Category: CTF

MIL-OSI USA: King Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Help Ease the Burden of Student Loans

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is cosponsoring bipartisan legislation to help college graduates reduce the burden of student loans through a tax-free employer contribution. The Employer Participation in Repayment Act would permanently extend a provision of the Internal Revenue Code allowing employees to exempt up to $5,250 from tax annually in student loan repayments that employers contribute on their behalf. The original provision was included in the bipartisan CARES Act and later extended through January 2026. Before the expansion of the provision, employers were only allowed to contribute toward continuing educating — not student loan repayments — in a way that is tax-free to the employee. The bill’s original sponsors are Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and John Thune (R-SD).
“Student loans are an essential financial tool to help people in Maine and across the nation access and afford higher education,” said Senator King. “However, as we seek to tackle the cost of living in America, if we can cut costs for college graduates, those extra dollars can help them afford apartments, cars or even set aside savings. The bipartisan Employer Participation in Repayment Act is a commonsense step forward to ease the burden of student loan debt, while also creating a valuable recruiting and retention tool for employers. It’s not just smart policy, it’s a win-win for Maine workers and businesses.”
According to a report from Federal Student Aid, an office of the Department of Education, it is estimated that Americans owe a combined $1.74 trillion dollars in student loan debt. This debt is a significant financial burden that not only influences the way the American workforce saves and spends, but also has a stifling effect on the economy. The Employer Participation in Repayment Act would update an existing federal program so that it works better for employees living with the reality of burdensome student loan debt.
From day one in the Senate, Senator King has advocated for student loan borrowers, working to ease the heavy debt burden that impacts thousands of Maine people. Earlier this year, he joined his colleagues in urging Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to consider a pause for student loan borrowers who are nearing their final payments during the Department’s transition to additional student loan servicers. In April 2019, Senator King joined Senators Coons and Portman to introduce Domenic’s Law, bipartisan legislation which would allow a parent whose child develops a total and permanent disability to qualify for student loan forgiveness. After an alarming report in 2019 from National Public Radio (NPR) which found that hundreds of thousands of Americans with qualifying disabilities have not received the student loan relief they are entitled to by law, Senator King joined a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the Department’s Acting Inspector General, Sandra Bruce, to investigate the federal student loan discharge process for Americans with total and permanent disabilities (TPD).

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI NGOs: MSF responds to humanitarian needs in Lebanon amid military escalation story Sep 24, 2024

Source: Doctors Without Borders –

For example, since yesterday, some of MSF’s staff in south Lebanon, Beirut, and other parts of the country have been forced to leave their homes, with people fleeing and spending hours in traffic in search of safety. In south Lebanon and Baalbek-Hermel—areas that continue to experience heavy aerial strikes—MSF staff reported bombardments in close proximity to their homes. Many staff there were still sheltering in their homes while Israeli warplanes continued to fly overhead and throughout the night.

MSF is distributing non-food items like mattresses and hygiene kits to collective shelters across the country. MSF mobile medical units are providing primary and mental health care to shelters for those in need. In addition, teams are running mental health helplines, offering psychological support to displaced and affected individuals during this time of distress.

Following the pager attacks last week, MSF immediately reached out to health actors, including hospitals, to provide support and donate supplies.

MSF will continue to coordinate closely with partners and hospital networks, offering support where possible as the situation develops.

MIL OSI NGO –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Kaptur, Mann, Brown, Marshall Lead Bipartisan and Bicameral Legislation Fighting For American Farmers

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01), Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Senator Roger Marshall, MD (R-KS), introduced the bicameral and bipartisan Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act requiring the Treasury Department to restrict the eligibility of the 45Z Tax Credit to renewable fuels made only from domestically sourced feedstocks and extending the tax credit to make it a full ten-year credit.

“I joined my colleagues in this important bicameral and bipartisan effort because helping American farmers, producers, and growers goes beyond state and party lines,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture.” We must ensure the Clean Fuel Production tax credit is structured in a way that benefits domestic producers and not one that advantages foreign-produced feedstocks from China or Brazil. Our legislation will extend this credit through 2034 and bolster American energy independence by prioritizing American producers and the production of domestic biofuels.”

“In no world should American tax incentives first benefit foreign producers,” said Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01). “While the use of foreign feedstocks can play an important role in producing domestically manufactured ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel, we must not displace harvest in America. Our legislation puts American farmers first by ensuring that American tax credits are incentivizing American-grown products.”

“American tax dollars should support American farmers – not imported feedstocks. To continue to grow the biofuels industry and open new markets for Ohio farmers, we must stop taxpayer money from subsidizing a surge in Chinese cooking oil or any other foreign feedstock from infiltrating the American market. Our bipartisan bill ensures these investments benefit Ohio farmers and Ohio energy producers,” Said Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH).

“It’s very tough in farm country with high interest rates and low commodity prices, which is exactly why we can’t have a tax policy that will lower commodity prices even more. While we support free trade and open markets, we do not believe foreign feedstocks should be incentivized through the hard-earned dollars of US taxpayers to the detriment of American farmers,” said Senator Roger Marshall, MD (R-KS). “This legislation puts farmers FIRST to ensure they are the primary beneficiaries of renewable fuel tax incentives and provides businesses a decade of certainty.”

“The federal clean fuel production tax credit is meant to foster a domestic market for cleaner burning fuels that promote American jobs and energy independence,” said Rusty Goebel, President, Ohio Soybean Association. “Foreign imported feedstocks shouldn’t benefit from American taxpayer investments in this industry. Ohio Soybean farmers support Congresswoman Kaptur’s efforts to ensure Ohio-grown feedstocks aren’t undercut by foreign suppliers.”

“NOPA commends this bipartisan, bicameral legislative effort which puts U.S fuel producers, US crushers and US farmers first. We thank Senators Brown and Marshall and Representatives Mann and Kaptur for their leadership,” said NOPA President and CEO Kailee Tkacz Buller. “We support free trade and open markets but do not believe foreign feedstocks should benefit on the backs of U.S. taxpayers to the detriment of US farmers. Without this fix, the 45Z credit will incentivize the use of foreign feedstocks over those grown by US farmers. Our industry has made significant investments to expand US crush capacity by 30 percent and this fix is pivotal to ensuring these investments are delivered.”

“Corn growers are making every effort to help the airline industry lower its greenhouse gas emissions through the use of corn ethanol,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA president Harold Wolle. “We are deeply appreciative of these leaders for introducing legislation that establishes requirements for the tax credit that will level the playing field for America’s corn growers.”

“Biofuel production paves a key path for our country to be a clean energy leader, and US farmers who grow the crops going into those biofuels take pride in helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting the US economy and energy independence,” said ASA President Josh Gackle, a North Dakota soybean farmer. “However, for continued growth of America’s promising biofuels industry, US farmers need the support of a final 45Z rule that prioritizes domestically sourced feedstock.”

“The Farmer First Fuel Incentive Act recognizes the vital role of American agriculture in 45Z. This legislation ensures that the guidance is designed and implemented in a farmer-focused manner, supporting domestic clean energy production and stimulating economic growth across rural America,” said Craig Meeker, Chairman of National Sorghum Producers.

“This important bill sends a strong signal that extending the 45Z credit is going to be a top, bipartisan priority in this Congress and the next,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We applaud all our rural champions for working to give biofuel producers and our farm partners the long-term certainty we need to accelerate innovation in America’s bioeconomy. With a longer runway from Congress, and clear, flexible, and timely guidance from the US Department of the Treasury, we’ll have the pieces in place to unlock billions of dollars in new clean energy investments across rural America,” Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, said.

The 10-year credit will give the ethanol industry the time and financial incentive to build up the infrastructure needed for the US to be less reliant on foreign fuel, open new markets for farmers, and increase ethanol production across the Midwest. However, we recently learned that 45Z has a glaring flaw that needs to be fixed for farmers wanting to sell feedstocks to the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry. If 45Z goes into effect as is, taxpayers will be massively subsidizing Chinese used cooking oil and would all but eliminate the use of homegrown soy or corn oil in renewable diesel.

House cosponsors include: Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02) Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), and Representatives James Comer (KY-01).

Senate cosponsors include: Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Tina Smith (D-MN).

The Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act is supported by Growth Energy, National Oilseed Processors Association, National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association, Ohio Soybean Association, Kansas Corn Growers Association, Kansas Soybean Association, Kentucky Soybean Association, Scoular, and Louis Dreyfus Company.

Background:

Prior to introducing this legislation, Congresswoman Kaptur joined Senators Brown and Marshall in a July bipartisan letter they led calling for the US Treasury Department to restrict the eligibility of the 45Z Tax Credit to renewable fuels made only from domestically-sourced feedstocks, like Kansas soybean oil and corn oil. You may click here to read Senator Brown and Marshall’s full letter. Representatives Kaptur and Mann led 39 House colleagues in a subsequent letter September. A similar letter calling for 45z to be restricted to domestic feedstocks was sent by the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, and National Farmers Union to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and US Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young.

# # #

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Europe: UNGA: President Meloni meets with Head of the Interim Government of Bangladesh

Source: Government of Italy (English)

Vai al Contenuto Raggiungi il piè di pagina

24 Settembre 2024

In the margins of the high-level week of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, the President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, met today with the Head of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, Prof. Muhammad Yunus.

During the meeting, President Meloni expressed Italy’s support for the reform process in Bangladesh and the main goal of improving the population’s social and economic conditions.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss migration, with the intention being stated to strengthen cooperation on this issue, in particular by relaunching negotiations to complete a bilateral agreement to combat irregular migration flows, establish closer cooperation on returns and, at the same time, support legal paths.

MIL OSI Europe News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Global: Hockey in Canada: Can it still bridge divides in an era of political polarization?

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Joseph Dick, PhD Student in Sport Management, University of Guelph

Contemporary ice hockey was pioneered in Canada, and the sport has historically been watched and played by Canadians. (Shutterstock)

Hockey has played a significant role in shaping Canada’s culture and identity over the years. As sport scholar Tony Patoine once put it, “hockey has become more than a simple pasttime: it is a true Canadian tradition, a quasi-religion.”

This deep attachment to the game is reflected in Bill C-212, which acknowledges hockey as Canada’s official winter sport. Modern ice hockey was, after all, pioneered in Canada, where it has historically been watched, played and been perceived as a unifying force that transcends linguistic and ethnic divides.

Despite these perceptions, however, we question the strength of such unification potential amidst recent changes to hockey culture. Can hockey continue to unify all of Canada?

‘Communitas’

Hockey’s purported sense of unity closely relates to the concept of “communitas,” coined by anthropologist Victor Turner, which describes the strong bonds of comradery that form between members of a group — and sometimes between members of disparate groups — where rank and status disappear.

However, not everyone experiences this sense of unity equally. Since social groups establish behaviours required for group membership, those who don’t align with these norms may feel excluded.

Former Hockey Night in Canada commentator, Don Cherry, was once praised for upholding values characteristic of hockey, including the promotion of violence, hyper masculinity and an overall adherence to “ideas of loyalty, fraternity, and mutual respect.” These values, once normalized within the hockey community, shaped how both players and fans were expected to act.

But as the game continues to evolve and these values are increasingly considered archaic and out of sync with the broader political culture fostered within Canada, we as Canadian sport and political science researchers, respectively, question if hockey still provides that sense of communitas for all of Canada.

Hockey in French Canada

Although Canadians often view hockey as a monolithic, universally adopted sport across Canada, a closer look reveals patterns of non-uniformity. Nowhere are such differences more apparent than in the historical development of the sport in Québec versus the rest of Canada.

As historian Emmanuel Lapierre wrote, “French Canadians appropriated hockey in their own manner and used it to tell a story about themselves,” a story that is, like the province of Québec itself, unique within the Canadian federation.

For much of Canadian history, Anglophone hockey players represented the in-group, while Francophone hockey players were often seen as outsiders. In the 1950s, for example, Francophone players in the NHL believed they were treated more harshly when it came to suspensions and fines.

Québec society, during this time, faced an endemic struggle of oppression against an Anglophone-dominated society controlled by the Catholic Church. Francophone resistance to this was linked to the Richard Riot that occurred during the 1954-55 NHL season.

Maurice Richard scoring his 500th goal on Oct. 19, 1957. At the time, he was the first and only professional NHL player to achieve such a feat.
(Wikimedia Commons)

After Montreal Canadiens’ player Maurice “Rocket” Richard was suspended from the playoffs in March 1955 for punching an official, a massive riot broke out among fans. They raged through downtown Montréal, targeting Anglophone-owned buildings. This riot became a symbol of Francophone resistance to Anglophone dominance, serving as a stepping stone towards the Quiet Revolution and renewed French Canadian nationalism.

This, in turn, strengthened the sense of unity around hockey in Canada. Francophone hockey players began to be viewed as more equal to, and at the very least not controlled by, Anglophone players. Hockey was used to forge a sense of communitas amongst French Canadians, serving as a transcendent unifier in Canada.

But that was then, and it occurred within the context of a province historically rich with connections to French Canadian culture, where hockey’s unification potential was, therefore, heightened. Does this similar sense of communitas still exist in the rest of Canada with respect to hockey? Or has the sport’s ability to unite the nation become weakened in an era of unprecedented political polarization?

Hockey today

Hockey fandom remains strong in Canada, with about 31 per cent of Canadians still following the sport — the highest of any sport in the country. This is re-enforced by the recent success of the Professional Women’s Hockey League and the near-record Canadian viewership of the most recent Stanley Cup finals.

However, hockey participation has seen a notable decline, dropping 33 per cent since its peak in 2010 amidst high participation costs. Additionally, Hockey Canada has been accused of fostering a culture of misogyny and sexual assault.

Read more:
Hockey Canada scandal highlights toxic masculinity in sports

In 2023, Hockey Canada’s former CEO acknowledged the need to address racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination in hockey culture. “Each topic, or part of culture that we’re trying to get at, that will determine who the audience is as we move forward,” he said.

As hockey navigates these changes, it must adapt to the growing emphasis on equity, diversity and inclusion, alongside the impacts of an increasing immigrant population and the globalization of the game.

This evolution could mean the demise of “traditional” hockey values, and perhaps that is a good thing: misogynistic, “rock ‘em and sock ’em” mentalities don’t align with the values of a modern liberal democracy like Canada.

Still, for communitas to transcend division, hockey must also find a way to bring traditional fans along, who may have enjoyed the undertones of violence and masculinized definitions of loyalty, fraternity and respect, without alienating them.

Where should hockey go now?

Hockey’s role as a unifying force in Canada is well established. Not only is it still Canada’s official winter sport, but as outlined above, it has also served as a unifier for French and English Canada. Hockey has, moreover, unified Canadians during other key moments, such as Canada’s victory over the USSR in the 1972 Summit Series, which symbolized democracy’s triumph over communism.

However, hockey’s role as a unifying force has diminished over the years. For many Canadians, hockey is no longer “the best game you can name,” as Stompin’ Tom Connors once sang.

If hockey is to maintain its historic place as a contributor to Canadian nationalism and communitas, the sport must evolve. While some traditional values — such as teamwork, loyalty and respect — should be preserved, outdated notions like hyper masculinity and aggression no longer align with today’s values.

As Canada changes, so too must hockey. Canadian hockey culture and policies must better adapt to meet contemporary Canadian values like diversity and inclusivity.

The question for Canadians isn’t just the future of hockey, but what can unite us in today’s world. Communitas need not be confined to hockey, let alone a sport. Hockey has traditionally filled this unification role, but if it fails to keep up, what will take its place?

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Hockey in Canada: Can it still bridge divides in an era of political polarization? – https://theconversation.com/hockey-in-canada-can-it-still-bridge-divides-in-an-era-of-political-polarization-238277

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Apple Retail Workers in Oklahoma City Win First Collective Contract with CWA
Source: Communications Workers of America

(Oklahoma City, Okla.) — Last night, Apple Retail Union-CWA Local 6016 members at the Penn Square Mall Apple Store in Oklahoma City overwhelmingly voted to ratify their first collectively-bargained contract, becoming the second union of Apple Store retail workers in the country to do so.

Highlights of the three-year agreement include:
- Wage increases of up to 11.5% over the next three years.
- Worker involvement in scheduling and guaranteed paid time off to vote.
- A safer and more democratic workplace with a grievance and arbitration process and the establishment of joint Safety and Health and Working Relations committees.
- Job protection in the event of a store closure or relocation and severance pay.
- Guaranteed paid time off, health and other benefits
“It is exhilarating to finalize this bargaining process and know that after all the work we have done and all the obstacles that Apple has put in our way, we have finally secured the protection and improvements in pay and benefits that we deserve. We hope this sets an example for Apple’s tens of thousands of retail workers that when we stand together, we have the power to make meaningful changes in our workplace,” said Michael Forsythe, Genius Admin and member of Apple Retail Union-CWA.

Last month workers voted unanimously to authorize a strike and held an informational picket following months of delays at the bargaining table. However, subsequent bargaining sessions in early September were productive and workers secured a tentative agreement on September 6th.

“This contract is a direct result of the collective strength and determination of Apple workers who fought for a voice at one of the most profitable tech companies in the world. In doing so, this sends a powerful message to Apple Store workers that when we fight, we win,” said Antonio Flores, President of CWA Local 6016.

The 78 retail workers at the Penn Square Apple Store represent the second team of Apple’s retail workers to win a collectively bargained contract and the first to do so with the support of Communications Workers of America. In August, workers at the Towson Town Square store in Maryland, represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, ratified the first collectively-bargained contract between Apple retail workers and the tech giant.

“With the Oklahoma City workers’ success and the growing public support for unions across the country, it’s time for Apple to change course, hold itself accountable to their credo, and allow workers at all stores a free and fair opportunity to choose whether or not to join a union,” said Derrick Osobase, CWA District 6 Vice President.

Apple workers interested in improving their working conditions and having the protections of a union contract should visit this site to learn more about organizing.

###

The Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA) is a network of worker-organizers and their staff working every single day to build the voice and power necessary to ensure the future of the tech, game, and digital industries in the United States and Canada. CODE-CWA is a project of the Communications Workers of America which represents hundreds of thousands of workers throughout tech, media, telecom, and other industries who stand together to fight for justice on the job and in our communities.

MIL OSI USA News –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cohen Celebrates Placement of Statue of Johnny Cash in the U.S. Capitol

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today delivered remarks from the House floor after attending a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center where a statue of Johnny Cash was unveiled. The statue, commissioned by the State of Arkansas, has been placed in the Capitol, along with the statue of Arkansas civil rights activist and journalist Daisy Bates which was unveiled in May.

In his remarks, Congressman Cohen said:

“Today I attended a marvelous program in Emancipation Hall where the statue of Johnny Cash was placed for time immemorial. Johnny Cash was put in there by the State of Arkansas who earlier placed Daisy Bates in the Capitol. I commend the State of Arkansas for doing that and the outstanding addresses by Arkansas legislators, the governor, and by Roseanne Cash, the daughter of Johnny Cash.

“Johnny Cash was born in Arkansas but he came to Memphis to start his musical career. He went to Sun Records and Sam Phillips got him started. He was at Sun Records on the day when Elvis was there, Jerry Lee Lewis was there, and Carl Perkins was there. They put together songs that day that Sam Phillips recorded that was called ‘The Million-Dollar Quartet.’ Johnny Cash was a great singer, a great humanitarian worthy of this honor, and someone we should all remember. A life well-lived and memorialized in the Capitol.”

See those remarks here.

# # #

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Monster weekend: Closures on SR 520, northbound I-405, southbound SR 167, and I-5 Sept. 27-30
Source: Washington State News 2

WSDOT is planning the set of biggest closures of the year to make progress on key transportation projects in the metro area

SEATTLE – Drivers traveling across Lake Washington on State Route 520, through the Interstate 405/SR 167 corridors, and on I-5 in Seattle and between Federal Way and Tacoma should prepare for major closures beginning late Friday, Sept. 27 to early Monday, Sept. 30.

Together these closures form a “monster” traveler challenge – the biggest weekend of Washington State Department of Transportation construction closures for the region this year. Knowing the location of each closure is important for drivers to prepare in advance and make alternate plans to get around the region.

SR 520 closure

The SR 520 closure stretches from I-5 in Seattle to 92nd Avenue Northeast in Clyde Hill on the Eastside and include all of the associated on- and off-ramps. The SR 520 Trail will also close for bicyclists and pedestrians across the lake. The highway and trail will close at 11 p.m. Friday and reopen at 5 a.m. Monday. Part of the SR 520 Montlake Project, crews will work on lighting and the fire suppression system under the new Montlake lid over SR 520.

Northbound I-405 closure

Northbound I-405 in Renton will be closed from Sunset Boulevard Northeast/Southport Drive (Exit 5) to Coal Creek Parkway Southeast from 11 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Monday. The following ramps will also be closed:
- Sunset Boulevard Northeast on-ramp (Exit 5).
- Northeast 30th Street on- and off-ramps (Exit 6).
- Northeast 44th Street on- and off-ramps (Exit 7).
- Lake Washington Boulevard Southeast on- and off-ramps (Exit 8).
- Coal Creek Parkway off-ramp (Exit 10).
During the closure, contractor crews working for WSDOT will shift northbound traffic onto a new bridge as part of the I-405/Renton to Bellevue Widening and Express Toll Lanes Project. A signed detour will be available. This work requires mostly dry weather and could be rescheduled if it rains.

Southbound SR 167 closure

Southbound SR 167 will be closed in Kent from SR 516 to South 277th Street beginning 11:59 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Monday. The following ramps will also be closed:
- SR 516 on-ramp to southbound SR 167.
- Southbound SR 167 off-ramp to South 277th Street.
Crews will be paving and striping sections of southbound SR 167. A signed SR 167 detour will be in place for this SR 167 Corridor Improvements Project closure. This work requires mostly dry weather and could be rescheduled if it rains.

I-5 overnight closures

Both directions of I-5 between SR 18 in Federal Way and 54th Avenue East in Fife will be closed overnight on Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28. Northbound lanes are closed by 10:30 p.m. and southbound lanes by 11 p.m. Lanes begin reopening at 7 a.m. on Saturday with all lanes open by 11 a.m. On Sunday, lanes begin reopening at 8 a.m. with all lanes open by noon.

Travelers headed to the Fife area should use the signed SR 99 detour route. People with destinations other than Fife should consider using regional routes including SR 18, SR 161, SR 167 and SR 512.

During this closure, WSDOT contractor crews will set girders for a new overpass crossing I-5. This work is part of WSDOT’s Puget Sound Gateway Program to complete SR 167.

Mercer Street on-ramps to I-5

The Mercer Street on-ramps to both north- and southbound I-5 in Seattle will close beginning at 10 p.m. on Friday and reopen at 5 a.m. Monday. This work is part of the SR 520 I-5 Express Lanes Connection Project. Crews will use the shutdown to pave the ramp and adjacent shoulders.

Know before you go

Detour routes cannot accommodate normal traffic volumes, so people are advised to “know before you go,” travel during off-peak hours or, if possible, delay discretionary travel to help minimize backups. Traffic flow information is available using WSDOT’s real-time travel map.

Resources to stay informed about the project:
- SR 520 24-hour construction hotline: 206-775-8885
- I-405/Renton to Bellevue Widening and Express Toll Lanes Project 24/7 construction hotline: 425-818-0161
- SR 167 Corridor Improvements Project hotline: 425-456-8585
- SR 167 Completion Project: 253-220-5009
- SR 520 I-5 Express Lanes Connection Project: 206-316-2559
MIL OSI USA News –
September 29, 2024

MIL-OSI Translation: Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Jeremy Hansen Visits Winnipeg and Montreal

MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

Media Advisory

Longueuil (Quebec), September 24, 2024 – From September 27 to 29, Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen will be in Winnipeg to speak about the Artemis II mission during which he will be the first Canadian to fly over the Moon. He will then pass through the Montreal region on October 1.

He will speak to students, give presentations to the general public and give interviews to the media.

Journalists wishing to attend one of the presentations or request an interview with CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen should contact the Media Relations Office.

Winnipeg

Friday, September 27, 2024

Hour	What	Or
12:30 p.m. (CT)	Presentation to 350 Chamber of Commerce members and Winnipeg students	RBC Convention Centre375 York AvenueWinnipeg, ManitobaR3C 3J3
7:00 p.m. (CT)	Presentation to the general public (approximately 200 people) at the Manitoba Museum	Manitoba Museum190 Rupert AvenueWinnipeg, ManitobaR3B 0N2

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Hour	What	Or
2:00 p.m. (CT)	Presentation to the general public (150 to 175 people) at the Royal Western Canadian Air Force Museum	Royal Western Canadian Air Force Museum2088 Wellington AvenueWinnipeg, ManitobaR3H 1C5

Montreal

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Hour	What	Or
10:20 a.m. (CT)	Presentation to a hundred students from Cedar Street School	Cedar Street School250 Cedar StreetBeloeil (Quebec)J3G 3M1

Additional information

– 30 –

Information

Canadian Space AgencyMedia Relations OfficeTelephone: 450-926-4370Email: asc.medias-media.csa@asc-csa.gc.caWebsite: www.asc-csa.gc.caFollow us in the social media!

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

MIL Translation OSI

September 29, 2024

MIL-OSI Security: Fighting IP Crime: A global responsibility
Source: Interpol (news and events)

Experts from around the world gather to address intellectual property crime threat
WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao – Law enforcement officials, security and industry experts are meeting in Curaçao to strengthen global partnerships and coordinate action to counter intellectual property (IP) crime.

Affecting all sectors and all regions, the trade in fake and pirated goods by transnational organized crime groups is often linked to other crime types, such as human trafficking, corruption and money laundering.

To counter this evolving threat, some 375 specialists from more than 65 countries are meeting at the 17th International Law Enforcement Intellectual Property (IP) Crime Conference to shape effective enforcement strategies.

Co-hosted by INTERPOL, the Government of Curaçao and its partner the Curinde Free Trade Zone in partnership with UL Standards and Engagement, and delivered by the International IP Crime Investigators College (IIPCIC), this is the first time the event is being held in the Caribbean.

The event also marks the creation of the first National IP Crime Task Force in Curaçao which will provide expert assistance in anti-counterfeiting activities.

On behalf of the Council of Ministers, Curaçao’s Minister of Justice, Mr Shalten Hato said:

“We must unite to fight crime. For Curaçao, the advantage of creating a dedicated task force goes beyond simply identifying criminals who travel internationally and tackling cross-border crime; the exchange of information is essential in helping us stay ahead of criminal activities.”

INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said:

“With every region of the world and all industry sectors affected by intellectual property crime, a global and coordinated response is essential.

“This conference will provide new impetus to our united efforts to tackle this threat, which not only harms public health, but also damages economies, undermining communities.”

Focusing on Free Trade Zones and Supply Chain Security, the theme of the conference is “Reducing the Harm”, and will address the following three key areas:
- Coordinating Responses
- Aligning Resources
- Leveraging Opportunities
“We are a safety advocacy organization, and counterfeits represent the absence of safety,” said George Borlase, Interim Executive Director of UL Standards & Engagement.

“We are proud to partner and co-host with INTERPOL, the Government of Curaçao, and the Curinde Free Trade Zone to convene key stakeholders and support information sharing that will lead to solutions that leave us better protected against the harms of counterfeits.”

First held in 2007, the Law Enforcement IP Crime Conference has become the premiere event for law enforcement and private sector professionals.
MIL Security OSI –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Translation: UNGA, President Meloni meets with the Prime Minister of Iraq

MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

Source: Government of Italy

Skip to content Reach the footer

September 24, 2024

The Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, met the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mohammed Al Sudani, in New York.

The leaders discussed bilateral relations, reaffirming their common will to establish a strategic partnership between the two nations in all sectors, from political to economic cooperation, from security to cultural cooperation.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to reaffirm Italy’s commitment to international support for Iraq’s security through the training of security forces and the fight against terrorism.

President Meloni and Prime Minister Al Sudani also discussed the situation in the Middle East, agreeing on the need to continue working towards regional de-escalation.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

MIL Translation OSI

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Security: Thompson — Thompson RCMP looking for missing woman

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On September 11, 2024, at approximately 11:30am, Thompson RCMP received a report of a missing 44-year-old female.

Carmen Chastelaine was reported missing by family after they had not heard from her after a prolonged period of time.

Since being reported missing, officers have been out doing searches in and around Thompson, checking in with family, friends and places Chastelaine frequents. The investigation to date has led police to believe that she may be in the City of Winnipeg.

Chastelaine is described as 5’6″, approximately 185 pounds, with short brown hair, and has a tattoo “Billy” on her neck.

If you’ve seen her or have information on her whereabouts, please call the Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

MIL Security OSI –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Security: Bamboo Eagle: ‘Upping our game’ for Great Power Competition

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nevada –

Exercise Bamboo Eagle 24-3 integrated U.S. Airmen, Guardians, Sailors, Marines, and allies from Australia and the United Kingdom into a combined force to train for a possible conflict in the era of Great Power Competition. Last month, the exercise conducted live-fly operations in the eastern Pacific and a simultaneous 24-hour live, virtual, and constructive, or LVC, rolling scenario, tackling issues involving distributed command and control, communications degradation, logistics and sustainment challenges, and fighting through the tyranny of distance.

Bamboo Eagle 24-3 provided advanced expeditionary airbase training in a combat-representative environment utilizing distributed locations, or spokes, along the western United States. Red Flag and Agile Flag units were dispersed from hubs into spokes while maintaining sortie generation utilizing a centralized C2 force element, or C2FE. Agile combat employment, or ACE, concepts were incorporated into the exercise to provide full spectrum movement and maneuver and multi-hub operations under a singular operational C2 structure.

“The Bamboo Eagle exercise series is so much more than Red Flag over water,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Power, 505th Combat Training Squadron commander, Hurlburt Field, Florida. “The combination of an LVC environment spanning more than 850,000 square miles in a synthetic battlespace delivers the scope and scale necessary to prepare both tactical-level and operational-level warfighters for competition with the pacing challenge.”

During Bamboo Eagle 24-1, the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center-led exercise focused on tactical operations while operational-level of war elements such as the air operations center, or AOC, Air Force forces staff and the Commander, AFFOR and Combined/Joint Forces Air Component Commander, were replicated by 505th CTS from Hurlburt Field. In a first for the Bamboo Eagle exercise series, the USAFWC called for the deployment of a fully resourced combat representative AOC and AFFOR to exercise and support multi-domain operations in a disaggregated high-end conflict during Bamboo Eagle 24-3.

“Bamboo Eagle 24-3 built upon 24-1 in the operational C2 structure that assured the C2FEs had the operational echelon above them to provide critical guidance, support, and sustainment as the ACE scheme of maneuver was executed,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jesse Friedel, USAFWC deputy commander and Bamboo Eagle COMAFFOR and C/JFACC, Nellis AFB, Nevada. “The large-scale combat-representative exercise was successful at executing the C2 structure for Great Power Competition, focusing on mission command where there was centralized command and key distributed control, along with critical decentralized execution to assure we were synchronizing efforts to improve interoperability with our Nation’s joint force.”

Another first for the Bamboo Eagle exercise series in 24-3 was incorporating operational-level planning and execution by subject matter experts from the entire wing and wing staff, including the 505th Training Squadron and 705th Training Squadron. Instructors from both training squadrons supported the AOC, AFFOR, air expeditionary wings, and COMAFFOR and C/JFACC.

U.S., Australian, and U.K., tactical and operational C2 experts integrated to provide national expertise, independent/contingency communications, and to further development of tactics, techniques and procedures within Bamboo Eagle’s AOC.

Air Operations Center

“Generally, as an Air Force, we focus on the tactical aspect of war; exercises like Red Flag focus on tactics, but the level above that is the operational level of war, which we don’t practice very well,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Ryan Hayde, 505th Command and Control Wing commander and Bamboo Eagle AOC director. “Standing up a fully manned AOC allowed us the ability to synchronize efforts over time and space and to focus on the scale and scope in an Indo-Pacific large-scale conflict, which only the operational level of war is going to be able to solve, which is critical to winning the logistics fight, C2 fight, and long-range kill chain fight against a peer-to-peer adversary.”

Exercise Bamboo Eagle saw momentous progress towards coalition integration within operational C2 since its first iteration in January 2024.

“The significance of our coalition partners’ involvement during Bamboo Eagle cannot be overstated,” remarked Hayde. “Due to some breakthroughs in access, our partners were able to fight on our systems and lead AOC shifts, filling the top three AOC leadership roles.”

During the exercise, simulated combat scenarios and live joint training operations provided a unique opportunity for military personnel from the U.S., Australia, and the U.K., to work closely together and enhance their collective capabilities.

“U.K. and Royal Australian Air Force participants benefitted from unprecedented access to U.S. systems. This demonstrated the strength and effectiveness of multinational cooperation in achieving shared military objectives,” said Royal Air Force Wing Commander Richard Kinniburgh, U.K. exchange officer to the 505th CCW and Bamboo Eagle U.K. Detachment commander. “I, alongside my Australian counterpart, will endeavor to build upon these successes into exercise BE 25-1 and support the U.S. Air Force in sharing the access processes as best practice to enhance FVEY [Five Eyes] integration as widely as possible.”

RAAF Squadron Leader Sean Bedford, Bamboo Eagle RAAF detachment commander, said, “The access to U.S. systems was beneficial. Individual (AOC) divisions seemed to appreciate the fact that we were there and actively working to integrate with our U.S. and U.K. counterparts. The opportunity to network and be inside the 613th AOC was a high point. Learning about and actively experiencing working within a U.S. AOC was an important aspect of the exercise. The good relationships between the three nations present were evident. U.S. members were happy to listen and consider what we had to say”.

“Bamboo Eagle 24-3 has set a new standard for coalition integration for exercises and methodology that will be shared across the U.S. Air Force as best practice,” said Hayde.

Air Force forces staff, also known as the AFFOR battle staff

To provide a more robust combat-representative training environment for the AEWs, an AFFOR staff supported the dual-hatted COMAFFOR and C/JFACC’s operational and administrative control over Bamboo Eagle’s forces from the Shadow Operations Center-Nellis’ operations floor.

“While the AOC and live-fly garner a lot of attention in these exercises, our ability to successfully operate ACE in the Indo-Pacific is critically reliant on the ability of the AFFOR. No longer is the AFFOR staff able to just focus on ‘deploy, sustain, and redeploy’…they are now more than ever critical to the employment of airpower!” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Lee, 705th TRS commander, Hurlburt Field, Florida

“During a high-end conflict, communication between the deployed combat wings, the AOC and AFFOR battle staff is going to be critical to synchronize operations and maintain initiative,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Wild, 99th Air Base Wing deputy commander, and Bamboo Eagle AFFOR battle staff director, Nellis AFB, Nevada. “Bamboo Eagle provided the perfect training ground to get much-needed repetition in executing operational C2.”

Scope and Scale

While Bamboo Eagle’s live environment introduced mission generation FEs, or MGFEs, to the challenges of ACE and synchronization of multi-domain effects, the virtual and constructive environments stressed the challenges of logistics and resource management for both the air component and subordinate wings and associated C2FEs.

“If the all-domain combat power pulses answer the ‘so what?’ of generating combat air power, the operational environment at the scope and scale of the Indo-Pacific AOR [area of responsibility] of the synthetic battlespace begs the question ‘so how?’” said Power.

Power continued, “…the complex live environment of Bamboo Eagle presented wing commanders with significant MG and combat application challenges. Yet, sortie generation and mission planning alone do not provide the combat-representative environment our warfighters need in preparation for Great Power Competition. Pairing live training audiences with a broad constructive and virtual wrap-around replicates the look and feel of major combat operations.”

Live, Virtual, and Constructive

The 705th Combat Training Squadron, also known as the Distributed Mission Operations Center, at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, synchronized LVC environments and delivered robust training. The DMOC provided reps and sets for the entire C2 battle management enterprise, including aircrew flying strike aircraft and C2 platforms within a realistic combined scenario at a scope and scale not possible in the live-fly alone.

This exercise included the first-ever lead wing participants at the DMOC, connected through a simultaneous LVC environment. During the exercise, the training audience addressed the challenges of tyranny of distance, time, and logistical strains of an Indo-Pacific Command fight within the constructive and virtual components, which were spread out over prolonged vulnerability periods or pulses.

The 1st Fighter Wing participated as an expeditionary Lead Wing, engaging with live participants through a virtual environment representing realistic USINDOPACOM basing at the DMOC. The 1st FW managed dispersed operations while maintaining C2 and sortie generation through a centralized C2FE. ACE concepts were incorporated into the exercise to provide maneuver and multi-hub operations under a singular operational C2 structure.

“In this iteration of Bamboo Eagle, we were able to provide a unique and challenging venue to train a lead wing C2FE, I think this is definitely a growth area for the DMOC that will meet an unfilled training need for wings as they prepare to for high-end conflict,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Jones, 705th CTS/DMOC commander, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico.

Network Architecture

The 805th Combat Training Squadron’s, also known as the ShOC-N, ability to manage the network architecture in real time ensures that the LVC blends seamlessly into a single common operational picture. This ability took constructive data from the 505th CTS and virtual data from the 705th CTS and combines that with live instrumented range data from across multiple live-fly operating areas.

“Exercise participants, regardless of echelon, are participating in a training construct that mimics adversary orders of battle, blue dispositions, and the tyranny of distance like no other exercise has to date,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Shawn Finney, 805th CTS/ShOC-N commander, Nellis AFB, Nevada. “The result is a combat-representative depiction of the scope and scale of peer conflict.”

Importance of Communications

Bamboo Eagle 24-3 marked the first utilization of the 613th AOC C2 Training Suite with strong support and collective ownership provided by the 56th Air and Space Communications Squadron and 505th Communications Squadron teams. The effective coordination and collaboration between these units played a crucial role in two main aspects. Firstly, it facilitated the development of Mission Ready Airmen, through scale and speed, with training focused on command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence, or C4I, skillsets needed for critical wartime operations. Secondly, it accelerated the development, integration, and testing of the communications and intelligence capabilities by utilizing models and simulations overlays into a comprehensive battlespace picture, becoming more combat representative by displaying unfolding events.

“Meeting operational demands in an era of Great Power Competition by ensuring that the C2 architecture (systems, networks, satellite communications, and warfighting applications) captures evolving air, sea, space, and cyberspace challenges is my team’s goal,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Crystal Lusardi, 505th CS commander, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

Mission Under Test

A key part of the 605th Test and Evaluation Squadron effort involved developing and executing the squadron’s first-ever mission-under-test observation and tactics investigation plan. This plan provided an end-to-end look at the complex process of planning and executing long-range kill-chains across 11 different lines of effort.

“Executing our first-ever Mission Under Test observation and tactics investigation plan during Bamboo Eagle was a significant step forward for the 605th TES. This comprehensive approach allowed us to gain an unprecedented understanding of the complexities involved in planning and executing long-range kill chains, ultimately enabling us to identify vulnerabilities and improve coordination across the entire battlespace,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brad Short, 605th TES commander, Hurlburt Field, Florida. “Our team’s efforts in evaluating non-traditional C2 and ISR [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance] tactics demonstrated the incredible adaptability and ingenuity of our Airmen. We witnessed firsthand how these innovations can dramatically improve targeting and execution speeds on the battlefield.”

Future of Bamboo Eagle

“As the Air Force is reoptimizing for Great Power Competition, with a focus on realistic scenarios and large-scale exercises to identify gaps and weaknesses, the 505th Command and Control Wing must adopt an all-in mindset to address operational C2 potential peer-to-peer threats,” said Hayde. “As we prepare for REFORPAC [exercise Return of Forces Pacific], we will continue to robust our AFFOR and AOC contribution to further integrate operational-level C2 into future iterations of Bamboo Eagle to ensure that we practice how we’re going to fight.”

MIL Security OSI –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Security: Elmsdale — Prince District Stop Impaired Driver on Confederation Trail

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

September 23, 2024, Elmsdale PEI – After receiving a report from the public concerning a possible impaired driver in a truck on the Confederation Trail, West Prince RCMP arrested 38-year-old man for impaired driving.

On September 23, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. West Prince RCMP received a report of a possible impaired driver operating a pickup truck on the Confederation Trail in Elmsdale. RCMP located the truck and identified the driver. While trying to make a traffic stop the driver fled in the truck and immediately crashed in a ditch on the Confederation Trail, he then tried to flee on foot before he was arrested. He was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and is expected in court in Summerside on February 12, 2025, to answer to charges in connection to this incident.

“This area of the Confederation Trail is heavily used by the public, this is an example of how one call to police can truly help to keep everyone safer in Island communities,” said Cpl Gavin Moore Media Relations Officer for the PEI RCMP.

MIL Security OSI –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Announce Nearly $11 Million in Federal Funding for Health Care Research in Illinois

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
September 24, 2024
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced $10,906,668 in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) medical research grants for Illinois institutions. The federal funding through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be put toward research programs across the state to support medical advancement in various fields, ranging from lung diseases to mental health research.
“Investing in our world-renowned medical research facilities and institutions is a critical part in helping ensure high quality health care for all Illinoisans,” Duckworth said. “I will keep working with Senator Durbin to make sure our health organizations have the federal support they need to continue improving mental health research and advancing medical treatments for patients and families across Illinois.”
“Federal investments in medical research pushes our society forward, bringing us new treatments for the serious conditions that impact so many American families,” said Durbin. “Illinois’ world-class research institutions will make good use of this federal funding to make devastating diseases more treatable.”
Recipients of HHS grants include:
Chestnut Health Systems, Inc (Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs): $759,748
Northwestern University at Chicago (Research for Mothers and Children): $718,900
Northwestern University at Chicago (Nursing Research): $827,872
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Research and Training in Complementary and Alternative Medicine): $671,176
Northwestern University at Chicago (Lung Diseases Research): $2,803,961
Northwestern University at Chicago (Human Genome Research): $745,930
Northwestern University (Aging Research): $388,067
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (Mental Health Research Grants): $535,696
Northwestern University at Chicago (Aging Research): $1,536,774
Northwestern University at Chicago (Cancer Treatment Research): $90,538

-30-

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI: CalAmp Industrial IoT Gateway Named an OEM Off-Highway 2024 Top New Product Award Recipient

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CARLSBAD, Calif., Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OEM Off-Highway, the nationally recognized magazine serving product development teams for mobile OEMs globally, has selected the HMU-3640LB Industrial IoT Gateway as one of the favored new mobile on- and off-road equipment products of 2024.

The 2024 Top New Products represent the top new product introductions that exhibit innovation, quality, efficiency, and productivity in the mobile on- and off-road equipment manufacturing space.

The awarded products are based on submitted nominations and audience engagement during a 12-month period on OEMOffHighway.com and narrowed down by the editorial team and advisory board.

The HMU-3640LB is a hardened, next-generation Industrial IoT gateway for OEMs in construction, agriculture, mining, landscaping, oil & gas, forestry, and related industries. Manufacturers rely on this technology to exchange critical data with remote equipment operating in harsh environments.

By capturing GNSS, accelerometer, bus, controller, and peripheral data, and enabling over-the-air equipment firmware updates and device management, the HMU-3630LB solves a host of challenges for OEMs. Customers now rely on the gateway to inform design and testing decisions, bolster maintenance, prevent theft, impact revenue and cash flow, boost asset utilization, improve efficiency, and strengthen equipment operator training and coaching.

“The winners of this year’s Top New Products Award represent innovation and ingenuity in product design and development,” said Kathy Wells, editor of OEM Off-Highway. “The 2024 class of top products offers new and creative solutions to recurring challenges. OEM Off-Highway applauds these industry innovators as they continue to drive mobile equipment design forward.”

Additional information on the award recipients can be found in the September/October issue of OEM Off-Highway or online at www.oemoffhighway.com

About CalAmp

CalAmp provides flexible solutions to help organizations worldwide monitor, track, and protect their vital assets. Our unique device-enabled software and cloud platform enables commercial and government organizations worldwide to improve efficiency, safety, visibility, and compliance while accommodating the unique ways they do business. With over 10 million active edge devices and 220+ approved or pending patents, CalAmp is the telematics leader organizations turn to for innovation and dependability. For more information, visit calamp.com, or LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube or CalAmp Blog.

CalAmp, LoJack, TRACKER, Here Comes The Bus, Bus Guardian, CalAmp Vision, CrashBoxx and associated logos are among the trademarks of CalAmp and/or its affiliates in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU. Spireon acquired the LoJack® U.S. Stolen Vehicle Recovery (SVR) business from CalAmp and holds an exclusive license to the LoJack mark in the United States and Canada. Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

CalAmp Investor
Contact: CalAmp Media
Contact:

Jikun Kim Mark Gaydos

SVP & CFO Chief Marketing Officer

ir@calamp.com Mgaydos@calamp.com

The MIL Network –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Statement at Hearing on Women’s Health

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo delivered the following remarks at a hearing entitled “Chaos and Control: How Trump Criminalized Women’s Health Care.”
As prepared for delivery:
“Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
“Before I begin my opening statement, let me address the fact that the Senate Finance Committee has never had a non-sitting President’s name in its hearing title, which should tell us all we need to know about the reason for this hearing.
“Since its earliest origins, the practice of medicine has been grounded in the Hippocratic Oath.
“Often colloquially distilled into ‘first, do no harm,’ the code of medical ethics is far more complex, rooted in compassion and humility. Across the country, thousands of providers commit to upholding these principles, to treat all patients, all lives, with profound respect.
“When a provider serves a pregnant woman, this philosophy applies to two lives.
“Mrs. Joshua, your experience is unacceptable. Fear and ignorance should never drive clinical decision-making. Let me be perfectly clear—seeking care for a miscarriage is not an abortion.
“Similarly, to the families and loved ones of Amber Thurman and Candi Miller, you have my deepest sympathies. Their deaths were preventable, and it is incumbent on us all to ensure no lives are lost under similar circumstances.
“The subject of abortion touches our moral and ethical core. The conversation demands respect, and the rhetoric must be accurate. Anything short risks sowing confusion with potentially devastating consequences.
“Unfortunately, as demonstrated by the overtly partisan nature of the title, it appears that the purpose of today’s hearing is to score political points against the former President is disappointing.
“The Majority’s decision to use this issue to score political points against the former President is disappointing.
“In 2022, the Supreme Court appropriately ruled abortion policy should be determined by states and, importantly, their residents.
“Since that time, a number of states have passed laws that reflect their values, either through legislatures or ballot initiatives.
“Unsurprisingly, Idaho and Oregon have taken different approaches, as they do on many issues.
“However, regardless of divergent views on abortion, everyone on this dais agrees that life is precious.
“Women and children, including unborn children, deserve high-quality health care from professionals who are equipped to both share in the joy of pregnancy and react to unforeseen complications.
“As a board-certified OB/GYN, Dr. Francis is here to discuss her work educating physicians on life-affirming care. As an accomplished attorney, Ms. Hacker will share her deep understanding of state abortion laws.
“Together, their testimony will seek to clarify the facts surrounding this debate.
“Abortion is unlike any other policy issue. Positions are shaped by our experiences, tied to our ethical philosophies, and rarely simplistic.
“As we move forward with our conversation today, I encourage all my colleagues to remember the Hippocratic Oath, and to approach this discussion with compassion and humility.”

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Video: SDIM24 – Putting COPs’ Pledges into Practice

Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

Global decision makers will convene at three COPs on the Biodiversity, Climate and Desertification agendas this year. As the planet risks maintaining a pathway to 3C of warming, with intensifying land degradation and a million animal and plant species at risk of extinction, a coordinated approach is fundamental to maintain momentum on the net-zero, nature-positive transition. How can actors from the public and private sector move beyond current geoeconomic tensions and take the necessary actions to curb carbon emissions and halt biodiversity loss while ensuring a more inclusive economy?

This session was recorded at the Sustainable Development Impact Meetings 24 September. Watch the video stream here: https://www.weforum.org/events/sustainable-development-impact-meetings-2024/sessions/putting-cops-pledges-into-practice/
Speakers:

Mirek Dušek, Managing Director, World Economic Forum

Sumant Sinha, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, ReNew

Jesper Brodin, Chief Executive Officer, Ingka Group (IKEA)

Ibrahim Thiaw, Undersecretary-General of the United Nations; Executive Secretary, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

Maria Susana Muhamad, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia

Bill Weir, Anchor and Chief Climate Correspondent, CNN
Links:

Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders: https://initiatives.weforum.org/alliance-of-ceo-climate-leaders/home

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mofHh8ier30

MIL OSI Video –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Banking: Apply to secure your company’s spot for the Project Starline x HP product
Source: Google

Secure your spot for the Project Starline x HP product

[{“model”: “blogsurvey.survey”, “pk”: 3, “fields”: {“name”: “General Article Sentiment”, “survey_id”: “general-article-sentiment_240906”, “scroll_depth_trigger”: 50, “previous_survey”: null, “display_rate”: 50, “thank_message”: “Thank you!”, “thank_emoji”: “ ”, “questions”: “[{“id”: “32a784f8-0a4d-44e9-962b-b9db9422d98b”, “type”: “simple_question”, “value”: {“question”: “Overall, how did you feel about this article?”, “responses”: [{“id”: “d1c06504-53a7-4704-a79b-8deb17a6e072”, “type”: “item”, “value”: “Liked it very much”}, {“id”: “35c540e2-a10e-491f-b4eb-bebfcf90784b”, “type”: “item”, “value”: “Liked it somewhat”}, {“id”: “76b8658c-7cc9-43ac-8243-9a6153fb4504”, “type”: “item”, “value”: “Neutral”}, {“id”: “9ddaa8dd-8101-4e89-bbf6-05636991cc6e”, “type”: “item”, “value”: “Disliked it somewhat”}, {“id”: “050af230-a83f-40e5-9065-fce8f7472051”, “type”: “item”, “value”: “Disliked it very much”}]}}]”, “target_article_pages”: true}}]
Latest stories

See all product updates
Latest stories

See all product updates
Sep 24, 2024

[[read-time]] min read

Here’s a sneak peek at the upcoming product and how companies can be among the first to try it.

Maz Khorasani

Group Product Manager, Project Starline

Earlier this year, we announced Project Starline is coming out of the lab and into the world, with a focus on transforming the way distributed teams and individuals connect in the workplace. Through our partnership with HP, our technology will be commercially available starting in 2025.

Today, we’re sharing a first look at the product design, built in collaboration with HP. The device’s design blends into meeting rooms, letting the experience take over so you can focus on what matters most: the other person. This helps make communication as natural as if two people were across from each other in the same room.

Apply now to receive the Project Starline x HP product at launch

We’ve seen incredible interest from companies eager to bring Project Starline to their employees. Starting today, companies can now apply to be among the first to receive the product when it launches in 2025. Through this program with HP, companies can sign up to secure their place in line and gain access to exclusive product information and updates.

Learn more by visiting starline.google.

POSTED IN:

Let’s stay in touch. Get the latest news from Google in your inbox.
MIL OSI Global Banks –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Moment Event [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

Source: United Nations secretary general

Excellencies, dear friends,

The Sustainable Development Goals represent a bold vision: a commitment to a better, healthier, safer and more prosperous and sustainable future.

But the Goals are facing massive headwinds.

More than 4 out of 5 SDG targets are off track.

On top of the impacts from a global pandemic, many countries are being crushed by massive debt burdens, limited liquidity and sky-high borrowing costs.

Conflicts, hunger, inequalities and the climate crisis are all intensifying.

And the global financial architecture is not providing developing countries with sufficient financing and liquidity or to act as an effective safety net for all.

The world has the wealth, the technology, and the know-how to achieve the SDGs.

Last September’s SDG Summit included consensus around an SDG Stimulus of at least $500 billion per year in financing for developing countries — and the need for global financial architecture reform.

It highlighted key transitions to generate maximum progress — ending hunger, expanding renewable energy, digitalization, education, social protection and decent work, and ending the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

It also underscored the vital importance of ensuring that women, girls and young people are at the decision-making table.

Today, you will hear from leaders about their countries’ progress across all these areas — leaders determined to make changes, even in the face of great odds.

And we will celebrate some milestones at the global level.

From reducing child mortality rates…to preventing new HIV infections…to increasing access to renewable energy and broadband …to greater gender parity across education systems.

As we reflect on next steps, I urge focus on the three development drivers that can accelerate progress.

The first is finance.

Crushing debt and inefficient tax systems are starving investments in health, education and food in many developing countries.

The Pact for the Future includes support for the SDG Stimulus and global financial architecture reform to help ease the debt crisis of so many developing countries.

This includes multiplying the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks to provide more resources for climate action and sustainable development, and changing their business model to leverage massive amounts of private finance.

As we look towards next year’s Summits on Social Development and Financing, I urge all countries to double down on these reform efforts.

The second development driver is climate action.

I urge countries to put forward ambitious national climate action plans that align with the 1.5 degree limit, and cover the whole economy and all sectors.

This requires aligning national energy strategies with a 1.5-degree world, ending fossil fuel subsidies and putting a price on carbon.

It is time for a rapid and just phase-out of fossil fuels, and a rapid and smart scale-up of renewables to drive sustainable development, energy security and economic prosperity.

We must fairly and sustainably meet the global demand for critical minerals that can power the renewables revolution. And the Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals has provided recommendations to do this.

Protecting development gains from climate upheaval is also critical.

We need new and generous contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund.

We need developed countries honouring their commitment to double adaptation funding by 2025.

And we need governments to agree on a significant new climate finance goal at COP29, including new and innovative sources of finance.

Le troisième facteur de développement, c’est la paix.

Tous nos plans de développement sont rapidement anéantis par des conflits sans fin causant la mort, la destruction, la faim, les déplacements de populations et les violences basées sur le genre.

Et les ressources dont nous avons tant besoin pour nourrir et éduquer nos enfants et construire une planète durable pour notre jeunesse sont gaspillées en dépenses militaires.

Nous avons besoin de paix – à Gaza, en Ukraine, au Soudan, et partout ailleurs.

J’appelle les dirigeants du monde entier à surmonter les divisions, à mettre fin aux conflits, et à investir dans l’avenir de leurs populations et dans la paix.

Chers amis,

Dans un monde de richesses exceptionnelles, de connaissances et de technologies sans précédent, nous n’avons aucune excuse.

Il est temps de tenir les promesses du Programme 2030 – de mettre fin à la pauvreté, de protéger la planète, et de ne laisser personne de côté.

Gardons les Objectifs de développement durable en vie.

Je vous remercie.

***
[all-English]

Excellencies, dear friends,

The Sustainable Development Goals represent a bold vision: a commitment to a better, healthier, safer and more prosperous and sustainable future.

But the Goals are facing massive headwinds.

More than 4 out of 5 SDG targets are off track.

On top of the impacts from a global pandemic, many countries are being crushed by massive debt burdens, limited liquidity and sky-high borrowing costs.

Conflicts, hunger, inequalities and the climate crisis are all intensifying.

And the global financial architecture is not providing developing countries with sufficient financing and liquidity or to act as an effective safety net for all.

The world has the wealth, the technology, and the know-how to achieve the SDGs.

Last September’s SDG Summit included consensus around an SDG Stimulus of at least $500 billion per year in financing for developing countries — and the need for global financial architecture reform.

It highlighted key transitions to generate maximum progress — ending hunger, expanding renewable energy, digitalization, education, social protection and decent work, and ending the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

It also underscored the vital importance of ensuring that women, girls and young people are at the decision-making table.

Today, you will hear from leaders about their countries’ progress across all these areas — leaders determined to make changes, even in the face of great odds.

And we will celebrate some milestones at the global level.

From reducing child mortality rates…to preventing new HIV infections…to increasing access to renewable energy and broadband …to greater gender parity across education systems.

As we reflect on next steps, I urge focus on the three development drivers that can accelerate progress.

The first is finance.

Crushing debt and inefficient tax systems are starving investments in health, education and food in many developing countries.

The Pact for the Future includes support for the SDG Stimulus and global financial architecture reform to help ease the debt crisis of so many developing countries.

This includes multiplying the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks to provide more resources for climate action and sustainable development, and changing their business model to leverage massive amounts of private finance.

As we look towards next year’s Summits on Social Development and Financing, I urge all countries to double down on these reform efforts.

The second development driver is climate action.

I urge countries to put forward ambitious national climate action plans that align with the 1.5 degree limit, and cover the whole economy and all sectors.

This requires aligning national energy strategies with a 1.5-degree world, ending fossil fuel subsidies and putting a price on carbon.

It is time for a rapid and just phase-out of fossil fuels, and a rapid and smart scale-up of renewables to drive sustainable development, energy security and economic prosperity.

We must fairly and sustainably meet the global demand for critical minerals that can power the renewables revolution. And the Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals has provided recommendations to do this.

Protecting development gains from climate upheaval is also critical.

We need new and generous contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund.

We need developed countries honouring their commitment to double adaptation funding by 2025.

And we need governments to agree on a significant new climate finance goal at COP29, including new and innovative sources of finance.

And the third development driver is peace.

All our development plans are quickly erased by relentless conflicts that cause death, destruction, hunger, displacement and gender-based violence.

And the resources we desperately need to feed and educate our children and build a sustainable planet for our young people are wasted on military expenditures.

We need peace — from Gaza to Ukraine to Sudan and beyond.

I call on global leaders to heal divisions, end conflicts, and invest in people and peace.

Dear friends,

In our world of unprecedented wealth, knowledge and technologies, there is no excuse.

It’s time to keep the promises of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to end poverty, protect the planet, and leave no one behind.

Let’s keep the SDG commitment alive.

Thank you.

***
[all-French]

Excellences, Chers amis,

Les objectifs de développement durable incarnent une vision audacieuse. Ils constituent un engagement en faveur d’un avenir meilleur, plus sain, plus sûr, plus prospère et plus durable.

Mais les vents contraires sont nombreux.

Nous sommes mal partis pour atteindre plus de quatre sur cinq de toutes les cibles associées aux objectifs de développement durable.

Outre les conséquences d’une pandémie mondiale auxquelles ils doivent faire face, de nombreux pays sont écrasés par un endettement massif, des liquidités limitées et des coûts d’emprunt très élevés.

Les conflits, la faim, les inégalités et la crise climatique s’intensifient.

En outre, l’architecture financière mondiale ne permet pas aux pays en développement de pouvoir compter sur suffisamment de financements et de liquidités et ne leur offre pas un filet de sécurité efficace pour tous.

Le monde a pourtant les richesses, les technologies et le savoir-faire qu’il faut pour atteindre les objectifs de développement durable.

Au mois de septembre dernier, le Sommet sur les objectifs de développement durable a permis de dégager un consensus autour d’un plan de relance des objectifs de développement durable, prévoyant des financements d’au moins 500 milliards de dollars par an pour les pays en développement – et de s’accorder sur le fait qu’il est nécessaire de réformer l’architecture financière mondiale.

L’accent a été mis sur les transitions clés qui permettront d’accomplir un maximum de progrès dans toute une série de domaines : élimination de la faim, développement des énergies renouvelables, numérisation, éducation, protection sociale et travail décent, ainsi que de mettre fin à la triple crise planétaire, à savoir les changements climatiques, la pollution et l’appauvrissement de la biodiversité.

Il a également été souligné qu’il était crucial de veiller à ce que les femmes, les filles et les jeunes aient leur place à la table des décisions.

Aujourd’hui, vous entendrez des dirigeants et dirigeantes parler des progrès réalisés par leur pays dans tous ces domaines. Ils sont déterminés à faire bouger les lignes, en dépit des difficultés énormes auxquelles ils heurtent.

Et nous célébrerons des réussites phares à l’échelle planétaire : depuis la réduction des taux de mortalité infantile jusqu’à l’amélioration de la prévention des nouvelles infections par le VIH, en passant par l’élargissement de l’accès aux énergies renouvelables et de l’accès au haut débit et par l’amélioration de la parité entre les femmes et les hommes dans les systèmes éducatifs.

Alors que nous réfléchissons aux prochaines étapes, je vous invite à vous concentrer sur les trois moteurs du développement qui pourraient permettre d’accélérer le rythme des progrès.

Tout d’abord, les financements.

Dans de nombreux pays en développement, les investissements dans les domaines de la santé, de l’éducation et de l’alimentation sont exsangues à cause du niveau écrasant de la dette et de l’inefficacité des systèmes fiscaux.

Dans le Pacte pour l’avenir, il est prévu d’appuyer le plan de relance des objectifs de développement durable et la réforme de l’architecture financière mondiale afin d’atténuer la crise de la dette que traversent de trop nombreux pays en développement.

Il s’agit notamment de multiplier la capacité de prêt des banques multilatérales de développement afin de dégager davantage de ressources pour l’action climatique et le développement durable, et de modifier leur modèle de fonctionnement afin de mobiliser en masse des financements privés.

Les Sommets sur le développement social et le financement auront lieu l’an prochain, et j’invite tous les pays à redoubler d’efforts pour faire avancer la réforme dans cette perspective.

Le deuxième moteur du développement, c’est l’action climatique.

J’invite les pays à adopter des plans d’action nationaux pour le climat qui soient ambitieux, en ne dépassant pas la limite des 1,5 degré, et en couvrant l’ensemble de l’économie et tous les secteurs.

Il faudra pour cela aligner les stratégies énergétiques nationales sur l’objectif d’une élévation de la température mondiale ne dépassant pas les 1,5 degré, mettre fin aux subventions aux combustibles fossiles et fixer un prix pour le carbone.

L’heure est venue d’éliminer progressivement mais rapidement les combustibles fossiles, au terme d’une transition équitable, et d’augmenter rapidement, avec discernement, les énergies renouvelables pour favoriser le développement durable, la sécurité énergétique et la prospérité économique.

Nous devons répondre d’une manière juste et durable à la demande mondiale en minéraux essentiels, qui ont le potentiel de porter la révolution des énergies renouvelables. Et le Groupe chargé de la question des minéraux essentiels à la transition énergétique a formulé des recommandations à cette fin.

Il est également essentiel de protéger les acquis du développement face aux bouleversements climatiques.

Il faut par ailleurs que de nouvelles et généreuses contributions soient versées au Fonds pour les pertes et les préjudices.

Les pays développés doivent honorer l’engagement qu’ils ont pris de doubler le financement de l’adaptation d’ici à 2025.

Et il faut que les gouvernements se mettent d’accord sur un nouvel objectif ambitieux en ce qui concerne le financement de l’action climatique lors de la vingt-neuvième session de la Conférence des Parties à la Convention-cadre des Nations Unies sur les changements climatiques, y compris au sujet des sources de financement nouvelles ou novatrices.

Le troisième facteur de développement, c’est la paix.

Tous nos plans de développement sont rapidement anéantis par des conflits sans fin causant la mort, la destruction, la faim, les déplacements de populations et les violences basées sur le genre.

Et les ressources dont nous avons tant besoin pour nourrir et éduquer nos enfants et construire une planète durable pour notre jeunesse sont gaspillées en dépenses militaires.

Nous avons besoin de paix – à Gaza, en Ukraine, au Soudan, et partout ailleurs.

J’appelle les dirigeants du monde entier à surmonter les divisions, à mettre fin aux conflits, et à investir dans l’avenir de leurs populations et dans la paix.

Chers amis,

Dans un monde de richesses exceptionnelles, de connaissances et de technologies sans précédent, nous n’avons aucune excuse.

Il est temps de tenir les promesses du Programme 2030 – de mettre fin à la pauvreté, de protéger la planète, et de ne laisser personne de côté.

Gardons les objectifs de développement durable en vie.

Je vous remercie.
***

MIL OSI United Nations News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar

Source: United Nations secretary general

The Secretary-General met with H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar. The Secretary-General thanked Qatar for being an important partner to the United Nations and an advocate for international diplomacy. The Secretary-General and the Amir exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including the wars in Gaza and Sudan.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Bill Passed: Grothman Initiative to Streamline CBO Fiscal Transparency

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin))

Congressmen Glenn Grothman (R-WI) and Kweisi Mfume (D-MD) introduced H.R. 7184, the CBO Data Access Act, on February 1, 2024. This week, the House passed the Senate companion version, an identical bill, by unanimous consent.

This bipartisan initiative will benefit taxpayers by enhancing the efficiency of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) process behind projecting the fiscal impact of proposed legislation. A transparent and efficient federal government is crucial to best serve the American people, and this bill streamlines CBO to provide taxpayers with more timely information on the cost of legislative proposals.

Specifically, the legislation exempts CBO from the Privacy Act, eliminating procedural delays that hinder the CBO’s ability to access vital data for baseline budget projections, economic assessments, cost estimates, and reports.

“I am proud to have introduced the House companion to the CBO Data Access Act, H.R. 7184, alongside my democrat colleague, Representative Mfume. I would also like to thank Senators Peters and Collins for their work on this legislation,” said Congressman Grothman. “This bicameral and bipartisan effort demonstrates the shared recognition across party lines of the importance of ensuring that CBO has the tools it needs to provide Congress with the best possible data and analysis.”

“The bipartisan legislation Congressman Grothman and I co-led in the U.S. House will remove a barrier that too often hinders the Congressional Budget Office from carrying out its mission of providing timely cost estimates, and ensures our federal government is fiscally responsible. Simultaneously, privacy protections will remain in place when the CBO receives necessary agency information pertinent to their work, safeguarding personal information utilized by CBO to improve transparency in government operation,” said Congressman Mfume. “As the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce, I will always fight for clear-cut communication of how taxpayer funds are being utilized to best serve the American people. I am pleased that this compelling legislation will now be sent to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.”

Background Information

The Senate version of the CBO Data Access Act, S.1549, introduced by Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Susan Collins (R-ME), passed on June 22, 2024. The CBO Data Access Act would accelerate the speed and improve the confidence with which CBO can assess the budgetary impact of proposed legislation. The bill provides CBO with an exemption to the Privacy Act, which eliminates an indeterminate procedural delay in CBO’s ability to access information maintained by federal agencies. Access to agencies’ data is critical for CBO to fulfill its mission and provide baseline budget projections, economic projections, cost estimates, and reports.

This bill authorizes agencies to disclose records in their systems to the Director of CBO (or any authorized CBO representative) without requiring prior written consent of the individual to whom the record pertains under the Privacy Act. When CBO is required to enter into agency data sharing agreements, negotiations can be lengthy and delay CBO’s ability to include that data in its analyses. Agencies’ large data sets, which may contain personal information, can improve the quality and accuracy of CBO models to estimate budget impacts of legislative proposals.

In 2022, agency data helped CBO produce 760 cost estimates, thousands of requests for technical assistance, and 83 reports, working papers, testimonies, and interactive tools.

More efficient access to data can improve the quality of CBO’s baseline projections and reports. More evidence can enable more sophisticated CBO analyses, creating more robust data baselines and increasing confidence in CBO’s generation of cost estimates.

The bill will provide clarity for agency information managers that CBO is authorized to receive personal information otherwise protected by the Privacy Act and confidence that CBO maintains the same confidentiality protections as applied to the data-sharing agency itself. As a result, CBO will spend less time negotiating with an agency for data and improve CBO’s analyses.

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) is serving his fifth term representing Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE MARKS NAZARETH UNIVERSITY’S 100TH BIRTHDAY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25)

(Washington, D.C.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle delivered remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives in honor of the centennial of Nazareth University, a premier liberal arts university in Rochester, New York. His remarks will appear in the Congressional Record, and the transcript is below.

“I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of Nazareth University—led by my dear friend President Beth Paul—which was founded in 1924 by members of the Sisters of St. Joseph, a group with which I proudly share a name.

The five founding Sisters saw the school as an opportunity to ‘respond to the needs of the time’ and provide women with educational opportunities.

On September 24, 1924, Nazareth’s initial class of 25 began their studies in the ‘glass house’ on Lake Avenue, a date we now recognize as ‘Naz Day.’

They set out to create success ‘against all odds,’ and by every measure, it has been an outstanding success.

100 years later, they’ve grown to a 150-acre campus, with nearly 2,500 students in more than 80 academic programs.

The legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph lives on through Nazareth’s success, and I’m proud to support their continued growth and prosperity.

Here’s to the next 100 years!”

Video footage is available and can be viewed here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Keynote speech by SJ at networking dinner of forum titled Hong Kong: The Common Law Gateway for Vietnamese Businesses to China and Beyond in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (English only) (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the keynote speech by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the networking dinner of the forum titled Hong Kong: The Common Law Gateway for Vietnamese Businesses to China and Beyond in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on September 24:

Ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening, xin chào buá»•i tá»‘i. Frankly speaking, I do not think I can do a better job than all the eminent speakers who have spoken before me. So I am not going to say something new. Instead, I wish to do a very quick recap to sum up the key and essential points made by various speakers so that you can have a few takeaways after today’s event.

     I prefer to do it by once again referring to the theme of our forum, “The Common Law Gateway for Vietnamese Businesses to China and Beyond”, but I wish to focus on a few key phrases and do it in the reverse order. So I would like to focus on China and beyond first.

     We are lawyers coming from Hong Kong. As I said in my opening remarks, obviously there have been very close relationships between Hong Kong and Vietnam. But the reason why we are here is not simply because of Hong Kong, it is about something much bigger than Hong Kong. That is our country, China, and beyond.

     A number of speakers have referred to a very important concept known as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. And I wish to emphasise again the importance of the Greater Bay Area. You have been told that the Greater Bay Area consists of the Guangdong Province, in particular the nine cities in Guangdong Province, plus Hong Kong and Macao. To give you some ideas, the size of Greater Bay Area is almost like Croatia, a mid-size European country, with population around 86 million, similar to the population of Germany. If you look at what cities are situated within the Greater Bay Area, we have three very important cities: Guangzhou, of course, which is the capital of the province of Guangdong, a very important city in the southern part of China. And then you have Shenzhen, I think some of our speakers have mentioned Shenzhen, which is the innovation and high-tech hub, where you have the headquarters of Tencent, the factories of BYD and Huawei. All the advanced technology or high-tech innovative things are happening in Shenzhen, which is just across the border. And then of course you have Hong Kong, which is the international financial and trade centre.

     Although there are different bay areas in the world, we have the Tokyo Bay area, the San Francisco Bay Area, but I venture to say that they cannot be compared to Hong Kong because in the Greater Bay Area, you have one country but three different jurisdictions, including Mainland China, Hong Kong, and also Macao which used to be ruled by the Portuguese. So it is a very special place with huge potential. Hong Kong may well be your final destination for your business and business venture. But it also may not be your final destination. Maybe you will find much more opportunities in the Greater Bay Area in China. And then in China, very often there would be investments and other business ventures with other countries. So it is really “China and beyond”.

     Now moving to “Gateway”. I just mentioned that perhaps you will be more interested not just about opportunities for business investment in Hong Kong, but also those offered in Mainland China. And of course you would agree with me that legal service would be important. But you may wonder, if I wish to invest in Mainland China or co-operate with a Mainland partner, why shouldn’t I simply instruct a Mainland lawyer? Why shouldn’t I simply engage the legal service offered by Mainland China? And why should I do it via Hong Kong, which seems to be a little bit indirect or a bit convoluted. And of course, all the speakers who have spoken this afternoon have provided some very good answers. One of the key characteristics of this particular gateway, or using Hong Kong as a gateway, is our common law character, our common law tradition. But again, as pointed out by one of the participants who raised a question at the end of the first session, Hong Kong is definitely not the only common law jurisdiction in this world which can play the role as a gateway for the provision of legal service. I think my friend mentioned Singapore. Why not Singapore? Singapore is definitely a common law jurisdiction. Even in ASEAN, within the Southeast Asia, we have Malaysia which is also a common law jurisdiction. So it is our duty to explain to you a little further.

     What is so special about Hong Kong? I hate to compare Hong Kong with Singapore, but because this question has been raised, I think I have to answer that question as if I were being asked to answer that question by a judge in the court. So I have to give a direct answer. But as a government official, I have to be as diplomatic as possible. The way I put it is that we can and we will offer something that only Hong Kong can offer. We can offer something that Singapore will not be able to do. It is because of six factors, as the sum total of these six factors that make Hong Kong truly unique and peculiar, unparalleled. So what are these six factors? Now, here comes my summary of what you have heard this afternoon.

     First, Hong Kong provides a very stable legal environment. Stable in the sense that Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction within China. It is the only common law jurisdiction in China, and it will remain to be the only common law jurisdiction within China. The reason is that the common law system practiced in Hong Kong has been guaranteed by a constitutional document, which is our Basic Law. You can describe it as a mini-constitution. Now, there have been some queries in the past on certain wordings in our constitutional document. Some people questioned whether the principle of “one country, two systems” or the common law system practiced in Hong Kong will continue after 2047, which is the 50th anniversary of the resumption of sovereignty by China of Hong Kong. But that uncertainty has been removed very clearly by the leaders of China, in particular President Xi Jinping. Back in 2022, on July 1 when he came to Hong Kong, he made a very important speech, a very short speech. What is most telling is that in his very short speech, he mentioned the common law system in Hong Kong twice. He said that the common law system is a core element of the “one country, two systems” principle, which is a very good policy that is going to last basically forever. So there should be no doubt whatsoever that not only the principle of “one country, two systems”, but also our common law system will continue. So the first point “stability” – it is very stable.

     The second point is that our system is also very reliable. Now, that goes to the question of the existence of a very reputable and respected judiciary. When it comes to a judicial or legal system, two factors will be of crucial importance. First, quality, quality of justice, whether judges are smart enough to deliver true justice. Second, integrity, whether judges are seen to be able to discharge their duty fairly and impartially. Now, I think the Judiciary in Hong Kong fulfills these two very important essential criteria.

     In terms of quality, as my friends said this afternoon, all the judges, they enjoy very high standing in the world. Our Court of Final Appeal, I should mention that the judgments delivered by the judges of the Court of Final Appeal, they were cited in other common jurisdictions from time to time. And we have foreign judges sitting as part-time judges in Hong Kong. I also remember that one of the speakers mentioned the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, Hong Kong ranked the 23rd out of 142 jurisdictions in the world. And I think we ranked the sixth in East Asia and the Pacific region. Ahead of the United States, and if I recall correctly, Spain, another major economy in the world.

     When it comes to integrity, once again my friends have informed you that how judges in Hong Kong are appointed. They are appointed completely independently by an independent statutory body. It is not possible for the executive to interfere with the performance of the judges. It is not possible for the executive to fire or sack any judges. And in fact, I have to tell you a very embarrassing piece of information which nobody dares mention, that is the Government lost cases before the court quite often. So I think that is a very good indication that judges in Hong Kong do exercise the judicial function very impartially.

     But for your interest, I am sure you would be concerned whether Mainland parties, in particular state-owned enterprises, or very important, powerful business entities in Mainland China, would they enjoy any undue advantage when they engage in litigation against foreign parties in Hong Kong? Once again I am very sure that if you look at records, if you look at judgments, we have open judgments, you will see many cases which are decided entirely on merits. Sometimes state-owned enterprises or Mainland parties win, sometimes they lose. But there is not a single piece of evidence suggesting that in deciding these cases, the court in Hong Kong has taken into account any consideration other than the law and the evidence. And the best evidence is contained in our judgments, which you can inspect and you can read for yourself. So this is the second factor: very reliable.

     Third factor: very business friendly. You have to remember that we have a bilingual legal system. So both English and Chinese are official languages. It is not just a working language, it is the official language by which we write our statute. We also use English in court proceedings, and very often in arbitration proceedings. This is an international language that is familiar to people outside Hong Kong, just like I am using English to communicate with you, hoping that you would be able to understand what I am trying to say.

     The second point as to why business friendly is about the content of the law, the content of our substantive law, in particular when it comes to international commercial law, investment law. They are all very international in the sense that its content is substantially similar to the law that you find in other developed countries, for example, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. So the principles of substantive law would be very familiar to the international business community, so it is business friendly.

     The third point is that the Hong Kong Government has been very proactive to make Hong Kong a more attractive place for investment and doing business. I can give you some examples. For example, we are very active in promoting the establishment of family office in Hong Kong to encourage people to invest money to set up family office, in particular, for very resourceful families. In order to make this initiative attractive, we have amended our revenue law, our tax law, to lower our tax rate if you wish to set up family offices in Hong Kong. Another example is that our listing rules, IPO initial public offerings, if you wish to raise finance by getting your company publicly listed, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange has introduced a new scheme, it’s called SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Companies). The idea is very simple. It enables a company without any track record but so long as it fulfills some sorts of requirement to ensure that the investors’ interest will be protected, it will get the chance to be listed in Hong Kong. So I mean we are very proactive in making it more convenient. One of the speakers have mentioned about the difficulty of entering into Hong Kong because of the visa requirement. But as I said in my welcoming remarks, we are relaxing the restrictions or the requirement gradually. So starting from October last year, for the talents, they will be able to come to Hong Kong very easily. And for business travellers and for tourists, you will be able to obtain multiple visas very conveniently. And lastly, when it comes to arbitration, we have actually introduced a pilot scheme. At the moment, the arrangement is that if you are engaged and involved in the arbitration, no matter in what capacity, say, as arbitrator, as counsel, appearing for either party as a witness or even a party, you will be exempted from the need to obtain any visa if you come to Hong Kong for such purposes. So I would say that the difficulty is more apparent than real. So that is the third factor, business friendly.

     The fourth factor: it is very safe and secure to use Hong Kong as a platform for doing business and investment. You must be concerned whether your money, your property can go into Hong Kong and leave Hong Kong easily and freely, and what happens when your property and money is in Hong Kong. Under our constitutional document Basic Law, we guarantee freedom of movement of funds, money and goods. So you can come anytime and your money can leave anytime. There is no exchange control, there is no improper expropriation, and when your money and your property is in Hong Kong, it is completely safeguarded by a stringent set of regulations, not just by statutes, but by other important statutory bodies like the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Securities and Futures Commission. There are very strict regulations to ensure that your investment and your property will be protected. And of course, the quality and integrity of the law enforcement agencies will be important. One strength of Hong Kong is that there is no question, no issue or any concern about corruption at all. Hong Kong is the cleanest place, one of the cleanest places in the world that you can find. If you look at the figures, I think Hong Kong ranks among the top five when it comes to the absence of corruption.

     I wish to share a piece of information just to substantiate my confidence in the integrity of the financial market. A piece of latest news is that a British think tank just announced the Global Financial Centres Index. And Hong Kong had climbed back to the third place after New York and London. And this time we are ahead of Singapore. In 2022 up to last year, Hong Kong ranked the fourth for different reasons, but this year we managed to overtake Singapore to reclaim the third place, which I think is a very pertinent place. It served as a very good evidence of the competence of the people in Hong Kong’s financial market. So this is the fourth factor.

     The fifth factor is that Hong Kong provides dual connectivity. It allows you to connect to the world on the one hand, and also connect to the Mainland at the same time. My friend already said that Hong Kong has important legal connections with the rest of the world, for example, arbitral awards can be enforced and recognised because of the New York Convention. We have entered into a lot of arrangements with other international organisations. Important legal bodies would have their headquarters and offices in Hong Kong. Now this is where Singapore cannot be compared to Hong Kong – we have very special mutual legal assistance arrangements with Mainland China, which is made possible purely because Hong Kong is a part of China, though we practice different legal systems.

     I simply wish to refresh your memory by highlighting one example, which is the arrangement concerning the possibility of granting interim injunction in arbitral proceedings. As business people, it is no use at all to you to spend a lot of money on arbitration if at the end of the day, what you get is a piece of paper. What is the most important is that you will be able to enjoy the fruit in case you succeed in arbitration. That means pending the conclusion of the arbitration proceedings, you need to have sufficient safeguard to ensure that the asset at stake will be protected. In addition, sometimes it would require the preservation of evidence to ensure that the merit of case can be fully reflected in the course of the proceedings. The special arrangement is that if you start arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong by using one of the designated arbitration institutions, then the Mainland court will be very willing to provide you with the assistance by giving you the interim injunction, which is very useful. I don’t remember the figure, but the success rate is over 90 per cent. So this is the connectivity factor.

     The last factor which is most important, and is evident by the quality of the speakers who have spoken before me, that is Hong Kong has an abundant supply of truly international legal talent. If you are using our legal service, if you instruct a Hong Kong lawyer, you are not simply enjoying Hong Kong legal service. You are engaging a global counsel. You are engaging and instructing a truly international lawyer. And again, I wish to repeat or perhaps add some figures to substantiate my point. You were told that we have a divided legal profession consisting of barristers and solicitors. I give you the numbers again. I would stand to be corrected. At the moment, I think there are around 1 600 barristers in Hong Kong, and among them 108 are Senior Counsel. We have three Senior Counsel here with us today. So in a small group of 15 persons, we already have three Senior Counsel – Queenie Lau, SC, Derek Chan, SC, and myself. And when it comes to solicitors, the figures are even more impressive. I think we have more than 13 000 solicitors in Hong Kong. And the important thing is that, look at the number of law firms, we have more than 920 law firms. Among these 900 law firms, around 351 have foreign offices. So they are not local law firms, they have presence in other jurisdictions. And I think 80 something have offices in Mainland China. And when we come to registered foreign law firms, there are 77. As for registered foreign lawyers who specialised or qualified in different jurisdictions, I think the number exceeds 1 400. You can tell from the composition, not just the quantity or the number, but the composition, a lot of them are associated one way or the other with law firms in other jurisdictions. Either they have their own presence in other jurisdictions, or they are closely related with some other very close law firms in other jurisdictions. So my point is, when you get the service of a Hong Kong lawyer, you are getting world service. You don’t need to go anywhere. So this is the last factor, which I believe is the most important factor.

     And the other thing is that, as mentioned by some of our friends, when it comes to legal service, it is not just the legal knowledge that matters. At the end of the day, legal service is about resolving people’s problem. You have to understand culture. You have to understand the people. When you are doing business involving a Mainland element, because one of the speakers asked what the criteria of picking arbitrator or mediator are if Mainland element is involved, I think the answer should go beyond the choice of arbitrator and mediator. It goes to the choice of lawyer in general. I think you need to find someone who is not simply good at law but understands human nature and business culture. A good lawyer is somebody who is able to communicate with you, who can explain very technical matters in a way that you can understand, who can understand the whole business environment, who can understand why in a different jurisdiction, why in a different culture, things are done in a certain way, documents are drafted in a particular manner, why certain words are used, what’s the magic, what’s the hidden message. It is important for lawyers to be able to decipher all these subtle points. In Hong Kong, most of us are not just bilingual because we are Chinese, we understand the Chinese culture, we understand how things are done and said, but at the same time, we are trained by the common law tradition. So we are going to be a perfect interpreter, helping you to understand each other, to ensure that nothing will be lost in translation. I think that is a very important point when it comes to the choice of legal service.

     So to sum up, six factors: it’s stable, it’s reliable, it’s business friendly, it’s secure, it provides dual connectivity, it provides abundant supply of truly international legal talent.

     Maybe Singapore enjoys one or two or even five of the factors before, but I’m quite sure that if you do a checklist, Singapore will not be able to have all the ticks in all the six boxes. So it is really the sum total of these six factors which makes Hong Kong so unique.

     The last thing that I would like to say is that I would like you to visualise, to have a sort of mental picture as to what I am saying. I would like to draw an analogy. The legal service of Hong Kong provides is just like a multi-storey building. In one single building, you have a food hall consisting different types of restaurants. We have Michelin three star restaurants, we have restaurants serving Vietnamese food, and we have restaurants serving Chinese food. The point is whatever you need, they will be available, in terms of price or whatever. And the food will be extremely hygienic and the quality will be very high. I think that’s the concept, that’s the main picture that I would like you to have after today’s event. Thank you.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Translation: Canada imposes additional sanctions in response to Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel

MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Hamas Terrorist Attacks) Regulations. These sanctions build on Canada’s efforts to combat Hamas and its acts of terrorism, as well as its affiliates and financial networks.

September 18, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Hamas Terrorist Attacks) Regulations. These sanctions build on Canada’s efforts to combat Hamas and its acts of terrorism, as well as its affiliates and financial networks.

These sanctions apply to eleven individuals and two entities involved in Hamas’ financial network. These individuals and entities directly or indirectly facilitated, supported, or contributed financially to the planning and execution of the attacks against Israel that began on October 7, 2023.

The eleven people are as follows:

Musa Muhammad Salim Dudin Amer Kamal Sharif Alshawa Ahmed Sadu Jahleb Walid Mohammed Mustafa Jadallah Zuhair Shamlakh Alaa Shamlakh Ahmed Shamlakh Imad Shamlakh Nabil Khaled Halil Chouman Khaled Chouman Reda Ali Khamis

The two entities are as follows:

Al-Markaziya Li-Siarafa (Al-Markaziya) Nabil Chouman

Canada unequivocally condemns the brutal terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas and its affiliates on October 7, 2023. These horrific attacks included the killing, maiming and abduction of innocent civilians, including children.

Today’s sanctions represent a further step in Canada’s response to the ongoing violence in the region. Canada remains deeply concerned about the impact of the conflict on Israeli and Palestinian civilian populations and is committed to promoting peace and security in the Middle East.

“Canada unequivocally condemns the brutal terrorist attack carried out by Hamas on October 7. The hostages who were abducted that day and who have been held captive by Hamas for over 300 days must be immediately released. By taking these steps today, Canada is taking another step to combat Hamas’ terrorist activities and disrupt its financial networks.”

– Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

MIL Translation OSI

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Translation: Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Saskatchewan Penitentiary

MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

On September 17, 2024, due to the vigilance of staff, contraband and unauthorized items were seized at Saskatchewan Penitentiary.

September 18, 2024 – Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – Correctional Service Canada

On September 17, 2024, due to the vigilance of staff, contraband and unauthorized items were seized at Saskatchewan Penitentiary.

The items seized included methamphetamine, fentanyl, a cannabis vape pen and cartridge, cannabis concentrate, tobacco, and cell phones and a charger. The total institutional value of the seized items is estimated at $148,431.

The police have been informed and the establishment is conducting an investigation.

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has a number of tools to prevent the introduction of drugs into its institutions. These tools include ion scanners and drug-detector dogs to search buildings, personal property, inmates and visitors.

CSC is strengthening measures to prevent contraband from entering its institutions to ensure a safe and secure environment for all. CSC is also working in partnership with police forces to take action against individuals who attempt to bring contraband into correctional institutions.

CSC has also established a telephone information line for all federal institutions to provide additional information on activities related to the security of CSC institutions. This may include activities related to drug use or trafficking that could threaten the safety of visitors, inmates or people working in CSC institutions.

Using the toll-free line, 1-866-780-3784, helps ensure that the information transmitted is protected and that anonymity remains maintained.

-30-

Roxane BraunAdvisor, Media Relations and Community LiaisonRegional Administration – Prairies(306) 514-2203

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

MIL Translation OSI

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Translation: The weekly update on the government’s economic plan

MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance will provide an update on the government’s economic plan. She will be joined by the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Jean-Yves Duclos, and the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Sean Fraser.

Ottawa, Ontario – The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance will provide an update on the government’s economic plan. She will be joined by Minister of Public Services and Procurement Jean-Yves Duclos and Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser.

Notes to media representatives:

Free coverage. Media representatives wishing to cover the event must be accredited with the Parliamentary Press Gallery. Media representatives wishing to cover the event should send an email to mediare@fin.gc.ca.

Date

September 24, 2024

Hour

9:00 a.m.

Contact persons

Katherine CuplinskasDeputy Director of CommunicationsOffice of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Financekatherine.cuplinskas@fin.gc.ca

Media RelationsDepartment of Finance Canadamediare@fin.gc.ca613-369-4000

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

MIL Translation OSI

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Security: The IAEA’s Vital Support of Development and International Security

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

(As prepared for delivery)

President, Secretary-General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

“The best way to predict the future is to build it.” It is a truth worth remembering, especially when political division, climate change, war, hunger, and disease seem to overshadow our effort.

We have the tools to deal with these challenges. We have the knowledge, the technology, the financial means, the diplomacy and the robust international institutions.

The IAEA serves its 180 Member States with the lifesaving and lifeaffirming tools of nuclear science and technology. These contribute directly to the SDGs.

Health comes first. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 we jumped into action, harnessing our equipment and knowledge for quick and reliable testing against COVID with the portable RT-PCR machines, or “labs in a suitcase”.

We launched what would become the largest emergency operation in the history of IAEA to nearly 130 States. In so doing, we reached tens of millions of people. For some countries these kits were the first, and sometimes the only equipment they had to conduct reliable testing against COVID-19.

Drawing on this and earlier experiencessupporting the fight against Ebola, avian influenza and Zika, we launched – in that same year – the Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action (ZODIAC). Under ZODIAC we have trained people from more than 95 countries in dealing with zoonotic diseases. Laboratories in developing countries have received equipment for 3 serology and molecular diagnostic or genetic sequencing. Many of these labs are now being used to combat Mpox.

The IAEA has more than 6 decades of experience in radiotherapy and medical imaging. But today the cancer crisis is hitting low and middleincome countries particularly hard and I am determined to make a greater impact in partnership with our Member States. That is why we launched Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All at the African Union Summit in February 2022, with firm support from the World Health Organization (WHO). Africa is where the cancer care gap is the starkest: more than 20 African nations lack even a single radiotherapy machine. So far, 86 countries have reached out to the IAEA for support under Rays of Hope and concrete actions have been initiated in more than 30 States.

Under our new initiative, NUTEC: NUclear TEchnology for Controlling Plastic Pollution, 86 States around the world are participating in marine microplastic monitoring using nuclear and isotopic tracing techniques. This will help them to put in place better-informed policies that combat the plastic pollution threatening the ocean, its plants and creatures and therefore also the communities that rely on them for their livelihoods. Some 39 States are participating in plastic recycling using radiation technology, four of which are progressing towards establishing pilot-scale plants. This will allow them to reduce plastic waste and advance towards a circular economy. The Global Marine Monitoring Network continues to grow with 99 States now benefiting from capacity building efforts.

Atoms4Food was launched by the IAEA and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in October 2023. It offers tailor-made approaches in 4 Food and Agriculture, which for years has been the number 1 area of support sought by our Member States. Atoms4Foods supports countries in using innovative nuclear techniques to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce food losses, ensure food safety, improve nutrition, and adapt to the challenges of climate change. This supports farmers as well as the fight against deadly malnutrition.

There is no development without energy. Nuclear power provides about a quarter of the world’s low-carbon electricity. Much more is needed if we are to meet the climate goals set out on the Paris Agreement. In their historic first Global Stocktake, approved at COP28 in Dubai last year, the signatory countries to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change called for accelerating the deployment of low-emission energy technologies including nuclear power. The Pact for the Future adopted yesterday, in Action 26 reaffirmed the inalienable right of all countries to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination, in conformity with their respective obligations.

Today, in addition to the 415 nuclear power reactors operating in 31 countries there are 62 reactors under construction in 15 countries, most of them in Asia. The IAEA is assisting States, many of them developing countries, either with enlarging their civilian nuclear programs, or with safely embarking on them. We are working with industry and regulators on small modular reactors (SMRs) which will make more affordable the price of entry to the nuclear energy club.

The IAEA is also playing an important role in maintenance of 5 international peace and security.

Mandated by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), we conduct nuclear safeguards, making sure the increased amount of nuclear material around the world does not result in the secret proliferation of nuclear weapons. There is material for thousands of nuclear warheads in the world. Thanks to the robust international safeguards regime and our inspection system, who never stopped even during the COVID pandemic, the number of nuclear weapon States around the world is far fewer than had been feared before the IAEA was established and the NPT came into force.

The IAEA assists States in the creation and implementation of nuclearweapon-free zones, which already cover vast regions of the world. These are important steps towards a world without nuclear weapons.

Our work in Iran, Syria, other countries of the Middle East, and on different continents, contributes to international stability through nonproliferation and through the peaceful uses of nuclear technology.

Since February 2022 a large-scale conventional conflict has raged in a country with a large civilian nuclear program. Ukraine used to generate more than half its electricity from nuclear power plants. From the first months of the war, the IAEA has focused on assisting Ukraine in preventing a radiological or nuclear accident, which could have a serious transborder impact. Today, the IAEA has advisory and assistance missions stationed at all five of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, including Zaporizhzhia, which is located right at the front line. Following months 6 of negotiations and consultations, on 30 May 2023 at the UN Security Council I outlined five concrete principles to help ensure nuclear safety and security at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya NPP. It received strong support from the Members of the Council.

The IAEA continues to monitor the safe discharge of water from the Fukushima Daichi Nuclear Power Station and engages in consultations with neighbouring and coastal countries with strong interest in the process. Our independent analysis and the data we publish relating to the discharge offer facts that dispel misunderstandings and fears about the process.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I firmly believe in supporting the ability of everyone, regardless of gender, to fully benefit and contribute to the IAEA’s work.

Conviction requires action. When I began my tenure as the IAEA’s Director General five years ago, one of my very first actions was to set a goal for gender parity by 2025 and to put in place the policies to achieve a more diverse workforce.

Five years ago, women represented less than 30% of the Agency. Today, they have surpassed 48%.

Mindful of the need to continue helping future generations, I also launched the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP) in 2020. It drives diversity as well as scientific and technological innovation by encouraging women to pursue a career in the nuclear field. Since its launch, hundreds of women from over 120 countries have been awarded fellowships with generous stipends. They have studied in more than 70 7 countries and have also benefited from internships in many areas of the field. Our follow-up program, named after the scientist Lise Meitner, empowers early- and mid-career through career-enhancing opportunities like site visits.

The IAEA is a key multilateral player to make the Pact of the Future a reality. Thank you.

MIL Security OSI –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Profile: Fuelling Success – Gloria Kwong’s Path to Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

Gloria Kwong during a panel at the ATOMEXPO International Forum held from 19-21 June 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo: Rosatom)

The IAEA profiles employees to provide insight into the variety of career paths that support the Agency’s mission of Atoms for Peace and Development and to inspire and encourage readers, particularly women, to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) or STEM-adjacent fields. Read more profiles of women at the IAEA.

Growing up in a conservative, Chinese household in Canada, Gloria Kwong was raised to avoid taking risks and to prioritize her education to help ensure her success.

Throughout her professional journey, which has led her from Canada to Austria via France, Kwong has always remained committed to her work in the areas of nuclear waste, decommissioning and environmental remediation. During her career, she has navigated challenges in a male-dominated industry and advises young women to follow their passions and embrace new opportunities, even when they come with challenges or risks.

As a young girl, Kwong aspired to become a professional chef, but her parents encouraged her and her four siblings to focus on their academic studies. After high school, Kwong earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in chemical engineering at the University of Toronto, Canada, and within a few years, she advanced to a managerial role at a leading telecommunications company. However, she realized that her passion was in more technically demanding work, eventually leading her to her current role as Head of the Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation Section at the IAEA.

“It may surprise people that my experience working in a managerial position for a telecommunications company impacts my work at the IAEA. Although technical competency is essential, good decision-making, communication, and interpersonal skills are no less important, and this is something that comes in hand every day when I work with my team and colleagues at the Agency. An unconventional professional background does not limit you, but instead provides you with more tools to succeed,” said Kwong.

Seeking to broaden her horizons, Kwong transitioned to the nuclear field as a design engineer at the Ontario Power Generation Darlington Power Station (OPG) in Toronto. While working as a Senior Engineer at OPG, Kwong pursued her PhD in materials engineering from Imperial College London. It would be years later before Kwong took another career leap – this time across the Atlantic. After over a decade at OPG, which later became the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, she was offered the position of Radioactive Waste Management Specialist at the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) in Paris, France.

Kwong’s career at the NEA was marked by her willingness to take on new challenges and leadership roles. For over 11 years, she held various managerial positions, including Acting Head of the Radioactive Waste Management Division and the Nuclear Technology Development & Economics Division. Her leadership skills and technical insight were recognized, leading to other roles as Deputy Head of the Office of Policy and Coordination, Head of the International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation, and eventually, Senior Advisor to the Director-General.

Like other women working in a male-dominated industry, Kwong made a concerted effort to establish her credibility and earn the respect of her peers. Her career has been filled with professional milestones and unique international experiences, but it has not been without challenges.

“A big hurdle for women has always been work-life balance and prioritizing career development , but I see more employers, like the IAEA, addressing these matters through educational scholarships that relieve financial burdens, flexible professional development programmes and new, accommodating HR policies, thereby attracting more women to the nuclear sector,” said Kwong.

After over a decade at the NEA, Kwong left Paris and moved to Vienna to join the IAEA as the Head of the Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation Section. She and her colleagues strive to promote nuclear decommissioning and environmental remediation by supporting sustainable nuclear energy development. They encourage countries to integrate circular economy principles into national decommissioning and radioactive waste management policies, and they facilitate knowledge sharing to promote the efficient use of resources and the safe reuse of materials.

“I want to contribute to narrowing the energy equity gap to ensure more people can access affordable, sustainable and clean energy. I believe that nuclear power can elevate its contribution to complement other clean energy sources, which is why I believe in the mission and work of the IAEA,” Kwong said.

Her piece of advice to young women considering a career in the nuclear field:

“Follow your heart in decision making. Explore other opportunities, and don’t be afraid to take some risks.”

MIL Security OSI –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Extra support for women through the criminal justice system announced
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

The Government plans to reduce the number of women in custody by using early intervention and tackling the root causes of offending, the Lord Chancellor announced today.
A Women’s Justice Board will be established to bring together senior leaders in the criminal justice system, charities and government departments and publish a new strategy in the spring, Shabana Mahmood has confirmed.

Female offenders are often vulnerable, with over 60 per cent of women in prison reporting having experienced domestic violence and more than half having experienced abuse as a child.

The creation of the Women’s Justice Board recognises these distinct needs and advocates for a tailored approach to divert women away from custodial sentences. It will meet regularly to discuss and implement ways to intervene earlier before women’s offending becomes serious and better tackle the root causes of their offending.

The strategy will also focus on enhancing alternatives to prison, such as community sentences and residential women’s centres. Only around one third of female offenders sentenced to custody have committed a violent offence and prisons are not working to rehabilitate this group, with women serving short custodial sentences significantly more likely to reoffend than those serving community sentences.

The Board will be chaired by Lord Timpson, Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending.

It will be held to account by experts from the voluntary and community sector, recruited by open competition to the new Women in Justice Partnership Delivery Group. This Group will regularly review and publish reports on the on the Board’s progress towards its goal of reducing the number of women in custody.

The Lord Chancellor also announced that free independent legal advocates will be in place from next year to support adult victims of rape across England and Wales.

Almost two-thirds of rape victims drop out of their case before it reaches trial so this service will help victims understand their rights and ensure access to mobile phones and medical data is proportionate to the investigation. When trialled in Northumberland, two-thirds of challenges to a request for victims’ data were successful and, in turn, reduced the volume of indiscriminate police requests in the first place.

More information on the scheme will be published in the coming months.

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 24 September 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
September 29, 2024

CalAmp Investor Contact:	CalAmp Media Contact:
Jikun Kim	Mark Gaydos
SVP & CFO	Chief Marketing Officer
ir@calamp.com	Mgaydos@calamp.com

Category: CTF

‘Communitas’

Hockey in French Canada

Hockey today

Where should hockey go now?

WSDOT is planning the set of biggest closures of the year to make progress on key transportation projects in the metro area

SR 520 closure

Northbound I-405 closure

Southbound SR 167 closure

I-5 overnight closures

Mercer Street on-ramps to I-5

Know before you go

Resources to stay informed about the project:

Media Advisory

Winnipeg

Montreal

Additional information

Information

Apply now to receive the Project Starline x HP product at launch

Contact persons

Share this page

Updates to this page