulla Kamel Musallet, as well as updates into the deaths of 6 other Americans
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined 28 of her Democratic colleagues in the Senate in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Attorney General Pam Bondi calling for an investigation into the death of Palestinian-American Saifullah Kamel Musallet in the West Bank earlier this month, as well as updates into the investigations of other deaths in Gaza, including 26-year-old Aysenur Ezgi Eygi from Washington state.
    “The Netanyahu government has failed to hold anyone accountable for any of these seven killings of Americans and the United States government has failed in its responsibility to protect American citizens overseas and demand justice for their deaths. These failures have made it more likely that more Americans and other civilians will be killed in the West Bank by Israeli security forces or violent settlers who can act with impunity,” the senators wrote.
    “Following the Trump Administration’s sudden revocation of all U.S. sanctions against extremist settlers in the West Bank, the first five months of 2025 have seen the highest rate of settler attacks in years and the killing of another American. We urge you to pursue a different approach.”
    Saifullah Kamel Musallet, a 20-year-old Palestinian American from Florida, was visiting family near the West Bank town of Sinjil on July 11 when he was beaten to death by extremist Israeli settlers. He is the seventh American killed in the region since Jan. 1, 2022 – a list that also includes University of Washington student Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, who was shot and killed by Israeli military during a peaceful protest against illegal settlements in September.
    Following Aysenur Ezgi Eygi’s death, Sen. Cantwell sent a solo letter to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling for a full and independent investigation.
    “The killings of these Americans in the West Bank have been met by a lack of accountability from the Netanyahu government and a pattern of indifference by the U.S. government. These failures have contributed to an unacceptable culture of impunity when it comes to killing of civilians in the West Bank, including Americans,” the senators wrote yesterday. “It is long past time for the U.S. government to demand accountability in these killings of Americans.”
    The letter was led by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and is cosigned by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Peter Welch (D-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jack Reed (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Chris Murphy (D-CN).
    Full text of the letter is HERE and below.
    Dear Secretary Rubio and Attorney General Bondi,
    We write with grave concern regarding the brutal killing of a Palestinian-American, Saifullah Kamel Musallet, near the West Bank town of Sinjil, on July 11, 2025. The U.S. government must conduct a credible and independent investigation into his beating death and hold all perpetrators accountable. Protecting and supporting U.S. citizens abroad is one of the foremost responsibilities of the U.S. government. The Biden Administration failed to secure accountability for the killing of respected Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, or any of the other four American citizens – Omar Assad, Tawfic Abdel Jabbar, Mohammad Ahmed Mohammad Khdour, and Aysenur Ezgi Eygi – killed in the West Bank while they were in office.[1] Following the Trump Administration’s sudden revocation of all U.S. sanctions against extremist settlers in the West Bank, the first five months of 2025 have seen the highest rate of settler attacks in years and the killing of another American. We urge you to pursue a different approach.
    Saifullah Kamal Musallet is the seventh American citizen killed in the West Bank since January 2022 — and the fifth in just the last nineteen months. The killings of these Americans in the West Bank have been met by a lack of accountability from the Netanyahu government and a pattern of indifference by the U.S. government. These failures have contributed to an unacceptable culture of impunity when it comes to killing of civilians in the West Bank, including Americans.
    Saifullah Kamel Musallet, a 20-year-old U.S. citizen from Florida, was visiting family in the West Bank when he was beaten to death by extremist Israeli settlers during a settler attack on the town of Sinjil. Reports indicate that ambulances could not reach the injured for more than two hours because settlers were blocking the area and the Israeli military refused to allow ambulances to pass.[2] In April of this year, a 14-year-old boy from New Jersey, Amer Mohammad Saada Rabee, was also killed in the West Bank. Amer was reportedly shot at the entrance to Turmus Ayya and the Israeli army pronounced him dead after detaining him. Reports suggest that Amer was shot a total of 11 times and two other Americans were also shot in the incident.[3]
    Last year, three other U.S. citizens were killed in the West Bank, including two teenagers. Tawfic Abdel Jabbar and Mohammad Ahmed Mohammad Khdour were both 17-year-old U.S. citizens visiting their families in the West Bank when they were shot and killed in separate incidents. In both cases they were shot in the head while they were traveling in vehicles.[4] The third U.S. citizen gunned down in the West Bank last year was Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old American citizen raised in Seattle who was shot in the head by an Israeli soldier from a distance of 200 meters.[5]
    The Netanyahu government has failed to hold anyone accountable for any of these seven killings of Americans and the United States government has failed in its responsibility to protect American citizens overseas and demand justice for their deaths. These failures have made it more likely that more Americans and other civilians will be killed in the West Bank by Israeli security forces or violent settlers who can act with impunity.
    It is long past time for the U.S. government to demand accountability in these killings of Americans. To that end, we urge you to immediately launch an independent investigation into the brutal killing of Saifullah Kamel Musallet, including the circumstances that blocked ambulances from reaching him. We also ask that you provide us with an update on the status of any investigations into the killings of the six other Americans who have been killed since January 2022, and provide us with a briefing on actions you are taking to ensure accountability for their deaths and to prevent future killings of Americans in the West Bank.
    We respectfully ask for a response within two weeks.

    [1] Lucas, Ryan. “DOJ Silent as Families of Americans Killed in West Bank, Gaza Demand It Investigate.” NPR, 10 Oct. 2024, www.npr.org/2024/10/10/nx-s1-5106059/west-bank-gaza-israel-justice-department/.
    [2] Levine, Heidi, et al. “Palestinian American from Florida Killed in the West Bank, Family Says.” The Washington Post, 12 July 2025, www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/07/11/palestinian-american-west-bank-death-tampa/.
    [3]Ott, Haley. “American Teen Fatally Shot in Israeli-Occupied West Bank as Netanyahu Visits Trump.” Cbsnews.com, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2025, www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-west-bank-palestinian-american-amir-mohammed-rabee-killed/.
    [4] Yahya Abou-Ghazala, and Alex Marquardt. “Families of Killed Palestinian-Americans Demand Answers of US, Israel.” CNN, 23 Feb. 2024, www.cnn.com/2024/02/23/world/palestinian-americans-demand-answers-invs.
    [5] Hubbard, Ben, and Gulsin Harman. “At Funeral in Turkey, Family Mourns American Activist Aysenur Eygi.” The New York Times, 14 Sept. 2024, www.nytimes.com/2024/09/14/world/middleeast/turkey-us-activist-killed-israel-west-bank.html.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RELEASE: Senator Mullin Welcomes Oklahoma Student Leaders to Washington, D.C.

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    RELEASE: Senator Mullin Welcomes Oklahoma Student Leaders to Washington, D.C.

    Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) met with Oklahoma students participating in the Bank of America Student Leaders Summit hosted by the Close Up Foundation. The students shared their goals with Senator Mullin and discussed a variety of topics. Photos below.
    “It is always a pleasure to welcome our great student leaders to the nation’s capital. They are the future of this country and I am encouraged by their enthusiasm and determination,” said Senator Mullin. “I am proud of all of our students in Oklahoma and it is an honor to be in Washington fighting for them every day. My colleagues and I are committed to leaving a better America for them and the generations that follow.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Laurel Lee and Congressman Pfluger Introduce Legislation to Cut LNG Bunkering Red Tape

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Laurel Lee – Florida (15th District)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15) and Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) introduced the Cutting LNG Bunkering Red Tape Act, a bill that codifies a Trump-era Department of Energy (DOE) order clarifying that ship-to-ship transfers of liquefied natural gas (LNG) used as marine fuel—commonly known as LNG bunkering—are not considered exports under Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act unless conducted in foreign waters. The bill is referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

    “The Biden Administration’s harmful energy policies have created unnecessary regulatory burdens that stall innovation and weaken American energy leadership,”said Rep. Lee. “Liquefied natural gas is a more efficient, cleaner, and cost-effective energy source. My bill ensures that LNG bunkering is not hindered by red tape, so that ports in Florida and across the nation can continue to expand, drive job creation, and compete globally.”

    “LNG exports unequivocally benefit our economy, domestic prices, national security, and partners and allies around the world that want our product. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration spent four years imposing one regulation after another on these exports, stifling the energy industry,” said Rep. Pfluger. “This legislation permanently reverses one of these misguided policies to ensure American LNG can compete on the global stage by removing regulatory uncertainty and streamlining the use of it as a cleaner, more efficient fuel source for maritime transportation. I am proud to lead this legislation with my good friend from Florida, Representative Laurel Lee.”

     Background: 

    During the Biden Administration, DOE issued an order treating certain domestic LNG ship-to-ship transfers as exports, subjecting them to extensive federal regulation and public interest review. In contrast, President Trump reversed this position, rightly determining that LNG bunkering within U.S. waters should not be treated as an export. Rep. Lee’s legislation would cement this clarification in federal law.

    Florida is a major hub for marine transportation, including cruise ships and other vessels, increasingly turning to LNG as a clean and modern fuel source. JAX LNG, based in Jacksonville, has been a national leader in LNG bunkering, but has faced unnecessary regulatory hurdles due to shifting federal interpretations

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Attendance of State Minister Fujii at the symposium organized by Sasakawa Peace Foundation and the commemorative dinner for the High-Level Expert Meeting on Japan and Africa Partnerships

    Source: APO


    .

    On July 25, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. FUJII Hisayuki attended the Special International Symposium titled “Forging a Sustainable Future through Africa-Japan Collaboration”, organized by Sasakawa Peace Foundationand the commemorative dinner for High-Level Expert Meeting on Japan and Africa International Partnerships held at the Meiji Kinenkan and delivered a guest speech. The summary is as follows:

    1. In his address at the Special International Symposium, State Minister Fujii stated that Japan and Africa, both surrounded by oceans, are well-positioned to strengthen cooperation by sharing knowledge and experience to promote economic development through ocean conservation and sustainable use. He further emphasized that the opportunity for dialogue between Japanese and African leaders, as exemplified by this symposium, is highly welcome and will provide valuable input for the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).
    2. State Minister Fujii engaged in discussions with former African heads of state and other prominent figures at the dinner celebrating the High-Level Expert Meeting on Japan and Africa Partnerships, hosted by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.

    (Reference) African participants in the High-Level Expert Meeting on Japan and Africa Partnerships

    • H.E. Chief. Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
    • H.E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania
    • H.E. Mr. Jorge Carlos Fonseca, Former President of the Republic of Cabo Verd
    • H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Hassane Mayaki, Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Niger
    • Dr. Geraldine Fraser-Moloketi, Former Minister of Public Service and Administration
    • Dr. Donald Kaberuka, Former President of African Development Bank.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Egypt: Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Discusses Developments in Joint Economic Relations with Norwegian Minister of International Development and Dutch Deputy Minister of Development

    Source: APO


    .

    H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, met with H.E. Mr. Åsmund Aukrust, Minister of International Development of the Kingdom of Norway.

    The two sides reviewed ways to strengthen cooperation opportunities between the two countries and discussed a number of joint issues.

    This meeting took place during her representation of the Arab Republic of Egypt at the Fourth G20 Development Working Group (DWG) Meeting and the G20 Ministerial Meeting on Development. These meetings are being held under South Africa’s G20 presidency from July 20 to 25, 2025, under the theme “Solidarity, Sustainability and Equality” in South Africa.

    During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat lauded the Egyptian-Norwegian relations, and noted that the two countries have strengthened and deepened bilateral ties across various sectors, including renewable energy and regional stability efforts.

    H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted that the extended partnership between the governments of Egypt and Norway has been essential in boosting the economy, developing the renewable energy sector, and creating better opportunities for the Egyptian economy.

    H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized Egypt’s commitment, with its expanding economy and attractive investment climate, to attracting new foreign partnerships and investments that can drive innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development.

    H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat pointed to the most prominent areas of cooperation with the Norwegian side, which include the oil, energy, gas, maritime transport, shipping, and shipbuilding sectors, in addition to fisheries and aquaculture. She noted that Egypt is keen to expand these areas of cooperation, and highlighted that the Egyptian-Norwegian partnership in promoting investments in the renewable energy sector was a central focus of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s historic visit to the Kingdom of Norway in December 2024.

    H.E. Minister Al-Mashat added that the shared goals and mutual respect characterizing the bilateral relations between Egypt and Norway represent a model for international cooperation that will be built upon in the coming years.

    She further stated that Norway’s commitment to sustainability and international cooperation aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and green transformation goals.

    H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat pointed out that the cooperation between the two countries in green hydrogen and renewable energy, which includes several prominent projects. These include a green ammonia production project from green hydrogen, a green methanol production project in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, in addition to a number of funded projects in various fields. These contribute to creating decent job opportunities for youth in cooperation with the International Labour Organization and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and promoting health and combating violence against women in Egypt in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund.

    H.E. Minister Al-Mashat affirmed Egypt’s keenness to involve the private sector, especially in strategic sectors such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, maritime industries, and technology. She noted that the country provides a stable investment climate, competitive incentives, and access to key regional markets, making it an ideal gateway for Norwegian and other international companies seeking to expand into the Middle East and Africa.

    She also referred to the cooperation between Egypt and Scatec, and mentioned that Egypt and Norway have historically strong economic ties, which have translated into tangible projects benefiting both economies.

    H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat outlined that the new partnerships with Scatec enhance active cooperation between the public and private sectors and development partners, aiming to promote green transformation. She noted Scatec’s contribution to the implementation of the Benban Solar Park, one of the largest solar parks in the world, and the first green hydrogen plant in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and other partners.

    H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also pointed to the efforts of the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation in continuing to support international partnerships and mobilize local and international financing to promote green transformation in Egypt and increase the number of environmentally friendly projects.

    She pointed out that the cooperation portfolio with Scatec includes a number of projects under the energy sector of the “NWFE” program, including the green hydrogen project in Egypt, the green ammonia production project in Damietta, the 1 GW solar power project with battery energy storage solutions (BESS), and a 1 GW solar power plant for the aluminum complex in Naga Hammadi.

    Egyptian-Dutch Relations

    On another note, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat met with H.E. Ms. Pascalle Grotenhuis, Netherlands’ Vice Minister for International Development, to discuss strengthening Egyptian-Dutch relations and developments in the partnership between the two countries.

    During the meeting, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat affirmed that Egypt and the Netherlands have deep-rooted political, cultural, and economic relations spanning several decades. These relations have witnessed significant momentum and growing cooperation at various levels in recent years.

    H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat noted that the economic cooperation between the two countries has been an important axis in bilateral relations, with the Netherlands providing over 407 million Euros in development financing to Egypt since 1975. This assistance has contributed to supporting many vital sectors, including agriculture and irrigation, health and social affairs, transport, electricity, housing, tourism, education, and local development.

    She stated that the Netherlands is one of Egypt’s main trading partners within the European continent, with bilateral trade amounting to approximately one billion Euros annually. Both sides aim to expand this cooperation and diversify its areas, especially given the available opportunities for economic integration between the two countries.

    H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the “Orange Corners” program, implemented in cooperation with the Dutch side and the private sector, to support entrepreneurs in the Nile Delta and Upper Egypt governorates. After the success of the first three-year phase, the program is now in a new cycle extending from 2024 to 2028, reflecting the shared interest of both countries in achieving inclusive economic growth and providing job opportunities for youth.

    The two sides also reviewed developments in cooperation in the fields of water and climate following the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Egyptian and Dutch governments in October 2024, to enhance cooperation in coastal resource management and adaptation to climate change.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Protects American Innovation from the CCP

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – During a U.S. Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee hearing, Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) touted her report that uncovered loopholes and a lack of consistent due diligence standards are exposing hundreds of millions of dollars in sensitive American intellectual property to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
    Ernst emphasized the need for Congress to pass her INNOVATE Act to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs and safeguard intellectual property from Chinese espionage to ensure America continues to be the world’s leader in developing cutting-edge technology.

    Watch Senator Ernst’s full remarks here. 
    Foundation for Defense of Democracies Senior Fellow Emily Bruyère agreed with Chair Ernst that reforming the due diligence process in the SBIR and STTR programs is an essential step to ensuring that companies receiving federal funding do not have concerning malign foreign ties.
    Bruyère emphasized the need to clawback award dollars if a small business exposes taxpayer-funded intellectual property to a foreign adversary.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins Whitehouse, Heinrich, Colleagues to Reintroduce Bill to Make Homeownership More Accessible for First-Time Buyers  

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    Bicameral First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Act would help make homeownership a reality for young Americans amidst skyrocketing housing costs 
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and 10 Democratic Senators in reintroducing the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Act, legislation that aims to support middle-class Americans purchasing their first home. The Senators’ legislation would establish a refundable tax credit worth up to 10% of a home’s purchase price—up to a maximum of $15,000—for first-time homebuyers.  
    “Everyone should have a fair chance to experience the joy of buying their first home–it’s a pillar of the American Dream. But skyrocketing housing prices have pushed that dream out of reach for folks in red and blue states alike,” said Senator Welch. “Our legislation will provide a financial boost to first-time homeowners to give more hardworking Americans a fair shot at buying their first home.”  
    “Owning a home is at the core of the American dream, but too many young families have been priced out of homeownership in recent years because of the housing supply crunch. And Trump’s chaotic tariff regime has increased homebuilding costs, forcing developers to pause construction on much-needed new units,” said Senator Whitehouse. “Our tax credit for first-time homebuyers would help make the American dream a reality for more of the young Americans left behind in Trump’s billionaire-first economy.” 
    “Buying your first home is more than just owning property: It’s a source of pride, stability, and hope for the future. Unfortunately, buying a home is out of reach for many families right now. We’re changing that with my First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Act,” said Senator Heinrich. “I’m proud to reintroduce this bill to ease the financial burden on aspiring homeowners and give every working family an equal opportunity to realize the American dream of owning a home.” 
    In 2022, the median sale price for a home in the U.S. was 5.6 times higher than the median income, a higher ratio than during the years immediately before the 2007 mortgage crisis, and the highest disparity on record. An NBC News analysis earlier this month found that the cost of building a single-family home could soon rise by more than $4,000 thanks to President Trump’s tariff agenda, which is expected to increase the costs of many of the materials used to build houses. 
    In Vermont, which faces a housing shortage and has the fourth-highest rate of homelessness in the country, an estimated 7,000 new homes will need to be built each year for the next 25 years to help alleviate the crisis. Nationwide, the shortage of affordable housing opportunities costs the American economy an estimated $2 trillion each year. High housing costs reduce disposable income and economic mobility, stifling economic opportunities for those who can no longer afford housing in their communities.  
    Housing unaffordability is especially harmful to younger Americans, who are struggling to reach the same milestones their parents did at their age. In 2024, the typical age of a first-time homebuyer reached a record high of 38, up from 29 in 1981. And first-time homebuyers, as a percentage of all homebuyers nationwide, fell from 38% to 24% over that same period, the lowest percentage ever recorded. 
    Under the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Act, taxpayers would have the option of receiving the credit at the time of purchase by working with their mortgage issuer. Alternatively, taxpayers could elect to treat the purchase of their home as occurring in the prior taxable year to receive the credit before tax season if they are unable to qualify for the credit at point of sale. 
    The credit phases out for those making above 150% of area median income and for those buying a house with a purchase price above 110% of the area median purchase price. Additionally, the credit is limited to home purchases financed through federally backed mortgages. 
    The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.). U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19) and Mike Thompson (D-CA-04) led the reintroduction of the legislation in the House of Representatives.  
    The legislation is endorsed by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Cooperative Credit Union Association, Mortgage Bankers Association, Rhode Island Executive Office of Housing, Rhode Island Association of REALTORS, RIHousing, Housing Network of Rhode Island, HousingWorksRI, Rhode Island Builders Association, Rhode Island Mortgage Bankers Association, Santa Clara County REALTORS, Santa Cruz County REALTORS, and Monterey County REALTORS. 
    Read and download the full text of the bill. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bipartisan Colleagues Demand Answers about Grok’s Blatant Antisemitic Language on X

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
    Bipartisan letter comes after xAI’s chatbot promoted antisemitic conspiracy theories, praised Hitler on X/Twitter
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Technology, and Data Privacy, joined 15 of his Senate colleagues to demand answers from Elon Musk’s xAI about its chatbot “Grok’s” recent antisemitic posts.
    “xAI’s failure to take reasonable measures to mitigate against its AI models from engaging in hate speech is reckless, unacceptable, and antisemitic,” wrote the senators. “It is one thing to protect free speech and create an environment that fosters open dialogue; it is another to promote virulent anti-Jewish rhetoric.”
    On July 8, the AI chatbot Grok posted multiple antisemitic social media posts, ranging from praising Hitler to referring to itself as “MechaHitler”. xAI launched Grok 4 without any documentation of their safety testing, breaking industry best practices followed by other major AI labs including OpenAI and Anthropic.
    The senators called on xAI to address its pre-deployment development and review process.
    Hickenlooper previously proposed a “Trust, but Verify” framework for federal AI regulation. Hickenlooper’s proposal focuses on three policy areas: 1) AI transparency and user literacy, 2) consumer data protection, and 3) international coalition building. He also proposed the development of standards for third-party auditors who would be able to audit and certify AI companies’ compliance with federal regulations.
    Hickenlooper also previously called on the CEOs of X and Meta to respond to violent and explicit AI images generated online as well as urged the Department of Labor to prepare American workers to integrate with artificial intelligence in the workplace.
    Full text of the letter available HERE and below.
    Dear Mr. Musk,
    We write concerning the recent antisemitic statements produced by Grok, xAI’s chatbot. The statements this chatbot made on X promoted antisemitic conspiracy theories, referenced antisemitic stereotypes, praised Hitler, and even endorsed violence against Jews. xAI’s failure to take reasonable measures to mitigate against its AI models from engaging in hate speech is reckless, unacceptable, and antisemitic.
    On July 4, you announced on X that Grok had been “improved” significantly. However, in the following days, the chatbot created several antisemitic threads, including repeating a trope commonly used by neo-Nazis to dehumanize Jews over 100 times in the span of an hour. Unfortunately, this most recent event represents a pattern of antisemitism from this chatbot. In May, Grok made another antisemitic comment, stating that it was skeptical that six million Jews were killed in the Holocaust. The minimization of the deaths and number of victims of the Holocaust is a blatant instance of Holocaust denial, as defined by the Department of State. However, xAI issued a statement blaming the comment on an “unauthorized modification.” Other antisemitic comments were similarly dismissed as unauthorized modifications.
    These examples of xAI’s model repeating and promoting antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories demonstrates that there are clear and significant gaps in xAI’s pre-deployment development and review process. Deploying an LLM that is blatantly antisemitic, while marketing it as “truth-seeking” represents a serious threat to the promotion of antisemitic conspiracy theories and violent antisemitic rhetoric. Even more so, deploying this LLM across platforms like X and Tesla without engaging in reasonable measures to mitigate against antisemitic hate speech will result in the explicit promotion of antisemitism across multiple platforms. It is one thing to protect free speech and create an environment that fosters open dialogue; it is another to promote virulent anti-Jewish rhetoric.
    Therefore, we respectfully request written responses to the following questions related to the incidents described above and about xAI’s pre-deployment testing and evaluation procedures by August 8, 2025:
    1. What processes, if any, does xAI follow to mitigate against risks of its LLMs promoting hate speech like antisemitic conspiracy theories and tropes? 
    What steps, if any, does xAI take to ensure antisemitic content is not included or limited in training sets for its AI models?
    Does xAI consider and limit any type of bias in the training sets used for its AI models?
    2. What testing and evaluation processes related to safety and risk are completed before updates to Grok are deployed publicly?
    Are any of those procedures or tests related to evaluating the risk of the model promoting antisemitism?
    Are any of those procedures or tests related to evaluating the risk of the model promoting violence against Jews?
    Are there certain versions of the model that xAI plans to release for which antisemitic comments will be seen as a feature rather than a bug – for example, a “conspiracy” version of Grok?
    3. Was a different process followed than the process described in response to Question 2 when Grok was updated on May 14, 2025 and the model subsequently engaged in Holocaust denial?
    In xAI’s statement claiming that the comment was related to an “unauthorized modification” to Grok, xAI stated it would put in place additional checks and measures to ensure Grok’s prompts cannot be modified without review. What checks and measures did xAI enact?
    4. Was a different process followed than the process described in response to Question 2 when Grok was updated and released on July 4, 2025? 
    5. In both the pre-deployment evaluation processes followed before the updates released to Grok on May 14 and on July 4, were there any signs that the model could potentially exhibit antisemitism before the updates were deployed, and if so, why was the update still released?
    xAI’s inability to take basic steps to minimize the promotion of antisemitism by xAI’s products is unacceptable. We encourage xAI to recognize the important part it can play in combatting antisemitism.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Confused by TV Tech? So Are Half of Brits!

    Source: Samsung

     
    Faced with a wave of jargon and overwhelming choice, many Brits are giving up on researching TVs altogether – even though it’s often a significant purchase and the entertainment hub for the home.
     
    New research from Samsung reveals that more than half of UK shoppers (54%) spend less than two hours researching a new TV and 8% admit to doing no research at all.
     
    Normally, clarity would prevail around a major purchase, especially when 62% of people expect their TV to last more than six years. But instead, many consumers are switching off early, overwhelmed by complex specs and unfamiliar terms.
     
    Nearly half (46%) of UK shoppers say they’ve bought a TV without fully understanding what they were getting. Even the most familiar term, HDMI – a technology used for more than 20 years – is only understood by four in ten people, despite being simply a connectivity port rather than something that affects the screen quality itself.
     
    Worryingly, only one in four (25%) felt confident in their final decision, and just 26% described the experience as exciting – suggesting that for many, TV shopping feels more stressful than satisfying.
     
    Apathy, confusion and lack of confidence are fuelling ‘TV tech fatigue’ and having a real impact on decision-making. This often leads to purchase regret, with one in three (33%) have regretted choosing a cheaper or lesser-known brand, while 45% have had to replace their TV sooner than expected.
     
    “Most people want to make the right choice. They’ll read a few reviews, compare models, maybe watch a video or two, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed,” says Jeremy Demont, Director of TV/AV Product Management at Samsung UK. “For something as important and long-lasting as a TV, that should be enough. But the jargon gets in the way. TVs are central to how we relax and connect. Buying one shouldn’t feel like sitting an exam.”
     
    These findings are revealed just before a major football weekend – a period often resulting in a surge in TV sales. It’s the perfect opportunity to emphasise the importance of ensuring that consumers fully understand the technology they’re investing in.
     
    While picture quality and content have never been better, many consumers are struggling to keep up with TV technology. As the leading global TV manufacturer for the past 19 years[1], Samsung is working to make it easier for people to understand the tech that shapes how we watch, share and connect.
     
    Picture quality (47%) and screen type (30%) are seen as the most important factors when buying a TV but understanding of these is low. Only 33% of Brits know what 4K means, while just 18% re familiar with OLED and 14% with QLED – despite both of these being popular TV types.
     
    Yet even with these knowledge gaps, few people seek support. Just 12% say they buy in-store so they can speak to a salesperson and only 17% believe that understanding TV terminology alone would give them more confidence.
     
    The findings suggest that people want simpler, more intuitive ways to understand the features and how they benefit users, not just acronyms for technical terms.
     
    “Consumers want a great viewing experience but often feel lost in a sea of acronyms,” says Jeremy. “We know the names can sound technical – QLED, OLED, HDR, 4K – but what matters most is how everything looks and performs on screen. That’s why we focus on delivering quality people can trust – and why we help shoppers cut through the complexity.
     
    “Whether you understand the tech or not, you can trust that a Samsung TV will deliver long-lasting picture quality, intuitive design and the performance people return to us for. We are the global leader in TV for a reason, and we want to make it easier than ever to choose the right one.”
     
    When it comes to choosing a TV, what makes the biggest difference day-to-day isn’t the jargon – it’s how the picture actually looks and performs. In fact, picture quality and screen type are the top priorities for shoppers. Samsung QLED TVs are independently certified as Real Quantum Dot Displays[2], delivering consistently vibrant colour and brightness that lasts.
     
    The research also reinforces the emotional and cultural role TV continues to play in people’s lives. Despite the rise of streaming, the moments that stay with us are still those we experienced live, together.
     
    When asked to name their most memorable TV moments, Brits picked major national events over entertainment: Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral ranked number one, followed by Princess Diana’s funeral (#2) and the London 2012 Olympics (#3) – ahead of any drama or comedy series.
     
    Other top choices included Live Aid (#4) and the 1969 moon landing as broadcast on the BBC (#5). Powerful reminders that TV continues to bring people together.
     
    “These findings reflect that TVs are more than just screens. They’re the backdrop to family film nights, shared sporting highs and moments that bring friends and generations together,” says Jeremy. “From daily rituals to national milestones, the TV remains a central part of how we connect. However as the technology evolves, the way we explain it must evolve too.”
     
    Samsung’s QLED and OLED TVs are built for long-term performance and trusted by millions worldwide, offering the colour and brightness quality consumers expect from a premium TV.
     
    If you’re looking to purchase a TV and want support on picking the best kind for you, Samsung has put together a set of easy, intuitive questions to help:
     
    For optimal sports viewing:

    I watch a lot of sport. What can you recommend that ensures whichever sport I’m watching stays clear without the ball blurring so I can stay as close to the action as possible?

     
    For the best gaming experience:

    I love gaming on my TV so looking for low-latency and strong processing?
    I want to minimise the cables going into the TV for a ‘cleaner’ look, how can I do this?

     
    For watching films:

    Which TVs give the most cinematic experience with rich, lifelike colours and deep contrast?
    What independent experts or organisations have verified the quality of the picture/experience?

     
    To ensure you’re getting the best value for your budget:

    What TV options offer additional features or services and are they free?
    Will a slightly smaller sized TV be better for me in the long-run? (Will it last longer?)

     
    For optimal viewing conditions:

    My room is quite bright. What can you recommend for maintaining picture quality to minimise reflections in these conditions?

     
     
    For longevity, value and future-proofing:

    What’s the ultimate TV for future-proofed picture quality and does 8K really make a difference?
    Is it better to invest in a higher-quality TV now rather than upgrading sooner?

     
    You can find out more about Samsung QLED TVs here: Latest Samsung QLED TV | All QLED TVs | Samsung UK and for OLED information please visit 4K & 8K OLED TVs | Find The Best OLED TV | Samsung UK.
     
    [1]Omdia: https://news.samsung.com/uk/samsung-electronics-marks-19-consecutive-years-as-the-global-tv-market-leader
    [2]Certified by TUV Rhineland: https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-qled-tvs-earn-real-quantum-dot-display-certification-from-tuv-rheinland

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Galaxy A Series: Powering Everyday Life Seamlessly with Awesome Intelligence

    Source: Samsung

    Your phone isn’t just a device – it’s your connection to everything that matters. From streaming your favourite music during the morning rush, to face-timing friends, or snapping spontaneous memories, you need a smartphone that keeps up without missing a beat. That’s where the Samsung Galaxy A Series – featuring the Galaxy A26 5G, A36 5G, and A56 5G – steps in, combining essential functionality with smart lifestyle integration in a sleek, accessible package – built to keep up with your life and now equipped with Awesome Intelligence, making them smarter and more appealing than ever.
     

     
    Awesome Intelligence for More Creativity and Advanced Searching
    For the first time, the Galaxy A series is integrating Awesome Intelligence, including Galaxy’s popular AI-powered features to reimagine creativity while bringing enhanced durability and longevity, as well as robust security and privacy protections for a safe and long-lasting mobile experience.
     
    The latest Galaxy A series brings users Galaxy’s fan-favourite AI-powered features. Enhanced Circle to Search with Google1 offers a seamless way to find answers, enabling users to instantly bring information to their fingertips with a simple gesture. With Object Eraser2, users can easily remove unwanted elements from photos for a cleaner, more polished look. For those who enjoy customising their photos even further, Filters3 can create unique effects inspired by their favourite images. Best Face4 (available only on the Galaxy A56 5G within the Galaxy A series) allows users to select the best expressions from multiple frames and combine them into a single photo so everyone looks their best.
     

     
    5000mAh Battery: Built for Life on the Move
    Ever been halfway through the day and realised you’re already at 20% battery? With the Galaxy A26, A36, and A56, that’s a thing of the past. Each phone comes packed with a powerful 5000mAh battery5 – enough to carry you from morning gym sessions to late-night video calls with zero stress.
     
    [1] Service availability may vary by country, language, and device model. Requires an internet connection. Users may need to update Android and Google app to the latest version. Results may vary depending on visual or audio matches. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Works on compatible apps and surfaces, and with ambient music only. Will not identify music coming through headphones or if phone volume is off.
    [2] Results may vary based on the images and the object the user is trying to remove.
    [3] Filters feature is unavailable in the 3:4 64MP aspect ratio setting. Its availability might differ based on device model and software version. Filter availability may vary based on resolution and aspect ratio settings.
    [4] Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Best Face feature is available exclusively on the Galaxy A56 5G device from the Galaxy A series. Best Face is only available for photos taken with Motion Photo turned on. The feature does not generate new facial expressions but selects from frames within the Motion Photo video clip. It can recognise up to five people per image and suggest up to three alternative expressions per person.
    [5] Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Note to Correspondents: Nigerian Poet Designated United Nations Global Advocate for Peace

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Ms. Maryam Bukar of Nigeria was today officially designated as the United Nations’ Global Advocate for Peace. A renowned spoken word artist, poet, and peace advocate, Ms. Bukar uses the power of poetry and performance to champion gender equality, youth empowerment and inclusive peacebuilding.

    Ms. Bukar has showcased her work on prestigious platforms including the UN SDG Awards, TED Talks and the World Bank Youth Summit.  She has collaborated with the UN on initiatives such as the “Peace Begins With Me” poetry video for the International Day of Peace and her impactful spoken word performance at last year’s Summit of the Future.

    Her dedication has earned her accolades such as the Sustainable Africa Award at COP28 and finalist recognition for the 2024 UN SDG Creativity Award.

    Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, highlighted the significance of her designation, stating that “the dedication of the Global Advocate’s time and energy to this effort will greatly increase awareness of the peace and security priorities of the United Nations, particularly the vital role of women and youth in advancing inclusive and sustainable peace.”

    Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo also welcomed the designation, noting that  “art has the power to move hearts, inspire action, and bring communities together. Through her compelling words and performances, Ms. Bukar has shown how creativity can be a force for peacebuilding, dialogue and inclusion. Her voice will be an important partner in amplifying the UN’s efforts to advance political solutions, empower young people and women, and sustain peace.”

    In her new role as the first Global Advocate for the entire Peace and Security Pillar, Ms. Bukar will advance the UN’s peace efforts including through the Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security agendas, through storytelling, digital engagement, and public speaking. She will participate in key UN campaigns and events, including an upcoming performance at New York City’s SummerStage festival on Sunday, 27 July, alongside renown artists Femi Kuti and Elida Almeida, among others.
     

    • Digital assets are available on a dedicated Trello board.
    • More information on the Global Advocate here.
    • More information on Sunday’s event here.

    Media contacts:
    Sophie Boudre, DPO : boudre@un.org
    Susie Lim, DPPA : lim7@un.org
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to North Dakota Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Adverse Weather

    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 North Dakota of the deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by adverse weather conditions occurring in the counties listed below.

    The disaster declarations cover the counties listed below:

    Declaration Number

    Primary
    Counties

    Neighboring
    Counties

    Incident Type

    Incident Date

    Deadline

    20941

    		 Burke, Mercer and Oliver Burleigh, Divide, Dunn, McLean, Morton, Mountrail, Renville, Stark, Ward and Williams. Drought, Heat, and Winds July 30–Oct. 6, 2024 8/25/25

    20942

    		 Cavalier, Pembina, Ransom and Sargent Barnes, Cass, Dickey, LaMoure, Ramsey, Richland, Towner and Walsh in North Dakota, Kittson and Marshall in Minnesota, Brown, Marshall and Roberts in South Dakota. Excessive Rain and Flooding April 1–Oct. 1, 2024 8/25/25

    20943

    		 Sioux Adams, Emmons, Grant and Morton in North Dakota, Campbell, Corson and Perkins in South Dakota. Wildfire and High Winds Sept. 12–Oct. 2, 2024 8/25/25

    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 and receive additional disaster assistance information 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 SBA no later than Aug. 25.

    ###

    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 Adverse Weather

    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 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by adverse weather conditions occurring as indicated below.

    The disaster declarations cover the counties listed below:

    Declaration Number

    Primary
    Counties

    Neighboring
    Counties

    Incident Type

    Incident Date

    Deadline
    20940 Dawson McCone, Prairie, Richland and Wibaux. Hail and High Winds Sept. 17, 2024 8/25/25
    20945 Toole Glacier, Liberty and Pondera. Drought, Excessive Heat and High Winds June 15, 2024, and continuing 8/25/25

    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 and receive additional disaster assistance information 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 SBA no later than Aug. 25.

    ###

    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 Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Private Nonprofits Affected by Wildfires

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation of the Aug. 26, 2025 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by wildfires occurring July 17–Aug. 21, 2024.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to PNPs providing non-critical services of a governmental nature who suffered financial losses directly related to the disaster. Examples of eligible non-critical PNPs include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools and colleges.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the 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.

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 3.25% and 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.

    The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

    Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at 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 Aug. 26.

    ###

    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: Recent Speaking Engagements

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    Over the past several months, I have spoken with a variety of audiences about the recent and ongoing work of the Congressional Budget Office.

    The conversations have allowed me to share insights about CBO’s role in the legislative process—including the reconciliation process—while reiterating the agency’s commitment to providing objective, nonpartisan, and transparent analysis.

    From March through July 2025, I participated in the following events:

    • March 3: Discussed the U.S. macroeconomic and fiscal outlook during the 41st Annual Economic Policy Conference of the National Association for Business Economics.
    • March 5: Spoke at the Milken Institute’s 2025 Finance Forum about the state of the U.S. budget and economy.
    • March 27: Took part in a “fireside chat” at the ERISA Industry Committee’s (ERIC’s) Spring Policy Conference, where I discussed CBO’s role and ongoing work.
    • April 8: Met virtually with a class at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School to talk about the outlook for the U.S. budget.
    • April 16: Joined the Hoover Institution’s Jon Hartley for a podcast in which we discussed, among other things, CBO’s role and the value that the agency places on accuracy and transparency.
    • April 22: Participated in a discussion about the fiscal impact of the Trump Administration’s policies during a J.P. Morgan investor seminar.
    • May 5: Engaged in a panel discussion at the Milken Institute’s 2025 Global Conference in Los Angeles about the federal budget and national debt.
    • June 11: Delivered remarks and answered questions during the Committee for Economic Development’s Biannual Trustee Policy Summit.
    • July 15: Participated in a discussion about the fiscal implications of the 2025 reconciliation act (Public Law 119-21) during a J.P. Morgan investor roundtable.
    • July 15: Delivered remarks and participated in a Q&A session at the 22nd Annual Economic Measurement Seminar of the National Association for Business Economics.

    I have also discussed CBO’s role in the legislative process more generally and emphasized our commitment to transparency and analytical rigor in recent interviews. (Those interviews appeared in the Wall Street Journal, on Bloomberg’s Big Take podcast, and on Bloomberg TV’s Wall Street Week.) As part of those discussions, I outlined the distinctions between CBO and the Joint Committee on Taxation, explaining how the two agencies differ and how we often work collaboratively to support the Congress.

    I look forward to engaging with other audiences and topics in the months ahead.

    Phillip L. Swagel is CBO’s Director.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • PM Modi honoured in Maldives as India’s second-longest serving Prime Minister

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a ceremony marked by warmth and diplomatic goodwill, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Friday extended congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recognising his achievement as India’s second-longest serving Prime Minister in consecutive terms.

    Addressing a formal banquet held in Male in honour of the visiting Indian leader, President Muizzu hailed Prime Minister Modi’s uninterrupted tenure of 4,078 days as a reflection of his “unwavering commitment to public service and dedication to the progress and prosperity of the Indian people.”

    “Tonight, we are delighted to reciprocate that friendship and goodwill in the spirit of the close ties between our two nations. Let me convey my heartiest congratulations to Your Excellency on becoming the second-longest serving Prime Minister of India. This remarkable milestone is a testament to your leadership and vision,” said President Muizzu.

    Prime Minister Modi arrived in the Maldivian capital earlier in the day from the United Kingdom, where he had concluded a landmark official visit. He was received at Velana International Airport by President Muizzu and senior members of the Maldivian Cabinet, including the Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister, and Minister of Homeland Security.

    The visit comes at the invitation of President Muizzu, in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of Maldivian independence. Prime Minister Modi is attending the national celebrations as the Guest of Honour- a gesture symbolic of the deep and enduring relationship between the two countries.

    India was among the first nations to recognise the Maldives’ independence in 1965, and the latest visit is viewed as an opportunity to reaffirm bilateral cooperation in areas including maritime security, regional stability, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange.

    With 4,078 consecutive days in office, Prime Minister Modi has surpassed the uninterrupted tenure of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who served 4,077 days between 1966 and 1977. This milestone further consolidates Modi’s position in India’s political history, underlining a decade of sustained leadership.

    — IANS

  • PM Modi honoured in Maldives as India’s second-longest serving Prime Minister

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a ceremony marked by warmth and diplomatic goodwill, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Friday extended congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recognising his achievement as India’s second-longest serving Prime Minister in consecutive terms.

    Addressing a formal banquet held in Male in honour of the visiting Indian leader, President Muizzu hailed Prime Minister Modi’s uninterrupted tenure of 4,078 days as a reflection of his “unwavering commitment to public service and dedication to the progress and prosperity of the Indian people.”

    “Tonight, we are delighted to reciprocate that friendship and goodwill in the spirit of the close ties between our two nations. Let me convey my heartiest congratulations to Your Excellency on becoming the second-longest serving Prime Minister of India. This remarkable milestone is a testament to your leadership and vision,” said President Muizzu.

    Prime Minister Modi arrived in the Maldivian capital earlier in the day from the United Kingdom, where he had concluded a landmark official visit. He was received at Velana International Airport by President Muizzu and senior members of the Maldivian Cabinet, including the Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister, and Minister of Homeland Security.

    The visit comes at the invitation of President Muizzu, in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of Maldivian independence. Prime Minister Modi is attending the national celebrations as the Guest of Honour- a gesture symbolic of the deep and enduring relationship between the two countries.

    India was among the first nations to recognise the Maldives’ independence in 1965, and the latest visit is viewed as an opportunity to reaffirm bilateral cooperation in areas including maritime security, regional stability, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange.

    With 4,078 consecutive days in office, Prime Minister Modi has surpassed the uninterrupted tenure of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who served 4,077 days between 1966 and 1977. This milestone further consolidates Modi’s position in India’s political history, underlining a decade of sustained leadership.

    — IANS