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Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI USA: Arrington Introduces Legislation to Counter Unfair Foreign Trade Practices

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19)

    Washington, D.C. – House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) introduced H.R. 9724 – the Axing Nonmarket Tariff Evasion (ANTE) Act – legislation to defend the American economy from nonmarket entities using third countries to avoid U.S. trade enforcement.

    “For far too long, adversaries like China have cheated the American economy and cost the U.S. millions of jobs by utilizing unfair trade practices. President Trump took decisive action to curb this, but more still needs to be done,” said Chairman Arrington. “The Axing Non-Market Tariff Evasion (ANTE) Act would proactively stop foreign, state-owned businesses from using third countries as a backdoor to evade U.S. tariffs and bolster the American economy in the process.”

    “We appreciate Rep. Arrington’s leadership in introducing the Axing Non-Market Tariff Evasion Act. A strong domestic steel industry is necessary to support any of our country’s goals. China’s unfair trade practices are the number one threat to robust domestic production,” said Philip K. Bell, President, Steel Manufacturers Association. “Due to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, our members constantly play Whac-A-Mole attempting to combat dumping and trade cheating, as China moves production around the globe whenever the U.S. implements any action to level the playing field. This legislation provides our government tools to be more proactive in their fight against unfair trade practices. We look forward to working with you and your colleagues to support American workers and ensure our government can rapidly react to constantly evolving threats to our economy.” 

    “Chinese companies have become experts at tariff evasion, finding ways around U.S. tariffs in place to support manufacturing in America,” said James Warren, Forging Industry Association. “The Axing Nonmarket Tariff Evasion (ANTE) Act will proactively target tariff evasion as China uses third-party countries to undermine American manufacturing. It is time our manufacturers stop playing defense, this bill will proactively give policymakers the tools they need to strengthen the manufacturing industrial base.” 

    Background:

    • Highly subsidized state-owned enterprises like SAIC Motor controlled by non-market economies like China are setting up operations in other countries not subject to trade enforcement tariffs to export to the United States and avoid duties. This tariff evasion threatens American businesses, which risk losing market demand to entities that don’t play by the rules. 
    • While the U.S. has trade enforcement tools that address unfair nonmarket practices, there’s no trade law that addresses tariff evasion in a proactive and targeted manner. The Axing Non-Market Tariff Evasion (ANTE) Act would fill this void by amending Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to require the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) to investigate whether a planned investment from a nonmarket economy, subject to Section 301 tariffs, into a third country, not subject to Section 301 tariffs, is being established to export to the U.S. and evade these tariffs.
    • If USITC determines that tariff evasion is occurring, it must notify the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) or Congress, which have the ability to apply the Section 301 tariff on the nonmarket economy to the specific third country investment, even before the investment goes into operation.
    • The ANTE Act would allow the U.S. to proactively prevent nonmarket entities from using investments in third countries as a backdoor to avoid U.S. trade enforcement and defend American businesses against bad actors that seek to evade U.S. law.

    Broad Support:

    • In addition to the Steel Manufacturers Association and the Forging Industry Association, the following groups have endorsed Rep. Arrington’s ANTE Act:
      • National Council of Textile Organizations
      • National Tooling and Machining Association
      • American Mold Builders Association
      • Precision Metalforming Association

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Biden-Harris Administration Announces First CHIPS Commercial Fabrication Facilities Award with Polar Semiconductor, Establishing Independent American Foundry

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Media Contact: Madeline Broas, madeline.broas [at] chips.gov (madeline[dot]broas[at]chips[dot]gov). 

    Today, as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced its first award under the CHIPS Incentives Program’s Funding Opportunity for Commercial Fabrication Facilities of up to $123 million in direct funding to Polar Semiconductor (Polar). The award follows the previously signed preliminary memorandum of terms and the completion of the Department’s due diligence. The award will expand and modernize the company’s manufacturing facility in Bloomington, Minnesota. The Department will distribute the funds based on Polar’s completion of project milestones.

    “Semiconductors – those tiny chips smaller than the tip of your finger – power everything from smartphones to cars to satellites and weapons systems. I signed the CHIPS and Science Act to revitalize American leadership in semiconductors, strengthen our supply chains, protect our national security, and advance American competitiveness. And over the last three and a half years, we have done just that, catalyzing over $400 billion in private sector investments in semiconductors and electronics that are creating over 115,000 construction and manufacturing jobs. This year alone, the United States is on pace to see more investment in electronics manufacturing construction than it did over the last 24 years combined,” said President Joe Biden. “Today’s announcement that the Department of Commerce has finalized the first commercial CHIPS Incentives award with Polar Semiconductor marks the next phase of the implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act, and demonstrates how we continue to deliver on the Investing in America agenda. Polar’s new facility will also be completed under a Project Labor Agreement to support its construction workforce, creating good-quality union jobs in Bloomington, Minnesota. Today’s announcement is just one of the many ways our Investing in America agenda is reshoring U.S. manufacturing, investing in workers and communities across the country, and advancing America’s leadership in the technologies of tomorrow.”

    “Today represents an important milestone in the implementation of the historic CHIPS and Science Act as we announce the first award agreement with Polar,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “The Biden-Harris Administration’s investment in Polar will create a new U.S.-owned foundry for sensor and power semiconductors and modernize and expand Polar’s facilities in Minnesota, strengthening our national and economic security, bolstering our supply chains, and creating quality jobs.”

    The Biden-Harris Administration’s investment will support Polar’s efforts to almost double its U.S. production capacity of sensor and power chips within two years. This award catalyzes a total investment of more than $525 million from private, state, and federal sources to transform Polar from a majority foreign-owned in-house manufacturer to a majority U.S.-owned commercial foundry. Through Polar’s semiconductor manufacturing operations, the Administration’s investment is expected to create over 160 manufacturing and construction jobs in Minnesota.

    For more information about Polar’s award, please visit the CHIPS for America website.

    “The Biden-Harris Administration’s investment into Polar marks the first award, of many to come, into communities across our nation to regain our lead in semiconductor manufacturing,” said Lael Brainard, National Economic Advisor.

    “Polar and its employees are excited to embark on our transformative project. We welcome new customers and partnerships, and as a domestic U.S.-owned sensor and advanced power semiconductor merchant foundry, we will support technology and design innovation, protect intellectual property, facilitate onshoring and technology transfers, and provide efficient low- to high-volume manufacturing with world-class quality,” said Surya Iyer, President and Chief Operating Officer of Polar Semiconductor. “Through our collaborative and sustained workforce development efforts, we expect to support customers with highly skilled employees today and into the future. We are pleased to close on the significant equity investment from Niobrara Capital and Prysm Capital, and we extend our sincere thanks to our partners at the U.S. Department of Commerce, the State of Minnesota, and the City of Bloomington for their support of the future of American semiconductor manufacturing.”

    The purpose of the Award Phase is to finalize comprehensive due diligence and negotiate the final award documents. As stated in the CHIPS Notice of Funding Opportunity for Commercial Fabrication Facilities, the Department will distribute direct funding based on the completion of project components in connection with both the capital expenditures for the project and production and commercial milestones. The program will track the performance of each CHIPS Incentives Award through financial and programmatic reports, in accordance with the award terms and conditions, to establish a compliance program to monitor that commitments are being upheld.

    About CHIPS for America
    CHIPS for America has allocated more than $35 billion in proposed funding across 16 states and proposed to invest billions more in research and innovation, which is expected to create over 115,000 jobs. Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, semiconductor and electronics companies have announced over $400 billion in private investments, catalyzed in large part by public investment. CHIPS for America is part of President Biden and Vice President Harris’s economic plan to invest in America, stimulate private sector investment, create good-paying jobs, make more in the United States, and revitalize communities left behind. CHIPS for America includes the CHIPS Program Office, responsible for manufacturing incentives, and the CHIPS Research and Development Office, responsible for R&D programs, that both sit within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) at the Department of Commerce. Visit https://www.chips.gov to learn more.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hollidaysburg Couple Sentenced for Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Health Care Fraud Conspiracy

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John H. Johnson and his wife, Paula Z. Johnson, both age 62, of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, were sentenced on September 17, 2024, by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner, for committing fraud. John Johnson received a sentence of 97 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Paula Johnson received a sentence of three years of probation, including six months of home detention with location monitoring, and was ordered to immediately pay $249,301.36 in restitution, fines, and assessments.

    According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, in 2016, John H. Johnson, a physician with specialized training in anesthesiology, entered into an agreement with other individuals to defraud health insurance programs by billing them illegally for expensive tests known as “urine drug tests.” One of the individuals that Johnson conspired with was Rodney L. Yentzer, who pleaded guilty for his role in related offenses in March 2022 and is awaiting sentencing. Johnson and Yentzer carried out this agreement through a couple different groups of pain management practices located throughout central Pennsylvania, known as Lighthouse Medical and Pain Medicine of York (“PMY”). Yentzer, who had no medical training, acquired PMY in 2014 at the suggestion of John H. Johnson, with whom Yentzer was business partners. PMY absorbed Lighthouse Medical in 2017, and PMY closed permanently in November 2019 after law enforcement agents executed search warrants at its various locations. 

    “Ensuring the integrity of health care programs in this age of rising costs is paramount to our mission,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. “We will continue to work with federal, state, and local partners to hold providers accountable for misconduct that exploits the programs.”

    “Healthcare fraud is not a victimless crime. In this case, the defendants caused taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars to be diverted from patients who needed care, and instead served their own interests,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special in Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates the FBI and our partners’ commitment to rooting out fraud and pursuing those who conspire to exploit our healthcare systems for financial gain.”

    In 2016, Lighthouse Medical, under the direction of John H. Johnson, operated a drug testing laboratory on its own premises. This laboratory had the equipment and capabilities to perform urine drug testing (“UDT”) on site. UDT, when used legitimately, is a method for physicians to test their patients for the presence and specific amounts of various substances. A very high percentage of the patients of Lighthouse Medical (and, subsequently, PMY) were prescribed with opioid medications at each monthly visit. UDT could be used, for instance, to test whether such patients were taking their medications as prescribed or taking illegal recreational drugs in addition to their prescribed medications. Urine drug tests were typically reimbursed at a high rate by Medicare and private insurance programs.

    In March 2016, Johnson and Yentzer agreed with the new owners of a rural, 25-bed “Critical Access Hospital” located near the border of Florida and Alabama to “sell” Lighthouse Medical’s UDT laboratory services to the hospital; in exchange, the hospital purchased the exclusive right to bill for payment and collect payment from patients and insurance programs. The hospital agreed to pay Lighthouse Medical a kickback of $900 per test.

    As a Critical Access Hospital under federal law, the hospital received very favorable payment from Medicare and private insurance programs, including, for example, for UDT. Thus, even while paying a $900 kickback per test to Lighthouse Medical, the hospital was still able to collect and keep a significant amount of money over and above that amount. The owners of the hospital also used other laboratories like Lighthouse Medical in a similar pass-through manner. As a result, the hospital was able to bill for a number of laboratory tests that far exceeded what would normally be associated with a small facility of its kind, and Lighthouse Medical was paid far more than what it would have typically received for UDT from Medicare and other insurers. For instance, on July 12, 2016, the hospital paid Lighthouse Medical $816,300 for 907 urine drug tests. Approximately one week later, the hospital paid Lighthouse Medical $628,200 for nearly 700 tests.

    In total, the owners of the hospital billed others, including private insurers, approximately $1.4 billion for various laboratory testing services that were not medically necessary. The majority of this amount was due to UDT. Lighthouse Medical received $2,341,775 in kickback payments over a four-month time period, with 85% of this amount going to John H. Johnson and the remaining amount going to Rodney L. Yentzer.

    Under the terms of his plea agreement, John H. Johnson will also be required to pay over $2.3 million in restitution to defrauded health insurance companies. The restitution order against John H. Johnson is expected to be finalized within the next sixty days.

    In addition to pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, John H. Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. His wife, Paula Z. Johnson, who is also a physician from Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to the same offense. Together, John H. Johnson and Paula Z. Johnson conspired to evade payments to the U.S. Government that John H. Johnson was required to make for a prior criminal conviction.

    In July 2015, John H. Johnson was indicted for various tax offenses in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. In September 2016, John H. Johnson was charged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud in connection with a separate health care fraud scheme. In early 2017, John H. Johnson knew that he was likely going to prison for these offenses, so he approached Rodney L. Yentzer and got Yentzer to agree to place Paula Z. Johnson, who had not practiced medicine in years, on the PMY payroll.

    In June 2017, John H. Johnson was sentenced to an 84-month term of imprisonment for the various offenses with which he had been charged. He was also ordered to repay to the U.S. Government over $3 million restitution payments for fraudulent health care billing and unpaid taxes.

    Even following his imprisonment, Johnson and Yentzer remained in close contact through phone and in-person visits, with Johnson providing direction to Yentzer. During conversations, Johnson and Yentzer sometimes used coded language to describe sensitive subjects, including the term “toy” to refer to money and the term “toy box” to refer to bank accounts.

    John H. Johnson knew that PMY continued to be highly profitable, in large part owing to its UDT billing. Specifically, PMY billed every patient for two urine drug tests at each visit: one test a presumptive “screen” for the presence of certain substances and the second a definitive test for specific levels of 22 different substances. This testing protocol had been put in place by John H. Johnson when he ran Lighthouse Medical, and he instructed Yentzer to do the same at PMY. Yentzer followed this direction.

    From mid-2017 until late 2019, PMY submitted bills just to Medicare for around $10 million in UDT, with well over $4 million being paid out. John H. Johnson, Paula Z. Johnson, and Rodney L. Yentzer devised various other ways to funnel money to the Johnsons so that they could benefit from this wealth without the money being captured for John H. Johnson’s restitution payments. Among other things, Yentzer purchased a car for the Johnsons’ son and leased an Audi Q5 for Paula Z. Johnson, at her request. Yentzer also made $28,000 in contributions to their children’s 529 college savings accounts, paid over $40,000 in legal bills for “asset and estate planning,” made over $40,000 in payments toward personal loans, and covered other large bills, all with the knowledge of both John H. Johnson and Paula Z. Johnson. On a number of occasions, Paula Z. Johnson requested these payments directly from Yentzer or his assistant.

    PMY shut down abruptly in November 2019 after search warrants were executed because it was no longer able to retain medical providers to see patients. In January 2020, in a recorded prison call, Yentzer stated to John H. Johnson, that “if there’s anything left, I will make sure Paula gets, uh, a piece.” He added that “whatever’s left” after satisfying certain creditors he would “divvy up.” Yentzer made this statement despite the fact that Paula Z. Johnson had been formally terminated by PMY in November 2019.

    The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Control Division, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma prosecuted the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks at the Opening of the General Debate of the Seventy-ninth Session of the General Assembly [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations – English

    r. President of the General Assembly,

    Excellencies,

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    Our world is in a whirlwind.

    We are in an era of epic transformation – facing challenges unlike any we have ever seen – challenges that demand global solutions.

    Yet geo-political divisions keep deepening. The planet keeps heating.

    Wars rage with no clue how they will end.

    And nuclear posturing and new weapons cast a dark shadow.

    We are edging towards the unimaginable – a powder keg that risks engulfing the world.

    Meanwhile, 2024 is the year that half of humanity goes to the polls – and all of humanity will be affected.

    I stand before you in this whirlwind convinced of two overriding truths.

    First, the state of our world is unsustainable.

    We can’t go on like this.

    And second, the challenges we face are solvable.

    But that requires us to make sure the mechanisms of international problem-solving actually solve problems.

    The Summit of the Future was a first step, but we have a long way to go.

    Getting there requires confronting three major drivers of unsustainability.

    A world of impunity – where violations and abuses threaten the very foundation of international law and the UN Charter.

    A world of inequality – where injustices and grievances threaten to undermine countries or even push them over the edge.

    And a world of uncertainty – where unmanaged global risks threaten our future in unknowable ways.

    These worlds of impunity, inequality and uncertainty are connected and colliding.

    Excellencies,

    The level of impunity in the world is politically indefensible and morally intolerable.

    Today, a growing number of governments and others feel entitled to a “get out of jail free” card.

    They can trample international law.

    They can violate the United Nations Charter.

    They can turn a blind eye to international human rights conventions or the decisions of international courts.

    They can thumb their nose at international humanitarian law.

    They can invade another country, lay waste to whole societies, or utterly disregard the welfare of their own people.

    And nothing will happen.

    We see this age of impunity everywhere — in the Middle East, in the heart of Europe, in the Horn of Africa, and beyond.

    The war in Ukraine is spreading with no signs of letting up.

    Civilians are paying the price – in rising death tolls and shattered lives and communities.

    It is time for a just peace based on the UN Charter, on international law and on UN resolutions.

    Meanwhile, Gaza is a non-stop nightmare that threatens to take the entire region with it.

    Look no further than Lebanon.

    We should all be alarmed by the escalation. 

    Lebanon is at the brink. 

    The people of Lebanon – the people of Israel – and the people of the world — cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza.

    Let’s be clear.

    Nothing can justify the abhorrent acts of terror committed by Hamas on October 7th, or the taking of hostages – both of which I have repeatedly condemned.

    And nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.

    The speed and scale of the killing and destruction in Gaza are unlike anything in my years as Secretary-General.

    More than 200 of our own staff have been killed, many with their families.

    And yet the women and men of the United Nations continue to deliver humanitarian aid.

    I know you join me in paying a special tribute to UNRWA and to all humanitarians in Gaza.

    The international community must mobilize for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the beginning of an irreversible process towards a two-State solution.

    For those who go on undermining that goal with more settlements, more landgrabs, more incitement — I ask:

    What is the alternative?

    How could the world accept a one-state future in which a large a large number of Palestinians would be included without any freedom, rights or dignity?

    In Sudan, a brutal power struggle has unleashed horrific violence — including widespread rape and sexual assaults.

    A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding as famine spreads.  Yet outside powers continue to interfere with no unified approach to finding peace.

    In the Sahel, the dramatic and rapid expansion of the terrorist threat requires a joint approach rooted in solidarity – but regional and international cooperation have broken down.

    From Myanmar to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Haiti to Yemen and beyond – we continue to see appalling levels of violence and human suffering in the face of a chronic failure to find solutions.

    Meanwhile our peacekeeping missions are too often operating in areas where simply there is no peace to keep.

    Instability in many places around the world is a by-product of instability in power relations and geo-political divides.

    For all its perils, the Cold War had rules.

    There were hot lines, red lines and guard rails.

    It can feel as though we don’t have that today.

    Nor do we have a unipolar world.

    We are moving to a multipolar world, but we are not there yet.

    We are in a purgatory of polarity.

    And in this purgatory, more and more countries are filling the spaces of geopolitical divides, doing whatever they want with no accountability.

    That is why it is more important than ever to reaffirm the Charter, to respect international law, to support and implement decisions of international courts, and to reinforce human rights in the world.

    Anywhere and everywhere.

    Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,
     
    L’augmentation des inégalités est un deuxième facteur de l’insoutenabilité et une tache sur notre conscience collective.
     
    L’inégalité n’est pas une question technique ou bureaucratique.
     
    Au fond, l’inégalité est une question de pouvoir, aux racines historiques.
     
    Les conflits, les bouleversements climatiques et la crise du coût de la vie étendent ces racines historiques plus profondément encore.
     
    Dans le même temps, le monde peine encore à se relever de la flambée des inégalités engendrée par la pandémie.
     
    Si l’on regarde les 75 pays les plus pauvres du monde, un tiers d’entre eux se trouve aujourd’hui dans une situation pire qu’il y a cinq ans.
     
    Au cours de la même période, les cinq hommes les plus riches de la planète ont plus que doublé leurs fortunes.
     
    Et un pour cent des habitants de la planète détient 43 % de l’ensemble des avoirs financiers mondiaux.
     
    Au niveau national, certains gouvernements décuplent les inégalités en accordant des cadeaux fiscaux massifs aux entreprises et aux ultra-riches — au détriment des investissements dans la santé, l’éducation et la protection sociale.
     
    Et personne n’est plus lésé que les femmes et les filles du monde entier.
     
    Excellences,
     
    La discrimination et les abus généralisés fondés sur le genre constituent l’inégalité la plus répandue dans toutes les sociétés.
     
    Chaque jour, il semble que nous soyons confrontés à de nouveaux cas révoltants de féminicides, de violences fondées sur le genre et de viols collectifs – en temps de paix comme en tant qu’arme de guerre.
     
    Dans certains pays, les lois sont utilisées pour menacer la santé et les droits reproductifs.
     
    Et en Afghanistan, les lois sont utilisées pour entériner l’oppression systématique des femmes et des filles.
     
    Et je suis désolé de constater que, malgré des années de beaux discours, l’inégalité de genre se manifesteet je vous demande pardon de le dire, elle se manifeste aujourd’hui encore, pleinement dans cette enceinte.
     
    Moins de 10 pour cent des intervenants au Débat général de cette semaine sont des femmes.
     
    C’est inacceptable, surtout quand on sait que l’égalité entre les femmes et les hommes contribue à la paix, au développement durable, à l’action climatique et bien plus encore.
     
    C’est précisément pour cela nous avons pris des mesures spécifiques pour atteindre la parité hommes-femmes parmi les hauts responsables de l’Organisation des Nations Unies,objectif qui est déjà complété.
     
    C’est faisable.
     
    J’exhorte les institutions politiques et économiques du monde dominées par les hommes à le faire aussi.
     
    Excellences,
     
    Les inégalités mondiales se reflètent et se renforcent jusque dans nos propres organisations internationales.
     
    Le Conseil de sécurité des Nations Unies a été conçu par les vainqueurs de la Seconde Guerre mondiale.
     
    À l’époque, la majeure partie du continent africain était encore sous domination coloniale.
     
    À ce jour, l’Afrique n’a toujours aucun siège permanent au sein de la principale instance de paix du monde.
     
    Un changement s’impose.
     
    Il en va de même pour l’architecture financière mondiale, mise en place il y a 80 ans.
     
    Je félicite les dirigeants de la Banque mondiale et du Fonds monétaire international pour les mesures importantes qu’ils ont entreprises.
     
    Mais comme le souligne le Pacte pour l’avenir, la lutte contre les inégalités exige une accélération de la réforme de l’architecture financière internationale.
     
    Au cours des huit dernières décennies, l’économie mondiale s’est développée et transformée.
     
    Les institutions de Bretton Woods n’ont pas suivi le rythme.
     
    Elles ne sont plus en mesure de fournir un filet de sécurité mondial, ni d’offrir aux pays en développement le niveau de soutien dont ils ont tant besoin.
     
    Dans les pays les plus pauvres du monde, le coût des intérêts de la dette dépasse, en moyenne, le coût des investissements dans l’éducation, la santé et les infrastructures publiques réunis.
     
    Et à l’échelle du monde, plus de 80 % des cibles des Objectifs de développement durable ne sont pas en bonne voie.
    Excelencias,

    Volver al camino correcto requiere un aumento de financiamiento para la Agenda 2030 y el Acuerdo de París.

    Esto implica que los países del G20 lideren un Estímulo para los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible de 500.000 millones de dólares al año.

    Implica reformas para aumentar sustancialmente la capacidad de préstamo de los Bancos Multilaterales de Desarrollo – y permitirles ampliar masivamente la financiación asequible a largo plazo para el clima y el desarrollo.

    Implica ampliar la financiación de contingencia mediante el reciclaje de los Derechos Especiales de Giro.

    E implica promover una reestructuración de la deuda a largo plazo.

    Excelencias,

    No me hago ilusiones sobre las barreras a la reforma del sistema multilateral.

    Los que tienen poder político y económico, o y los que creen tenerlo, son siempre reacios al cambio.

    Pero el status quo ya está agotando su poder.

    Sin reformas, la fragmentación es inevitable, y las instituciones globales perderán legitimidad, credibilidad y eficacia.

    Excellencies,

    The third driver of our unsustainable world is uncertainty.

    The ground is shifting under our feet.

    Anxiety levels are off the charts.

    And young people, in particular, are counting on us and seeking solutions.

    Uncertainty is compounded by two existential threats – the climate crisis and the rapid advance of technology — in particular, Artificial Intelligence.

    Excellencies,

    We are in a climate meltdown.

    Extreme temperatures, raging fires, droughts, and epic floods are not natural disasters.

    They are human disasters — increasingly fueled by fossil fuels.

    No country is spared. But the poorest and most vulnerable are hardest hit.

    Climate hazards are blowing a hole through the budgets of many African countries, costing up to five per cent of GDP – every year.

    And this is just the start.

    We are on course to careen past the global limit of a 1.5 degree temperature rise.

    But as the problem gets worse, solutions are getting better.

    Renewable prices are plummeting, roll-out is accelerating, and lives are being transformed by affordable, accessible clean energy.

    Renewables don’t just generate power. They generate jobs, wealth, energy security and a path out of poverty for millions.

    But developing countries cannot be plundered in that journey.

    Our Panel on Critical Minerals has recommended fair and sustainable ways to meet global demand for these resources, which are essential to the renewables revolution.

    Excellencies,

    A future without fossil fuels is certain.  A fair and fast transition is not.

    That is in your hands.

    By next year, every country must produce an ambitious new national climate action plan – or Nationally Determined Contributions.

    These must bring national energy strategies, sustainable development priorities, and climate ambitions together.

    They must align with the 1.5 degree limit, cover the whole economy, and contribute to every one of the COP28 energy transition targets.

    An International Energy Agency report released today breaks this down.

    By 2035, on average, advanced economies must slash energy emissions 80 per cent, and emerging markets 65 per cent.

    The G20 is responsible for 80 per cent of total emissions.

    They must lead the charge – keeping with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities in the light of different national circumstances.

    But this must be a joint effort — pooling resources, scientific capacities and proven and affordable technologies for all to be able to reach those targets.

    I’m honoured to be working closely with President Lula of Brazil – who is both G20 Chair and COP30 host – to secure maximum ambition, acceleration and cooperation. We just met for that purpose.

    Finance is essential.

    COP29 is around the corner.

    It must deliver a significant new finance goal.

    We also need a Loss and Damage Fund that meets the scale of the challenge – and developed countries meeting their adaptation finance promises.

    And we must finally flip the script on a crazy situation:

    We continue to reward polluters to wreck our planet.

    The fossil fuel industry continues to pocket massive profits and subsidies, while everyday people bear the costs of climate catastrophe – from rising insurance premiums to lost livelihoods.

    I call on G20 countries to shift money from fossil fuel subsidies and investments to a just energy transition;

    To put an effective price on carbon;

    And to implement new and innovative sources of financing – including solidarity levies on fossil fuel extraction – through legally-binding, transparent mechanisms.

    All by next year and this taking into account that those who shoulder the blame must foot the bill.

    Polluters must pay.

    Excellencies,

    The rapid rise of new technologies poses another unpredictable existential risk.

    Artificial Intelligence will change virtually everything we know — from work, education and communication, to culture and politics.

    We know AI is rapidly advancing, but where is it taking us:

    To more freedom – or more conflict?

    To a more sustainable world – or greater inequality?

    To being better informed – or easier to manipulate?

    A handful of companies and even individuals have already amassed enormous power over the development of AI – with little accountability or oversight for the moment.

    Without a global approach to its management, artificial intelligence could lead to artificial divisions across the board – a Great Fracture with two internets, two markets, two economies – with every country forced to pick a side, and enormous consequences for all.

    The United Nations is the universal platform for dialogue and consensus.

    It is uniquely placed to promote cooperation on AI – based on the values of the Charter and international law.

    The global debate happens here, or it does not happen.

    I welcome important first steps.

    Two resolutions in the General Assembly, the Global Digital Compact, and the recommendations of the High-Level Body on AI can lay the foundations for inclusive governance of AI.

    Let’s move forward together to make AI a force for good.

    Excellencies,

    Nothing lasts forever.

    But a feature of human life is that it appears otherwise.

    The current order always feels fixed.

    Until it is not.
     
    Across human history, we see empires rising and falling; old certainties crumbling; tectonic shifts in global affairs.
     
    Today our course is unsustainable.

    It is in all our interests to manage the epic transformations underway; to choose the future we want and to guide our world towards it.

    Many have said that the differences and divisions today are just too great.

    That it is impossible for us to come together for the common good.

    You proved that is not true.

    The Summit of the Future showed that with a spirit of dialogue and compromise, we can join forces to steer our world to a more sustainable path.

    It is not the end.

    It is a start of a journey, a compass in the whirlwind.

    Let’s keep going.

    Let’s move our world towards less impunity and more accountability …. less inequality and more justice … less uncertainty and more opportunity.

    The people of the world are looking to us – and succeeding generations will look back on us.

    Let them find us on the side of the United Nations Charter … on the side of our shared values and principles … and on the right side of history.

    I thank you.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Malliotakis Recognized as a Guardian of Small Business by the National Federation of Independent Business

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)

    (WASHINGTON, DC) – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis was recognized by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and was honored as a Guardian of Small Business. This award honors lawmakers who consistently vote in favor of small businesses on key issues identified by business owners. Lawmakers who voted in support of small businesses on key issues during the 118th Congress earned the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award. A total of 269 members of Congress were recognized as Guardians of Small Business during the 118th Congress.

    “I thank the National Federation of Independent Business and NFIB President Brad Close for this award,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “As a Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, my priority has been to support and champion our small businesses by cutting bureaucratic red tape, lowering taxes, and reducing regulations. We must continue working to create an economic environment where small businesses can invest, expand and thrive, as they are job creators and the backbone of our economy.”

    “The NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award is presented to Members of Congress with a demonstrated record of supporting America’s small and independent business owners,” said NFIB President Brad Close. “This Congress, small businesses faced tough economic headwinds, especially from inflation, burdensome regulations, and threats of tax hikes at all levels of the government. We are proud to recognize the lawmakers from the 118th Congress, including Representative Nicole Malliotakis, who stood up for Main Street by taking pro-small business votes that would reduce taxes, eliminate burdensome government mandates, lower health insurance costs, and fuel the Main Street economy.”

    READ MORE HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Microsoft Trustworthy AI: Unlocking human potential starts with trust

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft Trustworthy AI: Unlocking human potential starts with trust

    YouTube Video

    As AI advances, we all have a role to play to unlock AI’s positive impact for organizations and communities around the world. That’s why we’re focused on helping customers use and build AI that is trustworthy, meaning AI that is secure, safe and private.

    At Microsoft, we have commitments to ensure Trustworthy AI and are building industry-leading supporting technology. Our commitments and capabilities go hand in hand to make sure our customers and developers are protected at every layer.

    Building on our commitments, today we are announcing new product capabilities to strengthen the security, safety and privacy of AI systems.

    Security. Security is our top priority at Microsoft, and our expanded Secure Future Initiative (SFI) underscores the company-wide commitments and the responsibility we feel to make our customers more secure. This week we announced our first SFI Progress Report, highlighting updates spanning culture, governance, technology and operations. This delivers on our pledge to prioritize security above all else and is guided by three principles: secure by design, secure by default and secure operations. In addition to our first party offerings, Microsoft Defender and Purview, our AI services come with foundational security controls, such as built-in functions to help prevent prompt injections and copyright violations. Building on those, today we’re announcing two new capabilities:

    • Evaluations in Azure AI Studio to support proactive risk assessments.
    • Microsoft 365 Copilot will provide transparency into web queries to help admins and users better understand how web search enhances the Copilot response. Coming soon.

    Our security capabilities are already being used by customers. Cummins, a 105-year-old company known for its engine manufacturing and development of clean energy technologies, turned to Microsoft Purview to strengthen their data security and governance by automating the classification, tagging and labeling of data. EPAM Systems, a software engineering and business consulting company, deployed Microsoft 365 Copilot for 300 users because of the data protection they get from Microsoft. J.T. Sodano, Senior Director of IT, shared that “we were a lot more confident with Copilot for Microsoft 365, compared to other large language models (LLMs), because we know that the same information and data protection policies that we’ve configured in Microsoft Purview apply to Copilot.”

    Safety. Inclusive of both security and privacy, Microsoft’s broader Responsible AI principles, established in 2018, continue to guide how we build and deploy AI safely across the company. In practice this means properly building, testing and monitoring systems to avoid undesirable behaviors, such as harmful content, bias, misuse and other unintended risks. Over the years, we have made significant investments in building out the necessary governance structure, policies, tools and processes to uphold these principles and build and deploy AI safely. At Microsoft, we are committed to sharing our learnings on this journey of upholding our Responsible AI principles with our customers. We use our own best practices and learnings to provide people and organizations with capabilities and tools to build AI applications that share the same high standards we strive for.

    Today, we are sharing new capabilities to help customers pursue the benefits of AI while mitigating the risks:

    • A Correction capability in Microsoft Azure AI Content Safety’s Groundedness detection feature that helps fix hallucination issues in real time before users see them.
    • Embedded Content Safety, which allows customers to embed Azure AI Content Safety on devices. This is important for on-device scenarios where cloud connectivity might be intermittent or unavailable.
    • New evaluations in Azure AI Studio to help customers assess the quality and relevancy of outputs and how often their AI application outputs protected material.
    • Protected Material Detection for Code is now in preview in Azure AI Content Safety to help detect pre-existing content and code. This feature helps developers explore public source code in GitHub repositories, fostering collaboration and transparency, while enabling more informed coding decisions.

    It’s amazing to see how customers across industries are already using Microsoft solutions to build more secure and trustworthy AI applications. For example, Unity, a platform for 3D games, used Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to build Muse Chat, an AI assistant that makes game development easier. Muse Chat uses content-filtering models in Azure AI Content Safety to ensure responsible use of the software. Additionally, ASOS, a UK-based fashion retailer with nearly 900 brand partners, used the same built-in content filters in Azure AI Content Safety to support top-quality interactions through an AI app that helps customers find new looks.

    We’re seeing the impact in the education space too. New York City Public Schools partnered with Microsoft to develop a chat system that is safe and appropriate for the education context, which they are now piloting in schools. The South Australia Department for Education similarly brought generative AI into the classroom with EdChat, relying on the same infrastructure to ensure safe use for students and teachers.

    Privacy. Data is at the foundation of AI, and Microsoft’s priority is to help ensure customer data is protected and compliant through our long-standing privacy principles, which include user control, transparency and legal and regulatory protections. To build on this, today we’re announcing:

    • Confidential inferencing in preview in our Azure OpenAI Service Whisper model, so customers can develop generative AI applications that support verifiable end-to-end privacy. Confidential inferencing ensures that sensitive customer data remains secure and private during the inferencing process, which is when a trained AI model makes predictions or decisions based on new data. This is especially important for highly regulated industries, such as health care, financial services, retail, manufacturing and energy.
    • The general availability of Azure Confidential VMs with NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs, which allow customers to secure data directly on the GPU. This builds on our confidential computing solutions, which ensure customer data stays encrypted and protected in a secure environment so that no one gains access to the information or system without permission.
    • Azure OpenAI Data Zones for the EU and U.S. are coming soon and build on the existing data residency provided by Azure OpenAI Service by making it easier to manage the data processing and storage of generative AI applications. This new functionality offers customers the flexibility of scaling generative AI applications across all Azure regions within a geography, while giving them the control of data processing and storage within the EU or U.S.

    We’ve seen increasing customer interest in confidential computing and excitement for confidential GPUs, including from application security provider F5, which is using Azure Confidential VMs with NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs to build advanced AI-powered security solutions, while ensuring confidentiality of the data its models are analyzing. And multinational banking corporation Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) has integrated Azure confidential computing into their own platform to analyze encrypted data while preserving customer privacy. With the general availability of Azure Confidential VMs with NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs, RBC can now use these advanced AI tools to work more efficiently and develop more powerful AI models.

    Achieve more with Trustworthy AI 

    We all need and expect AI we can trust. We’ve seen what’s possible when people are empowered to use AI in a trusted way, from enriching employee experiences and reshaping business processes to reinventing customer engagement and reimagining our everyday lives. With new capabilities that improve security, safety and privacy, we continue to enable customers to use and build trustworthy AI solutions that help every person and organization on the planet achieve more. Ultimately, Trustworthy AI encompasses all that we do at Microsoft and it’s essential to our mission as we work to expand opportunity, earn trust, protect fundamental rights and advance sustainability across everything we do.

    Related:

    Commitments

    Capabilities

    Tags: AI, Azure AI Content Safety, Azure AI Studio, Azure Confidential Computing, Azure OpenAI Service, Copilot, GitHub, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Purview, Microsoft Trust Center, Responsible AI, Secure Future Initiative, Trustworthy AI

    MIL OSI Economics –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Banking: OEUK news OEUK: GB Energy must build on Aberdeen’s industrial 24 September 2024

    Source: Offshore Energy UK

    Headline: OEUK news

    OEUK: GB Energy must build on Aberdeen’s industrial

    24 September 2024

    Offshore Energies UK, the leading trade body welcomes the announcement that GB Energy will be located in Aberdeen. The city has been Europe’s energy capital for the last fifty years and with the right energy policies in place to back firms and their workers, it can continue to spearhead the UK’s homegrown energy transition. 

    OEUK says listening to industry’s experts and building partnerships will be key to determining GB Energy’s success. The UK’s transition to cleaner energy is not only the biggest engineering project the UK has seen since the Second World War. It is also the biggest financial undertaking.

    The government’s Office for Budgetary Responsibility (OBR) says net zero will cost the UK £1.4 trillion, and that the lion’s share must come from business.  

    The new government now needs partnerships with industry to put plans into action, unlock investment and kickstart economic growth.  

    While welcoming the announcement, OEUK reinforced its continued concerns over plans by the UK government to increase and extend the Energy Profits Levy.

    OEUK and its members work closely with policymakers of all parties to champion the UK’s energy security and low carbon future.

    David Whitehouse, CEO Offshore Energies UK comments: 

    “Aberdeen is an energy powerhouse and home to brilliant British engineering. It must and should be part of the UK’s energy future. The people of this city are rightly proud of their energy heritage and it’s imperative GB Energy helps to safeguard their jobs and build on their world class expertise to benefit the whole UK.  

    “Where GB Energy is located is important but what really matters is what is does. Success will be built on partnerships with industry unlocking the private sector investment needed to achieve the homegrown energy transition and economic growth we all want. This means listening to expert people across our sector, backing our supply chains and safeguarding the jobs of thousands of skilled workers across the UK.  

    “But I remain concerned the new government’s tax changes will have profound consequences for this sector and its people. The new government committed to safeguarding jobs in its manifesto and must listen to those working in the sector. Today’s announcement is welcomed, but it will do little to alleviate the very real concerns of the impact the government’s tax proposals will have on thousands of jobs and billions of pounds in future economic value.

    “I am asking the government to choose a homegrown energy transition that makes the most of our people and businesses. The alternative is importing ever more energy, skills and infrastructure and subtracting value from our economy.” 

    Ends.

    OEUK is campaigning for a homegrown energy transition that makes the most of the UK’s people and industrial strengths to be a secure, sustainable and skilled future. Download a copy of OEUK’s industry manifesto here.

    Share this article

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chancellor urged to deliver Budget of ‘investment and opportunity’

    Source: Scottish Government

    Pledge to work with UK Government to create ‘the change people need’.

    The UK Autumn Budget should focus on “investment and opportunity”, with more funding for public services, infrastructure and measures to eradicate child poverty, Finance Secretary Shona Robison has said.

    The Finance Secretary pledged to work with the UK Government and devolved administrations to ensure the Autumn Budget on October 30 “works for all four nations and delivers the change that people need”.

    She called for the Chancellor to:

    • change the rules around borrowing to allow for greater investment in public infrastructure and services
    • reverse the forecast cut to capital funding, enabling the Scottish Government to invest more in hospitals, schools and transport
    • abolish the two child limit
    • deliver an Essentials Guarantee providing basic necessities for those who need them most
    • take greater steps towards delivering net zero, including by reforming motoring taxation
    • ensure any changes to tax take account of Scotland’s distinct and devolved tax system

    Ms Robison said:

    “When I met with the Chancellor last month, we were in full agreement that we must put people first in all that we do. This principle must be at the heart of the decisions at the Autumn Budget.

    “I want to work with the Chancellor, and the governments in Wales and Northern Ireland, to ensure that we have a Budget that works for all four nations and delivers the change that people need.

    “It does not need to be another Budget of challenge and constraint. Instead it can be a Budget about investment and opportunity.

    “We’re calling for measures to tackle child poverty and grow our economy. We’d like to see new rules around borrowing that support investment in public services. We want the UK Government to work hand in hand with the devolved administrations to provide the funding to deliver on our priorities.

    “These are the choices I encourage the Chancellor to make.”

    Background

    UK Autumn Budget: Letter to UK Government – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

    The Finance Secretary also confirmed that the Scottish Budget, outlining the Scottish Government’s proposed tax and spending plans for 2025-26, will be delivered on 4 December.

    The two child limit restricts universal credit and child tax credits to the first two children in most households, if born after April 2017.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Welcomes Numisma Bank to Connecticut as Fintech Company Opens World Headquarters in Greenwich

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Banking Commissioner Jorge Perez today are welcoming Numisma Bank, a fintech global currency distributor, to Connecticut as the company is celebrating the grand opening of its world headquarters in Greenwich.

    Numisma Bank received its innovation bank charter from the Connecticut Department of Banking earlier this year. The charter provides customized regulatory solutions to financial technology companies looking to grow in a competitive marketplace. It is ideal for companies with diverse business models that are engaged in a variety of financial activities and seek to integrate a banking function but whose business plan does not include taking retail deposits from individuals. The charter provides a responsible, streamlined, and flexible regulatory approach allowing companies to operate across the U.S. It also provides a beneficial exemption to money services laws in many other states, reducing regulatory burden.

    Numisma Bank is the first Connecticut state-chartered innovation bank to receive a Fed master account, which grants them access to the Federal Reserve System.

    “Fintech innovators realize that Connecticut offers a competitive landscape for their companies to grow and thrive in our state,” Governor Lamont said. “I am excited to welcome Numisma Bank to Connecticut’s business community. This launch represents another step forward for Connecticut as a leader in financial services, showcasing the state’s ability to foster a supportive business environment that attracts cutting-edge companies like Numisma Bank.”

    “I would like to welcome our newest Connecticut state-chartered bank,” Commissioner Perez said. “Connecticut’s innovations bank charter provides the necessary regulatory framework and guardrails while allowing the flexibility for companies to innovate in the fintech space. We wish Numisma success in its new home.”

    “I’d like to thank Governor Lamont and Banking Commissioner Jorge Perez for their support,” Vivek Tyagi, CEO and co-founder of Numisma Bank, said. “The decision to charter the bank in Connecticut was influenced by the state’s business-friendly climate and access to a deep talent pool. The Connecticut Department of Banking has been a key partner in supporting Numisma Bank’s vision. We share its commitment to providing essential services in the global banking industry and are happy the department remains dedicated to offering comprehensive regulatory oversight while fostering an environment where innovative financial services can thrive.”

    “The Connecticut Innovation Bank Charter and our direct access to the Federal Reserve System reflect the trust placed in Connecticut’s regulatory system and authority and in us,” Matthew Hurlock, chief administrative officer and co-founder of Numisma Bank, said. “We are committed to upholding that trust through rigorous compliance and operational excellence.”

    “Numisma Bank’s choice to establish its global operations in Connecticut is further proof of our state’s exceptional value proposition for financial technology innovators,” Daniel O’Keefe, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, said. “We possess a winning combination of skilled workforce, a supportive business environment, and an innovative culture that attracts market disruptors, leading to new job opportunities and economic growth.”

    “I am happy to welcome Numisma Bank as part of Greenwich’s thriving business community,” First Selectman Fred Camillo said. “Greenwich, along with the rest of southwestern Connecticut, is fast becoming a hub for financial innovation and we look forward to having Numisma as a partner in our community. We stand ready to assist companies looking to make Greenwich their home.”

    Numisma Bank focuses exclusively on the distribution of U.S. dollar and foreign currency banknotes, a critical service that ensures the flow of physical currency for central banks and international financial institutions. In recent years, many traditional U.S. banks have exited this complex, low-margin business due to increased regulatory demands as well as an overall decline in cash usage. Numisma is positioned to fill this gap by providing essential services to both the Federal Reserve and global monetary systems, ensuring resilience in these key markets. Numisma Bank is the only U.S. bank dedicated exclusively to this niche service.

    The company’s cutting-edge, fully cloud-based financial infrastructure is designed to support the purchase and sale of physical banknotes on an international scale. With no retail customers or involvement in loans or investments, Numisma Bank focuses solely on delivering efficient and secure transactions for central banks and financial institutions globally.

    Numisma Bank’s leadership team includes former senior executives from top global financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and White & Case.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI: Polaris Financial Investments partners with various placement agents

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LUXEMBOURG, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Switzerland-based securitisation firm, Polaris Financial Investment, has signed a groundbreaking distribution partnership with four of the world’s top placement agents. The partnership is a significant step toward introducing its products to the European market and diversifying its investor base. 

    The businesses hold a stellar track record, proving to be the prime partnership for Polaris to build a base of trust in its securitisation strategies and to expand it to the overall market. 

    “These partnerships are a valuable complement to Polaris’s existing placement capabilities,” says Director at Polaris, Marc Pepin, when asked about the significance of such partnerships. “They are the most pivotal partnerships Polaris has had so far.” 

    The businesses involved include:

    • Cohen Brothers: An established, international placement agent firm working for global, regional, and national fund managers. 
    • Daelman Consulting: Third-party marketing consultancy, known for creating great business partnerships. 
    • Active Fund Placement: Leading third-party marketer in Europe, offering significant market access and a transparent, professional sales approach. 
    • Equito: Specialist brokerage firm helping companies access new streams of funding and manage their business finances. 

    All have established their presence in the European financial market, placing billions of dollars in assets and funds, and are continuing to challenge the meaning of investment in the entire world.   

    About Company/Person: 

    Polaris locates and delivers outstanding private credit opportunities in companies with solid fundamentals that can benefit from their partnership approach and from managers with a proven, principled investment process.  

    Cohen Brothers https://www.cohenbrothers.eu/

    Daelman Consulting https://www.daelmanconsulting.com/

    Active Fund Placement https://fundplacement.de/

    Equito https://equito.co/

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI: Global Carbon Dioxide Removal Market Size Expected to Reach $2.54 Billion By 2033 as Climate Change Concerns Grow

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The carbon dioxide removal market has grown rapidly with the developments in the chemical domain. This industry mainly deals with providing solutions for removing C02 from the environment using natural and artificial methods. The C02 removal strategy is mostly integrated into many climate policies, as CO2 is an important element of climate change. CDR includes several methods that are mainly used on land or in aquatic systems. Land-based methods consist of afforestation, reforestation, and other agricultural practices. The water-based methods include ocean alkalinity enhancement, ocean fertilization, wetland restoration, and some blue carbon approaches. There are several products that are used in the CDR process that mainly include Biochar, Direct Air Capture (DAC), Enhanced/Carbon Mineralization, Ocean Alkalinization, BECCS, Microalgae, and some others. The CDR mainly finds applications in the technology and finance sectors. This industry is expected to grow exponentially with the growth in chemical industries. A report from Precedence Research said: “The global carbon dioxide removal market size was USD 638.73 million in 2023, calculated at USD $733.52 million in 2024 and is expected to reach around USD $2,548.29 million by 2033. The market is expanding at a solid CAGR of 14.84% over the forecast period 2024 to 2033. The rising awareness of reducing CO2 emissions across the world is driving the growth of the carbon dioxide removal market.” Active companies in the markets this week include: BluSky Carbon Inc. (CSE: BSKY) (OTCQB: BSKCF), Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE: OXY), Arq, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARQ), Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO), Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE: BE).

    The Precedence Research report continued saying: “The growing developments in the chemical industry are expected to drive the growth of the carbon dioxide removal market. The rising government initiatives for lowering CO2 emissions have driven the market growth. The increasing demand for clean air across the world fosters market growth. The growing investments from public and private sector entities for developing the carbon dioxide removal industry propels the market growth. The rising awareness of a clean environment among the people boosts the market growth to some extent. Increasing adoption of reforestation across the world is expected to boost market growth. The rise in the number of DAC plants in several countries across the world boosts market growth. The ongoing research and development activities related to CDR methodologies have impacted the carbon dioxide removal market growth positively.”

    BluSky Carbon Inc. (CSE: BSKY) (OTCQB: BSKCF) Secures US$105 Million Biochar Sales Agreement – Ten-year contract for agricultural grade soil amendments in Southern USA – BluSky Carbon Inc. (CSE: BSKY) (OTCQB: BSKCF) (FWB: QE4 /WKN A401NM) (“BluSky” or the “Company”), an innovative entry into the carbon removal clean technology sector is very pleased to announce that it has entered into a sales agreement (“Sales Agreement”) with a U.S. based purchaser (“Purchaser”) pursuant to which the Company has agreed to supply, and the Purchaser has agreed to purchase, up to 382,213 tonnes of biochar over a period of 10 years substantially on the schedule and pricing terms as set forth in the press release issued today.

    The Agreement sets forth a delivery schedule (see tables 1 to 3 shown in the current press release today) designed to achieve an initial volume of approximately 22,200 short tons within the first year of operation, scaling up to approximately 40,000 tons per year for the remainder of the of the Agreement. Biochar will be supplied on as-is basis. The moisture content will be verified with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) at delivery. Based upon a negotiated rate of two hundred and seventy-five dollars (US$275) per ton, the sales value under the Agreement is approximately US$105 million.

    Biochar is black carbon produced from biomass sources (i.e., wood chips, plant residues, manure or other agricultural waste products) for the purpose of transforming the biomass carbon into a more stable form (carbon sequestration). It can persist for long periods of time in the soil at various depths, typically thousands of years. Biochar is produced by heating biomass or waste materials containing carbon through pyrolysis. Pyrolysis involves thermal and chemical decomposition of biomass in limited or zero supply of oxygen, typically at temperatures ranging from 300°C to 1000°C. Biochar can be used as a soil amendment to improve soil physical and chemical properties, enhance water retention, and sequester carbon. It also contributes to climate change mitigation by stabilizing carbon in soils for thousands of years, preventing it from being released as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Biochar has shown promise in increasing crop yields, improving soil fertility, and reducing environmental pollution through its ability to retain nutrients and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

    The Company notes that its ability to meet scheduled delivery of biochar beyond year 1 is conditional upon its commissioning and receiving an additional two (2) Vulcan Heavy biomass pyrolysis systems (Vulcan Heavy). The Company anticipates that each Vulcan Heavy will cost approximately US$3 million and take up to nine months to be manufactured and delivered to the job site. BluSky’s ability to commission any Vulcan Heavy will be contingent on its ability to secure financing on acceptable terms, and no assurance can be given this will occur. At present, the Company believes that it will have the ability to produce 15,000 tons annually (with a sales value of approximately US$4 million under the Agreement) once it completes the build out of its “Kiloplex” facility, including testing and optimization of its Vulcan Heavy system. CONTINUED… Read this full press release and more news for BluSky Carbon at: https://bluskycarbon.com/news/

    Other recent developments in the markets of note include:

    1PointFive, a wholly owned subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE: OXY), announced recently that the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) will provide up to $500 million to support the development of the South Texas Direct Air Capture (DAC) Hub. The award is a milestone in furthering commercial-scale DAC in the United States and validation of Occidental and 1PointFive’s ability to use their decades-long expertise in carbon management to accelerate the vital climate technology.

    The funding will be provided in multiple tranches. The initial award of $50 million will advance 1PointFive’s ongoing work at the South Texas DAC Hub. Upcoming activities include engineering, permitting, the procurement of long-lead equipment and continued community engagement to further 1PointFive’s community benefits plan. The total award value for the South Texas DAC Hub is expected to be up to $500 million for the initial DAC facility at the site, and potentially increased up to $650 million for the development of an expanded regional carbon network in South Texas.

    Arq, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARQ), a producer of activated carbon and other environmentally efficient carbon products for use in purification and sustainable materials, recently announced the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 4,770,000 shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“common stock”), at a price to the public of $5.25 per share. All of the shares in the offering are being sold by Arq. The gross proceeds to Arq from the offering, before deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses, are expected to be approximately $25 million. The offering is expected to close on or about September 23, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions. In addition, Arq has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 715,500 shares of its common stock in the underwritten public offering.

    Arq intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital, capital expenditures, including continued construction of granular activated carbon facilities at Arq’s Red River and Corbin manufacturing facilities located in Coushatta, Louisiana and Corbin, Kentucky, respectively, research and development expenditures, commercial expenditures, debt service costs and repayment, acquisitions of new technologies, products or businesses, and investments.

    Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) recently announced the sale of approximately $20 million in Investment Tax Credits to an undisclosed corporate buyer. This transaction monetizes Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”) Investment Tax Credits generated from the commercialization of a renewable natural gas (“RNG”) production facility by Gevo NW Iowa RNG, LLC (“Gevo RNG”) and provides net cash proceeds of approximately $17 million to Gevo after transaction fees.

    The Gevo RNG asset has been optimized to produce approximately 400,000 MMBtus of RNG per year, and Gevo expects to further increase production over time. Additional RNG value could be unlocked through the monetization of Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credits under the IRA, once those rules are defined.

    Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE: BE) recently in response to market commentary regarding the results of the recent Korea Hydrogen Portfolio Standard auction, Bloom said it expects shipment volumes to Korea to be similar in 2024 and the coming years to what they have been in recent years. As disclosed previously, we continue to expect our partner SK ecoplant Co., Ltd. to purchase 500MW of Bloom solid oxide fuel cells between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2027.

    Bloom is the proven leader in solid oxide fuel cell technology, having demonstrated 60% electrical efficiency using hydrogen, and 90% combined heat and power efficiency. Bloom remains fully confident in our partners in Korea, and in the ability for Bloom fuel cells to be transformative to the Korean energy market. The public auction is just one mechanism for the sale of our energy servers into the Korean market. Our partners have other development projects in addition to those emanating from the auction.

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    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ISG group of companies in administration: information for employees and creditors

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Eight companies in the ISG group entered administration on 20 September 2024. This page gives information on how to claim redundancy or register as a creditor.

    Eight companies in the ISG group (the ISG Companies) entered administration on 20 September 2024. Timothy Vance, Alan Michael Hudson and Dan Edkins were appointed as joint administrators of the following companies:

    • ISG Central Services Limited 
    • ISG Interior Services Group UK Limited 
    • ISG Fit Out Limited 
    • ISG Engineering Services Limited 
    • ISG UK Retail Limited 
    • ISG Retail Limited 
    • ISG Construction Limited 
    • ISG Jackson Limited 

    This will be a worrying time for employees, as well as their customers and suppliers. Government will do all it can to support them. 

    If you are an employee, customer or supplier of the ISG Companies in administration, this page will provide you with advice and information. 

    Information for employees: 

    In the event of dismissal 

    If you are dismissed, you might be entitled to statutory redundancy pay, arrears of pay, compensatory notice pay and holiday pay  from the Insolvency Service. 

    Information about your rights, how to apply and how we calculate payments is available on GOV.UK. 

    Who is eligible 

    You can apply to the Insolvency Service for redundancy and other payments if you worked for one of the ISG Companies under an employment contract. 

    Workers and self-employed contractors who provided services to the ISG Companies are not eligible to apply. Instead, these individuals should contact the administrator to register as creditors. 

    Company directors 

    Check if you can apply for redundancy payments if you have been dismissed and were a director. 

    How to apply 

    Dismissed employees should contact: 

    isgemployees@uk.ey.com. 

    The administrators will give details about how to apply and will also give you a case reference number (example: CN12345678). Once you have this information, you can apply online. 

    Paying your claim 

    On average it takes 12 days to process and pay claims. However, sometimes we need to get additional information from the individual or from the administrator, which can take a bit of time. We’ll contact you directly if we need anything further from you. We always try to pay eligible claims within six weeks of receiving the application. 

    To allow us to deal with everyone’s application as quickly as possible, please do not contact us to check the status of your application until after the six weeks have passed. 

    Getting help with your application for redundancy payments 

    If you need help completing your application, you can contact the Redundancy Payments helpline on 0330 331 0020. 

    When calling, please have your case reference number (Example: CN12345678) and National Insurance number to hand. If you do not have a case reference number, please contact the administrator. 

    You can also contact us using our online contact form 

    If you need to email us after submitting your claim, only use the email address you gave on your application form. Otherwise, we won’t be able to respond to you for security reasons. 

    Other support available to you 

    Information about helping you find work and claim benefits.   

    Factsheet: finding a new job, managing your finances and benefits available to you (PDF, 487 KB, 2 pages) 

    Information for creditors, suppliers and contractors 

    If you were a supplier or contractor to one of the ISG Companies in administration and are owed money you should register as a creditor. You are a creditor if: 

    • you have not been paid for goods or services you’ve supplied to them 

    • you’ve paid the ISG Companies for goods or services that you have not received 

    The administrators will be contacting all known creditors in due course. If you are a creditor and you have not been contacted by 7 October 2024, you should contact: isgcreditors@uk.ey.com. 

    Further information can be found at: 

    ISG Administrations (in Administration) (“the Company”) – EY – UK. 

    Information for customers 

    If you were a customer of one of the ISG Companies in administration you can find further information at: 

    ISG Administrations (in Administration) (“the Company”) – EY – UK. 

    You can contact the administrators by emailing: 

    isgadministrations@uk.ey.com

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    Updates to this page

    Published 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Mullin to the Wall Street Journal: Where are the Senate Democrats on Fracking?

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    ICYMI: Mullin to the Wall Street Journal: Where are the Senate Democrats on Fracking?

    U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) responded to a recent op-ed in the Wall Street Journal with a letter to the editor highlighting the importance of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to support our allies and keep energy costs low.
    The letter can be found here and below.
    “Your editorial “Where’s Kamala on LNG Exports?” (Sept. 19) raises a question similar to the one I posed to my colleagues: Where are Senate Democrats on fracking?
    Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is essential to our ability to provide abundant, affordable energy to our citizens and allies. If House Democrats are writing to the White House in support of liquefied natural-gas exports, one might assume they should be in favor of fracking, too.
    I took to the floor with Sen. Katie Britt (R., Ala.) to request that the Senate pass the Protecting American Energy Production Act by unanimous consent. This bill, which would have prohibited the president from unilaterally canceling fracking projects, was immediately blocked. Ironically, one of the senators who opposed it was from Massachusetts, whose residents pay the nation’s highest electricity costs to heat their homes.
    Our allies want to do business with us, and our economy desperately needs it. Instead we’re letting the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries set the world price for crude and allowing our adversaries to get rich off our backs. Never mind that we could produce the energy in a much cleaner and more efficient way.
    The world demand for fossil fuels is increasing. Why are we continuing the moratorium at the expense of the American taxpayer?”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bill to Study Transfer of Weitzman Museum Honoring American Jewish History to the Smithsonian Institution Passes House of Representatives

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

    “Jewish communities have made astounding contributions to America’s noble experiment in building a more perfect union. Sharing those achievements with everyone is what the late Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter and I had in mind when we created Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) nearly two decades ago. Educating all Americans, from all over the country, about these amazing Jewish impacts on our nation’s history, not only raises awareness but helps dispel harmful prejudices about our community,” said Wasserman Schultz.

    Washington DC – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Mike Turner (OH-10), Brendan Boyle (PA-2), and Max Miller (OH-7) announced that their bill, H.R. 7764, passed the House of Representatives late last night. H.R. 7764, the Commission to Study the Potential Transfer of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History to the Smithsonian Institution Act, takes a critical step in transferring the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, a highly regarded museum dedicated to the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans, to the Smithsonian Institution. The Weitzman, if transferred, would serve as the Smithsonian’s only museum dedicated specifically to the stories of Jewish Americans. Sen. Bob Casey (PA) leads the companion bill in the Senate.

    “Jewish communities have made astounding contributions to America’s noble experiment in building a more perfect union. Sharing those achievements with everyone is what the late Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter and I had in mind when we created Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) nearly two decades ago. Educating all Americans, from all over the country, about these amazing Jewish impacts on our nation’s history, not only raises awareness but helps dispel harmful prejudices about our community,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Taking this critical step to welcome the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History into the larger Smithsonian family would bring that vision closer to reality. This powerful institutional integration signals a strong commitment to address the dramatic rise in antisemitism by helping amplify the myriad ways Jewish Americans enriched a nation who’s very founding, fittingly, traces back to Philadelphia, the Weitzman Museum’s home city.”   

    “Tonight, we took one step closer to the Weitzman Museum becoming part of the world class Smithsonian Institution Museum family,” said Boyle. “The Weitzman is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience. The Weitzman’s role in telling the tale of our nation’s history is significant. Bringing the Weitzman Museum fully into the Smithsonian family would give it expanded access to not only artifacts and documents, but robust educational resources, expertise and staff training to aid in the ongoing mission to preserve and promote the culture of American Jews. I encourage my Senate colleagues to pass this bill without delay.”

    “The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia serves as a powerful reminder of the contributions that Jewish Americans have made to the fabric of the United States,” said Turner. “By bringing this museum and its collections into the Smithsonian, Congress will ensure that the story of Jewish Americans is shared with the widest possible audience.”

    “Now more than ever it is imperative that Jewish-American Heritage be celebrated and exhibited at the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, the Smithsonian Institution,” said Miller. “I am pleased to see this bill pass the House of Representatives, especially as we see a rise in antisemitism worldwide.”

    “It pains me to see that antisemitism in the United States has surged to what the FBI Director has described as ‘historic levels.’ We must do more to show the invaluable role Jewish Americans have played in our nation’s story. Now is the time for the Smithsonian to explore adding an American Jewish History Museum to its roster. The Weitzman Museum should be seriously considered as an option to fully recognize and share the whole story of American Jewish History as our preeminent institution dedicated to American Jewish history. I thank Representatives Wasserman Schultz and Boyle for leading us forward by introducing this bill and look forward to my colleagues in the Senate taking this bill up in their chamber,” said Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle.

    “We are elated that the bill has reached this important milestone,” said Phil Darivoff, Trustee and Chair Emeritus of The Weitzman. “The remarkable bipartisan support which enabled this bill to pass thanks to the leadership of Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Mike Turner, Brendan Boyle, and Max Miller—along with nearly 100 co-sponsors on both sides of the aisle—demonstrates to all Americans the significant role that Jewish Americans have played in our nation and how critical it is to teach these stories to counter antisemitism, bigotry, and hate.”

    The Commission to Study the Potential Transfer of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History to the Smithsonian Institution Act would create a commission to study the potential transfer of the Weitzman Museum to the Smithsonian Institution, which is the necessary first step to put the Weitzman Museum on a path toward acquisition by the Smithsonian. Specifically:

    ·      The commission will consist of eight members, with two members appointed by the majority and minority leaders of each chamber..

    ·      The commission will write a report to Congress with a recommendation on whether the Weitzman Museum should be transferred to the Smithsonian Institution. The report will also detail the current collections of the Museum; the impact of the Museum on educational and governmental efforts to study and counter antisemitism; the financial assets and liabilities of the Museum and costs of operating and maintaining the Museum; the governance and organizational structure of the Museum should it be transferred; and the impact such a transfer would have on the Smithsonian Institution.

    ·      The commission will not receive any federal funding and will accept private contributions to pay for its expenses.

    Read the entire bill here.

    ####

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Huizenga Recognized as Guardian of Small Business by NFIB

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

    Last week, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) was recognized as a “Guardian of Small Business” by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for his legislative record of voting in support of small business. As the voice of small business, NFIB is the only business organization whose policy positions are established by NFIB members directly. NFIB’s Guardian of Small Business Award is reserved for lawmakers who vote consistently with small businesses on key issues identified by small business owners.

    “As a small business owner myself, I understand the challenges job creators face in the current economic environment,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “With input costs soaring and economic uncertainty on the rise, I will continue to fight for commonsense legislation that empowers local job creation, lowers energy prices, and makes life more affordable for small businesses across Southwest Michigan. Thank you to the NFIB for recognizing my work to make it easier to start a small business here in Michigan.”

    “The NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award is presented to Members of Congress with a demonstrated record of supporting America’s small and independent business owners,” said NFIB President Brad Close. “This Congress, small businesses faced tough economic headwinds, especially from inflation, burdensome regulations, and threats of tax hikes at all levels of the government. We are proud to recognize the lawmakers from the 118th Congress, including Representative Huizenga, who stood up for Main Street by taking pro-small business votes that would reduce taxes, eliminate burdensome government mandates, lower health insurance costs, and fuel the Main Street economy.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Neal Opening Statement at Hearing on TANF

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Richard Neal (D-MA)

    (As prepared for delivery)

     

    Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you to our witnesses for being here today.

    When they are able to receive it, TANF can play an important role in making ends meet each month for families with children across the country. Bridging the gap on affording basic necessities while also helping parents and other caregivers find meaningful work and build a better life. Unfortunately, less than one in four poor families gets assistance from TANF nationally, and in many states the numbers are even smaller.

    This Congress is ending as it began—putting the will of the wealthy and well-connected over the most vulnerable Americans. The only TANF legislation we considered in Committee was H.R. 6918, which allowed states to divert funds intended for needy families to fund anti-abortion centers. We are just days out from not only a government shutdown but also the expiration of the TANF program, and the Committee is lending our platform to a subject involved the most dramatic misuse of TANF funds in recent memory.

    Now today, there will be a lot of faux outrage over a program that has been repeatedly exploited, with no accountability for how it got that way. Republican authors of the original TANF law deliberately prevented real federal oversight of TANF, at the request of Republican House members and governors.

    Did you know that in Mississippi 396,000 families and about 632,000 children accessed Democrats’ expanded Child Tax Credit in 2021 whereas at the same time, only about 2,000 families accessed TANF?

    It’s stunning, and it’s an utter failure to help the poorest among us.

    Democrats stand ready to work with Republicans to provide the oversight authority and return the misspent funds to the poor families that need financial support. In fact, Ranking Member Davis, a lifelong champion of our nation’s most vulnerable workers and families, and another champion, Congresswoman Chu, are leading legislation to replace a Republican provision in the original law that allowed the malfeasance in Mississippi to happen with penalties and requiring states to recover misspent funds and direct them to their intended audience—poor children. Another champion on the Committee, Congresswoman Moore, who through her lived experience knows better than anyone here about holding those in power accountable for helping struggling families.

    We have clear, proven pathways to help struggling families—restoring the expanded child tax credit, guaranteeing child care, and unlocking access to paid family and medical leave would be a good start.

    Today, the majority is promoting a false dichotomy between celebrity and responsibility. 

    Stealing from children is wrong, no matter how you spin it or who you are.

    With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 5th Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum opens today to deepen international tax co-operation in pursuit of high-quality Belt and Road development (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The three-day 5th Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum (BRITACOF), hosted by the Inland Revenue Department, is being held from today (September 24) at the AsiaWorld-Expo, marking the first time for Hong Kong to host BRITACOF. This year’s BRITACOF, themed “Deepening Tax Administration Cooperation for High-Quality Belt and Road Development”, gathered more than 400 tax officials, tax experts, as well as representatives from international organisations, academic institutions and enterprises from different countries and regions to discuss emerging tax issues and exchange tax administration experiences.
     
         Participants will engage in in-depth discussions on five major topics, including raising tax certainty, promoting tax administration digitalisation, improving tax environment, reinforcing capacity building of tax administration and optimising tax administration measures in the financial sector. BRITACOF also features a business and industry tax dialogue session to build a communication platform for participating tax officials and stakeholders from business and industrial sectors.

         The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said in his welcome address, “As the only common law jurisdiction within China, our legal system in the business realm resembles that of most major international financial centres. Our robust legal system is backed by such long-standing institutional strengths as the free flow of information, capital, goods and people, low and simple tax system, and highly open and internationalised market. Together, they ensure our strategic role as a ‘super connector’ and a ‘super value-adder’ between the Mainland and the rest of the world. 

         “Tax administration plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable development. Efficient tax systems provide the essential resources for the delivery of public services and infrastructure. Hong Kong believes that transparent and fair tax policies could foster trust among investors, governments and taxpayers. As a champion of free and multilateral trade, Hong Kong supports the co-ordinated efforts of the international tax community, actively engaging in initiatives designed to bring economies together.”

         In his keynote speech at the opening ceremony, the Commissioner of the State Taxation Administration (STA), Mr Hu Jinglin, said, “The recovery of world economy is challenging. The pursuit of peace, development, co-operation and mutual benefit is an irreversible trend. Differences in tax systems and collection management among countries have an important impact on the liberalisation and facilitation of cross-border trade and investment. Deepening tax administration co-operation is of great significance in removing barriers to cross-border trade and investment, promoting inclusive growth of the global economy, and facilitating high-quality Belt and Road development. The STA is willing to work with all parties to deepen tax administration co-operation for high-quality Belt and Road development, so as to make new contributions to the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.”

         Speaking at the welcome dinner, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said that BRITACOF is a crucial and exemplary international platform designed to enhance co-operation among tax administrations along the Belt and Road.

         He said, “The hosting of the 5th BRITACOF in Hong Kong underscores our unique gateway role in fostering partnerships and creating value for economies, businesses and people along the Belt and Road.”

         “Hong Kong has always been committed to upholding international tax standards, including the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) framework set by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. We are also fully supportive of the international standard of tax information exchange to avoid tax evasion. By endorsing and implementing these standards, Hong Kong ensures that Belt and Road projects involving Hong Kong companies adhere to the highest international benchmarks in terms of tax governance and transparency,” Mr Hui added.

         On the margins of the 5th BRITACOF, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the Commissioner of the STA, Mr Hu Jinglin, and witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on tax co-operation within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) among the finance and taxation departments of Guangdong Province, Shenzhen, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and the Macao SAR. The MOU will promote the co-ordination of tax administration and services in the GBA, which facilitates Hong Kong’s active integration into the overall national development. The deepened tax co-operation in the GBA can enhance Hong Kong’s tax competitiveness and create a more favourable business environment.

         In addition, during BRITACOF, Mr Hui held bilateral meetings separately with representatives from Kazakhstan, Maldives, Tajikistan and Türkiye to discuss deepening tax co-operation at the international and Belt and Road levels.

         Mr Hui also signed a comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreement (CDTA) with the Government of the Republic of Türkiye on behalf of the Hong Kong SAR Government at the 5th BRITACOF today to foster closer economic, trade and investment relations between Hong Kong and Türkiye with a view to jointly contributing to the high-quality Belt and Road development through strengthened bilateral ties. This is the 51st CDTA signed by Hong Kong, marking a significant step forward for Hong Kong in fostering international tax co-operation.

         Established in 2019 under the lead of the STA, the Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Mechanism (BRITACOM) is a non-profit official mechanism for the discussion on tax administration co-operation among countries and regions along the Belt and Road. With the vision of promoting cross-border trade and investment and fostering regional economic co-operation, BRITACOM aims at removing tax obstacles and building a growth-friendly tax environment, so as to realise an inclusive and a sustainable development. BRITACOF, the annual signature event of BRITACOM, is hosted by member tax administrations in rotation. This year’s BRITACOF is hosted by Hong Kong and chaired by the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Mr Tam Tai-pang.

         For details of the 5th BRITACOF, please visit the thematic website (www.ird.gov.hk/BRITACOF/eng/index.html).               

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rochester Woman Arrested, Charged with Bilking Elderly Landlord Out of Tens of Thousands of Dollars

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Nahtahna Castner, 45, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with wire fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, between July 2020, and February 2023, Castner gained the trust of an elderly Victim in her mid-90’s who allowed her into her home. The Victim owned a duplex and lived on one side, while Castner lived on the other side. Using her position of trust, Castner gained access to the Victim’s personal identifying information and banking information. She then withdrew large sums of cash from ATM’s, often close to the daily ATM limit, conducted wire transfer peer-to-peer payments to her own personal bank account, and made unauthorized purchases using the Victim’s debit card. The complaint states that Castner defrauded the Victim out of approximately $252,672.97 from two different banking institutions. In addition, Castner also used the Victim’s personal identifying information to complete at least three unauthorized credit card applications, which were approved with  credit limits of $2,000, $600, and $500. Castner then used the credit cards and defrauded the three financial institutions out of approximately $3,668.11. Castner used the money she stole from the Victim on a variety of purchases, such as travel, which included a trip to Hawaii, hotels, car repairs, insurance, and car payments.

    On January 6, 2022, the Victim was hospitalized, but her family was not notified and only became aware a few days later. When family arrived, Castner was already there, referring to herself as the Victim’s granddaughter, and making the healthcare decisions on behalf of the Victim. Still unsure of Castner’s full involvement with Victim A and under the impression that she had helped Victim A with various tasks, family members offered to provide some money to Castner for helping the Victim when hospitalized. Castner was adamant that she did not want any money and told them she helped “out of the kindness of her heart.” However, the Victim’s son decided to go to the bank anyway to get money, at which time he became aware that the bank accounts were empty. Castner immediately moved out of the duplex without notice and did not contact any of the Victim’s family again. In speaking with his mother about the missing money, the Victim stated it must have been “Tana.” The Victim passed away on February 23, 2023. Just two months prior, her accounts at the two banking institutions had only approximately $99.59.

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: ‘We Knocked Her Out with Some Gummies:’ Coordinator in Unaccompanied Child Smuggling Ring Admits to Conspiring to Smuggle Toddler From Mexico

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    LAREDO, Texas – A 23-year-old Laredo woman has pleaded guilty to smuggling a young child into the United States for financial gain, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

    From August to September 2023, Vanessa Valadez and other family members operated a child smuggling ring working to bring young non-citizen children from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, into the United States. All the children were under the age of five. 

    On the night of Sept. 19, 2023, members of the smuggling ring retrieved a young girl from a stash house which the organization members operated. The co-conspirators smuggled the girl across the border and delivered her to Valadez in downtown Laredo. Co-conspirators then took the child further into the United States and delivered her to unknown people.

    On Sept. 21, 2023, members of the smuggling ring attempted to transport another young girl. However, law enforcement intercepted them following a routine border inspection at the Juarez Lincoln Bridge in Laredo. To carry out their scheme, co-conspirators had sedated the girl with melatonin gummies and used an unlawfully obtained birth certificate to deceive authorities into believing the girl was a family member. 

    According to one of the conspirators, the smuggling ring had attempted to similarly transport at least four girls into the United States, three of whom remain unidentified, and their whereabouts are unknown. Members of the smuggling ring obtained birth certificates of U.S. citizen children to pose as a family unit at ports of entry to the United States. At times, members of the smuggling ring used melatonin gummies to sedate at least one child to ensure a successful smuggling attempt. 

    The investigation revealed one of the co-conspirators sent a text message and an image depicting an unconscious child and a caption, “La noquiamos con unas gomitas,” translated in English as “we knocked her out with some gummies.”

    “This smuggling case ranks among the most chilling we’ve ever seen – involving the systematic trade of transporting young children to unknown final destinations,” said Hamdani. “Let this prosecution serve as a stark warning to all those parents who might consider entrusting a precious child to the care of a criminal organization bent on making money by smuggling vulnerable children – your child could be sedated or drugged . . . or worse.”

    Co-conspirators Ana Laura Bryand, 47, Dallas; her niece Kayla Marie Bryand, 20, Laredo, Jose Eduardo Bryand, 43, Laredo; Nancy Guadalupe Bryand, 44, all of Laredo; and Lizeth Esmeralda Bryand Arredondo, 32, Mexico, previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the conspiracy. 

    U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentence Jan. 8, 2025. At that time, Valadez faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol, Laredo Police Department, Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General and FBI. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Terence A. Check Jr. is prosecuting the case with the assistance of AUSA Michael Makens.

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cryptocurrency Investment Fraud a Growing Problem in Maryland

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    FBI highlights tips to identify investment fraud, prevent losses, and report these crimes

    Cryptocurrency investment fraud, commonly described as “pig butchering,” is one of the most prevalent and damaging fraud schemes today, impacting hundreds of Marylanders each year.

    Scammers, through various means of manipulation, convince victims to deposit more and more money into financial “investments” using cryptocurrency. In truth, these investments are fake; all victim money is under the control of – and ultimately stolen by – criminal actors, usually overseas. As a result, victims typically lose all money they invested.

    According to the FBI’s latest Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) data, there have been almost $54.5 million in losses to cryptocurrency investment scams in Maryland from January to August 2024 with 482 Marylanders reporting these crimes.

    In 2023, 668 Marylanders reported losing $69.1 million dollars to IC3.

    “Bottom line: never trust someone you haven’t met who claims to be an expert and can help you make money through a can’t-miss investment opportunity,” says FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno. “We are seeing victims in their 20s and 30s all the way up to our senior citizens who are absolutely devastated by these schemes.”

    Tips to recognize and avoid this scam:

    • If an unknown individual contacts you, do not release any financial or personal identifying information and do not send any money.
    • Do not invest per the advice of someone you meet solely online.
    • Verify the validity of any investment opportunity from strangers or long-lost contacts on social media websites.
    • Be on the lookout for domain names that impersonate legitimate financial institutions, especially cryptocurrency exchanges.
    • Misspelled URLs, often with a slight deviation from the actual financial institutions’ website, may be fake.
    • Do not download or use suspicious looking apps as a tool for investing unless you can verify the legitimacy of the app.
    • If an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Be cautious of get rich quick schemes.
    • Confirm the validity of any investment opportunity or cryptocurrency investment website or app.
    • If you already invested funds and believe you are a victim of a scheme, do not pay any additional fees or taxes to withdraw your money.
    • Do not pay for services that claim to be able to recover lost funds.

    If you or someone you know may be a victim of a cryptocurrency investment scam, immediately submit a report to ic3.gov or contact the FBI Baltimore field office and provide as much transaction information as possible. Transaction details include cryptocurrency addresses, amount and type of cryptocurrency, date and time, and transaction ID (hash)

    For more information, visit https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/national-crimes-and-victim-resources/cryptocurrency-investment-fraud.

    To view the latest cryptocurrency fraud stats and trends, read the 2023 IC3 Cryptocurrency Fraud Report.

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks at the Opening of the General Debate of the Seventy-ninth Session of the General Assembly [trilingual, as delivered, scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations – English

    r. President of the General Assembly,

    Excellencies,

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    Our world is in a whirlwind.

    We are in an era of epic transformation – facing challenges unlike any we have ever seen – challenges that demand global solutions.

    Yet geo-political divisions keep deepening. The planet keeps heating.

    Wars rage with no clue how they will end.

    And nuclear posturing and new weapons cast a dark shadow.

    We are edging towards the unimaginable – a powder keg that risks engulfing the world.

    Meanwhile, 2024 is the year that half of humanity goes to the polls – and all of humanity will be affected.

    I stand before you in this whirlwind convinced of two overriding truths.

    First, the state of our world is unsustainable.

    We can’t go on like this.

    And second, the challenges we face are solvable.

    But that requires us to make sure the mechanisms of international problem-solving actually solve problems.

    The Summit of the Future was a first step, but we have a long way to go.

    Getting there requires confronting three major drivers of unsustainability.

    A world of impunity – where violations and abuses threaten the very foundation of international law and the UN Charter.

    A world of inequality – where injustices and grievances threaten to undermine countries or even push them over the edge.

    And a world of uncertainty – where unmanaged global risks threaten our future in unknowable ways.

    These worlds of impunity, inequality and uncertainty are connected and colliding.

    Excellencies,

    The level of impunity in the world is politically indefensible and morally intolerable.

    Today, a growing number of governments and others feel entitled to a “get out of jail free” card.

    They can trample international law.

    They can violate the United Nations Charter.

    They can turn a blind eye to international human rights conventions or the decisions of international courts.

    They can thumb their nose at international humanitarian law.

    They can invade another country, lay waste to whole societies, or utterly disregard the welfare of their own people.

    And nothing will happen.

    We see this age of impunity everywhere — in the Middle East, in the heart of Europe, in the Horn of Africa, and beyond.

    The war in Ukraine is spreading with no signs of letting up.

    Civilians are paying the price – in rising death tolls and shattered lives and communities.

    It is time for a just peace based on the UN Charter, on international law and on UN resolutions.

    Meanwhile, Gaza is a non-stop nightmare that threatens to take the entire region with it.

    Look no further than Lebanon.

    We should all be alarmed by the escalation. 

    Lebanon is at the brink. 

    The people of Lebanon – the people of Israel – and the people of the world — cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza.

    Let’s be clear.

    Nothing can justify the abhorrent acts of terror committed by Hamas on October 7th, or the taking of hostages – both of which I have repeatedly condemned.

    And nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.

    The speed and scale of the killing and destruction in Gaza are unlike anything in my years as Secretary-General.

    More than 200 of our own staff have been killed, many with their families.

    And yet the women and men of the United Nations continue to deliver humanitarian aid.

    I know you join me in paying a special tribute to UNRWA and to all humanitarians in Gaza.

    The international community must mobilize for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the beginning of an irreversible process towards a two-State solution.

    For those who go on undermining that goal with more settlements, more landgrabs, more incitement — I ask:

    What is the alternative?

    How could the world accept a one-state future in which a large a large number of Palestinians would be included without any freedom, rights or dignity?

    In Sudan, a brutal power struggle has unleashed horrific violence — including widespread rape and sexual assaults.

    A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding as famine spreads.  Yet outside powers continue to interfere with no unified approach to finding peace.

    In the Sahel, the dramatic and rapid expansion of the terrorist threat requires a joint approach rooted in solidarity – but regional and international cooperation have broken down.

    From Myanmar to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Haiti to Yemen and beyond – we continue to see appalling levels of violence and human suffering in the face of a chronic failure to find solutions.

    Meanwhile our peacekeeping missions are too often operating in areas where simply there is no peace to keep.

    Instability in many places around the world is a by-product of instability in power relations and geo-political divides.

    For all its perils, the Cold War had rules.

    There were hot lines, red lines and guard rails.

    It can feel as though we don’t have that today.

    Nor do we have a unipolar world.

    We are moving to a multipolar world, but we are not there yet.

    We are in a purgatory of polarity.

    And in this purgatory, more and more countries are filling the spaces of geopolitical divides, doing whatever they want with no accountability.

    That is why it is more important than ever to reaffirm the Charter, to respect international law, to support and implement decisions of international courts, and to reinforce human rights in the world.

    Anywhere and everywhere.

    Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,
     
    L’augmentation des inégalités est un deuxième facteur de l’insoutenabilité et une tache sur notre conscience collective.
     
    L’inégalité n’est pas une question technique ou bureaucratique.
     
    Au fond, l’inégalité est une question de pouvoir, aux racines historiques.
     
    Les conflits, les bouleversements climatiques et la crise du coût de la vie étendent ces racines historiques plus profondément encore.
     
    Dans le même temps, le monde peine encore à se relever de la flambée des inégalités engendrée par la pandémie.
     
    Si l’on regarde les 75 pays les plus pauvres du monde, un tiers d’entre eux se trouve aujourd’hui dans une situation pire qu’il y a cinq ans.
     
    Au cours de la même période, les cinq hommes les plus riches de la planète ont plus que doublé leurs fortunes.
     
    Et un pour cent des habitants de la planète détient 43 % de l’ensemble des avoirs financiers mondiaux.
     
    Au niveau national, certains gouvernements décuplent les inégalités en accordant des cadeaux fiscaux massifs aux entreprises et aux ultra-riches — au détriment des investissements dans la santé, l’éducation et la protection sociale.
     
    Et personne n’est plus lésé que les femmes et les filles du monde entier.
     
    Excellences,
     
    La discrimination et les abus généralisés fondés sur le genre constituent l’inégalité la plus répandue dans toutes les sociétés.
     
    Chaque jour, il semble que nous soyons confrontés à de nouveaux cas révoltants de féminicides, de violences fondées sur le genre et de viols collectifs – en temps de paix comme en tant qu’arme de guerre.
     
    Dans certains pays, les lois sont utilisées pour menacer la santé et les droits reproductifs.
     
    Et en Afghanistan, les lois sont utilisées pour entériner l’oppression systématique des femmes et des filles.
     
    Et je suis désolé de constater que, malgré des années de beaux discours, l’inégalité de genre se manifesteet je vous demande pardon de le dire, elle se manifeste aujourd’hui encore, pleinement dans cette enceinte.
     
    Moins de 10 pour cent des intervenants au Débat général de cette semaine sont des femmes.
     
    C’est inacceptable, surtout quand on sait que l’égalité entre les femmes et les hommes contribue à la paix, au développement durable, à l’action climatique et bien plus encore.
     
    C’est précisément pour cela nous avons pris des mesures spécifiques pour atteindre la parité hommes-femmes parmi les hauts responsables de l’Organisation des Nations Unies,objectif qui est déjà complété.
     
    C’est faisable.
     
    J’exhorte les institutions politiques et économiques du monde dominées par les hommes à le faire aussi.
     
    Excellences,
     
    Les inégalités mondiales se reflètent et se renforcent jusque dans nos propres organisations internationales.
     
    Le Conseil de sécurité des Nations Unies a été conçu par les vainqueurs de la Seconde Guerre mondiale.
     
    À l’époque, la majeure partie du continent africain était encore sous domination coloniale.
     
    À ce jour, l’Afrique n’a toujours aucun siège permanent au sein de la principale instance de paix du monde.
     
    Un changement s’impose.
     
    Il en va de même pour l’architecture financière mondiale, mise en place il y a 80 ans.
     
    Je félicite les dirigeants de la Banque mondiale et du Fonds monétaire international pour les mesures importantes qu’ils ont entreprises.
     
    Mais comme le souligne le Pacte pour l’avenir, la lutte contre les inégalités exige une accélération de la réforme de l’architecture financière internationale.
     
    Au cours des huit dernières décennies, l’économie mondiale s’est développée et transformée.
     
    Les institutions de Bretton Woods n’ont pas suivi le rythme.
     
    Elles ne sont plus en mesure de fournir un filet de sécurité mondial, ni d’offrir aux pays en développement le niveau de soutien dont ils ont tant besoin.
     
    Dans les pays les plus pauvres du monde, le coût des intérêts de la dette dépasse, en moyenne, le coût des investissements dans l’éducation, la santé et les infrastructures publiques réunis.
     
    Et à l’échelle du monde, plus de 80 % des cibles des Objectifs de développement durable ne sont pas en bonne voie.

    Excelencias,

    Volver al camino correcto requiere un aumento de financiamiento para la Agenda 2030 y el Acuerdo de París.

    Esto implica que los países del G20 lideren un Estímulo para los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible de 500.000 millones de dólares al año.

    Implica reformas para aumentar sustancialmente la capacidad de préstamo de los Bancos Multilaterales de Desarrollo – y permitirles ampliar masivamente la financiación asequible a largo plazo para el clima y el desarrollo.

    Implica ampliar la financiación de contingencia mediante el reciclaje de los Derechos Especiales de Giro.

    E implica promover una reestructuración de la deuda a largo plazo.

    Excelencias,

    No me hago ilusiones sobre las barreras a la reforma del sistema multilateral.

    Los que tienen poder político y económico, o y los que creen tenerlo, son siempre reacios al cambio.

    Pero el status quo ya está agotando su poder.

    Sin reformas, la fragmentación es inevitable, y las instituciones globales perderán legitimidad, credibilidad y eficacia.

    Excellencies,

    The third driver of our unsustainable world is uncertainty.

    The ground is shifting under our feet.

    Anxiety levels are off the charts.

    And young people, in particular, are counting on us and seeking solutions.

    Uncertainty is compounded by two existential threats – the climate crisis and the rapid advance of technology — in particular, Artificial Intelligence.

    Excellencies,

    We are in a climate meltdown.

    Extreme temperatures, raging fires, droughts, and epic floods are not natural disasters.

    They are human disasters — increasingly fueled by fossil fuels.

    No country is spared. But the poorest and most vulnerable are hardest hit.

    Climate hazards are blowing a hole through the budgets of many African countries, costing up to five per cent of GDP – every year.

    And this is just the start.

    We are on course to careen past the global limit of a 1.5 degree temperature rise.

    But as the problem gets worse, solutions are getting better.

    Renewable prices are plummeting, roll-out is accelerating, and lives are being transformed by affordable, accessible clean energy.

    Renewables don’t just generate power. They generate jobs, wealth, energy security and a path out of poverty for millions.

    But developing countries cannot be plundered in that journey.

    Our Panel on Critical Minerals has recommended fair and sustainable ways to meet global demand for these resources, which are essential to the renewables revolution.

    Excellencies,

    A future without fossil fuels is certain.  A fair and fast transition is not.

    That is in your hands.

    By next year, every country must produce an ambitious new national climate action plan – or Nationally Determined Contributions.

    These must bring national energy strategies, sustainable development priorities, and climate ambitions together.

    They must align with the 1.5 degree limit, cover the whole economy, and contribute to every one of the COP28 energy transition targets.

    An International Energy Agency report released today breaks this down.

    By 2035, on average, advanced economies must slash energy emissions 80 per cent, and emerging markets 65 per cent.

    The G20 is responsible for 80 per cent of total emissions.

    They must lead the charge – keeping with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities in the light of different national circumstances.

    But this must be a joint effort — pooling resources, scientific capacities and proven and affordable technologies for all to be able to reach those targets.

    I’m honoured to be working closely with President Lula of Brazil – who is both G20 Chair and COP30 host – to secure maximum ambition, acceleration and cooperation. We just met for that purpose.

    Finance is essential.

    COP29 is around the corner.

    It must deliver a significant new finance goal.

    We also need a Loss and Damage Fund that meets the scale of the challenge – and developed countries meeting their adaptation finance promises.

    And we must finally flip the script on a crazy situation:

    We continue to reward polluters to wreck our planet.

    The fossil fuel industry continues to pocket massive profits and subsidies, while everyday people bear the costs of climate catastrophe – from rising insurance premiums to lost livelihoods.

    I call on G20 countries to shift money from fossil fuel subsidies and investments to a just energy transition;

    To put an effective price on carbon;

    And to implement new and innovative sources of financing – including solidarity levies on fossil fuel extraction – through legally-binding, transparent mechanisms.

    All by next year and this taking into account that those who shoulder the blame must foot the bill.

    Polluters must pay.

    Excellencies,

    The rapid rise of new technologies poses another unpredictable existential risk.

    Artificial Intelligence will change virtually everything we know — from work, education and communication, to culture and politics.

    We know AI is rapidly advancing, but where is it taking us:

    To more freedom – or more conflict?

    To a more sustainable world – or greater inequality?

    To being better informed – or easier to manipulate?

    A handful of companies and even individuals have already amassed enormous power over the development of AI – with little accountability or oversight for the moment.

    Without a global approach to its management, artificial intelligence could lead to artificial divisions across the board – a Great Fracture with two internets, two markets, two economies – with every country forced to pick a side, and enormous consequences for all.

    The United Nations is the universal platform for dialogue and consensus.

    It is uniquely placed to promote cooperation on AI – based on the values of the Charter and international law.

    The global debate happens here, or it does not happen.

    I welcome important first steps.

    Two resolutions in the General Assembly, the Global Digital Compact, and the recommendations of the High-Level Body on AI can lay the foundations for inclusive governance of AI.

    Let’s move forward together to make AI a force for good.

    Excellencies,

    Nothing lasts forever.

    But a feature of human life is that it appears otherwise.

    The current order always feels fixed.

    Until it is not.
     
    Across human history, we see empires rising and falling; old certainties crumbling; tectonic shifts in global affairs.
     
    Today our course is unsustainable.

    It is in all our interests to manage the epic transformations underway; to choose the future we want and to guide our world towards it.

    Many have said that the differences and divisions today are just too great.

    That it is impossible for us to come together for the common good.

    You proved that is not true.

    The Summit of the Future showed that with a spirit of dialogue and compromise, we can join forces to steer our world to a more sustainable path.

    It is not the end.

    It is a start of a journey, a compass in the whirlwind.

    Let’s keep going.

    Let’s move our world towards less impunity and more accountability …. less inequality and more justice … less uncertainty and more opportunity.

    The people of the world are looking to us – and succeeding generations will look back on us.

    Let them find us on the side of the United Nations Charter … on the side of our shared values and principles … and on the right side of history.

    I thank you.

    ***
    [all-English]

    Mr. President of the General Assembly,
     
    Excellencies,
     
    Ladies and gentlemen,
     
    Our world is in a whirlwind.
     
    We are in an era of epic transformation – facing challenges unlike any we have ever seen – challenges that demand global solutions.
     
    Yet geo-political divisions keep deepening. The planet keeps heating.

    Wars rage with no clue how they will end.
     
    And nuclear posturing and new weapons cast a dark shadow.
     
    We are edging towards the unimaginable – a powder keg that risks engulfing the world.
     
    Meanwhile, 2024 is the year that half of humanity goes to the polls – and all of humanity will be affected.
     
    I stand before you in this whirlwind convinced of two overriding truths.
     
    First, the state of our world is unsustainable.
     
    We can’t go on like this.
     
    And second, the challenges we face are solvable.
     
    But that requires us to make sure the mechanisms of international problem-solving actually solve problems.
     
    The Summit of the Future was a first step, but we have a long way to go.
     
    Getting there requires confronting three major drivers of unsustainability.
     
    A world of impunity – where violations and abuses threaten the very foundation of international law and the UN Charter.
     
    A world of inequality – where injustices and grievances threaten to undermine countries or even push them over the edge.
     
    And a world of uncertainty – where unmanaged global risks threaten our future in unknowable ways.
     
    These worlds of impunity, inequality and uncertainty are connected and colliding.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    The level of impunity in the world is politically indefensible and morally intolerable.
     
    Today, a growing number of governments and others feel entitled to a “get out of jail free” card.
     
    They can trample international law.
     
    They can violate the United Nations Charter.
     
    They can turn a blind eye to international human rights conventions or the decisions of international courts.
     
    They can thumb their nose at international humanitarian law.
     
    They can invade another country, lay waste to whole societies, or utterly disregard the welfare of their own people.
     
    And nothing will happen.
     
    We see this age of impunity everywhere — in the Middle East, in the heart of Europe, in the Horn of Africa, and beyond.
     
    The war in Ukraine is spreading with no signs of letting up.
     
    Civilians are paying the price – in rising death tolls and shattered lives and communities.
     
    It is time for a just peace based on the UN Charter, on international law and on UN resolutions.
     
    Meanwhile, Gaza is a non-stop nightmare that threatens to take the entire region with it.
     
    Look no further than Lebanon.
     
    We should all be alarmed by the escalation. 
     
    Lebanon is at the brink. 
     
    The people of Lebanon – the people of Israel – and the people of the world — cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza.
     
    Let’s be clear.
     
    Nothing can justify the abhorrent acts of terror committed by Hamas on October 7th, or the taking of hostages – both of which I have repeatedly condemned.
     
    And nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.
     
    The speed and scale of the killing and destruction in Gaza are unlike anything in my years as Secretary-General.
     
    More than 200 of our own staff have been killed, many with their families.
     
    And yet the women and men of the United Nations continue to deliver humanitarian aid.
     
    I know you join me in paying a special tribute to UNRWA and to all humanitarians in Gaza.
     
    The international community must mobilize for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the beginning of an irreversible process towards a two-State solution.
     
    For those who go on undermining that goal with more settlements, more landgrabs, more incitement — I ask:
     
    What is the alternative?
     
    How could the world accept a one-state future in which a large a large number of Palestinians would be included without any freedom, rights or dignity?
     
    In Sudan, a brutal power struggle has unleashed horrific violence — including widespread rape and sexual assaults.
     
    A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding as famine spreads.  Yet outside powers continue to interfere with no unified approach to finding peace.
     
    In the Sahel, the dramatic and rapid expansion of the terrorist threat requires a joint approach rooted in solidarity – but regional and international cooperation have broken down.
     
    From Myanmar to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Haiti to Yemen and beyond – we continue to see appalling levels of violence and human suffering in the face of a chronic failure to find solutions.
     
    Meanwhile our peacekeeping missions are too often operating in areas where simply there is no peace to keep.
     
    Instability in many places around the world is a by-product of instability in power relations and geo-political divides.
     
    For all its perils, the Cold War had rules.
     
    There were hot lines, red lines and guard rails.
     
    It can feel as though we don’t have that today.
     
    Nor do we have a unipolar world.
     
    We are moving to a multipolar world, but we are not there yet.
     
    We are in a purgatory of polarity.
     
    And in this purgatory, more and more countries are filling the spaces of geopolitical divides, doing whatever they want with no accountability.
     
    That is why it is more important than ever to reaffirm the Charter, to respect international law, to support and implement decisions of international courts, and to reinforce human rights in the world.
     
    Anywhere and everywhere.

    Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Rising inequalities are a second driver of unsustainability and a stain on our collective conscience. 

    Inequality is not a technical or bureaucratic issue. 

    At its heart, inequality is a question of power with historic roots.

    Conflict, climate upheaval and the cost-of-living crisis, are pushing those roots deeper. 

    At the same time, the world has not recovered from the surge in inequalities caused by the pandemic.

    Of the world’s poorest 75 countries, one-third are worse off today than they were five years ago.

    During that same period, the five richest men in the world have more than doubled their wealth.
     
    And the top one per cent of people on earth own 43 per cent of all global financial assets.

    At the national level, some governments are supercharging inequalities by doling out massive tax giveaways to corporations and the ultra-rich, while shortchanging investments in health, education and social protection.

    No one is being short-changed more than the world’s women and girls. 

    Excellencies, 
     
    Rampant gender-based discrimination and abuse are the most prevalent inequality across all societies. 
     
    Every day, it seems we are confronted by yet more sickening cases of femicide, gender-based violence and mass rape, both in peacetime and as a weapon of war. 
     
    In some countries, laws are being used to threaten reproductive health and rights. 

    And in Afghanistan, laws are being used to lock-in the systematic oppression of women and girls. 
     
    And I am sorry to observe that despite years of talk, gender inequality is on full display, and I am sorry for mentioning it here, gender inequality is on full display in this very Hall. 

    Less than 10 per cent of speakers during this week’s General Debate are women. 
     
    This is unacceptable – especially when we know gender equality delivers for peace, sustainable development, climate action and much more. 

    That is precisely why we took targeted measures to achieve gender parity among the United Nations senior leadership, an objective that has already been achieved.

    It’s doable. 

    I call on male-dominated political and economic establishments around the world to do it as well.
     
    Excellencies,

    Global inequalities are reflected and reinforced even in our own global institutions.

    The United Nations Security Council was designed by the victors of the Second World War. 

    Most of Africa was still under colonial domination. 

    To this day, Africa has no permanent seat on the world’s preeminent council of peace. 

    This must change.

    So must the global financial architecture, set up 80 years ago. 

    I commend the leaders of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund for taking important steps.

    But as the Pact for the Future emphasizes, tackling inequalities requires accelerating reform of the international financial architecture.

    Over the past eight decades, the global economy has grown and transformed.

    The Bretton Woods institutions have not kept pace.

    They can no longer provide a global safety net – or offer developing countries the level of support they need.

    Debt interest payments in the world’s poorest countries now cost more, on average, than investments in education, health and infrastructure combined.

    And around the world, more than 80 per cent of Sustainable Development Goal targets are off track. 

    Excellencies,

    Getting back on track requires a surge of financing for the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement.

    That means G20 countries leading on an SDG Stimulus of $500 billion a year. 

    It means reforms to substantially increase the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks and enable them to massively scale-up affordable long-term climate and development finance.

    It means expanding contingency financing through recycling Special Drawing Rights.

    And it means promoting long-term debt-restructuring.

    Excellencies,

    I have no illusions about the obstacles to reform of the multilateral system.

    Those with political and economic power – and those who believe they have power – are always reluctant to change.

    But the status quo is already draining their power.

    Without reform, fragmentation is inevitable, and global institutions will become less legitimate, less credible, and less effective.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    The third driver of our unsustainable world is uncertainty.
     
    The ground is shifting under our feet.
     
    Anxiety levels are off the charts.
     
    And young people, in particular, are counting on us and seeking solutions.
     
    Uncertainty is compounded by two existential threats – the climate crisis and the rapid advance of technology — in particular, Artificial Intelligence.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    We are in a climate meltdown.
     
    Extreme temperatures, raging fires, droughts, and epic floods are not natural disasters.
     
    They are human disasters — increasingly fueled by fossil fuels.
     
    No country is spared. But the poorest and most vulnerable are hardest hit.
     
    Climate hazards are blowing a hole through the budgets of many African countries, costing up to five per cent of GDP – every year.
     
    And this is just the start.
     
    We are on course to careen past the global limit of a 1.5 degree temperature rise.
     
    But as the problem gets worse, solutions are getting better.
     
    Renewable prices are plummeting, roll-out is accelerating, and lives are being transformed by affordable, accessible clean energy.
     
    Renewables don’t just generate power. They generate jobs, wealth, energy security and a path out of poverty for millions.
     
    But developing countries cannot be plundered in that journey.
     
    Our Panel on Critical Minerals has recommended fair and sustainable ways to meet global demand for these resources, which are essential to the renewables revolution.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    A future without fossil fuels is certain.  A fair and fast transition is not.
     
    That is in your hands.
     
    By next year, every country must produce an ambitious new national climate action plan – or Nationally Determined Contributions.
     
    These must bring national energy strategies, sustainable development priorities, and climate ambitions together.
     
    They must align with the 1.5 degree limit, cover the whole economy, and contribute to every one of the COP28 energy transition targets.
     
    An International Energy Agency report released today breaks this down.
     
    By 2035, on average, advanced economies must slash energy emissions 80 per cent, and emerging markets 65 per cent.
     
    The G20 is responsible for 80 per cent of total emissions.
     
    They must lead the charge – keeping with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities in the light of different national circumstances.
     
    But this must be a joint effort — pooling resources, scientific capacities and proven and affordable technologies for all to be able to reach those targets.
     
    I’m honoured to be working closely with President Lula of Brazil – who is both G20 Chair and COP30 host – to secure maximum ambition, acceleration and cooperation. We just met for that purpose.
     
    Finance is essential.
     
    COP29 is around the corner.
     
    It must deliver a significant new finance goal.
     
    We also need a Loss and Damage Fund that meets the scale of the challenge – and developed countries meeting their adaptation finance promises.
     
    And we must finally flip the script on a crazy situation:
     
    We continue to reward polluters to wreck our planet.
     
    The fossil fuel industry continues to pocket massive profits and subsidies, while everyday people bear the costs of climate catastrophe – from rising insurance premiums to lost livelihoods.
     
    I call on G20 countries to shift money from fossil fuel subsidies and investments to a just energy transition;
     
    To put an effective price on carbon;
     
    And to implement new and innovative sources of financing – including solidarity levies on fossil fuel extraction – through legally-binding, transparent mechanisms.
     
    All by next year and this taking into account that those who shoulder the blame must foot the bill.
     
    Polluters must pay.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    The rapid rise of new technologies poses another unpredictable existential risk.
     
    Artificial Intelligence will change virtually everything we know — from work, education and communication, to culture and politics.
     
    We know AI is rapidly advancing, but where is it taking us:
     
    To more freedom – or more conflict?
     
    To a more sustainable world – or greater inequality?
     
    To being better informed – or easier to manipulate?
     
    A handful of companies and even individuals have already amassed enormous power over the development of AI – with little accountability or oversight for the moment.
     
    Without a global approach to its management, artificial intelligence could lead to artificial divisions across the board – a Great Fracture with two internets, two markets, two economies – with every country forced to pick a side, and enormous consequences for all.
     
    The United Nations is the universal platform for dialogue and consensus.
     
    It is uniquely placed to promote cooperation on AI – based on the values of the Charter and international law.
     
    The global debate happens here, or it does not happen.
     
    I welcome important first steps.
     
    Two resolutions in the General Assembly, the Global Digital Compact, and the recommendations of the High-Level Body on AI can lay the foundations for inclusive governance of AI.
     
    Let’s move forward together to make AI a force for good.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    Nothing lasts forever.
     
    But a feature of human life is that it appears otherwise.
     
    The current order always feels fixed.
     
    Until it is not.
     
    Across human history, we see empires rising and falling; old certainties crumbling; tectonic shifts in global affairs.
     
    Today our course is unsustainable.
     
    It is in all our interests to manage the epic transformations underway; to choose the future we want and to guide our world towards it.
     
    Many have said that the differences and divisions today are just too great.
     
    That it is impossible for us to come together for the common good.
     
    You proved that is not true.
     
    The Summit of the Future showed that with a spirit of dialogue and compromise, we can join forces to steer our world to a more sustainable path.
     
    It is not the end.
     
    It is a start of a journey, a compass in the whirlwind.
     
    Let’s keep going.
     
    Let’s move our world towards less impunity and more accountability …. less inequality and more justice … less uncertainty and more opportunity.
     
    The people of the world are looking to us – and succeeding generations will look back on us.
     
    Let them find us on the side of the United Nations Charter … on the side of our shared values and principles … and on the right side of history.
     
    I thank you.

    ***
    [all-French]

    Monsieur le Président,

    Excellences,

    Mesdames et Messieurs,

    Notre monde est pris dans un tourbillon.

    Nous vivons une ère de transformation aux proportions épiques et faisons face à des défis sans précédent qui exigent des solutions mondiales.

    Et pourtant, les divisions géopolitiques ne vont qu’en s’aggravant. La planète continue de se réchauffer.

    Les guerres font rage sans que l’on sache comment elles vont se terminer.

    Les gesticulations nucléaires et les nouvelles armes font planer sur nous une ombre inquiétante.

    Nous allons tout droit vers l’inimaginable : une poudrière qui risque d’engloutir le monde.

    En 2024, la moitié de l’humanité doit se rendre aux urnes – et c’est sur l’humanité tout entière que pèsera l’issue de ces scrutins.

    Je me tiens devant vous, face à ce tourbillon, convaincu de deux vérités primordiales.

    Tout d’abord, l’état dans lequel se trouve notre monde n’est pas viable.

    On ne peut pas continuer ainsi.

    Et deuxièmement, il est possible de relever les défis auxquels nous sommes confrontés.

    Mais pour cela, nous devons nous assurer que les mécanismes de règlement des problèmes internationaux permettent bel et bien de régler les problèmes.

    Le Sommet de l’avenir était un premier pas, mais le chemin à parcourir est encore long.

    Pour y parvenir, il faut s’attaquer à trois grands facteurs de l’insoutenabilité.

    Un monde d’impunité – dans lequel les violations et les atteintes menacent le fondement même du droit international et de la Charte des Nations Unies.

    Un monde d’inégalités – où les injustices et les griefs auxquelles elles donnent jour menacent d’affaiblir les pays, ou pire, de les précipiter dans le gouffre.

    Et un monde d’incertitude – où les risques mondiaux ne sont pas gérés, ce qui hypothèque notre avenir, bien au-delà de ce que l’on peut imaginer.

    Ces mondes d’impunité, d’inégalité et d’incertitude sont liés entre eux et se télescopent.

    Excellences,

    Le degré d’impunité dans le monde est indéfendable sur le plan politique et moralement intolérable.

    Aujourd’hui, un nombre croissant de gouvernements et d’autres acteurs se sentent autorisés à bénéficier, comme au Monopoly, d’une carte « Vous êtes libéré de prison ».

    Ils peuvent fouler aux pieds le droit international.

    Ils peuvent violer la Charte des Nations Unies.

    Ils peuvent ignorer les conventions internationales relatives aux droits humains ou les décisions des tribunaux internationaux.

    Ils peuvent bafouer le droit international humanitaire.

    Ils peuvent envahir un autre pays, dévaster des sociétés entières ou mépriser complètement le bien-être de leur propre peuple.

    Sans que rien ne se passe.

    Partout ‒ au Moyen-Orient, au cœur de l’Europe, dans la Corne de l’Afrique et au-delà ‒ c’est l’ère de l’impunité.

    La guerre en Ukraine s’étend et rien n’indique qu’elle va s’arrêter.

    Ce sont les populations civiles qui en paient le prix. À preuve, les morts de plus en plus nombreuses, les vies et les communautés brisées.

    Il est temps d’instaurer une paix juste, fondée sur la Charte des Nations Unies, le droit international et les résolutions des organes des Nations Unies.

    Pendant ce temps, Gaza vit un cauchemar permanent qui menace d’entraîner toute la région dans le chaos.

    À commencer par le Liban.

    Nous devrions tous être alarmés par cette escalade. 

    Le Liban est au bord du gouffre. 

    Le peuple libanais, le peuple israélien et les peuples du monde ne peuvent se permettre que le Liban devienne un autre Gaza.

    Soyons clairs.

    Rien ne peut justifier les actes de terreur abominables commis par le Hamas le 7 octobre, ni les prises d’otages, que j’ai condamnés à maintes reprises.

    Mais rien ne peut justifier d’infliger un châtiment collectif au peuple palestinien.

    La rapidité et l’ampleur du massacre et des destructions à Gaza ne ressemblent à rien d’autre de ce que j’ai connu depuis que je suis Secrétaire général.

    Plus de 200 membres du personnel des Nations Unies ont déjà été tués et, souvent, des membres de leurs familles ont aussi péri à leurs côtés.

    Et pourtant, les femmes et les hommes des Nations Unies continuent d’accomplir leur mission.

    Je sais que vous vous joignez à moi pour rendre un hommage appuyé à l’UNRWA et à tous les humanitaires à Gaza.

    La communauté internationale doit se mobiliser pour obtenir un cessez-le-feu immédiat, la libération immédiate et inconditionnelle des tous les otages et le lancement d’un processus irréversible pour qu’une solution des deux États voie le jour.

    J’aimerais poser une question à ceux qui continuent de saper cet objectif en multipliant les implantations, les expulsions, les provocations:
    Quelle est l’alternative ?

    Comment le monde pourrait-il accepter un État qui inclurait un grand nombre de Palestiniens et de Palestiniennes privés de liberté, de droits et de dignité ?

    Au Soudan, une lutte brutale pour le pouvoir a donné lieu à d’horribles violences, notamment des viols et des agressions sexuelles à grande échelle.

    Une catastrophe humanitaire est en train de se produire dans un pays en proie à une famine rampante. Pourtant, les puissances extérieures continuent de s’ingérer sans aucune approche unifiée pour trouver la paix.

    Au Sahel, l’expansion dramatique et rapide de la menace terroriste exige l’adoption d’une approche commune fondée sur la solidarité, mais la coopération régionale et internationale est en panne.

    Du Myanmar à la République démocratique du Congo, en passant par Haïti et le Yémen, les populations restent exposées à des violences et des souffrances effroyables, sur fond d’incapacité chronique à trouver des solutions.

    Pendant ce temps, nos missions de maintien de la paix opèrent trop souvent dans des lieux où il n’y a tout simplement pas de paix à maintenir.

    L’instabilité que l’on observe en de nombreux endroits du monde est la conséquence de l’instabilité des relations de pouvoir et des clivages géopolitiques.

    La Guerre Froide était pleine de dangers, mais elle avait aussi ses règles.

    Il y avait le téléphone rouge, des limites à ne pas franchir et des garde-fous.

    On a parfois l’impression que l’on n’a rien de tout cela aujourd’hui.

    Nous ne vivons pas non plus dans un monde unipolaire.

    Nous sommes en train de passer à un monde multipolaire, mais nous n’y sommes pas encore.

    Nous sommes en fait dans le purgatoire de la polarité.

    Et dans ce purgatoire, de plus en plus de pays occupent les espaces laissés vides par les divisions géopolitiques et font ce qu’ils veulent sans avoir à rendre de comptes.

    C’est pourquoi il est plus important que jamais de réaffirmer la Charte, d’appuyer et de respecter le droit international et de renforcer les droits humains à travers le monde.

    Partout et en tout lieu.

    Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

    L’augmentation des inégalités est un deuxième facteur de l’insoutenabilité et une tache sur notre conscience collective. 

    L’inégalité n’est pas une question technique ou bureaucratique. 

    Au fond, l’inégalité est une question de pouvoir, aux racines historiques.

    Les conflits, les bouleversements climatiques et la crise du coût de la vie étendent ces racines historiques plus profondément encore. 

    Dans le même temps, le monde peine encore à se relever de la flambée des inégalités engendrée par la pandémie.

    Si l’on regarde les 75 pays les plus pauvres du monde, un tiers d’entre eux se trouve aujourd’hui dans une situation pire qu’il y a cinq ans.

    Au cours de la même période, les cinq hommes les plus riches de la planète ont plus que doublé leurs fortunes.

    Et un pour cent des habitants de la planète détient 43 % de l’ensemble des avoirs financiers mondiaux.

    Au niveau national, certains gouvernements décuplent les inégalités en accordant des cadeaux fiscaux massifs aux entreprises et aux ultra-riches — au détriment des investissements dans la santé, l’éducation et la protection sociale.

    Et personne n’est plus lésé que les femmes et les filles du monde entier.

    Excellences,

    La discrimination et les abus généralisés fondés sur le genre constituent l’inégalité la plus répandue dans toutes les sociétés.

    Chaque jour, il semble que nous soyons confrontés à de nouveaux cas révoltants de féminicides, de violences fondées sur le genre et de viols collectifs – en temps de paix comme en tant qu’arme de guerre.

    Dans certains pays, les lois sont utilisées pour menacer la santé et les droits reproductifs. 

    Et en Afghanistan, les lois sont utilisées pour entériner l’oppression systématique des femmes et des filles.

    Et je suis désolé de constater que, malgré des années de beaux discours, l’inégalité de genre se manifeste, et je vous demande pardon de le dire, elle se manifeste aujourd’hui encore, pleinement dans cette enceinte.

    Moins de 10 pour cent des intervenants au Débat général de cette semaine sont des femmes.
     
    C’est inacceptable, surtout quand on sait que l’égalité entre les femmes et les hommes contribue à la paix, au développement durable, à l’action climatique et bien plus encore.

    C’est précisément pour cela nous avons pris des mesures spécifiques pour atteindre la parité hommes-femmes parmi les hauts responsables de l’Organisation des Nations Unies, objectif qui est déjà complété.

    C’est faisable.

    J’exhorte les institutions politiques et économiques du monde dominées par les hommes à le faire aussi.
     
    Excellences,

    Les inégalités mondiales se reflètent et se renforcent jusque dans nos propres organisations internationales.

    Le Conseil de sécurité des Nations Unies a été conçu par les vainqueurs de la Seconde Guerre mondiale. 

    À l’époque, la majeure partie du continent africain était encore sous domination coloniale. 

    À ce jour, l’Afrique n’a toujours aucun siège permanent au sein de la principale instance de paix du monde. 

    Un changement s’impose.

    Il en va de même pour l’architecture financière mondiale, mise en place il y a 80 ans. 

    Je félicite les dirigeants de la Banque mondiale et du Fonds monétaire international pour les mesures importantes qu’ils ont entreprises.

    Mais comme le souligne le Pacte pour l’avenir, la lutte contre les inégalités exige une accélération de la réforme de l’architecture financière internationale.

    Au cours des huit dernières décennies, l’économie mondiale s’est développée et transformée.

    Les institutions de Bretton Woods n’ont pas suivi le rythme.

    Elles ne sont plus en mesure de fournir un filet de sécurité mondial, ni d’offrir aux pays en développement le niveau de soutien dont ils ont tant besoin. 

    Dans les pays les plus pauvres du monde, le coût des intérêts de la dette dépasse, en moyenne, le coût des investissements dans l’éducation, la santé et les infrastructures publiques réunis.

    Et à l’échelle du monde, plus de 80 % des cibles des Objectifs de développement durable ne sont pas en bonne voie.

    Excellences,

    Pour que l’on puisse redresser le cap, les financements mobilisés pour le Programme 2030 et l’Accord de Paris doivent connaître un véritable bond.

    Cela implique que les pays du G20 montrent l’exemple sur le Plan de relance des Objectifs de développement durable, de 500 milliards de dollars par an.

    Cela implique également d’engager des réformes pour renforcer considérablement la capacité de prêt des Banques multilatérales de développement, afin qu’elles puissent proposer bien davantage de financements abordables et à long terme pour l’action climatique et le développement.

    Cela implique de débloquer plus largement des financements pour imprévus, à travers le recyclage des droits de tirage spéciaux.

    Et cela implique de promouvoir une restructuration de la dette à long terme.

    Excellences,

    Je ne me fais guère d’illusions sur les obstacles que nous rencontrerons dans le cadre de la réforme du système multilatéral.

    Ceux qui détiennent le pouvoir politique et économique – et ceux qui croient le détenir – ont toujours une aversion au changement.

    Pourtant, le statu quo ébranle déjà leur pouvoir.

    Sans réforme, la fragmentation est inévitable, condamnant les institutions mondiales à perdre en légitimité, en crédibilité et en efficacité.

    Excellences,

    Le troisième facteur de l’insoutenabilité de notre monde est l’incertitude.

    Le sol se dérobe sous nos pieds.

    L’anxiété est à son comble.

    Les jeunes, en particulier, comptent sur nous et recherchent des solutions.

    L’incertitude est aggravée par deux menaces existentielles : la crise climatique et les bouleversements technologiques rapides, notamment l’intelligence artificielle.

    Excellences,

    Nous assistons à un véritable effondrement du climat.

    Les températures extrêmes, les incendies violents, les sécheresses et les inondations catastrophiques ne sont pas des catastrophes naturelles.

    Ce sont des catastrophes humaines, dont les combustibles fossiles précipitent l’enchaînement.

    Aucun pays n’est épargné. Mais ce sont les pays les plus pauvres et les plus vulnérables qui paient le prix fort.

    Les calamités climatiques obèrent les budgets de nombreux pays d’Afrique et leur coûtent jusqu’à 5 % de leur PIB – chaque année.

    Et ce n’est que le début.

    La température mondiale est sur le point de dépasser la limite de 1,5 degré.

    Mais si le problème s’aggrave, les solutions que l’on y apporte deviennent plus efficaces.

    Prenons l’exemple des énergies renouvelables : leur prix diminue fortement, leur déploiement s’accélère et des populations voient leur quotidien transformé par une énergie propre, accessible et d’un coût abordable.

    Les énergies renouvelables ne servent pas qu’à produire de l’électricité. Elles créent aussi des emplois et de la richesse, sont gages de sécurité énergétique et permettent à des millions de personnes de sortir de la pauvreté.

    Mais cela ne doit pas passer par le pillage des pays en développement.

    Notre Groupe chargé de la question des minéraux essentiels a recommandé que des mesures équitables et durables soient prises pour répondre à la demande mondiale dans ces ressources, indispensables à la révolution des énergies renouvelables.

    Excellences,

    Il est certain qu’un monde sans combustibles fossiles verra le jour. En revanche, rien ne dit que la transition sera rapide ou équitable.

    Cela dépend de vous.

    D’ici à l’an prochain, tous les pays devront élaborer de nouveaux plans d’action nationaux pour le climat ambitieux – ou déterminer leurs contributions au niveau national.

    Ils devront faire converger leurs stratégies énergétiques nationales, leurs priorités en matière de développement durable et les ambitions climatiques.

    Ils devront ne pas dépasser la limite de 1,5 degré, couvrir l’ensemble de l’économie et concourir à la réalisation de tous les objectifs de transition énergétique convenus lors de la COP28.

    Dans le rapport qu’elle a publié aujourd’hui, l’Agence internationale de l’énergie chiffre le niveau d’ambition à atteindre.

    D’ici à 2035, en moyenne, les émissions de gaz à effet de serre doivent diminuer de 80 % dans les économies avancées, de 65 % dans les marchés émergents.

    Les pays du G20 sont responsables au total de 80 % des émissions.

    Ils doivent mener la charge, en respectant le principe des responsabilités communes mais différenciées et en tenant compte des capacités de chacun, en fonction des différents contextes nationaux.

    Mais cette action doit s’inscrire dans une démarche collective et suppose la mise en commun des ressources, des capacités scientifiques et de technologies abordables à l’efficacité avérée pour que tous puissent atteindre cet objectif.

    J’ai l’honneur de collaborer étroitement avec le Président Lula, dont le pays préside le G20 et accueillera la COP 30, afin de garantir le plus haut degré d’ambition possible, d’accélérer le rythme des progrès et de favoriser la coopération.

    Nous venons de nous rencontrer pour discuter de cela.

    Les financements sont d’une importance cruciale.

    La COP29 arrive à grands pas.

    Elle doit être l’occasion de fixer un nouvel objectif ambitieux en matière de financement.

    Il faut également que le fonds pour les pertes et les préjudices soit à la hauteur de l’enjeu et que les pays développés tiennent leurs promesses en matière de financement de l’adaptation.

    Et l’heure est venue de faire bouger les lignes face à une situation insensée.

    Nous continuons de récompenser les pollueurs qui détruisent notre planète.

    Le secteur des combustibles fossiles continue d’engranger des profits et des subventions considérables, mais ce sont les populations qui supportent les coûts de la catastrophe climatique, depuis la hausse des primes d’assurance jusqu’à la perte de leurs moyens de subsistance.

    Je demande aux pays du G20 de mettre fin aux subventions et aux investissements liés aux combustibles fossiles et de financer à la place une transition énergétique juste,

    De mettre un prix au carbone.

    Et d’adopter des sources de financement nouvelles et novatrices – notamment en instaurant une redevance internationale de solidarité sur l’extraction des combustibles fossiles, au moyen de mécanismes juridiquement contraignants et transparents.

    Et ce, d’ici à l’année prochaine.

    Et ce en tenant compte du fait que pour les responsables, l’heure des comptes a sonné.

    Les pollueurs doivent payer.

    Excellences,

    L’essor rapide des nouvelles technologies est une autre menace existentielle dont les conséquences sont imprévisibles.

    L’intelligence artificielle transformera notre monde du tout au tout : le travail, mais aussi l’éducation, la communication, la culture ou encore la politique.

    Nous savons que l’intelligence artificielle progresse rapidement, mais où nous mène-t-elle ?

    Vers plus de liberté ou plus de conflits ?

    Vers un monde plus durable ou de plus grandes inégalités ?

    Serons-nous mieux informés ou plus faciles à manipuler ?

    Une poignée d’entreprises et même de particuliers ont déjà acquis un pouvoir immense grâce au développement de l’intelligence artificielle, sans, pour le moment, avoir véritablement à rendre des comptes et sans grand contrôle.

    Faute de mesures mondiales pour en gérer le déploiement, l’intelligence artificielle risque d’engendrer des divisions artificielles dans tous les domaines, de donner lieu à une grande fracture entre deux internets, deux marchés et deux économies et, ainsi, de faire naître une situation où chaque pays serait contraint de choisir un camp, ce qui serait lourd de conséquences pour l’humanité tout entière.

    L’ONU est une instance universelle de dialogue et de consensus.

    Elle est particulièrement bien placée pour promouvoir la coopération en ce qui concerne l’intelligence artificielle, sur la base des valeurs de la Charte et du droit international.

    C’est dans cette enceinte, et nulle part ailleurs, que les membres de la communauté internationale débattent.

    Je salue les premières mesures importantes qui ont été prises.

    Deux résolutions de l’Assemblée générale, le Pacte numérique mondial et les recommandations de l’Organe consultatif de haut niveau sur l’intelligence artificielle, peuvent asseoir les bases d’une gouvernance inclusive de l’intelligence artificielle.

    Ensemble, faisons de l’intelligence artificielle une force au service du bien.

    Excellences,

    Rien n’est éternel.

    Mais l’humanité a ceci de particulier qu’elle croit le contraire.

    L’ordre en place a toujours l’air d’être indémontable.

    Jusqu’au jour où tout bascule.

    L’histoire de l’humanité a été marquée par l’essor et la chute d’empires, l’effondrement de vieilles certitudes et de véritables séismes sur le théâtre du monde.

    Aujourd’hui, nous allons droit dans le mur.

    Il est dans notre intérêt à toutes et à tous de gérer les transformations colossales qui sont en cours, de déterminer l’avenir que nous voulons et de faciliter son avènement dans le monde.

    Beaucoup pensent que les divisions et les divergences d’aujourd’hui sont insurmontables,

    Que nous ne parviendrons pas à nous rassembler pour le bien commun.

    Vous avez prouvé que ce n’était pas le cas.

    Le Sommet de l’avenir a montré que nous pouvons unir nos forces dans un esprit de dialogue et de compromis pour engager le monde sur une voie plus durable.

    Ce n’est pas une fin.

    Ce n’est que le début, une boussole dans la tempête.

    Il faut continuer sur cette lancée.

    Ne ménageons pas nos efforts : pour lutter contre l’impunité et renforcer le respect du principe de responsabilité… pour moins d’inégalités et plus de justice… pour échapper à l’incertitude et élargir le champ des possibles.

    Les populations du monde entier comptent sur nous, et les générations futures nous jugeront à l’aune de ce que nous aurons accompli.

    Nous devons ne pas les décevoir. Nous devons être à la hauteur de la Charte des Nations Unies… de nos valeurs et principes communs… et du bon côté de l’histoire.

    Et je vous remercie.
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: PREPARED REMARKS: Sanders Leads HELP Committee Hearing with Novo Nordisk CEO on Outrageous Ozempic and Wegovy Prices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    I want to thank Mr. Lars Jørgensen, the CEO of Novo Nordisk for being with us today for this very important hearing.
    The issue that we are discussing today is not complicated.  It has everything to do with the chart behind me which shows that Novo Nordisk’s diabetes drug Ozempic is sold in Canada for $155, in Denmark for $122, in France for $71 and in Germany for $59.
    In the United States Novo Nordisk charges us $969 – over 15 times more than they sell it for in Germany.
    Wegovy, Novo Nordisk’s weight loss drug is even more expensive.  As this chart shows, Wegovy is sold for $265 in Canada, $186 in Denmark, $137 in Germany and $92 in the United Kingdom.
    In the U.S., the list price for Wegovy is $1,349 a month – nearly 15 times as much as it costs in the United Kingdom.
    What we are dealing with today, is not just an issue of economics, it is not just an issue of corporate greed.  It is a profound moral issue.
    Novo Nordisk has developed game-changing drugs which, if made affordable, can save the lives of tens of thousands of Americans every year and significantly improve the quality of life of millions more. If made affordable.  If not made affordable Americans throughout this country will needlessly die and suffer. 
    As representatives of the American people, we cannot allow that to happen.
    And let’s be clear.  The outrageously high cost of Ozempic, Wegovy, and other prescription drugs is directly related to the broken, dysfunctional and cruel healthcare system in our country.
    While the current system makes huge profits for large drug companies like Novo Nordisk, huge profits for insurance companies, and huge profits for PBM’s, it is failing the needs of ordinary Americans. 
    In the United States today we spend almost twice as much, per capita, on health care as the people of any other country – nearly $13,500 for every man, woman and child – over 17% of our GDP.  
    Yet, despite this huge and unsustainable expenditure, we are the only major nation not to guarantee health care to all as a human right.
    Further, despite all of that spending, our healthcare outcomes are not particularly good.
    Today, over 85 million Americans are uninsured or under-insured, over 60,000 die every year because they don’t get to a doctor when they should, and our life expectancy, which is actually declining in many parts of this country, is far below most other wealthy countries. 
    So. What does all this have to do with Mr. Jørgensen, Novo Nordisk and our hearing today? A lot.
    The simple truth is that we pay, by far, the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs and that is a major factor in the healthcare crisis we are experiencing. How does that happen? What’s the connection?
    First, one out of four Americans are unable to afford the prescription drugs that their doctors prescribe.  
    Insanely, that means that millions of Americans go without the treatment their doctors prescribe.  The result: some will actually die and others will become much sicker than they should.  And millions will unnecessarily end up in emergency rooms or in hospitals at great expense to our health care system.  How crazy is that?
    Second, one of the reasons that hospital costs in this country are rapidly increasing has to do with the very high cost of prescription drugs. My local hospital in Burlington, a moderate sized hospital, told me that 20% of their budget is now devoted to the cost of prescription drugs – some of which now cost hundreds of thousands a year for the treatment of their patients.
    Third, a significant reason for the high cost of insurance policies in this country, and why insurance rates are going up, is due to the high cost of prescription drugs.  
    Yes.  Millions of Americans with decent health insurance pay minimal amounts for their prescription drugs.  That’s the good news.  
    The bad news is that they are paying a fortune in premiums, deductibles and co-payments for the insurance that covers those drugs.
    I should also add that if you’re a taxpayer in this country you’re paying higher taxes than you should because of the inflated costs that Medicare, Medicaid and other public health programs pay for prescription drugs.   
    That is the overview and why the issue that we’re discussing today is so very important. Now, let’s go to the particulars with regard to Novo Nordisk, Ozempic and Wegovy.
    Ozempic and Wegovy are different brand names for the same drug: semaglutide.  These drugs are transformative new treatments for diabetes and obesity that help people control their blood sugar and lose weight.
    Both are manufactured by Novo Nordisk and both are on track to be some of the best-selling and most profitable drugs in the history of the pharmaceutical industry.
    In fact, since 2018, Novo Nordisk has made nearly $50 billion in sales off of these two drugs. Importantly, 72% of that revenue coming from sales in the United States.
    In other words, the United States is Novo Nordisk’s cash cow for Ozempic and Wegovy.
    And given that these drugs will need to be taken over the course of a lifetime – Novo Nordisk can expect to receive tens of billions in sales and huge profits from these drugs year after year.  
    Now why does Novo Nordisk charge the American people such outrageously high prices for Ozempic and Wegovy?  Are they acting illegally by charging us such high prices?  Are they violating the law? 
    No.  They are not. What they are doing is perfectly lawful.  They are simply taking advantage of the fact that, until very recently, the United States has been the only major country not to negotiate the cost of prescription drugs.  In other words, Novo Nordisk and other drug companies can charge us as much as the market will bear – and that is exactly what they are doing.
    Now, in a few minutes when Mr. Jorgenson makes his presentation, I suspect that he will tell us that the healthcare system here is complex and that there is a difference between the list price and the net price as a result of the rebates that PBMs receive.
    And he’s right.
    But even factoring in all of the rebates that PBM’s receive, the net price for Ozempic is still nearly $600 – over 9 times as much as it costs in Germany.
    And the estimated net price of Wegovy is over $800 – nearly four and a half times as much as it costs in Denmark.
    What must also be understood is that not everybody can take advantage of the net price of these drugs.
    If you are uninsured you pay the full list price. 
    If you have a large deductible, you pay the full list price. 
    If you have co-insurance, the percentage of the price you pay at the pharmacy counter is based on the list price.
    And let’s be clear.  75% of Americans, over 190 million people, with insurance are unable to access Wegovy through their policies.
    Mr. Jorgensen may also tell us that Novo Nordisk is afraid that if it substantially reduced the list price for Ozempic and Wegovy, PBM’s may limit coverage for these drugs.
    Well, let me ease his concerns.  I am delighted to announce today that I have received commitments in writing from all of the major PBM’s that if Novo Nordisk substantially reduced the list price for Ozempic and Wegovy they would not limit coverage.  In fact, all of them told me they would be able to expand coverage for these drugs if the list price was reduced.  I ask unanimous consent to insert the letters I received from the PBM’s making this commitment into the record.
    Now, let me share with the Committee some other important information that we have uncovered as part of our investigation.
    Last week, I received a letter from over 250 doctors urging us to do everything we can to substantially reduce the price of these drugs.
    This should come as no surprise.
    What these doctors are telling us is that if the price of Ozempic and Wegovy is not substantially reduced, many of their patients who have diabetes and obesity will be unable to afford them.  Some of them will unnecessarily die and others will suffer a significant decline in their quality of life.  I ask unanimous consent to enter this letter into the record.
    Earlier this year, Dr. Alison Galvani, an epidemiologist at Yale university, conducted a study on Wegovy.  And what she found, and I hope Mr. Jorgensen pays attention to this, is that over 40,000 lives a year could be saved if Wegovy were made widely available at an affordable price to Americans who need this drug.  I ask unanimous consent to insert this study into the record. 
    A few months ago, Dr. Melissa Barber, a health care economist at Yale University, conducted a study on the cost of manufacturing Ozempic.  And what she found is that Ozempic can be profitably manufactured for less than $5 a month.
    We all know the cost of production is not the only expense for a drug company.  Pharmaceutical companies spend great sums on research and development to find new treatments with many of those products never coming to market.  We get that.  But it is important to know that this drug can be manufactured profitably for a few dollars a month.
    You may hear from Mr. Jørgensen that Novo Nordisk spent $21 billion on research and development since 2018.  I take his word on that.
    What he may not tell you is that Novo Nordisk spent $44 billion on stock buybacks and dividends over that same time period.
    In other words, since Ozempic came onto the market in 2018, Novo Nordisk spent over twice as much on stock buybacks and dividends than it spent on research and development.
    And let’s be clear.  Outrage over the high cost of Ozempic and other prescription drugs is not a partisan political issue. It’s not just Democrats.  It’s not just Republicans.  It’s not just Independents like me.  It’s the vast majority of the American people. 
    For example, Dale Folwell, the Republican treasurer of the state of North Carolina has told us that if he did not discontinue covering Wegovy for some 20,000 state workers in North Carolina he would have been forced to double health insurance premiums for teachers, firefighters and police officers in his state – regardless if they needed this drug or not.  He would have had to double health insurance premiums in the State of North Carolina.
    Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Michigan also announced that it would have to discontinue covering Wegovy because it was too expensive. 
    Even Elon Musk, not someone who shares my political views, recently posted on Twitter and I quote: “Solving obesity greatly reduces risk of other diseases, especially diabetes, and improves quality of life. We do need to find a way to make appetite inhibitors available to anyone who wants them.”
    And he’s right.
    Further, not only must we be concerned about lack of access to these drugs we have also got to take a serious look at the financial implications of what happens if the prices of these drugs are not substantially reduced.
    Bottom line: If just half of the adults in our country with obesity took weight loss drugs like Wegovy at current prices the cost would be astronomical and would have a devastating financial impact on our country and on federal and state budgets.
    The best estimate that I have seen suggests that if half of the adults in our country took these weight loss drugs, it would cost $411 billion per year.  That is $5 billion more than what Americans spent on all prescription drugs at the pharmacy counter in 2022.
    In other words, the outrageously high price of these drugs could bankrupt Medicare and radically increase insurance premiums to absolutely unaffordable rates.
    This does not have to happen.
    Over the last several months, I and my staff have been talking to a number of major generic pharmaceutical companies.
    These are large companies that supply hundreds of millions of prescriptions to many millions of Americans.
    And what these CEOs have told me is something of enormous consequence. 
    They have studied the matter and they tell me that they can sell a generic version of Ozempic, the exact same drug that Novo Nordisk is manufacturing, to Americans for less than $100 per month.
    Yes.  That’s right.
    Novo Nordisk charges us $969 a month for Ozempic.  These generic companies can sell this same product for less than $100 a month – less than ten percent of what Americans are currently paying.
    Let’s be clear.  Nobody here is asking Novo Nordisk to provide charity to the American people. Novo Nordisk has already made billions of dollars in profit off of these products and, in the coming years, will make many billions more.
    All we are saying, Mr. Jørgensen, is treat the American people the same way that you treat people in countries all over the world. Stop ripping us off. 
    A few months ago President Biden and I wrote an op-ed which appeared in USA today. And here is what the president and I said: 
    “If Novo Nordisk and other pharmaceutical companies refuse to substantially lower prescription drug prices in our country and end their greed, we will do everything within our power to end it for them. Novo Nordisk must substantially reduce the price of Ozempic and Wegovy.  As Americans we must not rest until every person in our country can afford the prescription drugs they need to lead healthy, happy and productive lives.”
    That’s what President Biden and I wrote a few months ago.  And that’s what I believe.  Prescription drugs in this country must be affordable and we must not be forced to pay far higher prices than people in other countries pay for the same exact product.
    This is especially true when we face a national emergency in terms of the twin epidemics of diabetes and obesity which, if not addressed with lower cost drugs, could cost us tens of thousands of lives and an unimaginable amount of money.
    And if taking the kind of action that must be taken means standing up to the 1,800 well-paid pharmaceutical lobbyists here on Capitol Hill, including more than a few from Novo Nordisk, so be it.  If it means refusing to be influenced by the massive amounts of campaign contributions that come from the pharmaceutical industry.  So be it. 
    Congress and the Administration have a moral responsibility to act boldly and act now.  
    Senator Cassidy, you are now recognized for an opening statement.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Brown, Turner Announce Semiconductor Research Investment at the University Of Dayton

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and U.S. Representative Mike Turner (R-OH-10) announced a nearly $2 million investment in the University of Dayton to promote advanced manufacturing and provide state-of-the-art training and equipment for students training in the emerging semiconductor industry. Brown and Turner advocated for funding this project in the government funding package.
    “Ohio students and workers are going to lead in the industries of the future,” said Sen. Brown. “With this investment at the University of Dayton, we are expanding opportunities for Ohioans to get the training they need to get a good paying job, where they can build a life here in Ohio and help further our state’s leadership in this crucial growing industry.”
    “I am proud to have helped secure funding to enhance the incredible work being done by the University of Dayton to train and educate the next generation of workers. Semiconductors are an important part of the global electronics industry, our national security, and our local economy. In Congress, I will continue to work on a bipartisan basis to find ways to make the Miami Valley a place where accelerated advanced manufacturing can succeed,” said Congressman Mike Turner. 
    The funding was awarded through the National Institute of Standards and Technology and will help bolster the University of Dayton’s Southwest Ohio Integrated Microsystems Workforce & Research Center. This funding will help prepare students to lead the growing semiconductor supply chain throughout Ohio.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casten, Matsui Introduce Legislation to Incentivize Efficient Vehicle Purchases

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

    September 24, 2024

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) introduced the Vehicle Energy Performance Act (VEPA) to incentivize the purchase of new vehicles with better-than-average energy performance.

    “This legislation is a win-win for consumers hoping to save money at the gas pump and help the environment at the same time,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “As vehicle emissions continue to contribute to global warming, it’s more important than ever to incentivize vehicles that can go the extra mile.”

    “We can and we should demand more from our cars,” said Rep. Doris Matsui. “The most efficient vehicles on the market are getting more than 50 miles to the gallon, and electric vehicles can get the electricity equivalent of more than 130mpg. However, many Americans are getting less than 25 miles to the gallon and paying to fill up their tank twice as often. This bill would change the equation, incentivizing automakers to offer more and better fuel-efficient options, and that means more money in your pocket.”

    “Shifting to cleaner vehicles is critical to meet our climate goals,” said Steven Nadel, executive director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. “The trend toward larger, less efficient vehicles has hurt families’ pocketbooks with higher fueling costs. This bill would wisely incentivize purchasers of gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles to choose the more efficient options, helping to shift each part of the vehicle market in a positive direction.”

    The Vehicle Energy Performance Act of 2024 (VEPA) will establish a tax credit for new vehicles with higher-than-average energy performance and impose a fee on sales of new vehicles with lower-than-average energy performance. The tax credit will go to the consumer, while the fee will be imposed on the vehicle manufacturer.

    Electric vehicles, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and standard internal combustion engine cars will all be assessed by the same measure of performance.

    This legislation generates cost savings on both ends for consumers. The tax credit creates financial incentives for consumers to purchase energy-efficient vehicles, and drivers spend less at the pump because of better fuel efficiency. 

    Text of the legislation can be found here.

    How it Works

    Under VEPA, by November 1 of each year, each vehicle manufacturer will report the “vehicle energy performance,” in miles per gallon-gasoline equivalent (MPGe), for each model sold in the United States during the Model Year (MY), and the number of vehicles of each model that it has sold that year. The use of MPGe as a metric is “technology neutral,” meaning that EVs, plug-in hybrids, hybrids, and standard internal combustion engine cars will all be assessed by the same measure of vehicle energy performance.

    By December 1, 2025, and every year thereafter, the IRS will publish the median vehicle energy performance of vehicles sold and the vehicle energy performance of the best-performing vehicle during the previous model year. Vehicles with the best vehicle energy performance will get 100% of the $5000 credit, vehicles with the median vehicle energy performance will get $0, and every 1% above the median will increase the credit by approximately $50.

    If the program were in place today, a buyer would receive a $5000 tax credit for a Hyundai Ioniq 6, almost $2000 for the Ford Lightning EV pickup truck, and over $1000 for the Toyota Prius hybrid.

    Using the same data on median vehicle energy performance, vehicles with low vehicle energy performance will be subject to a fee of approximately $50 for every 1% below the median, with the largest fee estimated to be less than $1000. This fee will partly offset the cost to the Treasury of the tax credit.

    Unlike the tax credit, which will go to the consumer, the fee will be paid by the manufacturer.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI: Societe Generale: shares and voting rights as of 23 September 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NUMBER OF SHARES COMPOSING CURRENT SHARE CAPITAL AND TOTAL NUMBER OF VOTING RIGHTS AS OF 23 SEPTEMBER 2024

    Regulated Information

    Paris, 24 September 2024

    Information about the total number of voting rights and shares pursuant to Article L.233-8 II of the French Commercial Code and Article 223-16 of the AMF General Regulations.

    Date Number of shares composing current share capital Total number of
    voting rights

    23 September 2024

    		 800,316,777

    Gross: 886,300,841

    Press contact:

    Jean-Baptiste Froville_+33 1 58 98 68 00_ jean-baptiste.froville@socgen.com
    Fanny Rouby_+33 1 57 29 11 12_ fanny.rouby@socgen.com

    Societe Generale

    Societe Generale is a top tier European Bank with more than 126,000 employees serving about 25 million clients in 65 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for nearly 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective – to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders.

    The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients:

    • French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance, with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank.
    • Global Banking and Investor Solutions, a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG.
    • Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities.

    Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe).

    For more information, you can follow us on Twitter/X @societegenerale or visit our website societegenerale.com.

    Attachment

    • Societe-Generale-shares-voting-rights-as-of-23-09-2024

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI: Convocation of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders and publication of the Annual Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Regulated information, Leuven, 24 September 2024 (17.40 hrs CEST)

    Convocation of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders and publication of the Annual Report

    KBC Ancora invites its shareholders at the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders which will be held on Friday 25 October 2024. All relevant information, including the convocation with the agenda and the Annual Report 2023/2024, is available via the website: www.kbcancora.be, under the heading ‘Governance/General Meeting of Shareholders’.

            ———————————

    KBC Ancora is a listed company which holds 18.6% of the shares in KBC Group and which together with Cera, MRBB and the Other Permanent Shareholders ensures the shareholder stability and further development of the KBC group. As core shareholders of KBC Group, they have to this end signed a shareholder agreement.

            

    Financial calendar:

    25 October 2024        Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders
    31 January 2025        Interim financial report 2024/2025
    29 August 2025        Annual press release for the financial year 2024/2025

    This press release is available in Dutch, French and English on the website www.kbcancora.be.

    Attachment

    • KBCA PB 20240924 E DEF

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Saskatchewan Rejects Federal Oil and Gas Emissions Cap and Methane 75 Regulations

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 24, 2024

    Province Would Face Royalty and Tax Revenue Losses up to $7 Billion, Lost Government Revenues of $43 Billion, and up to 34,000 Job Losses by 2050, According to Independent Report

    In its new independent report, the Saskatchewan Economic Impact Assessment Tribunal has found that the federal oil and gas emissions cap and federal Methane 75 regulations would cause substantial economic damage to Saskatchewan.

    By 2050, with production caps and methane mandates in place, Saskatchewan’s oil production would fall by between 38 and 52 per cent, the province would face cumulative royalty and tax revenue losses of between $4.8 and $7.1 billion, and total lost government revenues would be up to $43.3 billion, according to the independent Report.

    “The Tribunal has, in several cases, relied on the same experts as the federal government and presented undeniable, quantitative data that these two federal mandates would be economically devastating to Saskatchewan,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre said. “These mandates will lead to industrial winners and losers across the country and represent a sweeping constitutional overreach into the province’s exclusive jurisdiction over natural resources. This report arms us with additional, independent evidence to constitutionally challenge the two mandates.”

    The Report also found that, with these federal mandates in place, Saskatchewan’s economy would contract by 4.3 per cent by 2030, by 6.4 per cent by 2050, and that there would be a cumulative GDP impact by 2050 of $230 billion. Employment losses by 2050, relative to the status quo, would range from between 12,800 and 34,000 people.

    “The Explorers and Producers Association of Canada (EPAC) remains fundamentally opposed to the imposition of a federal emissions cap on Canadian oil and gas production,” EPAC President and CEO Tristan Goodman said. “This is unnecessary and unacceptable given Canadian producers’ ongoing efforts to reduce emissions. A federal emissions cap will introduce further investment uncertainty and has a likelihood of being found unconstitutional as seen in recent Supreme Court decisions. EPAC supports the goal of reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector and we believe this is strictly provincial jurisdiction. We look forward to working with the province of Saskatchewan to achieve their methane emissions reduction target. Federal intervention is not required.”

    These two mandates will also not reduce any global emissions, according to the Report, and production cuts in Canada will simply be back-filled by jurisdictions with weaker environmental standards. Between 2015 and 2023, provincially-regulated methane emissions in Saskatchewan fell by two-thirds.

    The Economic Impact Assessment Tribunal conducted its analysis and developed this report under the authority of The Saskatchewan First Act, which came into force in September 15, 2023. The Report was released yesterday and can be accessed within the background documents at the bottom of this page.

    Additional information about the Economic Impact Assessment Tribunal can be found at:

    https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2023/november/28/government-announces-first-impact-assessment-tribunal.

    https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2024/april/08/media-advisory.

    The Government of Saskatchewan would like to thank the Economic Assessment Tribunal for its independent, in-depth report. Members of the Tribunal are as follows:

    • Michael W. Milani (Chair);
    • Dr. Janice MacKinnon (Vice-Chair);
    • Kenneth From;
    • Dr. Stuart Smyth; and 
    • Estella Petersen.

    • Michael Milani, KC (Chair) is a senior partner (commercial and insolvency) at McDougall Gauley in Regina. Mr. Milani has previously served as Estey Chair in Business Law at the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Law, as President of the Law Society and Federation of Law Societies of Canada, and is the current Chair of the Law Reform Commission of Saskatchewan. In a legal capacity, he has undertaken various green energy projects for SaskPower, including negotiating power purchase agreements for wind and solar energy, as well as agreements for the engineering, procurement and construction of combined cycle gas plants.
    • Dr. Janice MacKinnon (Vice-Chair) is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, member of the Order of Canada, and former Saskatchewan Finance Minister. In 2017, she was appointed to the federal advisory panel on NAFTA and the Environment and, in 2019, was appointed by former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney to chair the Blue Ribbon panel on Alberta’s finances. She is a Professor of fiscal policy at the School of Public Health at the University of Saskatchewan and a senior fellow and member of the National Council at the C.D Howe Institute.
    • Kenneth From is the former President and CEO of SaskEnergy. He is also a former CEO of the Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PTRC) and the Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan (TSASK). Mr. From also previously served as an officer and director of Raven Oil Corporation from 2012-2016 and as President of Prairie Hunter Energy Corporation. A professional engineer, he was President (2003-2004) of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS).
    • Dr. Stuart Smyth is a professor at the University of Saskatchewan in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. His research focuses on sustainability, agriculture and innovation. As U of S Agri-Food Innovation and Sustainability Enhancement Chair, Dr. Smyth has published over 100 academic articles and is recognized as a leading expert on barriers to innovation and regulatory efficiency.
    • Estella Peterson is an oil sands heavy equipment operator in Fort McMurray, AB. Originally from Saskatchewan and Treaty 4 Cowesess First Nation, Estella is part of Suncor Energy’s Aboriginal Ambassador program and is a freelance contributor, including to The Globe and Mail, on the economic importance of the natural resources sector to Indigenous communities.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Mann, Kaptur and Sens. Marshall, Brown Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Put American Farmers First

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tracey Mann (Kansas, 1)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) alongside Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), introduced the Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act to restrict eligibility for the Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z) to domestically produced feedstocks and to extend the credit to 2034.The ten-year credit will allow for more certainty as the U.S. ethanol industry builds infrastructure to open new markets for farmers, increase the production of ethanol across the country, and incentivize domestic feedstocks while continuing to support global renewable fuel production made from a wide array of feedstocks.

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

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

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

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

    The legislation is cosponsored by Representatives James Comer (KY-01), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), and Don Bacon (NE-02) and Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).

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

    “Our farmers need policies that protect their ability to compete fairly as the United States strives to be a leader in renewable fuels markets,” said Ed Prosser, Senior Vice President at Scoular.  “We greatly appreciate Representative Mann and his colleagues for introducing this legislation that helps ensure American agriculture will have a well-deserved seat at the table in the journey to lower the carbon intensity of our energy supply.”

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

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

    “Farmers and bioethanol producers need to know they’ll be able to rely on the 45Z tax credit for more than just the next few years,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “This bill gives them the certainty they need to unlock significant investments in their operations and in the rural communities that depend on them. We commend Representatives Mann and Kaptur for introducing this bill and all of our House champions for making a 45Z tax credit extension a top priority as we head into the tax reform process next year.” 

    “Ensuring American farmers reach maximum profitability and build resiliency to pass down their farms to the next generation should be our top priority,” said Adam York, Kansas Sorghum Producers CEO. “This legislation helps make sure the intended benefits of this program arrive into our rural economies.”

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

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

    “U.S. soybean farmers have been at the forefront of our domestic clean-energy production through the booming biodiesel and renewable diesel industry over the last decade,” said Kaleb Little, CEO, Kansas Soybean Association. “The Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act ensures our Kansas soybean growers maintain access to this vital market sector going forward and strengthens the clean fuel production credit for the future.”

    Earlier this month, Representatives Mann and Kaptur led 39 of their colleagues in penning a letter to the U.S. Department of Treasury urging it to expedite the issuance of final guidance for 45Z.  Senators Marshall and Brown led a similar letter in the U.S. Senate.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Exports to France, UK and Netherlands Nearly $1.2 Billion in 2023

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 24, 2024

    Exports to the Three Countries Increased by 34.4 Per Cent Compared to 2022 

    Saskatchewan’s trade relationship with the United Kingdom (UK), France and the Netherlands continued to strengthen in 2023. Data from Statistics Canada shows that the combined total value of exports for these three major nations totaled nearly $1.2 billion.

    The main driver of these exports was uranium, which accounted for 87.3 per cent of exports to the Netherlands, 70.8 per cent of exports to the UK, and 47.3 per cent of exports to France. Another 25.6 per cent of exports to France came from uranium ore and concentrates.

    From January to July 2024, Saskatchewan’s total exports to the Netherlands were $567.6 million, a 119.6 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023. This increase is primarily due to a 143.5 per cent increase in the value of Saskatchewan uranium exports to the Netherlands.

    “Saskatchewan’s trade and investment offices in London and Germany have made tremendous progress forging new trade relationships in Europe, and we are seeing that work paying off with increased bi-lateral collaboration and record export numbers,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Our government will continue working alongside our producers to promote Saskatchewan products to the world, while growing our economy and creating new jobs for our strong and vibrant communities.” 

    All three of these countries saw significant export gains in 2023 compared to 2022. Last year, Saskatchewan exported about $220.5 million of goods to France, which is a 68.7 per cent increase compared to 2022. Exports to the UK totaled $557.2 million in 2023, which is a 43.5 per cent increase from 2022, and exports to the Netherlands totaled $414.1 million, a 12.6 per cent increase from 2022.

    Agri-food also saw strong growth in these countries. In 2023, Saskatchewan was France’s largest supplier of lentils, with the total value of lentil exports reaching $24.2 million, a 44.3 per cent increase from 2022. Saskatchewan was also one of the Netherland’s top suppliers of mustard seeds, exporting about $7.9 million which is a 66.5 per cent increase from 2022. In the UK, Saskatchewan exported around $96.5 million worth of non-durum wheat, an increase of 5.3 per cent from 2022. Other top exports to these countries included chickpeas, canola seed, flaxseed and potash.

    In April of this year, Minister Harrison and French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness, Francophonie, and French Nationals Abroad Franck Riester signed a new Letter of Intent (LOI) to explore, develop and cooperate on new projects related to strategic mineral resources. The LOI will focus on the regions’ shared goals of improving supply chain security and sustainability, and research and development for critical minerals. 

    The Government of Saskatchewan recently unveiled its new Securing the Next Decade of Growth – Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy. This strategy combined with Saskatchewan’s trade and investment website, InvestSK.ca, contains helpful information for potential markets and solidifies the province as the best place to do business in Canada. 

    For more information visit investSK.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: The United  States Commitment to Address the Global Mpox  Outbreak

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    “Now we face the mpox outbreak in Central and Eastern Africa. Mpox is different from COVID-19. But we will act quickly – and bring partners with us. We are prepared to commit at least $500 million – to support African countries to prevent and respond to mpox and donate up to one million doses of mpox vaccines. We call on governments, charities, and businesses to match our pledge – and make this a $1 billion commitment to the people of Africa.” —President Biden, September 24, 2024
    The United States has led global efforts to combat infectious diseases, including mpox, for decades. Most recently in 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration mounted a robust response to the spread of clade IIb mpox by making vaccines available to those at risk, making testing more convenient, and providing treatments to those who needed them both in the United States and worldwide. In response to the ongoing mpox outbreak in Eastern and Central Africa, with several cases outside the region, the United States is acting quickly and decisively to support the response, and to prepare for potential cases domestically. On September 16, the White House welcomed key partners and community stakeholders working on mpox in the United States and around the world to a roundtable with U.S. Government leadership to exchange ideas, feedback and recommendations to inform the U.S. response to this global crisis.
    This week, President Biden announced that the United States is committed to providingat least $500 million dollars, as well as one million mpox vaccine doses, to support African countries to prevent and respond to the current mpox outbreak. These investments will be delivered both bilaterally, through existing relationships with partner countries, as well as through multilateral institutions. United States investments in mpox preparedness and response will address a range of needs outlined in the Mpox Continental Preparedness and Response Plan jointly issued by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), including training frontline health workers, disease surveillance, laboratory diagnostic supplies and testing, clinical case management, risk communication and community engagement, infection prevention and control, and research. In addition to financial support and vaccines, the U.S. Government has surged dozens of staff, including epidemiologists, laboratorians, and risk communication experts to offer support to the mpox response in DRC and each of the countries surrounding DRC.
    BUILDING STRONGER, RESILIENT HEALTH SYSTEMS
    Investments in building stronger health systems are essential to a rapid and effective emergency response. Longstanding United States support, including through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), helped to strengthen the systems that are now supporting the mpox response.
    Ongoing global health and health security investments. Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, the United States has provided more than $50 billion to support global health and health security. The United States is the largest health donor in the Africa region, allocating more than $2.65 billion in bilateral health funding to countries in Central and Eastern Africa in FY 2023 alone.
    Global health security partnerships. In April 2024, the United States announced formal global health security partnerships with 50 countries, including Burundi, DRC, Kenya, and Uganda. Global health security investments make it possible for the United States to address country-identified gaps in their capacity to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from health security threats. U.S. assistance to the government of DRC, which began in 2015, has bolstered the DRC’s efforts to contain five Ebola outbreaks since 2020, develop an antimicrobial stewardship work plan, and develop a community feedback system to address infectious disease threats.
    President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). For over 20 years, PEPFAR has supported more than 55 countries worldwide, saved more than 25 million lives, enabled 5.5 million babies to be born HIV-free, and prevented millions of new HIV infections. Longstanding PEPFAR investments in creating sustainable HIV care platforms have been leveraged for quick and effective response to cholera, COVID-19, Ebola, H1N1 influenza, tuberculosis, and other health threats. Given the increased risk of severe morbidity and mortality from mpox among people living with HIV, PEPFAR is ensuring program continuity to protect people living with HIV through the use of existing PEPFAR platforms through risk communication, laboratory and surveillance capacity, referral to care, HIV testing, and vaccination delivery to help prevent and respond to mpox.
    SUPPORTING MPOX TESTING, VACCINATION, TREATMENT AND CARE
    Mpox vaccine research and development. Since 2007, the United States, through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has invested more than $2 billion in the JYNNEOS vaccine as part of smallpox preparedness. Additionally, U.S. Government research institutions led the development of the JYNNEOS vaccine through preclinical evaluation, clinical trials, and advanced clinical evaluation platforms. These investments directly led to product licensure for both smallpox and mpox. On September 13, WHO announced pre-qualification of the JYNNEOS vaccine for global use, including in the Africa region in response to ongoing mpox outbreaks.
    Mpox vaccine donation. This week President Biden pledged that the United States will donate up to one million doses of the mpox vaccine. The first U.S.-donated vaccine doses arrived in Nigeria in August (10,000 doses), and in DRC in September (50,000 doses). The next installment of the U.S. commitment, 300,000 vaccine doses, will be available immediately for disbursement in coordination with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the WHO Access and Allocation Mechanism. Additional mpox vaccine doses will be delivered in tranches (totaling up to one million) pending country progress in administering the vaccines, in coordination with Gavi.
    Clinical care and protecting health workers. In DRC, the U.S. Government has procured and delivered medical kits containing antibiotics, oral hydration, and wound care supplies to support government facilities to offer mpox patients relief from their symptoms free of charge, which bolsters community trust and connection with the health care system. The U.S. Government is expanding health care worker capacity to treat mpox and offer psychosocial support to patients, while simultaneously training the workers to protect themselves through use of infection prevention and control best practices.
    Diagnostic tests and training. The U.S. Government is also supporting mpox-affected countries with laboratory expertise and diagnostic supplies. This includes: providing over 40,000 individual test assays and reagents that ensured that countries in the region had the capacity to detect clade I mpox when it crossed their borders; training dozens of laboratory personnel on the use of mpox test kits and procedures to enhance laboratory safety, hygiene, and waste management; strengthening the reach and availability of rapid diagnostic testing capacity; expanding specimen transportation routes; and establishing platforms for laboratory data management.
    Development and testing of effective therapeutics. The United States Government is leading the ongoing “Study of Tecovirimat for Human Mpox Virus” clinical trial for mpox treatment in the United States and other countries affected by clade II mpox.
    Identifying mpox research priorities. To help prioritize mpox research, the United States released an update on mpox research priorities, focusing on four objectives: (1) increasing knowledge about the biology of all clades, including how the virus is transmitted and how people’s immune systems respond to it; (2) evaluating dosing regimens of current mpox vaccines to stretch the vaccine supply and developing novel vaccine concepts; (3) advancing existing and novel treatments, including antivirals and monoclonal antibodies; and (4) supporting strategies for detecting the virus to facilitate clinical care and epidemiological surveillance.
    LEVERAGING STRONG MULTILATERAL PARTNERSHIPS
    As with investments in health systems, building stronger and more effective multilateral institutions between emergencies is essential to ensuring the world is prepared to respond effectively in times of crisis. The United States supports the critical roles of WHO and Africa CDC in leading the mpox response, and we call on those institutions to utilize the strong partnerships that are already in place, including with other multilateral institutions, to protect the health and wellbeing of people living in the affected countries.
    World Health Organization. Among his first acts in office, President Biden declared the United States would reengage with WHO, highlighting our nation’s commitment to advancing multilateral cooperation in a global health crisis. Beyond health emergencies, the United States is collaborating with WHO on a wide range of global health issues such as childhood immunization, nutrition, polio eradication, and strengthening the global health workforce to achieve universal health coverage. Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, the United States has provided nearly $1.9 billion of support to WHO. In addition, since March 2024, the United States has already provided more than $7.7 million to WHO to support mpox response activities, and $450,000 for building sustainable capacity for mpox elimination in DRC, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. 
    Africa CDC. The United States welcomes and supports the role of Africa CDC as a continent-wide public health institution, established in 2016. In 2022, the U.S. Government signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to Promote Public Health Partnership with the African Union, accompanied by a U.S.-Africa CDC Joint Action Plan outlining shared global health priorities and areas for collaboration. In addition to substantial U.S. bilateral and multilateral support aligned with Africa CDC’s five-year strategic plan and Agenda 2063, the United States provided more than $3 million in direct support to the Africa CDC in the form of in-kind assistance last year alone.
    Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Gavi holds essential expertise in effective vaccine procurement, distribution, and administration, which should be leveraged immediately in the mpox response. Since its inception in 2000, the United States Government has invested or announced: 1) over $3.6 billion to improve equitable access to new and underutilized vaccines in low- and middle-income countries; 2) a $4 billion dollar contribution to Gavi’s COVAX Advance Market Commitment; 3) an annual contribution to Gavi’s core budget, including $300 million in 2024 ; 4) and pledged at least $1.58 billion towards USG’s first-ever five-year pledge to Gavi’s next replenishment cycle, subject to Congressional approval. U.S. funding is included in Gavi’s $500 million First Response Fund, which is supporting procurement, delivery, and deployment of 500,000 JYNNEOS doses in response to the mpox outbreak. Finally, affected countries, WHO, Africa CDC, and Gavi recently established the Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM) as a platform to increase equitable access to mpox response resources and contributions.
    The Quad. The Quad partnership was established in 2020 between the United States, India, Japan and Australia as a global force for good, including working together to help partners address pandemics and disease. During a September 21 Quad Summit, leaders agreed to coordinate efforts to promote equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured mpox vaccines, including where appropriate expanding vaccine manufacturing in low and middle-income countries.
    Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). CEPI is working to accelerate the development of life-saving vaccines against emerging disease threats, and to transform capability for rapid countermeasure development in response to future threats.To date, the U.S. Government has invested $117 million through CEPI to accelerated the development of vaccines and other biologic countermeasures against epidemic and pandemic threats. CEPI has funded two scientific studies in Africa (the DRC and Uganda) focused on the JYNNEOS vaccine; it has also supported early clinical development of BioNTech’s next-generation mRNA-based pox vaccine and providing funding to support Bavarian Nordic’s MVA-BN® mpox vaccine clinical trials in DRC, Uganda, and Nigeria through the SMART trial.
    The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The Global Fund is working to defeat HIV, TB and malaria and ensure a healthier, safer, more equitable future for all. The U.S. is the largest donor to The Global Fund, and President Biden led the largest Global Fund replenishment ever in 2022. In August 2024, in response to the evolving mpox outbreak, the Global Fund quickly pivoted to update its guidance in order to direct grant funds to help eligible countries to prevent, detect, and respond to mpox outbreaks. Earlier this month, Global Fund committed an additional $9.5 million to support DRC’s mpox response.
    UNICEF. As the lead UN agency for children, UNICEF works in over 190 countries to save children’s lives and to support health and development. To date, the U.S. has provided UNICEF with more than $1.4 million to support clade I mpox preparedness and response activities in DRC, Burundi, and the Republic of Congo. UNICEF supports risk communication and community engagement, clinical services, psychosocial support, and coordination.
    United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). As the lead UN agency for refugees, UNHCR provides vital protection and assistance to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced and stateless people. Through UNHCR, the United States has provided nearly $9 million in humanitarian assistance this year to address urgent mpox-related needs among refugees, internally-displaced persons, host communities and other vulnerable populations in 14 countries throughout Africa.
    International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network working in more than 190 countries through a network of more than 16 million volunteers. To date, the U.S. Government has provided IFRC with $800,000 to support clade I mpox preparedness and response activities in DRC. IFRC supports risk communication and community engagement, clinical services, psychosocial support, and coordination.
    EXPANDING HEALTH EMERGENCY FINANCING
    In addition to ongoing bilateral and multilateral support to build stronger health systems, respond to ongoing health challenges, and pivot to address the current mpox crisis, the United States supports expanded sources of financing for response to health emergencies. Many of these have been developed and launched since the COVID-19 pandemic to address gaps identified through that response.
    The Pandemic Fund. As the only multilateral fund fully focused on prevention and preparedness, the Pandemic Fund has a critical role to play in building capacity to end the current outbreak and prevent the next one. The Pandemic Fund has taken quick action to support mpox preparedness efforts, approving $129 million to support 10 countries impacted by the disease to strengthen laboratory, surveillance, and human resources capacities. The selected projects meet needs articulated in the joint WHO-Africa CDC Mpox Continental Preparedness and Response Plan for Africa. The awards will be implemented over multiple years enabling an effective transition from crisis to long term preparedness. To continue its critical work, the Pandemic Fund is engaged in a concurrent resource mobilization round, with the goal of raising at least $2 billion in new funding through 2026. The United States has committed to provide up to $667 million, subject to Congressional appropriations and the availability of funds.
    Gavi’s Day Zero Financing Facility. The United States has supported Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance in establishing the Day Zero Financing Facility, a suite of tools that will mobilize, for example, up to $2 billion in risk-tolerant surge and contingent capital to enable Gavi to quickly meet the demand for vaccines in a pandemic.
    U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Health Emergency Financing: The DFC finances private-sector led solutions to health services, supply chain, and technology challenges in low- and middle-income countries. These solutions improve health system resilience and pandemic preparedness through: 1) a $1 billion-dollar rapid financing facility applicable to a full spectrum of vaccines (COVID-19, childhood vaccine-preventable diseases, and future outbreaks); 2) investments in regional, Africa-based vaccine manufacturing, including Aspen Pharmacare (South Africa) and Institute Pasteur de Dakar (Senegal); and 3) a G7 Surge Financing Initiative for Medical Countermeasures that supports Gavi and regional vaccine manufacturers.
    Multilateral development bank (MDB) evolution. MDBs have a key role to play in helping countries address global challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, and fragility and conflict. The United States is working with other shareholders to evolve the visions, incentive structures, operational approaches, and financial capacity of the MDBs to equip these institutions to respond to global challenges with sufficient speed and scale. The United States is pleased to see the close coordination between the World Bank, IMF, and regional development banks with WHO and affected countries on how to best utilize or reprogram resources to aid the mpox response.
    —-
    To learn more about mpox, its signs and symptoms, vaccines, prevention, and treatments, please visit the U.S. CDC website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024
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