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Category: coronavirus

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: The United  States Commitment to Address the Global Mpox  Outbreak

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    “Now we face the mpox outbreak in Central and Eastern Africa. Mpox is different from COVID-19. But we will act quickly – and bring partners with us. We are prepared to commit at least $500 million – to support African countries to prevent and respond to mpox and donate up to one million doses of mpox vaccines. We call on governments, charities, and businesses to match our pledge – and make this a $1 billion commitment to the people of Africa.” —President Biden, September 24, 2024
    The United States has led global efforts to combat infectious diseases, including mpox, for decades. Most recently in 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration mounted a robust response to the spread of clade IIb mpox by making vaccines available to those at risk, making testing more convenient, and providing treatments to those who needed them both in the United States and worldwide. In response to the ongoing mpox outbreak in Eastern and Central Africa, with several cases outside the region, the United States is acting quickly and decisively to support the response, and to prepare for potential cases domestically. On September 16, the White House welcomed key partners and community stakeholders working on mpox in the United States and around the world to a roundtable with U.S. Government leadership to exchange ideas, feedback and recommendations to inform the U.S. response to this global crisis.
    This week, President Biden announced that the United States is committed to providingat least $500 million dollars, as well as one million mpox vaccine doses, to support African countries to prevent and respond to the current mpox outbreak. These investments will be delivered both bilaterally, through existing relationships with partner countries, as well as through multilateral institutions. United States investments in mpox preparedness and response will address a range of needs outlined in the Mpox Continental Preparedness and Response Plan jointly issued by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), including training frontline health workers, disease surveillance, laboratory diagnostic supplies and testing, clinical case management, risk communication and community engagement, infection prevention and control, and research. In addition to financial support and vaccines, the U.S. Government has surged dozens of staff, including epidemiologists, laboratorians, and risk communication experts to offer support to the mpox response in DRC and each of the countries surrounding DRC.
    BUILDING STRONGER, RESILIENT HEALTH SYSTEMS
    Investments in building stronger health systems are essential to a rapid and effective emergency response. Longstanding United States support, including through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), helped to strengthen the systems that are now supporting the mpox response.
    Ongoing global health and health security investments. Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, the United States has provided more than $50 billion to support global health and health security. The United States is the largest health donor in the Africa region, allocating more than $2.65 billion in bilateral health funding to countries in Central and Eastern Africa in FY 2023 alone.
    Global health security partnerships. In April 2024, the United States announced formal global health security partnerships with 50 countries, including Burundi, DRC, Kenya, and Uganda. Global health security investments make it possible for the United States to address country-identified gaps in their capacity to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from health security threats. U.S. assistance to the government of DRC, which began in 2015, has bolstered the DRC’s efforts to contain five Ebola outbreaks since 2020, develop an antimicrobial stewardship work plan, and develop a community feedback system to address infectious disease threats.
    President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). For over 20 years, PEPFAR has supported more than 55 countries worldwide, saved more than 25 million lives, enabled 5.5 million babies to be born HIV-free, and prevented millions of new HIV infections. Longstanding PEPFAR investments in creating sustainable HIV care platforms have been leveraged for quick and effective response to cholera, COVID-19, Ebola, H1N1 influenza, tuberculosis, and other health threats. Given the increased risk of severe morbidity and mortality from mpox among people living with HIV, PEPFAR is ensuring program continuity to protect people living with HIV through the use of existing PEPFAR platforms through risk communication, laboratory and surveillance capacity, referral to care, HIV testing, and vaccination delivery to help prevent and respond to mpox.
    SUPPORTING MPOX TESTING, VACCINATION, TREATMENT AND CARE
    Mpox vaccine research and development. Since 2007, the United States, through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has invested more than $2 billion in the JYNNEOS vaccine as part of smallpox preparedness. Additionally, U.S. Government research institutions led the development of the JYNNEOS vaccine through preclinical evaluation, clinical trials, and advanced clinical evaluation platforms. These investments directly led to product licensure for both smallpox and mpox. On September 13, WHO announced pre-qualification of the JYNNEOS vaccine for global use, including in the Africa region in response to ongoing mpox outbreaks.
    Mpox vaccine donation. This week President Biden pledged that the United States will donate up to one million doses of the mpox vaccine. The first U.S.-donated vaccine doses arrived in Nigeria in August (10,000 doses), and in DRC in September (50,000 doses). The next installment of the U.S. commitment, 300,000 vaccine doses, will be available immediately for disbursement in coordination with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the WHO Access and Allocation Mechanism. Additional mpox vaccine doses will be delivered in tranches (totaling up to one million) pending country progress in administering the vaccines, in coordination with Gavi.
    Clinical care and protecting health workers. In DRC, the U.S. Government has procured and delivered medical kits containing antibiotics, oral hydration, and wound care supplies to support government facilities to offer mpox patients relief from their symptoms free of charge, which bolsters community trust and connection with the health care system. The U.S. Government is expanding health care worker capacity to treat mpox and offer psychosocial support to patients, while simultaneously training the workers to protect themselves through use of infection prevention and control best practices.
    Diagnostic tests and training. The U.S. Government is also supporting mpox-affected countries with laboratory expertise and diagnostic supplies. This includes: providing over 40,000 individual test assays and reagents that ensured that countries in the region had the capacity to detect clade I mpox when it crossed their borders; training dozens of laboratory personnel on the use of mpox test kits and procedures to enhance laboratory safety, hygiene, and waste management; strengthening the reach and availability of rapid diagnostic testing capacity; expanding specimen transportation routes; and establishing platforms for laboratory data management.
    Development and testing of effective therapeutics. The United States Government is leading the ongoing “Study of Tecovirimat for Human Mpox Virus” clinical trial for mpox treatment in the United States and other countries affected by clade II mpox.
    Identifying mpox research priorities. To help prioritize mpox research, the United States released an update on mpox research priorities, focusing on four objectives: (1) increasing knowledge about the biology of all clades, including how the virus is transmitted and how people’s immune systems respond to it; (2) evaluating dosing regimens of current mpox vaccines to stretch the vaccine supply and developing novel vaccine concepts; (3) advancing existing and novel treatments, including antivirals and monoclonal antibodies; and (4) supporting strategies for detecting the virus to facilitate clinical care and epidemiological surveillance.
    LEVERAGING STRONG MULTILATERAL PARTNERSHIPS
    As with investments in health systems, building stronger and more effective multilateral institutions between emergencies is essential to ensuring the world is prepared to respond effectively in times of crisis. The United States supports the critical roles of WHO and Africa CDC in leading the mpox response, and we call on those institutions to utilize the strong partnerships that are already in place, including with other multilateral institutions, to protect the health and wellbeing of people living in the affected countries.
    World Health Organization. Among his first acts in office, President Biden declared the United States would reengage with WHO, highlighting our nation’s commitment to advancing multilateral cooperation in a global health crisis. Beyond health emergencies, the United States is collaborating with WHO on a wide range of global health issues such as childhood immunization, nutrition, polio eradication, and strengthening the global health workforce to achieve universal health coverage. Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, the United States has provided nearly $1.9 billion of support to WHO. In addition, since March 2024, the United States has already provided more than $7.7 million to WHO to support mpox response activities, and $450,000 for building sustainable capacity for mpox elimination in DRC, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. 
    Africa CDC. The United States welcomes and supports the role of Africa CDC as a continent-wide public health institution, established in 2016. In 2022, the U.S. Government signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to Promote Public Health Partnership with the African Union, accompanied by a U.S.-Africa CDC Joint Action Plan outlining shared global health priorities and areas for collaboration. In addition to substantial U.S. bilateral and multilateral support aligned with Africa CDC’s five-year strategic plan and Agenda 2063, the United States provided more than $3 million in direct support to the Africa CDC in the form of in-kind assistance last year alone.
    Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Gavi holds essential expertise in effective vaccine procurement, distribution, and administration, which should be leveraged immediately in the mpox response. Since its inception in 2000, the United States Government has invested or announced: 1) over $3.6 billion to improve equitable access to new and underutilized vaccines in low- and middle-income countries; 2) a $4 billion dollar contribution to Gavi’s COVAX Advance Market Commitment; 3) an annual contribution to Gavi’s core budget, including $300 million in 2024 ; 4) and pledged at least $1.58 billion towards USG’s first-ever five-year pledge to Gavi’s next replenishment cycle, subject to Congressional approval. U.S. funding is included in Gavi’s $500 million First Response Fund, which is supporting procurement, delivery, and deployment of 500,000 JYNNEOS doses in response to the mpox outbreak. Finally, affected countries, WHO, Africa CDC, and Gavi recently established the Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM) as a platform to increase equitable access to mpox response resources and contributions.
    The Quad. The Quad partnership was established in 2020 between the United States, India, Japan and Australia as a global force for good, including working together to help partners address pandemics and disease. During a September 21 Quad Summit, leaders agreed to coordinate efforts to promote equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured mpox vaccines, including where appropriate expanding vaccine manufacturing in low and middle-income countries.
    Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). CEPI is working to accelerate the development of life-saving vaccines against emerging disease threats, and to transform capability for rapid countermeasure development in response to future threats.To date, the U.S. Government has invested $117 million through CEPI to accelerated the development of vaccines and other biologic countermeasures against epidemic and pandemic threats. CEPI has funded two scientific studies in Africa (the DRC and Uganda) focused on the JYNNEOS vaccine; it has also supported early clinical development of BioNTech’s next-generation mRNA-based pox vaccine and providing funding to support Bavarian Nordic’s MVA-BN® mpox vaccine clinical trials in DRC, Uganda, and Nigeria through the SMART trial.
    The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The Global Fund is working to defeat HIV, TB and malaria and ensure a healthier, safer, more equitable future for all. The U.S. is the largest donor to The Global Fund, and President Biden led the largest Global Fund replenishment ever in 2022. In August 2024, in response to the evolving mpox outbreak, the Global Fund quickly pivoted to update its guidance in order to direct grant funds to help eligible countries to prevent, detect, and respond to mpox outbreaks. Earlier this month, Global Fund committed an additional $9.5 million to support DRC’s mpox response.
    UNICEF. As the lead UN agency for children, UNICEF works in over 190 countries to save children’s lives and to support health and development. To date, the U.S. has provided UNICEF with more than $1.4 million to support clade I mpox preparedness and response activities in DRC, Burundi, and the Republic of Congo. UNICEF supports risk communication and community engagement, clinical services, psychosocial support, and coordination.
    United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). As the lead UN agency for refugees, UNHCR provides vital protection and assistance to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced and stateless people. Through UNHCR, the United States has provided nearly $9 million in humanitarian assistance this year to address urgent mpox-related needs among refugees, internally-displaced persons, host communities and other vulnerable populations in 14 countries throughout Africa.
    International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network working in more than 190 countries through a network of more than 16 million volunteers. To date, the U.S. Government has provided IFRC with $800,000 to support clade I mpox preparedness and response activities in DRC. IFRC supports risk communication and community engagement, clinical services, psychosocial support, and coordination.
    EXPANDING HEALTH EMERGENCY FINANCING
    In addition to ongoing bilateral and multilateral support to build stronger health systems, respond to ongoing health challenges, and pivot to address the current mpox crisis, the United States supports expanded sources of financing for response to health emergencies. Many of these have been developed and launched since the COVID-19 pandemic to address gaps identified through that response.
    The Pandemic Fund. As the only multilateral fund fully focused on prevention and preparedness, the Pandemic Fund has a critical role to play in building capacity to end the current outbreak and prevent the next one. The Pandemic Fund has taken quick action to support mpox preparedness efforts, approving $129 million to support 10 countries impacted by the disease to strengthen laboratory, surveillance, and human resources capacities. The selected projects meet needs articulated in the joint WHO-Africa CDC Mpox Continental Preparedness and Response Plan for Africa. The awards will be implemented over multiple years enabling an effective transition from crisis to long term preparedness. To continue its critical work, the Pandemic Fund is engaged in a concurrent resource mobilization round, with the goal of raising at least $2 billion in new funding through 2026. The United States has committed to provide up to $667 million, subject to Congressional appropriations and the availability of funds.
    Gavi’s Day Zero Financing Facility. The United States has supported Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance in establishing the Day Zero Financing Facility, a suite of tools that will mobilize, for example, up to $2 billion in risk-tolerant surge and contingent capital to enable Gavi to quickly meet the demand for vaccines in a pandemic.
    U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Health Emergency Financing: The DFC finances private-sector led solutions to health services, supply chain, and technology challenges in low- and middle-income countries. These solutions improve health system resilience and pandemic preparedness through: 1) a $1 billion-dollar rapid financing facility applicable to a full spectrum of vaccines (COVID-19, childhood vaccine-preventable diseases, and future outbreaks); 2) investments in regional, Africa-based vaccine manufacturing, including Aspen Pharmacare (South Africa) and Institute Pasteur de Dakar (Senegal); and 3) a G7 Surge Financing Initiative for Medical Countermeasures that supports Gavi and regional vaccine manufacturers.
    Multilateral development bank (MDB) evolution. MDBs have a key role to play in helping countries address global challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, and fragility and conflict. The United States is working with other shareholders to evolve the visions, incentive structures, operational approaches, and financial capacity of the MDBs to equip these institutions to respond to global challenges with sufficient speed and scale. The United States is pleased to see the close coordination between the World Bank, IMF, and regional development banks with WHO and affected countries on how to best utilize or reprogram resources to aid the mpox response.
    —-
    To learn more about mpox, its signs and symptoms, vaccines, prevention, and treatments, please visit the U.S. CDC website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool Named World’s First “Accelerator City” for Climate Action by UN Climate Change

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Liverpool has become the world’s first ‘Accelerator City’ for climate action, under UN Climate Change’s Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action (ECCA) programme.

    The title comes in recognition of Liverpool’s impressive commitment to innovation and smart regulation to rapidly decarbonise the live music and TV/Film production sectors – both vital parts of the city’s economy – following several years of developmental work by ACT 1.5, an artist-led research and action effort, and climate scientists from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.

    To mark the launch of this initiative, the following key events and plans were also announced today:

    • A three-night live music series at Liverpool Arena from 28 – 30 November in collaboration with Massive Attack, ACT 1.5 and SJM concerts, to showcase innovations in sustainability and the smart design of live music events.
    • A headline industry event, called Expedition 1, on (29 November) and public event (30 November) in the adjacent ACC Liverpool which will test and showcase eight cross-sectoral pilot projects for rapid decarbonisation across live music, TV and film productions scheduled in 2025, and then invite the public into multiple climate action workshops, live audience podcasts, and performances.
    • The implementation of three initial plans for galvanising decarbonization in the cultural sector: a pioneering integrated public transport and ticketing program (TAG Network); electrification with 100% renewable energy of all key live event and filming locations in the city centre; and a new Paris 1.5-degree compatible sustainability standard that major events will need to meet in order to be granted a land use agreement for an event to proceed.

    This work builds upon the groundbreaking project commissioned by the band Massive Attack and developed over the past four years, culminating in a climate action accelerator event entitled ACT 1.5 in Bristol (UK) in late August.

    The band worked in collaboration with the Tyndall Centre, AGF, and super low-carbon providers to produce what is anticipated to have been the lowest greenhouse gas emissions show of its size ever staged.

    As an ’Accelerator City’ Liverpool, which has just announced huge plans for the future of its music sector, will expand on this use of policy, technology, infrastructure, and transport practices to pilot and then embed decarbonisation methods into the fabric of the city, extending the scope of this work to include national film and television institutions; establishing cross-sectoral solutions with clean, green providers and sustainability-focused event & onscreen producers.

    The world-leading Accelerator City programme is supported by Ecotricity and is comprised of a partnership network of private, public sector, and UN organisations including BBC, BAFTA Albert, BFI, Earth Percent, Equity, BECTU, The European Space Agency, A Greener Future, Association of Independent Festivals, UN Climate Change, UNESCO, ZENOBE Energy, and numerous transport, food and local service providers.

    Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, said: “I commend the city of Liverpool on its ambitious plans to dramatically speed up decarbonisation in this vital sector. Cities and towns are absolutely essential in picking up the pace and scale of climate action – and the cultural sector plays a vital role in unlocking innovation and promoting sustainable behaviours. I applaud Liverpool’s initiative and look forward to identifying other ‘Accelerator Cities’ in the future.” 

    UK Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy MP, said: “I am proud and delighted that Liverpool – as famous for its cultural exports as it is for its maritime history – will be the UN’s first Accelerator City for climate change action.

    “I would especially like to congratulate the artists, scientists, providers and the city council who have made huge efforts and driven innovative solutions to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and are having their work recognised in this way. Dynamic projects like these are completely in line with our mission for the UK to become global leaders in this action once again, and with our efforts to boost clean, green, highly skilled jobs at home to drive economic growth and achieve clean power by 2030.”

    Robert Del Naja, (3D – Massive Attack), said: “Our recent Bristol show demonstrated beyond question that major live music events can be Paris 1.5 compatible, and that audiences will embrace change enthusiastically. The vast scope of work in Liverpool and UN recognition means we can now concentrate more dynamic pilots and experiments to rapidly phase out fossil fuels. This idea and this insistence are not going back in any box. We’re delighted to see artists like Coldplay testing elements like localised ticket pre-sales and 100% renewable energy as recommended in the Tyndall Centre Paris 1.5 decarbonisation road map and encourage other artists to do so freely. The talking stage is over, it’s time to act.”    

    Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:  ‘Liverpool has redefined the transformative power of culture over the past 25 years by blending imagination and innovation with a passion to deliver amazing results – be it staging the best-ever Eurovision to playing a leading role in the UK’s recovery from Covid. Now we’re ready to apply all of our best efforts to tackling the biggest challenge humanity faces and we are deeply honoured the UN has recognised our commitment to decarbonise our cultural sector and appointed Liverpool as the World’s First “Accelerator City” for Climate Action.

    “What is so fantastic about this status, is not just the plans we have to help decarbonise music, events and filming, but also the way that this project will educate and motivate audiences through something they really care about – music and entertainment. Liverpool is a city that has always strived to innovate and inspire, and this award recognises that on a global scale.“

    Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Liverpool has always been a city of firsts but being named the world’s first ‘Accelerator City’ is huge for our region, and another example of how we’re leading the charge on climate action. We’re not just talking about change; we’re making it happen. By bringing innovation to the sectors that define us—like music, film and TV —we’re showing the world how culture can drive real, meaningful climate action. Together, we’re proving that the Liverpool City Region isn’t just making headlines; it’s helping to write the playbook for building a fairer, greener future a reality for everyone.”

    Matt Scarff, Managing Director BAFTA Albert, said: “The screen industries are uniquely placed to help drive forward the vital progress and innovation needed to protect the future of our planet. BAFTA albert is proud to support this brilliant UN initiative and support the city of Liverpool as we work to make it a hub of sustainable creativity for generations to come.”

    Professor Carly McLachlan, Director of Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, said: “This city level action to transform live music and film and TV production is really exciting in its ambition and the critical combination of collaboration and regulation. We need to move fast on decarbonisation and that means innovation and new ways of working, but crucially it also means sharing learning, getting the right infrastructure in place and ratcheting up minimum standards. Liverpool’s global recognition as such a culturally rich city make it a brilliant location to demonstrate to the world how things can be done differently.”                                                         

    Dale Vince OBE, Founder of Ecotricity, said: “Big congrats to Liverpool, leading the way by adopting Act 1.5 across the city. We’ve been working with Massive Attack on the music side and with partners in film and tv production to show that it’s possible for the live event sector to operate this way – that’s important not just for the sake of its own … footprint but because of the platform it has – we can reach huge amounts of people this way and show them there is another way to live.  I love the scale and the ambition.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Germany: Current monetary policy topics | Speech at the Commerzbank AG event “Geldpolitik in Zeiten der Inflation”

    Source: Deutsche Bundesbank in English

    Check against delivery.
    1 Words of welcome
    Ladies and gentlemen,
    I hope you have recharged your batteries after the summer and a holiday break, despite the eventful days we can look back on. Perhaps you are still relishing the sporting highlights you experienced from the comfort of your own armchair: the thrill of watching the Olympic Games and the Paralympics on TV at home.
    A “sports programme” of a somewhat different variety now awaits us: a broad repertoire of topics to cover in a short allotted speaking time. Let’s begin by discussing three questions that are always of crucial importance: Where is economy activity heading? Where is inflation heading? And where is monetary policy heading? These will be followed by three topics specific to monetary policy: balance sheet reduction, the changed operational framework for monetary policy, and monetary and fiscal policy interactions.
    2 Economic activity
    Let’s kick off with the economic situation as well as the outlook for the economy. German economic output shrank by 0.1% in the second quarter of this year, after expanding slightly at the beginning of the year. The main drags on activity were weak investment and the construction sector, but exports and private consumption contracted somewhat as well.
    Increased financing costs continued to squeeze investment activity, thus crimping domestic demand for industrial goods and construction work. Private investment also faced headwinds stemming from the intense uncertainty surrounding economic policy. On top of that, there was a countereffect in construction activity following the mild weather conditions in the first quarter. Moreover, industry in Germany is still feeling the pinch of weak foreign demand. Capacity utilisation in industry is now significantly below average, and that, too, is depressing investment.
    All these factors combined mean the domestic economy has been treading water since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine more than two years ago. Stagnation might be more or less on the cards for full-year 2024 as well if the latest forecasts by economic research institutes are anything to go by.
    Hopes that industrial activity might pick up in the second half of the year have dimmed considerably according to the sentiment indicators observed in recent months. And consumer restraint is looking more stubborn than our Bundesbank experts were expecting when we published our Forecast for Germany in June. For all this, though, it is still true to say that sharply rising wages, easing inflation and robust labour market developments are opening up more and more scope for spending. Households could leverage that scope to gradually step up their consumption. Looking ahead to next year, the economic research institutes are expecting to see tentative economic growth of between ½ and 1%. The Bundesbank will be publishing its new Forecast for Germany in December.
    Ladies and gentlemen, one point I have stressed on multiple occasions in the past is that we should not talk our country down as a business location. That is not to say, of course, that we should not pinpoint weaknesses and resolutely tackle problems. An overly pessimistic mindset can be damaging. But what can also be damaging is viewing a situation through rose-tinted spectacles or blindly trusting that everything will somehow fix itself of its own accord. There is no doubt that Germany is not seeing as much investment as we would like. And industry is struggling with a difficult competitive environment. Barriers need to be dismantled here.
    At this point, allow me to make a passing remark in light of recent events: if businesses are to get to grips with – and finance – their future challenges, we will need banks that are strong and robust. In any possible mergers, what matters is that the institution that comes about as a result is one that fits that bill in the best possible way.
    As far as the topic of barriers is concerned, I do not wish to go beyond my allotted time. Allow me, then, to run through just some of the initiatives that could boost the attractiveness of a business location: cutting as much red tape as possible, and speeding up administrative procedures like approval processes. As for greening the economy, policymakers should ensure greater planning security. Digital infrastructure and education, in particular, are in need of improvement. In addition, politicians should act to boost the labour supply because staff shortages are bound to worsen further as demographic change makes itself felt.
    Headlines claiming that Germany is a millstone around the neck of the euro area[1] make for unpleasant reading. But the simple fact is that when the largest Member State’s economy is weak, the average across the bloc will be depressed as a result. The euro area economy as a whole has gained some traction in the first two quarters of this year (recording quarter-on-quarter growth rates of 0.3% and 0.2%, respectively). In their latest projections, ECB staff are forecasting modest economic growth of 0.8% in full-year 2024, rising slightly to 1.3% next year.
    The outlook is uncertain, particularly given what remains a tense geopolitical environment. Neither in Ukraine nor in the Middle East has the situation eased. The outcome of the presidential election in the United States is another source of economic uncertainty. Last week’s TV debate gave us a taste of what is to come.Europe might end up losing out if, say, the United States adopts a more protectionist trade policy, takes government action to support the country as a business location, or turns its back on multilateral cooperation (on issues such as climate action, NATO and the WTO).
    There’s good news as well, though: the labour market in the euro area is as robust as ever, as unemployment hit an all-time low of 6.4% in July. Germany’s economy hasn’t recovered yet, so its labour market hasn’t improved, but nor did it deteriorate significantly. Because firms in Germany have largely refrained from scaling back their workforces during the ongoing spell of economic weakness, they see little need overall for new hires. Even if they are certainly finding it difficult to fill vacancies in some areas.
    An analysis by the ECB has found that labour hoarding – that is, keeping staff in reserve – is still above pre-pandemic levels in the euro area. Because profit margins were high at times, firms were able to hoard staff to a greater extent or for longer than usual when the situation or outlook deteriorated, the ECB noted.[2]
    If profit margins now start to normalise, they will probably reduce the scope for firms to undertake labour hoarding. In addition, labour hoarding suggests that there will be fewer hires than usual as the economy recovers. Instead, productivity is more likely to rise. The new projections include an increase in euro area labour productivity of around 1% in both 2025 and 2026, following stagnation in the current year and a decline of just under 1% last year. Taken in isolation, this would dampen unit labour costs and thus inflation.
    3 Inflation
    This brings us to question number two concerning the outlook for prices. On this point, the focus is not only on the weak productivity growth observed so far, but also on the strong wage growth at the current juncture. For Germany, the latest wage deals have increased pay levels significantly. And relatively high wage settlements look set to be reached in the forthcoming pay negotiations as well. Understandably, the trade unions are looking to achieve lasting compensation for the real wage losses accumulated over the past three years.
    Because inflation compensation bonuses will only be exempt from taxes and social contributions until the end of this year, the trade unions are now stepping up their demands for permanent wage increases. The still high willingness to strike and persistent widespread shortage of labour suggest that wage growth will remain comparatively strong. The longer-term outlook, too, indicates that labour scarcity in Germany wil
    l remain a key factor driving robust wage growth and thus high inflation in the domestic economy.
    In the euro area, growth in negotiated wages slowed significantly in the second quarter. However, this was due in part to a one-off effect in Germany (owing to inflation compensation bonuses paid out in the previous year but absent this year). The persistent labour market tightness in the euro area means that a quick let-up in wage dynamics is unlikely.
    With wage pressures easing only slowly, the disinflation process is proving to be slow and arduous. Right now, inflation is not yet where we on the ECB Governing Council want it to be. Headline euro area inflation stood at 2.2% in August, down from 2.6% one month earlier. That significant decline mainly came about due to energy prices. Whilst it is true that German inflation – as measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices – has reached 2.0%, I’m afraid to say that, for the time being, that level is probably not yet here to stay. Services inflation in the euro area is still worryingly high, coming in at 4.1% at last count. Core inflation has eased only marginally, dropping to 2.8%.
    According to the latest ECB staff projections, euro area price inflation will be back at the 2% mark at the end of 2025. The journey there remains uncertain and include a few bends. For instance, inflation rates are expected to edge somewhat higher again towards the end of this year due to energy prices being in decline in the fourth quarter of last year.
    Overall, though, we have made huge advances towards safeguarding price stability. As the disinflation process plays out, inflation expectations have also receded the way we want them to, and the risk of higher inflation expectations has diminished in the view of markets and surveyed experts. This would suggest that inflation expectations are well anchored. It is now up to us on the ECB Governing Council to prove our staying power. If we achieve that, we will soon make it over the finishing line.
    4 Monetary policy
    The third question I asked at the beginning has basically been answered: the phase of steep tightening was followed by nine months of unchanged key interest rates, after which the ECB Governing Council subsequently loosened the reins somewhat in June and now again in September.
    We don’t know yet how things will unfold, but it is certain that key interest rates will not go back down as quickly and sharply as they went up! The intervals between the potential moves may vary depending on the incoming data, as monetary policy must remain tight enough for long enough to ensure that the inflation rate returns to the 2% target over the medium term. Assumptions to that effect about key interest rates also form the basis for the ECB’s projections.
    Ladies and gentlemen, public opinions on the best time for an interest rate move vary. This is due, not least, to the fact that the risks cannot be clearly quantified and that monetary policy time lags are impossible to measure with certainty. It is important for me to see inflation stable at the 2% target as soon as possible. To get there, we will not pre-commit to any path in our decisions going forward. Instead, we will continue to examine incoming data with an open mind. We are not flying on autopilot when it comes to interest rate policy.
    4.1 Reducing the balance sheet
    I will now turn to the three topics specific to monetary policy. The key interest rates are the central lever with which to adjust the monetary policy stance. In addition, gradual balance sheet reduction also influences the direction of monetary policy. This is because the length of the balance sheet is ultimately driven by previous accommodative non-standard measures.
    Banks’ repayment of loans under the longer-term refinancing operations has thus far been the primary contributory factor towards reducing the Eurosystem’s total assets. Remaining outstanding funds borrowed under targeted longer-term refinancing operations (TLTROs) are now only relatively small (around €76 billion). Next week will be the penultimate maturity date, and in December of this year the last repayments of funds borrowed under TLTROs will be made.
    Moreover, the Eurosystem’s large bond holdings are gradually declining, by an average of €25 to €30 billion per month (since July 2023), through the discontinuation of reinvestments under the APP, the largest such purchase programme. Since July of this year, reinvestments under the pandemic emergency purchase programme (PEPP) have been reduced by an average of €7.5 billion per month and will also be fully discontinued at the end of 2024.
    The process of significantly shrinking current total assets of just under €6,500 billion is not done just yet. So far, the markets have taken the Eurosystem’s balance sheet reduction (starting from a peak of over €8,800 billion) in their stride. I am confident about the future, too.
    On the ECB Governing Council, I am one of those who has been advocating for reducing the Eurosystem’s footprint in financial markets. This process will take time. It is closely linked to how monetary policy is implemented and passed through to the financial markets. That is why I now wish to briefly address, as the second of my three topics specific to monetary policy, the changes to the operational framework for implementing monetary policy adopted in mid-March.
    4.2 Changes to the operational framework for implementing monetary policy
    You might be thinking: what a dry, hard-to-digest topic, and right after lunch to boot! However, addressing these seemingly annoying details is worth the time and effort. This is because the new operational framework for implementing monetary policy will determine how central bank liquidity is provided to banks in the future and how short-term money market rates will evolve going forward.
    With excess liquidity in the banking system declining, but still high for the time being, little will change at first: we will continue to regularly lend central bank liquidity to banks at the quantities demanded and a fixed interest rate, with a wide range of bonds and other claims being eligible collateral for these loans. The reserve ratio for determining banks’ non-remunerated compulsory deposits with the Eurosystem remains unchanged at 1%.
    On this very day, the gap between the main refinancing operations rate and the deposit facility rate narrowed from 50 to 15 basis points. This operational adjustment will incentivise bidding in the weekly tenders. Short-term money market rates are therefore likely to continue to evolve in the vicinity of the deposit facility rate, given limited fluctuations. In the process, we will observe the compatibility of our operational framework with market principles.[3]
    The ECB Governing Council also agreed to introduce, at a later stage, new structural longer-term refinancing operations and a structural portfolio of securities. These transactions are intended to make a contribution to covering the banking sector’s structural liquidity needs. But that is a way off yet. That’s because, as already mentioned, banks’ excess liquidity and Eurosystem bond holdings are still very sizeable.
    We will now gain experience and gather insights. A review of the key parameters of the operational framework is scheduled for 2026. However, adjustments can be made earlier if necessary.
    4.3 Monetary and fiscal policy interactions
    My third topic specific to monetary policy, monetary and fiscal policy interactions, is a perennial theme. Generally, the combination of the two policy areas determines how accommodative or restrictive the overall effect on the economy is.
    In some times of crisis, such as during the coronavirus pandemic, monetary and fiscal policy can work together in the pursuit of their respective objectives. In times of high inflation, however, there may be potential for conflict. At the very least, fiscal policy should not undermine a restrictive monetary policy in the fight against inflation, but rather support it as much as possible.This year and next, the euro area fiscal stance is likely to have a roughly neutral effect, i.e. not generate any additional inflationary pressure. However, the expiry of crisis support measures is the reason why the deficit ratio is expected to decline. Seen from this perspective, fiscal policy is not restrictive.
    The ECB projects that the euro area debt ratio will remain close to 90%. In some Member States, government debt is worryingly high, with no signs of a trend reversal happening any time soon. Monetary policy should ignore this. This is because the Member States will have to be able to deal with the interest rate level that is warranted from a monetary policy perspective. Governments ought to brace themselves for higher interest rate levels.
    The new EU fiscal rules entered into force at the end of April. However, it is not yet clear what concrete requirements for fiscal consolidation will follow. In July, the existence of excessive deficits was established for seven countries, including the euro area countries France, Italy, Belgium, Slovakia and Malta. It will be crucial to implement the new rules in such a way that high debt ratios actually fall. This would require setting ambitious targets, and governments would then have to comply with them more ambitiously than in the past.
    Setting priorities will remain the key fiscal policy challenge at any rate And this will not get any easier if additional expenditure, for example for climate action, defence or in view of demographic pressures, is moved higher on the priority list.
    This is true even in Germany, where the debt ratio is no longer far from the 60% limit. In this case, it may indeed make sense to expand the fiscal scope somewhat by means of a moderate reform of the debt brake just as long as Germany complies with the European debt rules. The Bundesbank has put forward proposals to achieve that goal.
    5 Concluding remarks
    Ladies and gentlemen,
    After three questions and three topics, I would like to end with a triad. Democracy, freedom and openness are core values on which our society, our daily coexistence, and our prosperity are based. We are living in challenging times. This is exemplified by the elections in France and three eastern German federal states as well as, this coming November, in the United States. For the future, it remains to be hoped that we can maintain democracy, freedom and openness as a secure basis.
    Thank you for your attention.

    Footnotes:
    Konjunktur: Wirtschaft in Euro-Zone wächst – jedoch nicht in Deutschland (wiwo.de), Wirtschaft in Euro-Zone wächst trotz Bremsklotz Deutschland 0,2 Prozent (msn.com)
    European Central Bank, Higher profit margins have helped firms hoard labour, Economic Bulletin, Issue 4/2024, pp. 54‑58.
    See Nagel, J., Reflections on the Eurosystem’s new operational framework | Deutsche Bundesbank, speech at the Konstanz Seminar on Monetary Theory and Monetary Policy, 16 May 2024.

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI German News –

  • MIL-OSI Reportage: BNZ brings back the branch experience

    Source: BNZ statements

    Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) today announced all of its branches across New Zealand will open at least five days a week by April 2025, in response to growing customer demand for more face-to-face interactions.

    Anna Flower, BNZ Executive Personal and Business Banking, says BNZ’s focus is on being available for our customers when they need us.

    “In recent years, we saw a massive shift in customer demand towards online and call centre services, which was accelerated hugely during the pandemic. We adapted quickly at that time by moving our bankers to where our customers needed us most, which saw us reduce the number of days many of our branches were open,” says Flower.

    “Post-Covid, customer preferences have continued to evolve, and in those moments that matter, such as starting a business, dealing with a bereavement, or buying a home, we’ve heard from our communities and our personal and business customers that they want more opportunities to talk to us face-to-face.

    “For those significant moments, we understand it’s the personal touch that counts. That’s why we’re bringing back 5 day a week opening to give customers access to our bankers’ expertise when and where they need us.

    “This means where there’s a BNZ branch near you, the doors will be open 9.30am until 4.00pm, a minimum of 5 days a week,” says Flower.

    The first BNZ branches to transition to opening five days a week are:

    • Feilding
    • Matamata
    • Oamaru
    • Te Awamutu
    • Thames
    • Te Puke
    • Wānaka

    The remaining branches will move to full week-day operating hours by April 2025.

    The post BNZ brings back the branch experience appeared first on BNZ Debrief.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Harnessing the Power of Integration: A Path to Prosperity in Central Asia

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    September 11, 2024

    Distinguished guests, I am delighted to be here in Bishkek on my first visit to the Kyrgyz Republic, in the heart of Central Asia.

    This region has been at the crossroads of civilizations for millennia. It is a mosaic of a rich cultural heritage, diverse peoples, and natural endowments that include spectacular mountains, lakes, rivers, and a rich biodiversity. It is also located very favorably at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. Needless to say, it is quite truly a unique region!

    As we gather here today to discuss the economic possibilities for the Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA) region, we all recognize that the world is changing rapidly, and this is a pivotal moment.

    It reminds me of another time of momentous opportunity, when the region gained independence in the 1990s. Since then, the CCA countries have made remarkable progress by unleashing their first wave of market- oriented reforms, generating higher growth and improving living standards.

    But new and unprecedented challenges have emerged. The Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath are only just in our rear-view mirrors, as the region confronts emerging challenges from climate change to regional conflicts. The global economy has also shifted with geoeconomic fragmentation emerging as a key risk.

    The theme of my remarks today is simple: in this changing world, raising living standards in the CCA region requires bold, concerted action.

    We must strengthen stability and resilience, promote regional integration, and launch a new wave of reforms. This is how we can unleash the full economic potential of the region and its vibrant young populations, accelerate growth, create jobs and open-up opportunities for generations to come.

    Building on Macroeconomic Stability

    It is important to remind ourselves of the global context as we consider what is needed to propel the region to the next level of economic growth and prosperity.

    The world economy has shown remarkable resilience in the face of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and an inflation surge. Global growth bottomed out at 2.3 percent in 2022 and is expected to rebound to 3.2 percent in 2024 and 3.3 percent in 2025. Initial fears of recession and uncontrolled wage-price spirals fortunately did not materialize and there is less economic scarring from the pandemic than anticipated.

    However, medium-term growth projections remain below historical averages. Persistence of inflation in parts of the world, geopolitical conflicts, and the gaps in structural reforms needed to promote efficient resource allocation remain critical challenges. Global inflation is projected to decline to 5.9 percent in 2024 and 4.5 percent in 2025, with advanced economies returning to inflation targets before emerging market and developing economies.

    The risks to the outlook are still considerable. Notably, geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts pose downside risks, potentially causing new price spikes. Other risks include rising trade protectionism, increasing inequality, and financial market volatility. At the same time, the fact that this year saw the hottest day on record for the planet serves as a stark reminder of daunting challenges due to climate change.

    Policymakers in the CCA region deserve full credit for navigating their economies through these turbulent times and maintaining macroeconomic stability. Rapid COVID virus containment, decisive policy actions, and robust international support have led to a swift recovery, with the region growing at 4.9 percent in 2023.

    Inflation fell in most CCA countries, including in the Kyrgyz Republic, amid exchange rate appreciations and a decline in commodity prices. Inflation remained more persistent in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan due to strong domestic demand, elevated inflation expectations, and energy price reforms in Kazakhstan.

    In the April Regional Economic Outlook, we projected a growth slowdown to 3.9 percent in 2024, but inflows of income, capital, and migrants from Russia, and rerouting of trade though the region have again boosted growth to impressive high single digits so far this year in oil importing CCA economies, including the Kyrgyz Republic. In Kazakhstan, on the other hand, growth is expected to slow to 3.1 percent in 2024 before picking up to 5.6 percent in 2025 as production increases from the Tengiz oil fields.

    Over the medium term, growth in the region is expected to moderate to under 4 percent and inflation stabilize in mid-single digits. Escalation of the war in Ukraine and the Gaza conflict, however, could cause commodity price volatility and a reversal of the recent trade patterns.

    Achieving macroeconomic stability is just a beginning. It is not sufficient to meet the aspirations of current and future generations.

    Now is the time for us to come together and take bold steps to unleash a new wave of reforms that will durably raise growth, create more jobs, and improve living standards. This requires reforms to increase productivity, strengthen resilience to shocks, and expand markets.

    While this is ambitious, it is within our reach as long as there is consensus to move ahead on this path. The current favorable macroeconomic conditions offer a promising window of opportunity because, as our research shows, structural reforms yield greater growth dividends during economic expansions.

    From Stability to Prosperity

    Historically, this region has been a vital link between Europe and Asia, serving as a conduit for trade, culture, and innovation.

    Today, regional integration can once again harness this potential. It can facilitate the freer movement of goods, services, capital, and people, increase market size and economic efficiency, and promote inclusive prosperity.

    Moreover, deepening ties within the region and global markets can foster stability and peace. Regional integration is therefore not just an opportunity, but an economic necessity.

    Reducing nontariff trade barriers, boosting infrastructure investment, and enhancing regulatory quality could increase trade by up to 17 percent on average in the CCA region, as our research shows. They can also improve market access and foster diversification.

    Transportation networks, such as roads, railways, and ports are essential to facilitate cross-border trade. The planned construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is an illustration of cross-country cooperation to improve connectivity between the East and the West, supporting the region’s ambition to regain its historical role. 

    You have abundant renewable energy resources in the region, including hydro, solar and wind power. Enhanced energy cooperation will help develop regional energy markets, ensure security, and create export opportunities. Collaborative projects, such as Kambarata-1, can help diversify the energy mix and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Critically, it can also improve water availability for neighboring countries.

    Both of these investments—the railway and Kambarata-1—hold enormous potential for regional development and connectivity. Collective effort in mobilizing expertise and financing is essential for full realization of this potential while sustaining macroeconomic stability that has been a hallmark of the region’s recent achievements.

    This brings me to the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the risks of climate change, which requires immediate and resolute actions from all of us.

    A Path to a Low-Carbon Future

    The CCA region is highly vulnerable to climate change. Temperatures are rising fast, and droughts and floods have become more frequent and severe, causing immense damage to crops, infrastructure and livelihoods. We estimate that unabated climate change could cause a loss of annual output of nearly 6.5 percent in the region by 2060.

    The good news is that these losses could be substantially reduced by joint actions to cut emissions, adapt to climate change, and manage the risks of transition to a low-carbon economy.

    The region must collaborate to promote green technologies, improve energy efficiency, and manage natural resources sustainably. Scaling back energy subsidies and introducing carbon-pricing mechanisms can contribute to global mitigation efforts. In this respect, the Kyrgyz Republic’s commitment to raising electricity tariffs and gradually eliminating energy subsidies is a shining example.

    Such decisive measures can enhance resilience to climate change and create higher-paying jobs–green jobs that pay 7 percent more on average.

    Reforms for Enhanced Growth and Stability

    To fully realize the benefits of regional integration, structural reforms are essential. Our research finds that such reforms could lift output by 5-7 percent in the next 4 to 6 years.

    Let me highlight a few key areas where structural reforms can help achieve this boost:

    A vibrant private sector is the engine of growth. Strengthening governance, property rights and the rule of law, and reducing the state footprint in the economy by simplifying regulations, fostering competition, and combating corruption will build confidence and attract private investment.

    Importantly, we find that governance reforms yield the highest growth dividends and amplify the positive impacts of other reforms. The implication is clear: governance reforms should be prioritized and accompanied by other reforms.

    Prudent management of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) is also critical. While some SOEs serve essential public-policy objectives and should remain in public hands, it is crucial that they operate efficiently and do not crowd out the private sector.

    In most cases, however, the private sector is more efficient in delivering goods and services and creating jobs. Therefore, privatization of non-essential SOEs can lead to more dynamic and competitive markets, enhancing growth and resilience.

    Investments in education, health, and digital infrastructure are vital to boost productivity. The full potential of the region’s young and dynamic population can only be unleashed through high quality education and healthcare.

    Enhancing digital infrastructure also offers vast opportunities for productivity growth, especially in a region with young people eager to embrace new technologies.

    As the CCA starts to reap the benefits of these reforms, it is equally important to ensure that growth benefits all segments of society, and the vulnerable are shielded from the impacts of energy subsidy reforms and climate change. Well-targeted social assistance is essential for reducing poverty and inequality.

    Benefits work best when they incentivize work and are targeted and timely to support adversely affected households during economic downturns but scale back when the recovery takes hold. Empowering women and promoting gender equality can unlock significant economic potential and contribute to more inclusive growth.

    IMF’s Commitment to CCA Stability and Growth

    The IMF has been a steadfast partner of the CCA region since its initial days of independence. We provide policy advice, financing, and technical assistance to help our members in the region stabilize their economies, develop sustainable growth, and reduce poverty.

    The IMF stands by all its member countries in both prosperous and challenging times. For example, our assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic helped our membership weather the crisis and lay the groundwork for recovery.

    To better support our member in the CCA, the IMF established the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Mongolia Regional Capacity Development Center. This center provides technical assistance and training to help countries in the region build stronger institutions and implement sound economic policies. It also represents our long-term commitment to the region’s development.

    Conclusion

    Let me conclude. Since its early days of independence, the CCA region has shown tremendous perseverance in laying the foundation of a prosperous, peaceful society.

    Today, you are confronting new global challenges that test the resilience and adaptability of your economies. Embracing continued market-oriented reforms is the most effective strategy to strengthen your economies. Now is the time to forge ahead with bold spirits.

    The IMF will continue to support your efforts, working in partnership for the benefit of all people in this region and beyond.

    Thank you.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100 Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/09/11/sp09112024-harnessing-power-integration-path-prosperity-central-asia-dmd-bo-li

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Germany: „We’ve ridden out the big wave of inflation” | Interview with F.A.Z.

    Source: Deutsche Bundesbank in English

    The interview was conducted by Christian Siedenbiedel.Translation: Deutsche Bundesbank
    Mr Nagel, is this terrible wave of inflation finally over?
    Yes, I believe this wave of inflation is coming to an end. In its initial phase, it was very challenging, or, as you put it, “terrible”. However, we in the euro area are now well on the way to sustainably achieving our inflation target of 2 %. Based on the Eurosystem projection from June, we should hit this target at the end of 2025. In Germany, the inflation rate of 2 % in August, as measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices, was a little deceptive, if only for purely technical reasons: the year-on-year rate, that is, compared with August 2023, was more favourable than in other months. We’ll be seeing somewhat higher rates again soon. But I think that we’re past the worst of it: we’ve ridden out the big wave.
    Is it still possible that inflation could get out of hand?
    I wouldn’t say so. Provided that we don’t see any more unexpected major shocks, like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, for example, then inflation should continue to trend towards 2 %. Nevertheless, we shouldn’t celebrate prematurely and start patting ourselves on the back. We haven’t quite hit our target yet. We must remain vigilant and be wary of the risks on the way back to stable prices – that is our job as a central bank.
    How seriously should we be taking the repeated upside surprises to services inflation?
    We are taking the higher inflation for services seriously. After all, services make up nearly half of the basket of consumer goods – that’s a lot. In Germany, the prices for services are still rising by around 4 % each year. Strong growth in wages is especially contributing to this. And we are expecting wage settlements in Germany to remain relatively high over the remaining course of 2024 as well. In annual terms, negotiated wages are likely to rise by around 6 %. While there is some fluctuation in the monthly figures, wage pressures in Germany will remain high overall for the time being.
    Given this state of affairs, do you think the ECB should risk lowering interest rates for a second time in September?
    On the ECB Governing Council, we have stressed that we will not pre-commit to any particular path of interest rates and that we will follow a data-dependent approach to our decisions. Following the interest rate reduction in June, it was a wise move to then wait and see in July and not cut rates any further. For this reason, I will really only be making up my mind at next week’s ECB Governing Council meeting, when I will have a full overview of all the data. As before, we are not flying on autopilot. But I’ll say one thing: I think inflation is making good progress.
    When interest rates were first cut in June, only the Governor of the Oesterreichische Nationalbank, Robert Holzmann, voted against the reduction. After all, the ECB had just been forced to adjust its inflation projections upward. Did you not have any concerns in cutting interest rates?
    No, I had no concerns in June. From my perspective, the interest rate step was justified by the data. They did not cast any doubt on the general direction of travel, that is, the decline in the inflation rate over a longer period of time. And our monetary policy is still tight, even after the cut in interest rates. However, I do, of course, respect the decision of my colleague Robert Holzmann.
    During his time as President, your predecessor Jens Weidmann was often the one who took on the role of the most hawkish member of the ECB Governing Council, the most strident advocate of tight monetary policy. How do you view your role on the Governing Council?
    Comparing two completely different situations is always difficult, and it should be up to others to evaluate my work. Our decisions on the Governing Council are reached as a team – one that strives to make responsible monetary policy for the euro area. I wish to seek out solutions together with my colleagues on the ECB Governing Council, which is why I focus more on the team as a whole than on individuals. I think we have done well on this score over the past two years: we have succeeded in bringing inflation down in a challenging environment.
    There are economists who fear that inflation could settle at a level noticeably above the ECB’s target of 2 % in the medium term. Do you think that the risk of there being structurally higher inflation in future can be completely ruled out?
    In this context, we must clearly distinguish between two things. First, there is the question of whether we are going to see stronger price pressures in the future. That’s something I can’t rule out. We are keeping close tabs on how certain developments are impacting on inflation – these include geopolitical developments, the green transformation and demographic developments. Some academics expect these developments to lead to pressure towards higher inflation rates. A different question altogether is whether inflation will be higher over the long term because of this. And I will be quite clear on this matter: that’s something monetary policymakers hold sway over. Our mandate is price stability.
    Would you then say that the ECB is partly to blame for inflation getting out of hand in recent years?
    I wouldn’t use the word blame in this context – I consider that to be the wrong category. Hindsight is always 20/20. What is certainly true is that at the end of 2021 – before I joined the ECB Governing Council – it was already foreseeable that the inflation rate would rise, and the ECB continued its asset purchases. In January 2022, prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we already had an inflation rate of 5 %, which was probably due in part to the coronavirus pandemic. As part of the ECB strategy review that has just begun, we will have to examine the role monetary policy measures, such as asset purchases, played during the low inflation period.
    Was it a sticking point that the ECB had committed to tapering asset purchases first before starting to raise interest rates? The economist Markus Brunnermeier mentioned this recently in a discussion with you. As a result, the central bank was unable to respond quickly enough with the interest rate hikes that inflation would have required …
    Back then, it was important to gradually ready financial markets for this reversal. This happened through a series of announcements starting from December 2021. If you look at developments in financial markets, then I’d say that the markets understood this communication and were prepared. The ECB thus succeeded in keeping the negative side effects often associated with changes in monetary policy relatively manageable.
    In your role as Bundesbank President, how do you view the economic situation in Germany at present. Is it being talked down?
    We are navigating an economic situation characterised by strong headwinds. Recent business communications make it clear that certain sectors are under pressure and need to take countermeasures. But I am very much against talking the situation down, because that stimulates exactly those developments that are being lamented.
    What do you mean by headwinds?
    As a large export economy, Germany is particularly hard hit by the geoeconomic changes happening at the moment. Let me give an example: we export especially large amounts to China, meaning that any slowdown in the economy there impacts us particularly hard. The uncertainty that we are seeing among consumers and firms is a factor as well. As a result, investment in machinery, equipment and vehicles fell by 4.1 % between the first and second quarter. Overall, economic output contracted by 0.1 % in the second quarter. That should serve as a wake-up call. We need to put growth front and centre, and that means investment needs to become a more attractive option again.
    So where might impetus to boost growth come from?
    I think the Federal Government’s growth initiative is on the right
    track: getting rid of bracket creep for taxpayers, cutting bureaucratic red tape, making improvements to depreciation on investments, but also bringing in measures to strengthen incentives to work. These are all sound steps. But, with the summer break over now, they actually need to be put into practice. Words have to be followed up with deeds. It is particularly important that politicians give a clear indication of where things are headed. If there is a dependable setting, firms will start investing more again. The debt brake could also stand to undergo moderate reform, in my view. The Bundesbank has put forward some proposals that would create a little more leeway, provided that Germany keeps to the EU’s rules on debt. But now it’s up to politicians to take action.
    How concerned are you by what has happened in Thuringia and Saxony?
    I find it very unsettling. Democracy, freedom, openness, including to people from other countries – these are core values. When these are being called into question, we at the Bundesbank cannot just look on dispassionately, either; we need to take a clear stand. A central bank also has a responsibility to society in this regard. And, as you know, we at the Bundesbank have just had renowned historians probe the history of central banking in Germany between 1924 and 1970. I worry when I read about calls for Germany to exit the European Union or leave the monetary union. That sort of thing jeopardises Germany’s position as a business location; it undermines European cohesion. And it’s harmful to our prosperity.
    The Bundesbank itself is in the midst of profound change. The plan for the new Central Office in Frankfurt was pared back, there are to be no new high-rises, and eight out of 31 branches are set to be closed. Where do things stand – is more on the way?
    Well, that’s already a fair amount that we have planned. This is about making the Bundesbank fit for the future. But it’s also about the Bundesbank’s duty to uphold cost-efficiency. Together with our staff representation committees, we have agreed to let staff work up to 60 % of their hours from home. That has allowed us to significantly downsize our construction plans for Frankfurt. In terms of office space, we can even do without new builds entirely. And we will be designing our future open-plan workspaces in a manner befitting a modern institution. We need to reduce the number of branches because of the trend decline in the use of cash. But the closures will be planned with a long lead time and carried out in a socially responsible way. And we will make sure that the cash supply throughout Germany remains fully intact at all times in future.
    So what do the Bundesbank’s staff have to say when they find out they will no longer have their own office in future under these plans?
    When the employees first set eyes on their new office environment, there’s bound to be plenty who say it is really great. Despite the success of working from home, it has also taught us how important it is to engage with others. This is tremendously helpful in fulfilling the Bundesbank’s tasks, and that often works better in open-plan workspaces than behind closed doors. It will of course still be possible to go into a quiet space for a while when concentrated individual work is required.
    You have also announced your intention to use AI to a greater extent, for example in inflation forecasts. Have there been any successes yet in this regard?
    Yes, we are already trialling quite a few things on this front, for example in the area of short-term inflation forecasting. For very complex problems, in particular – which we at the Bundesbank are often confronted with – AI delivers an initial assessment very quickly. We are also already using it to prepare for our meetings. However, for us it is important that AI remains just a tool. People continue to bear responsibility. We remain in the driving seat.
    The ECB is currently reviewing its monetary policy strategy again. What would you consider to be important here?
    One thing we need to do is to reflect on the past: what was good about the non-standard monetary policy measures, and what was bad? A critical look in the rear-view mirror is important in order to check our use of instruments going forward. Are we well equipped in this context? What topics will be relevant in future?
    Would you also want to talk about the inflation target of 2 %?
    A review of the inflation target is not on our agenda. We have fared very well with our inflation target of 2 %, also of late. I see no reason to change the target in the current situation.
    There was much debate at the time – especially in Germany – about the ECB’s multi-trillion euro asset purchases. Some central bank staff even resigned over the matter. What is your view of this now, after a few years of experience and the realisation of high operating losses at the Bundesbank?
    Obviously I would also rather announce profits, and indeed we did have profits over many years. Now, however, we will have to deal with a few years of losses – and we will manage. This is, incidentally, a topic that we communicated at a very early stage. After all, when monetary policymakers purchase assets on a large scale, it is clear that rising interest rates will impact the central bank balance sheet. And this is indeed what has happened. We had to raise interest rates sharply. As the largest central bank in the Eurosystem, the Bundesbank has to shoulder the greatest burden. In the current year, we could potentially see a magnitude similar to that of 2023. Since we have virtually exhausted our risk provisions, we will have to make use of loss carryforwards in the coming years. Nevertheless, an important aspect for me is that the Bundesbank will return to profitability in future. The Bundesbank’s balance sheet is sound as we have large revaluation reserves. For this reason, there is no need for anyone to worry – the Bundesbank does not need any additional capital.
    And what’s your takeaway for the asset purchases? Should this instrument be abolished?
    One should certainly exercise caution with regard to substantial asset purchases at the zero lower bound. When it comes to safeguarding price stability, it should remain an exceptional instrument for exceptional circumstances. I hope that such exceptional circumstances do not occur again in the foreseeable future. I at least don’t see any signs of this happening. The substantial monetary policy asset purchases were associated with numerous side effects in financial markets. In the strategy review I am calling for a clear delineation of asset purchases at the zero lower bound – we mustn’t overuse this instrument.
    © FAZ. All rights reserved.

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  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Lords committee calls for major overhaul of public inquiries

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

    Overhaul inquiries to make them more efficient and effective, says House of Lords committee in new report.

    Public inquiries are set up to consider incidents of major public concern, such as the Grenfell Tower fire, the Post Office Horizon scandal and the Covid-19 pandemic.

    The Statutory Inquiries Committee has been considering the way these inquiries work. In its new report it found inefficiencies leading to delays and unnecessary costs. It calls on the government to conduct a major overhaul, including supporting an independent body responsible for following up on recommendations and ensuring that those accepted by the government are implemented.

    Find out more and read the report in full https://ukparliament.shorthandstories.com/statutory-inquiries-lords-report/index.html?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=statutory-inquiries-report&utm_content=lords-youtube-channel

    #HouseOfLords #PublicInquiries

    Catch-up on House of Lords business:

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

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

    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords
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    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qn3m8XQISfg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Quarterly Housing Statistics in the year to end of June 2024

    Source: Scottish Government

    An Accredited Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.

    There was a 17% decrease in all sector housebuilding starts and completions between 2023 and 2024 (year ending June).

    In the 12 months ending June 2024, there were 19,293 homes built and 15,296 new builds started. All sector completions and starts were 17% lower than the previous 12 months.

    The private sector built 14,240 homes and the social sector built 5,053 homes. In terms of starts, building work on 11,795 was started by the private sector and 3,501 homes by the social sector.

    Excluding 2020 (where Covid-19 impacted housebuilding) completions were the lowest since the year to end of June 2018 and starts the lowest since the year to end of June 2013 in both the social and private sector.

    In terms of the Affordable Housing Supply Programme, in the year to the end of June 2024, there were 6,966 approvals, 6,422 starts, and 9,295 completions of affordable homes. The number of completions and starts were down by 14% (-1,556 homes) and 10% (-734 homes) respectively compared to the year to end June 2023. However, approvals increased by 15% (+906) between 2023 and 2024 (year ending June).

    These statistics are used to inform progress against Scottish Government affordable housing delivery target to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, of which at least 70% will be for social rent and 10% will be in rural and island communities. By June 2024, 22,743 affordable homes have been completed towards the target. These completions consist of 17,289 (76%) homes for social rent, 3,219 (14%) for affordable rent, and 2,235 (10%) for affordable home ownership.

    Background

    Housing Statistics for Scotland Quarterly Update

    Background information including Excel tables and explanatory information on data sources and quality can be found in the Housing Statistics webpages.

    Official statistics are produced in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Justice Social Work Statistics: 2023-24

    Source: Scottish Government

    An Accredited Official Statistics Publication for Scotland

    The Chief Statistician has released part 1 of the 2023-24 justice social work statistics. This includes information on justice social work services, as well as characteristics of the people involved. Part 2 will be published in early 2025.

    The number of diversion from prosecution cases commenced rose by 28 per cent between 2022-23 and 2023-24 from 2,600 to 3,400. This was the highest level in the last ten years.

    The number of bail supervision cases rose by 17 per cent between 2022-23 and 2023-24 to 1,300. This was the highest in the last ten years.

    There were 1,400 structured deferred sentences imposed in 2023-24. This was eight per cent more than in 2022-23 and the highest in the last six years.

    There were 1,100 statutory custody-based throughcare cases commenced in 2023-24, 18 per cent up on 940 in 2022-23. This was the highest in the last ten years.

    The number of statutory community-based throughcare cases commenced was 870 in 2023-24, three per cent down on 890 in 2022-23. This was the 2nd lowest level in the last ten years.

    Background

     Full statistical publication. Full statistical publication

    Accredited official statistics are produced in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics.

     Justice social work statistics has been split into two parts for the first time this year. The splitting of the publication allows the reporting of part of the annual data collection to be provided to users about four months earlier.

     This part 1 publication provides statistics on the following areas of justice social work:

    • – Diversion from prosecution
    • – Fiscal work orders
    • – Bail supervision
    • – Structured deferred sentences
    • – Statutory/voluntary throughcare
    • – Pre-release reports
    • – Home detention curfew assessments
    • – Court-based services

    Information is provided for 2023-24 and, where possible, for the years back to 2014-15, in order to show trends over the last ten years. Tables at local authority area level, which have been updated to include 2023-24, have also been published. For part 1 topics, these tables contain ten years of data.

    The trend data supplied in the publication was impacted by the Coronavirus (Covid) pandemic. There were significant public health measures, including two national lockdowns, in place during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 recording years. For example, many courts were temporarily closed early in 2020-21 and there was reduced capacity when courts reopened. This means that statistics for most areas of justice social work were impacted in 2020-21 and 2021-22. Caution is advised in comparing data from these two years with other years.

    Further statistics on Justice Social Work

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: WHO and multilateral development banks kick off US$ 1.5 billion primary health financing platform with new funds and launch of first investment plans in 15 countries

    Source: European Investment Bank

    Execution is starting under the new Health Impact Investment Platform on the first country health investment plans turning original commitment into operational reality. The landmark partnership between Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), the World Health Organization (WHO) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is addressing the critical need for coordinated efforts to strengthen primary healthcare (PHC) in vulnerable and underserved communities to build resilience against pandemic threats like mpox and the climate crisis.

    At the high-level roundtable meeting in New York on the margins of the UN Summit of the Future in New York today, new funding was signed, and it was agreed that the partners will sit down and start identifying needs and planning health care improvements in 15 countries*.

    The roundtable was attended by the partnership’s three founding MDBs – the African Development Bank (AfDB), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) –,WHO and the heads of state, as well as finance and health ministers from Djibouti, Egypt and Ethiopia. The Asian Development Bank also attended the high-level meeting and announced their intention to join the Health Impact Investment Platform in order to expand the initiative into the regions where it operates.

    The EIB and WHO signed an initial contribution of € 10 million to kick start the implementation of these investment plans. The Islamic Development Bank and the African Development Bank are finalizing their contributions for the same amount that will be signed in the near future.

    The platform is a key part of an effort to unlock € 1.5 billion in concessional loans and grants to expand and improve primary health-care services in low- and middle-income countries, especially in the most vulnerable communities. The investment plans now being developed in these 15 countries, as a phase 1, are expected to make up a significant proportion of that financing effort.

    The platform aims to work in close partnership with governments to develop national health strategies focused on primary health care and on prioritizing investment opportunities that meet national health needs. Today’s kick-off comes one year after the platform was announced during the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in Paris.

    Dr Ibrahima Sy, Minister of Health, Republic of Senegal said, “it’s important to bring in private sector, local communities and different forms of financing to drive health progress. The involvement of WHO, multilateral development banks and countries is critical to guiding the investments from this Platform to deliver primary health care on the ground and develop local vaccine manufacturing capacity.” 

    Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, Minister of Health of Uganda said, “I congratulate you for coming up with this very important platform. All our issues are actually based at primary health care level, whether it comes to disease outbreaks, whether it comes to health access, everything is at the primary health care level, and our diseases start there and end there.”

    “Primary health care is the most equitable, cost-effective and inclusive way to improve health and well-being, helping to keep people healthy, prevent diseases, and detect outbreaks at their earliest stage,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The Health Impact Investment Platform will be a vital source of new financing to build climate and crisis-resilient primary health care in some of the countries that need it most. WHO thanks the multilateral development banks for their partnership, and we are committed to working closely with the countries to put these funds to work and start making a difference in the communities we serve.”

    Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank, said: “One year ago, we launched the Health Impact Investment Platform, and today we are taking the next steps with our contribution to help countries develop their tailored investment plans. Supporting primary health-care services is the foundation of strong communities. Working closely with fellow Multilateral Development Banks and partner countries, guided by the expertise of the World Health Organization, we are making a difference.”

    “The health security of the world is only as strong as its weakest part, and the new funds announced today will help countries improve primary healthcare, which is critical to stopping disease outbreaks in their tracks,” said Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships. “In addition to the funds, the Platform will strengthen partnerships between countries and funders to ensure funds are effectively invested.”

    Before the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO estimated that to reach the health-related Sustainable Development Goals, low- and low-middle income countries needed to increase their health spending significantly and require an additional US$ 371 billion annually combined by 2030. This funding would allow populations to access health services, contribute to building new facilities and train and place health workers where they need to be. It has also been estimated that preparing for future pandemics will require investment in the order of US$ 31.1 billion annually. Approximately one third of that total would have to come from international financing.

    The new Platform builds on experience gained through cooperation between countries, multilateral organizations and development banks that proved fruitful during the pandemic. For example, WHO, the EIB and the European Commission supported Angola, Ethiopia and Rwanda in strengthening their health systems. Initially launched as stand-alone programmes or as part of the countries’ response to COVID-19, these interventions mobilized technical assistance, grants and investments with advantageous terms to build up or implement primary health care related interventions.

    *15 countries identified as part of phase one of the Health Impact Investment Platform are:

    • Burundi
    • Central African Republic 
    • Comoros
    • Djibouti
    • Egypt
    • Ethiopia 
    • Gambia
    • Guinea Bissau 
    • Jordan
    • Maldives
    • Morocco
    • Senegal
    • South Sudan 
    • Tunisia 
    • Zambia 

    Background information

    About the World Health Organization

    The World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations’ specialized agency for health. It is an inter-governmental organization and works in collaboration with its Member States usually through the Ministries of Health. The World Health Organization is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.

    Media contact: mediainquiries@who.int  

    About the African Development Bank Group

    The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 37 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states.

    About the European Investment Bank

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It finances sound investment contributing to EU policy goals. The EIB’s activities focus on the following priority areas: climate and environment, development, innovation and skills, small and medium-sized businesses, infrastructure, and cohesion. The EIB works closely with other institutions and has provided total financing of more than € 42 billion for healthcare-related projects around the world since it started investing in the sector in 1997.  

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: China: Re-detention of activist Zhang Zhan highlights Beijing’s intolerance of dissent – Amnesty International

    Source: Amnesty International

    Chinese authorities must end their persecution of the citizen journalist Zhang Zhan, Amnesty International said after the activist was re-detained less than four months after being freed from prison.

    Zhang Zhan, who is being held at the Pudong New District Detention Centre in Shanghai, appears to have been targeted because she has continued to advocate for human rights since her release from jail on 13 May.

    “The depressingly predictable re-detention of Zhang Zhan is the culmination of the government’s ongoing campaign of harassment against her, even after she was ‘freed’ from prison. Since being released, Zhang has been subjected to surveillance that has intensified over the past month,” Amnesty International’s China Director, Sarah Brooks, said.

    “This latest detention underscores the Chinese authorities’ intractable intolerance of dissent and of Zhang Zhan herself, who despite being unjustly jailed has continued to raise her voice in solidarity with other human rights activists since being released. She has been re-detained because she refused to be silenced.”

    Following her release in May, Zhang Zhan expressed concern that her online speech was being monitored by authorities.

    According to information received by Amnesty International, she was regularly and repeatedly taken in for police questioning over the past month, with some interrogations lasting over 10 hours.

    In late August, it was reported that she traveled from Shanghai to the northwestern province of Gansu to show solidarity with other human rights defenders. Shortly thereafter, during a visit to her hometown in Shaanxi, she suddenly became unreachable; civil society reported that she had been taken into custody by police from Shanghai, well over 1000km away.

    “On 2 September, Zhang Zhan marked her 41st birthday – her first since being released. Yet instead of celebrating this hard-won reunion with her family, she has spent her fifth successive birthday deprived of liberty,” Sarah Brooks said.

    “We urge the Chinese authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Zhang Zhan and ensure that she is granted full freedom and protection from any form of surveillance or harassment.”

    Background

    Zhang Zhan is a Chinese citizen journalist was who jailed for reporting on the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic in Wuhan.

    A former lawyer, she travelled to Wuhan in February 2020 to provide on-the-ground information about what was happening there. She posted on social media about how government officials had detained independent reporters and harassed families of Covid-19 patients.

    She went missing in Wuhan in May 2020. It later emerged that she had been taken by the Chinese authorities and detained in Shanghai, where she was convicted of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble” after a sham trial.

    On 13 May of this year, after completing a four-year prison sentence, Zhang Zhan was released. However, since her release, she has been subjected to strict surveillance and continuous harassment by the authorities.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Asia Pacific – Singapore contributes to regional health emergency readiness through achieving Emergency Medical Team classification

    Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

    SINGAPORE, 12 September 2024 – Singapore’s Emergency Medical Team (EMT), known as SGEMT, today joined the ranks of quality-assured EMT,  prepared for self-sufficient and high-quality response to a wide range of health emergencies. This builds on years of work by Singapore’s government to support emergency response regionally and globally. The classification followed two days of intense evaluation by a team of expert peer reviewers from EMTs in China and Thailand, along with EMT experts from the World Health Organization (WHO).

    Ensuring that Singapore is now able to deploy emergency responders to outbreaks or emergency events anywhere in the world, reflects the country’s commitment to advancing health security. SGEMT’s operational readiness reflects a whole-of-government effort that involves collaboration across multiple departments: health services, crisis strategy and operations, foreign affairs, military and civil defence forces.

    WHO’s EMT Global Classification is a quality assurance mechanism, using external peer review to assess compliance against international principles and standards. The process ensures that emergency medical teams are composed of trained team members, have appropriate equipment, are fully self-sufficient, and are well-integrated within national health systems when deployed for emergency response. This mechanism enables safe and high-quality medical care to be provided during public health emergencies are well-integrated within local health systems. This quality assurance mechanism enables the highest quality of medical care to be administered during any public health emergency.

    Enabling a network of emergency workforce across borders

    Members of classified emergency medical teams form an integral part of the global health emergency workforce, comprising a network of trained and equipped emergency responders that can surge when required and requested by affected countries. The EMT Initiative, hosted by WHO, aligns with global efforts to standardize quality and enhance interoperability between national, regional, and global emergency workforce capacities.

    EMT classification advances WHO’s Global Health Emergency Corps (GHEC) vision of a trained health emergency workforce centred in countries and coordinated regionally, as well as globally. GHEC provides a uniformly trained and globally connected emergency workforce corps that can effectively respond, as one cohesive unit, during a health emergency.

    Reiterating the value of global health emergency corps, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, noted: “In our interconnected world, efforts to build national emergency workforce capacities, simultaneously advance global health security. Initiatives like Emergency Medical Teams, ensure that countries are ready to respond with their own national emergency workforce during an emergency, and that they can access trusted networks of emergency responders across borders, when required.”

    The COVID-19 pandemic drove home the need for all countries to have emergency response capacities, a highly trained national workforce and access to essential technology and equipment. Through the Global Health Emergency Corps (GHEC) collaborations between surge capacities such as emergency medical teams and rapid response teams, and other emergency response networks such as the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) expand countries’ capacities to diagnose faster and treat quicker.

    With the classification of the Singapore EMT, the Western Pacific now hosts 13 of 41 internationally classified EMTs, and national teams have been developed in  nearly every Member State across the Region, from Mongolia in the far north to New Zealand in the south, and in both the largest and smallest countries. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore, who attended the EMT verification process shared: “EMTs form a crucial resource for countries in the Western Pacific and the world at large that require deployable clinical capacity to reach remote and emergency-affected communities.” EMTs in the Region have supported multiple emergency response efforts, including for COVID-19, measles outbreaks, cyclones, earthquakes and even a volcanic eruption and tsunami.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Businesses increase asset investment despite economic uncertainty – CBA

    Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

    CBA data shows small and medium-sized businesses are taking a long view on the economy, investing in their productive capacity.

    Businesses are continuing to invest in their operations despite the slower economy, with data from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s business bank showing a 15 per cent uplift in vehicle and equipment financing compared to the same period last year.1

    Motor vehicle purchases have been a key driver (up 55 per cent), as supply chains continue to improve post-Covid and new stock becomes available. Among this category, loans for hybrid vehicles increased fivefold (533 per cent) in the past financial year, and electric vehicles were up 254 per cent. Financing for light commercial vehicles such as utes, vans and light trucks – a category that is particularly popular with small business customers – rose 27 per cent.

    Businesses are also investing in shop and office fit-outs, with financing for shelving and furniture fittings up 25 per cent.

    Financing activity has been particularly strong in areas like Health & Community services (up 35 per cent), Education (up 24 per cent) and Manufacturing (18 percent).

    “Australia’s economic fundamentals are sound, and there are reasons for optimism about the future, but inflation and other global risks contribute to uncertainty that’s rightly prompting business owners to take steps to ensure their operations are future-fit and resilient,” said Grant Cairns, Executive General Manager Business Lending at Commonwealth Bank.

    “While companies are navigating ongoing pressure from rising cost of doing business, we are seeing many business owners taking the long view on the economy and investing in their operations.”

    As motor vehicles are one of the most common asset investments for small and medium-sized businesses, CommBank has collaborated with Carsales to launch a car buying service via the CommBank app or Netbank to help make finding and financing a car or electric vehicle easier for both business owners and individuals.

    A ute with equipment tray parked next to a construction site

    “We are very focused on ensuring access to capital to help drive productive capacity across the country,” Mr Cairns said.

    “For small and medium-sized businesses, this means making it simpler and easier to access funds and we’ve cut our funding time-to-decision by 20 per cent to provide that support faster.”

    Mr Cairns said the bank has also worked to automate and digitise its business lending products, including business overdrafts, which are now available to eligible small business customers via a fully automated online application process that can see funds credited to their account in as little as eight minutes.

    Still, Mr Cairns said, while many businesses were looking to invest, that wasn’t the case for all, and some businesses were doing it tough amid higher cost of living.

    “While there are these pockets of strength and optimism across the economy, we know that the economic climate is challenging some businesses more than others, and we have tailored support available for those who are doing it tough.

    “We have been proactively reaching out to hundreds of thousands of our business customers to check in on them and ensure that those who need support know how to access it and understand what measures are available and that we’re here to help,” he said.

    CBA has a range of measures are available for those who need support including deferred business loan repayments or debt restructuring. More information is available on our website.

    Businesses seeking support can speak to their Relationship Manager or call CBA’s dedicated Business Financial Assistance team, available 24/7, on 13 26 07.
     

    Footnote:

    [1] CBA asset finance data FY24 vs same period of FY23

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: President  Biden and Vice President Harris Are Delivering for Latino  Communities

    Source: The White House

    Since Day One, the Biden-Harris Administration has worked to ensure every community—including Latino communities—can access a quality education, obtain a good-paying job, own a home, start a business, and afford high-quality health care. This National Hispanic Heritage Month, President Biden and Vice President Harris celebrate and honor the rich contributions of Latinos and remain committed to ensuring every family has a shot at the American Dream.

    Growing Economic Prosperity for Latino Communities

    The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda has created five million jobs for Latino workers—achieving a historically low Latino unemployment rate, reported at 5.5% through August 2024, down from 8.6% when the President and Vice President took office. The Biden-Harris Administration has delivered record economic results for Latinos, including:

    • Hispanic business ownership is up 40%–growing at the fastest rate in 30 years.
    • Doubled the number of Small Business Administration-backed loans to Latino-owned businesses in FY 2023 compared to FY 2020.
    • Cut mortgage interest premiums for Federal Housing Administration loans, saving over 185,000 Latino homeowners more than $1,000 per year.
    • Achieved the largest increase in homeownership rates for Hispanic homeowners versus the previous year and took historic action to root out home appraisal bias, which contributes to the wealth gap by unfairly undervaluing homes owned by Latinos and in majority-Latino neighborhoods
    • Awarded nearly $11 billion in Federal contracts to Latino-owned small businesses in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, an increase of nearly $1 billion since FY 2020.
    • Increased funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant program—the major Federal child care grant program—by almost 50% to serve half a million more children, and issued a rule to cap out-of-pocket child care costs in that program at 7% of income, saving about 100,000 low-income families over $200 a month on average.
    • Expanded the Child Tax Credit (CTC) under the American Rescue Plan, which helped cut Latino child poverty nearly in half to a record low of 8.4% in 2021—lifting 1.2 million Latino children out of poverty that year and bringing the gap between Latino and white child poverty rates to a historic low.  President Biden and Vice President Harris continue to call on Congress to restore the full expanded CTC expanded benefit so that millions of children can be lifted out of poverty. The Biden-Harris Administration also modernized SNAP benefits for the first time since 1975, lifting about 700,000 Latino families, including 360,000 Latino children, out of poverty each month.
    • Took action to establish the first-ever Federal heat safety standard in workplaces combatting extreme weather to protect 36 million farmworkers, construction workers, manufacturing workers, and others.
    • Invested more than $140 billion to drive an economic turnaround in Puerto Rico—creating more than 100,000 jobs and lowering the unemployment rate to 5.8%, near its lowest level ever. The American Rescue Plan also permanently made Puerto Rican families eligible for the same Child Tax Credit as other Americans, making nearly 90% of Puerto Rican families newly eligible for the credit.

    Ensuring Equitable Educational Opportunity for Latino Students

    President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that every student in this country deserves access to a high-quality education and a fair shot at the American Dream. This Administration has taken action to expand educational opportunities and improve college affordability for all students, including:

    • Invested a record over $15 billion in Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs)— the largest investment in U.S. history.
    • Signed an Executive Order establishing a President’s Advisory Board and White House Initiative on HSIs to coordinate Federal resources and bolster collaboration between institutions.
    • Secured a $900 increase to the maximum Pell Grant award—the largest increase in the past decade, helping the over 50% of Latino college students who rely on Pell Grants.
    • Approved the cancellation of almost $170 billion in student loan debt for nearly 5 million borrowers—including for Latino borrowers, who are disproportionately burdened by student debt.
    • Proposed a rule to expand TRIO college access programs to Dreamers and others, which would allow an estimated 50,000 more students each year to access Federal college preparation services and programs, such as counseling and tutoring, and thousands more to attend college.
    • Announced nearly $15 million in new grants under the Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence Program (Hawkins) to advance teacher diversity and prepare the next generation of educators at Minority Serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Tribal Colleges Universities—who can provide culturally and linguistically responsive teaching in our country’s underserved schools. This new round of grants—which includes awards to 15 HSIs—brings the total investment in Hawkins to $38 million under the Biden-Harris Administration, which is the first Administration to secure funding for the program.

    Improving Health Outcomes for Latino Communities

    From beating Big Pharma and lowering prescription drug costs to expanding health care coverage, President Biden and Vice President Harris have taken action to make high-quality health care more affordable.

    • Starting in 2025, all out-of-pocket drug costs will be capped at $2,000 per year and the cost of insulin is now capped at $35 for Medicare Part D enrollees, which includes five million Latinos.
    • In August 2024, the President and Vice President announced new, negotiated prices for the first ten prescription drugs selected for Medicare price negotiation—expected to save Medicare enrollees $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs in the first year of the program alone.
    • Latino enrollment in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace coverage has doubled under the Biden-Harris Administration, which also extended ACA healthcare benefits to Dreamers starting on November 1, 2024.
    • Launched a new grant program to train doctors and physician assistants on providing culturally and linguistically appropriate care for individuals with limited English proficiency, including those who speak Spanish, to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities.
    • Added Spanish text and chat services to the National 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline so that individuals can now connect directly to Spanish-speaking crisis counselors.

    Reducing Gun Violence and Saving Lives

    President Biden and Vice President Harris have taken historic action to reduce gun violence and keep our communities safe:

    • After the heroic advocacy of families from Buffalo and Uvalde and so many other communities across the country, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into law—the most significant gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years.
    • Established the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, overseen by Vice President Harris, which has accelerated work to reduce gun violence and engaged with Latino communities—including survivors of mass shootings in Uvalde and El Paso and survivors of community violence disproportionately affecting Black and Latino communities.
    • Secured $400 million for the first-ever federal grant program solely dedicated to community violence interventions.

    Addressing America’s Broken Immigration System

    On Day One, President Biden introduced a comprehensive immigration reform bill and has repeatedly called on Congressional Republicans to pass the SENATE bipartisan border security bill – the toughest and fairest set of border reforms in decades. Throughout this Administration, the President and Vice President have taken action to improve our country’s immigration system.

    • Took action to speed up work visas, to help people who graduated from U.S. colleges and universities—including Dreamers—land jobs in high-demand high-skilled professions.
    • Took action that would allow 500,000 spouses of American citizens who have been in the country for 10 years or more to apply for lawful permanent residence while staying in the United States. The Biden-Harris Administration is fighting efforts by Republican officials to block this work in court, so that families—including Latino families—can stay together.
    • Directed the Department of Homeland Security to take all appropriate actions to “preserve and fortify” Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and continue to defend the DACA rule in court.
    • Streamlined, expanded, and instituted new reunification programs so that families can stay together while they complete the immigration process.
    • Took executive action to secure the border when Congressional Republicans twice blocked the Senate bipartisan border security deal.


    Advancing an Unprecedented Whole-of-Government Equity Agenda to Expand Opportunity

    President Biden and Vice President Harris promised to leverage the power of the Federal Government to deliver for all communities and build an Administration that looks like America.

    • Assembled the most diverse administration in U.S. history, including four Latino Cabinet members—Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra, Department of Education Secretary Cardona, and U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Guzman.
    • Signed two Executive Orders directing the Federal Government to address system inequality and barriers to equal opportunity faced by underserved communities.
    • Updated Federal race and ethnicity data collection standards for the first time in almost 30 years, which is expected to improve Latino community data representation in the U.S. Census and Federal programs.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Valley National Bank Resolves Civil Liability Relating To Self-Disclosure Of Its Role In The Impermissible Use Of PPP Loan Proceeds By Bank Customer

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    Tampa, FL – Valley National Bank (VNB), a national bank and member of the Federal Reserve System, has agreed to pay $216,784.50 to resolve its civil liability under the False Claims Act for its self-disclosed role in the administration of two loans to a bank customer made under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES), the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act (Economic Aid Act).

    Congress created the PPP in March 2020 as part of the CARES Act to provide emergency loans to small businesses suffering economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized these businesses to seek forgiveness of the loans if they spent the loan funds on eligible expenses. The PPP was administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

    This settlement resolves VNB’s civil liability related to a bank customer who had applied for two PPP loans with VNB. VNB, through a bank relationship manager, assisted the customer in the impermissible use of a portion of the PPP loan proceeds from its first PPP loan to repay an outstanding loan to a third party. After learning of this conduct, VNB conducted an independent investigation and review of those issues and provided the United States with a detailed and thorough written self-disclosure. VNB cooperated fully with the government’s investigation of the conduct, disclosing relevant documents, facts, and information gathered during its investigation. Although PPP lending has ended, VNB took steps to remediate and improve the issues with its PPP lending policies and practices, including requiring PPP borrowers to open a deposit account to undergo depositor screening, retaining an accounting firm to serve as a PPP loan help desk, and utilizing a company to interface with the SBA E-Tran platform.

    “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to investigating and holding responsible those who failed to follow the rules of the PPP program,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to seek civil redress and, where appropriate, federally prosecute those individuals and entities that engage in improper uses of PPP loan proceeds.”

    SBA’s General Counsel Therese Meers stated, “The favorable settlement in this case is the product of enhanced efforts by federal agencies such as the Small Business Administration working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, other federal law enforcement agencies, as well as financial institutions or private individuals who uncover borrower misconduct to recover the lending program’s damages.”

    The resolution obtained in this case was the result of a coordinated effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and the Small Business Administration. The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelley Howard-Allen, with assistance from the Small Business Administration – Office of General Counsel. 

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination or admission of liability by VNB.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud affecting COVID-19 government relief programs can be reported by visiting the webpage of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section, which can be found here. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can also report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The power of nostalgia: why it’s healthy for you to keep returning to your favourite TV series

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anjum Naweed, Professor of Human Factors, CQUniversity Australia

    Janet Julie Vanatko/Shutterstock

    How often do you find yourself hitting “play” on an old favourite, reliving the same TV episodes you’ve seen before – or even know by heart?

    I’m a chronic re-watcher. Episodes of sitcoms like Blackadder (1983–89), Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013–21), Doc Martin (2004–22) and The Office US (2005–13) – a literal lifetime of TV favourites – are usually dependable in times of stress.

    But recently, ahead of an exceptionally challenging deadline, I found myself switching up my viewing. Instead of the escapist comedy I normally return to, I switched to Breaking Bad (2008–13), a nail-biting thriller with a complex reverse hero narrative – and immediately felt at ease.

    What do our re-viewing choices tell us about ourselves? And is it OK that we keep returning to old favourites?

    Fictional stories, real relationships

    Although one-sided, the relationships we form with characters in our favourite TV shows can feel very real. They can increase a sense of belonging, reduce loneliness – and keep pulling us back in.

    When we rewatch, we feel sadness, wistful joy and longing, all at the same time. We call the sum of these contradictions nostalgia.

    Originally coined in the 17th century to describe Swiss soldiers impaired by homesickness, psychologists now understand nostalgic reflection as a shield against anxiety and threat, promoting a sense of wellbeing.

    We all rely on fiction to transport us from our own lives and realities. Nostalgia viewing extends the experience, taking us somewhere we already know and love.

    Bingeing nostalgia

    The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a wave of nostalgia viewing.

    In the United States, audience analyst Nielsen found the most streamed show of 2020 was the American version of The Office, seven years after it ended its television run. A Radio Times survey found 64% of respondents said they had rewatched a TV series during lockdown, with 43% watching nostalgic shows.

    We were suddenly thrown into an unfamiliar situation and in a perpetual state of unease. We had more time on our hands, but also wanted to feel safe. Tuning into familiar content on television offered an escape – a sanctuary from the realities of futures unknown.

    Revisiting connections with TV characters gave us a sense of control. We knew what lay in their futures, and the calm and predictability of their arcs balanced the uncertainty in ours.

    Nostalgia as a plot point

    Nostalgia has been in the DNA of television since some of the earliest programming decisions.

    Every December, broadcasters scramble to screen one of the many versions of A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens’ much-retold and family-friendly ghost story, which also features nostalgia as a plot device.

    First screened on live TV in New York City in 1944, on the still-new technology, the broadcast continued a 100-year-old tradition of the classic appearing on stage and cinema screens.

    Settling in around the telly for A Christmas Carol connects us to the holiday period and a heartwarming metamorphosis. Ebeneezer Scrooge revisits long-lost versions of himself and turns from villain to hero and our old friend in a single night.

    For viewers, revisiting this character at the same time every year can also reconnect us with our past selves and create a predictable pattern, even in the frenzy of the silly season.

    Real-world (re)connection

    The neuroscience of nostalgic experiences is clear. Nostalgia arises when current sensory data – like what you watch on TV – matches past emotions and experiences.

    It triggers a release of dopamine, a reward-system neurotransmitter involved in emotion and motivation. Encountering nostalgia is like autoloading and hitting play on past positive experiences, elevating desire and regulating mood.

    So, nostalgia draws on experiences encoded in memory. The TV shows we choose to rewatch reflect our values, our tastes, and the phases of life we have gone through.

    Perhaps this is a reason why reboots of our favourite shows sometimes fall flat, and ultimately set fans up for disappointment.

    I still remember the crushing disillusion I felt while watching the reboot of Knight Rider (2008–09). I immediately turned to social media to find a community around my nostalgic setback

    Stronger through stress

    Going back to my challenging deadline, what was it about the nostalgic experience of watching Breaking Bad that made it different?

    Breaking Bad evokes a particular phase in my life. I binged the first three seasons when writing up my PhD thesis. Walter White’s rise and fall journey towards redemption is enmeshed in the nostalgia of a difficult time I made it through.

    The predictability of Walter White’s arc on second viewing was an unlikely haven. It’s escalating high-stakes drama mirrored my rising stress, while connecting me to who I was when I first enjoyed the show.

    The result? “Dread mode” switched off – even as my anti-heroes marched again to their dire cinematic comeuppance. Reality, past and present, could be worse.

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

    – ref. The power of nostalgia: why it’s healthy for you to keep returning to your favourite TV series – https://theconversation.com/the-power-of-nostalgia-why-its-healthy-for-you-to-keep-returning-to-your-favourite-tv-series-237753

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: In the rare event of a vaccine injury, Australians should be compensated

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicholas Wood, Professor, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney

    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    Vaccination is one of the most effective methods to protect individuals and the broader public from disease. Vaccines are typically given to healthy people to prevent disease, so the bar for safety is set high.

    People benefit from vaccination at an individual level because they’re protected from disease. But for some vaccines, strong community uptake leads to “herd immunity”. This means people who are unable to be vaccinated can be protected by the “herd”.

    As with any prescribed medicine, vaccines can cause side effects. In the rare case that COVID vaccines did cause a specified serious injury (the scheme listed certain conditions that a person could claim for), Australians have been able to claim compensation. But this ends at the end of this month.

    From then, Australians won’t be able to access no-fault compensation for any vaccine injury – from COVID or any others.

    Why compensate people for vaccine injuries?

    Fortunately, serious vaccine injuries are rare. Most are not a result of error in vaccine design, manufacturing or delivery, but are a product of a small but inherent risk.

    As a result, people who suffer serious vaccine injuries cannot get compensation through legal mechanisms. This is because they can’t demonstrate the injury was caused through negligence.

    Vaccine injury compensation schemes compensate people who have a serious vaccine injury following administration of properly manufactured vaccines.

    The COVID vaccine claims scheme

    In 2021, in recognition of the rare risk of a serious vaccine injury, and in support of the roll out of the COVID vaccine program, the Australian government introduced a COVID vaccine claims scheme.

    The aim was to provide a simple, streamlined process to compensate people who suffered a moderate to severe vaccine injury, without the need for complex legal proceedings. It was limited to TGA-approved COVID vaccines, and to specific reactions.

    The Australian government has said the scheme will close this month and claims need to be lodged before September 30 2024.

    Following its closure, Australia will not have a vaccine injury compensation scheme.

    Australia is lagging internationally

    Australia lags behind 25 other countries including the United States, United Kingdom and New Zealand which have comprehensive no-fault vaccine injury compensation schemes. These cover both COVID and non-COVID vaccines.

    The schemes are based on the ethical principle of “reciprocal justice”. This acknowledges that people acting to benefit not just themselves but also the community (for the benefit of the “herd”) should be compensated by the same community if it has resulted in harm.

    The US, UK and New Zealand all have vaccine injury compensation schemes.
    Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

    So what happens in Australia now?

    In Australia, people with non-COVID vaccine injuries or COVID vaccine injuries not covered by the current claims scheme must bear the costs associated with their injury by themselves or access publicly funded health care. They will not receive any compensation for their injury and suffering.

    Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding support to access therapies for people with a permanent and significant disability. However, it does not cover temporary vaccine-related injuries.

    Participants with vaccine injuries as a result of taking part in a clinical vaccine trial are compensated. This typically includes income-replacement, personal assistance expenses and reimbursement of expenses resulting from the incident, including medical expenses.

    In Australia, we also have strong compulsion for people to receive routine vaccines through legislative requirements such as No Jab No Pay (which requires children to be immunised to receive some government payments) and, in some states, No Jab No Play (which requires children be fully immunised to attend childcare).

    Countries such as ours that mandate vaccination without providing no-fault injury compensation schemes for rare vaccine injury could be abrogating the social contract by not protecting the individual and community.

    It’s time to set up an Australian scheme

    The Australian immunisation system is among the most comprehensive in the world. Our government-funded national immunisation program provides free vaccines for infants, children and adults for at least 15 diseases.

    We also have a whole-of-life immunisation register and comprehensive vaccine safety surveillance system.

    Australia’s immunisation program provides vaccines for at least 15 different diseases.
    sergey kolesnikov/Shutterstock

    A recent Senate committee recommended:

    the Australian government consider the design and compensation arrangements of a no-fault compensation scheme for Commonwealth-funded vaccines in response to a future pandemic event.

    Vaccines are designed to be very safe and effective. But the “insurance policy” of an injury compensation scheme, if designed and communicated appropriately, should build trust and give confidence to health workers and the general public to support our national vaccine program. This is particularly important given the reductions in uptake of routine vaccines.

    How should it work?

    A no-fault vaccine injury compensation scheme could be funded via a vaccine levy system, as is done in the US, where an excise tax is imposed on each dose of vaccine.

    An effective vaccine injury compensation scheme needs to be:

    • accessible, with low legal and financial barriers
    • transparent, with clear decision-making processes, compensation frameworks and funding responsibilities
    • timely, with short, clear timeframes for decision-making
    • fair, with people compensated adequately for the harm they’ve suffered.

    Legislation to introduce and allocate funds to support an Australian injury compensation scheme for all vaccines is overdue. The draft National Immunisation Strategy 2025–2030 hinted at the opportunity to explore the feasibility of a no fault compensation scheme for all vaccines the Australian government funds, without committing to such a program.

    An Australian vaccine injury scheme, covering all national immunisation program vaccines, not just pandemic use vaccines, should be seen as a crucial component of our public health system and a social responsibility commitment to all Australians.

    Nicholas Wood previously received funding from the NHMRC for a Career Development Fellowship and is a Churchill Fellow.

    Sophie Wen receives funding from Queensland Government for an Advancing Clinical Research Fellowship and is a Mary McConnel career boost program recipient from Children’s Hospital Foundation. Sophie Wen is an investigator for several industry-sponsored clinical vaccine trials but does not receive any direct funding.

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

    – ref. In the rare event of a vaccine injury, Australians should be compensated – https://theconversation.com/in-the-rare-event-of-a-vaccine-injury-australians-should-be-compensated-232396

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Being There :30 | 09.23.24 | Risk Less. Do More.

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    There’s nothing better than being there for your family, friends, and community. But the older you are the higher your risk of missing out because you get seriously ill with flu, COVID-19, or RSV. So, get this season’s vaccines because being there for all of them begins with taking care of yourself. Get started at vaccines.gov

    —

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | http://www.hhs.gov

    http://www.Twitter.com/HHSGov | http://www.Facebook.com/HHS http://www.Instagram.com/HHSGov
    http://www.LinkedIn.com/company/us-department-of-health-and-human-services

    HHS Privacy Policy: http://www.hhs.gov/Privacy.html

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HnNB-R4BEk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African leaders meet on Mpox

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    President Cyril Ramaphosa says as the continent tackles Mpox, Africa needs to learn from the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “We need to ensure equitable distribution of medical countermeasures based on transparent criteria and readiness to initiate vaccination. We ask Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to lead the consultation with member states to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines and other medical countermeasures,” said the President.

    He was delivering South Africa’s statement at the African Union Heads of State virtual meeting on Mpox on Sunday.

    “We need a finance plan that is evidence-based, with sound forecasting of needs. The Africa CDC mandate on data sharing is the bedrock of global health security. This will help to ensure that public health threats are detected and shared across borders and with other continental and global stakeholders,” said the President.

    He said countries would only be able to effectively mobilise and direct funds if supported by reliable data.

    “We call on all African countries to make use of this instrumental system that has been created by our own institution. We call for the urgent operationalisation of the Africa Epidemic Fund as the primary vehicle for epidemic response financial management.”

    He said as with COVID-19, Africa is still struggling to get the Mpox vaccine and treatment.

    The President said the continent needs to manufacture Mpox vaccines in Africa to reduce costs and improve access.

    “We must co-develop these medical countermeasures, share intellectual property and ensure technology transfer. In this regard, we welcome the agreement between Africa CDC and Bavarian Nordic to transfer the Mpox vaccine technology to African manufacturers,” he said.

    With the financial support from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness, the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, Afreximbank, the European Union and other partners, President Ramaphosa said the continent should be able to start vaccine manufacturing by 2025.

    “In the meantime, we appreciate the support from a number of countries to get vaccines in Africa.

    “The COVID-19 experience taught us that we need predictable demand and off-take guarantees for the vaccines, medicines and diagnostics manufactured in Africa. African countries should therefore buy vaccines and other health products manufactured in Africa to ensure sustainable manufacturing on our continent.”

    He said this could be achieved through the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism.

    Surveillance systems must be enhanced and healthcare delivery and infrastructure strengthened.

    “We must ensure that frontline health workers have the necessary diagnostic tools, vaccines and antiviral treatments. We need tested public health messages that promote awareness and prevention.

    “Beyond the targeted vaccination responses to outbreaks, we should explore the feasibility of continuing vaccinations in high-risk populations. This dual approach will help create a buffer against future outbreaks and protect our most vulnerable communities,” he said.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Mpox  as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

    The President commended the fact that Africa CDC had partnered with the WHO, UNICEF and other partners to develop the Mpox continental preparedness and response plan and to build, for the first time in Africa, one Continental Incident Management Team.

    The total number of positive cases recorded in South Africa since the outbreak in May this year stands at 25 cases, including three deaths. Twelve of these were reported in Gauteng, 11 reported in KwaZulu-Natal and two in the Western Cape.

    Africa CDC has signed a partnership agreement with the European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) and Bavarian Nordic to provide over 215 000 doses of the MVA-BN vaccine.

    Africa CDC will oversee the equitable distribution of these vaccines, prioritising local needs across the affected member states. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chancellor unveils package to deliver promises of new government

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Chancellor has today unveiled a package of measures to deliver on the agenda of the new government.

    • 750 schools with primary aged pupils funded for breakfast club pilot to run from April 2025
    • New Industrial Strategy to be published in spring
    • Decision to write off over £640 million in written off Covid PPE contracts reversed
    • HMRC to consult on e-invoicing for businesses and government departments

    The Chancellor has today unveiled a package of measures to deliver on the agenda of the new government including a breakfast club pilot for 750 schools with primary aged pupils, new powers for the Covid Corruption Commissioner, e-invoicing to support business and the next steps on the government’s industrial strategy.

    School Breakfast Club Pilot

    The Chancellor announced that up to 750 schools with primary aged pupils will be invited to take part in a £7 million breakfast club pilot. The funding will allow these schools to run free breakfast clubs for their pupils in the summer term (April-July 2025).

    The Department for Education will work with the schools selected as part of the pilot to understand how breakfast clubs can be delivered to meet the needs of schools, parents and pupils when the programme is rolled out nationally.

    This will help reduce the number of students at schools with primary aged pupils starting the school day hungry and ensure children come to school ready to learn. It will also support the government’s aim to tackle child poverty by addressing rising food insecurity among children.

    Covid Corruption Commissioner

    Reeves also announced a block on any Covid-era PPE contract being abandoned or waived until it has been assessed by the new Covid Corruption Commissioner, whom will be appointed in October. 

    The decision will affect £647 million of Covid PPE contracts where contract recovery was previously earmarked to be waived. 

    It follows action already in motion to cut government waste and curb unnecessary spending. In her statement to Parliament in July, the Chancellor pledged to halve government consultancy spend from 2025-26, with savings targets of £550 million this financial year and a further £680 million in the next already announced.

    Excessive use of ministerial travel by aeroplane and helicopter is also being cutdown, with a contract for a VIP helicopter previously cancelled.

    Industrial Strategy

    The Chancellor also today announced that the Industrial Strategy will be at the heart of the government’s mission to grow the economy, unlock investment and make every part of the country better off. It will focus on delivering long-term change to the economy by making Britain a clean energy superpower and accelerating to net zero, breaking down barriers to regional growth, and building a secure and resilient economy.

    A green paper will be published around Budget in October outlining the long-term sectoral growth and priority industries of the government, ahead of the final strategy published in the spring of 2025 following a consultation with business.

    HMRC package

    Chancellor Reeves also outlined a package of reforms to improve the UK’s tax system to help fix the foundations of the UK economy.

    As part of the package, HMRC will soon launch a consultation on electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) to promote its wider use across UK businesses and government departments.

    The introduction of e-invoicing can significantly reduce administrative tasks, improve cash flow, boost productivity, introduce automation, and reduce errors in tax returns – all helping to close the tax gap. The consultation will gather input from businesses on how HMRC can support investment in and encourage e-invoicing uptake.

    The Chancellor also announced that Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Murray, the minister responsible for the UK’s tax system, has become the Chair of the HMRC Board. This is to help oversee the implementation of his three strategic priorities for HMRC; closing the tax gap, modernising and reforming, and improving customer service.

    It was also announced that a new Digital Transformation Roadmap, aimed to be published in Spring 2025, will set out HMRC’s vision to be a digital first organisation underpinned by customer insight. The Roadmap will include measures to ensure digital inclusion and support for customers who cannot yet interact digitally.

    There was a further update that new staff are expected to join HMRC’s training programme in November as 200 additional offer letters have been issued as part of the 450 letters already sent. This is part of HMRC’s plans to recruit an additional 5,000 compliance staff to help close the tax gap.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chancellor unveils package to deliver on promises of new government

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The Chancellor has today unveiled a package of measures to deliver on the agenda of the new government.

    • 750 schools with primary aged pupils funded for breakfast club pilot to run from April 2025
    • New Industrial Strategy to be published in spring
    • Decision to write off over £640 million in written off Covid PPE contracts reversed
    • HMRC to consult on e-invoicing for businesses and government departments

    The Chancellor has today unveiled a package of measures to deliver on the agenda of the new government including a breakfast club pilot for 750 schools with primary aged pupils, new powers for the Covid Corruption Commissioner, e-invoicing to support business and the next steps on the government’s industrial strategy.

    School Breakfast Club Pilot

    The Chancellor announced that up to 750 schools with primary aged pupils will be invited to take part in a £7 million breakfast club pilot. The funding will allow these schools to run free breakfast clubs for their pupils in the summer term (April-July 2025).

    The Department for Education will work with the schools selected as part of the pilot to understand how breakfast clubs can be delivered to meet the needs of schools, parents and pupils when the programme is rolled out nationally.

    This will help reduce the number of students at schools with primary aged pupils starting the school day hungry and ensure children come to school ready to learn. It will also support the government’s aim to tackle child poverty by addressing rising food insecurity among children.

    Covid Corruption Commissioner

    Reeves also announced a block on any Covid-era PPE contract being abandoned or waived until it has been assessed by the new Covid Corruption Commissioner, whom will be appointed in October. 

    The decision will affect £647 million of Covid PPE contracts where contract recovery was previously earmarked to be waived. 

    It follows action already in motion to cut government waste and curb unnecessary spending. In her statement to Parliament in July, the Chancellor pledged to halve government consultancy spend from 2025-26, with savings targets of £550 million this financial year and a further £680 million in the next already announced.

    Excessive use of ministerial travel by aeroplane and helicopter is also being cutdown, with a contract for a VIP helicopter previously cancelled.

    Industrial Strategy

    The Chancellor also today announced that the Industrial Strategy will be at the heart of the government’s mission to grow the economy, unlock investment and make every part of the country better off. It will focus on delivering long-term change to the economy by making Britain a clean energy superpower and accelerating to net zero, breaking down barriers to regional growth, and building a secure and resilient economy.

    A green paper will be published around Budget in October outlining the long-term sectoral growth and priority industries of the government, ahead of the final strategy published in the spring of 2025 following a consultation with business.

    HMRC package

    Chancellor Reeves also outlined a package of reforms to improve the UK’s tax system to help fix the foundations of the UK economy.

    As part of the package, HMRC will soon launch a consultation on electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) to promote its wider use across UK businesses and government departments.

    The introduction of e-invoicing can significantly reduce administrative tasks, improve cash flow, boost productivity, introduce automation, and reduce errors in tax returns – all helping to close the tax gap. The consultation will gather input from businesses on how HMRC can support investment in and encourage e-invoicing uptake.

    The Chancellor also announced that Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Murray, the minister responsible for the UK’s tax system, has become the Chair of the HMRC Board. This is to help oversee the implementation of his three strategic priorities for HMRC; closing the tax gap, modernising and reforming, and improving customer service.

    It was also announced that a new Digital Transformation Roadmap, aimed to be published in Spring 2025, will set out HMRC’s vision to be a digital first organisation underpinned by customer insight. The Roadmap will include measures to ensure digital inclusion and support for customers who cannot yet interact digitally.

    There was a further update that new staff are expected to join HMRC’s training programme in November as 200 additional offer letters have been issued as part of the 450 letters already sent. This is part of HMRC’s plans to recruit an additional 5,000 compliance staff to help close the tax gap.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: World’s top 1% own more wealth than 95% of humanity, as “the shadow of global oligarchy hangs over UN General Assembly,” says Oxfam

    Source: Oxfam –

    • Over a third of world’s biggest 50 corporations —worth $13.3 trillion— now run by a billionaire or has a billionaire as a principal shareholder.
    • Global South countries own just 31 percent of global wealth, despite being home to 79 percent of global population.
    • Oxfam urges multilateral action to advance new global framework on tax, cancel debts and rewrite intellectual property rules for pandemics.

    The richest 1 percent have more wealth than the bottom 95 percent of the world’s population put together, new Oxfam analysis of UBS data reveals today ahead of the annual UN High-Level General Debate.

    Billionaires are exerting new levels of control over economies, with a billionaire either running or the principal shareholder of more than a third of the world’s top 50 corporations. The combined market capitalization of these corporations is $13.3 trillion.

    Oxfam’s briefing paper “Multilateralism in an Era of Global Oligarchy” warns that multilateral efforts to respond to critical global challenges, including the climate crisis and persistent poverty and inequality, are being undermined by the ultra-wealthy and mega-corporations fueling inequality within and between countries.

    Despite being home to 79 percent of the world’s population, Global South countries own just 31 percent of global wealth.

    “The shadow of global oligarchy hangs over this year’s UN General Assembly. The ultra-wealthy and the mega-corporations they control are shaping global rules to serve their interests at the expense of people everywhere. The iconic UN podium is increasingly feeling diminished in a world in which billionaires are calling the shots,” said Amitabh Behar, Oxfam International’s Executive Director.

    The paper describes a “movement toward a global oligarchy,” where the ultra-rich, often through their increasingly monopolistic corporations, shape global political decision-making and rules to enrich themselves while thwarting vital global progress.

    The top 1 percent own 43 percent of all global financial assets. Just two corporations control 40 percent of the global seed market. The “big three” US-based asset managers —BlackRock, State Street, and Vanguard— hold $20 trillion in assets, close to one-fifth of all investable assets in the world.

    “While we often hear about great power rivalries undermining multilateralism —it is clear that extreme inequality is playing a massive role. In recent years the ultra-wealthy and powerful corporations have used their vast influence to undermine efforts to solve major global problems such as tackling tax dodging, making Covid-19 vaccines available to the world and canceling the albatross of sovereign debt,” said Behar.

    Oxfam details three recent examples of extreme inequality eroding multilateral efforts —and where civil society and Global South leaders have offered inequality-busting solutions:

    • Powerful corporations undermining tax cooperation. The OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Sharing (BEPS) fell short of realizing its potential, with new rules for profit allocation that will deliver only tiny extra revenues for lower-income countries of as little as 0.026 percent of their GDP. The exclusion of financial services from OECD rules is a carve-out attributed to lobbying from countries with large banking and financial sectors. Global South countries, led by African countries, are instead advancing negotiations for a fairer tax convention at the UN that, along with Brazil’s leadership at the G20, offer a pathway for fairly taxing the super-rich and mega-corporations.
       
    • Big Pharma resisting efforts to break up their monopolies over Covid-19 vaccine technologies to unlock supply. Monopoly control over vaccine production was highly profitable during the pandemic. In 2021 alone, the seven largest manufacturers generated an estimated $50 billion in net profit from the sale of Covid-19 vaccines, resulting in huge payouts to rich shareholders and the emergence of new vaccine billionaires. The CEO of Pfizer Albert Bourla described the call to share Covid-19 vaccine technologies as “dangerous nonsense.” The failure to equitably share vaccines contributed to as many as 1.3 million excess deaths worldwide. A new pandemic treaty with strong provisions to suspend patents and allow for easier transfers of technology offers promise.
       
    • Private creditors exacerbating the global debt crisis. Low-income countries spend nearly 40 percent of their annual budgets on debt service, over 60 percent more than they spend on education, health, and social protection combined. Over half of low- and middle-income countries’ external debt is owed to private lenders like banks and hedge funds. Some of these creditors are “vulture funds,” which purchase distressed debt on the cheap and exploit legal mechanisms to be repaid in full, reaping outsized profits.

    “Only a solidarity-based multilateralism can reverse the movement toward global oligarchy. Some world leaders are showing they recognize this and are stepping up to fight inequality —but we need many more to demonstrate this courage,” said Behar.

    “Ultimately, a fairer world and international order —where corporations pay their fair share, global public health is prioritized, and where all countries can invest in their own people— benefits us all. This is not new, and it’s long what leaders especially from the Global South have called for.”  
     

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Gun violence in Philadelphia plummeted in 2024 − researchers aren’t sure why, but here are 3 factors at play

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Carla Lewandowski, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Rowan University

    Philadelphia had 563 homicides in 2021 — the deadliest year on record. Alex Potemkin/E+ Collection via Getty Images

    Philadelphia experienced a surge in shootings and homicides during the COVID-19 years that disproportionately affected young Black and Latino men in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods with drug markets.

    In 2020, Philadelphia had 499 homicides – nearly 150 more than the previous year. Gun violence worsened in 2021 – with 562 homicides that year – and then dropped slightly in 2022.

    Fortunately, recent data shows a notable decline in these crimes over the past two years. As of late September 2024, homicides are down 40% for the year to date compared with 2023. And the number of shooting victims has decreased similarly – from 1,236 in the first eight months of 2023 to 758 for the same period in 2024.

    As professors of criminal justice who live in Greater Philadelphia, we know that there is no single explanation for the drop in gun violence. Rather, many factors at both the local and national levels could be playing a role.

    Police and justice system return to (sort of) normalcy

    A shortage of police – driven by pandemic-era resignations, retirements and injuries – significantly affected cities like Philadelphia.

    Additionally, the Philadelphia Police Department’s number of traffic and pedestrian stops dropped drastically. This was due to both the need to adhere to social distancing guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic and a widespread reluctance among officers to engage with citizens after massive protests in response to the murder of George Floyd. In fact, the number of documented stops plummeted by 83% from 2019 to 2020 alone.

    Philadelphia police staffing remains nearly 20% lower than before the pandemic.
    Spencer Platt/Getty Images News via Getty Images

    As the year progressed, the department struggled with officers’ abuse of the Pennsylvania Heart and Lung Act. This statewide disability program allows police and firefighters injured on the job to collect their full salaries.

    By September 2021, 14% of Philadelphia patrol officers were out of work on “no duty” disability leave, according to investigations by both The Philadelphia Inquirer and the city controller.

    Though up-to-date data is unavailable, there was a 31% drop in injury claims by December 2022, 10 months after the Inquirer investigation was published.

    More recently, the Philadelphia Police Department has attempted to increase its ranks through intensified recruitment efforts. It also lowered physical requirements and eliminated certain residency restrictions.

    Despite these efforts, staffing remains nearly 20% lower than in 2019. This places considerable strain on the existing workforce.

    Of course, the COVID-19 years considerably affected the entire criminal justice system and beyond in Philadelphia. Courts operated in a limited capacity, cases backlogged, probation and parole officers were less able to supervise individuals in the community, and the jail population was reduced. The city’s array of community- and hospital-based violence intervention programs were also disrupted.

    The post-pandemic resumption of court operations, improved violence intervention programs, police recruitment efforts and reduced disability claims may help explain the recent drop in shootings.

    New leadership and crime-fighting strategies

    Reducing gun violence was a top campaign issue during Philadelphia’s 2023 mayoral race.

    Mayor Cherelle Parker, elected on a law-and-order platform, declared a public safety emergency on her first day in office.

    She also appointed Kevin Bethel as police commissioner in charge of the more than 6,000-member force. Bethel, second in command under former Commissioner Charles Ramsey, quickly released a 100-day plan that focused on crime reduction in high-crime districts, shutting down open-air drug markets in Kensington and reinforcing federal partnerships to tackle violent crime.

    Philadelphia has also adopted new policing strategies and technologies.

    In early 2022, before Parker and Bethel’s tenure, the Philadelphia Police Department under former Commissioner Danielle Outlaw designated a new unit to investigate nonfatal shootings. In 2021, only 17% of nonfatal shootings led to arrests, a failure that can fuel retaliatory violence, legal cynicism – which refers to a drop in trust of the legal system – and communities resorting to self-policing.

    While it’s not yet clear what effect the new unit has had in Philadelphia, research shows such units that prioritize resources to solving nonfatal shootings in places such as Boston and Denver have reduced gun violence.

    More recently, the city began deploying mobile surge teams on weekends to flood high-crime areas with officers to deter potential criminal activity.

    Meanwhile, Temple University attributes the reduction in crime within its patrol areas to the implementation of safety measures, including new equipment for officers such as firearms and radios, upgraded security cameras and advanced technology such as license plate readers, which help identify stolen vehicles or those linked to criminal behavior.

    Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel has prioritized reducing gun violence in high-crime neighborhoods.
    Ryan Collerd/AFP via Getty Images

    National crime trends

    While local initiatives have likely contributed to Philadelphia’s drop in violent crime, these improvements also fit into national crime trends as cities across the U.S. experienced similar declines.

    Economics and public safety expert John Roman, for example, attributes both the rise and fall of violence to pandemic-related losses in government staffing and functionality, which he argues returned to prepandemic levels in late 2023.

    Roman shows how 1.3 million government jobs were lost nationally at the outset of COVID-19, with 75% of the losses coming at the local level. These local government employees, such as social and outreach workers, often connect people in marginalized communities that bear the brunt of gun violence to crucial services such as trauma counseling, victim advocacy and legal assistance.

    In Philadelphia, approximately 3,000 local government jobs were lost between 2019 and 2022. The reopening of social services and increase in those jobs and community-based interventions post-pandemic may have helped stabilize Philadelphia’s neighborhoods.

    Crime trends tend to ebb and flow. This current drop appears to align with a national de-escalation in violent crime. These factors, alongside the statistical phenomenon of regression to the mean – where crime rates normalize after extreme spikes – apply to both national and local crime rates.

    Some researchers, including Roman, have also considered the possibility that the recent 2020-2022 homicide peak killed a portion of the most violent offenders who drive shootings in their neighborhood. It’s based on the concept of the victim-offender overlap that those at the highest risk of violence are often offenders themselves.

    But crediting Philadelphia’s decline in homicides and violent crime to any single cause oversimplifies a much more intricate picture. While the exact causes of these shifts are complex, understanding the interplay of local and national forces is essential to sustaining this positive trajectory.

    John A. Shjarback receives funding from: the South Jersey Institute for Population Health; the NJ Gun Violence Research Center; and a few local/county governments including Cumberland County, NJ, Atlantic City, NJ, and Suffolk County, NY.

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

    – ref. Gun violence in Philadelphia plummeted in 2024 − researchers aren’t sure why, but here are 3 factors at play – https://theconversation.com/gun-violence-in-philadelphia-plummeted-in-2024-researchers-arent-sure-why-but-here-are-3-factors-at-play-235485

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Council decision on Academy Street project

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    At a meeting of The Highland Council held on Thursday 19 September 2024, Members of the Council made a decision on the Academy Street project in Inverness.
     
    Councillors voted for an option that stops the implementation of a Traffic Regulation order and brings the Academy Street Project to an end with all Covid interventions being removed.
     
    The decision made takes into consideration the challenges around funding and notes the huge amount of data collected during this project which could be useful for other projects in future.

    20 Sep 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Slidell Man Sentenced For Making False Statements To Small Business Administration

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DEAN MEILLEUR (“MEILLEUR”), age 57, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, was sentenced on September 17, 2024, for making or using false writings or documents to the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(3).

    According to court documents, MEILLEUR, submitted false writings and documents to the SBA to obtain Economic Impact Disaster Loans (“EIDL”).  In his EIDL applications, among other things, MEILLEUR falsely represented that he was the owner of a trucking business  formed in 2017 and, that he was eligible for EIDL funds.  As a result of these false submissions, MEILLEUR obtained $147,400 from the SBA to which he was not entitled. 

    United States District Judge Brandon S. Long sentenced MEILLEUR to four (4) years of probation, payment of restitution in the amount of $147,400.00, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    U.S. Attorney Evans commended  the Federal Bureau of Investigation for investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Consequences of suspension clauses for the survival of Air Austral – E-001703/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001703/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE), Julien Leonardelli (PfE), André Rougé (PfE), Pascale Piera (PfE), Thierry Mariani (PfE), Jordan Bardella (PfE), Hans Neuhoff (ESN), France Jamet (PfE), Pierre Pimpie (PfE), Annamária Vicsek (PfE), Fabrice Leggeri (PfE), Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE), Angéline Furet (PfE)

    Air Austral is an airline based on La Réunion which connects the islands in the Indian Ocean – La Réunion and Mayotte – with continental France and Europe. It plays a crucial role in improving access, connections and integration in those European regions.

    The airline is currently at great risk, however. The suspension clauses imposed by the Commission are a major obstacle to the continued existence of Air Austral, particularly after COVID-19, as part of its medium-haul fleet remains grounded. Insisting on the clauses may spell the end of an airline that provides a public service.

    Does the Commission plan to relax the suspension clauses to allow Air Austral to get back in the skies?

    Submitted: 13.9.2024

    Last updated: 20 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Watson Coleman, Kim Lead Resolution Recognizing National Children’s Emotional Wellness Month

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman

    September 20, 2024

    Today, U.S. Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Young Kim (CA-40) introduced a bipartisan resolution to recognize September as National Children’s Emotional Wellness Month and to increase public awareness on the emotional health and mental wellness challenges that children and teenagers face.

    One in five children in the United States struggle with an emotional, mental, or behavioral disorder, and only 20% of these children receive the specialized care and treatment that they need, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    “America’s children are facing a crisis. Suicide has become the 2nd leading cause of death of young people ages 10-14. This horrifying statistic is even more tragic when you consider that all of these deaths may have been prevented with the right intervention,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “There are many causes of this crisis, from the impact of Covid-19 to social media, to the increased access to firearms, but we have the capacity to create the conditions in which all of our children have a shot at happy fulfilling lives. Children who have access to help can thrive. They’ve shown an ability to bounce back and become strong, happy, and resilient.  All that is required is for us to break through the partisan gridlock and get them the care they need. This resolution is an important step toward that goal and I thank Rep. Kim for her continued partnership on issues of children’s health.”

    “America’s youth are in crisis. We must ensure children receive adequate care and the therapeutic and educational resources they need to achieve their dream,” said Congresswoman Kim. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders, and investing in parents, the pediatric mental health workforce, and targeted programming improves children’s emotional wellness outcomes and livelihoods across American communities. That’s why I’m leading a bipartisan resolution to recognize September as National Children’s Emotional Wellness Month and expand awareness on the importance of children’s emotional and mental health.”

    “The Children and Families Coalition of Orange County wholeheartedly endorses this resolution and is eager to collaborate in any way possible to ensure its success,” said Valerie Banks, Project Director, Children and Families Coalition of Orange County. “We believe that this initiative will have a profound impact on the well-being of children in our community and beyond.”

    “I could not be more proud to have our organization tied to Children’s Emotional Wellness Month,” said Mara James, Founder and CEO, Extraordinary Lives Foundation (ELF) in Mission Viejo. Our end goal is to care for the mental and emotional needs of children and their families and the reason we created Children’s Emotional Wellness Week which we hope to grow exponentially in future years.”

    “As you know, the first years of life are the most crucial in the development of a young child. At the center of this development is attachment and bonding with the child’s primary caregiver, which provides a secure base for all other development. Social and emotional skills are the foundation for developing and maintaining positive and responsive relationships throughout life; the key to health and wellness,” said Sandy Avzaradel, M.S. Ed., Director, Start Well. “It is imperative that we help our communities understand the importance of building these skills at the earliest age possible. Start Well is in full support of the Extraordinary Lives Foundation and the work they do to ensure children receive the support they need to become resilient adults; Start Well fully endorses September as Children’s Emotional Wellness Month.”

    “Every child deserves the chance to thrive — to be nurtured, protected, cared for and cared about, emotionally and physically, so that they can learn, grow, and develop to their greatest potential…so these little ones can soar, living their dreams. But too many children never get that chance because anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions stand in the way, and that too often go undiagnosed and untreated. It’s never too late to provide the support that children and parents need — but it’s also never too early,” said Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting and founder of the What to Expect Project. “Research shows that the mental health of moms and dads from pregnancy, postpartum and beyond significantly impacts the mental health of the babies they love — and their future. Providing parents and children with mental health support throughout their journey is essential — and that’s why the What to Expect Project and I are proud to support this resolution to raise awareness about the importance of children’s emotional wellness.”

    Read the full resolution here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank Group’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa approves €6 Million for Desert to Power – Burkina Faso Solar Project

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    African Development Bank Group’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa approves €6 Million for Desert to Power – Burkina Faso Solar Project Burkina Faso is one of five priority countries under the Desert-to-Power initiative, which aims to generate 10 gigawatts of solar power across 11 Sahelian countries by 2030 ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, September 27, 2024/APO Group/ — The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a €6 million concessional financing package from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), a special multi-donor fund managed by the Bank, to accelerate the completion of Burkina Faso’s Dédougou photovoltaic solar project in support of the Bank’s Desert-to-Power initiative (https://apo-opa.co/3XKXpwG). The project involves designing, constructing and operating an 18-megawatt solar power plant in Dédougou, located 250 kilometres west of the capital, Ouagadougou. Burkina Faso is one of five priority countries under the Desert-to-Power initiative, which aims to generate 10 gigawatts of solar power across 11 Sahelian countries by 2030, promoting socio-economic development. This project stands as one of the first independent power producers (IPPs) in Burkina Faso and has secured both senior and subordinated loans, along with a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Société Nationale d’électricité du Burkina Faso (SONABEL). However, the project encountered challenges in reaching financial close due to cost escalations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.  The SEFA Covid-19 IPP Relief Programme (SEFA Programme) played a pivotal role in overcoming these hurdles. Through concessional financing, SEFA helped restructure the financial arrangements to absorb the pandemic-related cost increases, ensuring the project’s viability and preserving the originally agreed structure with the Government of Burkina Faso, thereby contributing to the country’s energy security. Under the SEFA Programme, a €2.5 million senior concessional loan and a €3.5 million reimbursable grant have been provided through its concessional finance facility. SEFA’s involvement has been instrumental in unlocking additional financing from the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, FMO (www.FMO.nl), including subordinated and senior loans. These funds will be disbursed to Dédougou Solaire SARL, the project company jointly developed by QAIR (www.Qair.Energy), which is responsible for managing the project. As part of the Desert-to-Power initiative, the project is expected to contribute to energy security, diversification of the energy mix, reduced electricity costs, and increased national electrification rates. “The Dédougou Solar PV project increases Burkina Faso’s renewable energy generation capacity in line with the objectives of the Desert-to-Power Initiative. By backing projects like this, we are making tangible strides toward electrifying the Sahel, bolstering energy security, and improving the lives of millions,” said Dr. Daniel SCHROTH, Director of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Department at the African Development Bank. “Abdoulaye Toure, CFO at Qair Africa, acknowledged SEFA’s support and the project’s advancement: “We are pleased with this approval by SEFA and thank the African Development Bank for their support of the project. This allows us to move forward with our commitment to supporting Burkina Faso’s energy goals by developing a second solar plant, just a year after the successful commissioning of Zano. This achievement aligns with the country’s ambitions for energy supply and reinforces Qair’s vision of becoming a leading player in Africa’s renewable energy sector in the coming years.” Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). Contact: Communication and External Relations media@afdb.org About SEFA: SEFA is a multi-donor Special Fund that provides catalytic finance to unlock private sector investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. SEFA offers technical assistance and concessional finance instruments to remove market barriers, build a more robust pipeline of projects and improve the risk-return profile of individual investments. The Fund’s overarching goal is to contribute to universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy services for all in Africa, in line with the New Deal on Energy for Africa and Sustainable Development Goal 7. About Qair: Qair is an independent renewable energy company developing, financing, building, and operating solar, onshore and offshore wind, hydroelectric, tidal energy, waste-to-energy, battery storage and green hydrogen production. With 1.1 GW of capacity in operation, the group’s 640 employees are developing a portfolio pipeline of 30 GW in 20 countries across Europe, Latin America and Africa. Our ambition is to become an independent leader in responsible energy. In Africa, Qair’s portfolio of wind, PV and BESS assets includes 65 MW operational projects, 174 MW/262 MWh under construction or financing and a robust pipeline under development of 2GW+. With over 15 years of presence in Africa and teams established in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritius, Morocco, Seychelles, and Tunisia, Qair continually expands its geographical footprint across North, Central and West Africa and the Indian Ocean. Qair has already completed another 24MW solar PV project (Zano) in Burkina Faso, which was awarded under a public-private partnership (PPP) with GoBF along with a PPA with the National Electricity Company (SONABEL). About FMO: FMO is the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank. As a leading impact investor, FMO supports sustainable private sector growth in developing countries and emerging markets by investing in ambitious projects and entrepreneurs. FMO believes that a strong private sector leads to economic and social development and has a 50+ year proven track record in empowering entrepreneurs to make local economies more inclusive, productive, resilient and sustainable. FMO focuses on three sectors with a high development impact: Agribusiness, Food & Water, Energy, and Financial Institutions. With a total committed portfolio of EUR ~13 billion spanning over 85 countries, FMO is one of the larger bilateral private sector development banks globally. About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Advocate General for Scotland, Catherine Smith KC, sworn in

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Appointment marks the first time Scotland’s three law officers have all been female

    Catherine Smith KC was sworn in as Advocate General for Scotland at a ceremony at the Court of Session in Edinburgh today (Friday 27 September).

    Ms Smith’s appointment means that for the first time, Scotland’s three law officers are all female, following Dorothy Bain KC and Ruth Charteris KC being appointed Lord Advocate and Solicitor General of Scotland respectively in 2021.

    Ms Smith said: “It is a privilege to be sworn in as Advocate General for Scotland. As a Law Officer in the UK Government, I have a responsibility, along with the Attorney General and the Solicitor General for England and Wales, to uphold and promote the rule of law in government. 

    “I look forward to collaborating with the Lord Advocate and Solicitor General for Scotland on areas of shared interest. I am honoured to join them as a Scottish Law Officer, the first time that the three offices have been concurrently held by women.”

    Ms Smith was called to the Bar in 2007 and took silk in 2021. She acted as a part-time Sheriff and sat on the Scottish Civil Justice Council. She was Standing Junior Counsel to the Advocate General from 2012 – 2021 and conducted many cases representing the UK Government. She is one of only two advocates in Scotland to have acted as Counsel to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal and was on the Equality and Human Rights Commission Panel of Counsel. 

    Ms Smith has had a varied career at the Bar, specialising in criminal law in the early years and later working in public law, personal injury and clinical negligence. She has also conducted public inquiries, including representing COSLA and 29 of the 32 Scottish local authorities in the UK and Scottish Covid Inquiries.

    She is also a founding member and former Deputy Chair of JUSTICE Scotland. She has travelled extensively in the post-Soviet states to support human rights focused activities, including visiting Kyiv and Warsaw in the last year.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –