Paramilitary groups are responsible for most threats – yet no prosecutions
Official state failure to provide protection
‘Journalists in Northern Ireland are facing a sustained campaign of threats and violence’ – Patrick Corrigan
Journalists in Northern Ireland face regular deaths threats and attacks while living and working in the most dangerous place in the UK to do their job.
A new 106-page report by Amnesty International features interviews with reporters who have been told they will be shot or stabbed, threatened with bombs under their car and given 48-hour ultimatums to leave the country – all because of their journalism.
Some journalists have been physically attacked. Equipment has been damaged. Their cars have been battered with poles laced with nails. Two journalists have been killed.
For those most at risk, their homes are protected by bulletproof windows and doors with alarms linked up to police stations.
Amnesty’s research for the report – Occupational Hazard? Threats and violence against journalists in Northern Ireland – uncovered more than 70 incidents of threats or attacks on journalists in Northern Ireland since the start of 2019.
Most threats come from a range of proscribed paramilitary groups, loyalist and republican, as well as from armed organised crime groups, some with links to paramilitaries.
Most threats against journalists go unpunished. There have been no prosecutions for any threats from paramilitary groups.
For decades, some have felt that dealing with threats was just part of their job; an ‘occupational hazard’ they have been forced to accept.
But now, by coming together and sharing their stories, journalists in Northern Ireland are saying ‘enough is enough’.
Lack of police protection
Journalists report having little expectation of people being held account for making threats. Many reporters interviewed by Amnesty said that they feel the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has failed to effectively investigate attacks and threats against them. Since June 2022, there have been only two successful prosecutions for threats against journalists. There have been no prosecutions for threats from paramilitary groups, the single most significant source of such threats.
With journalists excluded from the government’s home protection scheme, which funds the installation of security measures, many have been left feeling at risk.
Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International UK’s Northern Ireland Director, said:
“Journalists in Northern Ireland are facing a sustained campaign of threats, intimidation and violence from armed groups, which makes it the most dangerous place in the UK to be a reporter.
“They are being threatened, attacked and even killed for shining a light on paramilitary groups and others who seek to exert control through violence. This creates a climate of fear that many assumed was consigned to history when the Good Friday Agreement was signed.
“Yet there has not been a single prosecution for threats against journalists from paramilitary groups. This sense of impunity only emboldens those behind the threats.
“When journalists are under attack, press freedom is under attack. The state must create a safe environment where journalists can work freely and report without fear of reprisals. It is currently failing to do so.”
Living in fear
The police visited Belfast Telegraph crime correspondent Allison Morris’ house nine times between December 2023 and October 2024 to deliver threats from paramilitary or criminal groups. On one occasion, she received a threat and 24 hours later a pipe bomb was found near her home.
She said: “I’m convinced someone’s going to kill me at some point. I always think I’ll never die of natural causes. Most of the time, I pretend that the threats don’t annoy me, but clearly, they do. This is not a normal way to live.”
Sunday World northern editor Richard Sullivan said: “I’ve had threats to kill me, to use a bomb on my car and on my house. I’ve been given 24 hours to leave the country.”
Sunday Life journalist Ciaran Barnes said: “I’ve got bulletproof windows front and back. I’ve got a bulletproof door. I’ve got cameras all around the house. I’ve got sensor activated lights and panic alarms.”
The home security measures are paid for by his employer, as journalists are ineligible for access to the government’s Home Protection Scheme.
National Union of Journalists assistant general secretary Séamus Dooley said: “In what is supposed to be normalised society, post the peace process, journalists are living in fear and behind high security measures. That really is not the sign of a normal functioning democracy.”
Amnesty has made a series of recommendations for the police and various government departments, including:
Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA should establish and chair a new Media Safety Group, with representatives from the PSNI, Public Prosecution Service (PPS), media organisations and the NUJ, to deliver a new journalist safety strategy
Note: The report is based on research carried out by Amnesty between November 2024 and May 2025, including 26 interviews conducted by Patrick Corrigan and Kathryn Torney with 22 journalists about their experiences living with the threat of armed violence, NUJ representatives, the PSNI and a relative and lawyer of Martin O’Hagan.
Niger’s authorities should immediately release civil society activist and human rights defender Moussa Tchangari and stop using terrorism-related charges to silence dissent, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), in the framework of the Observatory for the protection of human rights defenders, said today.
On 3 December 2024, men claiming to be policemen arrested Moussa Tchangari at his home in Niamey, Niger’s capital. On 3 January 2025, the Niamey High Court charged him with several serious offences, including “criminal conspiracy in connection with a terrorist enterprise,” “undermining national defence,” and “plotting against the authority of the state through intelligence with enemy powers.” If convicted of plotting with enemy powers, he could face the death penalty.
We urge the authorities to immediately release Moussa Tchangari and drop all charges.
Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Interim Regional Director for West and Central Africa
On the same day, Tchangari was remanded to Filingué prison, 170 kilometres from Niamey, where he remains arbitrarily held in pre-trial detention. Since then, he has not been interviewed on the merits of the charges against him before a judge.
“Moussa Tchangari is being detained solely for the exercise of his human rights. We urge the authorities to immediately release him and drop all charges. We are deeply concerned about the use of charges like these to silence critics of the government,” said Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Interim Regional Director for West and Central Africa.
Three weeks before his arrest, on 12 November 2024, Tchangari criticized on social media the decision of Niger’s interior minister to revoke the licenses of two humanitarian nongovernmental organizations. He also criticized the establishment of a terrorism database, a move that further undermines the human rights of the people of Niger. Moussa Tchangari risks being stripped of his Nigerien nationality on terrorism charges, based on an August 2024 ordinance establishing a database for individuals and groups associated with terrorism and national defence offences.
Under Niger’s penal code, terrorism-related charges can result in up to four years’ non-renewable preventive detention. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, FIDH and OMCT have examined the charges and can confirm that none of them relate to internationally recognisable offences as each relates to the legitimate exercise of the right to freedom of expression.
“Tchangari’s arrest is part of a wider trend of repression by the Nigerien authorities, who target and subject to constant judicial harassment all those who publicly criticize them, with the aim of silencing them,” said Drissa Traoré, Secretary general of FIDH.
“His arrest and subsequent detention send a chilling message to anyone who may dare to criticize Niger’s regime slide towards autocracy,” said Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior Sahel researcher at Human Rights Watch.
“Tchangari’s arrest is a grave mistake and counterproductive. For decades, he has embodied the Nigerien people’s call for democracy, security, resource sovereignty, and independence. Any government that respects the peoples’ will must release him”, said Isidore Ngueuleu, Head of the Africa Regional Desk at OMCT.
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Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
“Today, the COVID vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed from @CDCgov recommended immunization schedule. Bottom line: it’s common sense and it’s good science. We are now one step closer to realizing @POTUS’s promise to Make America Healthy Again.” – Secretary Kennedy
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Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
“ORR is fiercely devoted to locating the 291,000 children that disappeared during the Biden Administration. The most sacred duty we have is to protect our children and that’s part of the greater drive of the Trump Administration—to restore the moral authority of our country.” – Secretary Kennedy
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Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
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Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Watch our special agents confiscate a knife from a violent Venezuelan alien resisting arrest.
This arrest was part of an operation that resulted in eight arrests — including one TdA member — with help from federal partners in San Diego May 29.
Our officers and agents often face extremely violent criminals carrying knives or firearms. Securing our nation can be exceptionally dangerous, but our officers and agents are honored to protect our communities.
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
BEIJING, June 3 — On the occasion of the 75th International Children’s Day, the Chinese Peacekeeping Military Utility Helicopter Unit and the Rapid Response Unit to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) visited the Comboni Primary School in Abyei Township near the mission area to extend festival greetings and care to the local teachers and students, and convey peace and friendship through cultural exchanges.
During the visit, the Chinese peacekeepers donated more than 1,200 pieces of teaching supplies including schoolbags, stationery, and sports and cultural items to help improve the local teaching conditions. Subsequently, they presented an art performance featuring traditional Chinese culture to the teachers and students.
It is learned that the Chinese peacekeepers have been persistently carrying out educational assistance and support projects in the mission area. Over the past five years, the Chinese Peacekeeping Military Utility Helicopter Unit and the Rapid Response Unit to the UNISFA have visited the local schools for over 20 times. In addition to donating supplies, they also regularly conducts Chinese language teaching and basic science courses to help enhance the local education level, demonstrating the responsibility of a “peace envoy” through practical actions.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China has reported more than 653.7 million inter-regional passenger trips during the just-concluded Dragon Boat Festival holiday, data from the Ministry of Transport showed on Tuesday.
The figure represents a 2.5 percent increase compared to the same holiday last year, the ministry said.
This year’s Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, was celebrated on May 31, and the public holiday ran from May 31 to June 2.
A breakdown of the data showed that road traffic accounted for the lion’s share of these trips, with over 597.32 million trips made by road during the holiday.
Railway passenger trips totaled 48.03 million, while the waterway passenger volume came in at 2.73 million.
Airlines handled 5.63 million passenger trips during the holiday, according to the data.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Tuesday rejected the repeated U.S. claims that China is violating the consensus reached during the China-U.S. economic and trade talks in Geneva, urging the United States to stop spreading disinformation.
China has acted in a responsible manner, taking the consensus reached in the Geneva talks seriously and implementing it rigorously, Lin stated at a regular press briefing.
The United States has seriously undermined the consensus by successively introducing multiple discriminatory restrictive measures against China, including issuing guidance on AI chip export controls, halting sales of chip design software to China, and announcing the revocation of visas for Chinese students, Lin said.
The U.S. move has harmed China’s legitimate rights and interests, and China firmly opposes this and has lodged stern representations, the spokesperson said.
Stressing that pressure and coercion are not the correct ways to deal with China, he urged the United States to respect the facts, stop spreading disinformation, correct its own mistakes and take concrete actions to safeguard the consensus reached during the Geneva talks.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
More than 28,000 people from China, Africa and international organizations have signed up for the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo as of Tuesday, organizers announced.
The participants are from 48 African countries, nine international organizations, and 27 Chinese provincial-level regions. More than 4,700 Chinese and African enterprises, business associations and financial institutions will attend the event, organizers told a press briefing held by the information office of the Hunan provincial government Tuesday.
Themed “China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization,” the expo is scheduled to run from June 12 to 15 in Changsha, capital of central China’s Hunan Province.
The event will feature 30 economic and trade activities in fields including China-Africa industrial chain collaboration, green minerals, infrastructure, traditional medicine, cultural industries and youth entrepreneurship.
For the first time, dedicated exhibitions will be held on renowned China-Africa cooperation brands, quality African goods, China-Africa tourism, and China-Africa cooperation in traditional Chinese medicine.
The main exhibition hall will be open to the public from June 13 to 15. The event will also have a sub-exhibition and an engineering machinery exhibition at two other venues.
Since its inception in 2019, the expo has facilitated the signing of 336 cooperation projects totaling 53.32 billion U.S. dollars.
In February, local authorities issued new policy measures aimed at promoting trade facilitation and the sustainable development of trade with Africa. These measures aim to address issues relating to market access, foreign exchange, trade facilitation, financing, and standards and rules.
Hunan’s trade with Africa has ranked first among central and western Chinese regions for years, with the trade volume surging to 54.85 billion yuan (about 7.6 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024 from 18.16 billion yuan in 2018, official data showed.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Global GDP growth is projected to slow from 3.3 percent in 2024 to 2.9 percent this year and the next year, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said on Tuesday.
In its latest Economic Outlook, the OECD revised down its global growth forecast, citing a technical assumption that existing tariff rates as of mid-May will remain in place, despite ongoing legal disputes.
The organization warned that if current trends persist — such as rising trade barriers, tighter financial conditions, weakening business and consumer confidence and increased policy uncertainty — they could significantly undermine global growth prospects.
The OECD projected that the U.S. economic growth will slow significantly to 1.6 percent in 2025 and 1.5 percent in 2026.
For the euro area, growth is forecast to reach 1 percent in 2025 and 1.2 percent in 2026, unchanged from previous estimates, as foreign demand gradually recovers. The OECD noted that the region’s outlook is supported by easing financial conditions and lower energy prices.
Within the bloc, Germany’s economy is expected to expand by 0.4 percent in 2025 and 1.2 percent in 2026.
“The recovery will be driven by domestic demand,” the organization noted, adding that private consumption will increase due to low inflation, rising nominal wages and declining domestic policy uncertainty.
As for France, the OECD forecasts GDP growth to slow to 0.6 percent in 2025 amid elevated economic policy uncertainty, before gradually recovering to 0.9 percent in 2026.
Private consumption will become the main growth engine in 2025, as exports will suffer from increased trade tensions and investment will be held back by increased uncertainty, the OECD noted.
However, it predicted that stronger investment and steady consumer spending will help the French economy recover in 2026.
Indian equity benchmarks closed lower for the third consecutive trading session on Tuesday, as weak global cues and investor caution weighed on sentiment.
The BSE Sensex dropped 636.24 points, or 0.78%, to end at 80,737.51, while the NSE Nifty fell 174.10 points, or 0.70%, to settle at 24,542.50.
IT, PSU banks, financial services, FMCG, and energy stocks led the decline. However, midcap and smallcap indices fared better. The Nifty Smallcap 100 inched up 0.10% to 18,114, while the Nifty Midcap 100 shed 0.45% to close at 57,517.
“After an initial uptick, the Nifty oscillated sharply in early trade; however, a sharp decline below the 20-day exponential moving average in the latter half of the session kept the tone negative,” said Ajit Mishra of Religare Broking.
Analysts cited sustained foreign fund outflows, geopolitical tensions, and uncertainty over global trade deals as key factors behind the market’s weakness. They added that strength in select banking stocks may cushion further downside.
Investors also appeared to be in wait-and-watch mode ahead of the Reserve Bank of India’s upcoming interest rate decision.
On the currency front, the rupee gave up Monday’s gains, impacted by risk aversion, a stronger U.S. dollar, and continued outflows. HDFC Securities’ Dilip Parmar expects the USD/INR pair to trade in the 85.10–85.90 range in the near term.
Gold prices remained steady near ₹97,700 on the MCX after a sharp rally on Monday. Analysts said the market is consolidating ahead of key economic data releases from the U.S.
Headline: Thales reinvents secure payment systems for a data-driven future, showcasing leadership at Money20/20 Europe
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Payment systems must evolve beyond traditional card-based models to handle growing volumes of data and changing user expectations.
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As the global shift toward digital payments accelerates, Thales is setting the standard for how financial institutions adapt to this fast-changing landscape. At the core of this transformation is Thales’ D1 platform, a real-time, cloud-native platform, which is helping issuers reimagine their payment systems for a world that’s moving beyond cards—and into a data-first era.
With 35% of global transactions now driven by mobile wallets and tokenization, traditional card systems are straining under rising data volumes and fragmented architectures. Issuers face increasing pressure to adapt to new payment flows, regulations, and customer expectations—all at speed.
Thales’ D1 platform is already doing just that, powering over 200 million active cards. Designed for fast, secure integration via APIs, the D1 platform enables banks to quickly roll out services like Click to Pay, virtual cards, or digital wallets—typically within three to four months. The platform’s modular approach allows issuers to scale new services from thousands to millions of users without reworking their backend, while Thales ensures ongoing compliance, updates, and zero-trust security—all included as standard.
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“In the coming years, the way we authenticate, authorize, and personalize digital payments will change dramatically,” said Bertrand Knopf, SVP at Thales PAY. “To keep pace, issuers need flexible, secure platforms that can adapt quickly to new payment methods, regulatory changes, and user expectations. That’s exactly what D1 platform was built for.”
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Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HAIKOU, June 3 (Xinhua) — About 1,590 kg of drugs were publicly destroyed in south China’s Hainan Province on Tuesday to crack down on drug crimes and commemorate the country’s fight against opium smuggling in the 19th century.
Drugs including heroin, methamphetamine, ketamine and new drugs such as etomidate, as well as unregulated addictive substances that were seized in drug cases by Hainan courts in recent years, were burned in an incinerator at a local new energy power plant.
The drug destruction campaign, which was carried out in strict compliance with environmental protection principles, was timed to coincide with the 186th anniversary of a famous historical event during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). On June 3, 1839, high-ranking official Lin Zexu ordered the destruction of about 1,000 tons of smuggled opium confiscated from foreign traders in Humen, Guangdong Province (South China). His move was seen as the beginning of China’s fight against opium.
The centralized drug destruction demonstrated the province’s determination to strengthen drug control and combat drug crimes, according to the Hainan Provincial Public Security Bureau. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) — Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Tuesday called for strengthening financial cooperation among member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to give strong impetus to the development of countries in the region.
He made this statement during a collective meeting with foreign representatives present at the meeting of finance ministers and heads of central banks of SCO member states.
Ding Xuexiang said that Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward a series of important proposals and measures to build a more beautiful common home for the SCO at the SCO Plus meeting in Astana in 2024.
China is willing to seize the opportunity of its SCO presidency and work with other member states to prioritize development, strengthen financial cooperation, increase the share of settlements in their national currencies, promote the development of digital and inclusive finance, and actively work on the establishment of the SCO Development Bank, Ding Xuexiang said.
Speaking on behalf of the foreign guests, SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev praised the work carried out by China as the country chairing the organization. He expressed readiness to work with the Chinese side, adhering to the “Shanghai Spirit”, to promote prosperity and development in the region. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
PARIS, June 3 (Xinhua) — Global GDP growth is projected to slow to 2.9 percent this year and next from 3.3 percent in 2024, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said Tuesday.
In its latest economic outlook, the OECD revised down its global growth forecast, citing a technical assumption that current tariff rates as of mid-May will remain in place despite ongoing legal wrangling.
The organization warned that if current trends (rising trade barriers, tightening financial conditions, weakening business and consumer confidence and increasing political uncertainty) continue, they could significantly undermine global growth prospects. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
JERUSALEM, June 3 (Xinhua) — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Monday that it has expanded ground operations in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours.
The move follows an order issued Sunday by IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to expand the ground offensive to additional areas in both the north and south of the enclave.
The IDF said its troops killed militants and destroyed weapons depots and above-ground and underground infrastructure.
In addition, since Sunday, Israeli aircraft have struck dozens of targets across the Gaza Strip, “including terrorist cells, military installations belonging to terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip, tunnels, weapons depots and additional terrorist infrastructure,” the statement said.
The escalation of fighting followed disagreements in proximity talks between Israel and Hamas over a US proposal for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
KAMPALA, June 3 (Xinhua) — Ugandan troops said on Tuesday they killed two suspected terrorists carrying explosive devices in the country’s capital.
Army spokesman Chris Magezi told Xinhua by telephone that the bomb exploded while two suspects were being detained.
“One of the suspects was actually a suicide bomber, a woman,” said K. Magezi, adding that the suspects were riding a motorcycle in Munyonyo, a suburb of Kampala. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
CAIRO, June 3 (Xinhua) — Egypt’s New Urban Communities Authority and a Chinese-Egyptian joint venture have signed an agreement on the comprehensive operation and maintenance of the Central Business District (CBD) in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital.
Under the agreement, Horizon Operations Management /Egypt/ will be responsible for the implementation of the project in the CBD, initially focusing on property management and municipal administration.
According to a statement from the Egyptian cabinet, during preliminary talks on the signing, Egyptian Housing Minister Sherif El-Sherbini said the agreement covers the maintenance and management of important facilities, as well as the provision of comprehensive urban services to residents, tourists and businesses in the CBD.
Sh. El-Sherbini stressed that this step represents a significant change in Egypt’s approach to managing public facilities – from traditional models to results-oriented management based on quality and sustainability.
Also present at the signing ceremony on Sunday were Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, China’s Vice Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Dong Jianguo and representatives of China State Construction Engineering Corporation, which oversaw the construction of the Central Business District.
Situated in the heart of the desert, about 50 km east of the capital Cairo, the Central Business District is one of the key projects jointly built by China and Egypt under the Belt and Road Initiative. The project includes 20 commercial and residential skyscrapers, as well as supporting municipal infrastructure, including the 385.8 m Iconic Tower, the tallest building in Africa. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) — China recorded a total of 653.7 million inter-regional passenger trips during the three-day Dragon Boat Festival holiday, official data released by the Ministry of Transport showed Tuesday.
This figure increased by 2.5 percent compared to the same period last year, the above-mentioned ministry noted.
An ancient Chinese holiday known as the Duanwu Festival or Double Fifth Festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, the holiday was celebrated on Saturday, May 31. In China, May 31, June 1 and June 2 have been declared official holidays.
The volume of automobile passenger transport accounted for a large share of the total volume of public transport trips, reaching 597.32 million person-times.
Passenger traffic on railways amounted to 48.03 million person-times, on water transport – 2.73 million person-times.
The volume of passenger traffic at the country’s airports reached 5.63 million person-times. -0-
JORDAN—The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution from the Government of the People’s Republic of China to support the National School Feeding Programme in Jordan by providing healthy school meals for 30,000 students in the Zaatari and Azraq refugee camps.
The contribution will enable WFP to distribute nearly 2.7 million healthy meals over two semesters during the coming scholastic year beginning in September 2025. As much as supporting schoolchildren’s daily nutritional needs, the project will create employment opportunities for 90 refugee women who will prepare the meals in three dedicated kitchens within the camps. The programme also supports local farmers, bakers, and food producers in Jordan.
“We are deeply grateful for this timely and impactful contribution from China,” said WFP Representative and Country Director in Jordan Alberto Correia Mendes. “This generous funding enables us to feed vulnerable refugee children, providing healthy school meals that support their well-being and development, while also contributing to addressing food insecurity at the camp level.”
The homegrown meals, which consist of a freshly baked pastry, a fruit, and a vegetable help meet children’s immediate food needs while enhancing dietary diversity and encouraging healthier eating habits.
The Ambassador of People’s Republic of China to Jordan, H.E. Chen Chuandong, praised Jordan for its pivotal role in hosting Syrian refugees and maintaining regional peace and stability. He also acknowledged the World Food Programme’s efforts in supporting Syrian refugees in Jordan. Ambassador Chen highlighted China’s active participation in international humanitarian efforts, driven by the goal of fostering global cooperation and sustainable development.
“This assistance demonstrates China’s tangible commitment to advancing the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, while serving as a strong example of South-South cooperation,” said Ambassador Chen. He reaffirmed China’s readiness to collaborate with the international community to enhance refugees living conditions and promote food security, urging all parties to continue supporting Syrian refugees.
Under the National School Feeding Strategy, WFP and the Government of Jordan are working to scale up the homegrown healthy meals model to reach 500,000 vulnerable students by 2030.
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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.
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Geneva, Switzerland, 2 June 2025 – The inaugural Global Early Warnings for All Multi-Stakeholder Forum opened today with a resounding call to accelerate the implementation of life-saving early warning systems worldwide. Co-led by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the forum brings together governments, international organizations, civil society, private sector actors, and communities to advance the UN Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative.
As part of the preparatory days for the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, the two-day forum aims to ensure that every person on Earth is protected by early warning systems by the end of 2027. With disasters projected to increase by 40% between 2015 and 2030, and economic losses from disasters in 2023 estimated at $250 billion, the urgency for effective early warning systems has never been greater.
The forum’s opening session featured a comprehensive stock-take of global early warning system progress, highlighting that 108 countries report that they have multi-hazard early warning systems. Building on outcomes from five regional Early Warnings for All Multi-Stakeholder Fora held across Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe & Central Asia, the Americas & Caribbean, and Arab States, the global gathering captures lessons learned and identifies pathways to close remaining gaps.
Community-centered approaches and innovation at the forefront
Graphic recording of thematic session on community empowerment.
The forum’s first day emphasized the critical importance of people-centered approaches to early warning systems. Thematic sessions explored how communities can be empowered through user-tailored early warnings and early action, with particular attention to the unique challenges faced in fragile and conflict settings.
Mr. Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, reinforced this message, stating, “Leave no one behind comes very important in the context of early warning systems. Women, children and persons with disabilities are not passive recipients of services, they are active participants.”
Participants examined effective governance models that support multi-hazard early warning systems, recognizing that successful implementation requires institutionalized chains of responsibility and multi-stakeholder engagement including South-South and Triangular Cooperation mechanisms. The forum highlighted that early warning systems are strongest when at-risk communities and sectors co-develop and co-own these systems, ensuring trust, timely action, and long-term sustainability.
Innovation emerged as a key theme, with experts showcasing how science, technology, and local knowledge can advance multi-hazard early warning systems. Discussions covered the integration of artificial intelligence, satellite systems, Information of Things (IoT) technologies, and traditional knowledge systems to enhance forecasting accuracy and improve warning dissemination to vulnerable populations.
Ambassador Julien Thöni, Deputy Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations and other Organisations in Geneva, highlighted the dual nature of innovation: “Early Warning Systems can go hand-in-hand with innovation. New technologies from satellite data to mobile alerts help us predict more accurately and reach people faster. But innovation also means finding smarter ways to work together, adapt to local needs, and make sure no one is left behind.”
Building partnerships for resilient futures
Graphic recording of opening session & stock take on collaborative action and multilateralism.
The forum underscored that no single entity can build and maintain effective early warning systems alone. Participants emphasized the need for stronger partnerships across sectors, levels of government, and international boundaries to achieve Early Warnings for All, by All.
Professor Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, emphasized the critical importance of collaboration: “No warning, however early, is effective unless it reaches the right people at the right time. And that is why we are here today. To cement our partnerships and trust which are essential to early action…Alone we can do very little. But together, we can do so much.”
Early warning systems provide a ten-fold return on investment and are recognized as among the most cost-effective adaptation measures. However, their full socio-economic benefits remain under-documented, highlighting the need for better evidence and advocacy to scale up investments.
The forum’s diverse organizing committee, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the CREWS Secretariat, the Risk-informed Early Action Partnership (REAP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Group on Earth Observations (GEO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Food Programme (WFP), Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism (SEM), the Global Network of Civil Society for Disaster Reduction (GNDR), and the Executive Office of the Secretary-General Climate Action Team, reflects the multi-stakeholder approach essential for success.
Path forward: cooperation and finance
Graphic recording of session on effective governance to support multi-hazard early warning systems.
As the Forum continues, participants will focus on accelerating Early Warnings for All through international, regional and national cooperation and partnerships, alongside solutions for scaling and sustaining investments in multi-hazard early warning systems and building resident capacity.
The Forum will produce an outcome statement sharing overarching needs and priorities, as well as emerging opportunities identified by participants at the global level. These outcomes will feed directly into the Global Platform’s thematic session on early warnings and early action.
With Target G of the Sendai Framework calling for substantial increases in the availability and access to multi-hazard early warning systems, the Global Early Warnings for All Multi-Stakeholder Forum represents a critical milestone in the journey toward universal protection from disasters.
The Global Early Warnings for All Multi-Stakeholder Forum continues on 3 June 2025, focusing on international cooperation and financing solutions for early warning systems.
The 8th Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction 2025 (GPDRR2025) began with preparatory events on Monday, 2 June, ahead of the upcoming official programme with highlevel meetings from 4-6 June in Geneva, Switzerland. GPDRR 2025 is organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and hosted by the Government of Switzerland. Two parallel events took place on Monday: the Third Stakeholder Forum and the Global Early Warning for All (EW4All) MultiStakeholder Forum.
Third Stakeholder Forum
Opening
The Third Stakeholder Forum opened with statements by the Governments of Switzerland and Indonesia and senior UN leaders under the theme “United for Resilience.” Speakers highlighted progress on the Bali Agenda for Resilience, an outcome of the 7th Global Platform in 2022, and the opportunities for inclusive disaster risk reduction (DRR).
Mirjam Macchi, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, appreciated stakeholders’ solidarity around the evacuation and assistance to the historic village of Blatten, destroyed last week by a glacial landslide 200 km from Geneva. She noted that even livestock were cared for-a powerful reminder that “resilience begins with local people” and inclusive solutions are more effective when those directly affected by disasters bring vital knowledge to action.
Achsanul Habib, Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the UN, reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to risk-informed policies and inclusive approaches. He encouraged all participants to use the Stakeholder Forum as “not only a platform to listen and share, but a platform to act together.”
The event also showcased the Sendai Framework Voluntary Commitments online platform (SFVC), where stakeholders can register their commitments, and users can identify areas of activity as well as gaps. Yuki Matsuoka, Head, UNDRR Office in Japan, noted that 729 individual organizations so far have registered their commitments.
Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organisation
Whole-of-society approach for the Sendai Framework on DRR: A collective responsibility
Sarah Wade-Apicella, UNDRR, moderated the session. On effective methods to implement inclusive DRR, Marcie Roth, World Institute on Disability, underscored the need for people with disabilities to be involved early in co-development of disaster risk strategies, and for foresight processes to incorporate diverse voices. Major Hamad Sabah Al-Sawar, Director of Crisis and Disaster Management, Bahrain, described Bahrain’s communication platform providing diverse modes of information sharing in multiple languages, the use of a phone application, and a common hashtag used to mobilize public action.
On intersectional and intergenerational knowledge sharing, Tom Colley, HelpAge International, drew attention to the wide network of older people associations worldwide as opportunities to engage this age group in DRR. He noted these associations can also harness and serve as channels for bringing Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge into DRR strategies. Barrise Griffin, Disaster Risk Management Authority, The Bahamas, emphasized moving away from one-off, extractive approaches to information gathering, and instead facilitating ongoing dialogue. Josefina Miculax Sincal, Huairou Commission, called for frameworks and trainings to strengthen good practices at the community level.
A slide showing the numbers of internal displacement by hazard for 2015- 2024.
Participants then heard comments and questions from the floor on the role of national DRR platforms in community-level participation, engagement, and school programs for children; managing conflicts of interest; looking beyond immediate impacts of DRR; measuring the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement; shifting risk ownership to local communities to handle disasters; and securing resources.
Data and financing for disaster displacement as loss and damage
Steven Goldfinch, Asian Development Bank (ADB), moderated this session.
Christelle Cazabat, Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, explained that research into Hurricane Milton’s impacts in the US shows how people’s aspirations change when displacement stretches into the long term. She noted 2024 saw the highest number of people displaced in a single year globally (45.8 million), as well as the highest number of people continuing to live in displacement (9.8 million).
Noralene Uy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippines, noted that her country ensures children have access to child-friendly spaces during displacement, and that national protocols guide national and local assessments and reporting. Isoa Talemaibua, Ministry for Maritime and Rural Development, Fiji, highlighted Fiji’s risk assessment activities and stressed the value of financial tools such as green and blue bonds, and parametric insurance that enables rapid payouts based on environmental triggers.
Hoang Phuong Thao, ActionAid Vietnam, highlighted the organization’s work with marginalized and remote communities to use smartphones for receiving early warnings, as well as for reporting on local conditions, thereby informing the government’s trend analysis. Catalina Díaz Escobar, Corporación Antioquia Presente, emphasized that data collection itself is a political process and should be conducted in an ethical and respectful manner.
From Paris to Sendai: the fundamental connection of climate and DRR
Jamie Cummings, Sendai Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism, moderated the session. Animesh Kumar, UNDRR, underlined that risk is a common denominator across the Sendai Framework, Paris Agreement, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stating that all these global frameworks share the goal of resilience. He encouraged the institutionalization of the agreements at the national level and highlighted the need to localize them. On technical assistance, he stressed that funding applications under the Santiago Network -a mechanism to support countries recovering from loss and damage due to climate change -should be designed to catalyze downstream impacts. Hisan Hassan, National Disaster Management Authority, Maldives, described his country’s focus on EW4All and slow-onset losses. Manon Robin, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat, discussed integration of national adaptation plans and DRR strategies and emphasized, supported by Le-Anne Roper, UNDRR, the need to focus on coordinating actors on different aspects of climate resilience. Amber Fletcher, University of Regina, emphasized that slow-onset disaster management and funding are crucial for food producers, and stressed the significance of non-economic loss and damage.
View of the panel during the “From Paris to Sendai: the Fundamental Connection of Climate and DRR” event.
Innovative financing and private sector leadership in DRR
Camila Tapias, UNDRR ARISE Global Board Member, moderated the session. Manisha Gulati, ODI Global, noted that most funding goes toward emergency response after disasters occur. She highlighted that when the private sector invests in critical services, DRR becomes an outcome, not only a target.
Yezid Niño, Private Sector Liaison, UNDRR Americas, emphasized the relevance of understanding that DRR is part of the development of the countries and pointed toward the role of regulatory frameworks in involving the private sector in financing DRR. Terry Kinyua, Co-Chair of the ARISE Global Board, stressed that the resilience of communities amounts to the resilience of a country.
Through digital interaction, attendees identified cost-benefit analysis, data gaps, and trust as the major barriers to private sector investment in DRR. Among the actions leaders can take to accelerate investment in resilience, attendees mentioned political incentives, regulatory alignment, resilience as a national priority, and the involvement of local leaders.
View of the panel during the “Innovative Financing and Private Sector Leadership in DRR” event.
Implementation of climate and DRR gender action plans at the national level-Synergies and strategies
Mwanahamisi Singano, Women’s Environment and Development Organization (WEDO), moderated this panel discussion unpacking synergies between the different Gender Action Plans (GAPs) under multiple conventions and frameworks, including the Sendai GAP. She noted the need to avoid duplication and ensure cost effectiveness.
Mary Picard, Humanitarian and Development Consulting, gave a keynote address describing the actions leading to the launch of the Sendai GAP in 2024. Panelists mentioned key lessons from their experiences with governments in implementing the GAPs, including the challenge of competing priorities and political preferences among different ministries when attempting to coordinate the different GAPs. Other interventions focused on holding governments and agencies accountable for implementing GAPs and enhancing communication among women’s networks, particularly those involved in DRR. Following interventions on regional mapping tools and GAP observatories that monitor implementation progress, Singano invited participants to provide inputs towards developing a universal DRR gender equality observatory.
Community-led action for resilience, building partnerships for inclusive action
Maité Rodríguez, Fundación Guatemala, moderated this session. The panel featured grassroot women leaders and related international organizations. Godavari Dange, Swayam Shikshan Prayog, a women-led organization of farmer-producers, highlighted women farmers’ work in drought preparedness to cultivate and stockpile animal fodder. She also highlighted technology training conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic for women to use online platforms. Norma Choc Botzoc, Community Practitioners’ Platform for Resilience in Guatemala, described grassroot women’s own development of risk and vulnerability assessments, which, she noted, are being used as tools for advocacy to local authorities to direct resources appropriately. Speakers from ADB and the Centre for Coordination of Disasters in Central America and the Dominican Republic (CEPREDENAC) affirmed the central importance of cooperation and co-design of programs for climate resilience and recovery after disasters.
Disaster preparedness and risk reduction in urban areas—Building back better
Ladeene Freimuth, The Freimuth Group, moderated the session. Guilherme Simões, National Secretary for Peripheries, Ministry of Cities, Brazil, outlined the Live Peripheries program, which provides access to better urban infrastructure, social services, and opportunities; and the Peripheries Without Risk strategy, a community-based risk reduction and climate adaptation plan.
Marcie Roth, World Institute on Disability, highlighted EWS as one of the best-proven and cost-effective methods for reducing disaster deaths and losses. She drew attention to “Infinite Access,” a communication platform designed to deliver emergency alerts in multiple accessible formats.
Mario Flores, Habitat for Humanity International, discussed the challenges and opportunities of urban environments, stressing the need to build better in the first place; to have risk-informed development; and to consider housing as a platform for a peoplecentered resilience approach.
Debbra Johnson, ARISE-US Network, addressed the report “Navigating the sustainability-resilience nexus,” which brings together the SDGs, the Paris Agreement, and the DRR Sendai Framework.
Breaking the DRR financing silos: A systematic shift in DRR financing for localization of inclusive resilience
Camila Tapias, UNDRR ARISE Global Board Member, moderated the session. Noting that financial capital existed but is not reaching local levels, Tanjir Hossain, Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism, called for breaking down silos so funding is not sitting around while millions of people suffer. Steve Goldfinch, ADB, described the National Disaster Management Fund of Pakistan that finances projects with high economic benefits using a 70% – 30% funding model from provincial governments. He also highlighted the National Disaster Risk Management Fund of the Philippines that encourage local governments to invest in disaster response, relief, preparedness and risk reduction measures. Emma Haight, UNDRR Investor Advisory Board, described the adoption of a green sewer design, first developed in Washington DC, which proved so successful that the design was replicated in London, UK, Cape Town, South Africa, and Quito, Ecuador, highlighting its environmental and financial risk reduction, and over USD 200 million in cost savings. Michelle Chivunga, Global Policy House, discussed using artificial intelligence to shift DRR responses, optimize data utilization in local governments, track and mobilize funding, and to use digital capital during humanitarian crisis to make up for funding shortfalls. Sara Hoeflich, United Cities and Local Government, recommended investment in basic services such as water supply, street cleaning, and sewer solutions to ensure clean cities as an investment and risk mitigation measure. Marcos Concepción Raba, Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction, discussed effective localization.
Global Early Warning for All (EW4All) Multistakeholder Forum
Opening
Julien Thöni, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Switzerland, said timely early warning action should provide critical time to act and respond, and noted that innovation better predicts and reaches people faster. Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), suggested key criteria for improving early warning systems (EWS), including that science must connect people; and systems and partnerships must include actors “outside the DRR tent,” especially those most at risk. Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, and Head of UNDRR, said EWS should not be regarded as a once-off intervention. He said national ownership must be strengthened, and the concept of leaving no one behind should be embedded into all efforts. Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Climate Action and Just Transition, via video, suggested EWS is the most basic tool for saving and protecting lives, and called for high-level political support, a boost in technology access, and public and private finance at scale.
Fireside chat: The state of EWS
Johan Stander, WMO, drew attention to national ownership, stakeholder engagement, and the involvement of funding partners when investing in EW4All. Sujit Kumar Mohanty, Chief of Branch, UNDRR, emphasized co-design and co-ownership approaches to meaningfully engage stakeholders for successful EW4All.
Good practices: Stakeholder perspectives on EWS
Interventions during this panel session included: calls to integrate women and youth in all decisions focused on EWS; investing in women’s leadership, particularly those with disabilities; ensuring young people are equitably involved; reaching those living in remote rural areas and conflict zones; and leveraging the communication power of mobile networks through private-public partnerships.
UNDRR Disability Leaders gather at the end of the day.
Perspectives from across regions on EWS
Panelists in this session focused on: successful collaboration and EWS progress in Zimbabwe after the 2019 Cyclone Idai; institutionalization of the community-based approach to EWS in Barbados; main challenges to integrate scientific tools and remote sensing into EWS in Lebanon; integration of the private sector in EWS decision-making process in Makati, the Philippines; and the role of cross-border cooperation, knowledge sharing, and educating people for effective EWS in Poland.
Thematic Sessions
Four thematic sessions took place during the day. These were:
The Government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) are pleased to announce that The Bahamas will host the IX Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas and the Caribbean (RP26) during the first week of May 2026. The announcement was made by the Hon. Leon Lundy, Minister of State for Disaster Risk Management of The Bahamas, during the Eighth Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, held in Geneva, Switzerland.
The session is the leading regional forum for governments and stakeholders to share experiences, foster partnerships, and promote practical solutions to reduce disaster risk and build resilience. Rooted in the mandate of the Sendai Framework, it reflects the commitment of Member States and partners to advancing regional cooperation through inclusive, intergovernmental dialogue and action.
RP26 will build on the momentum of previous platforms, providing a space to spotlight local leadership, innovation, and practical progress toward more resilient communities. Following the Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework, and as we enter the final stretch toward 2030, RP26 represents a critical opportunity to consolidate action.
In addition, this regional platform highlights the leadership of Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in advancing disaster resilience. In particular, The Bahamas has made significant strides in revamping its disaster risk governance framework following the devastating impact of Hurricane Dorian in 2019, which caused an estimated $3.4 billion in losses and damages—91% of which affected the private sector. The country transitioned from a reactive approach to a proactive, integrated model of disaster risk management. This includes a stronger emphasis on mitigation, prevention, adaptation, and recovery planning, supported by the merger of its National Emergency Management Agency and Disaster Reconstruction Authority into the newly established Disaster Risk Management Authority.
RP26 will provide an opportunity to assess regional progress toward the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and contribute to the implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS).
RP26 will also serve as a key forum to advance regional priorities, including resilient recovery, comprehensive disaster risk governance, and inclusive, all-of-society approaches to disaster risk management. A central focus will be the strengthening of multi-hazard early warning systems, not only as a life-saving tool, but also as an enabler of timely and informed decision-making across sectors. The Platform will further address the need for adequate financing—not only in terms of access, but also in the equitable distribution, effective use, and execution of resources at national and local levels. Drawing on insights from the 2024 Regional Assessment Report (RAR24), RP26 will spotlight the importance of systemic approaches, and of integrating risk considerations across development planning. It will showcase innovative practices and investments that are shifting the region toward a more resilient and sustainable future.
“The Bahamas is honoured to host RP26 next year. The timing aligns meaningfully with the work we have been doing to build capacity and strengthen national disaster risk governance and resilience financing in country. We hope our experience offers insight for others, and that RP26 will be a space to listen, exchange, and drive progress,” said Minister Leon Lundy, of The Bahamas.
He continued, “For SIDS like The Bahamas, this Platform is necessary. As climate impacts increase and DRR finance gaps widen, the region must keep developing and advocating for systems that reflect our realities. We hope that RP26 drives progress in critical areas such as disaster risk financing and upscaling national and regional capacities. We look forward to welcoming the region to The Bahamas in 2026. Let’s ensure this Platform is remembered not for what we say, but for what we build.”
“RP26 is a powerful opportunity to elevate the leadership of Caribbean SIDS and to amplify the lessons learned from The Bahamas’ resilient recovery and risk governance reforms after Hurricane Dorian,” said Nahuel Arenas, Chief of UNDRR – Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean. “As the region faces increasingly complex and interconnected risks, it is urgent to align efforts across sectors and countries. This platform will help catalyze action, promote innovation, and strengthen solidarity to advance the goals of the Sendai Framework across the region of the Americas & the Caribbean,” he added.
RP26 is expected to be more than just a forum—it will serve as a pivotal moment to reaffirm our collective commitment and inspire renewed collaboration across sectors and societies.
From now until 2030, every day counts. Stakeholders from governments, regional bodies, civil society, youth, academia, and the private sector are encouraged to seize this opportunity to contribute to a shared vision for a more sustainable region.
Further details, including the dates and venue, will be shared in the coming months.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to the press releases issued by the banks listed below relating to fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens, phishing emails or other scams, which have been reported to the HKMA. Hyperlinks to the press releases are available on the HKMA website.
Bank
Type of Scam
Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited
Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens
The Bank of East Asia, Limited
Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens
Chong Hing Bank Limited
Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens
The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the scams concerned, should contact the relevant bank with the information provided in the corresponding press release, and report the matter to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Hong Kong Police Force, in collaboration with the police forces of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), Malaysia, the Maldives, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand, conducted the first joint operation of the Cross-border Anti-Scam Collaboration Platform “FRONTIER+” from April 28 to May 28. The operation achieved significant results in combating cross-border scam activities.
During the month-long operation, over 2 700 law enforcement officers from seven countries and regions were deployed, successfully identifying and dismantling multiple cross-border scam syndicates. In total, 1 858 individuals (aged between 14 and 81) were arrested, involving 9 268 scam cases, including online shopping scams, telephone deceptions (such as government official impersonation scams and impersonating customer service scams), investment scams, rental scams, and employment scams, etc, with a total loss amounting to US$225 million. A total of 32 607 bank accounts were frozen, and approximately US$20 million fraudulent funds were intercepted, effectively disrupting criminal cash flows. Enforcement details of the countries and regions are set out in the Annex.
Investigation revealed that scam trends show notable similarities across different jurisdictions. For instance, the impersonation of customer service representatives emerged as a widespread scam tactic in Hong Kong in 2024 and the trend started to drop in 2025 after police intervention. However, similar fraudulent schemes employing identical scripts and excuses to deceive citizens into monetary losses began to appear in Singapore and Macao SAR in 2025. This underscores the critical need for cross-jurisdictional collaboration and intelligence sharing to combat scam syndicates effectively.
The Cross-border Anti-Scam Collaboration Platform “FRONTIER+” was jointly established by various anti-scam centres in October 2024. As of now, the platform includes anti-scam centres from 10 countries and regions, namely Australia, Canada, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Macao SAR, Malaysia, the Maldives, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand. By strengthening intelligence exchange and coordinated actions, the platform aims to combat scams, cyber-related crimes and money laundering. The platform will continue to conduct real-time intelligence analysis and sharing, carry out cross-border joint operations from time to time, and expand its network by inviting more countries and regions to join in order to enhance enforcement efficiency.
Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant against scams at all times and to exercise caution in their financial transactions. Avoid hastily clicking on hyperlinks, downloading mobile applications, or logging into suspicious websites. If in doubt, the public is advised to verify suspicious information or websites using “Scameter” on CyberDefender’s website (cyberdefender.hk/en-us/scameter/), or the mobile app “Scameter+”; or to call the “Anti-Scam Helpline 18222” for enquiries
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, today (June 3) visited Qianhai to learn about the entrepreneurial experiences of Hong Kong youth in Qianhai and to exchange views on youth development work.
Miss Mak first visited the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub (Ehub), where she was briefed by the person in charge on the facilities and measures supporting youth entrepreneurship. She also toured the HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Academy, the Hong Kong Youth Short-Term Apartments, and the Hong Kong Cultural Experience Space at the Ehub, engaging in discussions with Hong Kong youth to learn more about their entrepreneurial experiences and life in Qianhai. The Ehub is a member of the Alliance of Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurial Bases in the Greater Bay Area, which is jointly established by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, and the Human Resources and Social Security Department of Guangdong Province.
Miss Mak later met with Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee and Director General of the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen Municipality (Qianhai Authority), Mr Wang Shourui, to discuss promoting Shenzhen-Hong Kong co-operation in supporting the development of Hong Kong youth.
Miss Mak thanked the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government and the Qianhai Authority for their staunch support towards the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG)’s youth development work, especially in encouraging young people to integrate into the overall national development and seize the enormous opportunities brought about by the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Miss Mak said that the HKSARG attaches great importance to youth development. Since its establishment in December 2023, the Alliance has brought together nearly 60 member organisations in Hong Kong and the GBA, including the EHub. With the resources and networks of the Alliance members, it provides a one-stop information, publicity and exchange platform to provide more comprehensive support to Hong Kong’s young entrepreneurs. The Alliance members have organised nearly 220 events to date.
In the afternoon, Miss Mak visited the Qianhai Exhibition Hall to learn about the planning and latest developments of Qianhai. She also visited the SmartMore Corporation Limited, which was founded by a Hong Kong entrepreneur. Representatives of the company shared their experiences in successfully establishing a unicorn company and the development opportunities in the GBA.
Miss Mak said that the HKSARG will sustain its efforts in promoting youth development and will continue to implement and enhance the Youth Development Blueprint. Some of the measures covered in the Blueprint encourage and support Hong Kong youth in pursuing innovation and entrepreneurship. Through the visit, she hoped that the two places will further strengthen their co-operation and exchanges on encouraging young people to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in the Mainland’s enormous market and offering comprehensive support for youth innovation and entrepreneurship.
Miss Mak concluded her visit and returned to Hong Kong in the afternoon.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​Hongkong Post announced today (June 3) that five sets of special stamps with various themes will be issued from July to December 2025. Each stamp issue has its own ingenious design and distinctive style, making the stamps valuable collectables for philatelists and the public.
Inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016, the “24 solar terms” of the Chinese calendar reflect the change of seasons and meteorological patterns. Following the “24 Solar Terms – Spring” special stamps and “24 Solar Terms – Summer” special stamps issued in 2020 and 2023 respectively, Hongkong Post will issue special stamps themed on “24 Solar Terms – Autumn”, featuring six solar terms of autumn, namely “Autumn Commences”, “End of Heat”, “White Dew”, “Autumnal Equinox”, “Cold Dew” and “Frost”.
The Central Government gifted a pair of giant pandas, Ying Ying and Le Le, to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in 2007. The pair welcomed a pair of cubs, Jia Jia and De De, on August 15, 2024. The twin cubs have since captured the hearts of the public, who have been keenly following their growth. Hongkong Post will issue special stamps themed on “Giant Panda Twin Cubs” to showcase the highlights of Jia Jia and De De’s daily lives at different stages and witness their growth journey.
In Hong Kong, there are many distinctive hiking trails, offering hikers a diverse array of green experiences. Among them, the Wilson Trail is a long-distance hiking trail that begins at Stanley and finishes at Nam Chung in the New Territories, stretching approximately 78 kilometres across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Hongkong Post will issue a set of 10 special stamps themed on “Hong Kong Hiking Trails Series No. 3: Wilson Trail” to feature the gorgeous scenery of various sections along the Wilson Trail.
Hong Kong’s airport plays an indispensable role in the successful development of Hong Kong into an international aviation hub. The passenger terminal of Kai Tak Airport was completed and commenced service as early as in the 1960s. In view of the growing demand for air traffic, Kai Tak Airport completed its historical mission in 1998 when Hong Kong International Airport relocated from Kai Tak to Chek Lap Kok. At present, it has developed a three-runway system. Meanwhile, the Government of the HKSAR is pressing ahead with the Airport City development strategy. Hongkong Post will issue a set of special stamps on the theme of “Aviation Development in Hong Kong” to feature the thriving aviation development in the city.
Christmas is a season full of joy, warmth and blessings. As a city embracing both Chinese and Western cultures, Hong Kong showcases a lively festive ambience throughout Christmas. Hongkong Post will issue special stamps on the theme of “Christmas Stamps V”, which adopt the night view of Victoria Harbour as the background, showcasing a variety of Christmas elements under the starry sky and highlighting the joy of the festive season.
Customers may place advance orders for the above new stamp products from today on Hongkong Post’s online shopping mall “ShopThruPost” (shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk). Customers may also visit the Facebook page “郵票．郵趣@Hongkong Post Stamps” (www.facebook.com/HKPStamps) for more details. Customers who place orders by June 23 (Monday) will receive attractive gifts and bonus points. Further information about placing orders can be obtained from the Hongkong Post Stamps website (stamps.hongkongpost.hk) or by calling the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau hotline at 2785 5711.