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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Canon, Coral Spawning Lab, and Nature Seychelles Team Up to Regenerate Coral Reefs


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    Canon EMEA (Canon-CNA.com) is partnering with Nature Seychelles, a leading non-profit organisation in the Western Indian Ocean, and the Coral Spawning Lab (CSL), to lead a first-of-its-kind project designed to safeguard the Seychelles’ vital marine ecosystems. The project aims to restore and protect coral reefs against climate change by embracing a new method of coral regeneration in the region.

    Canon will provide investment to Nature Seychelles for the construction and operation of a coral breeding facility as well as Canon imaging equipment to enhance observation and documentation of coral spawning, to be used in citizen science, and for education and awareness. Canon’s equipment will allow researchers to witness coral spawning events in detail previously not seen before.

    This will be the first of its kind in the region and will enhance Nature Seychelles’ new Assisted Recovery of Corals (ARC) facility, a land-based coral aquaculture facility aimed at boosting coral restoration efforts to save reefs from the impacts of climate change.

    With support from Canon and CSL, Nature Seychelles will develop a deeper understanding of coral reproductive timing, post-settlement growth, and survival. The technology provided will also facilitate photomicrography, photogrammetry, and the production of high-quality imagery and videos for researchers.

    The new cutting-edge coral breeding facility will create a genetic bank of resilient coral and document the process like never before. It will be built by CSL – a UK-based team of researchers that work to better understand the life cycles of reefs to equip communities with the information they need to regenerate coral ecosystems. CSL will also provide training in Seychelles to operate the facility.

    Coral reef restoration in the Seychelles has traditionally relied on the “coral gardening” (http://apo-opa.co/45rAo7K) technique where coral fragments are selected from existing reefs and grown in nurseries, before being transplanted back into degraded areas. However, given this process results in a reef populated by genetically identical corals, the technique falls short of creating corals that can routinely withstand the events that degrade them; for example, coral bleaching events, where stress triggered by rising ocean temperatures causes damage to their tissue. The lack of genetic diversity within gardened reefs is a critical weakness, rendering the technique only a temporary fix rather than a long-term solution for improving reef health and resiliency in the region.

    “Currently, we’re essentially cloning corals, creating reefs of genetically identical species,” explains Dr Nirmal Shah, CEO of Nature Seychelles. “Evolution thrives on diversity – the strong, the weak, the healthy, and everything in between. To build truly resilient reefs, we need to embrace true diversity. Canon’s partnership, alongside Coral Spawning Lab’s expertise allows us to do just that, by enabling us to breed corals and create a genetic bank of resilient species. Canon’s technology will also allow us to unlock the secrets of coral reproduction, leading to more effective conservation strategies and, ultimately, inspiring true change in how we protect and regenerate these vital ecosystems “

    Canon’s support is part of its broader commitment to environmental sustainability and using its imaging technology from cameras to satellites to further enable conservation efforts.

    Healthy coral reefs are crucial for the Seychelles’ tourism, fisheries, coastal protection, and biodiversity – and this partnership supports a more sustainable future for the islands.

    “Coral reefs are the foundation of our economy, our environment, and our way of life,” says Dr. Shah. “This partnership with Canon is not just about restoring reefs; it’s about safeguarding the future of the Seychelles.”

    Dr Jamie Craggs, marine biologist and co-founder of the Coral Spawning Lab, says: “The Coral Spawning Lab has always pushed the boundaries of coral reproductive science. This partnership with Canon and Nature Seychelles allows us to continue that tradition of innovation, combining our expertise with their cutting-edge imaging technology to develop new and more effective approaches to coral conservation.

    Working together, we can raise awareness about the urgent need for conservation with a broader audience. As a former underwater cameraman, I know the power of imagery to communicate complex scientific concepts and inspire action. By partnering with Canon, we can share the beauty and fragility of coral reefs with the world.”

    Peter Bragg, Sustainability and Government Affairs Director at Canon EMEA, says “Our partnership with Nature Seychelles and the Coral Spawning Lab in this innovative effort to protect the Seychelles’ vital coral reefs, demonstrates our commitment to biodiversity. The power of our imaging technology and expertise can play a significant role in building a more sustainable future for small island nations facing the challenges of climate change. By providing the tools to see, understand, and share the story of coral reefs, we hope to empower communities and raise awareness to protect these vital ecosystems for generations to come.”

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

    Media enquiries, please contact:
    Canon Central and North Africa
    Mai Youssef
    e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

    APO Group – PR Agency
    Rania ElRafie
    e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

    About Canon Central and North Africa:
    Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

    Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

    Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (http://apo-opa.co/4jTcjtZ) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

    For more information: Canon-CNA.com

    About Nature Seychelles:
    Nature Seychelles is a leading environmental organization dedicated to the conservation and sustainable management of the Seychelles’ natural resources. Through research, education, and community engagement, Nature Seychelles works to protect the Seychelles’ unique biodiversity and promote a sustainable future for the islands.

    About Coral Spawning Lab:
    Coral Spawning Lab are pioneers in land-based sexual coral reproduction. Their groundbreaking research, technical expertise in coral propagation, and extensive experience in restoration projects enable them to advance research and selective breeding programs—helping repair damaged coral reefs at scales that can make a meaningful difference to our oceans and our planet. Their goal is to empower and equip every practitioner, reef manager, and restorer with the tools and knowledge needed to spawn coral in land-based facilities.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South African citizens in the Islamic Republic of Iran requested to ensure they are registered with the Embassy


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    South Africa wishes to urge all its citizens currently in the Islamic Republic of Iran to contact the Embassy in Tehran to ensure that they are registered with and that their whereabouts are known to the Embassy.

    It is important to note that South Africa’s support in the country is limited and that it could be assumed that no face-to-face consular assistance will be possible in an emergency and the South African Government may not be able to help you if you get into difficulty, depending on your location.

    Therefore, citizens are further encouraged to assess their own safety and security and act accordingly.

    The following contacts may be used:

    Tehran:

    Telephone: +98-912-230-8968
    Telephone: +98-930-495-8965

    Helpline of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in Pretoria, RSA:

    Telephone: +27 12 351 1000

    The web page of DIRCO may be consulted for further contact information (www.dirco.gov.za).

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa condemns targeting of civilians, urges de-escalation between Iran and Israel


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    South Africa expresses deep concern regarding the escalation of hostilities between the State of Israel and Islamic Republic of Iran. We extend our deepest condolences to the peoples of both nations suffering from the tragic loss of life.

    South Africa emphasises that under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian infrastructure must never be considered legitimate targets.

    We reiterate our urgent call for de-escalation, restraint, and full compliance with international law by all parties to prevent further human suffering.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dialogue with future engineers. The first visit of the head of Rosavtodor Roman Novikov to polytechnicians

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    A meeting of students and teachers of the Polytechnic University with the head of the Federal Road Agency of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation, Roman Novikov, took place at the Polytechnic University.

    Roman Novikov gave a lecture in which he spoke in detail about the preparation and construction of such iconic objects as the Crimean Bridge and the Russian Bridge. He touched upon the current goals and objectives of the road industry, its development prospects, issues of implementing the national project “Infrastructure for Life”, and spoke about interesting episodes in the implementation of major road projects.

    Roman Vitalyevich discussed with the meeting participants approaches to attracting young specialists to the professional environment through the personnel policy of Rosavtodor and answered questions from students and teachers.

    For Roman Novikov, this was his first visit to the Polytechnic. He noted the high level of scientific and educational potential of the university, its historical significance and practical focus of education.

    During the tour of the university campus, the head of Rosavtodor visited key sites. In the SPbPU History Museum, he was presented with exhibits reflecting more than a century of the university’s history. In the Technopolis Polytech research building, the delegation got acquainted with the university’s modern scientific and educational capabilities.

    The Polytechnic University is one of the largest technical universities in the country with historically strong scientific schools, having undeniable results and achievements in scientific, educational and innovative activities, noted Roman Novikov.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Animal Welfare – Three Greyhounds Dead in Three Days Underscores Need for Racing Ban

    Source: Greyhound Protection League of New Zealand

    Quick facts:

    • Three greyhounds died in three days of racing in New Zealand this week (12–14 June).

    • Fifteen greyhounds have died on racetracks so far in the 2024/25 season, with six weeks still remaining.

    • An alarming spike in lure-collapse deaths: six dogs this season, including three from the McInerney kennels: a family with a long history of serious welfare breaches.

    • Meanwhile GRNZ is facing a rehoming crisis of its own making: 672 dogs were awaiting adoption as of 1 November 2024, 349 of them still with trainers, not yet in the rehoming process. That number rose to 723 by 1 February 2025.

    • Despite this, in October 2024, GRNZ reported plans to increase breeding.

    • The Government has to hold firm, introduce legislation, and enforce the ban before more dogs pay with their lives.

    Three greyhounds have died on New Zealand racetracks in just three days of racing: a brutal illustration of the industry’s ongoing welfare crisis and the urgent need for the forthcoming ban.

    The three deaths occurred across three racetracks this week:

    • Homebush Sydney was euthanised on Wednesday 12 June after suffering a catastrophic spiral fracture of the left femur during a race in Invercargill (source).

    • Homebush Feijoa collapsed and died at the lure in Christchurch on Friday 13 June (source).


    • Midnight Brockie, also racing on Friday, suffered a fractured right hock and tibia with complete displacement at Whanganui and was euthanised trackside (source).

    “This is not reform. This is carnage,” said Emily Robertson, spokesperson for the Greyhound Protection League of New Zealand (GPLNZ). “Three dogs dead in three days of racing – and still this industry has the audacity to challenge the government’s decision to shut it down. It’s beyond belief.”

    Midnight Brockie, just three years old, had raced 49 times and earned $45,470 in prize money before her death. She was the littermate of Brockie’s Rocket, another greyhound who collapsed and died at the lure in Manukau in September 2024 (source).

    Greyhounds collapsing and dying at the end of their race – sometimes even after winning – is a particularly alarming new trend that has emerged over the past two seasons. In the 2023/24 racing season, three dogs died this way. So far in the 2024/25 season, that number has doubled, with six greyhounds collapsing and dying at the lure, including three from the Darfield, Canterbury kennels of trainer Jonathan McInerney.

    The McInerney family has a long and troubling history in the greyhound racing industry. In 2023, John McInerney Sr was banned from the sport for 12 months by the Racing Integrity Board (RIB) after being found guilty of multiple serious animal welfare breaches, including failing to provide veterinary care and pain relief to a dog for three weeks. The dog was later diagnosed with cancer and euthanised (source).

    In the same ruling, two dogs at his Manawatū satellite facility – operated by another son, Stephen McInerney – tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine.

    John McInerney Sr has faced a raft of other RIB charges. The most serious in recent years include:

    So far, 15 greyhounds have been killed on New Zealand racetracks since 1 August 2024, with six weeks of the racing season still to go. These figures reflect deaths alone, not the hundreds of serious injuries, including fractures, torn muscles, and other trauma that greyhounds continue to suffer on tracks every single week. GPLNZ warns that further deaths are likely unless urgent action is taken.

    “These aren’t freak accidents. They’re the inevitable result of a system that treats dogs as disposable,” said Robertson. “Despite repeated reviews, recommendations, and reassurances of reform, dogs continue to suffer and die.”

    In December 2024, the Government announced – with support from all political parties – that it would phase out greyhound racing in 20 months, after the industry was formally put on notice in September 2022. The ban decision followed multiple reviews, including the WHK Report (2013), the Hansen Report (2017), and the Robertson Review (2021), all of which raised serious concerns about animal welfare, high euthanasia and injury rates, data, and transparency in the industry.

    GRNZ is now seeking a judicial review to challenge the ban, a move GPLNZ describes as “a desperate attempt that delays the inevitable and prolongs the suffering of greyhounds used and abused by this industry.”

    “GRNZ should be focusing on ensuring no more dogs are harmed, winding down racing, and rehoming the dogs it claims to care about,” said Robertson. “The truth is, GRNZ is in the midst of a rehoming crisis of its own making – one that was already worsening even before the ban was announced.”

    Figures from the Racing Integrity Board, the agency tasked with overseeing all three racing codes in New Zealand, show that as of 1 November 2024, 672 greyhounds were awaiting adoption, with 349 of them still housed with their trainers, not yet in rehoming centres or foster care (source).

    “In their own annual report, GRNZ claimed to have rehomed 673 dogs in the 2023/24 season, meaning a full year’s worth of dogs were already sitting, waiting, and hoping for a home. That number rose to 723 by 1 February 2025 following the Government’s announcement of the ban,” Robertson said.

    “And instead of urgently addressing this backlog, GRNZ is spending its time and resources in court trying to keep this inherently dangerous industry alive — and perversely had actually planned to increase breeding numbers.”

    According to its own Animal Welfare Quarterly Progress Report (31 October 2024, p.12):

    “…an uplift is required to maintain current racing levels and the industry’s overall contribution to the economy. Providing support and incentives to encourage and sustain the breeding industry will be a key focus for GRNZ in 2025 and beyond.”

    GPLNZ is calling on the Government to hold firm, introduce legislation, and enforce the ban before more dogs pay with their lives.

    Notes:

    Greyhounds killed in the 2024/25 racing season on track are:

    1. Midnight Brockie – 13 June – Whanganui – fractured right hock and tibia with complete displacement

    2. Homebush Feijoa – 13 June – Addington – collapsed and died at the lure 

    3. Homebush Sydney – 11 June – Invercargill- spiral fracture left femur – euthanasia post race 

    4. Carrington Magic – 16 May – Whanganui  – open spiral fracture of left tibia fibula 

    5. Big Time Hinda – 10 April – Cambridge – collapsed at lure and dead on arrival 

    6. Know Motor – 8 March – Addington – fractured right radios ulna and died after surgery 

    7. Homebush Honey – 13 March – Addington – collapsed and died at track trial 

    8. Homebush Milo – 7 March – Addington – collapsed at lure and dead on arrival 

    9. Highview Amber – 27 December- Whanganui – complete fractures of left and right radius ulnas

    10. Call the tune – 13 December – Addington – cramp at lure, collapse in wash bay, transported to vet and euthanised due to an unmanageable hemorrhagic shock 

    11. Diamond Roman – 10 December – Invercargill- compound fracture of right tibia fibula which was severely comminuted and displaced 

    12. Homebush Shadow – Wednesday 27 November – Invercargill – complete fracture of the left radius ulna

    13. What’s on – 18 October – Addington – incident at lure, severe neck pain – diagnosed with fractured vertebrae and due to severity of fracture was euthanased 

    14. Brockie’s Rocket – 29 September – Manukau – collapsed and died at the lure (autopsy result – spontaneous tension pneumothorax)

    15. Rocket Queen – 20 September 2024 – Addington – compound fracture to its radius/ulna.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OLAF exposes fraud involving over €870 million

    Source: European Anti-Fraud Offfice

    Press release no 16/2025
    PDF version

    This press release is translated into all official EU languages. Select your language on the top of the page.

    In 2024, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) recommended the recovery of more than €870 million in misused EU funds, according to its annual report released today. OLAF investigators also prevented over €40 million from being improperly spent, reinforcing OLAF’s role as guardian of the EU budget. Over the year, OLAF closed 246 investigations and issued 301 recommendations to national and EU authorities, while opening 230 new investigations.

    This report marks not only a strong year of operations, but also OLAF’s 25th anniversary – underscoring a quarter-century of dedicated service in protecting the EU’s financial interests and reaffirming OLAF’s leading role in the fight against fraud. 

    Key figures in 2024: 

    • OLAF recommended the recovery of €871.5 million to the EU budget
    • OLAF prevented €43.5 million from being unduly spent from the EU budget
    • An additional €419.2 million in revenue (import duties and VAT) was safeguarded through precautionary and preventive actions
    • OLAF closed 246 investigations, issuing 301 recommendations for follow-up to the relevant national and EU authorities
    • OLAF opened 230 new investigations, following 1138 preliminary analyses carried out by OLAF experts.

    From complex financial fraud and cross-border illicit trade to customs violations, environmental fraud, and the prevention of sanctions evasion, OLAF has consistently demonstrated its relevance and adaptability in the face of evolving challenges. In the last three years, OLAF investigations have led to the recovery of €4.5 billion and the prevention of more than €800 million in irregular spending — clear evidence of its crucial role in safeguarding the EU’s financial interests.

     “In 2024, we continued to fight fraud on all fronts,” said OLAF Director-General Ville Itälä. “Whether it’s protecting EU investment in local communities, safeguarding health through action against counterfeit goods or ensuring that the EU funds are used properly and continue to serve its purpose – OLAF is here to detect, act and safeguard”. 

    “We remain committed to our purpose: to ensure fairness and protect EU citizens, businesses, and communities. The closer we collaborate, the better outcomes we achieve, more effectively safeguarding taxpayers’ money and deterring potential fraudsters”, he continued. 

    “It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that our investigations have helped protect people’s health, kept dangerous products off the market, preserved the environment, and strengthened trust in the EU institutions. That’s what drives us every day.”

    Investigations in the EU and beyond

    During the year, OLAF’s work spanned across EU countries and beyond. This year, OLAF particularly observed a high number of cases involving conflict of interests, procurement manipulation, inflated costs and workplace harassment. 

    In one particular Member State, OLAF uncovered a corruption network and ensured that the necessary measures were taken to recover €75 million EU funds meant to finance 112 projects aimed at improving citizens’ lives and a challenged economy.  

    In another instance, investigation took OLAF to Western Africa where we detected irregularities linked to EU funds earmarked for modernisation of local schools. 

    Keeping the EU accountable 

    OLAF continues to play a crucial role in ensuring that EU officials are held to the highest ethical standards. In the past year, OLAF closed several internal investigations into alleged misconduct by staff and members of EU institutions — a key part of its mission to protect the Union’s integrity and to ensure that everyone is held accountable to the highest standards of conduct. 

    OLAF’s internal investigations during the last year focused mainly on complex and sensitive cases, like those involving staff in senior management positions or those with a high profile in their workplace. This includes allegations of harassment, conflict of interests, ethical issues linked to recruitment and external activities. 

    Rise of environmental fraud 

    OLAF investigators have been stepping up efforts against schemes that violate EU environmental laws and threaten biodiversity. Multiple investigations carried out in 2024 have uncovered illegal activities such as the trafficking of harmful fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) and the unlawful export of plastic waste — both of which have serious and lasting impacts on the planet.

    These environmental crimes not only breach EU regulations but also undermine global efforts to combat climate change and pollution. Meanwhile, in the digital domain, OLAF observed increasing misuse of e-commerce platforms to sell counterfeit or undervalued imports. These goods often include fake medicines and other dangerous items. In coordination with customs authorities, OLAF targeted these illicit networks and helped intercept large consignments.

    “Our cooperation with national authorities and other partners remains essential to our success. It allows swift information exchange, coordinated action and stronger results in protecting the EU’s financial interest. We look forward to further enhancing this cooperation under the ongoing European anti-fraud architecture review”, said Itälä.

    The OLAF report 2024 is available on OLAF’s website.

    OLAF mission, mandate and competences:
    OLAF’s mission is to detect, investigate and stop fraud with EU funds.    

    OLAF fulfils its mission by:
    •    carrying out independent investigations into fraud and corruption involving EU funds, so as to ensure that all EU taxpayers’ money reaches projects that can create jobs and growth in Europe;
    •    contributing to strengthening citizens’ trust in the EU Institutions by investigating serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU Institutions;
    •    developing a sound EU anti-fraud policy.

    In its independent investigative function, OLAF can investigate matters relating to fraud, corruption and other offences affecting the EU financial interests concerning:
    •    all EU expenditure: the main spending categories are Structural Funds, agricultural policy and rural development funds, direct expenditure and external aid;
    •    some areas of EU revenue, mainly customs duties;
    •    suspicions of serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU institutions.

    Once OLAF has completed its investigation, it is for the competent EU and national authorities to examine and decide on the follow-up of OLAF’s recommendations. All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a competent national or EU court of law.

    For further details:

    Pierluigi CATERINO
    Spokesperson
    European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
    Phone: +32(0)2 29-52335  
    Email: olaf-media ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (olaf-media[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
    https://anti-fraud.ec.europa.eu

    LinkedIn: European Anti-Fraud Office
    X: x.com/EUAntiFraud
    Bluesky: euantifraud.bsky.social

    If you’re a journalist and you wish to receive our press releases in your inbox, please leave us your contact data.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is uranium enrichment and how is it used for nuclear bombs? A scientist explains

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kaitlin Cook, DECRA Fellow, Department of Nuclear Physics and Accelerator Applications, Australian National University

    Uranium ore. RHJPhtotos/Shutterstock

    Late last week, Israel targeted three of Iran’s key nuclear facilities – Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow, killing several Iranian nuclear scientists. The facilities are heavily fortified and largely underground, and there are conflicting reports of how much damage has been done.

    Natanz and Fordow are Iran’s uranium enrichment sites, and Isfahan provides the raw materials, so any damage to these sites would limit Iran’s ability to produce nuclear weapons.

    But what exactly is uranium enrichment and why does it raise concerns?

    To understand what it means to “enrich” uranium, you need to know a little about uranium isotopes and about splitting the atom in a nuclear fission reaction.

    What is an isotope?

    All matter is made of atoms, which in turn are made up of protons, neutrons and electrons. The number of protons is what gives atoms their chemical properties, setting apart the various chemical elements.

    Atoms have equal numbers of protons and electrons. Uranium has 92 protons, for example, while carbon has six. However, the same element can have different numbers of neutrons, forming versions of the element called isotopes.

    This hardly matters for chemical reactions, but their nuclear reactions can be wildly different.

    The difference between uranium-238 and uranium-235

    When we dig uranium out of the ground, 99.27% of it is uranium-238, which has 92 protons and 146 neutrons. Only 0.72% of it is uranium-235 with 92 protons and 143 neutrons (the remaining 0.01% are other isotopes).

    For nuclear power reactors or weapons, we need to change the isotope proportions. That’s because of the two main uranium isotopes, only uranium-235 can support a fission chain reaction: one neutron causes an atom to fission, which produces energy and some more neutrons, causing more fission, and so on.

    This chain reaction releases a tremendous amount of energy. In a nuclear weapon, the goal is to have this chain reaction occur in a fraction of a second, producing a nuclear explosion.

    In a civilian nuclear power plant, the chain reaction is controlled. Nuclear power plants currently produce 9% of the world’s power. Another vital civilian use of nuclear reactions is for producing isotopes used in nuclear medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.

    What is uranium enrichment, then?

    To “enrich” uranium means taking the naturally found element and increasing the proportion of uranium-235 while removing uranium-238.

    There are a few ways to do this (including new inventions from Australia), but commercially, enrichment is currently done with a centrifuge. This is also the case in Iran’s facilities.

    Centrifuges exploit the fact that uranium-238 is about 1% heavier than uranium-235. They take uranium (in gas form) and use rotors to spin it at 50,000 to 70,000 rotations per minute, with the outer walls of the centrifuges moving at 400 to 500 metres per second.

    This works much like a salad spinner that throws water to the sides while the salad leaves stay in the centre. The heavier uranium-238 moves to the edges of the centrifuge, leaving the uranium-235 in the middle.

    This is only so effective, so the spinning process is done over and over again, building up the percentage of the uranium-235.

    Most civilian nuclear reactors use “low enriched uranium” that’s been enriched to between 3% and 5%. This means that 3–5% of the total uranium in the sample is now uranium-235. That’s enough to sustain a chain reaction and make electricity.

    What level of enrichment do nuclear weapons need?

    To get an explosive chain reaction, uranium-235 needs to be concentrated significantly more than the levels we use in nuclear reactors for making power or medicines.

    Technically, a nuclear weapon can be made with as little as 20% uranium-235 (known as “highly enriched uranium”), but the more the uranium is enriched, the smaller and lighter the weapon can be. Countries with nuclear weapons tend to use about 90% enriched, “weapons-grade” uranium.

    According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran has enriched large quantities of uranium to 60%. It’s actually easier to go from an enrichment of 60% to 90% than it is to get to that initial 60%. That’s because there’s less and less uranium-238 to get rid of.

    This is why Iran is considered to be at extreme risk of producing nuclear weapons, and why centrifuge technology for enrichment is kept secret.

    Ultimately, the exact same centrifuge technology that produces fuel for civilian reactors can be used to produce nuclear weapons.

    Inspectors from the IAEA monitor nuclear facilities worldwide to ensure countries are abiding by the rules set out in the global nuclear non-proliferation treaty. While Iran maintains it’s only enriching uranium for “peaceful purposes”, late last week the IAEA board ruled Iran was in breach of its obligations under the treaty.

    Kaitlin Cook receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. What is uranium enrichment and how is it used for nuclear bombs? A scientist explains – https://theconversation.com/what-is-uranium-enrichment-and-how-is-it-used-for-nuclear-bombs-a-scientist-explains-259031

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Ursula von der Leyen at G7 Summit: “All of us need to avoid protectionism”

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    European Commission President is taking part in this year’s G7 Leader Summit in Kananaskis, Canada. Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission:
    Follow us on:
    -X: https://twitter.com/EU_Commission
    -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/europeancommission/
    -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCommission
    -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-commission/
    -Medium: https://medium.com/@EuropeanCommission

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

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV-H1dYeEuw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi leaves for 2nd China-Central Asia Summit 2025-06-16 14:37:29 Chinese President Xi Jinping left Beijing on Monday for the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana at the invitation of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping left Beijing on Monday for the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana at the invitation of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

      Xi’s entourage includes Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and foreign minister. 

    loading…

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s retail sales expand markedly in May

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

    China’s market sales rebounded markedly in May, with total retail sales of consumer goods reaching 4.13 trillion yuan (US$575.3 billion), marking a year-on-year increase of 6.4%, the National Bureau of Statistics announced at a Monday press conference. The increase was 1.3 percentage points higher than April’s year-on-year growth rate of 5.1%.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • India Inc’s operating profit margins likely to rise to 18.5% in Q1 FY26: ICRA report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India Inc’s operating profit margins are expected to rise by 10 to 40 basis points to 18.2–18.5% in the first quarter (April–June) of FY2026, continuing the sequential recovery seen over the past few quarters, according to a report released by rating agency ICRA on Monday.

    “This, coupled with a moderation in interest costs due to the Reserve Bank of India’s recent cumulative repo rate cuts of 100 basis points, is expected to improve the interest coverage ratio for India Inc. to around 5.1–5.2 times in Q1 FY2026, compared to 5.0 times in Q4 FY2025,” the report stated.

    Kinjal Shah, Senior Vice President at ICRA, noted, “Given the uncertain global environment, the private capital expenditure (capex) cycle is expected to remain measured. However, certain sunrise sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, and niche segments within the automotive space like electric vehicles will continue to attract investment, supported by the Government of India’s production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes.”

    He further added that entities linked to Indian Railways and the Defence sector are likely to see their large order books translating into higher revenues and earnings.

    ICRA’s analysis of 589 listed companies (excluding financial sector entities) for Q4 FY2025 revealed a 7.6% year-on-year revenue growth. This was driven by improved demand across consumption-oriented sectors such as consumer durables, retail, hotels, and airlines, as well as infrastructure-related sectors like power, real estate, and construction. In contrast, sectors such as iron and steel experienced a decline due to weaker global demand and an influx of cheaper imports from China.

    India Inc is expected to post stable revenue growth in Q1 FY2026, supported by resilient domestic demand. Rural demand is projected to remain healthy, while urban demand is likely to recover, aided by income tax relief measures, easing food inflation, and lower EMIs.

    However, ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to weigh on sentiment, particularly for export-oriented sectors such as agrochemicals, textiles, auto and auto components, cut and polished diamonds, and IT services.

    In Q4 FY2025, India Inc recorded a 63-basis-point year-on-year increase in operating profit margins to 18.5%, marking the highest level since Q4 FY2022. This expansion was driven by improved operating leverage on the back of strong demand in sectors like power, airlines, and real estate, along with some moderation in input costs. Sequentially, margins improved by around 41 basis points during the quarter.

    ICRA also observed that the interest coverage ratio of its sample set—adjusted to exclude sectors with relatively low debt levels such as IT, FMCG, and pharmaceuticals—improved on a year-on-year basis to 5.0 times in Q4 FY2025, up from 4.8 times in Q4 FY2024, owing to better profitability.

    Furthermore, range-bound debt levels and improved profitability across industrial, capital goods, and construction sectors in FY2025 contributed to a stronger financial position, as reflected in improved gearing and better debt-to-operating profit ratios.

    — IANS

  • India Inc’s operating profit margins likely to rise to 18.5% in Q1 FY26: ICRA report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India Inc’s operating profit margins are expected to rise by 10 to 40 basis points to 18.2–18.5% in the first quarter (April–June) of FY2026, continuing the sequential recovery seen over the past few quarters, according to a report released by rating agency ICRA on Monday.

    “This, coupled with a moderation in interest costs due to the Reserve Bank of India’s recent cumulative repo rate cuts of 100 basis points, is expected to improve the interest coverage ratio for India Inc. to around 5.1–5.2 times in Q1 FY2026, compared to 5.0 times in Q4 FY2025,” the report stated.

    Kinjal Shah, Senior Vice President at ICRA, noted, “Given the uncertain global environment, the private capital expenditure (capex) cycle is expected to remain measured. However, certain sunrise sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, and niche segments within the automotive space like electric vehicles will continue to attract investment, supported by the Government of India’s production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes.”

    He further added that entities linked to Indian Railways and the Defence sector are likely to see their large order books translating into higher revenues and earnings.

    ICRA’s analysis of 589 listed companies (excluding financial sector entities) for Q4 FY2025 revealed a 7.6% year-on-year revenue growth. This was driven by improved demand across consumption-oriented sectors such as consumer durables, retail, hotels, and airlines, as well as infrastructure-related sectors like power, real estate, and construction. In contrast, sectors such as iron and steel experienced a decline due to weaker global demand and an influx of cheaper imports from China.

    India Inc is expected to post stable revenue growth in Q1 FY2026, supported by resilient domestic demand. Rural demand is projected to remain healthy, while urban demand is likely to recover, aided by income tax relief measures, easing food inflation, and lower EMIs.

    However, ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to weigh on sentiment, particularly for export-oriented sectors such as agrochemicals, textiles, auto and auto components, cut and polished diamonds, and IT services.

    In Q4 FY2025, India Inc recorded a 63-basis-point year-on-year increase in operating profit margins to 18.5%, marking the highest level since Q4 FY2022. This expansion was driven by improved operating leverage on the back of strong demand in sectors like power, airlines, and real estate, along with some moderation in input costs. Sequentially, margins improved by around 41 basis points during the quarter.

    ICRA also observed that the interest coverage ratio of its sample set—adjusted to exclude sectors with relatively low debt levels such as IT, FMCG, and pharmaceuticals—improved on a year-on-year basis to 5.0 times in Q4 FY2025, up from 4.8 times in Q4 FY2024, owing to better profitability.

    Furthermore, range-bound debt levels and improved profitability across industrial, capital goods, and construction sectors in FY2025 contributed to a stronger financial position, as reflected in improved gearing and better debt-to-operating profit ratios.

    — IANS

  • Amitabh Kant steps down as G20 Sherpa after 45 years of government service

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Amitabh Kant on Monday announced his decision to step down as the G20 Sherpa. His resignation comes after 45 years of government service in various roles, including G20 Sherpa, CEO of NITI Aayog, and Secretary of the Department for Industrial Policy and Promotion, among others.

    “After 45 years of dedicated government service, I have made the decision to embrace new opportunities and move forward in life,” Kant said in a post on X, titled ‘My New Journey’. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for accepting his resignation and for entrusting him with key policy responsibilities during his tenure.

    Describing the G20 Summit in India as a “significant milestone” in his career, Kant wrote in a LinkedIn post: “India’s G20 presidency was people-centric and inclusive, with meetings held across all states and union territories. This strengthened cooperative federalism, celebrated local culture, and upgraded infrastructure nationwide.”

    Kant also highlighted the successful inclusion of the African Union in the G20, which fulfilled India’s commitment to global equity and to amplifying the voice of the Global South.

    During his time at NITI Aayog, Kant led flagship initiatives such as the Aspirational Districts Programme, aimed at improving governance and development indicators in 115 of India’s most underdeveloped districts. He also played a pivotal role in shaping India’s digital public infrastructure, and championed innovation through the Atal Innovation Mission, manufacturing reforms via the PLI scheme, and sustainability through missions such as Green Hydrogen and Advanced Chemistry Cells.

    As Secretary of the DIPP, Kant played a significant role in rolling out major initiatives such as Ease of Doing Business, Make in India, and Startup India.

    Tracing his career to its roots in Kerala, Kant said his early exposure to grassroots development informed his later efforts — including the globally recognised Incredible India tourism campaign, which he described as inspired by the sector’s potential for job creation and economic growth.

    Kant’s next chapter, he said, would focus on contributing to India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat by empowering enterprise and innovation.

  • Amitabh Kant steps down as G20 Sherpa after 45 years of government service

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Amitabh Kant on Monday announced his decision to step down as the G20 Sherpa. His resignation comes after 45 years of government service in various roles, including G20 Sherpa, CEO of NITI Aayog, and Secretary of the Department for Industrial Policy and Promotion, among others.

    “After 45 years of dedicated government service, I have made the decision to embrace new opportunities and move forward in life,” Kant said in a post on X, titled ‘My New Journey’. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for accepting his resignation and for entrusting him with key policy responsibilities during his tenure.

    Describing the G20 Summit in India as a “significant milestone” in his career, Kant wrote in a LinkedIn post: “India’s G20 presidency was people-centric and inclusive, with meetings held across all states and union territories. This strengthened cooperative federalism, celebrated local culture, and upgraded infrastructure nationwide.”

    Kant also highlighted the successful inclusion of the African Union in the G20, which fulfilled India’s commitment to global equity and to amplifying the voice of the Global South.

    During his time at NITI Aayog, Kant led flagship initiatives such as the Aspirational Districts Programme, aimed at improving governance and development indicators in 115 of India’s most underdeveloped districts. He also played a pivotal role in shaping India’s digital public infrastructure, and championed innovation through the Atal Innovation Mission, manufacturing reforms via the PLI scheme, and sustainability through missions such as Green Hydrogen and Advanced Chemistry Cells.

    As Secretary of the DIPP, Kant played a significant role in rolling out major initiatives such as Ease of Doing Business, Make in India, and Startup India.

    Tracing his career to its roots in Kerala, Kant said his early exposure to grassroots development informed his later efforts — including the globally recognised Incredible India tourism campaign, which he described as inspired by the sector’s potential for job creation and economic growth.

    Kant’s next chapter, he said, would focus on contributing to India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat by empowering enterprise and innovation.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Celebrations as two more become Schools of Sanctuary

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The Royal School Wolverhampton Primary and Ormiston NEW Academy showed assessors from the City of Sanctuary UK movement that they celebrate their diverse communities, and that the School of Sanctuary ethos of welcome, inclusion and safety for all, runs through all aspects of both schools.

    Achieving the School of Sanctuary status is the culmination of dedicated and ongoing efforts to ensure that every child, staff member and family feels represented, included, and valued.

    The Royal School Deputy Head of Primary Hayley Green said: “We are delighted to have been awarded School of Sanctuary status — a recognition of the incredible work and dedication of our whole school community.

    “This award celebrates the inclusive ethos that runs through everything we do, from our Young Interpreters to the everyday actions of all our amazing staff, pupils, and families who help make our school a warm, welcoming place for all. We’re proud of this achievement and grateful to everyone who continues to contribute to our culture of care, compassion, and belonging.

    “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Citizenship, Literacy and Language Advisory Teacher Claire Sumner for her unwavering support throughout this journey. Claire was instrumental in helping us develop a focused action plan tailored to our school’s unique context, and her guidance during our School of Sanctuary application process has been both expert and encouraging.

    “This award is something we are all be truly proud of and belongs to all of us — staff, pupils, and families — who make our school such a safe and welcoming place for everyone where diversity is celebrated, support is proactive, and every child is given the opportunity to thrive.”

    Eleanor Tomlinson, Educational and Child Psychologist at Ormiston NEW Academy, said: “We are delighted to have achieved the School of Sanctuary Award.

    “We are extremely proud of the many different cultures and backgrounds of our student population here at Ormiston NEW Academy. This award recognises the hard work of staff, students and parents in building our diverse community, where all cultures are welcomed and celebrated, and all students can thrive. We look forward to sharing our knowledge and experience, supporting other local schools to work towards School of Sanctuary status.”

    The two schools have joined a growing group of educational institutions across the city that have achieved School of Sanctuary accreditation, further solidifying Wolverhampton’s reputation as a place of inclusion and sanctuary for all.

    Other Schools of Sanctuary include Bantock Primary, Dunstall Hill Primary, Goldthorn Park Primary, Graiseley Primary, Rakegate Primary, St Andrews CofE Primary, St Lukes CofE Primary, St Regis CofE Academy, Stowlawn Primary, St Mary’s Catholic Primary Academy, Villiers Primary, West Park Primary, Merridale Primary, Wodensfield Primary School, St Michael’s CE Primary School, SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School, St Teresa’s Catholic Primary Academy and Colton Hills Community School.

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “We are delighted that we now have 20 Schools of Sanctuary in Wolverhampton, which are all demonstrating the lengths they go to ensure they provide a safe and welcoming place for their children and families.”

    Schools can apply to become a School of Sanctuary by demonstrating to City of Sanctuary UK that they have implemented 3 key principles – learning and helping people understand what it means to be seeking sanctuary, embedding the concepts of safety, welcome and inclusive culture for everyone, and sharing their values and activities with their local communities.

    The Schools of Sanctuary programme is part of the City of Sanctuary UK movement, committed to building a culture of safety and welcome, especially for refugees seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. For more information, please visit Schools of Sanctuary. 
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First Step assisted purchase housing scheme reopens16 June 2025 ​The Minister for Housing has re-opened a successful scheme to help Islanders buy their first home. First Step, which helps aspiring homeowners onto the property ladder, opened again on Monday 16 June.… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    16 June 2025

    ​

    The Minister for Housing has re-opened a successful scheme to help Islanders buy their first home. 

    First Step, which helps aspiring homeowners onto the property ladder, opened again on Monday 16 June. 

    Since last year, more than 50 open-market homes have been purchased as a result of the £10 million of Government funding, which paid for loans of up to 40% towards the property purchase. This year, £2m has been added for a further tranche. 

    The loans have helped Islanders purchase properties of all sizes, ranging from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses. First Step, which is delivered in partnership with Andium Homes, was launched by Deputy Sam Mézec in February last year. The Minister said that he was delighted to reopen the scheme for a fourth time. 

    “I have seen for myself how much the scheme has made a real difference to Islanders who would have otherwise been unable to own their first home,” he said. “It is a meaningful way of tackling Jersey’s housing crisis and giving Islanders hope that they can access homeownership affordably and securely with the help of Government. 

    “We have also seen how well the scheme has been received and understood by the housing market, and I am grateful for all the work of estate agents, law firms, and mortgage providers in working with Government and Andium Homes to make a real success of the scheme.” 

    The scheme will be open to applications from Monday 16 June for four weeks, closing on Sunday 13 July. 

    Applicants must: 

    • hold Entitled status 
    • not own any property in Jersey or overseas 
    • be registered on the Assisted Purchase Pathway 
    • be able to provide a 5 per cent deposit towards the purchase 
    • be able to access the maximum lending available to them from one of the scheme’s partnering mortgage lenders 
    • not be under offer on another assisted purchase scheme. 

    Islanders must be registered on the Assisted Purchase Pathway before applying for First Step. If someone is already registered on the Assisted Purchase Pathway, they do not need to re-register. Applications will be means-tested against the financial criteria which is outlined in the policy guidance. 

    Chris Kynicos, Sales, and Lettings Lead at Andium Homes, said: “In the first three tranches, we’ve helped numerous individuals, couples and families become homeowners for the first time. 

    “From their initial application through to the final purchase in court, the Andium Homes team have helped each applicant navigate their way through what can be a daunting task, and one that many may only do once in their lifetime. 

    “We’d encourage anyone looking for their first home to get in touch either in person at our offices on Don Street or call 500700 and our team will be happy to help.” 

    Islanders wishing to join the Assisted Purchase Pathway, or those wanting to update their details, can do so via the Andium website: First Step (andiumhomes.je)​.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bringing up baby! It’s Baby Week in Manchester this week – all you need to know 

    Source: City of Manchester

    It’s all about babies this week (16 – 21 June) in Manchester as parents, carers and tiny tots are invited to join in with a whole host of baby and toddler friendly activities across the city, designed to educate and entertain parents, carers, and little ones alike. 

    The now annual six-day programme is filled from start to finish with free activities – all designed to support a child’s development from birth and before, to two years old.

    The week kicks off today (Monday 16 June) with a packed programme of free fun-filled activities taking place all day long in Central Library and Manchester Art Gallery.

    Musical mums, dads and babies are in for a treat with everything from Baby DJing sessions, Shake Rattle and Roll workshops, and Dance Like a Mother workouts with awesome tunes, to have-a-go sessions playing musical instruments and singing with the Hallé Musical Stars.

    Mini-me fitness and fun sessions for toddlers and their grown-ups will also run throughout the day with Afro-fit workshops offering African dance-inspired exercise, and lots of fun physical activity sessions from the National Football Museum.

    The day will also see plenty of opportunities for toddlers and parents to get messy together with creative play sessions throughout the day at the art gallery, as well as story time sessions at the library – based on every toddler’s favourite book, The Hungry Caterpillar.

    Baby Massage and gentle stretch and flex Baby Yoga classes are also programmed at intervals during the day – showing carers how to enjoy moments of calm and connection with their babies amongst all the activity and noise they may experience day to day.

    There will also be plenty of practical advice on offer for parents and carers – from preventing common accidents in the home and first aid taster sessions, to Tiny Talk Baby Signing sessions to help teach even the youngest babies to begin to communicate long before they’re able to speak, helping parents and their babies to understand each other from the earliest of days together.

    The rest of the week sees many of the same events and more taking place across the city, in cultural venues, leisure centres, libraries, local Family Hubs, children’s centres, and also in the city’s parks – which will host free family fun days for all on Saturday 21 June.

    With family splash and swim sessions, pool parties, sensory play, and groovy dance classes, as well as walk and talk rambles round local areas and healthy child drop-ins with Health Visitors, there are plenty of free activities of all kinds for families to get involved in during the week. 

    Manchester’s annual Baby Week takes place at an important time for Manchester as the city journeys towards being recognised by UNICEF as a Child Friendly City – the best possible place for a child to grow up in, a place where children’s rights are understood and the voices of children and young people matter.

    Councillor Julie Reid, Executive Member for Early Years, Children and Young People, Manchester City Council, said:  “As any parent or carer will tell you, parenting or caring for a baby or toddler can be both the most joyous and the most challenging of experiences – and sometimes even both these things in the space of a minute!

    “Having people around you to share these experiences with and help you navigate the hard things whilst enjoying all the great stuff is really important.  And that’s where Manchester Baby Week comes in.

    “We want to make sure that Manchester is the very best place it can be for all our babies and children to grow up in. The week provides a brilliant platform for parents, carers and babies to meet each other, learn from each other, and really enjoy themselves as they explore what’s available for tiny tots and their grown-ups in the city.”

    Manchester Baby Week runs from Monday 16 to Saturday 21 June.

    Find out more information on all the activities happening across the city for Baby Week 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Taiwan FDI Statistics Summary Analysis (May 2025)

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    According to the statistics, 819 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects with a total amount of US$5,482,475,000 were approved from January to May 2024. This indicates a decrease of 9.8% in the number of cases, but an increase of 76.64% in FDI amount compared to the same period of 2024.

    With regard to inward investment from Mainland China, 8 cases were approved with an amount of US$96,616,000 from January to May 2025. This indicates a decrease of 50% in the number of cases, but an increase of 515.9% in the FDI amount compared to the same period of 2024.

    In terms of Taiwan’s outbound investment (excluding Mainland China), 335 projects were registered from January to May 2025 with a total amount of US$15,222,183,000, indicating an increase of 10.93% in the number of cases, and an increase of 13.82% in the amount, as compared to the same period of 2024.

    As for Taiwan’s outward investment to Mainland China, 75 applications have been approved from January to May 2025, indicating a decrease of 40% compared to the same period of 2024. The approved investment amount is US$458,348,000, 63.93% less than the same period in 2024.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Woman arrested over Port Adelaide robbery

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A woman has been arrested following a robbery at Port Adelaide.

    Just before 3pm on Monday 16 June, a woman armed with a machete entered the service station on Grand Junction Road and demanded money from staff.

    The woman stole food items and left the store. Thankfully no one was physically injured.

    Police quickly responded and arrested a 31-year-old woman from Munno Para who was still in the area. The machete was safely recovered.

    Officers searched the woman and also found a taser in her bag.

    The woman was arrested and is expected to be charged with aggravated robbery and weapons offences later today.

    Anyone with information that may assist with investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers. You can anonymously provide information to Crime Stoppers online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Telegram of the Holy Father, signed by the Cardinal Secretary of State, on the occasion of the celebrations for the Day of Life of the Episcopal Conferences of England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland

    Source: The Holy See

    Telegram of the Holy Father, signed by the Cardinal Secretary of State, on the occasion of the celebrations for the Day of Life of the Episcopal Conferences of England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland, 15.06.2025

    The following is the telegram sent by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, on behalf of the Holy Father Leo XIV, to His Excellency Archbishop John Sherrington of Liverpool, on the occasion of the celebrations for the Day for Life of the Episcopal Conferences of England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland:

    Telegram
    THE MOST REVEREND JOHN SHERRINGTONARCHBISHOP OF LIVERPOOL
    HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV SENDS THE ASSURANCE OF HIS SPIRITUAL CLOSENESS TO THOSE PARTICIPATING IN THE 2025 “DAY FOR LIFE” BEING CELEBRATED JOINTLY BY THE BISHOPS’ CONFERENCES OF ENGLAND AND WALES, SCOTLAND, AND IRELAND. IN THIS JUBILEE YEAR FOCUSSED ON THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUE OF HOPE, IT IS FITTING THAT YOUR THEME, “HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT – FINDING MEANING IN SUFFERING”, SEEKS TO DRAW PEOPLE’S ATTENTION TO HOW THE MYSTERY OF SUFFERING, SO PREVALENT IN THE HUMAN CONDITION, CAN BE TRANSFORMED BY GRACE INTO AN EXPERIENCE OF THE LORD’S PRESENCE, FOR GOD IS ALWAYS CLOSE TO THOSE WHO ARE SUFFERING AND GUIDES US TO APPRECIATE THE DEEPER MEANING OF LIFE, IN LOVE AND CLOSENESS (CF. MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS, XXXIII WORLD DAY OF THE SICK). HIS HOLINESS PRAYS THAT, THROUGH YOUR COMMON WITNESS TO THE GOD-GIVEN DIGNITY OF EVERY PERSON, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, AND TO THE TENDER CHRIST-LIKE ACCOMPANIMENT OF THE SERIOUSLY ILL, ALL IN SOCIETY WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO DEFEND RATHER THAN UNDERMINE A CIVILIZATION FOUNDED ON AUTHENTIC LOVE AND GENUINE COMPASSION. THE HOLY FATHER ENTRUSTS YOUR EFFORTS TO THE INTERCESSION OF OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL, AND TO ALL SUPPORTING THIS “DAY FOR LIFE”, HE CORDIALLY IMPARTS HIS APOSTOLIC BLESSING AS A PLEDGE OF FORTITUDE, JOY AND PEACE IN THE RISEN LORD.
    CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLINSECRETARY OF STATE

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Focus on Youth: Key Decisions of the Expert Council on Science and Education at the IPA CIS

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    A meeting of the Expert Council on Science and Education under the Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS countries was held in the Tauride Palace under the leadership of Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Rector of the Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Andrey Rudskoy.

    Opening the meeting, Secretary General of the IPA CIS Council Dmitry Kobitsky noted that the busy agenda shows the importance of the council’s work and the participants’ great contribution to the development of science and education in the CIS. The experts discussed the draft recommendations on the regulatory framework for academic mobility, and also reviewed the draft concept of recommendations on the professional orientation of children and youth.

    “Our youth are our value and pride,” Andrey Rudskoy emphasized. “That is why it is so important to devote maximum time to working with them.”

    The document pays special attention to supporting schoolchildren and students through the introduction of modern career guidance systems, including online platforms such as the Russian “Ticket to the Future” system and the Kazakhstani EduNavigator service. Practical methods that will help young people better navigate their career choices were also discussed.

    “Today, an important aspect is the development of cooperation between the CIS countries,” commented Dmitry Mokhorov, Director of the Higher School of Law and Forensic Science, expert of the EC at the IPA CIS. “And this cooperation is at all levels. Issues of academic mobility, career guidance activities, best educational practices are the areas where our consolidated experience is invaluable.”

    By unifying approaches, states will be able to exchange successful practices. These include the Belarusian digital service “Step into the Profession”, Azerbaijani classes with a professional focus, Russian “Profile Techno Teams”, and a Kyrgyz program with Beeline. The meeting discussed the development of cooperation in the field of fundamental science, proposals for the long-term plan of model lawmaking for 2026-2028, aspects of regulatory regulation of tutoring activities, and pressing issues of combating bullying against children in the educational process.

    The participants heard information about the preparation for the international conference “Russian Language – the Basis of Integration Dialogue in the CIS Region”, and the responsible secretary of the Expert Council, head of the department for ensuring model lawmaking of the expert and analytical department of the Secretariat of the IPA CIS Council Tatyana Baranova announced the international scientific and educational congress “Intellectual Code of the Commonwealth”. It will be held this fall in St. Petersburg. The congress will become an open discussion platform for discussing and disseminating best practices in science and education to improve the competitiveness of the CIS economies.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Int’l volleyball event gets ‘M’ Mark

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Major Sports Events Committee today announced that it has awarded “M” Mark status to the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Hong Kong 2025 presented by China Life (Overseas) to be held from Wednesday to Sunday.

    Major Sports Events Committee Chairman Wilfred Ng said the competition has moved to Kai Tak Arena and will be the first international volleyball event held at Kai Tak Sports Park.

    “The VNL Hong Kong features elite teams from around the world. It not only promotes the development of volleyball in Hong Kong but also attracts overseas visitors to come to Hong Kong and stimulates the development of the hospitality, retail, and catering sectors, thereby further solidifying Hong Kong’s status as a centre for major international sports events.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Nvidia’s pitch for sovereign AI resonates with EU leaders

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Nvidia NVDA.O CEO Jensen Huang has been pitching the idea of “sovereign AI” since 2023. Europe is now starting to listen and act.

    The concept is based on the idea that the language, knowledge, history and culture of each region are different, and every nation needs to develop and own its AI.

    Last week, the CEO of the artificial-intelligence chipmaker toured Europe’s major capitals – London, Paris and Berlin – announcing a slew of projects and partnerships, while highlighting the lack of AI infrastructure in the region.

    In a place where leaders are increasingly wary of the continent’s dependency on a handful of U.S. tech companies and after drawing ire from the U.S. President Donald Trump, his vision has started to gain traction.

    “We are going to invest billions in here … but Europe needs to move into AI quickly,” Huang said on Wednesday in Paris.

    On Monday of last week, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced 1 billion pounds ($1.35 billion) in funding to scale up computing power in a global race “to be an AI maker and not an AI taker.”

    French President Emmanuel Macron called building AI infrastructure “our fight for sovereignty” at VivaTech, one of the largest global tech conferences.

    After Nvidia laid out plans to build an AI cloud platform in Germany with Deutsche Telekom DTEGn.DE, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called it an “important step” for the digital sovereignty and economic future of Europe’s top economy.

    Europe lags behind both the U.S. and China as its cloud infrastructure is mostly run by Microsoft MSFT.O, Amazon AMZN.O and Alphabet’s GOOGL.O Google, and it has only a few smaller AI companies such as Mistral to rival the U.S. ones.

    “There’s no reason why Europe shouldn’t have tech champions,” said 31-year-old Mistral CEO Arthur Mensch, sitting beside Huang, who has led Nvidia for more than three decades, at a panel at VivaTech.

    “This is a gigantic dream.”

    GIGAFACTORY PLANS UNLEASHED

    In France, Mistral has partnered with Nvidia to build a data centre to power the AI needs of European companies with a homegrown alternative.

    It will use 18,000 of the latest Nvidia AI chips in the first phase, with plans to expand across multiple sites in 2026.

    In February, the European Union announced plans to build four “AI gigafactories” at a cost of $20 billion to lower dependence on U.S. firms.

    The European Commission has been in touch with Huang and he had told the EU executive that he was going to allocate some chip production to Europe for these factories, an EU official told Reuters.

    Nvidia’s chips known as Graphics Processing Units or GPUs are crucial for building AI data centres from the U.S. to Japan and India to the Middle East.

    In Europe, a push for sovereign AI could reshape the tech landscape with domestic cloud providers, AI startups, and chipmakers standing to gain from new government funding and a shift toward in-region data infrastructure.

    Nvidia also wants to cement demand for its AI chips, ensuring that even as countries seek independence, they still rely on its technology to get there.

    POWER COSTS

    The push is not without challenges.

    High electricity costs and rising demand could strain sourcing of electricity for data centres. Data centres account for 3% of EU electricity demand, but their consumption is expected to increase rapidly this decade due to AI.

    Mistral, which has raised just over $1 billion, is trying to become a European homegrown champion with a fraction of the money U.S. hyperscalers or large data-centre operators spend in a month.

    “Hyperscalers are spending $10 billion to $15 billion per quarter in their infrastructure. Who in Europe can afford that exactly?” said Pascal Brier, chief innovation officer at Capgemini CAPP.PA, a partner of both Nvidia and Mistral.

    “It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do anything, but we have to be cognizant about the fact that there will always be a gap.”

    Mistral has launched several AI models which are used by businesses but companies tend to mix them with models from other companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic and Meta Platforms META.O.

    “Most of the time it’s not Mistral or the rest, it’s Mistral and the rest,” Brier said.

    (Reuters)

  • World Test Championship format needs revamping despite riveting final

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A riveting World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa went a long way to boost the sagging credentials of the five-day game, but the format of the competition is in need of a revamp, according to many of the game’s top observers.

    South Africa beat Australia by five wickets at lunch on the fourth day of a fluctuating contest at Lord’s in which the bowlers dominated the opening two days. A total of 24 wickets were taken, but the tables were turned as wickets turned benign and the batsmen changed the course of the match.

    It was classic test cricket, as good as the excitement from any limited overs contest, but the overall WTC is a bewildering competition, devoid of uniformity and an unbalanced points system.

    There was much criticism of how South Africa managed to reach the final without playing either Australia and England in the two-year qualifying period.

    “It’s very hard for the average cricket fan to understand who’s the best team in the world and how exactly the top two teams make it to the final,” said former England captain Michael Vaughan, now a television pundit.

    The two finalists are decided by a table of test results, with points awarded for wins and draws. The pair with the highest percentage of points available to them advance to the final, which in 2027 could again be at Lord’s or in India, according to International Cricket Council officials.

    But there was a major discrepancy in South Africa playing only 12 tests compared to 19 for Australia and India, and even more by England (22).

    “I can’t remember if I’ve ever even given any real time to be specifically thinking about the World Test Championship to be honest because it’s utterly confusing,” added England captain Ben Stokes.

    Countries are free to decide how many tests they want to play, and in South Africa’s case, there is much less of an appetite for test cricket because they lose money.

    In the next cycle, which starts on Tuesday when Bangladesh begin a two-test series in Sri Lanka, the new champions will play 14 tests, this time including three test series against each of Australia and England but only two against India.

    Five test series are now only the preserve of contests between Australia, England, and India.
    “The fixture list is uneven; not everyone plays everyone else, and some have an easier ride than others,” wrote Michael Atherton last week.

    “Everyone knows the WTC in its present guise is flawed, and that solutions, with so many competing interests, are fiendishly difficult,” added the former England skipper.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Inflation decreased to 1.9 percent in May 2025

    Source: Bank of Botswana

    Headline inflation decreased from 2.3 percent in April to 1.9 percent in May 2025, remaining below the lower bound of the medium-term objective range of 3 – 6 percent, and was lower than the 3 percent recorded in May 2024. The decrease in inflation between April and May 2025 was mainly on account of the reduction in water tariffs (30 percent for 0 – 5 kilolitres and 15 percent for >5 – 10 kilolitres) effected in April 2025, which reduced headline inflation by 0.23 percentage points. Furthermore, inflation decreased on account of the deceleration in the rate of annual price changes of some categories of goods and services, notably Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco and Transport. Similarly, the 16 percent trimmed mean inflation and inflation excluding administered prices decreased from 2.3 percent and 4.1 percent to 1.8 percent and 3.7 percent respectively, between April and May 2025.

    Inflation for domestic tradeables decreased from 4.9 percent to 4.5 percent between April and May 2025, mainly on account of a decrease in some food prices. Similarly, inflation for imported tradeables decreased from 1.2 percent to 0.8 percent over the same period, mainly on account of the decrease in the price of fruits and vegetables, including oranges, pineapples, fresh cucumber and fresh green pepper. Consequently, all tradeables inflation fell from 2.2 percent to 1.8 percent between April and May 2025. Inflation for non-tradeables also decreased from 2.5 percent to 2 percent in the same period, mainly on account of the reduction in water tariffs.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Launches Onyx Cinema LED Screen for European Market at CineEurope 2025

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung Electronics today announced the European launch of its latest Onyx (ICD model) cinema LED screen at CineEurope 2025. Building on its debut at CinemaCon 2025 in the U.S. this past April, the new Onyx brings Samsung’s acclaimed legacy of visual excellence and industry-leading performance to European cinemas, empowering exhibitors and creative partners with new possibilities for HDR content and immersive storytelling.
     
    “Europe is a vital market for cinema innovation, and the launch of Onyx marks a new chapter in our commitment to premium movie experiences,” said Hoon Chung, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display (VD) Business at Samsung Electronics. “By partnering with leading cinema chains like Pathé Cinémas and creative pioneers like Pixar, we are empowering the industry to deliver a truly immersive and visually stunning cinematic journey for audiences everywhere.”
     
     
    Delivering a Proven Solution With Visuals, Scalability and Reliability

     
    Samsung Onyx, the world’s first DCI-certified1 cinema LED display, is engineered for premium cinema experiences and supports frame rates of up to 120Hz2 at 4K resolution, for an ultra-smooth picture. The screen delivers brilliant HDR visuals with peak brightness levels of 300 nits (87.6fL),3 true black levels and precise color accuracy.
     
    The new Onyx offers four standard screen sizes — 5, 10, 14 and 20 meters — along with additional flexible scaling options.4 This remarkable adaptability allows theaters to maximize their available spaces and present films in the largest possible format without compromising image quality.
     
    Designed for long-term performance, Onyx sets a new standard in cinema display technology with the industry’s first and longest 10-year warranty for cinema LED screens.5 This extended warranty helps lower the total cost of ownership and ensures that theater owners make a future-proof investment.
     
     
    Deepening HDR Workflow With Pixar Animation Studios

     
    Samsung’s longstanding relationship with Pixar Animation Studios continues to drive new standards for HDR cinema content. Pixar has continuously mastered its films to offer unparalleled visual quality to viewers and has done so again for its new animated film “Elio” — set to premiere globally starting from June 18 — making it available in 4K theatrical HDR format compatible with Samsung Onyx.
     
    In line with ongoing efforts to expand the theatrical exhibition of HDR films, Pixar will continue mastering future films in DCI HDR that is supported on Onyx screens, ensuring audiences experience the films in the highest brightness and fidelity currently achievable.
     

     
    In its pursuit of excellence in HDR-mastered films, Pixar aims to install the new Onyx display at its Emeryville, California campus. This screen will be used during production to evaluate HDR color and brightness, conduct content quality tests and host demonstration screenings for filmmakers. By providing a dedicated space for these activities, the Onyx screen will further support creative collaboration and innovation in HDR filmmaking — ensuring that audiences can enjoy the full impact of Pixar’s high-quality HDR films showcased in theaters equipped with Onyx technology.
     
    “Samsung’s Onyx screens allow our Pixar artists to present their stories exactly as they envisioned them — vivid, dynamic and true to life,” said Jessie Schroeder, VP Post Production, Pixar Animation Studios. “By mastering our films in HDR with Onyx, we continue to unlock a new level of visual storytelling for filmmakers and deliver the next generation of cinematic experiences for our audiences.”
     
    CineEurope attendees are invited to experience the new Onyx in person at Samsung’s booth, where the company will highlight its latest innovations in cinema display technology. Taking place June 16–19 in Barcelona, CineEurope is the premier convention for the European cinema industry, uniting theater operators, film studios and industry leaders from across the region and beyond.
     
    For more details, visit samsung.com.

     
     
    1 Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) is a consortium of major studios formed to establish specifications for an open architecture for digital cinema systems.
    2 Based on the screen’s internal data bandwidth. Actual frame rates may vary depending on the connected IMB.
    3 Peak brightness supported when using DCI-HDR supported IMB.
    4 All measurements in meters and feet refer to screen width, while all measurements in inches denote diagonal length. The 10-meter Onyx screen is now available for order, with other models arriving in a phased rollout.
    5 Based on internal research and publicly available information. Onyx includes a standard three-year warranty, with options to extend coverage to up to 10 years.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 16 June 2025 Departmental update WHO launches Global Research Agenda on Knowledge Translation and Evidence-informed Policy-making

    Source: World Health Organisation

    On 15 May 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Research Agenda on Knowledge Translation and Evidence-informed Policy-making. The virtual event brought together over 800 participants from 100 countries, highlighting global commitment to strengthening the use of evidence in health policy and systems decision-making.

    The webinar included expert contributions on strategies for operationalizing the agenda across diverse contexts:

    • The webinar featured a keynote address by Jeremy Farrar, Chief Scientist at WHO, who emphasized the importance of embedding research into policymaking processes. Farrar stated, “I can only see [Knowledge Translation] as becoming more central and more critical to WHO’s function, not just in the role as Chief Scientist, but because this is something I have so passionately believed in and supporting of the team that have driven this forward, and I will continue that.”
    • The event also included a panel discussion with distinguished speakers who shared their insights on implementing the Global Research Agenda. Tikki Pang, Visiting Professor at the National University of Singapore, highlighted the role of Asian philanthropy in supporting research initiatives. Pang noted, “I think the funding stream that’s looking promising […] is the potential role of Asian philanthropies, […] especially through an organization called the APC, the Asian Philanthropy Circle. And what they try to do is to link researchers with potential funders amongst Asia’s leading philanthropies.”
    • Angela Bednarek, Director of Scientific Advancement at the Pew Charitable Trust, underscored the significance of investing sustainably in research that informs policy and practice. Bednarek remarked, “I’m hopeful that with a really comprehensive and accessible agenda like this one we’ll see even more funders recognize these as valuable areas of investment […]. For those seeking funding, I encourage embracing unusual partnerships. These questions transcend geography and issue areas.”
    • Walid Ammar, Director at the Université St Joseph in Lebanon and former Director General of the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, discussed the need for active engagement of stakeholders in adapting the Global Research Agenda to regional contexts. Ammar stated, “A critical first step in adapting the Global Research Agenda to regional and national context would be the active engagement of research institutions, government bodies and other relevant stakeholders in the adaptation process.”
    • Rose Oronje, Director of Public Policy and Knowledge Translation at the African Institute for Development Policy, stressed the importance of involving groups already engaged in knowledge translation. Oronje stated, “An important part is bringing on board groups that are already very much involved in knowledge translation, […] groups that would steer the contextualization of this global agenda to the region.”
    • Donald Simeon, Director of the Caribbean Centre for Health Systems Research and Development, emphasized the importance of widespread acceptance and buy-in from regional stakeholders. Simeon commented, “The first step must be to ensure that there is widespread acceptance of the agenda among national and regional stakeholders, that is, they must be convinced of the value of the agenda before there is really true buy-in.”
    • Kathryn Oliver, Professor of Evidence and Policy at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, highlighted the need to share existing knowledge and lessons learned. Oliver remarked, “Although we have identified a number of evidence gaps through this research, we know a huge amount already, and one of the key lessons for researchers in this field is, we need to learn better how to share the lessons that we have already generated.”

    During the event, the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) announced a call for research proposals aligned with the Global Research Agenda.

    The call targets researchers from low- and middle-income countries working in public health institutions under ministries of health, universities, research institutes or nongovernmental organizations. Applications are open via the eTDR platform until 3 July 2025. Selected projects will receive phased funding beginning in 2025, with completion expected by January 2027.

    WHO encourages all stakeholders to align national and regional research agendas with the Global Research Agenda and to foster collaboration across sectors. This alignment aims to enhance the efficiency and relevance of health research and reduce duplication and research waste.

    Further information, including the webinar recording and related resources, is available on the Global Research Agenda website.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic Connect Announces Personnel Changes of Leadership Team Members

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic Connect Announces Personnel Changes of Leadership Team Members

    The content in this website is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change without notice.Please note therefore that these documents may not always contain the most up-to-date information.Please note that German, French and Chinese versions are machine translations, so the quality and accuracy may vary.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Issa Amro: Youth Against Settlements – ‘life is very hard, the Israeli soldiers act like militia’

    RNZ News

    Palestinian advocate Issa Amro has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize this year for his decades of work advocating for peaceful resistance against Israel’s illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

    The settlements are illegal under international law — and a record 45 were established last year under cover of the war on Gaza,

    Advocacy against the settlements has seen Amro become a target.

    He is based in the occupied West Bank, in Hebron — a city of about 250,000 mostly Palestinian people. He founded Youth Against Settlements.

    He paints a picture about what daily life is like.

    “Our life in West Bank was very hard and difficult before October 7 [2023 – the date of the Hamas resistance movement attack on southern Israel]. And after October 7, life became much harder. . . .

    ‘Daily harassment, violence’
    “So there are hard conditions. No jobs. No work. No movement in the West Bank. Schools are affected . . . There is daily harassment and violence — they attack the Palestinian villages, they attack the Palestinian cities, they attack the Palestinian roads.

    “In my city Hebron, it has got much, much harder. People are not able to leave their homes because of the closure of the checkpoints. The [Israeli] soldiers are very mean and adversarial . . .

    “The soldiers close the checkpoints whenever they want. In fact, the soldiers act like militia, not like a regular army.

    “My house was attacked in the last 20 months . . . ”

    • At least 55,104 people, including at least 17,400 children, have been killed in Israel’s war on Gaza. At least 943 Palestinians, more than 200 of them minors, have been killed in the occupied West Bank.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) launches country-wide youth consultations on the political process and starts by meeting youth in four cities


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    Youth represent 38 per cent of the population (NESDB statistics) in Libya and their voices must be included in the political process. To support this, in addition to its regular meetings with youth (aged 18-35), the United Nations Support Mission in Libya is launching a wider programme with the aim to engage 500 young men and women across Libya in the coming months. 

    As part of its broader efforts to engage the community on the Advisory Committee’s recommendations on how to take Libya to elections and unify institutions, UNSMIL is conducting dedicated meetings with youth representatives, both online and in-person. More information about how young men and women can get involved can be found here.

    In addition, UNSMIL has also launched an online poll to ensure that a wider audience can be reached. 

    “As we develop the next steps of the political process, we want to hear everyone’s views,” said Special Representative of the Secretary General for Libya, Hanna Tetteh. “Youth are a driving force that can help shape the future of this country. They have specific needs and concerns, and they bring different perspectives that can inform decision-making. We want to hear directly from them because a process that is meant for the Libyan people needs the meaningful participation of all Libyan people.” 

    UNSMIL has already met with youth in Zintan, Misrata, Benghazi and Nalut to discuss the Advisory Committee recommendations. Participants called for better access to economic and employment opportunities, unified government institutions, more representation and inclusion in decision-making processes, access to services, fair and equitable resource distribution. They also shared their ideas around decentralisation and political inclusion. 

    Through these consultations and online polling, the Mission will capture youth recommendations and ideas and ensure they are fed into the decision-making process on next steps. 

    UNSMIL published the Executive Summary of the Advisory Committee’s Report in May, including its four proposed options to move the political process forward. The public consultation and survey ask people to put forward their recommendations and ideas and decided which of these options they would prefer: 

    1. Conducting presidential and legislative elections simultaneously; 

    2. Conducting parliamentary elections first, followed by the adoption of a permanent constitution; 

    3. Adopting a permanent constitution before elections; or 

    4. Establishing a political dialogue committee, based on the Libyan Political Agreement to finalize electoral laws, executive authority and permanent constitution.  

    More information on the youth consultations and how to get involved can be found here.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

    MIL OSI Africa –