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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Security: INTERPOL Secretary General: More specialist units needed to investigate online child abuse

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    20 October 2022

    NEW DELHI, India – For more than 20 years, INTERPOL has served as a unique and powerful cooperation platform to combat online child sexual exploitation.

    Currently containing more than 4.3 million videos and images, INTERPOL’s International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) database enables investigators to make connections between victims, abusers, and locations from across all regions.

    Through leads generated via ICSE, to date more than 30,000 victims have been identified around the world.

    However, in addition to significant under-reporting of online child sexual exploitation and abuse cases, many countries do not have specialized units dedicated to this crime type, with others lacking necessary legislation to support investigations.

    A Resolution endorsed by delegates at the 90th General Assembly highlights the urgent need for member countries to develop units and connect to and use the ICSE database to develop a stronger victim-centric process of identifying and safeguarding children.

    “Each and every child should be protected from sexual exploitation and abuse, and from re-victimization after images have been shared online,” said INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock.

    “Data sharing between law enforcement and across regions is essential. If information is not shared globally, victims around the world remain unidentified and their abusers avoid justice. Neither can be acceptable.

    “INTERPOL remains unwavering in its commitment to assist member countries in their efforts to address child exploitation and related crimes. These are crime areas where silos cannot be created, whether by one agency, or one region. There is too much at stake,” concluded Secretary General Stock.

    Currently 68 member countries are connected to the ICSE database. Greater participation will result in more victim identifications by linking parallel enquiries and avoiding duplication of efforts in investigating material related to already solved cases.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Australian support for enhanced INTERPOL database to combat online child abuse

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    18 November 2022

    LYON, France – The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is contributing AUD 815,000 for a significant enhancement to INTERPOL’s International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) database.

    The ICSE database is a ground-breaking tool to advance child exploitation investigations through strengthened global information sharing.

    The upgrade, known as ICSE Next Generation, is designed to speed up the process by which investigators identify victims in child exploitation material, through integration of the latest technologies for improved text, audio and video analysis, facial recognition, and artificial intelligence.

    Launched 13 years ago, ICSE currently connects specialist investigators in 68 countries and has so far assisted in the identification of more than 31,000 victims, including 860 victims in Australia.

    On average, around seven victims are identified every day.

    Offenders identified

    In addition, more than 14,000 offenders have been tracked and arrested by law enforcement, including 349 in Australia.

    AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said the AFP’s partnership with INTERPOL to support the upgrade of the database highlighted the commitment of law enforcement to protecting children around the world, while bringing offenders to justice.

    AFP Commissioner Kershaw and Secretary General Stock announce the boost to the International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) database.

    “We know we can’t win this important battle alone. The advancement of this database is a game changer for how law enforcement around the world can work together to protect our society’s most vulnerable – our children,” he said.

    Commissioner Kershaw said child protection investigations would be bolstered with law enforcement agencies avoiding duplication of effort by triaging online child exploitation material multiple times in multiple jurisdictions.

    Target, track and disrupt

    “This specialized tool means our investigators will be faster and more efficient than ever before, allowing us to quickly target, track and disrupt those seeking to harm and exploit children around the world – and most importantly, bring them to justice.

    “The AFP is proud to partner with INTERPOL, along with our state, Commonwealth and international law enforcement counterparts, to combat this insidious crime,” concluded Commissioner Kershaw.

    “The AFP’s decision to provide this funding underlines its strong and unwavering commitment to child protection, as well as its confidence in INTERPOL’s ICSE database which is a vital policing tool.” Jürgen Stock, INTERPOL Secretary General

    “We are seeing a consistent, and worrying, increase in the amount of online child sexual abuse and exploitation material, where every image is evidence of a crime.

    “Only through global cooperation, supported by the latest technologies, can law enforcement effectively work to identify and rescue victims around the world,” concluded Secretary General Stock.

    The AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) and AFP Child Protection Operations frequently contribute to the ICSE database, ensuring that investigators in other countries can benefit from the work undertaken in Australia to help identify victims.

    In May 2022, the ACCCE VIU hosted the third National Victim Identification Taskforce, during which more than 3,500 files were de-conflicted against the ICSE database, with images from 55 newly-identified victims added for potential identification.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: We invite you to the presentation of the Student Theatre of the State University of Management

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On October 22, 2024, our university will host a presentation of the SUM Student Theatre.

    “We do theatre because we have the impression that we have never been ourselves and that we can finally be ourselves” (Louis Jouvet)

    The GUU Student Theatre opens its doors to new talents! Regardless of your experience, we welcome everyone who wants to become part of our friendly team.

    Fill out the questionnaire for an interview and come to our open lesson, where you will get a unique chance to touch the magic of theatrical craft and find out what is really hidden behind the scenes.

    Date: October 22 Time: 19:00 Place: A-124

    This is a great opportunity not only to reveal your talents, but also to make new friends. We look forward to seeing you!

    Subscribe to the tg channel “Our State University” Announcement date: 10/16/2024

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    We invite you to the presentation of the Student Theatre of the State University of Management

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Spend “One Day at the University” with GUU

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On November 23, the State University of Management invites schoolchildren of grades 9-11 and their parents to spend “One Day at the University”.

    At the presentation “About Studying,” guests will be told about the opportunities for entering the university and the “GUU Leaders” program, about what specialty can be obtained by studying at our University, and why GUU is the best in management education.

    As part of the “I am a student” block, those gathered will get acquainted with the world of youth movements, clubs of interest, volunteering, social projects, KVN, sports associations and creative communities, learn about what students do in their free time, as well as about additional bonuses upon admission.

    All visitors will be given a tour of the university, where they will be shown the multi-level scientific and educational complex of the first management university, which includes a co-working space, a library, lecture halls, laboratories, a canteen, buffets, a cafe, a sports complex and a well-equipped swimming pool.

    In addition, there will be a “Meeting with Parents” where university representatives will answer all questions of interest.

    We are waiting for everyone on November 23 at 10:00 in the lobby on the 1st floor of the Laboratory Building (the sign above the entrance says “Admissions Committee”).

    Pre-registration is required to participate.

    We remind you that you will need a passport to enter the university grounds.

    For a century, GUU has confidently held the position of the leader in management education in Russia. The university has more than 12 thousand students in 14 bachelor’s degree programs, 11 master’s degree programs, and postgraduate students in 8 scientific specialties. The university is among the Top 10 universities in terms of salaries of young specialists in the legal field, economics, and finance.

    Subscribe to the tg channel “Our State University” Announcement date: 11/23/2024

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Spend “One Day at the University” with GUU

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: ‘Distance is not a problem’: HSE develops cooperation with think tanks of BRICS countries

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    At the end of September Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK) HSE held a meeting with representatives of analytical centers from Brazil, India, and Egypt. The participants considered the possibilities of cooperation, including conducting joint surveys and comparative studies, and discussed the formation of common databases and joint publications on foresight and scientific and technical policy. A decision was also made to prepare a draft multilateral agreement on the establishment of the BRICS Foresight Research Association.

    Leonid Gokhberg, First Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics and Director of the ISSEK, welcomed the participants and presented an overview of HSE research activities in areas of possible cooperation, focusing in particular on those conducted by the team of the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge.

    ISSEK comprises 19 research centres and two international laboratories, with over 240 employees, making it the largest research unit of the Higher School of Economics. The key areas of the institute’s activities are statistical measurements and forecasting of development directions in science, technology, innovation, education, the digital economy and creative industries. ISSEK scientists analyse scientific, technical and innovation policies implemented in Russia and around the world, and study the factors of sustainable economic growth, social welfare and competitiveness.

    ISSEK is implementing a number of large-scale research projects. The Doing Science in Russia study analyzes the current state of Russian science and its development prospects. The Russian Cluster Observatory, which studies the innovative and creative development of cities and regions, publishes two ratings: the Innovative Development Rating of Russian Regions and the HSE Global Cities Innovation Index. In the third, recently published edition, the authors examine more than 1,000 agglomerations with the largest number of high technologies and creative leaders from 144 countries. Hundreds of ISSEK research projects use the results of the unique iFORA big data mining system developed by its team.

    Leonid Gokhberg outlined potential areas of cooperation between ISSEK and foreign partners in the framework of joint research, publications and courses in such areas as foresight, the use of big data, scientific and technical policy, the business climate in the field of science and technology, the digital economy, the creative economy, and innovative urban development.

    The Director of the ISSEK also proposed the creation of a BRICS Foresight Research Association, which would promote cooperation in the field of futures research.

    Fernando Rizzo, Director of the Center for Strategic Studies and Management in Science, Technology and Innovation (CGEE, Brazil), introduced the audience to the history and activities of the organization. CGEE was founded in 2001 and has 115 employees. The center supports decision-making processes on topics related to science, technology and innovation. CGEE experts evaluate and monitor public policies, identify promising technologies and competencies, conduct foresight studies, and provide strategic consulting services for decision-making. CGEE includes several research observatories: Information Services for Science, Technology and Innovation; Space Technology Observatory; Science, Technology and Innovation Observatory; Innovation Observatory for Sustainable Cities; Bioeconomy Observatory; Digital Transformation Observatory.

    In 2024, CGEE organized the 5th National Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation, a major event that attracted a total of 30,000 participants from 27 Brazilian states. The conference presented the Brazilian Plan for Artificial Intelligence (BPAI) 2024-2028.

    Dr. Mohamed Ramadan Rezk, Director of the Egyptian Science, Technology and Innovation Observatory (ESTIO, Egypt), began his presentation with the surprising idea that foresight existed as far back as Ancient Egypt, where the future, i.e. life after death, was depicted on bas-reliefs. In its modern sense, foresight research began in Egypt in 1975, when the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations conducted a study on the demographic impact of potential development strategies from 1975 to 1985. ESTIO was established in February 2014 as a subordinate organization of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) to develop science, technology and innovation indicators, conduct foresight studies and raise awareness of foresight in Egypt. Later, in 2021, the North African Applied Systems Analysis Center (NAASAC) was established as a collaboration between ASRT, the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Austria and the National Planning Institute of Egypt. Its activities include developing an online educational program on applied research; organizing joint applied research on issues relevant to decision makers in Egypt, North Africa and the Arab States; and providing advisory services to governments and businesses. ASRT conducts foresight research in areas such as energy, water, the impact of COVID-19 on society, and climate change.

    Dr. Gautam Goswami, Principal Scientist, Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC, India), shared the strengths of his organization. TIFAC is a technology think tank under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. It brings together eminent experts from government agencies, research institutes, universities and industry. TIFAC focuses on areas such as assessing the country’s technology needs and forecasting promising areas of technology development. Since 1996, TIFAC has been publishing a series of reports called “The Future of Technology” (the first and second editions set the forecast horizon for 2020 and 2035; the report “The Future of Technology – 2047” is currently being prepared). The council’s experts also prepare other short- and long-term foresight reports, as well as the Technology Market Research Report, which tracks new technologies, collects patent information, and maintains databases of technologies and experts. TIFAC also provides foresight training to industry professionals, government officials, and academics.

    Iwao Ohashi from Japan, Advisor for Japan and Asia Pacific Countries to the Association of Industrial Parks of Russia, shared his opinion on the prospects for Russia’s technological development under sanctions. He believes that Russia should develop cooperation in technology and innovation with the BRICS countries. Joint foresight studies are also very important, and Iwao Ohashi believes that the creation of the BRICS Foresight Research Association would be a very promising idea. Mr. Ohashi noted that in the near future, China will most likely become a global leader in innovation. At the same time, he emphasized that “we need to make a strategic bet on the creation of Russian innovation centers within the country and in its regions, as well as invite foreign experts to Russia.”

    Following the presentations, ISSEK scientists exchanged ideas for cooperation with foreign participants. Dirk Meissner, Head ofLaboratory of Innovation Economy and academic director of the master’s program “Governance in the field of science, technology and innovation“, mentioned cooperation with colleagues from the University of Campinas in Brazil. “Geographical distance is no longer a problem,” said Dirk Meissner, emphasizing the importance of communication and education online.

    Liliana Proskuryakova, Head of DepartmentLaboratory for Science and Technology Research, noted the issues of health care, energy and water resources as cross-cutting themes in the participants’ speeches. A comprehensive analysis of these basic needs of humanity can determine the priorities of cooperation, in addition, this agenda is also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals that are relevant for our countries. Mikhail Gershman, Director Center for Scientific, Technical, Innovation and Information Policy, head of the project “Making Science in Russia”, invited colleagues to join forces in the framework of comparative cross-country studies of the working conditions of scientists and state scientific and technical policy. Ekaterina Streltsova, director Center for Statistics and Monitoring of Science and Innovation, proposed establishing cooperation to conduct joint research on technological development, including using patent analysis tools.

    Evgeny Kutsenko, Director of the Russian Cluster Observatory, spoke about the project’s scientific plans, including cluster development, unicorn companies and creative industries. The possibilities of strengthening joint projects based on the results of big data analysis were demonstrated by showing the system developed at ISSEKiFORA, expert of the Center for Strategic Analytics and Big Data of the ISSEK Maria Antasheva.

    “I am pleased to meet you. CGEE started collaborating with HSE many years ago. And when Alexander Sokolov suggested intensifying scientific ties, most of the CGEE staff, who already had experience interacting with the Higher School of Economics, knowing the high level of its research, readily supported this idea,” said Fernando Rizzo, Director of CGEE. “At our center, we work in various areas, including sustainable cities, bioeconomy, energy, airspace, agriculture and education. Among the potential areas of our international cooperation, I see training and education in AI and data science, the use of generative AI for research and innovation, joint data infrastructure and the use of predictive modeling in big data analysis.”

    The meeting participants agreed to strengthen international ties and implement projects in areas of mutual interest, including within the framework of the planned multilateral agreement to create the BRICS Foresight Research Association.

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.hse.ru/nevs/expertise/975578115.html

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Discharge for the 2022 budget: European Council and Council – 16-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    In April 2024, the European Parliament decided to postpone its decision on granting discharge to the European Council and the Council for the 2022 budget owing to a number of critical observations. Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control has re-examined the situation but, given the Council’s lack of willingness to cooperate on the discharge procedure, it cannot take an informed decision. It therefore recommends in this second and final report not to grant discharge to the two institutions. Since 2009, Parliament has refused discharge to the two institutions for each financial year. The vote is scheduled for the October II plenary part-session.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £21 million approved to help boost Sheffield City Centre businesses A project aimed at providing more space for people, allowing businesses to expand and for people to shop, eat and spend more time in Sheffield City Centre has been given a major investment boost. 16 October 2024

    Source: City of Sheffield

    A project aimed at providing more space for people, allowing businesses to expand and for people to shop, eat and spend more time in Sheffield City Centre has been given a major investment boost.

    South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, together with local leaders, has approved £21million of investment into the Connecting Sheffield: City Centre project.

    The funding will help Sheffield City Council to deliver the project, improving public spaces and connecting key developments like the improvements on Fargate, Heart of the City and The Moor.

    Connecting Sheffield: City Centre will also provide more space for people and will allow businesses to use more outdoor space for people to shop, eat and spend time – subject to licences. It is part of a drive by the council to boost the city centre.

    In addition, the project will provide new, connected walking, wheeling and cycling routes in the city centre which, coupled with changes to make bus journeys more reliable, will give people more choice in how they travel.

    Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, said,

    “Sheffield is changing. It’s transforming into an incredible city offering something for everyone whether you’re a resident here or visiting from further afield. Our Connecting Sheffield: City Centre project links up all the key areas in the city centre. From the Heart of the City’s great shops, services, dining, and entertainment to our fantastic shopping experience at The Moor and the new Fargate project as it nears completion. This investment will contribute further to the ongoing transformation of our cleaner, greener, more thriving city centre.

    “By giving you more space in the city centre, and more choice in how you travel, we can reduce congestion on the roads to make bus journeys more reliable. We’re also introducing safer walking, wheeling, and cycling routes that will connect to other parts of the city. The changes we’ve already made to improve reliability of bus journeys mean the Connecting Sheffield: City Centre project will make travelling into the city centre by bus an even more realistic option too.”

    Construction is due to start on the project in January 2025, and the Traffic Regulation Orders to make the required changes to roads are being advertised until Thursday 17 October. To view the orders and comment, visit http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/roads-pavements/traffic-orders

    Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, said: “Building a healthier, wealthier and happier South Yorkshire is central to my ambition as South Yorkshire’s Mayor.

    “This important city centre project will not just give us greater freedom and choice about how we travel and move, but will also support our plans to make South Yorkshire the healthiest region in the country.

    “It is part of the steps we are taking across our region to build new walking and cycling routes over the next three years – creating better places and more opportunities for us all to move more and move differently.”

    Funding was approved by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) Board on 8 October and forms part of SYMCA’s £166 million Transforming Cities Fund investment across South Yorkshire.

    You can find more information on the Connecting Sheffield: City Centre project via Have Your Say Sheffield: https://haveyoursay.sheffield.gov.uk/connecting-sheffield-city-centre

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine – 16-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU will provide a new macro-financial assistance (MFA) loan of up to €35 billion to Ukraine as part of a G7 initiative to support Ukraine with a loan of up to US$50 billion (€45 billion). The new Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism will provide revenues originating from immobilised Russian sovereign assets, so that Ukraine can service and repay loans from the EU and other G7 lenders. Parliament is expected to adopt the proposal during its October II plenary sitting.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Draft amending budget No 2/2024: 2023 surplus – 16-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    The purpose of Draft Amending Budget No 2/2024 (DAB 2/2024) to the EU’s 2024 general budget is to enter the €632.6 million surplus from implementation of the 2023 budget as revenue into the 2024 budget. Inclusion of the surplus will lead to a corresponding reduction in Member States’ gross national income (GNI) contributions to the 2024 budget. The European Parliament is expected to vote on the Council’s position on DAB 2/2024 during the October II plenary session.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Asia’s skyrocketing space race: A competition for peace? – 16-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Over the past 20 years, new Asian players have emerged in the competition for space. Until the end of the 20th century, Japan – the only Asian country admitted to the International Space Station – played a leading role in the region. However, the beginning of the 21st century has seen the rise of other countries’ space capabilities, fuelling a new space race. China has made sizeable progress, outpacing Russia as the main competitor to the United States. Beijing aims to be the world’s leading space power by the mid-2040s and has integrated its space activities in the army structure. China is planning to build a permanent research station on the lunar south pole and a solar power station in space. China and Russia are increasingly teaming up in space projects. India has showed the capability to perform low-cost missions, including the successful landing on the Moon in August 2023, making it the fourth country to achieve this. South Korea has a relatively recent space history, but aims to rank among the world’s top five space powers by 2045. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia have revealed ambitious space policies; the UAE aims to establish the first inhabitable human settlement on Mars by 2117. Meanwhile, despite the narrative of a shared vision for humanity in space, China is accumulating major counter-space capabilities, including that of seizing control of a satellite, rendering it ineffective. The Chinese army has meanwhile designated outer space as a warfighting domain. There is also concern around the claimed pacific purpose of Iran’s space programme, potentially supporting its intercontinental ballistic missile capacities. North Korea is also developing a space programme. The European Union (EU) economy, society and security are increasingly reliant on space services. The April 2021 Space Regulation established the EU space programme and the EU Agency for the Space Programme. The EU’s space strategy for security and defence was adopted in March 2023.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Closing the EU skills gap – Insights from the Draghi report – 16-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    The success of the green and digital transitions depends on their being conducted in a socially fair way, with attention paid to securing quality jobs and ensuring enough skilled workers are available to perform them. Given the existing shortages in terms of both occupations and skills, reskilling and upskilling of the EU labour force are vital. The start of the new legislative cycle has energised the debate on the EU approach to tackling skills gaps, and MEPs are due to debate a Commission statement on closing the skills gap during the October II session.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Single Sky: Modernising airspace management – 16-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Following lengthy negotiations, the Council and Parliament reached a provisional agreement on 6 March 2024 on rules for more efficient air traffic management and to improve sustainability in the aviation sector. The Council adopted the agreed text on 26 September 2024 and it now needs to be adopted by Parliament.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Protecting consumers and tackling unfair competition by boosting EU oversight in e commerce and imports – 16-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU’s new product safety rulebook contains obligations for economic operators (i.e. manufacturers, importers and distributors) which import products from third counties, as well as specific rules for online marketplaces. This legislation was signed into law on 10 May 2023 and will apply from 13 December 2024. During the October II part-session, Parliament will debate a statement from the Commission on product safety and unfair competition, with regard in particular to online imports from third countries.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – What if we ran out of copper? – 16-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Copper is a relatively common element with a variety of suppliers, and that should typically mean a stable market. However, the copper market has recently been showing unusual instability. New EU legislation, though not always directly related, seems to be having a significant impact on copper prices. This is the case for the Chips Act and the Critical Raw Materials Act – designed to make EU industry more resilient by improving strategic autonomy – but also for laws concerning energy, artificial intelligence and digitalisation. New factors, including looming shortages in strategic raw materials – such as copper – may strongly influence political action.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Guidelines for the Member States’ employment policies – 16-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Under the EU Treaties, Member States have to consider their economic and employment policies as a common concern, and coordinate their action within the Council. The Council adopts employment guidelines that must be reflected in the Member States’ employment policies and reform programmes. Before adopting these guidelines, Parliament is consulted on the draft, but the Council is not bound by Parliament’s opinion. During the October II plenary session, Parliament is due to adopt an opinion on this year’s employment guidelines, based on the report from the Employment and Social Affairs Committee.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Importance of cities and regions in the EU for green, social and prosperous local development – 16-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Regions and cities play an important role in the implementation of EU laws, as many EU policies are executed at local or regional level. Regions and cities are usually the first point of contact between citizens and political authorities. Engaging with them can have a positive impact on the implementation of EU policies, and may also help to bring the EU closer to its citizens, thus enhancing its democratic legitimacy. During the October II plenary session, the European Commission is due to give a statement on the topic. A debate in the European Parliament comes at a time when the future of cohesion policy – the main policy supporting regions and cities – is at stake.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Joseph Síkela – International Partnerships – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Josef Síkela (Mayors and Independents Party, STAN) affiliated to the European People’s Party (EPP), has served as the Czech minister for industry and trade since December 2021. In this position, his focus has been on reducing his country’s reliance on Russian gas, developing the use of renewable energy sources and securing stakes in German and Dutch liquefied natural gas (LNG). Síkela has served in various banks, notably as the head of the Slovak Savings Bank and as board member of the Austrian Erste Group Bank. Born in 1967 in Rokycany, Czechia, Síkela studied foreign trade economics at the Prague University of Economics and Business.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Wopke Hoekstra – Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Wopke Hoekstra has served as the Commissioner for Climate Action since October 2023. In this role, he represented the European Union at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in November 2023. Starting in early 2024, Hoekstra, along with the Executive Vice-President in charge of the European Green Deal, Maroš Šefčovič, has been communicating on behalf of the Commission regarding its 2040 climate target and managing climate risks. He has also been representing the Commission in clean transition dialogues with industry. From 2011 to 2017, Hoekstra was a Member of the Dutch Senate representing Christian Democratic Appeal (the CDA), affiliated to the European People’s Party (EPP) group in the European Parliament. In October 2017, he became the minister of finance, a position he held until 2022, also becoming the leader of the CDA in 2020. From January 2022 he served concurrently as deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs. Prior to taking on the role of Commissioner, he stepped down from both of those positions in July 2023. Born in 1975, Hoekstra studied law at Leiden University, from which he graduated in 2001. In 2005, he obtained an INSEAD MBA degree. Early in his career Hoekstra held commercial posts at Shell. In 2006, he joined global consulting company McKinsey, becoming a partner in 2013. This is one of a set of briefings designed to give an overview of issues of interest relating to the portfolios of the Commissioners designate. All these briefings can be found at: https://epthinktank.eu/commissioner_hearings_2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Marta Kos – Enlargement – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Marta Kos is self-employed, working through Kos Consulting and Coaching (2021-present), and a senior advisor at the Brussels consulting firm Kreab. From 2017 to 2021, she was Slovenian Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and Ambassador to Germany and Latvia (2013-2017). As president of the Slovenian women’s association ONA VE (‘she knows’), Kos works to raise the profile of female experts. Kos has been engaged in Slovenia’s political life as a vice-president of the social-liberal Freedom Movement party. Among the positions she held while employed by the government were director of the Public Relations and Media Office, and government spokesperson. Between 2003 and 2013, Kos headed Gustav Käser Training International Slovenia, specialising in leadership and sales training. Until 2003, Kos was vice-president for international relations at the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Kos earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1989 and, in 2001, a master’s degree in political science from the University of Ljubljana.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Teresa Ribera Rodríguez – Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Teresa Ribera Rodríguez has held senior posts in the Spanish government since 2018, most recently serving as third vice-president of the government and minister for ecological transition and demographic challenge (2021-2024), fourth vice-president of the government and minister for ecological transition and demographic challenge (2020-2021) and minister for ecological transition (2018-2020). Since 2000, Ribera Rodríguez has been involved in the international climate negotiations for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. From 2013 to 2014, she was advisor on energy and climate programme at the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations, and in 2019, she was responsible for organising the UNFCCC COP25 in Madrid. Member of the Spanish parliament, representing the Socialist party, since 2019, Ribera was state secretary for climate change and biodiversity in a previous government from 2008 to 2011. Born in 1969 in Madrid, Ribera Rodríguez holds a law degree from Madrid’s Complutense University and a diploma in constitutional law and political science from the Centre for Political and Constitutional Studies. This is one of a set of briefings designed to give an overview of issues of interest relating to the portfolios of the Commissioners designate. All these briefings can be found at: https://epthinktank.eu/commissioner_hearings_2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Kaja Kallas – High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Kaja Kallas served as the prime minister of Estonia from 2021 to 2024. In 2024, she was awarded the Walther Rathenau Prize in recognition of outstanding lifetime achievement in foreign policy. Having joined the Estonian Reform Party in 2011, Kallas has been its leader since April 2018. From 2011 to 2014, she was a member of the Estonian Parliament (12th Riigikogu) and served as chair of its Economic Affairs Committee (2011). She was also a member of the 14th Riigikogu (2019 to 2021). As a Member of the European Parliament from 2014 to 2018, Kallas belonged to the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE, now Renew Europe) political group. During this term, Kallas was Vice-Chair of Parliament’s Delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee. Kallas was born in 1977 in Tallinn. She graduated from the University of Tartu in 1999 with a degree in law and pursued postgraduate studies at the Estonian Business School in 2007. Before entering politics, Kallas worked as an attorney at law. This is one of a set of briefings designed to give an overview of issues of interest relating to the portfolios of the Commissioners designate. All these briefings can be found at: https://epthinktank.eu/commissioner_hearings_2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Raffaele Fitto – Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Raffaele Fitto is an Italian politician, and has been minister for European affairs, Southern Italy, cohesion policy and the national recovery and resilience plan since 2022. A former Member of the European Parliament (from 1999 2000 and 2014 2022), Fitto was co-chair of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group from 2019 to 2022, and was thus a member of the Conference of Presidents. He served on the Committee on Budgetary Control, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Committee on Regional Development. A long-serving Member of the Italian Parliament (Camera dei Deputati), Fitto’s terms of office ran between 2006 and 2014 and from 2022 to the present day. Fitto was Italian minister for regional affairs from 2008 to 2010 and minister for territorial cohesion from 2010 to 2011. During his earlier career, Fitto was President of the Apulia region (2000 2005) and served repeatedly as Councillor for the Apulia region (1990 1994 and 2005 2006). Fitto was Regional Councillor for Tourism for Apulia from 1994 to 1995, and Vice-President of the Regional Council with responsibility for the budget from 1995 to 1999. Born in 1969, Fitto holds a doctorate in law from the University of Bari (1994).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Henna Virkkunen – Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Henna Virkkunen is a Finnish politician and member of the National Coalition Party, which is affiliated with the European People’s Party group in the European Parliament. She has been a Member of the European Parliament since 2014, serving inter alia on the Committees on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), and Transport and Tourism (TRAN). She was also a member of the Committee of Inquiry investigating the use of Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware (PEGA) and the Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence in a Digital Age (AIDA). In Parliament, Virkkunen has worked on various technology and cybersecurity dossiers such as the Digital Services Act, the Cyber-Resilience Act and the Connecting Europe Facility. Before her election to the European Parliament, Virkkunen was a member of the Finnish Parliament (2007-2014) and was part of the Finnish government as minister for education and science, minister for public administration and local government, and transport minister. Born in 1972 in Joutsa, Finland, Virkkunen holds master’s (2001) and bachelor’s degrees (2000) from the University of Jyväskylä. This is one of a set of briefings designed to give an overview of issues of interest relating to the portfolios of the Commissioners designate. All these briefings can be found at: https://epthinktank.eu/commissioner_hearings_2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Stéphane Séjourné – Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Before being nominated as Commissioner-designate, Stéphane Séjourné had been serving as French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs since January 2024. In July 2024, he was elected to the French Parliament for the ninth constituency of Hauts-de-Seine (Boulogne-Billancourt). He has also been secretary-general of the Renaissance party since 2022. From 2019 to 2024, Séjourné was a Member of the European Parliament, and President of the Renew Europe group (2021-2024). Before that, he was a political adviser to the President of the French Republic from 2017 to 2019, and an adviser to the Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry and Digital Affairs from 2014 to 2016, responsible for relations with elected representatives. Séjourné was previously a member of the cabinet of the President of the Île-de-France Regional Council (2012-2014). Prior to that, he worked for a federation of grocery and specialised nutrition products from 2011 to 2012. Born in 1985, Séjourné graduated from the University of Poitiers with a double masters in law. He was also an Erasmus student at the University of Granada in international and EU law.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Salazar and Wasserman Schultz Introduce Legislation to Stop Venezuelan Oil Exports Until Maduro Leaves Power

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar’s (FL-27)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) introduced the Revoke Exemptions for Venezuelan Oil to Curb Autocratic Repression (REVOCAR) Act. The bill is the House of Representatives companion to legislation introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL).

    After the presidential election held in Venezuela on July 28, 2024, Nicolás Maduro and his regime have unleashed a torrent of repression and violence towards supporters of María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, the leader of the opposition and winner of the election, respectively. Since then, the Biden-Harris Administration renewed U.S. oil company Chevron’s license to operate in Venezuela just 33 days after the stolen election, undermining the United States’ ability to adequately pressure Maduro to concede his defeat and leave power.

    The REVOCAR Act will rescind these licenses and ensure American and European companies can no longer finance Maduro’s repression and hasten the democratic transition process the Venezuelan people voted for.

    “It’s long past time to cut off the flow of money that the Maduro Dictatorship uses to oppress their people,” said Chairwoman Salazar. “We are sending a loud and clear message that if Maduro stays, there will be no oil money for the Venezuelan regime.”

    At a recent hearing, Chairwoman Salazar condemned several oil companies in the United States and Europe for continuing to conduct business with PDVSA, Venezuela’s state-owned oil company and financial lifeline for the Maduro regime, even after the results of the July 28 presidential election. Salazar noted that companies like Chevron, Repsol, Eni, and Maurel et Prom are profiting off the continued repression of the Venezuelan opposition by operating with PDVSA.

    The REVOCAR Act ends Maduro’s financial lifeline by prohibiting American citizens and companies from engaging with PDVSA by eliminating General Licenses issued by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). These licenses are necessary to do business with the Maduro regime. The prohibitions would extend for three years or until the President certifies that a peaceful, democratic transfer of power to Venezuelan president-elect Edmundo González Urrutia has taken place.

    “Maduro’s brutal regime refuses to honor the undeniable election results, despite clear evidence proving his loss. Rescinding these special licenses, which exclusively serve to subsidize the regime’s crony corruption, violent repression, and flagrant human rights abuses, must be part of our international effort to reject Maduro’s election theft,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “If we truly intend to see through a peaceful transition of power and honor the will of the Venezuelan people, we cannot afford to indulge fossil fuel companies’ investors at the expense of democracy.”

    “Despite the sweeping and clear opposition victory in the recent Venezuelan presidential election, the Maduro regime refused to release results, announced that it had won instead, and arbitrarily arrested thousands of opposition supporters,” said Senator Durbin. “We must put an end to the outright theft of the Venezuelan voters’ overwhelming choice for a better future. I’m pleased that Reps. Wasserman Schultz and Salazar are introducing the House bill to terminate all U.S. petroleum cooperation and related trade with Venezuela until the legitimate results of the recent election are respected. The Maduro regime clings to power using oil revenues dependent on U.S. involvement. Under our bill, that will end, and so will Maduro’s financial strength.”

    To read the full text of the bill, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: STATEMENT: Congresswoman Ramirez Discusses Democracy, Human Rights, Migration with Grassroots, Indigenous Communities in Honduras

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Delia Ramirez – Illinois (3rd District)

    Chicago, IL – Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement after returning from a six-day delegation to Honduras with other Congressional offices to meet with and learn from grassroots and Indigenous communities, and civil society.

    “I recently returned from a trip to Honduras, where I had the privilege to listen to and learn with grassroots and indigenous groups about the root causes of migration. I want to express my gratitude for the time, wisdom, and generosity of local leaders and communities. We who care about human rights, land defense, environmental protection, and democracy-building in the United States have much to learn from the organizers and movement leaders across Honduras.

    While we may be thousands of miles apart, the fights for justice across Latin America – struggles that drive migration to the U.S. southern border – share common roots with the movements and organizing in Illinois’ Third Congressional District. Whether it is the struggle to ensure community control of land, resist displacement, expose corporate influence’s destructive impact on our environment and politics, or build solidarity economies and cooperatives, we cannot deny that our efforts, stability, and success are interconnected.

    It is also impossible to visit with the Garifuna, the Lenca, the Campesinos, the land defenders, and those who mourn assassinated leaders and disappeared loved ones and not face the US’ complicity in creating conditions that drive the migration of hondureños. For too long, American interests have treated Honduras and other Central American countries as our “back patio” and our free market playgrounds. For decades, US companies that participate in human rights violations and the destruction of the cultural, political, and environmental inheritance of the Honduran people have acted with impunity. US dollars, influence, and leadership have been used to privatize, displace, extract, intimidate, and silence those who would dare to defend their ancestral land rights, their collective economic models, and their precious natural resources.

    Congresswoman Ramirez visits  Berta Cáceres Flores’ resting place in Honduras. 

    I sat both with Juan López’s compañeras and with the leaders who rose up after the assassination of Berta Cáceres Flores. Justice must be realized for environmentalists Juan and Berta. Protection must be implemented for all those who continue to experience grave threats as they fight for their democracy and human rights. Land restoration must be delivered for the Garifuna, Campesino collectives, and Lenca people.

    Is there more that must be demanded and delivered by Honduras’ own government? Absolutely. As a US Congressperson, I am concerned that the United States’ own policies and practices reflect a commitment to the dignity, sovereignty, and self-determination of the Honduran people.

    As a founder of the Global Migration Caucus and the Vice Ranking Member of the Homeland Security committee, it is clear to me that to address the global crisis of migration, we must protect the sources of life for people across the globe – the land, the water, the air, the forests. We must use our influence and resources to ensure that everyone has not only the right to migrate, but the right to remain, free of persecution, violence, economic deprivation, and corruption.

    I am working every day to deliver policies in Illinois’ Third Congressional District that encourage community control of land, resist displacement, expose corporate influence’s destructive impact on our environment and our politics, and build solidarity economies and cooperatives. I want nothing less for the people of Honduras.”

    For photos of the delegation,CLICK HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Best of House Calls: Supporting Parent Mental Health

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

    How does parents’ mental health influence their kids’ mental health?
    Why are parents today feeling so overwhelmed?
    How can parents let go of trying to be the perfect parent?
    Given the resonance of the Surgeon General’s recent advisory on parent mental health & well-being, this episode digs into the House Calls archives. As the father of two young kids, parenting is a common theme the Surgeon General explores with guests. We revisit moments with guests including Dr. Lisa Damour and Dr. Aliza Pressman, as they share their expertise—walking through great practical advice about navigating disagreements with children, warning about the impacts of technology, and examining how parents and children share their nervous systems—while also sharing moving personal parenting moments.
    (02:47) How are parents feeling these days?
    (03:35) Why are parents so often feeling overwhelmed?
    (07:00) How does parents’ mental health influence their kids’ mental health?
    (09:28) How should parents think about their role in their kids’ mental health?
    (12:43) How can men support each other to be more connected fathers?
    (18:42) Why should we embrace being an imperfect parent?
    (20:58) Why is it helpful to think through goals for parenting?
    (22:24) A brief exercise to help us stay focused on what’s most important to us when we’re parenting our children.
    We’d love to hear from you! Send us a note at housecalls@hhs.gov with your feedback & ideas. For more episodes, visit http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/housecalls.

    —

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

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

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdQdZDB5dmo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: World Food Day 2024 – UN Chief Message | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Video message by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on World Food Day (16 october 2024).

    “Something is very wrong with a world in which hunger and malnutrition are a fact of life for billionsof children, women and men.

    On World Food Day, we remind ourselves of the 733 million people who are short of food because ofconflict, marginalization, climate change, poverty and economic downturns — including those whoface the threat of manmade famine in Gaza and Sudan…

    Or the 2.8 billion people who cannot afford a healthy diet — including those who are overweight asglobal obesity rates soar.

    The good news is that a zero-hunger world is possible.

    The 2021 Food Systems Summit set us on a course to tackle the inefficiencies and inequities built intoour food systems.

    Food systems need a massive transformation, with the contributions of businesses, academics,research institutions and civil society, to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable.

    Governments must work with all partners to incentivize the production and sale of healthy, nutritiousfood at affordable prices.

    On World Food Day, let’s step up the fight against hunger and malnutrition.

    Let’s take action to uphold the right to food for a better life and a better future”.

    Website: https://www.fao.org/world-food-day/en

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLarIuxGo6A

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Yemen: call to release all those detained, including 17 UN personnel | UN Security Council Briefing

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Briefing the Security Council today (15 Oct) in New York City, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, called on Ansar Allah “to immediately and unconditionally release all those arbitrarily detained, including 17 United Nations personnel.”

    SE Grundberg said, “in Yemen, Ansar Allah continues to hold UN personnel, civil society workers, and staff of diplomatic missions in arbitrary detention. With all this said, I echo the urgent call of the Secretary-General: an immediate ceasefire and regional de-escalation is needed to halt this widening conflict.”

    He also said that four of those peacekeepers detained are women and one of them is from Grundberg’s team. The Special Envoy said, “I am counting on the support of this Council in sending this clear message.”

    Hans Grundberg also said, “we must acknowledge the immense burden Yemeni women continue to carry in this conflict and recognize their bravery. Yemeni women have been at the forefront in driving peacebuilding efforts for years, and, now more than ever, it is crucial to amplify their voices. I call on all parties to ensure that women are empowered to shape the decisions that will pave the way for lasting peace in Yemen. To support this, my Office, in partnership with UN WOMEN have to date held specific consultations with over 400 Yemeni women and men to advance a vision for an inclusive peace process in Yemen.”

    UN humanitarian affairs acting chief Joyce Msuya echoed the Special Envoy’s message saying, “the potential laying of ‘charges’ against our colleagues is unacceptable.”

    On the humanitarian front, Msuya said, “2024 now marks the deadliest year for migrants crossing the sea between the Horn of Africa and Yemen.”

    In addition to the food crisis, Yemen is battling a devastating cholera otbreak. Msuya said, “hunger continues to rise. In August, the number of people who do not have enough food to eat soared to unprecedented levels. And severe levels of food deprivation have doubled in areas controlled by the Houthi de facto authorities since last year. Cholera also continues to spread. Since March this year, more than 203,000 suspected cases have been reported and more than 720 people have lost their lives. Women and girls account for 53 per cent of cases.”

    Yemen’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Abdullah Ali Fadhel Al-Saadi, said Houthi militias “have been committing the worst human rights violations. They’ve been destroying the lives of children by recruiting them and pushing them to the battlefield. By planting millions of mines, they’ve been pursuing the policy of systematic impoverishment and starvation to humiliate and subjugate Yemenis in areas under their control.”

    He also reiterated a call from the Yemeni government for “relocating the headquarters of UN agencies and headquarters of international organizations to the temporary capital in Aiden to ensure environment that allows the agencies to work affectively and serve those in need.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5oHw16d8Tc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Education Commission Chairman welcomes “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address”

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Education Commission Chairman welcomes “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address”
    Education Commission Chairman welcomes “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address”
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    The following is issued on behalf of the Education Commission:      The Chairman of the Education Commission, Dr David Wong, welcomed the education initiatives announced in “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address” delivered today (October 16).           Dr Wong said, “As the Chairman of the Education Commission, I support the Government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education. To complement the country’s development strategy, the Government strives to develop Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education on all fronts, nurture and attract diversified talent to achieve the goal of building an international hub for high-calibre professionals.           “I support the Education Bureau’s ongoing efforts in leveraging Hong Kong’s edge of a highly international and diversified post-secondary education sector. Through encouraging local institutions to enhance exchanges and collaboration with institutions from around the world, hosting more international education conferences and exhibitions to promote the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ brand on a global scale, and setting up the Hong Kong Future Talents Scholarship Scheme for Advanced Studies, our goal is to establish Hong Kong as an international hub for post-secondary education and enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness.”           He added, “I am pleased that the Government, to complement the national strategy of invigorating the country through science and education, will promote digital education, review the curriculum of junior secondary Science, and support teachers in utilising artificial intelligence for teaching. These efforts will continue to foster STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) education in primary and secondary schools, thereby enhancing Hong Kong’s edge in innovation and technology. Furthermore, the Government is committed to enhancing the language proficiency of our students and strengthening support to achieve a good mastery of English language, Putonghua and other languages to heighten their global competitiveness and broaden their horizons. Additionally, the Government will remain dedicated to promoting national security and patriotic education on all fronts by incorporating elements of Chinese history and national geography into Mainland study tours to foster students’ sense of national identity. To build a high-quality teaching force, the Government will set up the Teacher Professional Development Fund of $2 billion to provide a steady funding source for teacher training and exchange programmes.”           Dr Wong also appreciated the Government’s efforts in enhancing students’ whole-person development and the well-being of teachers and students. This includes further promotion of the 4Rs Mental Health Charter, launch of the “Mental Health Literacy” resource packages, strengthening of teacher training and parent education, and extending and enhancing the Three-Tier School-based Emergency Mechanism, promoting the physical and psychological wellness of students, teachers and parents, and enhancing resilience and cultivating positive thinking among them.           “Education is the cornerstone of social advancement. The Education Commission will continue to render advice and work together with the Government to foster the long-term development of Hong Kong’s education, with a view to cultivating values and nurturing people with quality education. We aim to enable young people to unleash their potential and gain a global perspective, and become visionary, innovative and creative successors with an affection for the motherland and a sense of responsibility towards society, who shall contribute to the new quality productive forces and high-quality development of our country, shaping a better future,” Dr Wong said.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 16, 2024Issued at HKT 18:10

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –