Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Africa: First Lady Erdoğan meets with Pope Leo XIV

    Source: President of Turkiye

    First Lady Emine Erdoğan met with the Spiritual Leader of the Catholic World and Head of the Vatican City State, Pope Leo XIV, during her visit to the Vatican for the “Fraternal Economy Session on Ethical Multilateralism” programme hosted by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.

    The meeting, held at the Vatican Apostolic Palace, addressed the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, efforts to combat climate change, the fight against Islamophobia and racism, and the importance place of family within the society.

    Congratulating Pope Leo XIV on his election to the office a short while ago, Mrs. Erdoğan hoped this would be auspicious for the Christian world.

    During the meeting, which focused on the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza under Israel’s aggression and blockade, First Lady Erdoğan called on the Pope to make sure the Christian world engages in the Gaza issue more strongly with a view to reaching permanent ceasefire and securing the delivery of humanitarian aid.

    First Lady Erdoğan underlined that a two-state solution must be implemented as soon as possible and the number of countries recognizing the State of Palestine must increase in order to establish lasting and sustainable peace in Palestine.

    First Lady Erdoğan also stated that Christians living in the region, whose churches and communities are under constant threat, need to regain their peace, too.

    Also touching on the fight against climate change, First Lady Erdoğan informed Pope Leo XIV about the “Zero Waste” movement, launched in Türkiye and then institutionalized at the United Nations, and added that there is a great potential for cooperation between Türkiye and the Vatican in addressing climate change.

    Drawing attention to the alarming levels Islamophobia, racism and intolerance have reached recently, First Lady Erdoğan stressed the need for gathering the efforts undertaken on these issues around a collective will.

    Different cultures and faiths co-exist in Türkiye peacefully for centuries, First Lady Erdoğan said, adding that Christian communities constitute an inseparable part of Türkiye’s rich mosaic. 

    In a social media post following the meeting, First Lady Erdoğan stated: “During my visit to the Vatican for the ‘Fraternal Economy Session on Ethical Multilateralism’ programme hosted by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, I had the honour of meeting His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the Spiritual Leader of the Catholic World and Head of the Vatican City State.

    During our meeting, we focused on the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

    We discussed the crucial need for the Christian community to adopt a more assertive position in order to secure a lasting ceasefire and guarantee the full provision of humanitarian aid.

    I conveyed our appreciation for the Vatican’s endorsement of the two-state solution, which serves as the basis for a fair and lasting peace in Palestine.

    His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and I also engaged in a conversation regarding the Zero Waste approach, which is a fundamental tenet of our global environmental movement.

    We are in agreement that the climate crisis is a shared concern for all of humanity, irrespective of their faith or region.

    In this context, I have observed that there is significant potential for collaboration between Türkiye and the Vatican in addressing climate change. We assessed our shared areas of collaboration.

    I express my sincere appreciation to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for his generous hospitality and hope that the significant responsibility he has embraced will yield positive outcomes for the Catholic community and all of humanity.”

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: “Our mission is to build the Century of Türkiye with all its magnificence”

    Source: President of Turkiye

    Speaking at “AK Party’s Women Branches Organization Academy Leadership School Camp” event, President Erdoğan said: “Our goal is a great and strong Türkiye. Our mission is to build the Century of Türkiye with all its magnificence. Our compass is our ancient values that make us who we are. Our guide is our nation’s most precious, esteemed will.”

    President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a speech at the “AK Party’s Women Branches Organization Academy Leadership School Camp” event in Ankara.

    Stating that they are a political movement which was emerged from the hearts of the nation, which set out with the prayers of the august Turkish nation and whose hearts are full of the love of serving the country, President Erdoğan said: “Our goal is a great and strong Türkiye. Our mission is to build the Century of Türkiye with all its magnificence. Our compass is our ancient values that make us who we are. Our guide is our nation’s most precious, esteemed will. And our source of strength and inspiration is the entire 86 million with all its individuals, regardless of political parties, ethnic roots, or faiths.”

    Underscoring that they will never give up on serving the nation, defending the national will or working to achieve their goals, President Erdoğan noted: “We will grow Türkiye bigger in economy, foreign policy, trade and other areas, and maintain the activities that will carry our country to much higher levels at the same pace. We will show no weakness in protecting Türkiye’s and our nation’s dignity and prestige.”

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: “All of our 86 million people are our brothers and sisters”

    Source: President of Turkiye

    Speaking at a meeting with the AK Party’s provincial heads, President Erdoğan said: “Our place is with our nation. Whether they vote for us or not, all of our 86 million people are our brothers and sisters, a dear part of our lives.”

    President and Justice and Development (AK) Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a speech during a meeting with the party’s provincial heads in Ankara.

    Stating that they never have and never will be a cadre that disregards the nation or their problems, President Erdoğan said: “Our place is with our nation. Whether they vote for us or not, all of our 86 million people are our brothers and sisters, a dear part of our lives.”

    “We will do what the nation wants. We have always been the companions of the poor, the destitute, the orphans and those in need, not of the elite. We have embraced the poor, the orphans and those in need with sincerity, and endeavored to lift them up. Today, we are doing politics in the same line,” President Erdoğan said.

    “We are want to position Türkiye in the strongest way possible in global politics and eco-politics where the cards are being reshuffled. We are striving for a Türkiye that has completely solved the terror problem, consolidated its internal front, and gotten rid of its baggage and problems. We want to wage this struggle with the widest participation possible,” President Erdoğan said.

    “It is unacceptable that some immoral people who are devoid of the values of this nation and who do not know decency and good manners disrespect our Prophet. It is a clear provocation, a despicable provocation in the guise of humor. Our police and judiciary immediately took action against this hate crime, the magazine in question was confiscated and the necessary processes were initiated. Those who insult our Prophet and other prophets will be held accountable for this before the law, and we will follow up on this,” President Erdoğan said.

    “I especially want our young people to keep their hearts at ease. As long as we are in these offices, we will not allow anyone to insult our sacred values in this country. Everyone should stay away from steps that will put them in a wrong position even though they are right. No young brothers or sisters should let anger cloud their judgement,” President Erdoğan said.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Erdoğan receives Speaker al-Mashhadani of the Iraqi Council of Representatives

    Source: President of Turkiye

    President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan received Speaker of the Council of Representatives of Iraq Mahmoud al-Mashhadani at the Justice and Development (AK) Party Headquarters in Ankara.

    Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (GNAT) Numan Kurtulmuş was also present at the meeting.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Porirua launches Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities Work Programme (ROCC)

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Porirua has officially joined the rollout of the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) work programme – a collaborative, community-led initiative designed to address the social conditions that enable organised crime and to support lasting change for whanau.

    The launch, held at the Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua today (Thursday 3 July) brought together local and national leaders to celebrate the expansion of the programme. Associate Minister of Police, the Honourable Casey Costello formally marked the occasion alongside key partners including Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, Police, and the Greater Wellington Regional Public Service. 

    ROCC supports communities to respond to harm in ways that are locally led, socially grounded and enduring. The programme recognises that enforcement alone is not enough – lasting impact comes from working alongside whānau, iwi, and local organisations to address the drivers of harm.

    Kāpiti-Mana Area Commander Inspector Renée Perkins welcomed the programme as a huge opportunity to make a difference to families and communities impacted by organised crime.

    “We know that that ROCC works and what sets it apart is its commitment to coordinated, wraparound responses – that is Police, iwi, partner agencies and community working side by side.

    “Enforcement is an important part of reducing harm in our communities, but we also know the reality of whānau left behind when a loved one is arrested, or imprisoned. At the heart of the ROCC community plan is building a resilient, strong, and thriving Porirua – which says to whānau, the whole system and community are here to support you through the tough times.

    “ROCC can be a game changer for whānau impacted by organised crime, and for the wider Porirua community,” she said.

    The ROCC in Porirua team is focused on building trust, strengthening local relationships, and supporting sustainable solutions.

    Steve Johnson from Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira said “The most powerful voices shaping ROCC are the voices of lived experience. People who’ve seen addiction tear through their whanau. Who’ve watched their children fall into harm. Who’ve fought their way back from darkness.
    “The people who know what works are the ones who’ve walked the path. That’s why lived experience isn’t just included in ROCC. Its centred,” he said.

    The ROCC Work Programme in Porirua has four key focus areas which have been identified as priorities by the local community:

    • Addressing the social drivers and harms associated with methamphetamine use.
    • Preventing intergenerational harm by disrupting pathways into organised crime. 
    • Persons impacted by methamphetamine and its associated harms.
    • Rangatahi (youth) on the pathway into organised crime (and their families)

    Associate Minister of Police Hon Casey Costello said: “The coalition government is strongly focused on law and order and making our communities safer. We are committed to developing a sustainable funding model for ROCC so that communities are supported to develop responses to organised crime that work for them.”

    She pointed to ROCC’s clear value, in Tauranga and Opotiki where, where ROCC teams helped local communities after enforcement activity targeted gangs and meth supply – pairing law enforcement with on-the-ground social support.

    Porirua’s approach exemplifies the wider ROCC kaupapa: community-led, regionally supported and nationally enabled. It centres community voices and leadership, especially those with lived experience, while building trusted partnerships across agencies.

    The Porirua event was an opportunity to reflect the Porirua community’s perseverance towards long-term, sustainable change and will be embedded in community, led with manaakitanga, and focused on connection and celebration.

    Porirua Community representative Tania Carr says Porirua has never waited to be told what to do—we lead from within. This kaupapa reflects that. It’s grounded in our people, our history, and our belief that real change happens when community leads and agencies walk alongside.

    A central feature of the launch, was the unveiling of a powerful mural, co-designed by local rangatahi and a Porirua based artist. The mural represents resilience, whakapapa, and the strength of the community in the face of adversity. It stands as a visual reminder of the kaupapa behind ROCC – that lasting change is rooted in connection, identity, and hope for the future.

    The event also celebrated the community’s vision for its rangatahi with a dedicated youth event   following the formalities offered a safe, fun environment during the school holidays. The space was designed in response to recent school holiday periods that saw over $70,000 in damage across schools in Porirua – a stark reminder of the need for positive outlets for young people.

    “Sports give rangatahi more than just something to do – it gives them a team, a purpose and a reason to stay on the right track” says Steve Johnson.

    This kind of prevention-focused, community designed solution is exactly what ROCC exists to support. The programme is about responding to harm – but also about creating space for hope, healing, and change.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Opening Remarks by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs At Georgetown University Convocation Ceremony

    Source: Government of Qatar

     

    Mr. Robert Groves, Interim President of Georgetown University

    Mr. Safwan Masri, Dean of Georgetown University in Qatar

    Graduates,

    Distinguished Guests,

    May the peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you,

     

    It is my pleasure to join you this evening for an occasion that embodies what we firmly believe in the State of Qatar: that rigorous education serves as the cornerstone for preparing individuals capable of actively contributing to global stability and development. This gathering is not merely an academic celebration, but also a reflection of our national vision to invest in human capital, considering it the highest value and most precious resource.

    This meaning gains further depth as we celebrate today the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Georgetown University in Qatar, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the founding of Qatar Foundation, serving as a living testament to the steadfast belief that investing in human capital is the pathway to building stable and productive societies, and that shaping the future begins within the university campus and extends to working hours and decision-making processes.

    Ladies and Gentlemen, 

    Our region and the world today are facing unprecedented levels of challenges, ranging from armed conflicts to food crises, climate issues, and geopolitical tensions. In this context, the State of Qatar has remained a reliable partner in efforts to promote security and stability, while maintaining a balance between mediation diplomacy and long-term developmental policies.

    In every step we take, we draw inspiration from the vision of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, which places both education and empowerment at the core of the nation’s development agenda, recognizing their pivotal role in fostering security, stability, and driving growth. Guided by this belief, the government of Qatar treats higher education as a strategic choice to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030, and to build a diverse and sustainable knowledge-based economy. From this perspective, we are committed to establishing qualitative academic partnerships that contribute to graduating distinguished national competencies and enhance Qatar’s position as a leading regional hub in the fields of knowledge and.

    We believe that knowledge is a beacon that guides all, but the true difference lies in how that knowledge is harnessed to create meaningful impact. That is why we view qualitative academic partnerships—such as our partnership with Georgetown University—not merely as agreements, but as bridges that connect the present to the future, and the local to the global. They are not just contracts, but a shared commitment to creating a positive impact in the world.

    I also commend the Executive Master’s Program in Diplomacy and International Affairs, which has been specifically designed to prepare Qatari diplomatic cadres capable of bridging academic knowledge with practical skills in the field of international politics. It serves as a living example of the integration between national needs and global academic expertise, directly reflecting on the performance of state institutions, both domestically and internationally.

    Graduates of both Genders, 

    Today, you stand at the threshold of a new phase, one that extends beyond transitioning from lecture halls to professional domains. It requires you to be active contributors in shaping a world that is more equitable, understanding, and interconnected. This academic institution has equipped you with analytical tools, critical thinking methodologies, and the skills to engage in a world characterized by diverse voices and challenges.

    Allow me to say—years ago, I stood where you stand today, filled with the same enthusiasm, the same existential questions, and the same boundless ambition. At that time, I believed the path ahead was clear and the facts were immutable. However, over time, I came to realize that life is far more complex than any academic equation, and I learned that adhering to principles does not equate to rigidity, and that striking a balance between aspiration and reality is the key to sustainability.

    You may encounter setbacks, moments of doubt, or a feeling that the way ahead is longer than anticipated. Do not fear such moments; as it is through them that vision is refined, character is shaped, and the leader is distinguished from the ordinary ones.

    I urge you today to hold the fear of God in your conscience and let your guiding principle be the service of the nation and its people. Maintain your faith in yourselves, do not relinquish your passion, and do not allow pressures to extinguish the spirit of hope within you. You are the generation upon which we rely to craft new visions and create meaningful impact. Remember that the nation and its leadership stand behind you with confidence, and that you are not merely heading towards jobs, but towards positions where decisions are made and bridges are built.

    In an era marked by accelerating transformations and deepening crises, from the tragedy in Gaza to regional tensions, Qatar reaffirms its unwavering commitment to mediation and diplomacy as a means to safeguard civilians and advance political solutions. It has proven that dialogue is an effective alternative to conflict, that credibility is built through consistent action, and that you are now part of this trajectory—a generation that believes in knowledge and works towards responsible change.

    Ladies and Gentlemen, 

    We take pride today in having graduates from more than forty nationalities, embodying our commitment to cross-cultural education and creating an inclusive academic environment. We also celebrate the milestone of reaching one thousand (1,000) university graduates in Qatar, an achievement that reflects a qualitative accumulation in building human capital, which we consider a developmental priority. We call for investing this capital in initiatives that serve our national priorities and enhance our responsible engagement with the world.

    In conclusion, I extend my congratulations to you and your families on this achievement that we commemorate today, not merely as an academic success, but as a testament to your readiness to contribute to shaping the future. 

    You do not represent individual accomplishments; rather, you are part of a larger national project that believes in the principle that human capital is the most significant investment, and that building the future begins with qualified minds and conscientious hearts. 

    Maintain your passion for knowledge and your willingness to shoulder responsibility.

    May God bless you and guide your steps.

    May the Peace, Mercy, and blessings of God be upon you,

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Affirms Importance of Innovative Financing, Effective Partnerships to Achieve SDGs

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Seville, July 01, 2025

    HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad affirmed the importance of innovative financing and effective partnerships in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Her Excellency emphasised HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s directives to make development as an investment in security, stability, and human dignity.

    This came in the State of Qatar’s statement delivered by HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation during a high-level event organized by Qatar Fund for Development, titled “Innovative Financing for Sustainable Development: Addressing Gaps and Scaling Solutions” held on the sidelines of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain.

    Her Excellency noted that the State of Qatar hosted the Second International Conference on Financing for Development in 2008, and has since remained an active participant in all international and regional conferences on development financing. This reflects Qatar’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation and contributing to global efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals, HE added.

    The State of Qatar continues to implement its sustainable development agenda, “Qatar National Vision 2030,” which has focused since 2008 on human development, social development, economic development, and environmental development, HE said, noting that, in early 2024, Qatar launched the third phase of its National Development Strategy, aimed at advancing the creation of a healthy society, building a diversified and sustainable knowledge-based economy, enhancing environmental sustainability, and strengthening the role of the family as the foundation of society.

    Her Excellency underlined that, given today’s global challenges, there is a pressing need to reinforce multilateral action and international cooperation, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, while working to maintain international peace and security. HE also underscored the importance of reforming international financial structures, harnessing science, technology, and innovation, and prioritizing innovative solutions capable of making rapid and impactful change to help bring efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals back on track, particularly in developing and least developed countries.

    An effective role is expected from the United Nations and its specialized agencies in supporting member states’ efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and protect human rights, Her Excellency said, stressing the State of Qatar’s support for the UN Secretary-General’s reform initiative (UN80 Initiative).

    HE Minister of State for International Cooperation expressed the State of Qatar’s pride in its productive international and regional partnerships, including its long-standing and multifaceted cooperation with the United Nations, aimed at advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in developing and least developed countries.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump announces trade deal with Vietnam

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

    U.S. President Donald Trump announced on his social media platform Truth Social that he has just made a trade deal with Vietnam after speaking with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee.

    “It will be a Great Deal of Cooperation between our two Countries. The Terms are that Vietnam will pay the United States a 20 percent Tariff on any and all goods sent into our Territory, and a 40 percent Tariff on any Transshipping,” he wrote.

    In return, Vietnam will do something that it has never done before, namely give the United States total access to its markets for trade, his post said.

    Vietnam will “OPEN THEIR MARKET TO THE UNITED STATES,” meaning that “we will be able to sell our product into Vietnam at ZERO Tariff,” wrote Trump.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Microsoft to lay off over 9,000 employees

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

    Microsoft said Wednesday that it will lay off about 9,100 employees, which will be the largest layoff since 2023.

    According to local media reports, the move will affect less than 4 percent of its global workforce, which totals about 228,000 employees.

    Microsoft has had several rounds of layoffs this year, including a nearly one-percent cut of employees in January, a layoff of over 6,000 in May and at least 300 more in June.

    For the quarter ending March 31, Microsoft’s revenue was reported as 70.07 billion U.S. dollars, representing a 13-percent increase year-over-year, which exceeded analysts’ expectations. The company’s net income also surpassed estimates, reaching 25.82 billion dollars, or 3.46 dollars per share.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Chelsea sign Brazil striker Joao Pedro from Brighton

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

    Chelsea has completed the signing of Brazilian striker Joao Pedro from Brighton as the club continues its summer spending spree.

    The 23-year-old joins from Brighton for a fee of 60 million pounds (81.5 million U.S. dollars) and has agreed an eight-year contract.

    He has flown from Brazil to the United States to join up with the Chelsea squad currently competing in the FIFA Club World Cup and could make his debut in the quarter-final tie against Palmeiras.

    “Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history,” said Pedro. “They had brilliant players in the past and have brilliant players now, so I am excited to join and you know when you are a Chelsea player you must think one thing – win,” he commented on the Chelsea website. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite signs new 5-year deal

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

    Everton has been given a boost ahead of the pre-season training with the news that England defender Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new five-year contract until the end of June 2030.

    Chelsea’s Armando Broja (L) is challenged by Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite during the English Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea in Liverpool, Britain, on Dec. 10, 2023. (Xinhua)

    The 23-year-old’s previous deal was due to expire in June 2027 and his impressive displays had attracted attention from several major clubs, such as Tottenham and Chelsea and had even been linked with Real Madrid.

    The new deal assures his future at Everton as the Liverpool-based outfit prepares to start life at its new Everton Stadium.

    “I’m over the moon,” said the defender, who has played 86 times for Everton.

    “It’s been something we’ve been talking about since the end of the season, and to get it signed now is something I’m really excited about.”

    “The trust the club’s put in me and how many games I’ve played over the past two seasons has made it quite an easy decision for me to stay and to keep progressing as a player,” explained Branthwaite.

    “Moving to the new stadium together and having that first game at home is something we’re all looking forward to. We want to go again and push for a good season,” he added.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Woltemade goes off-grid as Bayern-Stuttgart transfer saga grows

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

    As speculation swirls over his future, Germany’s breakout football star Nick Woltemade has taken a step back – literally disappearing from the public eye while on vacation with his family.

    Nick Woltemade (L) of VfB Stuttgart vies with Kim Min-Jae of Bayern Munich during the first division of Bundesliga match between VfB Stuttgart and Bayern Munich in Stuttgart, Germany, Feb. 28, 2025. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)

    The 23-year-old Stuttgart striker, whose rise from squad player to national team member has been one of the most remarkable stories in German football over the past year, is now at the center of a high-profile transfer battle between Stuttgart and Bayern Munich.

    While media reports continue to speculate on the transfer fee, Woltemade’s departure from Stuttgart appears increasingly inevitable, despite his status as a fan favorite at the club.

    Bayern’s interest in the forward was leaked two weeks ago, drawing criticism and casting sporting director Max Eberl and the Bavarian club in an unflattering light for prematurely unsettling the player before the official opening of the transfer window on July 1.

    Having failed in pursuits of players like Florian Wirtz, Jamie Gittens, Nico Williams and Bradley Barcola, Bayern now appears determined to land Woltemade. German media reports suggest the player and Bayern have already reached a personal agreement on a contract through 2029, worth a reported 7.5 million euros (8.8 million U.S. dollars) annually plus bonuses.

    Woltemade remains under contract with Stuttgart until 2028, adding another layer of complexity to the negotiations.

    Former German international and Stuttgart legend Karl-Heinz Forster offered a candid assessment, telling local media: “As hard as it might sound for Stuttgart, Woltemade is going to leave.”

    Woltemade’s meteoric rise has been one of the most talked-about stories in German football. After joining Stuttgart as a free agent from Werder Bremen in the summer of 2024, he quickly became a key figure, culminating in finishing last month’s UEFA U21 European Championship as top goalscorer.

    Bayern views Woltemade as a long-term successor to veteran forward Thomas Muller. Bayern coach Vincent Kompany reportedly outlined the club’s plans for him during a recent video call.

    While Bayern continues its campaign at the FIFA Club World Cup, with a quarterfinal against Paris Saint-Germain scheduled for Saturday, Eberl has returned to Europe to finalize talks with Stuttgart.

    Direct negotiations between the two clubs reportedly began after the transfer window officially opened on Tuesday. With the window running until September 1, Woltemade is expected to return from his holiday to find clarity on where he will be playing next season. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Sunderland sign midfielder Diarra in club record deal

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

    Newly promoted Sunderland has spent a club record 30 million pounds (41 million U.S. dollars) to sign Senegal midfielder Habib Diarra from French club Strasbourg as it prepares for life in the Premier League.

    Diarra moves to the northeast of England to help replace Jobe Bellingham, who joined Borussia Dortmund at the end of last season.

    The 21-year-old has agreed a five-year contract with Sunderland after making 31 appearances for Strasbourg last season, as the club, which is coached by Liam Rosenior finished seventh in Ligue 1 and qualified to play in Europe for just the second time in 20 years.

    “I’m happy and excited to become a Black Cat (Sunderland’s nickname) and I can’t wait to discover the Stadium of Light and its fans,” said Diarra on the club website.

    “Everyone saw last season’s success and I guarantee that I’ll give everything for this team and fight for these colors in the Premier League. I’m ready for this challenge and I can’t wait to get started,” he added.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Wandering animals posing hazards on the roads

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    A spate of incidents of animals found wandering on southern highways recently has the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) urging people to be vigilant about supervision and containment of livestock or pets.

    Sometimes it is wild animals such as deer also creating hazards on the highways, says NZTA maintenance contract manager Justin Reid.

    “There have been a number of recent incidents of livestock or other animals loose on Southland highways, and highways across the wider South Island, which have served as a reminder of the risks this can pose,” Mr Reid says.

    “Now that winter is here, the risk is greater when the days are shorter and visibility is reduced. The potential for serious injury or death is high when a vehicle collides at speed with one of these animals or takes evasive action to avoid a collision.”

    Owners may be held responsible when it comes to any damage caused by their animals.

    Police say it is considered an emergency when animals such as livestock are found on the road in uncontrolled circumstances, and people should call 111 to report it.

    “In the case of livestock, we would strongly encourage owners or managers to be mindful of their supervision, regularly checking their fences, and taking extra care when moving stock,” Mr Reid says.

    “Sometimes it will be beyond peoples’ control when an animal gets loose due to the actions of others or unforeseen circumstances, but it’s all about trying to reduce the potential for harm.”

    The impacts of wandering stock on motorists can be profound and long-lasting. Check out one person’s story in this short video, which also features Federated Farmers, police and FENZ on what people need to know about this issue

    Watch video(external link)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Getting from A to B in Piarere

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    People travelling between the Bay of Plenty and the Waikato will be able to get where they’re going sooner, with the speed limit lifting this morning at the new roundabout at the intersection of State Highways 1 and 29.

    After 17 months of construction, the bulk of the work on the SH1/29 roundabout and approach roads in Piarere is complete, meaning it’s now safe for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to lift the speed limit to 100km/h.  

    “Lifting the temporary speed limit is a major milestone. We’ve come over the hill and the finish line for this project is now in sight,” says Acting Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Darryl Coalter. 

    Construction got underway in January 2024, and Mr Coalter says work is on track to be completed in August this year. 

    “Our project team and contractors understand just how important this new roundabout is for people who use the road on a daily basis and have been dedicated to completing it as efficiently as possible.” 

    People will continue to see activity over the next few weeks, including landscaping (around 200,000 plants will be in by the end of July) and finishing touches will be applied to the underpasses. 

    Final road surfacing works are also anticipated in July, likely to be carried out at night, with details to be confirmed closer to the time. These works would require a temporary reduced speed limit, before the limit will be reinstated to 100km/h again. 

    The 60-metre roundabout is designed to improve efficiency, connectivity, and safety on this very important high-volume route. It has also been constructed to allow connection with the future expressway between Cambridge and Piarere.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH2 Waikare Bailey bridge to be replaced with wider, stronger, quieter bridge

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Work begins later this month (from Monday 28 July) preparing to replace the temporary Bailey bridge on State Highway 2 at Waikare Gorge, with a wider, stronger temporary bridge.

    SH2, between Pūtōrino and the northern side of Waikare Gorge, will close for a 24-hour period from 10am Saturday 30 August to 10am Sunday 31 August while the Bailey bridge is removed and the new bridge is lifted into place.

    Prior to this closure, SH2 will be reduced to one lane between the Bailey bridge and King’s Bridge, from late July, for construction work off to the side of the road. King’s Bridge is approximately 150m south of the Bailey bridge. Stop/go traffic management will be in place during this time and we ask road users to be aware of the new layout and expect delays.

    That construction work will involve building a crane platform and putting the new steel bridge together, before it can be installed during the 24-hour road closure.

    The new bridge, known as an Acrow bridge, is similar to the current Bailey bridge but it will be 1 metre wider (accommodating vehicles up to 4.2m wide) and have more capacity for HPMV and most over-dimensional vehicles. It will have a chipseal surface and is expected to be quieter than the current Bailey bridge.

    The Acrow bridge will remain in use until the Waikare Gorge realignment project is complete.

    Principal Project Manager Richard Bayley says the new bridge will remain single lane however, it will better support the local freight industry and improve safety for everyone.

    “During the closure, a crane will be used to swap the bridges over – taking the Bailey bridge off its piles and lowering the Acrow bridge into place. Crews will then deconstruct the Bailey bridge off to the side of the road, before the parts are removed from site.

    “We know a full closure like this is very disruptive which is why we’re planning this work on a weekend to reduce the impact on people who travel during the weekdays, like commuters, freight and school kids. 

    “We value the support from the community in the area and from road users. We’re confident this new wider, stronger, quieter bridge will make travel through the area easier for more people.”

    Next steps

    Following the 24-hour full closure, there will be an additional 3 nights of closures, to focus on widening the north and south bound approaches to the new bridge. These will be Sunday 31 August, Monday 1 September and Tuesday 2 September, 9pm to 5am each night.

    This work is weather dependent. The contingency dates for the full 24-hour closure is the following weekend (starting Saturday 6 September), with the night closures following this. If weather delays this contingency date, the next contingency is the following weekend (starting Saturday 13 September).

    Note that there will be no access for emergency services during the full 24-hour closure. However, emergency services will be assisted through the night closures.

    Background

    Installed in May 2023 after Cyclone Gabrielle destroyed the old bridge, the single lane Waikare Bailey bridge reinstated connection along SH2. It was only a short-term solution with a 2-year design life and is restricted to General Access and 50MAX vehicles.

    Acrow bridges have a 5-year design life, have a higher load capacity, and can accommodate more vehicle types. The Acrow bridge will serve as an interim upgrade to maintain access, and support traffic and project construction needs until the Waikare Gorge realignment is completed.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Beat team for Rotorua and one year anniversary of Community Beat Teams

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Rotorua has a team of six Police starting on the beat across the CBD.

    “Rotorua is launching their first beat team and later in the quarter we will see other beat teams operating across the Bay of Plenty and other districts,” says Police Commissioner Richard Chambers.

    The city becomes the fifth to have a dedicated beat team.

    “The public and retailers have welcomed the beat teams in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch and other centres will benefit from them too. A beat team has also just been launched in New Plymouth.

    “We know that certain crime types have gone down in the areas beat teams operate. That shows the impact visible policing has. We want to see other communities experience that too.

    “While the results from the first year of beat teams are encouraging, it is also clear ongoing focus is needed to drive down theft and violent crime. This remains a priority for Police,” says Commissioner Chambers.

    Crime reductions by beat location of the last 12 months to April 2025 compared with previous 12 months:

    • Auckland has seen a reduction in assault by 9%, theft by 21%, and robbery by 25%
    • Wellington has seen a reduction in sexual assault by 21%, robbery by 22% and unlawful entry by 7%
    • Christchurch has seen a huge reduction in robbery of 67%, unlawful entry by 29% and sexual assault by 16%.

    “It’s great to see hard work from our staff is paying off and I expect to see similar results around the country as more teams roll out,” says Commissioner Chambers.

    The three new beat teams have done 14,108 hours of foot patrols on the beat since starting in July last year to end of April this year. This is an increase of 189% from the same period in 2023-2024.

    Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson says it’s great to be starting a team in Rotorua.

    “We have already done a lot of work with our partners over the recent years to improve safety in our city. With the Rotorua Lakes Council and Māori wardens we created a CBD safety plan that has already shown results for the people and businesses in our city.

    “Now we’ll have a beat team to support this ongoing work to keep our residents, retailers, and businesses safe.”

    “We all know we face some complex issues in our city which require a joint approach of agencies, iwi, and community groups working together to solve them. For our part, we want to ensure everyone who comes into our city feels safe – whether they live here, work here, or are visiting. I’m feeling really excited about having our team in place and I’m already looking forward to the next teams we’ll roll out,” says Superintendent Anderson.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 7.2.25

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jul 2, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:
     
    Tamie McGowen, of Folsom, has been appointed Senior Advisor for Strategy and Operations for the California State Transportation Agency. McGowen has been Deputy Secretary of Communications at the California State Transportation Agency since 2023. McGowan held multiple positions at the California Department of Transportation from 1992 to 2023, including Acting Deputy Secretary for California State Transportation Agency Communications, Assistant Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Division Chief of Public Affairs, Deputy Advisor and Administrative Services Manager, Deputy Advisor/Resource Manager, and Resource Manager of Civil Rights. McGowen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from California State University, Sacramento. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $195,708. McGowen is registered without party preference.

    Christina Mun, of Alameda, has been appointed Deputy Secretary of Housing Finance at the California Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency. Mun was Chief Strategy Officer for LeSar Holdings from 2023 to 2025. She held multiple positions at the City of Oakland Housing and Community Development Department from 2020 to 2023 including Interim Director, Deputy Director, and Chief of Staff. Mun was Multifamily Lending Senior Project Manager for City and County of San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development from 2019 to 2020. She was Associate Director of Policy and Portfolio Analytics for New York City Housing Development Corporation from 2017 to 2019. Mun was Senior Project Manager for the Division of Strategic Planning for New York City Housing Preservation and Development from 2015 to 2017. She was an Acquisitions Project Manager for Resources for Community Development from 2013 to 2015. Mun was a Development Project Manager for John Stewart Company from 2009 to 2013. She was an Associate Consultant for Bay Area Economics from 2000 to 2004. Mun is a board member of East Bay Housing Organizations and serves on the ULI San Francisco Housing the Bay Steering Committee. She earned a Master of Arts in Urban Planning from the University of California, Berkeley and a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from the University of California, San Diego. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $191,112. Mun is a Democrat.

    Joelle Ball-Straight, of Elk Grove, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director at the California Workforce Development Board. Ball-Straight has been Deputy Director of Program Implementation and Regional Support at the California Workforce Development Board since 2018, where she was Acting Deputy Director of Program Implementation and Regional Support from 2016 to 2018. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Sacramento. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $159,660. Ball-Straight is registered with no party preference. 

    Alison Saltonstall, of Citrus Heights, has been appointed to the California Court Reporters Board. Alison has been a Court Reporter at Sacramento Superior Court since 2017. She currently is the President of the Sacramento Official Court Reporters Association and the on board of United Public Employees, representing the Court Reporters’ unit. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Alison is registered without a party preference.       
     
    Heatherlynn Gonzalez, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the California Court Reporters Board. Gonzalez has been a Certified Shorthand Reporter since 2011. She is a member of the California Deposition Reporters Association. Gonzalez earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts and Communication/Music Composition and Theory from Whittier College. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Gonzalez is a Democrat.        

    Roy Mathur, of Hercules, has been appointed to Board of Pilot Commissioners for the Bays of San Francisco, San Pablo, and Suisun. Mathur has been Captain and Wharf Master for PBF Energy – Martinez Refining Company since 2015. He was Oil Spill Specialist for the Office of Spill Prevention and Response for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife from 2004 to 2015. Mathur was Marine Terminal Specialist for the State Lands Commission from 1995 to 2004. He was Superintendent and Terminal Operations Manager for SSA Terminals from 1994 to 1995. Mathur was Master Mariner for Great Eastern Shipping Company from 1979 to 1994. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Maritime Studies from the LBS College of Advanced Maritime Studies and Research. This position requires Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Mathur is a Democrat.

    Steven Panelli, of San Mateo, has been reappointed to the Contractors State Licensing Board, where he has served since 2021. Panelli has had multiple positions at the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection since 2005, including Chief Plumbing Inspector and Senior Plumbing Inspector. He is President of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and member of UA Local 38. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Panelli is registered without party preference.        

    Henry Nutt III, of American Canyon, has been reappointed to the Contractors State Licensing Board where he has served since 2024. Nutt has been a Preconstruction Executive for Southland Industries since 2019 and a Sheet Metal General Superintendent for Southland Industries since 2007. He is a member of Lean Construction Institute, Associated General Contractors of American, and Associated General Contractors of California. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Nutt is a Democrat.       

    Alan Guy, of Lafayette, has been reappointed to the Contractors State Licensing Board, where he has served since 2022. Guy has been Chief Executive Officer and President of Anvil Builders Inc. since 2010. He was Project Manager at Webcor Builders Inc from 2005 to 2009. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Davis. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Guy is a Republican.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of California Highway Patrol Officer Miguel Cano:“Officer Miguel Cano dedicated his life to serving our communities, and his passing is a heartbreaking loss for the state and…

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom is more than doubling the state’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program, and adding 16 new television projects that will generate $1.1 billion in new economic activity. BURBANK – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom joined labor…

    News SACRAMENTO — Republicans spent the last 6 months fearmongering that gasoline prices would “increase by 65 cents on July 1.” Did that happen?The answer: NoIn fact, in California, gasoline prices at the pump (on average) are cheaper than yesterday, cheaper than it…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: USS PEARL HARBOR (LSD 52) Sailors man the rails as the ship departs for Pacific Partnership 2025 [Image 1 of 6]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on


    U.S. Navy Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate Jesus Hernandez, from Tulare, California, oversees line handling operations aboard the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) on Jun. 30, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Alexander Bussman)

    Date Taken: 06.29.2025
    Date Posted: 07.02.2025 20:48
    Photo ID: 9146170
    VIRIN: 250630-N-RW505-1334
    Resolution: 5568×3712
    Size: 7.08 MB
    Location: US

    Web Views: 0
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: USS PEARL HARBOR (LSD 52) Sailors man the rails as the ship departs for Pacific Partnership 2025 [Image 1 of 6]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on


    U.S. Navy Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate Jesus Hernandez, from Tulare, California, oversees line handling operations aboard the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) on Jun. 30, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Alexander Bussman)

    Date Taken: 06.29.2025
    Date Posted: 07.02.2025 20:48
    Photo ID: 9146170
    VIRIN: 250630-N-RW505-1334
    Resolution: 5568×3712
    Size: 7.08 MB
    Location: US

    Web Views: 0
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: USS PEARL HARBOR (LSD 52) Sailors man the rails as the ship departs for Pacific Partnership 2025 [Image 4 of 6]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on


    U.S. Navy Sailors conduct line handling operations aboard the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) on Jun. 30, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Alexander Bussman)

    Date Taken: 06.29.2025
    Date Posted: 07.02.2025 20:48
    Photo ID: 9146184
    VIRIN: 250630-N-RW505-1349
    Resolution: 5035×3357
    Size: 7.6 MB
    Location: US

    Web Views: 0
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: USS PEARL HARBOR (LSD 52) Sailors man the rails as the ship departs for Pacific Partnership 2025 [Image 4 of 6]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on


    U.S. Navy Sailors conduct line handling operations aboard the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) on Jun. 30, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Alexander Bussman)

    Date Taken: 06.29.2025
    Date Posted: 07.02.2025 20:48
    Photo ID: 9146184
    VIRIN: 250630-N-RW505-1349
    Resolution: 5035×3357
    Size: 7.6 MB
    Location: US

    Web Views: 0
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-Evening Report: Homes are more than walls and a roof, especially for Indigenous people. It’s time housing policy reflects that

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Giles Gunesekera, PhD Researcher, University of Technology Sydney

    Australia is experiencing a housing crisis. But for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the challenge runs deeper than high rents and limited supply. A major problem is that housing in Australia is rarely designed with Indigenous communities in mind.

    In 2021, roughly 13% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander households faced unmet housing needs. This equated to around 45,700 low-income Indigenous households lacking suitable accommodation.

    Overcrowding remains a significant issue, with only 81.4% of Indigenous Australians living in appropriately sized housing in 2021, falling short of the 88% target set for 2031 under Closing The Gap.

    Cultural obligations, such as caring for extended family and accommodating kinship networks, are often at odds with standard tenancy agreements that limit guest numbers and occupancy terms.

    These mismatches contribute to stress, overcrowding and, in some cases, eviction.

    Housing that works

    Housing is often described as a human right. In reality, housing policy is shaped by market forces, supply targets and regulatory compliance. While these may meet administrative goals, they frequently fail to reflect the cultural, social and emotional needs of First Nations people.

    But there are programs that work.

    Our research examines how community-led, culturally safe housing can support long-term improvements in health, stability and inclusion for Indigenous and marginalised communities

    One compelling example is the Ngalang Moort Wangkiny project in Western Australia. Led by Aboriginal researchers, this project explored the experiences of Aboriginal families living in social housing. Through yarning circles, tenants shared how housing design and tenancy rules often work against their cultural needs.

    Many homes are built for small families and do not accommodate extended kinship networks. Tenancy agreements may limit guests or require the names of all residents.

    These arrangements create tension for Aboriginal families who have a strong cultural obligation to care for relatives and host kin. Policies that ignore these responsibilities are stressful and often produce in unsuitable results.

    The research demonstrated many of these issues can be avoided through co-design. Aboriginal families who are involved in planning, decision-making and service delivery are more likely to experience positive housing outcomes. They feel a sense of safety, support and community ownership.

    With models like these, housing can be a stable foundation, not a point of vulnerability.

    The benefits of culturally safe housing extend beyond comfort or cultural fit. Evidence shows strong links between stable housing and improvements in education, employment and health.

    People who feel respected and secure in their homes are more likely to access services, remain in school and sustain employment.

    Planning with, not planning for

    Across Australia, Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) are at the forefront of culturally safe housing.

    These organisations are governed by Aboriginal communities and grounded in local knowledge and values. In housing, they provide tenancy support, manage properties, and deliver wraparound services such as mental health care and employment programs.

    Some receive government support.

    Many of these organisations continue to operate under pressure. Funding is often short-term, rigid and inconsistent, with recent findings showing governments are leaving the financial heavy lifting to under-resourced Aboriginal groups.

    But policies are designed remotely with little input from communities. Tenancy frameworks still reflect assumptions based on Western models of home life, which may not align with Indigenous ways of living.

    Standard house layouts with separate, enclosed rooms may not support communal living or outdoor gathering spaces that are central to many Indigenous households.

    Addressing these gaps requires national policy reform recognising housing as essential social infrastructure. Long-term funding, flexible tenancy arrangements and support for Indigenous-led organisations would all help.

    A more inclusive planning system would ensure co-design becomes standard practice rather than the exception.

    Doing more to meet goals

    We can also draw valuable lessons from international models.

    Globally, community land trusts have enabled low-income and racially marginalised communities to secure long-term control of housing and land.

    These trusts work by holding land in a nonprofit trust while allowing residents to own or rent homes on it through long-term, renewable leases. This structure removes land from the speculative market, keeps housing costs stable and ensures decisions remain in the hands of the local community.

    In Chile, the Half a House model gives families a solid, expandable foundation to grow their homes as their resources allow.

    A growing number of Australian policymakers have acknowledged this need for change. The National Agreement on Closing the Gap includes targets for improved housing outcomes and increased community control.

    The 2024 Implementation Plan outlines steps toward reducing overcrowding and strengthening Aboriginal-controlled service delivery.

    Turning these goals into practice requires sustained effort. Indigenous communities must be seen as partners in decision-making, not simply as service recipients. Their insights and lived experiences should shape every stage of the housing process.

    Uniform solutions will not meet diverse local needs. Place-based approaches, developed in collaboration with communities, are essential.

    Housing is more than shelter. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, it is a space to practise culture, strengthen kinship, and pass on knowledge. It is where identity is lived and preserved.

    Proven models already exist. Communities across Australia are leading the way. What is required now is a policy environment that listens, invests and follows their lead.

    Giles Gunesekera OAM works for Global Impact Initiative, an organisation that constructs impact investments with the dual focus of sustainable financial return and measurable, actionable, social impact.

    Dr Allan Teale receives funding from UTS.
    In 2023, he received a Churchill Fellowship that enabled him to travel to Canada and the United States to study Indigenous community housing. My report can be found at this link: https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/fellow/allan-teale-nsw-2022/

    ref. Homes are more than walls and a roof, especially for Indigenous people. It’s time housing policy reflects that – https://theconversation.com/homes-are-more-than-walls-and-a-roof-especially-for-indigenous-people-its-time-housing-policy-reflects-that-259147

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: Homes are more than walls and a roof, especially for Indigenous people. It’s time housing policy reflects that

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Giles Gunesekera, PhD Researcher, University of Technology Sydney

    Australia is experiencing a housing crisis. But for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the challenge runs deeper than high rents and limited supply. A major problem is that housing in Australia is rarely designed with Indigenous communities in mind.

    In 2021, roughly 13% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander households faced unmet housing needs. This equated to around 45,700 low-income Indigenous households lacking suitable accommodation.

    Overcrowding remains a significant issue, with only 81.4% of Indigenous Australians living in appropriately sized housing in 2021, falling short of the 88% target set for 2031 under Closing The Gap.

    Cultural obligations, such as caring for extended family and accommodating kinship networks, are often at odds with standard tenancy agreements that limit guest numbers and occupancy terms.

    These mismatches contribute to stress, overcrowding and, in some cases, eviction.

    Housing that works

    Housing is often described as a human right. In reality, housing policy is shaped by market forces, supply targets and regulatory compliance. While these may meet administrative goals, they frequently fail to reflect the cultural, social and emotional needs of First Nations people.

    But there are programs that work.

    Our research examines how community-led, culturally safe housing can support long-term improvements in health, stability and inclusion for Indigenous and marginalised communities

    One compelling example is the Ngalang Moort Wangkiny project in Western Australia. Led by Aboriginal researchers, this project explored the experiences of Aboriginal families living in social housing. Through yarning circles, tenants shared how housing design and tenancy rules often work against their cultural needs.

    Many homes are built for small families and do not accommodate extended kinship networks. Tenancy agreements may limit guests or require the names of all residents.

    These arrangements create tension for Aboriginal families who have a strong cultural obligation to care for relatives and host kin. Policies that ignore these responsibilities are stressful and often produce in unsuitable results.

    The research demonstrated many of these issues can be avoided through co-design. Aboriginal families who are involved in planning, decision-making and service delivery are more likely to experience positive housing outcomes. They feel a sense of safety, support and community ownership.

    With models like these, housing can be a stable foundation, not a point of vulnerability.

    The benefits of culturally safe housing extend beyond comfort or cultural fit. Evidence shows strong links between stable housing and improvements in education, employment and health.

    People who feel respected and secure in their homes are more likely to access services, remain in school and sustain employment.

    Planning with, not planning for

    Across Australia, Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) are at the forefront of culturally safe housing.

    These organisations are governed by Aboriginal communities and grounded in local knowledge and values. In housing, they provide tenancy support, manage properties, and deliver wraparound services such as mental health care and employment programs.

    Some receive government support.

    Many of these organisations continue to operate under pressure. Funding is often short-term, rigid and inconsistent, with recent findings showing governments are leaving the financial heavy lifting to under-resourced Aboriginal groups.

    But policies are designed remotely with little input from communities. Tenancy frameworks still reflect assumptions based on Western models of home life, which may not align with Indigenous ways of living.

    Standard house layouts with separate, enclosed rooms may not support communal living or outdoor gathering spaces that are central to many Indigenous households.

    Addressing these gaps requires national policy reform recognising housing as essential social infrastructure. Long-term funding, flexible tenancy arrangements and support for Indigenous-led organisations would all help.

    A more inclusive planning system would ensure co-design becomes standard practice rather than the exception.

    Doing more to meet goals

    We can also draw valuable lessons from international models.

    Globally, community land trusts have enabled low-income and racially marginalised communities to secure long-term control of housing and land.

    These trusts work by holding land in a nonprofit trust while allowing residents to own or rent homes on it through long-term, renewable leases. This structure removes land from the speculative market, keeps housing costs stable and ensures decisions remain in the hands of the local community.

    In Chile, the Half a House model gives families a solid, expandable foundation to grow their homes as their resources allow.

    A growing number of Australian policymakers have acknowledged this need for change. The National Agreement on Closing the Gap includes targets for improved housing outcomes and increased community control.

    The 2024 Implementation Plan outlines steps toward reducing overcrowding and strengthening Aboriginal-controlled service delivery.

    Turning these goals into practice requires sustained effort. Indigenous communities must be seen as partners in decision-making, not simply as service recipients. Their insights and lived experiences should shape every stage of the housing process.

    Uniform solutions will not meet diverse local needs. Place-based approaches, developed in collaboration with communities, are essential.

    Housing is more than shelter. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, it is a space to practise culture, strengthen kinship, and pass on knowledge. It is where identity is lived and preserved.

    Proven models already exist. Communities across Australia are leading the way. What is required now is a policy environment that listens, invests and follows their lead.

    Giles Gunesekera OAM works for Global Impact Initiative, an organisation that constructs impact investments with the dual focus of sustainable financial return and measurable, actionable, social impact.

    Dr Allan Teale receives funding from UTS.
    In 2023, he received a Churchill Fellowship that enabled him to travel to Canada and the United States to study Indigenous community housing. My report can be found at this link: https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/fellow/allan-teale-nsw-2022/

    ref. Homes are more than walls and a roof, especially for Indigenous people. It’s time housing policy reflects that – https://theconversation.com/homes-are-more-than-walls-and-a-roof-especially-for-indigenous-people-its-time-housing-policy-reflects-that-259147

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: Antarctic research is in decline, and the timing couldn’t be worse

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Leane, Professor of Antarctic Studies, School of Humanities, University of Tasmania

    Oleksandr Matsibura/Shutterstock

    Ice loss in Antarctica and its impact on the planet – sea level rise, changes to ocean currents and disturbance of wildlife and food webs – has been in the news a lot lately. All of these threats were likely on the minds of the delegates to the annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, which finishes up today in Milan, Italy.

    This meeting is where decisions are made about the continent’s future. These decisions rely on evidence from scientific research. Moreover, only countries that produce significant Antarctic research – as well as being parties to the treaty – get to have a final say in these decisions.

    Our new report – published as a preprint through the University of the Arctic – shows the rate of research on the Antarctic and Southern Ocean is falling at exactly the time when it should be increasing. Moreover, research leadership is changing, with China taking the lead for the first time.

    This points to a dangerous disinvestment in Antarctic research just when it is needed, alongside a changing of the guard in national influence. Antarctica and the research done there are key to everyone’s future, so it’s vital to understand what this change might lead to.

    Why is Antarctic research so important?

    With the Antarctic region rapidly warming, its ice shelves destabilising and sea ice shrinking, understanding the South Polar environment is more crucial than ever.

    Ice loss in Antarctica not only contributes to sea level rise, but impacts wildlife habitats and local food chains. It also changes the dynamics of ocean currents, which could interfere with global food webs, including international fisheries that supply a growing amount of food.

    Research to understand these impacts is vital. First, knowing the impact of our actions – particularly carbon emissions – gives us an increased drive to make changes and lobby governments to do so.

    Second, even when changes are already locked in, to prepare ourselves we need to know what these changes will look like.

    And third, we need to understand the threats to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean environment to govern it properly. This is where the treaty comes in.

    What is the Antarctic Treaty?

    The region below 60 degrees south is governed by the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, along with subsequent agreements. Together they are known as the Antarctic Treaty System.

    Fifty-eight countries are parties to the treaty, but only 29 of them – called consultative parties – can make binding decisions about the region. They comprise the 12 original signatories from 1959, along with 17 more recent signatory nations that produce substantial scientific research relating to Antarctica.

    This makes research a key part of a nation’s influence over what happens in Antarctica.

    For most of its history, the Antarctic Treaty System has functioned remarkably well. It maintained peace in the region during the Cold War, facilitated scientific cooperation, and put arguments about territorial claims on indefinite hold. It indefinitely forbade mining, and managed fisheries.

    Lately, however, there has been growing dysfunction in the treaty system.

    Environmental protections that might seem obvious – such as marine protected areas and special protections for threatened emperor penguins – have stalled.

    Because decisions are made by consensus, any country can effectively block progress. Russia and China – both long-term actors in the system – have been at the centre of the impasse.




    Read more:
    Antarctic summer sea ice is at record lows. Here’s how it will harm the planet – and us


    What did our report find?

    Tracking the amount of Antarctic research being done tells us whether nations as a whole are investing enough in understanding the region and its global impact.

    It also tells us which nations are investing the most and are therefore likely to have substantial influence.

    Our new report examined the number of papers published on Antarctic and Southern Ocean topics from 2016 to 2024, using the Scopus database. We also looked at other factors, such as the countries affiliated with each paper.

    The results show five significant changes are happening in the world of Antarctic research.

    • The number of Antarctic and Southern Ocean publications peaked in 2021 and then fell slightly yearly through to 2024.
    • While the United States has for decades been the leader in Antarctic research, China overtook them in 2022.
    • If we look only at the high-quality publications (those published in the best 25% of journals) China still took over the US, in 2024.
    • Of the top six countries in overall publications (China, the US, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany and Russia) all except China have declined in publication numbers since 2016.
    • Although collaboration in publications is higher for Antarctic research than in non-Antarctic fields, Russia, India and China have anomalously low rates of co-authorship compared with many other signatory countries.

    Why is this research decline a problem?

    A recent parliamentary inquiry in Australia emphasised the need for funding certainty. In the UK, a House of Commons committee report considered it “imperative for the UK to significantly expand its research efforts in Antarctica”, in particular in relation to sea level rise.

    US commentators have pointed to the inadequacy of the country’s icebreaker infrastructure. The Trump administration’s recent cuts to Antarctic funding are only likely to exacerbate the situation. Meanwhile China has built a fifth station in Antarctica and announced plans for a sixth.

    Given the nation’s population and global influence, China’s leadership in Antarctic research is not surprising. If China were to take a lead in Antarctic environmental protection that matched its scientific heft, its move to lead position in the research ranks could be positive. Stronger multi-country collaboration in research could also strengthen overall cooperation.

    But the overall drop in global Antarctic research investment is a problem however you look at it. We ignore it at our peril.

    Elizabeth Leane receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Dutch Research Council, the Council on Australian and Latin American Relations DFAT and HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions). She has received in-kind support from Hurtigruten Expeditions in the recent past. The University of Tasmania is a member of the UArctic, which has provided support for this project.

    Keith Larson is affiliated with the UArctic and European Polar Board. The UArctic paid for the development and publication of this report. The UArctic Thematic Network on Research Analytics and Bibliometrics conducted the analysis and developed the report. The Arctic Centre at Umeå University provided in-kind support for staff time on the report.

    ref. Antarctic research is in decline, and the timing couldn’t be worse – https://theconversation.com/antarctic-research-is-in-decline-and-the-timing-couldnt-be-worse-260197

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: Antarctic research is in decline, and the timing couldn’t be worse

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Leane, Professor of Antarctic Studies, School of Humanities, University of Tasmania

    Oleksandr Matsibura/Shutterstock

    Ice loss in Antarctica and its impact on the planet – sea level rise, changes to ocean currents and disturbance of wildlife and food webs – has been in the news a lot lately. All of these threats were likely on the minds of the delegates to the annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, which finishes up today in Milan, Italy.

    This meeting is where decisions are made about the continent’s future. These decisions rely on evidence from scientific research. Moreover, only countries that produce significant Antarctic research – as well as being parties to the treaty – get to have a final say in these decisions.

    Our new report – published as a preprint through the University of the Arctic – shows the rate of research on the Antarctic and Southern Ocean is falling at exactly the time when it should be increasing. Moreover, research leadership is changing, with China taking the lead for the first time.

    This points to a dangerous disinvestment in Antarctic research just when it is needed, alongside a changing of the guard in national influence. Antarctica and the research done there are key to everyone’s future, so it’s vital to understand what this change might lead to.

    Why is Antarctic research so important?

    With the Antarctic region rapidly warming, its ice shelves destabilising and sea ice shrinking, understanding the South Polar environment is more crucial than ever.

    Ice loss in Antarctica not only contributes to sea level rise, but impacts wildlife habitats and local food chains. It also changes the dynamics of ocean currents, which could interfere with global food webs, including international fisheries that supply a growing amount of food.

    Research to understand these impacts is vital. First, knowing the impact of our actions – particularly carbon emissions – gives us an increased drive to make changes and lobby governments to do so.

    Second, even when changes are already locked in, to prepare ourselves we need to know what these changes will look like.

    And third, we need to understand the threats to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean environment to govern it properly. This is where the treaty comes in.

    What is the Antarctic Treaty?

    The region below 60 degrees south is governed by the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, along with subsequent agreements. Together they are known as the Antarctic Treaty System.

    Fifty-eight countries are parties to the treaty, but only 29 of them – called consultative parties – can make binding decisions about the region. They comprise the 12 original signatories from 1959, along with 17 more recent signatory nations that produce substantial scientific research relating to Antarctica.

    This makes research a key part of a nation’s influence over what happens in Antarctica.

    For most of its history, the Antarctic Treaty System has functioned remarkably well. It maintained peace in the region during the Cold War, facilitated scientific cooperation, and put arguments about territorial claims on indefinite hold. It indefinitely forbade mining, and managed fisheries.

    Lately, however, there has been growing dysfunction in the treaty system.

    Environmental protections that might seem obvious – such as marine protected areas and special protections for threatened emperor penguins – have stalled.

    Because decisions are made by consensus, any country can effectively block progress. Russia and China – both long-term actors in the system – have been at the centre of the impasse.




    Read more:
    Antarctic summer sea ice is at record lows. Here’s how it will harm the planet – and us


    What did our report find?

    Tracking the amount of Antarctic research being done tells us whether nations as a whole are investing enough in understanding the region and its global impact.

    It also tells us which nations are investing the most and are therefore likely to have substantial influence.

    Our new report examined the number of papers published on Antarctic and Southern Ocean topics from 2016 to 2024, using the Scopus database. We also looked at other factors, such as the countries affiliated with each paper.

    The results show five significant changes are happening in the world of Antarctic research.

    • The number of Antarctic and Southern Ocean publications peaked in 2021 and then fell slightly yearly through to 2024.
    • While the United States has for decades been the leader in Antarctic research, China overtook them in 2022.
    • If we look only at the high-quality publications (those published in the best 25% of journals) China still took over the US, in 2024.
    • Of the top six countries in overall publications (China, the US, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany and Russia) all except China have declined in publication numbers since 2016.
    • Although collaboration in publications is higher for Antarctic research than in non-Antarctic fields, Russia, India and China have anomalously low rates of co-authorship compared with many other signatory countries.

    Why is this research decline a problem?

    A recent parliamentary inquiry in Australia emphasised the need for funding certainty. In the UK, a House of Commons committee report considered it “imperative for the UK to significantly expand its research efforts in Antarctica”, in particular in relation to sea level rise.

    US commentators have pointed to the inadequacy of the country’s icebreaker infrastructure. The Trump administration’s recent cuts to Antarctic funding are only likely to exacerbate the situation. Meanwhile China has built a fifth station in Antarctica and announced plans for a sixth.

    Given the nation’s population and global influence, China’s leadership in Antarctic research is not surprising. If China were to take a lead in Antarctic environmental protection that matched its scientific heft, its move to lead position in the research ranks could be positive. Stronger multi-country collaboration in research could also strengthen overall cooperation.

    But the overall drop in global Antarctic research investment is a problem however you look at it. We ignore it at our peril.

    Elizabeth Leane receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Dutch Research Council, the Council on Australian and Latin American Relations DFAT and HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions). She has received in-kind support from Hurtigruten Expeditions in the recent past. The University of Tasmania is a member of the UArctic, which has provided support for this project.

    Keith Larson is affiliated with the UArctic and European Polar Board. The UArctic paid for the development and publication of this report. The UArctic Thematic Network on Research Analytics and Bibliometrics conducted the analysis and developed the report. The Arctic Centre at Umeå University provided in-kind support for staff time on the report.

    ref. Antarctic research is in decline, and the timing couldn’t be worse – https://theconversation.com/antarctic-research-is-in-decline-and-the-timing-couldnt-be-worse-260197

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • Energy News – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 3, 2025

    Energy News: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on July 3, 2025.

    MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 7.2.25
    Source: US State of California Governor Jul 2, 2025 SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments: Tamie McGowen, of Folsom, has been appointed Senior Advisor for Strategy and Operations for the California State Transportation Agency. McGowen has been Deputy Secretary of Communications at the California State Transportation Agency since 2023. McGowan held multiple positions at the […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Legal Cases – Greenpeace International begins groundbreaking Anti-SLAPP case to protect freedom of speech
    Source: Greenpeace In a landmark test case of the European Union’s new legislation to protect freedom of expression and stop abusive lawsuits, Greenpeace International has overnight challenged the US oil pipeline company, Energy Transfer, in court in the Netherlands.[1] The multi-billion-dollar company brought two back-to-back SLAPP suits against Greenpeace International and Greenpeace in the US, after Greenpeace showed […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Polis, DeGette, Neguse, Crow, Pettersen Denounce Republicans’ Reckless Budget Bill, Pressure House Members to Vote Against It
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper Yesterday, Senate Republicans passed their budget that’ll increase prices for Coloradans, strip health care from 17 million Americans, increase the deficit, and give tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy House Republicans are currently voting on the bill WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, Colorado […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Kaptur, Murray Blast Energy Department’s Decision to Steer Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Away from Wind, Solar to Favored Industries — In Defiance of Bipartisan Spending Bill
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development issued the following […]

    MIL-OSI: NuVista Energy Ltd. Announces Updated Annual Production Guidance Due to Third Party Midstream Delays
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) CALGARY, Alberta, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NuVista Energy Ltd. (TSX:NVA, “NVA” or “NuVista”) is providing revised guidance to our annual production volumes and reiterating our commitment to our shareholder return strategy. Due to continued delays in commissioning the Pipestone Gas Plant (“Pipestone Plant”) and additional required work discovered during a […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: Kingdom of the Netherlands – Curaçao: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission
    Source: IMF – News in Russian July 2, 2025 A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, […]

    MIL-OSI Canada: The Government of Canada funds projects in Alberta and the Northwest Territories to build a strong, sustainable economy
    Source: Government of Canada News The Government of Canada announced five projects receiving funding under the Low Carbon Economy Fund. The Low Carbon Economy Fund is an important part of Canada’s clean growth and climate action plans. It invests in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, generate clean growth, build resilient communities, and create jobs […]

    MIL-OSI Canada: The Government of Canada funds energy projects in Alberta and the Northwest Territories to build a strong, sustainable economy
    Source: Government of Canada News (2) July 2, 2025 – Yellowknife, Northwest Territories Today, the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, visited Denendeh Manor, a four-storey Indigenous-owned apartment building in Yellowknife, to announce over $13.3 million in support of five projects in Alberta and the Northwest Territories. These projects are being funded under […]

    MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulations (EU) 2015/1017, (EU) 2021/523, (EU) 2021/695 and (EU) 2021/1153 as regards increasing the efficiency of the EU guarantee under Regulation (EU) 2021/523 and simplifying reporting requirements – A10-0117/2025
    Source: European Parliament DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulations (EU) 2015/1017, (EU) 2021/523, (EU) 2021/695 and (EU) 2021/1153 as regards increasing the efficiency of the EU guarantee under Regulation (EU) 2021/523 and simplifying reporting requirements (COM(2025)0084 – C10‑0036/2025 – 2025/0040(COD)) […]

    MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Energy Taxation Directive – E-001936/2025(ASW)
    Source: European Parliament The Council approved and published on 20 June 2025 an Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Ecofin) report on tax issues[1] and a progress report on the Revision of the Energy Taxation Directive (ETD)[2], which include updated information on the status of the discussions on the Commission’s proposal to revise the ETD. As for concrete […]

    MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The future of ArcelorMittal and the steel industry in the EU – E-000737/2025(ASW)
    Source: European Parliament The Steel and Metals Action Plan[1] aims to maintain and expand European industrial capacities in the steel and metals sectors . In particular, the Commission announced the adjustment of the existing steel safeguard that entered into force on 1 April 2025 and committed to propose no later than third quarter 2025[2] a trade measure […]

    MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Community-Led Local Development Fund distributes over £900k to support projects in Highland
    Source: Scotland – Highland Council The Highland Strategic Local Action Group (LAG) met in June 2025 and considered and agreed funding for 28 projects submitted to the Community-Led Local Development fund (CLLD), which makes up part of The Highland Council Community Regeneration Fund (CRF) programme. CRF is an umbrella term used to cover multiple external […]

    MIL-OSI United Nations: Nuclear Energy Education Gets a Boost from the IAEA
    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) The IAEA conducted its first INEAS university mission in April in Ust Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan, a country that is looking to restart its nuclear power programme. The mission — which engaged more than 90 participants from academia, government and industry — laid the ground for the development of a new […]

    MIL-OSI NGOs: Nuclear Energy Education Gets a Boost from the IAEA
    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – The IAEA conducted its first INEAS university mission in April in Ust Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan, a country that is looking to restart its nuclear power programme. The mission — which engaged more than 90 participants from academia, government and industry — laid the ground for the development of a […]

    MIL-OSI Security: Nuclear Energy Education Gets a Boost from the IAEA
    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA The IAEA conducted its first INEAS university mission in April in Ust Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan, a country that is looking to restart its nuclear power programme. The mission — which engaged more than 90 participants from academia, government and industry — laid the ground for the development of a […]

    MIL-OSI USA: How has U.S. energy use changed since 1776?
    Source: US Energy Information Administration In-brief analysis July 2, 2025 In 2024, the United States consumed about 94 quadrillion British thermal units (quads) of energy, a 1% increase from 2023, according to our Monthly Energy Review. Fossil fuels—petroleum, natural gas, and coal—accounted for 82% of total U.S. energy consumption in 2024. Nonfossil fuel energy—from renewables […]

    MIL-OSI Africa: Namibia Gears Up for Energy Transformation – Deputy Prime Minister (PM) to Speak at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025
    African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies welcomes Natangwe Paulus Ithete, Namibia’s newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industrialization, Mines and Energy, as a featured speaker at this year’s edition, taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. Minister Ithete’s confirmation comes at a defining moment for Namibia’s […]

    MIL-OSI: NextNRG Appoints Global Logistics Authority Gary M. Goldfarb as Chairman of Newly Formed Strategic Advisory Board
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) MIAMI, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NextNRG, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXXT), a pioneer in AI-driven energy innovation transforming how energy is produced, managed, and delivered through its Next Utility Operating System®, smart microgrids, wireless EV charging, and mobile fuel delivery, today announced a strategic advisory agreement with Goldfarb Management Services, LLC. As […]

    MIL-OSI: Enphase Energy Launches Next-Generation IQ EV Charger 2 In Australia and New Zealand
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) FREMONT, Calif., July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENPH), a global energy technology company and the world’s leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems, today announced production shipments of its newest electric vehicle (EV) charger, the IQ® EV Charger 2, in Australia and New Zealand. The IQ […]

    MIL-OSI: XRP News:Limited-Time 8000 XRP Free Reward FINDMINING CEO Announces Major Giveaway for 2025
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) Atherton, California, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — To celebrate FINDMINING’s further expansion into the U.S. and U.K. markets in 2025, FINDMINING is launching a limited-time free reward campaign for XRP enthusiasts worldwide — every registered member has the chance to receive up to 8000 XRP for free. There are only 985 […]

  • Security Intelligence – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 3, 2025

    Security Intelligence: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on July 3, 2025.

    MIL-OSI Security: USS PEARL HARBOR (LSD 52) Sailors man the rails as the ship departs for Pacific Partnership 2025 [Image 4 of 6]
    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific) Issued by: on U.S. Navy Sailors conduct line handling operations aboard the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) on Jun. 30, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness […]

    MIL-OSI Security: USS PEARL HARBOR (LSD 52) Sailors man the rails as the ship departs for Pacific Partnership 2025 [Image 4 of 6]
    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific) Issued by: on U.S. Navy Sailors conduct line handling operations aboard the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) on Jun. 30, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness […]

    MIL-OSI Security: USS PEARL HARBOR (LSD 52) Sailors man the rails as the ship departs for Pacific Partnership 2025 [Image 1 of 6]
    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific) Issued by: on U.S. Navy Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate Jesus Hernandez, from Tulare, California, oversees line handling operations aboard the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) on Jun. 30, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest […]

    MIL-OSI Security: USS PEARL HARBOR (LSD 52) Sailors man the rails as the ship departs for Pacific Partnership 2025 [Image 1 of 6]
    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific) Issued by: on U.S. Navy Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate Jesus Hernandez, from Tulare, California, oversees line handling operations aboard the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) on Jun. 30, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest […]

    MIL-OSI Security: PENSACOLA MAN INCARCERATED FOR NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING & FIREARM POSSESSION
    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Marcus Devon Rayford, 42, of Pensacola, Florida was sentenced to 60 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and cocaine, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. […]

    MIL-OSI Security: PENSACOLA MAN INCARCERATED FOR NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING & FIREARM POSSESSION
    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Marcus Devon Rayford, 42, of Pensacola, Florida was sentenced to 60 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and cocaine, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. […]

    MIL-OSI Security: PENSACOLA MAN INCARCERATED FOR NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING & FIREARM POSSESSION
    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Marcus Devon Rayford, 42, of Pensacola, Florida was sentenced to 60 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and cocaine, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. […]

    MIL-OSI Security: PENSACOLA MAN INCARCERATED FOR NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING & FIREARM POSSESSION
    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Marcus Devon Rayford, 42, of Pensacola, Florida was sentenced to 60 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and cocaine, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Beat team for Rotorua and one year anniversary of Community Beat Teams
    Source: New Zealand Police Rotorua has a team of six Police starting on the beat across the CBD. “Rotorua is launching their first beat team and later in the quarter we will see other beat teams operating across the Bay of Plenty and other districts,” says Police Commissioner Richard Chambers. The city becomes the fifth […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Wandering animals posing hazards on the roads
    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency A spate of incidents of animals found wandering on southern highways recently has the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) urging people to be vigilant about supervision and containment of livestock or pets. Sometimes it is wild animals such as deer also creating hazards on the highways, says NZTA […]

    MIL-OSI Security: USS PEARL HARBOR (LSD 52) Sailors man the rails as the ship departs for Pacific Partnership 2025 [Image 4 of 4]
    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific) Issued by: on Sailors dump water on the bridge wing during a fresh water washdown of the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) in the Pacific Ocean on Jul. 1, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the […]

    MIL-OSI Security: USS PEARL HARBOR (LSD 52) Sailors man the rails as the ship departs for Pacific Partnership 2025 [Image 1 of 4]
    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific) Issued by: on Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Isa Lawal, from Lagos, Nigeria, scrubs the flight deck during a fresh water washdown of the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) in the Pacific Ocean on Jul. 1, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, […]

    MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Concludes Mission Stop in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 27, 2025 [Image 3 of 8]
    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific) Issued by: on NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga (June 27, 2025) U.S. Public Health Service Lt. Cmdr. Lusi Martin-Braswell, Dietician deployed in support of Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP-25), provides remarks during a closing ceremony at the Tanoa International Dateline Hotel as part of PP-25 in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 27, 2025. […]

    MIL-Evening Report: Fallout: Spies on Norfolk Island – SBS podcast
    Pacific Media Watch In July 1985, Australia’s Pacific territory of Norfolk Island (pop. 2188) became the centre of a real life international spy thriller. Four French agents sailed there on board the Ouvéa, a yacht from Kanaky New Caledonia, after bombing the Rainbow Warrior in Auckland, killing Greenpeace photographer Fernando Pereira. The Rainbow Warrior was […]

    MIL-OSI USA: ICE HSI Newark operation makes 18 arrests, takes down Newark open-air drug market
    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement NEWARK, N.J. –U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Newark and multiple federal, state and local partners made 18 arrests of alleged co-conspirators for roles in a drug trafficking organization on July 1 in Newark, New Jersey. The arrests are a result of a 14-month HSI Newark investigation […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities and Security – Counterterrorism watchdog needed – legal expert – UoA
    Source: University of Auckland (UoA) An independent watchdog would shine a light into the shadowy world of security and counterterrorism, says Associate Professor John Ip in a research paper. Since the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, New Zealand has introduced several counterterrorism laws, significantly expanding state power. Now, a legal expert says it’s time to follow […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police appeal for information after baby suffers serious injuries
    Source: New Zealand Police To be attributed to Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Wescott: Police investigating injuries suffered by a young baby in the Hutt Valley are appealing to anyone who may have information to come forward. On 14 June, Police were notified that a three-month old baby had been brought into hospital by her family. […]

    MIL-OSI United Nations: Mr. Carlos G. Ruiz Massieu of Mexico – Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti
    Source: United Nations MIL-OSI 2 nited Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Carlos G. Ruiz Massieu of Mexico as his new Special Representative for Haiti and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH).  He succeeds María Isabel Salvador of Ecuador, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for her dedication and […]

    MIL-OSI Australia: Man charged with prohibited behaviour
    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice Man charged with prohibited behaviour Thursday, 3 July 2025 – 9:06 am. Police have arrested and charged a 34-year-old Little Swanport man with one count of Prohibited Behaviour following an incident in the Devonport CBD on Tuesday.The man will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court at a later […]

    MIL-OSI Security: Jamestown man pleads guilty to enticing travel to engage in sexual activity
    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking) BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Anthony Burris, 34, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny to two counts of enticing travel to engage in sexual activity, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a […]

  • Politics News – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 3, 2025

    Politics News: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on July 3, 2025.

    MIL-Evening Report: Antarctic research is in decline, and the timing couldn’t be worse
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Leane, Professor of Antarctic Studies, School of Humanities, University of Tasmania Oleksandr Matsibura/Shutterstock Ice loss in Antarctica and its impact on the planet – sea level rise, changes to ocean currents and disturbance of wildlife and food webs – has been in the news a lot […]

    MIL-Evening Report: Antarctic research is in decline, and the timing couldn’t be worse
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Leane, Professor of Antarctic Studies, School of Humanities, University of Tasmania Oleksandr Matsibura/Shutterstock Ice loss in Antarctica and its impact on the planet – sea level rise, changes to ocean currents and disturbance of wildlife and food webs – has been in the news a lot […]

    MIL-Evening Report: Homes are more than walls and a roof, especially for Indigenous people. It’s time housing policy reflects that
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Giles Gunesekera, PhD Researcher, University of Technology Sydney Australia is experiencing a housing crisis. But for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the challenge runs deeper than high rents and limited supply. A major problem is that housing in Australia is rarely designed with Indigenous communities […]

    MIL-Evening Report: Homes are more than walls and a roof, especially for Indigenous people. It’s time housing policy reflects that
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Giles Gunesekera, PhD Researcher, University of Technology Sydney Australia is experiencing a housing crisis. But for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the challenge runs deeper than high rents and limited supply. A major problem is that housing in Australia is rarely designed with Indigenous communities […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Completes the First Review under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement for the Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Source: IMF – News in Russian July 2, 2025 The IMF Executive Board has completed the first review under the Extended Credit Facility arrangement for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The decision allows for an immediate disbursement of US$ 261.9 million towards international reserves, to continue building buffers. The DRC’s economy has been resilient […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: PSA welcomes settlement of Te Roopu Taurima industrial dispute
    Source: PSA PSA members at disability support provider Te Roopu Taurima have voted to ratify a new Collective Agreement. The settlement follows an 8-month dispute. The employer banned Kaitaataki and Poutaaki (residential whare leaders) from working additional hours before Christmas and threatened a six-week suspension in response to low level strike action. “These workers stuck together […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities and Security – Counterterrorism watchdog needed – legal expert – UoA
    Source: University of Auckland (UoA) An independent watchdog would shine a light into the shadowy world of security and counterterrorism, says Associate Professor John Ip in a research paper. Since the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, New Zealand has introduced several counterterrorism laws, significantly expanding state power. Now, a legal expert says it’s time to follow […]

    MIL-OSI United Nations: Mr. Carlos G. Ruiz Massieu of Mexico – Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti
    Source: United Nations MIL-OSI 2 nited Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Carlos G. Ruiz Massieu of Mexico as his new Special Representative for Haiti and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH).  He succeeds María Isabel Salvador of Ecuador, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for her dedication and […]

    MIL-Evening Report: Trump is not like other presidents – but can he beat the ‘second term curse’ that haunts the White House?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Garritt C. Van Dyk, Senior Lecturer in History, University of Waikato Getty Images While he likes to provoke opponents with the possibility of serving a third term, Donald Trump faces a more immediate historical burden that has plagued so many presidents: the “second term curse”. Twenty-one US […]

    MIL-OSI Australia: Interview – Sunrise with Natalie Barr
    Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority NATALIE BARR: Australia has been dealt a horrific wake up call this morning that the rules and the regulations we thought were protecting our children are just not good enough. It follows revelations of horrific alleged crimes against children across several childcare centres in Victoria.  More than 2,000 families have […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Estes Expresses Condolences To Family Of Intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) Rep. Estes Expresses Condolences To Family Of Intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym WASHINGTON- U.S. Congressman Ron Estes and his wife, Susan, are sending their prayers and deepest condolences to the family of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym. On Monday night, Eric was the victim of a shooting in Northwest […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: Georgia expelled over 40 foreign citizens for violating migration laws
    Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian – Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Tbilisi, July 2 (Xinhua) — As a result of joint measures carried out by the Migration Department and other units of the Georgian Interior Ministry, 41 foreign […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Fitzgerald Introduces Legislation Declaring U.S. Businesses Independent from EU Regulations
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at declaring U.S. companies independent from burdensome foreign regulations, particularly targeting the European Union’s (EU) Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). Protect U.S. Companies from Foreign […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: Kingdom of the Netherlands – Curaçao: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission
    Source: IMF – News in Russian July 2, 2025 A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, […]

    MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM launches new era for NHS with easier care in neighbourhoods
    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments Press release PM launches new era for NHS with easier care in neighbourhoods The Prime Minister launches a new era for the NHS, bringing more easily accessible care closer to home. Prime Minister launches government’s 10 Year Health Plan to bring the NHS closer to home Neighbourhood […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Van Orden Urges Evers to Act Quickly to Align State Budget with Federal Healthcare Provisions
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin 3rd) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) sent a letter to Governor Tony Evers urging him to promptly sign the Wisconsin FY 2025-27 state budget into law. The state budget includes an increase to the state provider tax rate, which […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Signs Five Bills into Law
    Source: US State of Missouri JULY 2, 2025 Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed five pieces of legislation into law: Senate Bills (SB) 28 and 396, and House Bills (HB) 105, 169, and 974. “Today, we were proud to sign five bills that will benefit businesses and local governments across our state,” said Governor Kehoe. […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Blasts Paramount’s $16 Million Settlement with Trump
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey Calls for full Commission vote on Paramount’s pending merger Washington (July 2, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, released the following statement after Paramount Global, the parent of CBS News, agreed to pay $16 […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Mfume, Team Maryland Statement on Administration Attempt to Reprogram FBI Headquarters Funding
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Senator Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies and Representative Steny Hoyer, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, along […]

    MIL-Evening Report: More and more tourists are flocking to Antarctica. Let’s stop it from being loved to death
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darla Hatton MacDonald, Professor of Environmental Economics, University of Tasmania VCG via Getty Images The number of tourists heading to Antarctica has been skyrocketing. From fewer than 8,000 a year about three decades ago, nearly 125,000 tourists flocked to the icy continent in 2023–24. The trend is […]