Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer celebrates President Trump’s first 100 days of economic success with visit to California’s Central Valley

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – To mark President Donald Trump’s successful first 100 days in office, U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer traveled to California’s Central Valley to meet with local businesses and workers who are benefiting from the new Administration’s America First policies. The Secretary joined Rep. Vince Fong for a workforce development roundtable and a tour of a California Resources Corporation’s energy facilities.

    “It was great to celebrate President Trump’s first 100 days near the community I grew up in California’s Central Valley,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer said. “From demand-focused job training to strengthening our energy security, the Central Valley is at the cutting edge of economic development. I appreciate Congressman Fong for hosting me as I continue hearing the stories of America at Work.”

    “It was an honor to host Secretary Chavez-DeRemer, a proud Central Valley native, in my district,” said Rep. Vince Fong. “She understands firsthand our region’s vital role as the economic engine of California, and I look forward to working closely with her to advance policies that strengthen our local economy and create more opportunities for the hardworking people of the Central Valley.”

    Secretary Chavez-DeRemer and Congressman Fong first held a roundtable with the Fresno Economic Development Corporation. EDC’s workforce development program, Good Jobs 4 the Central Valley, unites dozens of organizations to place 2,500 people into high-quality jobs through demand-focused programming.

    Following the roundtable, they visited Bakersfield and participated in an educational tour hosted by California Resources Corporation (CRC). CRC gave Secretary Chavez-DeRemer and Congressman Fong an in-depth review of local energy facilities and an exclusive preview of upcoming projects – an integral part in unleashing America’s energy independence.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Global Training and Development Institute Marks Significant Milestone

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The Office of Global Affairs’ Global Training and Development Institute (GTDI) at the University of Connecticut, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, recently marked a significant milestone with the graduation of the 20th cohort of the Nexus Startup Hub.

    Administered by UConn and funded by the U.S. Department of State, the Nexus Entrepreneurship Empowerment Program (NEEP) operates under the broader Nexus 3.0 initiative. Its mission is to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem while deepening economic and cultural ties between India and the United States. By offering intensive training, expert mentorship, and access to critical business resources, NEEP empowers Indian entrepreneurs to build scalable, high-impact ventures that contribute to both local communities and global markets.

    Tolga Turker, Director of Global Entrepreneurial Programs, highlighted the international scope of the program’s vision, stating, “Nexus training helps drive American economy and growth by fostering innovation, attracting investments, and expanding global market opportunities.”

    Participants in the program receive comprehensive support to refine their business models, explore funding opportunities, and tackle the challenges of entrepreneurship. This holistic approach not only cultivates successful startups but also contributes to broader goals of community resilience and economic empowerment.

    Several graduating entrepreneurs shared the personal and professional impact of the program. One participant remarked, “Nexus has made a larva into a butterfly. That’s exactly my experience.” Another added, “Post coming to Nexus, we have grown our revenue by 7x, which is a significant number.” These reflections speak to the program’s ability to transform early-stage ideas into thriving, mission-driven enterprises.

    The program also nurtures a global mindset, encouraging entrepreneurs to think beyond local markets. “With the understanding that we have received at Nexus, we are now looking to scale our operations in different parts of the world,” said a graduating entrepreneur, highlighting the program’s focus on international growth and long-term sustainability.

    The graduation ceremony further emphasized the value of international collaboration. Gloria Berbena, Minister-Counselor of Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy in India, addressed the cohort with words of encouragement: “The prosperity of the United States has long been fueled by visionary entrepreneurs who push boundaries of innovation. Your startups have the potential to join that global landscape.”

    This spirit of partnership and cross-cultural learning is woven into the fabric of Nexus. As the program continues to evolve, it remains a powerful example of how institutions like UConn can drive meaningful impact on a global scale by investing in people, ideas, and innovation.

    With the 20th cohort now moving forward to scale their businesses and deepen their impact, the Nexus Startup Hub continues to serve as a launchpad for entrepreneurs committed to solving pressing challenges, building community resilience, and fostering economic opportunity across India and beyond. As Nexus advances its mission, the University of Connecticut remains a proud partner in shaping a more connected, innovative, and inclusive global future.

    To learn more, visit Startup Nexus.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Blasts Trump’s Attacks on Head Start as Lawsuit is Filed to Stop Trump Admin from Dismantling Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Senator Murray: “Let’s face it, billionaires like Elon Musk and Trump already had a “head start” in life, so of course they don’t care if anyone else needs a little help. But this is make or break for everyone else—and I mean everyone, not just for families, not just for parents, but for businesses as well, and for our economy which is powered by our working families.”
    ICYMI: Head Start funding lags by nearly $1 billion this year, causing some preschool closures
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former Chairof the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, joined a press conference hosted by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on their announcement of a lawsuit against the Trump administration for seeking to dismantle the Head Start program. Senator Murray spoke about how critical Head Start is in helping kids and families across the country thrive.
    Head Start currently serves over 750,000 kids nationwide, and the program has served nearly 40 million children and their families nationwide since its inception in 1965. There are over 17,000 Head Start centers nationwide and these centers are particularly important in serving rural communities with fewer options for care.
    Since taking office, President Trump has gutted the offices that keep Head Start centers and child care programs across the country running. In late February, the Trump administration fired scores of staff at the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Head Start and Office of Child Care. Earlier this month, Trump continued to hollow out HHS, including by shuttering half of the regional offices at the Office of Head Start, which are responsible for ensuring high-quality Head Start services are available to families nationwide. The Trump administration has failed to articulate how it will ensure that uninterrupted services are available to families and that appropriate oversight will be carried out despite gutting the very offices charged with these responsibilities.
    As data compiled by Senator Murray’s office shows, the Trump administration has failed to get out nearly $1 billion in funding for Head Start programs this year, part of a larger, sweeping funding freeze Trump has ordered since taking office.
    Senator Murray’s full remarks, as delivered, are below:
    “Well thank you all for being on this call, I really, really do appreciate it. And I just want to say that when I first got into politics to fight for child care and early education programs, I met with a few politicians who really did not get it—and a lot of parents who absolutely did. Well, we made our voices heard, we made a difference in that fight, and now, we have to keep it up!
    “I still, constantly, hear from parents about child care and pre-K, and I take their stories back with me here to the Capitol to fight for change. We have made a lot of progress over the years making the case for child care, making historic investments in our families, and changing the conversation.
    “But then, a couple of billionaires with no idea about what they are doing came along and decided to take an axe to Head Start. I mean talk about clueless. Talk about careless! Instead of giving our kids a Head Start Trump and Musk want to give billionaires another tax break and give families the cold shoulder.
    “We already got a hint of how bad this could get for Washington state—when funding delays forced a Head Start program to the point of closure. 450 kids temporarily lost access to early education programs and support they counted on. And more than 70 employees were out of a job. To say nothing of the hundreds of parents who were about to be forced out of work because they lost pre-K.
    “That chaos was from just one provider facing funding delays, if Trump and Musk get their way, if they zero out Head Start completely—the damage would be magnitudes greater.
    “Let’s face it, billionaires like Elon Musk and Trump already had a “head start” in life, so of course they don’t care if anyone else needs a little help.
    “But this is make or break for everyone else—and I mean everyone, not just for families, not just for parents, but for businesses as well, and for our economy which is powered by our working families.
    “Trump and Musk may want to axe Head Start and they have already made clear they will do everything they can to break the program and cause chaos, but they are going to have to go through me—and they are going to have to go through all of you.
    “I am going to keep doing what I have done since the very start, getting loud about why programs like Head Start matter for families, talking to other parents, lifting up their voices, and fighting, with all the power I have, for our kids.
    “And I’m so glad to be fighting along such amazing advocates and organizations like the ACLU, and the Washington State Association of Head Start and E-CEAP—you don’t just serve our families, you are standing up for them, and we are all really thankful for that.
    “So it’s great to be with you on this call—and let’s keep fighting, we’ve got to, thank you.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the General Assembly event in Commemoration of His Holiness Pope Francis [trilingual, as delivered; scroll down for All-English and All-French versions]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    His Holiness Pope Francis was a man of faith — and a bridge-builder among all faiths.  

    He was a champion of the most marginalized people on earth.

    He was a voice of community in a world of division…

    A voice of mercy in a world of cruelty…

    A voice of peace in a world of war.

    And he was a steadfast friend of the United Nations, addressing Member States from this very podium in 2015.

    During that historic visit, he also spoke of our organization’s ideal of a “united human family living in harmony, working not only for peace, but in peace, working not only for justice, but in a spirit of justice.”

    On behalf of our UN family, I extend by deepest condolences to the Catholic community and to so many others around the world grieving this tremendous loss.

    Excellencies,

    Pope Francis was at the helm of the Roman Catholic Church for a dozen years — but that was preceded by decades of service and good works.

    As a young man, Pope Francis found his calling in the slums of Buenos Aires, where his dedication to serving the poor earned him the title “Bishop of the Slums.”

    These early experiences sharpened his conviction that faith must be an engine of action and change.  

    Pope Francis put that engine into overdrive as an unstoppable voice for social justice and equality.  

    His 2020 encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, drew a straight line between greed and poverty, hunger, inequality and suffering.

    While decrying the inequality that defines our globalized economy, he also warned against what he called “globalization of indifference.”  

    I will never forget the first official visit he undertook as Pope, at a time when I served as High Commissioner for Refugees.

    Pope Francis chose to go to the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa in 2013 — to put a global spotlight on the desperate plight of asylum seekers and migrants.

    He warned against “the culture of comfort, which makes us think only of ourselves, makes us insensitive to the cries of other people.”

    And on last year’s World Refugee Day, he called on all countries “to welcome, promote, accompany and integrate those who knock on our doors.”

    When I met with him at the Vatican as Secretary-General in 2019, I was struck by his humanity and his humility. 

    He always saw challenges through the eyes of those on the peripheries of life. 

    And he said we can never look away from injustice and inequality — or close our eyes to those suffering from conflict or acts of violence.   

    Always a pilgrim for peace, Pope Francis ventured to war-torn countries around the world — from Iraq to South Sudan to the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond — decrying bloodshed and violence, and pushing for reconciliation.  

    He stood with conviction for innocents caught in war zones such as Ukraine and Gaza.

    He did it with his global platform — but he also did it in much more personal and profound ways.

    Every day without fail, precisely at 7:00 p.m., he would quietly call the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City.

    As someone at the Church said, “He would ask us how we were, what did we eat, did we have clean water, was anyone injured? It was never diplomatic or a matter of obligation. It was the questions a father asks to their son.”

    And in his final message on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis underscored the vital importance of ending these conflicts.      

    Jusqu’au bout, le pape François aura incarné l’appel à la justice – pour les peuples et pour la planète.

    Grâce à son encyclique Laudato Si publiée en 2015, il a contribué à l’adoption de l’Accord de Paris en appelant les dirigeants à protéger « notre maison commune ».

    Il a également mis en évidence les liens manifestes entre la dégradation de l’environnement et la dégradation de la condition humaine.

    Le pape François comprenait que ceux qui avaient le moins contribué à la crise climatique en subissaient les conséquences les plus graves – et que nous avons le devoir spirituel et moral d’agir.

    Excelencias:

    En el mundo actual de división y discordia, es particularmente significativo que el Papa Francisco haya proclamado 2025 como el año de la esperanza.

    Él fue siempre un mensajero de esperanza. 

    Ahora nos corresponde a todos nosotros llevar adelante esta esperanza.

    En su funeral del sábado, me conmovió profundamente ver a líderes de todas las religiones y tendencias políticas unirse en solidaridad para honrar la vida y los logros del Papa Francisco – un raro espíritu de unidad y reflexión solemne que necesitamos ahora más que nunca.

    Nuestro mundo sería un lugar mucho mejor si siguiéramos su ejemplo de unidad, compasión y comprensión mutua a través de nuestras propias palabras y acciones.  

    Mientras lloramos la muerte del Papa Francisco, renovemos nuestro compromiso con la paz, la dignidad humana y la justicia social – las causas a las que dedicó cada momento de su extraordinaria vida.

    Muchas gracias.

    ***
    [All-English]

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    His Holiness Pope Francis was a man of faith — and a bridge-builder among all faiths.  

    He was a champion of the most marginalized people on earth.

    He was a voice of community in a world of division…

    A voice of mercy in a world of cruelty…

    A voice of peace in a world of war.

    And he was a steadfast friend of the United Nations, addressing Member States from this very podium in 2015.

    During that historic visit, he also spoke of our organization’s ideal of a “united human family living in harmony, working not only for peace, but in peace, working not only for justice, but in a spirit of justice.”

    On behalf of our UN family, I extend by deepest condolences to the Catholic community and to so many others around the world grieving this tremendous loss.

    Excellencies,

    Pope Francis was at the helm of the Roman Catholic Church for a dozen years — but that was preceded by decades of service and good works.

    As a young man, Pope Francis found his calling in the slums of Buenos Aires, where his dedication to serving the poor earned him the title “Bishop of the Slums.”

    These early experiences sharpened his conviction that faith must be an engine of action and change.  

    Pope Francis put that engine into overdrive as an unstoppable voice for social justice and equality.  

    His 2020 encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, drew a straight line between greed and poverty, hunger, inequality and suffering.

    While decrying the inequality that defines our globalized economy, he also warned against what he called “globalization of indifference.”  

    I will never forget the first official visit he undertook as Pope, at a time when I served as High Commissioner for Refugees.

    Pope Francis chose to go to the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa in 2013 — to put a global spotlight on the desperate plight of asylum seekers and migrants.

    He warned against “the culture of comfort, which makes us think only of ourselves, makes us insensitive to the cries of other people.”

    And on last year’s World Refugee Day, he called on all countries “to welcome, promote, accompany and integrate those who knock on our doors.”

    When I met with him at the Vatican as Secretary-General in 2019, I was struck by his humanity and his humility. 

    He always saw challenges through the eyes of those on the peripheries of life. 

    And he said we can never look away from injustice and inequality — or close our eyes to those suffering from conflict or acts of violence.   

    Always a pilgrim for peace, Pope Francis ventured to war-torn countries around the world — from Iraq to South Sudan to the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond — decrying bloodshed and violence, and pushing for reconciliation.  

    He stood with conviction for innocents caught in war zones such as Ukraine and Gaza.

    He did it with his global platform — but he also did it in much more personal and profound ways.

    Every day without fail, precisely at 7:00 p.m., he would quietly call the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City.

    As someone at the Church said, “He would ask us how we were, what did we eat, did we have clean water, was anyone injured? It was never diplomatic or a matter of obligation. It was the questions a father asks to their son.”

    And in his final message on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis underscored the vital importance of ending these conflicts.      

    Throughout, Pope Francis was a clear voice of justice for people and planet.

    He helped secure the adoption of the Paris Agreement with his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si that called on leaders to protect “our common home.”

    He also highlighted the clear ties between environmental degradation and the degradation of humanity.

    Pope Francis understood that those who contributed the least to the climate crisis suffered the most — and that we have a spiritual and moral duty to act.

    Excellencies,

    In today’s world of division and discord, it is particularly meaningful that Pope Francis proclaimed 2025 to be the year of hope.

    He was forever a messenger of hope. 

    Now it falls to all of us to carry this hope forward.

    At his funeral on Saturday, I was deeply moved to see leaders from across all faiths and political stripes come together in solidarity to honour the life and achievements of Pope Francis — a rare spirit of unity and solemn reflection that we need now, more than ever.
    Our world would be a much better place if we followed his lifelong example of unity, compassion and mutual understanding through our own words and actions.  

    As we mourn the passing of Pope Francis, let us renew our pledge to peace, human dignity and social justice — the causes for which he dedicated every moment of his most extraordinary life.

    Thank you.

    ***
    [All-French]

    Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

    Sa Sainteté le pape François était un homme de foi – et un bâtisseur de ponts entre toutes les religions.

    Il s’était fait le champion des personnes les plus marginalisées sur Terre.

    Il était une voix de solidarité dans un monde de clivages…

    Une voix de compassion dans un monde de cruauté…

    Une voix de paix dans un monde de guerre.

    C’était aussi un grand ami de l’Organisation des Nations Unies et il s’était exprimé en 2015 devant les États Membres depuis cette même tribune.

    Lors de cette visite historique, il avait évoqué l’idéal de notre Organisation, à savoir « une famille humaine unie, vivant en harmonie, travaillant non seulement pour la paix, mais dans la paix ; travaillant non seulement pour la justice, mais dans un esprit de justice. »

    Au nom de notre famille, celle des Nations Unies, j’adresse mes plus sincères condoléances à l’ensemble des catholiques et aux nombreuses autres personnes qui, partout dans le monde, souffrent de cette terrible perte.

    Excellences,

    Le pape François a été à la tête de l’Église catholique romaine pendant 12 ans, mais son pontificat a été précédé par des décennies de service et de bonnes œuvres.

    Jeune homme, il a trouvé sa vocation dans les quartiers défavorisés de Buenos Aires, où son dévouement au service des pauvres lui a ensuite valu le titre « d’évêque des bidonvilles ».

    Ces premières expériences ont renforcé sa conviction que la foi devait être un moteur d’action et de changement.

    Restant fidèle à cette conviction, il a défendu sans relâche la cause de la justice sociale et de l’égalité.

    Dans son encyclique de 2020, Fratelli Tutti, François a établi un lien direct entre la cupidité, d’une part, et la pauvreté, la faim, l’inégalité et la souffrance, d’autre part.

    Tout en dénonçant les inégalités qui caractérisent notre économie mondialisée, il a également mis en garde contre ce qu’il appelait la « mondialisation de l’indifférence ».

    Je n’oublierai jamais sa première visite officielle en tant que pape, à une époque où j’étais Haut‑Commissaire pour les réfugiés.

    En 2013, François avait choisi de se rendre sur l’île méditerranéenne de Lampedusa pour appeler l’attention du monde entier sur la situation désespérée des demandeurs d’asile et des migrants.

    Il avait alors mis en garde contre « la culture du bien-être, qui nous amène à penser à nous-même, nous rend insensibles aux cris des autres ».

    L’année dernière, à l’occasion de la Journée mondiale des réfugiés, il a exhorté tous les pays à « accueillir, promouvoir, accompagner et intégrer ceux qui frappent à nos portes ».

    Quand je l’ai rencontré au Vatican en 2019 en ma qualité de Secrétaire général, j’ai été frappé par son humanité et son humilité.

    Il voyait toujours les problèmes à travers les yeux de celles et ceux qui sont relégués aux périphéries.

    Il disait qu’il ne fallait jamais détourner le regard de l’injustice et de l’inégalité, ni fermer les yeux sur celles et ceux qui subissent les conséquences d’un conflit ou d’actes de violence.

    Infatigable pèlerin de la paix, le pape François s’est rendu dans des pays déchirés par la guerre – de l’Iraq au Soudan du Sud, en passant par la République démocratique du Congo – pour dénoncer la violence et les affrontements sanglants et prôner la réconciliation.

    Il défendait avec conviction les innocents qui se trouvent dans des zones de guerre, comme en Ukraine et dans la bande de Gaza.

    Il le faisait depuis sa tribune, mais aussi à un niveau beaucoup plus personnel.

    Tous les jours sans exception, à 19 heures précises, il se retirait pour appeler l’église de la Sainte-Famille, à Gaza.

    L’un de ses interlocuteurs a raconté ces conversations : « François nous demandait : “comment allez-vous ? Qu’avez-vous mangé ? Avez-vous de l’eau ? Y-a-t-il des blessés parmi vous ?” Il ne le faisait pas pour des raisons diplomatiques ou par obligation. C’était le genre de questions qu’un père aurait posées ».

    Et, dans son tout dernier message, le dimanche de Pâques, le pape François a souligné à quel point il était vital de mettre fin à tous ces conflits.

    Jusqu’au bout, le pape François aura incarné l’appel à la justice – pour les peuples et pour la planète.

    Grâce à son encyclique Laudato Si publiée en 2015, il a contribué à l’adoption de l’Accord de Paris en appelant les dirigeants à protéger « notre maison commune ».

    Il a également mis en évidence les liens manifestes entre la dégradation de l’environnement et la dégradation de la condition humaine.

    Le pape François comprenait que ceux qui avaient le moins contribué à la crise climatique en subissaient les conséquences les plus graves – et que nous avons le devoir spirituel et moral d’agir.

    Excellences,

    Dans ce monde de division et de discorde, le fait que le pape François ait proclamé 2025 année de l’espérance revêt une signification particulière.

    Il aura été jusqu’au bout un messager de l’espérance.

    Et c’est à nous qu’il revient maintenant de continuer de faire vivre cette espérance.

    À ses funérailles, samedi, j’ai été profondément ému de voir des dirigeants de toutes confessions et toutes tendances politiques réunis dans la solidarité pour rendre hommage à la vie et à l’œuvre du pape François, dans un esprit d’unité et de réflexion solennelle rares dont nous avons plus que jamais besoin aujourd’hui.

    Notre monde serait bien meilleur si nous suivions, dans nos propres paroles et actions, l’exemple d’unité, de compassion et de compréhension mutuelle qu’il a donné tout au long de sa vie.

    Que ce deuil soit l’occasion de renouveler notre engagement en faveur de la paix, de la dignité humaine et de la justice sociale, causes pour lesquelles le pape François a consacré chaque instant d’une vie pour le moins extraordinaire.

    Je vous remercie.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Honouring Alberta’s community heroes | Mise à l’honneur des héros communautaires de l’Alberta

    The Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards celebrate out-of-this-world individuals who give their time, energy and talents to make life better for others. These prestigious awards celebrate the incredible impact volunteers have in communities across Alberta. Two awards are presented in each of the following categories:

    • youth (up to 24 years of age)
    • adult
    • senior

    The Breaking Barriers category honours volunteers who are working to build diverse and inclusive communities. Three awards are presented in this category to individuals who:

    • fight racism
    • advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion
    • challenge gender discrimination

    “Volunteerism is more than generosity – it’s one of Alberta’s greatest strengths, fueling programs that support families, build communities and enrich lives. Every hour given and act of service makes Alberta more resilient, connected and kind. The 2025 Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards are our chance to say thank you. If you know someone who goes above and beyond, nominate them and help us celebrate the incredible people who lift Alberta up.”

    Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women.

    The 2025 nomination period opened April 28, during National Volunteer Week, and runs until June 30. Award recipients will be announced on Dec. 5 in celebration of International Volunteer Day.

    Volunteers are at the heart of strong communities. Alberta is home to more than 27,000 non-profit organizations and every year, Albertans contribute more than 227 million volunteer hours – an estimated $5.6 billion in value to Alberta’s economy. Albertans are encouraged to recognize a volunteer who has shared their time and talents to help keep Alberta the best place to live, work and raise a family by submitting an online application today.

    Related information

    • Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards
    • Northern Lights Volunteer Recognition Program
    • National Volunteer Week

    Les mises en candidature sont maintenant acceptées pour les Prix des bénévoles Stars of Alberta 2025. Ces prix mettent en lumière les héros communautaires qui illuminent la vie des gens et des communautés de l’Alberta.  

    Les Prix des bénévoles Stars of Alberta récompensent des personnes exceptionnelles qui consacrent leur temps, leur énergie et leurs talents à améliorer la vie des autres. Ces prix prestigieux célèbrent l’influence remarquable qu’ont les bénévoles au sein des communautés de l’Alberta. Deux prix sont décernés dans chacune des catégories suivantes :

    • jeunes (jusqu’à 24 ans)
    • adultes
    • personnes âgées

    La catégorie « Bâtisseur/bâtisseuse d’équité » (Breaking Barriers, en anglais) rend hommage aux bénévoles qui œuvrent à l’édification de communautés diversifiées et inclusives. Trois prix sont décernés dans cette catégorie à des personnes qui :

    • luttent contre le racisme
    • militent pour l’inclusion des membres des communautés LGBTQ
    • luttent contre la discrimination fondée sur le sexe

    « Le bénévolat, c’est bien plus qu’un acte de générosité ? c’est l’une des grandes forces de l’Alberta, une force qui bonifie des programmes à l’appui des familles et des communautés, des programmes qui enrichissent la vie des gens. Chaque heure donnée et chaque service rendu font de l’Alberta une province plus résiliente, plus unie et plus accueillante. Les Prix des bénévoles Stars of Alberta 2025 nous permettent de vous remercier. Si vous connaissez quelqu’un qui dépasse constamment les attentes, proposez sa candidature et aidez-nous ainsi à célébrer ces gens formidables qui font briller l’Alberta. »

    Tanya Fir, ministre des Arts, de la Culture et de la Condition féminine

    La période de nomination de 2025 débute le 28 avril, pendant la Semaine de l’action bénévole, et se poursuit jusqu’au 30 juin. Les noms des lauréats seront annoncés le 5 décembre, à l’occasion de la Journée internationale des bénévoles.

    Le bénévolat est au cœur des communautés résilientes. L’Alberta compte plus de 27 000 organismes sans but lucratif et, chaque année, les Albertaines et les Albertains consacrent plus de 227 millions d’heures au bénévolat, ce qui correspond à environ 5,6 milliards de dollars investis dans l’économie de l’Alberta. Nous invitons les Albertaines et les Albertains désireux de reconnaître un bénévole qui a partagé son temps et ses talents pour contribuer à faire de l’Alberta le meilleur endroit où vivre, travailler et élever une famille, à proposer sa candidature en ligne dès aujourd’hui.

    Renseignements connexes

    • Prix des bénévoles Stars of Alberta
    • Programme de reconnaissance des bénévoles Alberta Northern Lights
    • Semaine de l’action bénévole

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province releases annual climate report

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province is reaffirming its commitment to climate action and affordability as it releases its annual Climate Change Accountability Report.

    The report is based on 2022 emissions data and highlights actions completed between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, as well as actions underway or planned for the year ahead. It provides the most up-to-date assessment of British Columbia’s efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and build a low-carbon economy.

    The 2024 Climate Change Accountability Report concludes that B.C. is making progress in reducing emissions. Since 2007, the base year for B.C.’s climate goals, emissions have remained relatively stable and are projected to decline by 20% by 2030. Emissions per person are down by more than 21% and emissions per unit of GDP are down by more than 30%. This means fewer emissions are being produced for every person and for every dollar of economic growth.

    While B.C. is making progress, the reductions are not enough to meet B.C.’s 2030 target. The Province will continue to strengthen its climate action with measures that deliver clean economic growth and create affordable options for people.

    “British Columbia has been a leader in demonstrating solutions that have been replicated elsewhere from methane regulations to low-carbon fuel standards,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “While this progress has been substantial, it has not been enough to be on track to meet the targets. I want British Columbians to know that we will continue to strengthen our efforts to reduce emissions, while ensuring people have more affordable and sustainable options available to them.”

    Programs under CleanBC, the government’s climate plan, have helped tens of thousands of households access clean-energy retrofits, supported industrial decarbonization and accelerated the adoption of electric vehicles. In 2023, zero-emission vehicles made up nearly one in four new vehicle sales for an increase of 25% from 2022. Heat pump installations increased by 67% over the previous year, supported by government rebates and expanded access.

    To support the shift to a low-carbon future and ensure affordable, reliable energy for the growing population, government is making major investments in expanding access to made-in-B.C. renewable power sources. Ten new wind and solar projects are being accelerated to deliver clean power as soon as possible. The North Coast Transmission Line expansion between Prince George and Terrace will deliver electricity to major industry, such as liquefied natural gas, mining and critical minerals projects, port operations and more, helping power economic growth, while contributing to British Columbia’s energy security.

    BC Hydro is investing $36 billion through its 10-year capital plan to expand and strengthen community and regional electrical infrastructure to ensure clean power can be delivered to new homes, businesses and industries when and where they need it. These investments create economic opportunities throughout the province, including an average of 10,000 jobs annually for skilled workers.

    A review of CleanBC will be announced soon to assess progress and make recommendations to strengthen B.C.’s climate policies, improve affordability and support a strong economy.

    Learn More:

    To read the 2024 Climate Change Accountability Report, visit: 
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content?id=37896D59E08D42EE9C5A06C5543A4824 

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: A High-Level Committee under the Chairmanship of Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah approves Rs. 153.36 crore of additional Central assistance to Manipur, affected by hailstorm, during year 2024

    Source: Government of India

    A High-Level Committee under the Chairmanship of Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah approves Rs. 153.36 crore of additional Central assistance to Manipur, affected by hailstorm, during year 2024

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India is standing shoulder to shoulder with the State Governments during natural calamities and disasters

    During the financial year 2024-25, the Central Government has released Rs. 20,264.40 crore to 28 states under SDRF and Rs. 5,160.76 crore under NDRF to 19 states

    Posted On: 29 APR 2025 6:23PM by PIB Delhi

    A High-Level Committee (HLC), under the Chairmanship of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, has approved Rs.153.36 crore of additional Central assistance to Manipur, affected by hailstorm, during year 2024. This assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) is subject to an adjustment of 50% of the opening balance for the year available in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India is standing shoulder to shoulder with the State Governments during natural calamities and disasters.

    The additional assistance is over and above the funds released by the centre to the states in the SDRF, already placed at the disposal of the states. During the financial year 2024-25, the Central Government has released Rs. 20,264.40 crore to 28 states under SDRF and Rs. 5,160.76 crore under NDRF to 19 states. Additionally, Rs. 4984.25 crore from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) to 19 states and Rs. 719.72 crore from National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) to 08 states has also been released.

    Similarly, during the financial year 2025-26, the Central Government has released Rs. 895.60 crore to 01 state under SDRF and Rs. 929.633 crore under NDRF to 07 states, so far.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAM! India’s first national initiative dedicated to nurturing, and promoting original Indian IPs in anime, manga, webtoons, and cosplay will culminate at WAVES 2025

    Source: Government of India

    WAM! India’s first national initiative dedicated to nurturing, and promoting original Indian IPs in anime, manga, webtoons, and cosplay will culminate at WAVES 2025

    WAVES WAM! finalists to benefit from a Creator Development Grant to nurture and empower the talented creators

    Posted On: 29 APR 2025 4:37PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 29 April 2025

     

    After months of regional contests and thousands of entries, finalists from 11 cities across India have been selected to take part in the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest (WAM!) national finale to be held in the World Audio-Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, from May 1–4, 2025.

    WAM!, organized by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in collaboration with the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), is India’s first national initiative dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and promoting original Indian IPs in anime, manga, webtoons, and cosplay. These creative pursuits and their creators, who made it to the final round, will get a great exposure in the landmark initiative WAVES 2025 which will bring together global leaders, innovators, studios, and creators to foster India’s creative economy. WAVES which is being held with a vision of “Create in India, Create for the World”, aims to empower Indian creators to dream bigger and reach global audiences. WAVES is India’s biggest platform for the AVGC-XR sector-Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality. At the center of WAVES is the Create in India Challenges (CIC). Season 1 of CIC has made history with around 1 lakh registrations, including 1,100 international participants. After a detailed selection process, 750+ finalists have been chosen from 32 unique challenges.

    In a significant boost to India’s budding creators, Crunchyroll, the global anime brand fueling fans’ passion and love of anime, has joined WAM! (WAVES Anime & Manga Contest) 2025 as the Title Sponsor. Crunchyball has introduced a Creator Development Grant to nurture and empower the winners of WAM! 2025. This grant aims to support emerging artists and storytellers in anime, manga, and webtoon fields as they develop original intellectual properties (IPs) for global audiences.

    Creator Development Grant details are as follows:

    • Manga (Student Category) — INR 25,000
    • Manga (Professional Category) — INR 25,000
    • Webtoon (Student Category) — INR 25,000
    • Webtoon (Professional Category) — INR 25,000
    • Anime (Student Category) — INR 50,000
    • Anime (Professional Category) — INR 50,000

    In addition, Crunchyroll will extend its support to Team India, the winners of the WAM! 2025 Finale, as they represent the country at Anime Japan 2026, the world’s premier anime exhibition in Tokyo. This backing will help showcase India’s original creative talents on the global stage.  Crunchyroll, LLC is an independently operated joint venture between U.S.-based Sony Pictures Entertainment and Japan’s Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., both subsidiaries of Tokyo-based Sony Group.

    About WAVES:

    The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

    Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

    WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

    Have questions? Find answers here

    Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES

     

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  • MIL-Evening Report: Willis warns of a ‘tight’ budget to come, but NZ should be going for productivity, not austerity

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dennis Wesselbaum, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, University of Otago

    Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

    Finance Minister Nicola Willis has warned her 2025 “Growth Budget” will be “one of the tightest budgets in a decade”, with plans to reduce spending by billions.

    It’s clear New Zealand is following a global trend towards austerity by focusing on reducing government spending and lowering government debt.

    Complicating the economic picture for the government are Donald Trump’s tariffs and his trade war with China. In early April, financial services company J.P. Morgan Research said there was a 60% probability of the United States experiencing a recession in 2025 — with a 40% chance of a global recession.

    Despite this uncertain economic future, the idea that New Zealand’s debt-to-GDP ratio requires immediate and drastic austerity-like measures is not supported by the evidence.

    The ratio measures the government’s debt compared to its gross domestic product (GDP). Currently, New Zealand’s ratio is about 47%. This is substantially higher than before the pandemic (32% in 2019) and higher than Australia (35%).

    But it is at the lower end compared with other advanced economies. The 2023 debt-to-GDP ratio in the US was 112%, 101% in the United Kingdom, and about 50% in Canada, Ireland and South Korea.

    Rather than tightening the belt to reduce debt and increase fiscal balance, New Zealand needs to focus on boosting productivity, investing in education, building strong and resilient infrastructure and supporting health and wellbeing.

    Lowering debt and creating fiscal space are legitimate goals. But they should be viewed as a means to an end, not an end in itself.

    A necessary medicine

    Austerity is often presented as necessary medicine during an economic crisis. The logic is seemingly straightforward: reduce government spending and debt to not overstimulate the economy, create fiscal resilience for future shocks, support low and stable inflation, and signal fiscal responsibility to international markets.

    Several countries adopted austerity measures in response to high deficits following the global financial crisis.

    Greece implemented deep spending cuts, tax hikes and pension reforms under the terms of a bailout from the European Union and International Monetary Fund (IMF). This reduced its deficit but caused a severe economic contraction and social unrest.

    Spain similarly cut public wages, raised taxes and reformed pensions, stabilising its finances but causing persistently high unemployment.

    Italy’s austerity measures involved pension reforms and tax hikes, achieving modest fiscal improvement but sparking political instability.

    The UK focused on reducing public spending and welfare support, significantly lowering its deficit while putting pressure on public services and increasing inequality. Research found UK’s austerity measures led to hundreds of thousands of avoidable deaths.

    While in many cases austerity helped restore fiscal balance, it often came with heavy economic and social costs, particularly in terms of unemployment, growth and public welfare.

    In March, people in the United Kingdom took to the streets to protest ongoing austerity measures.
    Mike Kemp/Getty Images

    Productivity is the key

    Research indicates that debt-to-GDP ratios above about 80% tend to be associated with lower growth. But below this threshold, the ratio tends to be associated with increases in growth.

    It is clear that deficits are neither always bad for economic growth, nor that they always lead to inflation, when combined with a credible fiscal strategy to return to surpluses in the future.

    To raise the future wellbeing of all New Zealanders we need to avoid the heavy costs of austerity and rather focus on stimulating economic growth. And this comes with a price tag.

    Using debt to finance investments into capital, which in turn increases our productivity, is key to fostering economic growth. This goes hand-in-hand with targeted industrial policies, reduction in regulation, increases in government efficiency and trade liberalisation

    Importantly, public investment boosts economic growth mainly through two channels: efficiency (how much infrastructure is actually delivered for the money spent) and productivity (how well that infrastructure supports economic activity).

    Research from the IMF suggests an increase in public investment of one percentage point of GDP is associated with an increase in output of about 0.2% in the same year and 1.2% four years later.

    All-of-government focus

    What New Zealand needs is a long-term growth strategy and an all-of-government focus on lifting productivity. This must be grounded in fiscal responsibility – one that boosts government efficiency. But not at the cost of delaying high-impact investments or leaving growth opportunities on the table.

    Maintaining discipline while strategically investing in the drivers of long-term prosperity is essential for securing New Zealand’s economic future.

    The path ahead requires careful navigation, not a rush towards austerity.

    By thoughtfully balancing the need for fiscal prudence with the importance of investing in our productivity, human capital and infrastructure, we can ensure a more resilient and prosperous future for all New Zealanders.

    Dennis Wesselbaum does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. Willis warns of a ‘tight’ budget to come, but NZ should be going for productivity, not austerity – https://theconversation.com/willis-warns-of-a-tight-budget-to-come-but-nz-should-be-going-for-productivity-not-austerity-254689

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MNRE Minister Pralhad Joshi launches Green Hydrogen Certification scheme

    Source: Government of India

    MNRE Minister Pralhad Joshi launches Green Hydrogen Certification scheme

    MNRE organizes Workshop on opportunities for MSMEs in Green Hydrogen Supply Chain

    Posted On: 29 APR 2025 6:17PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) organized on 29th April 2025 one-day National Workshop on opportunities for “Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Green Hydrogen Supply Chain”, at  New Delhi. The workshop was  aimed to explore opportunities and discuss key role of MSMEs in development of green hydrogen ecosystem in India. Over 300 delegates drew participation from different stakeholder groups, including MSMEs, policymakers, technology providers, industry associations, and international partners.

    Delivering the inaugural address, Shri Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering innovation-led growth and emphasized that MSMEs will serve as the backbone of India’s energy transition through their innovative capabilities and localized solutions. He highlighted the critical role MSMEs will play in realizing the Mission’s objectives of building a self-reliant green hydrogen ecosystem by 2030.

    Hon’ble Union Minister also launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI). He mentioned that the scheme is a foundational step towards creating a robust framework for certifying green hydrogen production and ensuring transparency, traceability, and market credibility.

    Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, MNRE highlighted some key achievements in the implementation of National Green Hydrogen Mission. He stressed upon the importance of building capacities, facilitating finance, and strengthening technology linkages to empower MSMEs to meaningfully participate in this new industrial landscape. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to building institutional and infrastructural support for green hydrogen, with MSMEs playing a critical role.

    The workshop included four focused technical sessions as follows:

    1. Technology Collaboration for MSMEs

    Panelists deliberated on R&D collaboration models, indigenization of components such as bipolar plates and electrolysers, and the role of knowledge institutions.

    1. Business Opportunities in the Green Hydrogen Supply Chain

    Discussions centered on the integration of MSMEs into large-scale projects. Experts from international agencies and corporate leaders outlined business models and market opportunities, advocating for systematic MSME engagement strategies.

    1. Decentralized Hydrogen Production through Biomass

    Expert speakers presented use cases on thermochemical and biochemical conversion of biomass to hydrogen, exploring their application in rural industries. The session highlighted the potential of decentralized models to meet local demand while promoting circular economy principles.

    1. Catalyzing Investments in the Green Hydrogen Ecosystem

    Financial institutions, including the World Bank, IREDA, KfW, and IIFCL, discussed de-risking strategies, blended finance mechanisms, and the need to design green credit lines accessible to MSMEs.

    The workshop marked an important step towards mainstreaming MSMEs in India’s clean energy transition and showed MNRE’s commitment towards building an inclusive, technology-driven, and decentralized green hydrogen economy. The workshop saw active participation from MSMEs, who showed strong interest in entering the green hydrogen sector, particularly in areas such as component manufacturing, operations and maintenance services, and rural hydrogen generation. Participants emphasized the need for standardized protocols, shared platforms for joint innovation, and the formation of Green Hydrogen Clusters to help MSMEs combine capacities and benefit from economies of scale. The discussions also highlighted the importance of clear demand signals and long-term policy stability to encourage private investment. Experts noted India’s strong potential to emerge as a manufacturing hub for green hydrogen technologies, especially electrolysers and fuel cells.

    The Government of India is implementing the National Green Hydrogen Mission, with an objective to make India a global hub of production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.

    The Mission will result in the following likely outcomes by 2030:

    1. Development of Green Hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) per annum with an associated renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW in the country
    2. Over Rs. Eight lakh crore in total investments
    3. Creation of over Six lakh jobs
    4. Cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports over Rs. One lakh crore
    5. Abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Ayush Mission Conclave 2025: States and UTs Collaborate to Strengthen Traditional Healthcare Delivery Across India

    Source: Government of India

    National Ayush Mission Conclave 2025: States and UTs Collaborate to Strengthen Traditional Healthcare Delivery Across India

    Lonavala to Host the Second Edition of the National Ayush Mission Conclave: A Roadmap to Holistic, Accessible, and Inclusive Healthcare

    We aim to take forward the vision of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji of holistic health for all through a robust and integrative Ayush framework: Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for Ayush

    Posted On: 29 APR 2025 6:02PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, is set to organize the National Ayush Mission (NAM) Conclave 2025 on 1-2 May 2025 at Kaivalyadham, Lonavala, Maharashtra. This transformative 2-day event will serve as a national forum for shaping the future of Ayush-based healthcare in India. Bringing together Ayush experts, policymakers, health professionals, researchers, and innovators, the conclave aims to strengthen integration of traditional Indian medicine systems into mainstream healthcare—making wellness more accessible, affordable, and evidence-driven for the common citizen.

    The conclave is scheduled to be inaugurated by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush whereas the Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Rajasthan and Health Minister of nine States/UTs of India are also expected to attend the conclave. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, and other dignitaries will also be present during the event. Officials from State/UT Ayush departments including Mission Directors, senior government officials, and renowned academicians are also set to participate in the conclave. The event is planned to include plenary sessions, policy roundtables, technical deep-dives, besides showcasing best practices, state success stories, and tech-led innovations in the Ayush sector.

    Speaking about the upcoming event, the Ayush Minister mentioned, “The National Ayush Mission Conclave is a significant step towards fostering a collaborative ecosystem to strengthen the wellness and healthcare infrastructure across the country. We aim to take forward the vision of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji of holistic health for all through a robust and integrative Ayush framework.”

    The National Ayush Mission conclave is set to serve as a vibrant platform to discuss the latest developments, research innovations, and sectoral collaborations across Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy in various states and UTs of India. It will also focus on strengthening the implementation of flagship initiatives, promoting evidence-based practices, and enhancing international outreach. The Conclave aims for Minister level discussions to chalk out future expansion of the NAM Scheme.

    Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, stated, “The Ministry of Ayush is organising the NAM Conclave-2025 to reflect on the achievements of the National Ayush Mission, address emerging challenges, and chart a path toward a self-reliant and robust Ayush healthcare system.”

    While talking about the themes of the Conclave, Ms. Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, informed, “the conclave will cover diverse themes, including financial management, monitoring and evaluation, HR strengthening, integration with modern medicine, and quality assurance. It will also showcase the best practices, IT innovations, regulatory mechanisms and investment and export opportunities with rich experience sharing from States and UTs.”

    Key Highlights of the Conclave:

    Document Release: Launch of Blueprint for Ayush Policy 2025 and Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG) on Metabolic Disorders in Ayush System of Medicines.

    Ministerial Round Table: Featuring Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, along with Health and Ayush Ministers from various States/UTs, deliberating on strengthening the National Ayush Mission.

    Expert Sessions: Presentations by DGHS, NABH, Invest India, Ayush Export Promotion Council and leading institutions on quality standards, accreditation, and investment facilitation.

    Successful Case Studies: Best practices from the majority of States/UTs.

    Yoga Session: Guided Yoga and Meditation Session are also planned for delegates participating in the event.

    About National Ayush Mission:

    The flagship program National Ayush Mission launched in 2014 and it has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting India’s traditional systems of medicine and their integration into the mainstream healthcare system. It aims to enhance the availability, accessibility, and quality of Ayush healthcare services across the country through Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) as part of Government of India’s Ayushman Bharat scheme.

    In the last edition of NAM Conclave held in 2023, several key resolutions were adopted, including expansion of Ayush Health and Wellness Centres (now AAM-Ayush), integration of Ayush services with National Health Programs, and capacity building of Ayush practitioners. The 2025 edition aims to build upon these achievements, with renewed focus on innovation, standardisation, and international outreach.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India Post Partners with SBI Mutual Fund to Streamline KYC Verification Services for Investors across India

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 29 APR 2025 5:41PM by PIB Delhi

    In a landmark initiative aimed at simplifying the customer on-boarding process for mutual fund investors, the Department of Posts (DoP) has entered into a strategic partnership with SBI Funds Management Limited (SBIFM), a prominent asset management company. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will leverage India Post’s extensive network to provide doorstep KYC verification services for investors of SBI Mutual Fund. This initiative aims to streamline the KYC process, ensuring convenience, security, and regulatory compliance for investors across India.

    The MoU was officially signed between the Ms. Manisha Bansal Badal, General Manager, Business Development Directorate, Department of Posts, and Sh. Munish Sabharwal, Senior Vice President, SBI Funds Management Limited, in a ceremony held at Dak Bhawan, New Delhi.

    India Post, with its vast network of over 1.64 lakh post offices spread across even the remotest corners of the country, is uniquely positioned to support initiatives aimed at financial inclusion. With post offices in urban areas, rural towns, remote villages, and even areas with limited access to other financial services, the Department of Posts has the unparalleled reach to assist with customer service requirements, including KYC verification.

    As part of the MoU, India Post will facilitate the completion of KYC formalities for SBI Mutual Fund investors by collecting the necessary forms and documents from investors across the country. The KYC documents will be collected by India Post’s trained personnel, ensuring a high level of security, accuracy, and privacy in the process.

    By leveraging India Post’s nationwide network, this partnership will ensure that investors, regardless of their location, can easily complete the KYC process. This will be particularly beneficial for investors in rural, underserved, and far-flung areas who often face challenges in accessing traditional financial services. The door-to-door KYC service will offer immense convenience to investors, allowing them to complete the entire process from the comfort of their homes. This is particularly advantageous for senior citizens, individuals with mobility challenges, or those living in remote areas, where access to physical banking services is limited.

    This collaboration directly supports the Government of India’s Jan Nivesh initiative, which aims to increase financial inclusion and encourage more people to participate in India’s capital markets. It also contributes to the ongoing efforts to digitize financial services under the Digital India program. With India Post’s trusted network, this partnership will help demystify the KYC process and provide a gateway for individuals, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, to engage with investment products such as mutual funds. By offering KYC services at the doorstep, the initiative also plays a crucial role in educating the masses about the importance of compliance with financial regulations.

    India Post’s role in facilitating KYC verifications has been demonstrated through its successful collaboration with other mutual fund companies, including UTI Mutual Fund and SUUTI (Securities and Exchange Board of India’s public fund). In these partnerships, India Post successfully handled over 5 lakh KYC verifications in a short period, showcasing its ability to manage high-volume operations with precision, security, and efficiency.

    India Post is actively exploring new avenues for collaboration with both public and private sector organizations in the financial services sector. With its strong infrastructure, trained workforce, and credibility, India Post is well-positioned to play a larger role in promoting financial literacy, digital on-boarding, and investment participation among the Indian populace.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Principal Scientific Adviser Unveils Landmark Report on ‘Evaluation of Innovation Excellence Indicators of Public Funded R&D Organizations’ (Round 2)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 29 APR 2025 7:25PM by PIB Delhi

    The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India today launched the (Round 2) study report on “Evaluation of Innovation Excellence Indicators of Public Funded R&D Organizations”, aimed at benchmarking and enhancing innovation performance across India’s publicly funded research ecosystem. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Center for Technology, Innovation, and Economic Research (CTIER) served as knowledge partners for this study, contributing their expertise to strengthen the assessment framework.

    The report was unveiled by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, during the 15th CII Global Innovation and IP Summit 2025 held in New Delhi today. The launch event was also joined by Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of PSA, Shri B.N. Satpathy, PSA Fellow; Dr. Rakesh Kaur, Adviser/Scientist ’G’; Ms. Remya Haridassan, Scientist ‘D’ and Hafsa Ahmad, Scientist ‘D’ from Office of PSA and senior industry leaders, researchers, and representatives from academia and industry were also present during the launch.

    The study presents a pioneering framework to evaluate innovation capacity and impact, developed through extensive engagement with stakeholders and supported by rigorous data analysis.

    Speaking at the launch, Prof. Sood emphasised the importance of robust evaluation mechanisms in aligning national R&D efforts with socio-economic priorities. “This report serves as a strategic tool for institutional improvement and policy formulation. It reflects our collective aspiration to make Indian science and research globally competitive and socially impactful,” he said. He further said that the report is more than a diagnostic tool and is a roadmap for strengthening India’s innovation capabilities through data-driven insights and strategic benchmarking.

    In her special address, Dr. Maini emphasised on the crucial role played by the publicly funded R&D institutions in translating national priorities into transformative solutions. She stated that these innovation excellence indicators offer a valuable metric for evaluating and benchmarking R&D institutes, ultimately fostering a stronger and more empowered innovation ecosystem.

    In his welcome remarks, Dr. Udayant Malhoutra, Chairman, CII National Committee on Design Innovation and CEO & Managing Director, Dynamatic Technologies Limited stated that India’s R&D ecosystem is increasingly driven by design-led innovation, fostering global competitiveness through collaboration and creativity.

    Mr Masood Mallick, Chairman, CII National Committee on Waste to Worth Technologies and Managing Director & Group CEO of Re Sustainability Limited stated that R&D in waste-to-worth technologies is unlocking sustainable solutions and circular economy models for a cleaner future.

    In his vote of thanks, Mr Shaheen Majeed, Vice-Chairman, CII National Committee on Intellectual Property and Global CEO & Managing Director, Sami-Sabinsa Group mentioned that a strong IP framework is vital to India’s R&D growth, empowering innovation across science and industry.

    This exercise reflects the Government of India’s continued commitment to fostering excellence, accountability, and innovation within publicly funded research and development institutions. The study saw participation from over 240 R&D organisations across 21 Ministries.

    The evaluation framework focused on six key dimensions—research output and quality, technology transfer and commercialization, collaborations and industry engagement, intellectual property generation, societal and policy impact, and human resource development and capacity building. These indicators were designed to provide a holistic view of innovation performance across institutions.

    Following the report launch, the Summit featured a session that explored the crucial role of fostering R&D partnerships in creating effective co-innovation ecosystems for technological progress. A panel of experts, including Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant (Director, IIT Roorkee), Dr. Vibha Malhotra Sawhney (Scientist H, CSIR Headquarters), Dr. Nagahanumaiah (Director, Central Manufacturing Technology Institute), Mr. P S Jayan (Corporate Technology Officer, Carborundum Universal), and Dr. Umish Srivastva (Executive Director, Technology Promotion & Forecasting, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd), discussed strategies and models for successful collaboration among research organisations, academia, government, and industry. The panel was moderated by Dr. Hafsa Ahmad (Scientist D, Office of PSA).

    The report can be accessed on:

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Digital Policy Office leads I&T industry delegation to visit Fuzhou (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Digital Policy Office leads I&T industry delegation to visit Fuzhou  
         The exhibits in the Hong Kong Pavilion mainly come from award-winning projects in local and international I&T competitions, including the Hong Kong ICT Awards, Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest – Hong Kong Chapter, the Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Open Data Challenge, and the Asia Pacific Information and Communications Technology Alliance Awards. They cover a wide range of cutting-edge technology fields, such as big data analysis, AI, blockchain, cloud computing and the Internet of Things. The applications of the exhibits are broad, spanning finance, healthcare, smart site management and digital entertainment, highlighting Hong Kong’s deep integration of the digital economy with the real economy, as well as high-quality development of new quality productive forces.
     
         Addressing the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Pavilion yesterday morning, Mr Wong said that this year marks the first time for the DPO to lead a delegation to showcase technology at the Summit’s Hong Kong Pavilion. The exhibition not only provides a valuable opportunity for Hong Kong’s I&T industry, allowing the Mainland I&T industry and investors to gain an in-depth understanding of Hong Kong’s excellent services and leading products, but also helps Hong Kong enterprises tap into the enormous Mainland market and its diverse business opportunities. In addition, the exhibition showcases the remarkable innovative capabilities of Hong Kong’s I&T industry, highlighting the city’s potential to integrate into the overall I&T development of the country. 
     
         Yesterday afternoon, Mr Wong visited the Fujian Artificial Intelligence Computing Center to gain an in-depth understanding of the Center’s facilities and technology applications, as well as the status of its support for the development of the AI industry. He then visited the Fujian Big Data Trading Center to learn about the Center’s experiences and practices in promoting the development of the data trading business. Finally, he visited China Unicom’s Fuzhou Smart Cloud Data Center to learn how the enterprise built a green and low-carbon data centre with high computing power and high security, as well as its latest technology deployment in promoting “Hong Kong data stored in Fujian, Hong Kong data computed in Fujian”.
     
         Yesterday evening, Mr Wong attended the Digital China AI City Summit organised by Huawei Technologies Co, Ltd. He shared the latest developments in AI applications by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, as well as the Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence Technical and Application Guideline released by the DPO on April 15, showcasing Hong Kong’s proactive measures in promoting the development of digital government and AI.
     
         Mr Wong attended the opening ceremony of the Summit this morning (April 29). The Summit, under the theme “Digital Intelligence Leads High-quality Development”, was co-organised by the National Development and Reform Commission, the National Data Administration, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Fujian Provincial People’s Government, and undertaken by the Fuzhou Municipal People’s Government and relevant units. In the afternoon, Mr Wong attended a sub-forum on e-government services, hosted by the CAC, where he delivered a keynote speech on strategies for enhancing public services through digital empowerment in Hong Kong.
     
         Mr Wong concluded his visit today and returned to Hong Kong in the evening.
    Issued at HKT 19:26

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: First-of-its-kind collaboration between a government-backed apex research institution and a philanthropic private foundation

    Source: Government of India

    First-of-its-kind collaboration between a government-backed apex research institution and a philanthropic private foundation

    “Anusandhan National Research Foundation”, “Wadhwani Foundation” Forge Landmark Pact to Translate Research into Real-World Solutions

    The collaboration also marks a turning point in how research will be funded and delivered in India in the times to come

    In the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top ministers, a pivotal public-private research partnership is unveiled at Innovation Conclave

    Posted On: 29 APR 2025 5:02PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant move to accelerate the transformation of India’s research ecosystem, the “Anusandhan National Research Foundation” (ANRF) and the “Wadhwani Foundation” exchanged a landmark “Letter of Intent” at the “Innovation Conclave” “YUGM” held at Bharat Mandapam here in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Science and Technology Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh and Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan.

    The partnership signals a first-of-its-kind collaboration between a government-backed apex research institution and a philanthropic private foundation, aimed at co-funding and scaling up research that can drive tangible societal impact. The agreement is also the inaugural step in ANRF’s strategy to foster expansive public-private partnerships across critical sectors of national relevance.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh, who has been at the forefront of India’s science and innovation transformation, said the initiative reflects the government’s resolve to create an enabling environment where research transcends academic silos and reaches the ground. “This is a step towards institutionalizing synergy between government, industry, and philanthropy,” he said, underlining the need for collaborative models that amplify both funding and outcomes.

    The ANRF, established under the National Education Policy 2020, was envisioned as a transformative body to democratize research, catalyze innovation, and bridge the long-standing gaps between academia, policy, and industry. With this new partnership, ANRF aims not only to fund cutting-edge science, but also to translate research into scalable, impactful solutions by aligning with national priorities and global challenges alike.

    Wadhwani Foundation’s involvement adds a crucial layer of experience in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation-driven development, especially among youth and start-ups. Together, the two entities will work to raise the scale and impact of late-stage translational research—projects that are often closest to delivering real-world outcomes but remain underfunded.

    The collaboration also marks a turning point in how research will be funded and delivered in India in the times to come—emphasizing inclusivity, interdisciplinary, and grassroots reach. In line with ANRF’s broader vision, this partnership aims to promote equitable access to resources and opportunities across the country, including tier-2 and tier-3 institutions, thereby fostering a more distributed and resilient research culture.

    The announcement at Conclave, a platform designed to bring together thought leaders across government, academia, and industry, set the tone for a new era in Indian innovation policy. As India strives to become a global research hub, this partnership is expected to play a pivotal role in shifting the focus from fragmented efforts to outcome-oriented, collaborative science.

    The move reinforces India’s march toward becoming a knowledge-based economy, with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” rooted not only in self-reliance but also in scientific excellence and societal good.

    ***

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam pioneers sustainable water management through India’s first certified Green Municipal Bonds

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 29 APR 2025 4:52PM by PIB Delhi

    Under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, Ghaziabad has taken a landmark step in promoting sustainable infrastructure and urban resilience by successfully issuing India’s first Certified Green Municipal Bond, raising ₹150 crore for the development of a cutting-edge Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP).

    This isn’t just another infrastructure project—it is a game-changer that reflects Ghaziabad’s commitment to creating a sustainable future for its citizens. The funds have been directed towards the development of an advanced TSTP, a state-of-the-art facility designed to treat and reuse wastewater on an unprecedented scale.

    The Green Municipal Bond marked a new chapter in India’s financial landscape, providing a sustainable model for funding urban infrastructure. With support from the Govt. of India and the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh*, this project is more than just a water treatment facility; it is a blueprint for future cities across India to combine financial discipline with environmental responsibility.

    At the heart of the initiative lies the Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP), a technological marvel that utilizes advanced Membrane Filtration Technologies including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis (RO). These cutting-edge technologies work together to ensure that treated water meets the highest standards, making it suitable for reuse in industrial processes.

    With a treatment capacity of 40 MLD, the TSTP is connected to a sprawling 95 km pipeline network, delivering treated water to over 1,400 industrial units across Ghaziabad. The plant ensures that wastewater no longer goes to waste but is instead transformed into a valuable resource that supports the city’s industrial sector, reducing dependency on freshwater sources.

    The project’s success lies not only in its technological and environmental achievements but also in its innovative financial structure. The TSTP was developed under the Public-Private Hybrid Annuity Model (PPP-HAM), with 40% municipal funding. This public-private partnership approach helped streamline the project’s implementation while ensuring financial discipline. GNN’s success in raising ₹150 crore through the Green Bond issuance demonstrated investor confidence in the city’s sustainable approach and has brought a new level of financial transparency and discipline to the Urban Local Body (ULB).

    GNN also contracted with over 800 firms, to supply 9.5 MLD of tertiary treated water, further establishing the city’s leadership in urban water management. Ghaziabad’s innovative approach didn’t go unnoticed on the global stage. The city was honoured with the Best Municipal Treated Water Reuse Award at the Water Digest World Water Awards 2024-25, a recognition that acknowledges the city’s excellence in water conservation, recycling, and sustainable water management.

    A team of 22 students and 4 faculty members from West Suffolk College, England, visited the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation as part of an exposure visit. The team explored the TSTP plant and other municipal projects, gaining insights into Ghaziabad’s commitment to smart cities and sustainable development.

    With its pioneering efforts in advanced water treatment technologies, innovative financial models, and a commitment to environmental sustainability, Ghaziabad is leading the charge in India’s quest for cleaner, smarter, and more resilient cities.

    *****

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Findings of the Forward-Looking Survey on Private Sector CAPEX Investment Intentions

    Source: Government of India

    Findings of the Forward-Looking Survey on Private Sector CAPEX Investment Intentions
    (Survey period: November 2024 to January 2025)

    Private Corporate Sector CAPEX: Three-Year Trends and Future Outlook:

    Posted On: 29 APR 2025 4:16PM by PIB Delhi

    Key findings:

    • The average Gross Fixed Assets per enterprise in the private corporate sector increased from ₹3,151.9 crore in 2021–22 to ₹3,279.4 crore in 2022–23 (4% growth), and further to ₹4,183.3 crore in 2023–24, reflecting a significant 27.5% growth.
    • The estimated CAPEX per enterprise for the years 2021–22, 2022–23, and 2023–24 was ₹109.2 crore, ₹148.8 crore and ₹107.6 crore respectively.
    • The estimated provisional capital expenditure per enterprise for purchasing new assets in 2024–25 is ₹172.2 crore.
    • Overall increase of 66.3% in aggregate CAPEX (unweighted) over the four-year period from 2021-22 to 2024-25.
    • The strategy of 40.3% of enterprises is to undertake CAPEX on core assets during 2024–25, followed by 28.4% to invest in value addition to existing assets

    Survey Background:

    In 2022–23, the Parliamentary Standing Committee recommended that the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) develop a comprehensive methodology to capture capital expenditure (CAPEX) data from the private sector. Survey instruments designed to capture data on past investments, projected CAPEX for the next two years, and the breakdown of investments by asset type were developed in alignment with the specifications of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance.

    Responding to this recommendation, the National Statistical Office (NSO) conducted the inaugural Forward-Looking Survey on Private Sector CAPEX Investment Intentions between November 2024 and January 2025. This marked the first initiative of MoSPI to engage the corporate sector through a self-administered, web-based survey platform, supported by chatbot assistance, to collect structured CAPEX data. MoSPI has released the findings of the survey in the form of a comprehensive booklet. A brief overview of key aspects, such as survey coverage, sampling methodology, and data collection process, is included in the Endnote.

    The primary objective of the CAPEX survey is to estimate the CAPEX trends of private corporate sector enterprises from the past three financial years (2021-22, 2022-23 & 2023-24) along with anticipated capital expenditure for the current year (2024-25) and upcoming financial years (2025-26).

    Key advantages of the Survey:

    Capital expenditure (CAPEX) plays a crucial role in contributing to national investment and enhancing the stock of physical assets within the economy. It leads to the creation of long-term assets, which not only generate revenue for many years but also improve the overall operational efficiency of economic activities. CAPEX is fundamental to expanding production capacity, thereby serving as a catalyst for accelerated economic growth. This growth, in turn, supports job creation and enhances labour productivity.

    Comprehensive data on CAPEX will be a valuable asset for a wide range of stakeholders, including government departments, private enterprises, trade associations, researchers, and other relevant entities. It will enable evidence-based policy formulation through the analysis of trends in future investments. Furthermore, a clear understanding of CAPEX patterns and scale can assist enterprises in making strategic, data-driven investment decisions, guided by the insights derived from survey findings.

    Important Caveat:

    In this inaugural edition of the survey, industry participation varied, with an overall response rate of 58.3% (58.6% in the census sector and 57.2% in the sample sector). Respondents appeared cautious in disclosing CAPEX plans, often pending management approvals. Certain entities, such as Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) involved in infrastructure projects, were excluded from the survey frame as they report no turnover despite high CAPEX. Meanwhile, some included SPVs had no future investment plans due to project completion. As this is the first round of the survey, the findings may be seen as indicative and subject to refinement in future iterations. It is also important to note that the results reflect responses from larger enterprises above specified turnover thresholds and may not represent the entire private corporate sector. Users are advised to interpret the results keeping these limitations in mind.

    Insights and Way Forward for Future Survey Conduct

    The Forward-Looking Survey on Private Sector Capex Investment Intentions, the first of its kind by the NSO, was conducted under the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008. Notices were issued to selected enterprises, explaining the survey’s objectives and assuring confidentiality. However, some enterprises questioned the legitimacy of notices containing portal credentials, leading to multiple cyber risk concerns. Explaining portal usage and submission procedures over the phone was challenging. Data analysis revealed issues such as incorrect unit entries (e.g., Rupees instead of Rupees thousands) and non-responses to follow-up queries. Enterprises also faced difficulties in selecting correct NIC codes and estimating future investments when official data was unavailable.

    CAPEX tends to rise when enterprises pursue growth strategies rather than maintain current operations. Despite challenges like weak demand, geopolitical tensions, and high borrowing costs, about 30% of firms plan to invest in upgradation in 2024–25, supporting the sharp increase in CAPEX for that year. The slightly lower intended CAPEX for 2025–26, though still above 2023–24 levels, reflects cautious planning after a strong 2024–25. Overall, the trend indicates growing corporate confidence and a judicious approach to investment amid improving economic certainty.

    While the response rate and results were generally promising, this initial round of the survey can be considered as an experimental phase, providing valuable insights to refine the questionnaire, methodology, estimation processes, and overall implementation. The lessons learned will guide improvements for future surveys, with necessary adjustments to various aspects of the survey process. Moving forward, responding enterprises will be engaged more proactively before the survey, with concerns about the authenticity of the online survey being addressed, assistance provided in understanding the questionnaire, confidentiality of individual responses ensured, and field personnel deployed to support enterprises in overcoming technical and conceptual challenges in completing future-oriented surveys. Additionally, the survey will incorporate qualitative inputs, such as reasons for year-on-year changes in investment, to gain deeper insights into enterprise-level CAPEX intentions and trends. The next round of the CAPEX survey is expected to be conducted during October to December 2025.

    Key highlights from the CAPEX results:

    Aggregated (Unweighted, i.e. without applying any multiplier) CAPEX during (2021-22 to 2025-26)

    A total of 2,172 enterprises submitted complete information for all five years of the reference period, forming a fixed panel. The aggregated (unweighted) CAPEX data from this panel of enterprises serves as a reliable basis for analyzing capital expenditure trends over the five-year period, as presented below. The results show an overall increase of 66.3% in aggregate CAPEX (unweighted) over the four-year period from 2021-22 to 2024-25.:

                    (in ₹ Crore)

    Actual CAPEX in 2021-22

    Actual CAPEX 2022-23

    Actual CAPEX 2023-24

    Intended CAPEX in 2024-25

    Intended CAPEX in 2025-26

    394,681.5

    572,199.7

    422,183.3

    656,492.7

    488,865.5

    Out of the 3,064 responding enterprises, 2,172 reported their Capex intentions for 2025–26. The data indicates a cautious approach by respondents in declaring their capital expenditure plans. Therefore, the Capex data for 2025–26 should be interpreted with caution, considering the conservative approach and apprehension shown by the responding enterprises in reporting these figures. However, the results show an overall increase of 23.9% in aggregate CAPEX (unweighted) during 2021-22 to 2025-26 for this fixed panel of 2,172 enterprises.

    Estimated Key Indicators for past years (2021-22 to 2023-24) by Industry of Activity as per National Industry of Classification (Activity Categories)

    The average Gross Fixed Asset (GFA) per enterprise in the private corporate sector was estimated at ₹3,151.9 crore in 2021–22. It increased by 4.0% to ₹3,279.4 crores in 2022–23, and further grew by 27.5% to reach ₹4,183.3 crore in 2023–24.

    The highest GFA per enterprise, exceeding ₹14,000 crore, was observed in the industry category ‘Electricity, Gas, Steam, and Air Conditioning Supply’, followed by ‘Manufacturing” enterprises (₹7,000 crore to ₹10,000 crore). Enterprises principally engaged in manufacturing activities accounted for more than 65% of the total Gross fixed asset[1] in private corporate sector over the past three years from 2021-22 to 2023-24 followed by enterprises engaged in ‘Electricity, Gas, Steam, and Air Conditioning Supply’ (8%-10%).

    In 2021–22, the estimated actual CAPEX per enterprise was ₹109.3 crore, compared to the proposed value of ₹102.7 crore, resulting in a realisation ratio of 106.41 %. A similar trend was observed in 2022–23, where the estimated value of actual CAPEX per enterprise reached ₹148.8 crore against a proposed value of ₹133.3 crore, also yielding a realisation ratio exceeding 100%. For 2023–24, the realisation ratio stands at 99.7%, with the estimated actual CAPEX per enterprise at ₹107.6 and the proposed CAPEX at ₹107.9.

    The estimated provisional capital expenditure per enterprise for acquiring new assets in 2024–25 stands at ₹172.2 crore. Among the sectors, manufacturing enterprises account for the largest share at 43.8%, followed by those in ‘Information and Communication Activities’ (15.6%) and ‘Transportation and Storage Activities’ (14.0%).

    Estimated Key Indicators for 2023-24 by Asset Groups

    The estimated provisional capital expenditure per enterprise for acquiring new assets in 2024–25 stands at ₹172.2 crore. Out of the total capital expenditure provisionally incurred in the year 2024-25, nearly 53.1% were utilized for purchasing machinery & equipment. The amount allocated for ‘capital work in progress’ (22.0%) and purchasing ‘dwellings, other buildings and structures’ (9.7%) had the next highest share of allocation.

    Strategy of CAPEX in 2024-25

    According to survey estimates, nearly 40.3% of enterprises plan to undertake CAPEX on core assets during 2024–25. Additionally, 28.4% intend to invest in value addition to existing assets, while around 11.5% focus on opportunistic assets, and 2.7% on debt strategies. The strategy of investing in distressed assets and non-performing loans was adopted by less than one-half of a percent of enterprises. Meanwhile, about 16.9% allocated their CAPEX towards other diverse investment strategies.

    Objectives of CAPEX in 2024-25

    The survey estimates indicate that nearly 49.6% of private corporate sector enterprises undertook CAPEX in 2024–25 primarily for income generation. An additional 30.1% directed their investments toward upgradation, while around 2.8% focused on diversification. Remaining 17.5% of enterprises reported using their CAPEX for other reasons.

    The results of CAPEX survey are provided in the booklet which is available in the website of the Ministry (https://www.mospi.gov.in). To protect the confidentiality of CAPEX investment plans of individual enterprises, the Steering Committee of NSS Surveys recommended that unit-level data of CAPEX survey would not be disseminated.

    Endnote: A brief about the coverage, sampling scheme, sample size and data collection mechanism in the Forward-Looking Survey on Private Sector CAPEX Investment Intentions:

    A. Coverage:

    The survey covered large private corporate sector enterprises that play a significant role in their respective sectors. The sampling frame was madeusing data from active enterprises registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), filtered based on annual turnover thresholds achieved in at least one of the last three financial years. The eligibility criteria were as follows:

    • Manufacturing enterprises with an annual turnover of ₹400 crore or more
    • Trade enterprises with an annual turnover of ₹300 crore or more
    • Other enterprises with an annual turnover of ₹100 crore or more

    Based on these criteria, the final survey frame consisted of 16,025 enterprises.

    B. Sampling Scheme:

    Eligible enterprises were initially categorized into seventeen (17) strata based on their Principal Business Activity as reported in the MGT-7 Form of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). In strata with 100 or fewer enterprises, all units were included in the Census Sector for complete enumeration.

    For strata with more than 100 enterprises, the selection process involved identifying Census Sector Enterprises and Sample Sector Enterprises. To determine the Census Sector, enterprises were ranked in descending order based on (i) the highest fixed asset value in the past three years and (ii) the fixed asset value of latest reported year. The top enterprises accounting for 90% of asset value (or 80% for Construction and Trade) from either list were classified as Census Sector Enterprises. The remaining units formed the Sample Sector, from which 10% were randomly selected using Simple Random Sampling without Replacement (SRSWOR), with allocation proportional to each stratum’s size and variation.

    C. Sample Size:

    The sample size for the survey was of 5,380 enterprises: 4,145 enterprises in the Census Sector and 1,235 enterprises in sample sector.

    D. Data Collection Mechanism:

    The survey was conducted under the provisions of the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008, with prior notices sent to all selected enterprises outlining the survey’s objective and intended use of the data. Confidentiality of individual responses was strictly maintained, and no unit-level data would be disseminated. A secure, dedicated web portal was developed to enable selected enterprises to complete and submit the survey questionnaire online. The portal included background information on the survey, reasons for a unit’s selection, and chatbot support to assist respondents in understanding key concepts and definitions.

    *****

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Small Business Administration Celebrates First 100 Days Accomplishments

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) celebrated the tremendous success of the First 100 Days of the Trump Administration by highlighting the economic wins of President Trump – including an 80% increase in SBA loan approvals which are driving historic rates of growth, hiring, and investment for America’s small businesses. The agency also laid out its top accomplishments under the leadership of Administrator Kelly Loeffler – including major reforms to cut waste, enhance government efficiency, restore fiscal responsibility, and refocus the agency on its core mission of empowering small businesses and growing the economy.

    “In just 100 days, President Trump has restored optimism and opportunity for our job creators with a pro-growth economic agenda that has already slashed inflation, driven job creation, and delivered record investment. At the SBA, we’re driving that agenda forward by serving the massive surge in demand for loans – which is a strong indicator that our small businesses finally have the confidence to hire, expand, and invest,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “Anchored by our broader efforts to eliminate waste, enhance efficiency, and restore fiscal responsibility, the SBA is now a powerful engine for American workers and job creators – and in just 100 days, the results speak for themselves.”

    Compared to Joe Biden’s First 100 Days, demand for new capital has skyrocketed. President Trump’s SBA has delivered an 80% increase in 7(a) and 504 loan approvals with about 26,000 loans approved for $12.6 billion – indicating a strong surge in small business formation and growth. This includes a 95% increase in loans for businesses with five or fewer employees (nearly 15,500 loans), a 56% increase in loans for new startups (over 3,700 loans), and a 74% increase in 7(a) loans for manufacturers (over 1,500 loans).

    In total, about 60% of all new SBA loans in the First 100 Days benefitted America’s smallest job creators, with five or fewer employees. Additionally, over the last three months, the percentage of federal contracts awarded to small businesses has increased from 18% to 23%.

    In the First 100 Days, the SBA has also enacted the Day One Priorities announced by Administrator Loeffler when she was first sworn-in. Key agency accomplishments include:

    Cutting Waste and Enhancing Efficiency

    • Reduced total agency spending by about $190 million.
    • Terminated or paused over 120 contracts for about $3 billion in future savings.
    • Terminated, consolidated, or relocated 47% of SBA leases – including regional offices located in sanctuary cities.
    • Announced an agency-wide reorganization that will reduce the SBA workforce by 43%, restoring it to pre-pandemic levels for a cost savings of $435 million annually by 2026.

    Advancing President Trump’s Agenda

    • Took the lead on the President’s initiative to restore American industrial dominance, jobs, and national security by launching the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative to cut $100 billion in red tape, improve access to capital, and promote workforce development.
    • Enacted President Trump’s Executive Orders, including eliminating the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, updating agency collateral to reflect the existence of only two genders, ending the Green Lender Initiative, and terminating the Biden-era MOU with the Michigan Secretary of State’s office.

    Restoring Fiscal Responsibility

    • Took immediate action to enhance fraud protections within SBA loan programs by mandating that all loan applications include a citizenship and birth date verification.
    • Restored underwriting standards and lender fees to the 7(a) loan program in the effort to preserve the zero-subsidy status of the program, protect taxpayers from fiscal liability, and reverse the Biden-era mismanagement that led to historic defaults.

    Delivering Disaster Relief

    • Approved over 17,000 disaster loans totaling $3.4 billion, far exceeding the total volume of disaster loans approved in all of FY 24 under Biden – including $1.4 billion in Florida, $350 million in North Carolina, and $173 million in Georgia.

    # # #

     About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: EMGS – Annual report for 2024 – ESEF

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Reference is made to the stock exchange notice published by Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA (“EMGS” or the “Company”) on 24 April 2025, where EMGS published its audited financial statements and annual report for 2024.

    As noted by the Company in that stock exchange notification, the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) 2024 annual report would be published on or about 29 April 2025.

    The ESEF file is attached to this stock exchange notification and will also be available on www.emgs.com.           

    Contact
    Anders Eimstad, Chief Financial Officer, +47 948 25 836

    This information is published in accordance with the Norwegian Securities Trading Act § 5-12.

    About EMGS
    EMGS, the marine EM market leader, uses its proprietary electromagnetic (EM) technology to support oil and gas companies in their search for offshore hydrocarbons. EMGS supports each stage in the workflow, from survey design and data acquisition to processing and interpretation. The Company’s services enable the integration of EM data with seismic and other geophysical and geological information to give explorationists a clearer and more complete understanding of the subsurface. This improves exploration efficiency and reduces risks and the finding costs per barrel. CSEM technology can also be used to detect the presence of marine mineral deposits (primarily Seabed Massive Sulphides) and EMGS believes that the technology can also be used to estimate the mineral content of such deposits. The Company is undertaking early-stage initiatives to position itself in this future market.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: April 29th, 2025 Heinrich Statement Slamming Trump’s First 100 Days

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    Heinrich: “Donald Trump and Elon Musk are tanking our economy, pushing us into a recession, and throwing working families under the bus”
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement slamming Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office:
    “In his first 100 days, Donald Trump has raised the cost of YOUR health care, groceries, and utilities; slapped a $4,000 tax on YOUR family with his chaotic tariffs; attacked Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare; delayed veteran benefits; undermined our children’s public education; schemed to sell off YOUR public lands; fired wildland firefighters who protect our communities from dangerous wildfires; and unlawfully blocked hundreds of millions of dollars I helped pass into law for working families. Trump is doing all of this to bankroll massive tax handouts for himself, Elon Musk, and billionaire donors.
    “Instead of putting New Mexico families first, Donald Trump and Elon Musk are tanking our economy, pushing us into a recession, and throwing working families under the bus. As New Mexico’s senior senator, I will fight like hell to hold Trump accountable and uplift the voices of New Mexicans harmed by Trump’s chaos. I’ll always put New Mexico families first — that’s who I’m fighting for.”
    Heinrich has amplified New Mexicans concerned about President Trump’s harmful actions and unqualified nominees.
    In January, Heinrich delivered the longest speech of his career, where he slammed President Trump’s unlawful unilateral blockade of all federal grant funding. In his remarks, Heinrich uplifted stories from New Mexicans on how Trump’s federal funding freeze endangered New Mexicans and threatened communities across the state. Find the video of Heinrich sharing letters from New Mexicans on the Senate floor here.
    In February, Heinrich delivered remarks on the Senate floor amplifying the voices of New Mexicans opposing the nomination of Russell Vought to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Mr. Vought is the lead architect of Project 2025, the policy blueprint for Donald Trump’s harmful agenda to throw the government into chaos and harm working families.
    Heinrich also uplifted the voices of New Mexicans opposing the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to be the U.S. Secretary for Health and Human Services (HHS). In his remarks, Heinrich condemned Mr. Kennedy’s long track record of spreading fear, peddling misinformation, and promoting conspiracy theories. Heinrich recounted how Mr. Kennedy’s 2019 trip to the Pacific island of Samoaintensified vaccine skepticism and contributed to a deadly measles outbreak that killed 83 people, mostly children under five.
    Additionally, Heinrich raised New Mexicans’ concerns over Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination for the Director of National Intelligence. In his remarks on the Senate floor, Heinrich emphasized the risk Gabbard’s nomination poses to our national security and discussed Ms. Gabbard’s lack of qualifications and judgment, particularly relating to her 2017 trip to Bashar al-Assad’s Syria. Heinrich zeroed in on Ms. Gabbard’s false denial during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee about meeting with Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, Syria’s most senior Sunni Muslim cleric during the Assad regime who made threats to conduct suicide bomb attacks in the United States.
    Heinrich has led Senate Democrats in sounding the alarm on Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s destructive actions, which are weakening our economy and threatening the livelihoods of New Mexicans.
    In an interview with Jim Sciutto on CNN’s The Situation Room, Heinrich vocalized the concerns of his constituents, who continue to write-in and call his office opposing Trump’s harmful actions, which are impacting New Mexico families and their financial security.Watch the full video of that interview here.
    Since Trump took office in 2025, Heinrich:
    Introduced a resolution condemning Trump’s pardons of people found guilty of assaulting police officers on January 6.
    Led Senate Democrats in sounding the alarm on Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s destructive actions that are wreaking havoc on Americans, weakening our economy, and threatening the livelihoods of New Mexicans.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Man Pleads Guilty to Operating an Illegal Gambling Business, Tax Evasion, and Money Laundering

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    A California man pleaded guilty today to operating an illegal gambling business, tax evasion, and money laundering.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Christopher Scott King, of Santa Monica, California, operated an illegal bookmaking business. Working out of Los Angeles County, King used a sports betting website based in Costa Rica to facilitate bettors wagering on sporting events in violation of both California state and federal law.

    King also evaded his taxes. Between 2019 and 2022, King concealed $13,586,493 of income from the IRS by, among other things, not reporting all of his income on his tax returns. On his 2022 income tax return, for example, King reported $143,258 in taxable income, but, in reality, he earned more than $5 million in income that year.

    King laundered his money by channeling it through real estate development projects and gold. King also used money he received from his illegal gambling business to fund his brokerage and financial accounts. As part of his plea agreement, King has agreed to pay $10 million in a personal money judgment of forfeiture at the time of sentencing.

    In total, King caused a tax loss to the IRS of $3,804,218.

    King is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 9 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count of tax evasion, operating an illegal gambling operation, and accepting a financial instrument for unlawful internet gambling, and 10 years in prison for money laundering. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Bilal A. Essayli for the Central District of California made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation’s International Tax and Financial Crimes group and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys John C. Gerardi and Charles A. O’Reilly of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Pleads Guilty to Operating an Illegal Gambling Business, Tax Evasion, and Money Laundering

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    A California man pleaded guilty today to operating an illegal gambling business, tax evasion, and money laundering.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Christopher Scott King, of Santa Monica, California, operated an illegal bookmaking business. Working out of Los Angeles County, King used a sports betting website based in Costa Rica to facilitate bettors wagering on sporting events in violation of both California state and federal law.

    King also evaded his taxes. Between 2019 and 2022, King concealed $13,586,493 of income from the IRS by, among other things, not reporting all of his income on his tax returns. On his 2022 income tax return, for example, King reported $143,258 in taxable income, but, in reality, he earned more than $5 million in income that year.

    King laundered his money by channeling it through real estate development projects and gold. King also used money he received from his illegal gambling business to fund his brokerage and financial accounts. As part of his plea agreement, King has agreed to pay $10 million in a personal money judgment of forfeiture at the time of sentencing.

    In total, King caused a tax loss to the IRS of $3,804,218.

    King is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 9 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count of tax evasion, operating an illegal gambling operation, and accepting a financial instrument for unlawful internet gambling, and 10 years in prison for money laundering. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Bilal A. Essayli for the Central District of California made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation’s International Tax and Financial Crimes group and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys John C. Gerardi and Charles A. O’Reilly of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Global: Canada’s Conservatives, with an assist from Donald Trump, are down — but they’re far from out

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Sam Routley, PhD Candidate, Political Science, Western University

    Canada’s Liberals have, once again, risen from the dead. Their re-election with Mark Carney at the helm is a remarkable development in Canadian federal politics — the party not only managed to reverse the dire predictions of its demise but also, despite voters expressing a desire for change, retained its control of government for a rare fourth consecutive term.

    This is a crushing disappointment for the Conservative Party of Canada. Although they have so far held the Liberals to a minority government — votes are still being counted in some ridings — their continuing role as the lead opposition, albeit a bigger one, pales in comparison to the large majority government they’d been projected to form.

    Leader Pierre Poilievre even lost his own Ottawa-area seat.

    But for all this dejection, Conservatives still had a solid and promising performance. Rather than constituting a total failure, their standing is better regarded as an inability to fully close the deal.

    The Trump factor

    Conservatives won the greatest share of the national vote by any federal centre-right party since 1988, and the popular vote remains close to a virtual tie.

    The narrow margins of many Liberal gains also suggests that a Conservative minority was within the realm of possibility. For all his success, a politically inexperienced Carney so far appears to have failed to win a majority government, and may have inherited yet another fractious and unstable minority that will probably not last long.

    While it’s still too early to get a full grasp of how voters made their decisions, it appears that the nearly 25-point swing in the polls was largely due to United States President Donald Trump’s tariffs and threats against Canada.

    From the moment he came to office for a second term, Trump’s constant threats transformed the election from a fairly routine matter of anti-incumbent backlash to one focused on leadership, national unity and crisis management. Overnight, Canadian sovereignty became the top issue, and the NDP vote collapsed as most voters decided that their choice was really been two leaders.

    Divided electorate

    Carney was able to leverage his background as governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, and his short initial tenure as prime minister, to not only depict a steady hand, but to generate a rally-around-the-flag effect.

    Poilievre, in contrast, was unable to continue with the disruptive, anti-establishment tone of much of his previous rhetoric.




    Read more:
    From dog whistles to blaring horns, Poilievre makes his case


    But even while Carney, from the moment campaign started, performed better on the Trump issue than Poilievre, it was far from the only issue that mattered to voters.

    What ultimately drove voters back to the Liberals seems to be confined to largely one aspect of the population — older and more economically established Canadians.

    Many voters still prioritized domestic issues — such as the cost of living crisis, housing affordability and economic stagnation — that had once characterized the campaign. Conservatives seemed to gain support throughout the campaign from young adults, newer Canadians, blue-collar workers and some NDP defectors.

    Rather than providing Carney with a clear mandate, the results suggest Canada continues to grow increasingly divided along the lines of age, class and region. The Liberals have been able to hold onto power with the support of Canadians wanting to defend what they have, but Conservatives are gaining ground among voters who feel increasingly disenchanted with and locked out of the Canadian project they’re now being told to embrace.

    Poilievre’s future

    Poilievre has signalled his intention to stay on as Conservative leader. In the months ahead, he’ll not only need to find a way to return to Parliament via a byelection — he’ll also need to convince his party and caucus he should remain leader.

    While the party doesn’t have an automatic leadership review following elections, there are several mechanisms to challenge Poilievre’s leadership.

    There are certainly several areas where Poilievre and his team can be faulted by Conservative party members. A loss is a loss, and there have been well-publicized reports of internal discord and frustration about his campaign strategy.

    Ultimately, however, a sustained movement to push out Poilievre seems unlikely. For all his drawbacks, Poilievre has not only brought the party its greatest electoral performance in decades, but he’s generated a unique degree of energy and enthusiasm among supporters that no obvious successor seems capable of maintaining.

    The challenge now is about determining what the Conservative party, having received just above 41 per cent of the vote, needs to do in order to gain a few more percentage points.

    Sam Routley does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. Canada’s Conservatives, with an assist from Donald Trump, are down — but they’re far from out – https://theconversation.com/canadas-conservatives-with-an-assist-from-donald-trump-are-down-but-theyre-far-from-out-255396

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Aguilar: America is less safe and more expensive than it was 100 days ago

    Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI – April 29, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Vice Chair Ted Lieu were joined by Representatives John Mannion and April McClain Delaney for a press conference on the disastrous first 100 days of the Trump Administration that has made America less safe and more expensive. 

    CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: Good morning. So thankful to be joined by two members in addition to our Vice Chair. Appreciate John Mannion and April McClain Delaney joining us.

    America is less safe and more expensive than it was 100 days ago. Trump’s reckless tariffs are going to make the high price of groceries, gas, housing, utilities, clothing, electronics and other essential goods even worse. Companies are laying off hard-working Americans, and we are staring down an impending supply chain crisis in a few weeks. Our national security is threatened by amateur individuals sharing classified war plans in group chats. Our communities are threatened because Trump released hundreds of criminals back onto the street. Our freedoms are threatened because the Trump Administration abandons the rule of law and due process by deporting an innocent man and even American children.

    By every metric, Donald Trump has failed. But instead of trying to put out the fire that he’s caused, he’s pouring gasoline on by cutting $880 billion from Medicaid, that will make healthcare more expensive and less affordable. He wants to take food off of the tables of American families, children and veterans. And he’s doing this all for one simple purpose: to put into place massive tax breaks for his billionaire donor friends. The Speaker went to the White House yesterday to get his marching orders, but if House Republicans want to avoid tying themselves to this sinking ship, they need to vote against the Republican Budget Bill. You’ll see House Democrats fighting back every step of the way this week and next week as Republicans try to pass through a dangerous and extreme budget.

    It’s my privilege to introduce Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, Ted Lieu. 

    VICE CHAIR LIEU: Thank you, Chairman Aguilar, and honored to be here with Representatives Mannion and Delaney. Donald Trump’s first 100 days and one of the worst first 100 days of any U.S. President in history. That’s because his policies are harming America, and the American people have noticed. Multiple polls show Trump’s approval ratings plummeting. An Associated Press poll showed him at only 39% approval, 59% disapproval. And a recent Washington Post poll also shows him at only 39% approval, the lowest of any U.S. President in 80 years. One reason is because of tariffs. His indiscriminate tariffs have increased prices. I urge all of you to look at a statement from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. They put out a statement saying that the tariffs are crushing the working class with higher prices. And what’s even worse is we don’t even understand the rationale for these tariffs, because the White House has put out two completely different rationales. One of them is, we’re imposing these indiscriminate tariffs to try to strike deals, to go to a zero-tariff situation with other countries and have more free trade, reduce trade barriers. And then you have Donald Trump saying over the weekend, I’m doing these tariffs to create an external revenue service, to use this as a permanent revenue source to take the money that consumers are paying and inject that into the federal government. Those are completely opposite rationales and the White House can’t even figure out why it’s doing these tariffs.

    And then let me just conclude now about Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. I note that he has recently spent taxpayer funds for a makeup studio. I hope it’s going well and makes him look better on TV. But in terms of his policies, they are completely awful. Especially his operational ability to handle sensitive information. You may have seen recent reporting showing that his phone number has now been all over the internet, and if hackers have your phone number, there are a number of ways to surveil your phone. I asked reporters to look into whether he used his personal phone overseas. There is a hack called the SS7 Attack, stands for Signaling System No. 7. I was part of an investigation a few years ago. It doesn’t matter how great your phone is, it’s because of the telecommunications providers you use, there’s a flaw in there that they can surveil your phone, and they can do that in the U.S., it’s even worse overseas. So, you all should check out whether Secretary Hegseth compromised his phone if you use it overseas. With that, it is my honor now to invite Representative Mannion to come speak to you. Before being in Congress, he was a public school teacher and a State Senator from the great state of New York.

    REP. MANNION: Thank you, Vice Chair. Good morning, everybody. I’m John Manion from Syracuse, New York. I’m a member of the Agriculture and Education and Workforce committees, and I represent NY-22, central New York, in the Mohawk Valley. We’re at 100 days into this second Trump Administration, and what we’ve seen is chaos, confusion, confrontation and fear. We’re witnessing an extraordinary assault on our Constitution, on our norms and our values, on our democracy, unlike what we’ve ever seen before, as we’re watching in real time, the dismantling of governmental guardrails.

    One place where the damage is particularly clear is as it relates to our trade policy. Tariffs should be used with precision and purpose, but not as blunt political instruments. I believe now is the time for Congress to reassert the constitutional authority it continues to cede to the executive branch, and tariff policy is a good place for that to start. NY-22 has a long history of manufacturing, of innovation. We have a vibrant agricultural sector and world-class research institutions. We’re home to the largest private investment in the history of this country, with Micron’s historic $100 billion project to onshore semiconductor chip manufacturing in my district in Clay, New York. It’s a transformative project that will create thousands of jobs and solidify our region’s role in the global economy and the global tech economy. 

    But just as importantly, it is about making sure that our national security and the resources that we use to preserve our national security is happening right here in our country. My district is a down-the-middle district. We have representatives at the state legislature and the counties that are both Republicans and Democrats. CHIPS and Science was a piece of legislation that required all levels of government, from both parties, and stakeholders and experts in the field, to negotiate it, get it right, so that we can make sure that we put our national security at a premium and the emerging threats as it relates to supply chains, we had to address that. We did address it. It was done in the last Congress, and as a result, that project is moving forward. 

    When it comes to tariffs, you know, I looked at maps with arrows that show the negative impact, and no arrow is bigger than the state of New York. I live less than 100 miles from the Canadian border. My mother grew up in a town called Chateaugay, New York, which is five miles from the Canadian border. But you don’t have to be five miles from the border to see the impact that already exists. Tariffs are necessary tools that can be used for national security, for protecting hardworking Americans and their jobs and to grow that, but the current Administration’s approach lacks strategy and nuance, fails to recognize beneficial relationships between our friends, our allies and our business partners, like Canada.

    In Central New York and the Mohawk Valley, we rely heavily on trade with Canada for both imports and exports. Sometimes a product’s production crosses the border multiple times, sometimes within the same company, and still, tariffs would be imposed on those pre-manufactured products. Materials come from Canada, and our products go to Canada. We have multiple industries that are being impacted in agriculture, lumber, metal production, as I mentioned, our building materials for an important plant that is coming into my district. There are double and triple tariffs that are hurting the bottom line. They’re hurting jobs. Contracts are being canceled. Contracts are not moving forward in the negotiation process. Costs are being driven up. It makes absolutely zero sense. So, we have to get this right. The relationship between my district and Canada is so intricate, and it goes beyond just commerce. Canadians are our friends. They are often our family members. As I said, they’re our business partners. And what newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Carney made remarks last night, and he called this “the American betrayal”. To hear stories of Canadians taking American products and turning them over so as to easily identify that product as American-made is unbelievable. Something that I would not imagine in our lifetime, and it is an unnecessary act because of the unnecessary acts that have come out of this Administration. The Prime Minister pledged to find new relationships and new agreements with reliable trade partners outside of the United States of America. And I do agree that describing this situation as a tragedy is accurate. 

    My conversations with New York farmers, including dairy producers, owners of apple orchards, maple syrup producers and other industries like lumber, the interconnectedness between New York State’s economy and Canada is vital to our collective success. Items like fertilizer, potash, these come from Canada. 90% of our potassium, not just in Central New York, but all across this country, comes from Canada. So, we must use precision when it comes to our trade policy. Tariffs are basically a tax on American consumers and businesses, continues to drive up costs for essential items like groceries, fuel, agricultural supplies. Where I’m from, in Central New York, we want policies that reflect the realities of our interconnected economy with our friend and ally, Canada. 

    America, the people of NY-22, our farmers—we all need policies that make sense, not a whipsaw on again, off again, tariff game that this current Administration is playing. It’s reckless. The impact will be massive. There will be waves of negative impact on multiple sectors of our economy, and that means it’s going to hurt hardworking Americans. It’s going to hurt small businesses. We must restore our standing as a reliable trade partner, not just with Canada, but with our other allies and trade partners around the world. 

    Simply, we are hurting consumers. We’re hurting Americans. We’re hurting businesses because of a lack of a cohesive strategy. We need to be more thoughtful. We need to be more targeted. We need to strengthen our economy without placing undue burdens on hardworking Americans. So, I ask that we have sanity to our trade policy, and that we restore our country’s standing around the world, not just as a reliable trade partner, but as the beacon of democracy around the world. Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity to speak, and with that, I will pass along the microphone to my colleague, Representative April McClain Delaney.

    REP. MCCLAIN DELANEY: Good morning. I represent the Sixth District of Maryland, and when elected, I made a commitment to my constituents to seek common-sense, common-ground solutions. Sadly, the past 100 days, I’ve desperately been trying to find either common sense or common ground, and in fact, the chaos that has ensued has hurt everyone within my district. My district is as economically diverse as any district in the country. It starts not far from here in Montgomery County, where NIH researchers are curing cancer and NIST employees are establishing parameters for AI innovation. And it goes all the way to beautiful Mountain and Western Maryland, where family farms are providing their bounty to our community, and it borders West Virginia and Pennsylvania. 

    In my district, no one has escaped the harmful impact of Trump tariffs and isolation policy or his indiscriminate cuts to federal workers. I represent over 35,000 federal workers at agencies such as NIH, the National Institute of Cancer, NIST, our Fire Academy and Fort Detrick. Farmers are very concerned about selling their crops because of tariff impacts, but also because of markets drying up, markets they normally sold into, like through USAID or through SNAP programs. And cancer and innovation researchers and the surrounding biotech and tech private markets have been dealt a devastating blow from government cuts to both agencies and research and innovation engines. Small businesses and consultants are cratering because of lack of business, and this, in turn, is hurting every day, smaller businesses, markets, salons, sole proprietorships, who depend on spending in their community. And this includes tourism and business linked to our seven national parks in this district. We are home to the C&O Canal, which gets as many visitors per year as Yellowstone. 

    With respect to specific examples, last week, I toured the Volvo factory in Hagerstown, Maryland, where they make Mack Trucks. I was privileged to even get to drive one. They produce the engines and the axles for these vehicles and are pioneering some EV technology. But in the short term, they told me they have 1,700 workers. But instead of reshoring and bringing innovation and investment into the United States, Volvo is projected to cut 50 to 100 workers due to tariffs and economic insecurity. They do not know how the market will react, and more cuts might come later. Moreover, I have met with each of my five County Farm Bureaus, Montgomery County, Frederick, Allegheny, Washington County, Garrett, and they’re all concerned about crop market prices, SNAP and reimbursement for investments they made into their farms which have not been reimbursed by government programs for which they were promised. It is a tsunami hitting them from every angle and toppled with that, are threatened cuts to Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. And, of course, rural health clinics are really at risk in my district because of their dependence on Medicaid.

    These self-inflicted, nonsensical, penny-foolish and pound-foolish policies are impacting our economic security, our U.S. competitiveness and our national security. Much more to say innovation and our trust internationally in the U.S. and the U.S. economy and our U.S. dollar. Having said the above, I stand ready to work on common-sense, common-ground solutions and across the aisle to make a reality the things we all care about, including focusing on inflation, innovation, affordability and fortifying our U.S. resilience, our U.S. competitiveness and our national security. 

    Video of the full press conference and Q&A can be viewed here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Invest in African Energy 2026 Forum Confirmed for May 11–12 in Paris

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    PARIS, France, April 29, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Energy Capital & Power (ECP) (www.EnergyCapitalPower.com) is pleased to announce that the fourth edition of the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum will return to Paris on May 11–12, 2026, with a sharpened focus on frontier exploration, early-stage project development and upstream investment opportunities. Building on three highly successful editions, IAE continues to serve as the premier platform for global explorers, investors and African energy leaders to connect, collaborate and catalyze the next wave of discoveries. 

    Held in Europe’s leading financial and diplomatic center, IAE 2026 will convene energy ministers, national oil companies, utilities, regulators and global investors for two days of strategic dialogue and high-level engagement. This edition will introduce an enhanced focus on the exploration community and its broader ecosystem – from geologists and service companies, to governments and capital providers. With over 150 oil and gas blocks available for bidding across more than 10 African markets in 2025, the continent is experiencing an exploration resurgence, presenting opportunities in both mature and frontier regions. IAE will serve as the premier platform for accessing these opportunities, exploring the latest data rooms, showcasing seismic and subsurface innovation and fostering early-stage collaboration among IOCs and NOCs.  

    Several high-impact licensing rounds are already lined up for 2026, signaling new momentum across Africa’s exploration landscape. Equatorial Guinea has relaunched its open-door licensing process, paving the way for a major licensing round by late 2025 or early 2026. Angola is planning to repeat its multi-year licensing round for oil and gas acreage starting in 2026, while Namibia is lining up new offshore licensing opportunities from 2025 that are expected to continue into the following year. Uganda also plans to issue new exploration licenses in the 2025/2026 fiscal year. In addition, several licensing rounds launched in 2025 will carry over into 2026, offering continued momentum and opportunity for exploration-focused stakeholders. 

    More than just a development-focused event, IAE 2026 is setting the stage for the next era of African oil and gas exploration. With operators and developers expected to invest $43 billion in Africa’s oil and gas sector in 2025 — and capital expenditure projected to reach a decade-high of $54 billion by 2030 — Africa’s role in the global energy landscape is only set to grow. IAE responds directly to this momentum, serving as a launchpad for cross-border investment, strategic partnerships and early-stage project financing. The forum is purpose-built to engage geologists, upstream strategists, service providers and capital partners looking to unlock the continent’s vast untapped hydrocarbon potential. 

    “IAE has become the definitive meeting point for Africa’s energy stakeholders and global capital markets. We’re especially focused on amplifying exploration in 2026 – shining a spotlight on frontier plays, licensing opportunities and early-stage assets ready for partnerships. With preparations underway, we are committed to sustaining this platform’s growth and delivering another high-impact edition in 2026,” said Sandra Jeque, Events & Project Director at ECP. 

    In previous editions, the forum has welcomed official delegations from over 20 African countries, hosted exclusive ministerial panels and investor roundtables, and featured hundreds of B2B meetings that have laid the foundation for tangible, cross-border cooperation. By spotlighting Africa’s exploration resurgence — from untapped basins and high-impact drilling campaigns to recent regulatory shifts — the forum will offer clear value to IOCs evaluating global priorities, while outlining what the exploration landscape looks like and what investors need to know to engage effectively. 

    More information on the 2026 program, speaker lineup and sponsorship opportunities will be announced in the coming months. 

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council – on the Middle East [as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations – English

    onsieur le Président, Excellences,

    Je remercie la présidence française d’organiser cette réunion au niveau ministériel sur le Moyen-Orient, y compris la question palestinienne.

    La région traverse des bouleversements fondamentaux, marqués par la violence et la volatilité, mais également porteurs d’opportunités et de potentiel.

    Au Liban, le cessez-le-feu et l’intégrité territoriale doivent être respectés et tous les engagements doivent être mis en œuvre.

    En Syrie, nous devons poursuivre nos efforts pour accompagner le pays sur la voie d’une transition politique inclusive de toutes les composantes de la population syrienne – une transition qui garantisse la reddition de comptes, favorise la réconciliation nationale, et jette les bases du redressement à long terme de la Syrie ainsi que de son intégration future au sein de la communauté internationale. 

    Cela inclut la situation dans le Golan syrien occupé, qui demeure précaire en raison de violations majeures de l’Accord de désengagement des forces de 1974 – notamment la présence continue des Forces de défense israéliennes dans la zone de séparation, ainsi que leurs multiples frappes contre des sites au-delà de la ligne de cessez-le-feu.

    À travers le Moyen-Orient, les populations réclament et méritent un avenir meilleur – et non des conflits et des souffrances sans fin.

    Nous devons agir ensemble pour faire en sorte que cette période de turbulences et de transition réponde à ces aspirations – et qu’elle apporte justice, dignité, droits, sécurité, et une paix durable.

    Cela commence par la reconnaissance de deux faits fondamentaux : 

    Premièrement, la région se trouve à un moment charnière de son histoire. 

    Et, deuxièmement, que toute paix vraiment durable au Moyen-Orient dépend d’une question centrale.

    Un élément essentiel que ce Conseil de sécurité a affirmé et réaffirmé, année après année, décennie après décennie : une solution à deux États, Israël et la Palestine, vivant côte-à-côte dans la paix et la sécurité, avec Jérusalem comme capitale des deux États.

    Mr. President,

    Today, the promise of a two-State solution is at risk of dwindling to the point of disappearance. 

    The political commitment to this long-standing goal is farther than it has ever been.

    As a result, the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to live and peace and security have been undermined – and the legitimate national aspirations of the Palestinians have been denied – while they endure Israel’s continued presence that the International Court of Justice has found unlawful. 

    And since the horrific 7 October terror attacks by Hamas, it has gotten worse on every front.

    First, the unrelenting conflict and devastation in Gaza – including the utterly inhumane conditions of life imposed on its people who are repeatedly coming under attack, confined to smaller and smaller spaces, and deprived of lifesaving relief. 

    In line with international law, the Security Council has rejected any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including any actions that reduce its territory. 

    Gaza is — and must remain — an integral part of a future Palestinian state.

    Second, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations and the use of heavy weaponry in residential areas, forcible displacement, demolitions, movement restrictions, and settlement expansion are dramatically altering demographic and geographic realities. 

    Palestinians are being contained and coerced.  Contained in areas that are subject to increasing military operations and where the Palestinian Authority is under growing pressure – and coerced out of areas where settlements are expanding. 

    Third, settler violence continues at alarmingly high levels in a climate of impunity, with entire Palestinian communities facing repeated assaults and destruction, sometimes abetted by Israeli soldiers.

    Palestinian attacks against Israelis in both Israel and the occupied West Bank also continue.

    Mr. President,

    The world cannot afford to watch the two-State solution disappear. 

    Political leaders face clear choices — the choice to be silent, the choice to acquiesce, or the choice to act.

    Mr. President,

    In Gaza, there is no end in sight to the killing and misery.

    The ceasefire had brought a glimmer of hope – the long-sought release of hostages and delivery of lifesaving humanitarian relief.

    But those embers of opportunity were cruelly extinguished with the shattering of the ceasefire on 18 March. 

    Since then, almost 2,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes and military operations – including women, children, journalists, and humanitarians.

    Hamas also continues to fire rockets towards Israel indiscriminately – while the hostages continue to be held in appalling conditions. 

    The humanitarian situation throughout the Gaza Strip has gone from bad … to worse … to beyond imagination.   

    For nearly two full months, Israel has blocked food, fuel, medicine and commercial supplies, depriving more than two million people of lifesaving relief. 

    All while the world watches.

    I am alarmed by statements by Israeli government officials about the use of humanitarian aid as a tool for military pressure.

    Aid is non-negotiable. 

    Israel must protect civilians and must agree to relief schemes and facilitate them.

    I salute the women and men of the United Nations and all other humanitarian workers – especially our Palestinian colleagues — who continue to work under fire and in incomprehensibly difficult conditions.

    And I mourn all of the women and men of the United Nations who were killed – including some with their families.

    The entry of assistance must be restored immediately — the safety of UN personnel and humanitarian partners must be guaranteed – and UN agencies must be allowed to work in full respect of humanitarian principles:  humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.

    There must be no hindrance in humanitarian aid – including through the vital work of UNRWA.

    We need the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

    And we need a permanent ceasefire.

    It’s time to stop the repeated displacement of the Gaza population – along with any question of forced displacement outside of Gaza.

    And the trampling of international law must end.

    I call on Member States to use their leverage to ensure that international law is respected and impunity does not prevail.

    This includes for the 19 March incident for which Israel has now acknowledged responsibility in firing on a UN guesthouse, killing one colleague and injuring six others … the 23 March killing of paramedics and other rescue workers in Rafah … as well as many other cases.

    There must be accountability across the board.

    Mr. President,

    Advisory proceedings are ongoing at the International Court of Justice on the obligations of Israel, as an occupying Power and a Member of the United Nations, in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

    In February, the United Nations Legal Counsel submitted a written statement to the Court – and yesterday, she made an oral statement before the Court – both of which on my behalf.

    The statement to the Court includes points that I have made on a number of occasions.

    Specifically, that all parties to conflict must comply with all their obligations under international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

    That Israel, as an occupying Power, is under an obligation to ensure food and medical supplies of the population.

    That Israel has an obligation to agree to and facilitate relief schemes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

    That humanitarian, medical and United Nations personnel must be respected and protected.

    And I emphasize the obligation under international law to respect the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its personnel, including the absolute inviolability of United Nations premises, property and assets – and the immunity from legal process of the United Nations. 

    Such immunity applies to all UN entities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory – including UNRWA – a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly.
    I call on Member States to fully support all of these efforts. 

    Mr. President,

    In this period of turmoil and transition for the region, Member States must spell out how they will realize the commitment and promise of a two-State solution.

    This is not a time for ritualistically expressing support, ticking a box, and moving on.

    We are past the stage of ticking boxes – the clock is ticking.

    The two-State solution is near a point of no return. 

    The international community has a responsibility to prevent perpetual occupation and violence.

    My call to Member States is clear and urgent:

    Take irreversible action towards implementing a two-State solution.

    Do not let extremists on any side undermine what remains of the peace process.

    The High-Level Conference in June, co-chaired by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is an important opportunity to revitalize international support.

    I encourage Member States to go beyond affirmations, and to think creatively about the concrete steps they will take to support a viable two-State solution before it is too late.

    At the same time, the Palestinian Authority needs stepped-up and sustained support – politically and financially.  This is crucial to ensure the continued viability of Palestinian institutions, consolidate ongoing reforms, and enable the PA to resume its full responsibilities in Gaza.

    Mr. President,

    At this hinge point of history for the people of the Middle East – and on this issue on which so much hinges – leaders must stand and deliver. 

    Show the political courage and exercise the political will to make good on this central question for peace for Palestinians, Israelis, the region and humanity.

    Thank you.

    ***
    [all-English]

    Mr. President, Excellencies,

    I thank the French presidency for convening this ministerial-level meeting on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

    The region is undergoing fundamental shifts, marked by violence and volatility but also opportunity and potential.

    In Lebanon, the ceasefire and territorial integrity must be respected and all commitments implemented.

    In Syria, we must keep working to support the country’s path towards a political transition that is inclusive of all segments of the Syrian population – one that ensures accountability, fosters national healing, and lays the foundation for Syria’s long-term recovery and further integration into the international community. 

    This includes the situation in the occupied Syrian Golan — which remains precarious with significant violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, with the continued presence of the Israel Defense Forces into the area of separation and their several strikes targeting locations across the ceasefire line.

    Across the Middle East, people demand and deserve a better future, not endless conflict and suffering.

    We must collectively work to ensure that this turbulent and transitional period meets those aspirations — and delivers justice, dignity, rights, security and lasting peace.

    It starts by recognizing two fundamental facts: 

    First, that the region is at a hinge-point in history. 

    And, second, that truly sustainable Middle East peace hinges on one central question.

    On a core issue that this Security Council has affirmed and re-affirmed decade after decade, year after year:  a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.

    Mr. President,

    Today, the promise of a two-State solution is at risk of dwindling to the point of disappearance. 

    The political commitment to this long-standing goal is farther than it has ever been.

    As a result, the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to live and peace and security have been undermined – and the legitimate national aspirations of the Palestinians have been denied – while they endure Israel’s continued presence that the International Court of Justice has found unlawful. 

    And since the horrific 7 October terror attacks by Hamas, it has gotten worse on every front.

    First, the unrelenting conflict and devastation in Gaza – including the utterly inhumane conditions of life imposed on its people who are repeatedly coming under attack, confined to smaller and smaller spaces, and deprived of lifesaving relief. 

    In line with international law, the Security Council has rejected any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including any actions that reduce its territory. 

    Gaza is — and must remain — an integral part of a future Palestinian state.

    Second, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations and the use of heavy weaponry in residential areas, forcible displacement, demolitions, movement restrictions, and settlement expansion are dramatically altering demographic and geographic realities. 

    Palestinians are being contained and coerced.  Contained in areas that are subject to increasing military operations and where the Palestinian Authority is under growing pressure – and coerced out of areas where settlements are expanding. 

    Third, settler violence continues at alarmingly high levels in a climate of impunity, with entire Palestinian communities facing repeated assaults and destruction, sometimes abetted by Israeli soldiers.

    Palestinian attacks against Israelis in both Israel and the occupied West Bank also continue.

    Mr. President,

    The world cannot afford to watch the two-State solution disappear. 

    Political leaders face clear choices — the choice to be silent, the choice to acquiesce, or the choice to act.

    Mr. President,

    In Gaza, there is no end in sight to the killing and misery.

    The ceasefire had brought a glimmer of hope – the long-sought release of hostages and delivery of lifesaving humanitarian relief.

    But those embers of opportunity were cruelly extinguished with the shattering of the ceasefire on 18 March. 

    Since then, almost 2,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes and military operations – including women, children, journalists, and humanitarians.

    Hamas also continues to fire rockets towards Israel indiscriminately – while the hostages continue to be held in appalling conditions. 

    The humanitarian situation throughout the Gaza Strip has gone from bad … to worse … to beyond imagination.   

    For nearly two full months, Israel has blocked food, fuel, medicine and commercial supplies, depriving more than two million people of lifesaving relief. 

    All while the world watches.

    I am alarmed by statements by Israeli government officials about the use of humanitarian aid as a tool for military pressure.

    Aid is non-negotiable. 

    Israel must protect civilians and must agree to relief schemes and facilitate them.

    I salute the women and men of the United Nations and all other humanitarian workers – especially our Palestinian colleagues — who continue to work under fire and in incomprehensibly difficult conditions.

    And I mourn all of the women and men of the United Nations who were killed – including some with their families.

    The entry of assistance must be restored immediately — the safety of UN personnel and humanitarian partners must be guaranteed – and UN agencies must be allowed to work in full respect of humanitarian principles:  humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.

    There must be no hindrance in humanitarian aid – including through the vital work of UNRWA.

    We need the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

    And we need a permanent ceasefire.

    It’s time to stop the repeated displacement of the Gaza population – along with any question of forced displacement outside of Gaza.

    And the trampling of international law must end.

    I call on Member States to use their leverage to ensure that international law is respected and impunity does not prevail.

    This includes for the 19 March incident for which Israel has now acknowledged responsibility in firing on a UN guesthouse, killing one colleague and injuring six others … the 23 March killing of paramedics and other rescue workers in Rafah … as well as many other cases.

    There must be accountability across the board.

    Mr. President,

    Advisory proceedings are ongoing at the International Court of Justice on the obligations of Israel, as an occupying Power and a Member of the United Nations, in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

    In February, the United Nations Legal Counsel submitted a written statement to the Court – and yesterday, she made an oral statement before the Court – both of which on my behalf.

    The statement to the Court includes points that I have made on a number of occasions.

    Specifically, that all parties to conflict must comply with all their obligations under international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

    That Israel, as an occupying Power, is under an obligation to ensure food and medical supplies of the population.

    That Israel has an obligation to agree to and facilitate relief schemes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

    That humanitarian, medical and United Nations personnel must be respected and protected.

    And I emphasize the obligation under international law to respect the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its personnel, including the absolute inviolability of United Nations premises, property and assets – and the immunity from legal process of the United Nations. 

    Such immunity applies to all UN entities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory – including UNRWA – a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly.

    I call on Member States to fully support all of these efforts. 

    Mr. President,

    In this period of turmoil and transition for the region, Member States must spell out how they will realize the commitment and promise of a two-State solution.

    This is not a time for ritualistically expressing support, ticking a box, and moving on.

    We are past the stage of ticking boxes – the clock is ticking.

    The two-State solution is near a point of no return. 

    The international community has a responsibility to prevent perpetual occupation and violence.

    My call to Member States is clear and urgent:

    Take irreversible action towards implementing a two-State solution.

    Do not let extremists on any side undermine what remains of the peace process.

    The High-Level Conference in June, co-chaired by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is an important opportunity to revitalize international support.

    I encourage Member States to go beyond affirmations, and to think creatively about the concrete steps they will take to support a viable two-State solution before it is too late.

    At the same time, the Palestinian Authority needs stepped-up and sustained support – politically and financially.  This is crucial to ensure the continued viability of Palestinian institutions, consolidate ongoing reforms, and enable the PA to resume its full responsibilities in Gaza.

    Mr. President,

    At this hinge point of history for the people of the Middle East – and on this issue on which so much hinges – leaders must stand and deliver. 

    Show the political courage and exercise the political will to make good on this central question for peace for Palestinians, Israelis, the region and humanity.

    Thank you.

    ***
    [all-French]

    Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

    Je remercie la présidence française d’organiser cette réunion au niveau ministériel sur le Moyen-Orient, y compris la question palestinienne.

    La région traverse des bouleversements fondamentaux, marqués par la violence et la volatilité, mais également porteurs d’opportunités et de potentiel.

    Au Liban, le cessez-le-feu et l’intégrité territoriale doivent être respectés et tous les engagements doivent être mis en œuvre.

    En Syrie, nous devons poursuivre nos efforts pour accompagner le pays sur la voie d’une transition politique inclusive de toutes les composantes de la population syrienne – une transition qui garantisse la reddition de comptes, favorise la réconciliation nationale, et jette les bases du redressement à long terme de la Syrie ainsi que de son intégration future au sein de la communauté internationale. 

    Cela inclut la situation dans le Golan syrien occupé, qui demeure précaire en raison de violations majeures de l’Accord de désengagement des forces de 1974 – notamment la présence continue des Forces de défense israéliennes dans la zone de séparation, ainsi que leurs multiples frappes contre des sites au-delà de la ligne de cessez-le-feu.

    À travers le Moyen-Orient, les populations réclament et méritent un avenir meilleur – et non des conflits et des souffrances sans fin.

    Nous devons agir ensemble pour faire en sorte que cette période de turbulences et de transition réponde à ces aspirations – et qu’elle apporte justice, dignité, droits, sécurité, et une paix durable.

    Cela commence par la reconnaissance de deux faits fondamentaux : 

    Premièrement, la région se trouve à un moment charnière de son histoire. 
    Et, deuxièmement, que toute paix vraiment durable au Moyen-Orient dépend d’une question centrale.

    Un élément essentiel que ce Conseil de sécurité a affirmé et réaffirmé, année après année, décennie après décennie : une solution à deux États, Israël et la Palestine, vivant côte-à-côte dans la paix et la sécurité, avec Jérusalem comme capitale des deux États.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Aujourd’hui, la promesse de la solution des deux États court le risque de s’effilocher au point de disparaître.

    L’engagement politique en faveur de cet objectif de longue date n’a jamais été aussi ténu.

    De ce fait, les droits des Israéliens et des Palestiniens de vivre en paix et sécurité ont été mis à mal – et les aspirations nationales légitimes des Palestiniens ont été niées – alors qu’ils continuent de subir une présence israélienne que la Cour internationale de justice a jugée illicite.

    Depuis les effroyables attaques terroristes perpétrées par le Hamas le 7 octobre, la situation s’est aggravée sur tous les fronts.

    Premièrement, avec le conflit incessant et la dévastation que subit la bande de Gaza : les conditions de vie sont absolument inhumaines, les habitants sont la cible d’attaques à répétition et sont confinés dans des espaces de plus en plus réduits et privés d’une aide vitale.

    S’appuyant sur le droit international, le Conseil de sécurité a rejeté toute tentative de changement démographique ou territorial dans la bande de Gaza, y compris tout acte visant à réduire le territoire.

    Gaza fait partie intégrante d’un futur État palestinien et doit le rester.

    Deuxièmement, en Cisjordanie occupée, y compris Jérusalem-Est, les opérations militaires israéliennes et l’emploi d’armes lourdes dans des zones résidentielles, les déplacements forcés, les démolitions, les restrictions de circulation et l’expansion des colonies transforment radicalement les réalités démographiques et géographiques.

    Les Palestiniens sont cantonnés dans certains endroits et contraints d’en quitter d’autres. Ils sont cantonnés dans des zones où les opérations militaires se multiplient et où l’Autorité palestinienne est soumise à des pressions croissantes, et contraints de quitter les zones où les colons étendent leur emprise.

    Troisièmement, la violence exercée par les colons se poursuit dans un climat d’impunité, parfois avec la complicité de soldats israéliens, et atteint des niveaux alarmants : des communautés palestiniennes tout entières sont agressées et victimes de destructions à répétition.

    Les attaques menées par des Palestiniens contre des Israéliens en Israël et en Cisjordanie occupée se poursuivent également.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Le monde ne peut pas se permettre de voir la solution des deux États s’évanouir.

    Les dirigeants politiques ont le choix : se taire, acquiescer ou agir.

    Monsieur le Président,

    À Gaza, rien ne laisse entrevoir la fin de la tuerie et des souffrances.

    Le cessez-le-feu avait apporté une lueur d’espoir : la libération des otages, tant attendue, et l’acheminement d’une aide humanitaire vitale.
    Hélas, cette lueur d’espoir s’est éteinte avec la rupture du cessez-le-feu le 18 mars.

    Depuis, les frappes et les opérations militaires israéliennes ont fait près de 2000 morts parmi les Palestiniens dans la bande de Gaza, y compris des femmes, des enfants, des journalistes et du personnel humanitaire.

    Le Hamas continue également de tirer des roquettes sur Israël sans discernement – tandis que les otages sont toujours détenus dans des conditions épouvantables.

    Déjà mauvaise, la situation humanitaire dans la bande de Gaza n’a fait qu’empirer et dépasse aujourd’hui l’entendement.

    Depuis près de deux mois, Israël bloque les livraisons de nourriture, de carburant, de médicaments et de marchandises, privant ainsi plus de deux millions de personnes d’une aide vitale.

    Et ce, au vu et au su du monde entier.

    Je suis alarmé par les déclarations de représentants d’Israël concernant l’utilisation de l’aide humanitaire comme moyen de pression militaire.

    L’aide humanitaire n’est pas négociable.

    Israël est tenu de protéger les civils ; il doit accepter les programmes d’aide et en faciliter l’exécution.

    Je rends hommage au personnel des Nations Unies, femmes et hommes, ainsi qu’à tous les autres agents humanitaires, en particulier à nos collègues palestiniens, qui continuent à travailler malgré les frappes et dans des conditions inouïes.

    Et je pleure toutes les femmes et tous les hommes des Nations Unies qui ont été tués – y compris certains avec leurs familles.

    L’acheminement de l’aide doit être rétabli immédiatement, la sécurité du personnel des Nations Unies et des partenaires humanitaires doit être garantie et les entités des Nations Unies doivent pouvoir travailler dans le plein respect des principes humanitaires : humanité, impartialité, neutralité et indépendance.

    Il ne doit y avoir aucune entrave à l’aide humanitaire, notamment au travail vital que fait l’UNRWA.

    Il faut que tous les otages soient libérés immédiatement et sans conditions.

    Et il faut un cessez-le-feu permanent.

    Il est temps de mettre un terme aux déplacements répétés de la population de Gaza, ainsi qu’à la question des déplacements forcés en dehors de Gaza.

    Et il faut cesser de bafouer le droit international.

    J’engage tous les États Membres à user de leur influence pour que le droit international soit respecté et que l’impunité ne l’emporte pas.

    Je veux parler notamment de la frappe du 19 mars contre une résidence des Nations Unies, qui a fait un mort et six blessés parmi nos collègues et pour laquelle Israël a désormais reconnu sa responsabilité … de l’attaque du 23 mars, dans laquelle du personnel paramédical et d’autres secouristes ont trouvé la mort à Rafah … et de bien d’autres encore.

    Aucun acte ne saurait rester impuni.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Une procédure consultative a été engagée à la Cour internationale de Justice sur les obligations d’Israël, Puissance occupante et membre de l’ONU, en ce qui concerne la présence et les activités des entités des Nations Unies dans le Territoire palestinien occupé et en lien avec celui-ci.

    En février, la Conseillère juridique de l’ONU a soumis en mon nom une déclaration écrite à la Cour, et hier, elle a fait une déclaration orale devant la Cour, également en mon nom.

    Cette déclaration reprend des points que j’ai soulevés à plusieurs reprises.

    En particulier, le fait que toutes les parties au conflit sont tenues de s’acquitter des obligations que leur impose le droit international, y compris le droit international humanitaire et le droit international des droits humains.

    Qu’Israël, Puissance occupante, est tenu d’assurer l’approvisionnement de la population en produits alimentaires et fournitures médicales.

    Qu’il est tenu d’accepter les programmes d’aide et d’en faciliter l’exécution dans le Territoire palestinien occupé.

    Que le personnel humanitaire et médical, ainsi que le personnel des Nations Unies, doit être respecté et protégé.

    Je tiens à insister sur l’obligation faite en droit international de respecter les privilèges et immunités des Nations Unies et de leur personnel, y compris l’inviolabilité absolue des locaux, des biens et des avoirs des Nations Unies, ainsi que l’immunité de juridiction des Nations Unies.

    Cette immunité s’applique à toutes les entités des Nations Unies dans le Territoire palestinien occupé, y compris l’UNRWA, organe subsidiaire de l’Assemblée générale.

    J’engage les États Membres à soutenir tous ces efforts.

    Monsieur le Président,

    En cette période de tourmente et de transition pour la région, les États Membres doivent énoncer clairement comment ils concrétiseront l’engagement qu’ils ont pris et la promesse qu’ils ont faite quant à la solution des deux États.

    Ce n’est pas le moment d’exprimer rituellement son soutien, de cocher une case et de passer à autre chose.

    Nous avons dépassé le stade des cases à cocher : le temps presse.

    Pour la solution des deux États, le glas a presque sonné.

    La communauté internationale a la responsabilité d’empêcher l’occupation et la violence perpétuelles.

    L’appel que je leur lance est urgent et sans équivoque :

    Prenez des mesures irréversibles pour concrétiser la solution des deux États.

    Ne laissez pas les extrémistes de tout bord saper ce qu’il reste du processus de paix.

    La Conférence de haut niveau qui se tiendra en juin, co-présidée par la France et le Royaume d’Arabie saoudite, est une véritable occasion de revitaliser le soutien international.

    J’encourage les États membres à aller au-delà des affirmations et à réfléchir de manière créative aux mesures concrètes qu’ils prendront pour soutenir une solution viable à deux États avant qu’il ne soit trop tard.

    J’encourage les États Membres à traduire les paroles en actes et à réfléchir de manière créative pour déterminer les mesures concrètes qu’ils prendront pour soutenir une solution viable de deux États – avant qu’il ne soit trop tard.

    Parallèlement, l’Autorité palestinienne a besoin d’un soutien accru et durable, tant sur le plan politique que financièrement parlant. C’est une condition essentielle pour garantir la viabilité des institutions palestiniennes, asseoir les réformes engagées et permettre à l’Autorité palestinienne d’exercer de nouveau toutes ses responsabilités dans la bande de Gaza.

    Monsieur le Président,

    À ce moment charnière de l’histoire pour les peuples du Moyen-Orient – et vis-à-vis de cette question dont dépendent tant de choses – les dirigeants doivent concrétiser leur promesse.

    Faites preuve de courage et de volonté politiques, tenez vos engagements vis-à-vis de cette question centrale pour la paix : pour les Palestiniens, les Israéliens, la région et l’humanité tout entière.

    Je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks at the 2025 ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development [Bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for All-English and All-French versions]

    Source: United Nations – English

    r. President of the General Assembly, Mr. President of ECOSOC,

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    This year’s ECOSOC Forum comes at a pivotal time.

    We are in the final stretch of preparations for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla.

    And we face some harsh truths. 

    The harsh truth of donors pulling the plug on aid commitments and delivery at historic speed and scale.

    The harsh truth of trade barriers being erected at a dizzying pace.

    The harsh truth that the Sustainable Development Goals are dramatically off track, exacerbated by an annual financing gap of an estimated $4 trillion.

    And the harsh truth of prohibitively high borrowing costs that are draining away public investments in everything from education and health systems, to social protection, infrastructure and the energy transition.

    But there’s another, much larger — and more dangerous — truth underlying all these challenges:  
    The harsh truth that global collaboration is being actively questioned.

    Look no further than trade wars. 

    Trade — fair trade — is a prime example of the benefits of international cooperation.

    And trade barriers are a clear and present danger to the global economy and sustainable development – as demonstrated in recent sharply lower forecasts by the International Monetary Fund, UNCTAD, the World Trade Organization and many others.

    In a trade war, everybody loses — especially the most vulnerable countries and people, who are hit the hardest.

    Excellencies,

    Against this turbulent background, we cannot let our financing for development ambitions get swept away.

    With just five years to reach the Sustainable Development Goals, we need to shift into overdrive.  

    That includes making good on the commitments countries made in the Pact for the Future in September:

    From an SDG stimulus to help countries invest in their people…

    To vital and long-awaited reforms to the global financial architecture…

    To the Pact’s clear commitments to open, fair and rules-based trade…

    To its call for an analysis of the impact of military expenditures on the achievement of the SDGs, with a final report out by September…

    To the Pact’s urging for an ambitious outcome to July’s Conference on Financing for Development.

    As you continue negotiations on the draft outcome document for Sevilla, I push for action in three key areas.

    First — on debt.

    When applied smartly and fairly, debt can be an ally of development.

    Instead, it has become a villain.

    In many developing countries, gains are getting crushed under the weight of debt service, siphoning away investments in education, health and infrastructure.

    And the problem is getting worse.

    Debt service for developing economies has soared past $1.4 trillion a year.

    Debt service now exceeds 10 per cent of government revenue in more than 50 developing countries — and more than 20 per cent in 17 countries — a clear warning sign of default.

    The Sevilla Conference should emerge with a commitment by Member States to lower the cost of borrowing, improve debt restructuring, and prevent crises from taking hold.

    This includes establishing a dedicated facility to help developing countries manage their liabilities and enhance liquidity in times of crisis.

    The G20 must also continue its work to speed up the Common Framework for Debt Treatments and expand support for countries that are currently ineligible — including middle-income countries in difficulties.

    And credit ratings agencies need to rethink ratings methodologies that drive up borrowing costs for developing countries.

    At the same time, the IMF and World Bank should push forward on reforming debt assessments to account for sustainable development investments and climate risks.

    These proposals and the many others contained in the draft outcome document provide an ambitious roadmap to help developing countries use debt in a constructive and sustainable way.

    Second — we need to unlock the full potential of our international financial institutions.

    If finance is the fuel of development, Multilateral Development Banks are its engine.

    And this engine needs revving up. 

    We will keep pushing to triple the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks, making them bigger and bolder, as called for in the draft outcome document.

    This includes recapitalization, stretching their balance sheets and substantially increasing their capacity to mobilize private finance at reasonable costs for developing countries.

    We must ensure that concessional finance is deployed where it is most needed.

    And we need to see that developing countries are represented fairly — and have a voice — in the governance of these institutions they depend on.

    Troisièmement, nous devons prendre des mesures concrètes pour augmenter tous les flux de financement.

    Oui, les temps sont durs.

    Mais c’est d’autant plus dans les périodes difficiles qu’un investissement responsable et durable s’impose.

    Au niveau national, les gouvernements doivent mobiliser davantage de ressources internes et les diriger vers des systèmes essentiels tels que l’éducation, la santé et les infrastructures…

    Ils doivent collaborer avec des partenaires privés pour multiplier les options de financement mixte…

    Et intensifier la lutte contre la corruption et les flux financiers illicites.

    Au niveau mondial, nous devons poursuivre nos efforts en vue d’établir un régime fiscal mondial inclusif et efficace, et veiller à ce que les règles fiscales internationales soient effectivement et équitablement appliquées.

    Les donateurs doivent tenir leurs promesses en matière d’aide publique au développement et s’assurer que ces précieuses ressources parviennent aux pays en développement.

    Pour notre part, nous donnerons aux équipes de pays des Nations Unies tous les moyens pour collaborer avec les gouvernements hôtes, afin qu’un maximum de ressources soit affecté au développement durable aux niveaux national et régional.

    Et nous saisirons toutes les occasions, y compris la COP30 au Brésil, pour demander aux dirigeants de trouver des sources innovantes de financement de l’action climatique dans les pays en développement – afin de mobiliser 1 300 milliards de dollars par an d’ici à 2035.

    Tout cela exige des efforts particuliers en terme de sources innovantes de financement.

    Excellences,

    À bien des égards, l’avenir du système multilatéral dépend du financement du développement.

    Il en va de notre conviction que le règlement des problèmes mondiaux – tels que la pauvreté, la faim et la crise climatique – demande des solutions mondiales.

    Tirons le meilleur parti de ce moment charnière, alors que nous nous préparons pour la conférence de Séville.

    Maintenons nos ambitions à la hauteur des enjeux, et agissons pour les populations et pour la planète.

    Et je vous remercie.

    ***
    [All-English]

    Mr. President of the General Assembly, Mr. President of ECOSOC,

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    This year’s ECOSOC Forum comes at a pivotal time.

    We are in the final stretch of preparations for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla.

    And we face some harsh truths. 

    The harsh truth of donors pulling the plug on aid commitments and delivery at historic speed and scale.

    The harsh truth of trade barriers being erected at a dizzying pace.

    The harsh truth that the Sustainable Development Goals are dramatically off track, exacerbated by an annual financing gap of an estimated $4 trillion.

    And the harsh truth of prohibitively high borrowing costs that are draining away public investments in everything from education and health systems, to social protection, infrastructure and the energy transition.

    But there’s another, much larger — and more dangerous — truth underlying all these challenges:

    The harsh truth that global collaboration is being actively questioned.

    Look no further than trade wars. 

    Trade — fair trade — is a prime example of the benefits of international cooperation.

    And trade barriers are a clear and present danger to the global economy and sustainable development – as demonstrated in recent sharply lower forecasts by the International Monetary Fund, UNCTAD, the World Trade Organization and many others.

    In a trade war, everybody loses — especially the most vulnerable countries and people, who are hit the hardest.

    Excellencies,

    Against this turbulent background, we cannot let our financing for development ambitions get swept away.

    With just five years to reach the Sustainable Development Goals, we need to shift into overdrive.  

    That includes making good on the commitments countries made in the Pact for the Future in September:

    From an SDG stimulus to help countries invest in their people…

    To vital and long-awaited reforms to the global financial architecture…

    To the Pact’s clear commitments to open, fair and rules-based trade…

    To its call for an analysis of the impact of military expenditures on the achievement of the SDGs, with a final report out by September…

    To the Pact’s urging for an ambitious outcome to July’s Conference on Financing for Development.

    As you continue negotiations on the draft outcome document for Sevilla, I push for action in three key areas.

    First — on debt.

    When applied smartly and fairly, debt can be an ally of development.

    Instead, it has become a villain.

    In many developing countries, gains are getting crushed under the weight of debt service, siphoning away investments in education, health and infrastructure.

    And the problem is getting worse.

    Debt service for developing economies has soared past $1.4 trillion a year.

    Debt service now exceeds 10 per cent of government revenue in more than 50 developing countries — and more than 20 per cent in 17 countries — a clear warning sign of default.

    The Sevilla Conference should emerge with a commitment by Member States to lower the cost of borrowing, improve debt restructuring, and prevent crises from taking hold.

    This includes establishing a dedicated facility to help developing countries manage their liabilities and enhance liquidity in times of crisis.

    The G20 must also continue its work to speed up the Common Framework for Debt Treatments and expand support for countries that are currently ineligible — including middle-income countries in difficulties.

    And credit ratings agencies need to rethink ratings methodologies that drive up borrowing costs for developing countries.

    At the same time, the IMF and World Bank should push forward on reforming debt assessments to account for sustainable development investments and climate risks.

    These proposals and the many others contained in the draft outcome document provide an ambitious roadmap to help developing countries use debt in a constructive and sustainable way.

    Second — we need to unlock the full potential of our international financial institutions.

    If finance is the fuel of development, Multilateral Development Banks are its engine.

    And this engine needs revving up. 

    We will keep pushing to triple the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks, making them bigger and bolder, as called for in the draft outcome document.

    This includes recapitalization, stretching their balance sheets and substantially increasing their capacity to mobilize private finance at reasonable costs for developing countries.

    We must ensure that concessional finance is deployed where it is most needed.

    And we need to see that developing countries are represented fairly — and have a voice — in the governance of these institutions they depend on.

    And third — we need concrete action to increase all streams of finance.

    Yes, these are tough times.

    But it is in difficult periods that the imperative for responsible, sustainable investment is even more critical. 

    At the country level, governments need to strengthen the mobilization of domestic resources and channel them towards critical systems like education, health and infrastructure…

    To work with private sector partners to increase blended finance options…

    And to scale-up the fight against corruption and illicit financial flows.

    At the global level, we must keep working to shape an inclusive and effective global tax regime, and ensure that international taxation rules are applied fairly and effectively.

    Donors must keep their promises on official development assistance, and ensure those precious resources reach developing countries.  

    For our part, we will fully deploy our UN Country Teams to work with host governments to channel the maximum amount of resources towards sustainable development at the national and regional levels.
     
    And we will use every opportunity — including COP30 in Brazil — to call on leaders to identify innovative sources of climate finance for developing countries leading to the mobilization of $1.3 trillion annually by 2035. 

    All this requires a focus on innovative sources of finance.  

    Excellencies,

    In many ways, financing for development is integral to the future of the multilateral system.

    It’s about our conviction in the power of global solutions to global problems like poverty, hunger and the climate crisis.

    Let’s make the most of this critical moment as we prepare for Sevilla.

    Let’s keep our ambitions high and deliver for people and planet.

    And I thank you.

    ***
    [All-French]

    Monsieur le Président de l’Assemblée générale, Monsieur le Président de l’ECOSOC,

    Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

    Le Forum du Conseil économique et social de cette année tombe à un moment charnière.

    Les préparatifs de la quatrième Conférence internationale sur le financement du développement, qui se tiendra à Séville, entrent dans leur dernière ligne droite.

    Parallèlement, nous nous heurtons à de dures réalités :

    Des donateurs qui reviennent sur leurs engagements et renoncent à verser l’aide promise à une vitesse et à une ampleur sans précédent ;

    Des barrières commerciales qui sont érigées à un rythme effréné ;

    Des objectifs de développement durable qui sont encore bien loin d’être atteints et qui pâtissent d’un déficit de financement annuel estimé à 4 000 milliards de dollars ;

    Ou encore des coûts d’emprunt prohibitifs qui tarissent les investissements publics dans tous les domaines, de l’éducation et des systèmes de santé à la protection sociale, en passant par les infrastructures et la transition énergétique.

    Mais il y a une autre réalité – bien plus importante et bien plus dangereuse – qui est à la base de tous ces problèmes.

    Cette réalité, c’est la remise en question de la collaboration internationale.

    Inutile de chercher un exemple bien loin : prenons les guerres commerciales.

    Le commerce – un commerce équitable – illustre parfaitement les avantages de la coopération internationale.

    Les barrières commerciales constituent un danger réel et immédiat pour l’économie mondiale et le développement durable – comme le montrent les récentes prévisions en forte baisse du Fonds monétaire international, de la CNUCED, de l’Organisation mondiale du commerce et de bien d’autres organismes.

    L’Organisation mondiale du commerce prévoit déjà que le commerce international de marchandises se contractera de 0,2 % cette année – un revirement brutal par rapport à la hausse de 2,9 % enregistrée l’année dernière.

    Dans une guerre commerciale, tout le monde est perdant, en particulier les pays et les populations les plus vulnérables, qui sont les plus durement touchés.

    Excellences,

    Dans ce contexte mouvementé, nous ne pouvons laisser s’envoler nos ambitions en matière de financement du développement.

    Il ne reste que cinq ans pour atteindre les objectifs de développement durable ; il nous faut donc passer à la vitesse supérieure.

    Il faut notamment honorer les engagements pris par les pays dans le cadre du Pacte pour l’avenir en septembre :

    Du plan de relance des objectifs de développement durable, qui vise à aider les pays à investir dans leurs populations…

    Aux réformes vitales et longuement attendues de l’architecture financière mondiale…

    Aux engagements clairs pris dans le Pacte en faveur d’un commerce ouvert, équitable et régi par des règles…

    À l’analyse qui y est préconisée de l’impact des dépenses militaires sur la réalisation des objectifs de développement durable, qui fera l’objet d’un rapport final publié d’ici à septembre…

    Et au résultat ambitieux qui y est fixé pour la Conférence internationale sur le financement du développement de juillet.

    Alors que les négociations sur le projet de document final de Séville se poursuivent, j’insiste pour que des mesures soient prises dans trois domaines clés.

    Premièrement, la dette.

    Lorsqu’elle est exploitée de manière intelligente et équitable, la dette peut être une alliée du développement.

    Or, elle est devenue une ennemie.

    Dans bon nombre de pays en développement, les acquis obtenus dans le domaine du développement croulent sous le poids du service de la dette, qui ponctionne les investissements dans l’éducation, la santé et les infrastructures.

    Et le problème ne fait qu’empirer.

    Le service de la dette des économies en développement s’est envolé à plus de 1 400 milliards de dollars par an.

    Il dépasse aujourd’hui de 10 % les recettes publiques dans plus de 50 pays en développement – et plus de 20 % dans 17 pays – un signe évident de défaillance.

    À l’issue de la conférence de Séville, les États Membres devraient s’engager à réduire le coût des emprunts, à mieux restructurer la dette et à empêcher les crises de perdurer.

    Pour ce faire, il faudra notamment mettre en place un dispositif pour aider les pays en développement à gérer leurs dettes et à améliorer leur situation de trésorerie en temps de crise.

    Le G20 doit également poursuivre ses travaux afin d’accélérer la mise en œuvre du Cadre commun pour le traitement de la dette et d’apporter un plus grand appui aux pays qui ne remplissent pas les conditions requises pour bénéficier de l’Initiative de suspension du service de la dette, notamment les pays à revenu intermédiaire.

    En outre, les agences de notation doivent revoir leurs méthodes, qui font grimper les coûts d’emprunt pour les pays en développement.

    Dans le même temps, le FMI et la Banque mondiale devraient faire avancer la réforme de l’évaluation de la dette de sorte que les investissements dans le développement durable et les risques climatiques soient pris en compte.

    Ces propositions, comme les nombreuses autres propositions faites dans le projet de document final, constituent un plan d’action ambitieux devant aider les pays en développement à utiliser la dette de manière constructive et durable.

    Deuxièmement, nos institutions financières internationales doivent pouvoir exploiter tout leur potentiel.

    Si le financement est le carburant du développement, les banques multilatérales de développement en sont le moteur.

    Et ce moteur doit être rendu plus performant.

    Nous continuerons à faire pression pour tripler la capacité de prêt des banques multilatérales de développement, en les agrandissant et en les rendant plus audacieuses, comme le prévoit le projet de document final.

    Il s’agit notamment d’augmenter leur capital, d’étendre leurs bilans et d’accroître considérablement leur capacité à mobiliser des financements privés à des coûts raisonnables pour les pays en développement.

    Il faudra également veiller à ce que des financements à des conditions favorables soient accordés là où ils sont le plus nécessaires.

    Et il faudra que les pays en développement soient représentés équitablement – et aient voix au chapitre – dans la gouvernance de ces institutions, dont ils dépendent.

    Troisièmement, nous devons prendre des mesures concrètes pour augmenter tous les flux de financement.

    Oui, les temps sont durs.

    Mais c’est d’autant plus dans les périodes difficiles qu’un investissement responsable et durable s’impose.

    Au niveau national, les gouvernements doivent mobiliser davantage de ressources internes et les diriger vers des systèmes essentiels tels que l’éducation, la santé et les infrastructures…

    Ils doivent collaborer avec des partenaires privés pour multiplier les options de financement mixte…

    Et intensifier la lutte contre la corruption et les flux financiers illicites.

    Au niveau mondial, nous devons poursuivre nos efforts en vue d’établir un régime fiscal mondial inclusif et efficace, et veiller à ce que les règles fiscales internationales soient effectivement et équitablement appliquées.
    Les donateurs doivent tenir leurs promesses en matière d’aide publique au développement et s’assurer que ces précieuses ressources parviennent aux pays en développement.

    Pour notre part, nous donnerons aux équipes de pays des Nations Unies tous les moyens pour collaborer avec les gouvernements hôtes, afin qu’un maximum de ressources soit affecté au développement durable aux niveaux national et régional.

    Et nous saisirons toutes les occasions, y compris la COP30 au Brésil, pour demander aux dirigeants de trouver des sources innovantes de financement de l’action climatique dans les pays en développement – afin de mobiliser 1 300 milliards de dollars par an d’ici à 2035.

    Tout cela exige des efforts particuliers en terme de sources innovantes de financement.

    Excellences,

    À bien des égards, l’avenir du système multilatéral dépend du financement du développement.

    Il en va de notre conviction que le règlement des problèmes mondiaux – tels que la pauvreté, la faim et la crise climatique – demande des solutions mondiales.

    Tirons le meilleur parti de ce moment charnière, alors que nous nous préparons pour la conférence de Séville.

    Maintenons nos ambitions à la hauteur des enjeux, et agissons pour les populations et pour la planète.

    Et je vous remercie.
     

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks at the 2025 ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development [Bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for All-English and All-French versions]

    Source: United Nations

    Mr. President of the General Assembly, Mr. President of ECOSOC,

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    This year’s ECOSOC Forum comes at a pivotal time.

    We are in the final stretch of preparations for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla.

    And we face some harsh truths. 

    The harsh truth of donors pulling the plug on aid commitments and delivery at historic speed and scale.

    The harsh truth of trade barriers being erected at a dizzying pace.

    The harsh truth that the Sustainable Development Goals are dramatically off track, exacerbated by an annual financing gap of an estimated $4 trillion.

    And the harsh truth of prohibitively high borrowing costs that are draining away public investments in everything from education and health systems, to social protection, infrastructure and the energy transition.

    But there’s another, much larger — and more dangerous — truth underlying all these challenges:  
    The harsh truth that global collaboration is being actively questioned.

    Look no further than trade wars. 

    Trade — fair trade — is a prime example of the benefits of international cooperation.

    And trade barriers are a clear and present danger to the global economy and sustainable development – as demonstrated in recent sharply lower forecasts by the International Monetary Fund, UNCTAD, the World Trade Organization and many others.

    In a trade war, everybody loses — especially the most vulnerable countries and people, who are hit the hardest.

    Excellencies,

    Against this turbulent background, we cannot let our financing for development ambitions get swept away.

    With just five years to reach the Sustainable Development Goals, we need to shift into overdrive.  

    That includes making good on the commitments countries made in the Pact for the Future in September:

    From an SDG stimulus to help countries invest in their people…

    To vital and long-awaited reforms to the global financial architecture…

    To the Pact’s clear commitments to open, fair and rules-based trade…

    To its call for an analysis of the impact of military expenditures on the achievement of the SDGs, with a final report out by September…

    To the Pact’s urging for an ambitious outcome to July’s Conference on Financing for Development.

    As you continue negotiations on the draft outcome document for Sevilla, I push for action in three key areas.

    First — on debt.

    When applied smartly and fairly, debt can be an ally of development.

    Instead, it has become a villain.

    In many developing countries, gains are getting crushed under the weight of debt service, siphoning away investments in education, health and infrastructure.

    And the problem is getting worse.

    Debt service for developing economies has soared past $1.4 trillion a year.

    Debt service now exceeds 10 per cent of government revenue in more than 50 developing countries — and more than 20 per cent in 17 countries — a clear warning sign of default.

    The Sevilla Conference should emerge with a commitment by Member States to lower the cost of borrowing, improve debt restructuring, and prevent crises from taking hold.

    This includes establishing a dedicated facility to help developing countries manage their liabilities and enhance liquidity in times of crisis.

    The G20 must also continue its work to speed up the Common Framework for Debt Treatments and expand support for countries that are currently ineligible — including middle-income countries in difficulties.

    And credit ratings agencies need to rethink ratings methodologies that drive up borrowing costs for developing countries.

    At the same time, the IMF and World Bank should push forward on reforming debt assessments to account for sustainable development investments and climate risks.

    These proposals and the many others contained in the draft outcome document provide an ambitious roadmap to help developing countries use debt in a constructive and sustainable way.

    Second — we need to unlock the full potential of our international financial institutions.

    If finance is the fuel of development, Multilateral Development Banks are its engine.

    And this engine needs revving up. 

    We will keep pushing to triple the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks, making them bigger and bolder, as called for in the draft outcome document.

    This includes recapitalization, stretching their balance sheets and substantially increasing their capacity to mobilize private finance at reasonable costs for developing countries.

    We must ensure that concessional finance is deployed where it is most needed.

    And we need to see that developing countries are represented fairly — and have a voice — in the governance of these institutions they depend on.

    Troisièmement, nous devons prendre des mesures concrètes pour augmenter tous les flux de financement.

    Oui, les temps sont durs.

    Mais c’est d’autant plus dans les périodes difficiles qu’un investissement responsable et durable s’impose.

    Au niveau national, les gouvernements doivent mobiliser davantage de ressources internes et les diriger vers des systèmes essentiels tels que l’éducation, la santé et les infrastructures…

    Ils doivent collaborer avec des partenaires privés pour multiplier les options de financement mixte…

    Et intensifier la lutte contre la corruption et les flux financiers illicites.

    Au niveau mondial, nous devons poursuivre nos efforts en vue d’établir un régime fiscal mondial inclusif et efficace, et veiller à ce que les règles fiscales internationales soient effectivement et équitablement appliquées.

    Les donateurs doivent tenir leurs promesses en matière d’aide publique au développement et s’assurer que ces précieuses ressources parviennent aux pays en développement.

    Pour notre part, nous donnerons aux équipes de pays des Nations Unies tous les moyens pour collaborer avec les gouvernements hôtes, afin qu’un maximum de ressources soit affecté au développement durable aux niveaux national et régional.

    Et nous saisirons toutes les occasions, y compris la COP30 au Brésil, pour demander aux dirigeants de trouver des sources innovantes de financement de l’action climatique dans les pays en développement – afin de mobiliser 1 300 milliards de dollars par an d’ici à 2035.

    Tout cela exige des efforts particuliers en terme de sources innovantes de financement.

    Excellences,

    À bien des égards, l’avenir du système multilatéral dépend du financement du développement.

    Il en va de notre conviction que le règlement des problèmes mondiaux – tels que la pauvreté, la faim et la crise climatique – demande des solutions mondiales.

    Tirons le meilleur parti de ce moment charnière, alors que nous nous préparons pour la conférence de Séville.

    Maintenons nos ambitions à la hauteur des enjeux, et agissons pour les populations et pour la planète.

    Et je vous remercie.

    ***
    [All-English]

    Mr. President of the General Assembly, Mr. President of ECOSOC,

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    This year’s ECOSOC Forum comes at a pivotal time.

    We are in the final stretch of preparations for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla.

    And we face some harsh truths. 

    The harsh truth of donors pulling the plug on aid commitments and delivery at historic speed and scale.

    The harsh truth of trade barriers being erected at a dizzying pace.

    The harsh truth that the Sustainable Development Goals are dramatically off track, exacerbated by an annual financing gap of an estimated $4 trillion.

    And the harsh truth of prohibitively high borrowing costs that are draining away public investments in everything from education and health systems, to social protection, infrastructure and the energy transition.

    But there’s another, much larger — and more dangerous — truth underlying all these challenges:

    The harsh truth that global collaboration is being actively questioned.

    Look no further than trade wars. 

    Trade — fair trade — is a prime example of the benefits of international cooperation.

    And trade barriers are a clear and present danger to the global economy and sustainable development – as demonstrated in recent sharply lower forecasts by the International Monetary Fund, UNCTAD, the World Trade Organization and many others.

    In a trade war, everybody loses — especially the most vulnerable countries and people, who are hit the hardest.

    Excellencies,

    Against this turbulent background, we cannot let our financing for development ambitions get swept away.

    With just five years to reach the Sustainable Development Goals, we need to shift into overdrive.  

    That includes making good on the commitments countries made in the Pact for the Future in September:

    From an SDG stimulus to help countries invest in their people…

    To vital and long-awaited reforms to the global financial architecture…

    To the Pact’s clear commitments to open, fair and rules-based trade…

    To its call for an analysis of the impact of military expenditures on the achievement of the SDGs, with a final report out by September…

    To the Pact’s urging for an ambitious outcome to July’s Conference on Financing for Development.

    As you continue negotiations on the draft outcome document for Sevilla, I push for action in three key areas.

    First — on debt.

    When applied smartly and fairly, debt can be an ally of development.

    Instead, it has become a villain.

    In many developing countries, gains are getting crushed under the weight of debt service, siphoning away investments in education, health and infrastructure.

    And the problem is getting worse.

    Debt service for developing economies has soared past $1.4 trillion a year.

    Debt service now exceeds 10 per cent of government revenue in more than 50 developing countries — and more than 20 per cent in 17 countries — a clear warning sign of default.

    The Sevilla Conference should emerge with a commitment by Member States to lower the cost of borrowing, improve debt restructuring, and prevent crises from taking hold.

    This includes establishing a dedicated facility to help developing countries manage their liabilities and enhance liquidity in times of crisis.

    The G20 must also continue its work to speed up the Common Framework for Debt Treatments and expand support for countries that are currently ineligible — including middle-income countries in difficulties.

    And credit ratings agencies need to rethink ratings methodologies that drive up borrowing costs for developing countries.

    At the same time, the IMF and World Bank should push forward on reforming debt assessments to account for sustainable development investments and climate risks.

    These proposals and the many others contained in the draft outcome document provide an ambitious roadmap to help developing countries use debt in a constructive and sustainable way.

    Second — we need to unlock the full potential of our international financial institutions.

    If finance is the fuel of development, Multilateral Development Banks are its engine.

    And this engine needs revving up. 

    We will keep pushing to triple the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks, making them bigger and bolder, as called for in the draft outcome document.

    This includes recapitalization, stretching their balance sheets and substantially increasing their capacity to mobilize private finance at reasonable costs for developing countries.

    We must ensure that concessional finance is deployed where it is most needed.

    And we need to see that developing countries are represented fairly — and have a voice — in the governance of these institutions they depend on.

    And third — we need concrete action to increase all streams of finance.

    Yes, these are tough times.

    But it is in difficult periods that the imperative for responsible, sustainable investment is even more critical. 

    At the country level, governments need to strengthen the mobilization of domestic resources and channel them towards critical systems like education, health and infrastructure…

    To work with private sector partners to increase blended finance options…

    And to scale-up the fight against corruption and illicit financial flows.

    At the global level, we must keep working to shape an inclusive and effective global tax regime, and ensure that international taxation rules are applied fairly and effectively.

    Donors must keep their promises on official development assistance, and ensure those precious resources reach developing countries.  

    For our part, we will fully deploy our UN Country Teams to work with host governments to channel the maximum amount of resources towards sustainable development at the national and regional levels.
     
    And we will use every opportunity — including COP30 in Brazil — to call on leaders to identify innovative sources of climate finance for developing countries leading to the mobilization of $1.3 trillion annually by 2035. 

    All this requires a focus on innovative sources of finance.  

    Excellencies,

    In many ways, financing for development is integral to the future of the multilateral system.

    It’s about our conviction in the power of global solutions to global problems like poverty, hunger and the climate crisis.

    Let’s make the most of this critical moment as we prepare for Sevilla.

    Let’s keep our ambitions high and deliver for people and planet.

    And I thank you.

    ***
    [All-French]

    Monsieur le Président de l’Assemblée générale, Monsieur le Président de l’ECOSOC,

    Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

    Le Forum du Conseil économique et social de cette année tombe à un moment charnière.

    Les préparatifs de la quatrième Conférence internationale sur le financement du développement, qui se tiendra à Séville, entrent dans leur dernière ligne droite.

    Parallèlement, nous nous heurtons à de dures réalités :

    Des donateurs qui reviennent sur leurs engagements et renoncent à verser l’aide promise à une vitesse et à une ampleur sans précédent ;

    Des barrières commerciales qui sont érigées à un rythme effréné ;

    Des objectifs de développement durable qui sont encore bien loin d’être atteints et qui pâtissent d’un déficit de financement annuel estimé à 4 000 milliards de dollars ;

    Ou encore des coûts d’emprunt prohibitifs qui tarissent les investissements publics dans tous les domaines, de l’éducation et des systèmes de santé à la protection sociale, en passant par les infrastructures et la transition énergétique.

    Mais il y a une autre réalité – bien plus importante et bien plus dangereuse – qui est à la base de tous ces problèmes.

    Cette réalité, c’est la remise en question de la collaboration internationale.

    Inutile de chercher un exemple bien loin : prenons les guerres commerciales.

    Le commerce – un commerce équitable – illustre parfaitement les avantages de la coopération internationale.

    Les barrières commerciales constituent un danger réel et immédiat pour l’économie mondiale et le développement durable – comme le montrent les récentes prévisions en forte baisse du Fonds monétaire international, de la CNUCED, de l’Organisation mondiale du commerce et de bien d’autres organismes.

    L’Organisation mondiale du commerce prévoit déjà que le commerce international de marchandises se contractera de 0,2 % cette année – un revirement brutal par rapport à la hausse de 2,9 % enregistrée l’année dernière.

    Dans une guerre commerciale, tout le monde est perdant, en particulier les pays et les populations les plus vulnérables, qui sont les plus durement touchés.

    Excellences,

    Dans ce contexte mouvementé, nous ne pouvons laisser s’envoler nos ambitions en matière de financement du développement.

    Il ne reste que cinq ans pour atteindre les objectifs de développement durable ; il nous faut donc passer à la vitesse supérieure.

    Il faut notamment honorer les engagements pris par les pays dans le cadre du Pacte pour l’avenir en septembre :

    Du plan de relance des objectifs de développement durable, qui vise à aider les pays à investir dans leurs populations…

    Aux réformes vitales et longuement attendues de l’architecture financière mondiale…

    Aux engagements clairs pris dans le Pacte en faveur d’un commerce ouvert, équitable et régi par des règles…

    À l’analyse qui y est préconisée de l’impact des dépenses militaires sur la réalisation des objectifs de développement durable, qui fera l’objet d’un rapport final publié d’ici à septembre…

    Et au résultat ambitieux qui y est fixé pour la Conférence internationale sur le financement du développement de juillet.

    Alors que les négociations sur le projet de document final de Séville se poursuivent, j’insiste pour que des mesures soient prises dans trois domaines clés.

    Premièrement, la dette.

    Lorsqu’elle est exploitée de manière intelligente et équitable, la dette peut être une alliée du développement.

    Or, elle est devenue une ennemie.

    Dans bon nombre de pays en développement, les acquis obtenus dans le domaine du développement croulent sous le poids du service de la dette, qui ponctionne les investissements dans l’éducation, la santé et les infrastructures.

    Et le problème ne fait qu’empirer.

    Le service de la dette des économies en développement s’est envolé à plus de 1 400 milliards de dollars par an.

    Il dépasse aujourd’hui de 10 % les recettes publiques dans plus de 50 pays en développement – et plus de 20 % dans 17 pays – un signe évident de défaillance.

    À l’issue de la conférence de Séville, les États Membres devraient s’engager à réduire le coût des emprunts, à mieux restructurer la dette et à empêcher les crises de perdurer.

    Pour ce faire, il faudra notamment mettre en place un dispositif pour aider les pays en développement à gérer leurs dettes et à améliorer leur situation de trésorerie en temps de crise.

    Le G20 doit également poursuivre ses travaux afin d’accélérer la mise en œuvre du Cadre commun pour le traitement de la dette et d’apporter un plus grand appui aux pays qui ne remplissent pas les conditions requises pour bénéficier de l’Initiative de suspension du service de la dette, notamment les pays à revenu intermédiaire.

    En outre, les agences de notation doivent revoir leurs méthodes, qui font grimper les coûts d’emprunt pour les pays en développement.

    Dans le même temps, le FMI et la Banque mondiale devraient faire avancer la réforme de l’évaluation de la dette de sorte que les investissements dans le développement durable et les risques climatiques soient pris en compte.

    Ces propositions, comme les nombreuses autres propositions faites dans le projet de document final, constituent un plan d’action ambitieux devant aider les pays en développement à utiliser la dette de manière constructive et durable.

    Deuxièmement, nos institutions financières internationales doivent pouvoir exploiter tout leur potentiel.

    Si le financement est le carburant du développement, les banques multilatérales de développement en sont le moteur.

    Et ce moteur doit être rendu plus performant.

    Nous continuerons à faire pression pour tripler la capacité de prêt des banques multilatérales de développement, en les agrandissant et en les rendant plus audacieuses, comme le prévoit le projet de document final.

    Il s’agit notamment d’augmenter leur capital, d’étendre leurs bilans et d’accroître considérablement leur capacité à mobiliser des financements privés à des coûts raisonnables pour les pays en développement.

    Il faudra également veiller à ce que des financements à des conditions favorables soient accordés là où ils sont le plus nécessaires.

    Et il faudra que les pays en développement soient représentés équitablement – et aient voix au chapitre – dans la gouvernance de ces institutions, dont ils dépendent.

    Troisièmement, nous devons prendre des mesures concrètes pour augmenter tous les flux de financement.

    Oui, les temps sont durs.

    Mais c’est d’autant plus dans les périodes difficiles qu’un investissement responsable et durable s’impose.

    Au niveau national, les gouvernements doivent mobiliser davantage de ressources internes et les diriger vers des systèmes essentiels tels que l’éducation, la santé et les infrastructures…

    Ils doivent collaborer avec des partenaires privés pour multiplier les options de financement mixte…

    Et intensifier la lutte contre la corruption et les flux financiers illicites.

    Au niveau mondial, nous devons poursuivre nos efforts en vue d’établir un régime fiscal mondial inclusif et efficace, et veiller à ce que les règles fiscales internationales soient effectivement et équitablement appliquées.
    Les donateurs doivent tenir leurs promesses en matière d’aide publique au développement et s’assurer que ces précieuses ressources parviennent aux pays en développement.

    Pour notre part, nous donnerons aux équipes de pays des Nations Unies tous les moyens pour collaborer avec les gouvernements hôtes, afin qu’un maximum de ressources soit affecté au développement durable aux niveaux national et régional.

    Et nous saisirons toutes les occasions, y compris la COP30 au Brésil, pour demander aux dirigeants de trouver des sources innovantes de financement de l’action climatique dans les pays en développement – afin de mobiliser 1 300 milliards de dollars par an d’ici à 2035.

    Tout cela exige des efforts particuliers en terme de sources innovantes de financement.

    Excellences,

    À bien des égards, l’avenir du système multilatéral dépend du financement du développement.

    Il en va de notre conviction que le règlement des problèmes mondiaux – tels que la pauvreté, la faim et la crise climatique – demande des solutions mondiales.

    Tirons le meilleur parti de ce moment charnière, alors que nous nous préparons pour la conférence de Séville.

    Maintenons nos ambitions à la hauteur des enjeux, et agissons pour les populations et pour la planète.

    Et je vous remercie.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Record Attendance at 30th Annual NREL Industry Growth Forum as Innovation Soars

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory


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    History was made this year at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Industry Growth Forum (IGF), and not only because it celebrated the 30th anniversary of the event. The IGF also reached a record high number for attendance: more than 1,000 people

    “Thank you all for being here for this milestone anniversary,” NREL Director Martin Keller said during his welcoming remarks. “For 30 years, this forum has brought together the energy ecosystem. You help NREL understand industry challenges, refine our research priorities to address real-world needs, and accelerate market adoption of new technologies. NREL benefits from your market insights and challenges, and you benefit from our technical expertise and research capabilities. This two-way exchange is why the IGF has thrived for 30 years.”

    Held March 26–28, 2025, at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Denver, Colorado, the event featured several new opportunities for investors, startups, and other industry professionals. The theme of the event was unlocking value, inspiring the creation of original programming aimed at leveraging the power of the IGF.

    More than 1,000 people attended the 2025 NREL Industry Growth Forum. Photo by Kira Vos

    Attendees focused on bringing innovative energy solutions to the market, including battery construction, novel ways to power buildings, and maximizing energy efficiency to lower costs. The event included new programs such as a reverse pitch session, a spotlight of companies that are part of NREL’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) portfolio, Growth Stage dialogues, resource roundtables, and more.

    “What a difference 30 years makes,” IEC Director Trish Cozart said during her opening remarks. “Since the first NREL Industry Growth Forum, we’ve increased the size of the event by tenfold, and while our computers are eight orders of magnitude more powerful than they were 30 years ago, one thing that has not changed is that the key to unlocking value in this business is people. No matter how much compute power we build, I believe 30 years from now, we will still be sitting across the table talking to each other.”

    Networking has always been at the core of IGF, and this year was no different with nearly 3,000 meetings held. The marquee event for many attendees was the one-on-one meetings between startups and investors. During this 3.5-hour session, each startup and investor had 10 minutes to talk during each prescheduled meeting before moving on to the next.

    The IGF also featured a competition where 52 different presenters pitched in front of panels of investor judges and then received questions and scores from the judges. The pitch competition awarded top ventures across several stages: Growth, Commercialization, Pre-Commercialization, and Early. Other categories awarded included Best International Venture (for the first time), People’s Choice, and Best Overall Venture.

    First-Time Attending Startup Seeks Connections

    One of those participating in the Early-Stage pitch competition was first-time IGF attendee Michael Solomentsev, co-founder and CEO of Palanquin Power. Solomentsev is also in NREL’s Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program, West Gate. Palanquin helps make data centers more efficient using advanced power electronics, and Solomentsev often describes the technology by pointing to a laptop charger.

    Michael Solomentsev, co-founder and CEO of Palanquin Power, delivers his pitch during his session at the IGF. Solomentsev is also in NREL’s Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program, West Gate. Photo from Kira Vos

    “With that type of device, you don’t really care if it’s 80% or 90% efficient,” Solomentsev said. “But a data center has the same need for power conversion, and each percentage point means much more power on that scale, so they have a huge premium for efficiency. Our approach enables efficiencies that no one else can achieve.”

    West Gate provides participants technical support via a two-year program at NREL, working with experts to help further develop technology. Solomentsev has about 18 months left in the program, and leading up to the IGF, he was very excited about the one-on-one meetings.

    “Meeting that many investors and who are in the particular niche I inhabit, it’s worth its weight in gold,” Solomentsev said.

    Long-Time Investor Advises Multiple Entrepreneurs

    Tim Woodward, managing director of Prelude Ventures, began coming to the IGF just after its creation in the 1990s. His firm typically funds companies before first revenue with a Seed or Series A check and continues the relationship through commercialization to scaling.

    “There really isn’t another event that happens at this scale that brings this many investors and companies together,” he said. “There isn’t an equivalent.”

    Over the years, Woodward has acted multiple times as a member of the selection committee that chooses the startups to present at the event).

    “I’ve been coming to this for almost all 30 years,” Woodward said. “From a gathering of 50 to 100 investors and startups to more than 1,000 people today, it’s really become the place to be for industry investors and startups.”

    Accelerator Looks for Technologies To Take Home

    Suzanna Caldwell, tech deployment track manager for Launch Alaska, came to the IGF seeking to expand her program’s reach. Launch Alaska, based in Anchorage, is an eight-month accelerator program for companies to develop technologies in the Alaska environment.

    “It’s always great when you find a technology and the innovators are interested in Alaska,” Caldwell said. “It’s amazing to make those connections in a place like this far from home. It’s inspiring. At the end of it, I walk away saying: ‘Wow, this is such a cool space.’”

    Several companies in the Launch Alaska portfolio came to this year’s IGF, which Caldwell thinks is an invaluable experience for both her accelerator and the innovators.

    “I don’t know of other conferences that are like this,” she said, “that bring together so much diversity in the marketplace. I’m really impressed by NREL’s ability to bring this together.”

    Bob O’Connor, a partner in the Wilson Sonsini law firm, gave the keynote speech at the closing session. Photo from Kira Vos

    Startup Service Provider Keeps Coming Back Each Year

    Law firm Wilson Sonsini began sponsoring the IGF several years ago. Bob O’Connor, a partner in the law firm, said the relationship dates back to 2003, when one of the first innovative energy technology companies he represented also happened to be a spinoff that was commercializing NREL-created technology.

    “People come to the IGF in order to ascertain what’s next,” O’Connor said. “It is a bit like coming home in many respects. It’s always a great opportunity to see all the key players in the industry catching up and sharing stories, vulnerabilities, and accomplishments. I’ve always thought of NREL as quite literally the most optimistic place on earth. If you aren’t sure we as a community, or as an industry, can meet the challenges ahead of us, come to IGF. The answers are probably here!”

    O’Connor gave a keynote address on Friday, March 28, where he focused on what NREL means to the community.

    “NREL brings us optimism, and optimism requires resilience. Optimism doesn’t come cheap,” O’Connor said. “Yet, resilience is an opportunity, and that is why the community is rallying around NREL. To me, NREL is resilience.”

    Resource Roundtables were among the several new programs offered at the 2025 IGF. Photo from Kira Vos

    New Programs Offer New Opportunities

    Solomentsev took part in several of the new programs at this year’s IGF, including the IEC Spotlight session. This invite-only event brought together investors and industry professionals for special pitches from 10 startups that came from IEC programs such as the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2), the Shell GameChanger Powered by NREL (GCxN), West Gate, and Chevron Studio.

    The spotlight was just one of several new programs. The others included:

    • Industry Reverse Pitches: In addition to the regular pitch competition, the IGF hosted a reverse pitch session during the event. Executives with Wells Fargo, Shell, Fortescue, National Grid, Halliburton Labs, and Chevron gave short presentations about what they are looking for from startups to advance their businesses and when considering what to invest in.
    • Resource Roundtables: Hosted by service providers, these sessions included advice from lawyers, accountants, and technical analysis companies. Advisors chose topics and answered questions from startups based on their areas of expertise.
    • Growth Stage Dialogues: Companies pitching in the Growth Stage met with investors and other stakeholders for 25-minute sessions outside of the pitch competition. The conversations delved into legal issues, insurance questions, and how to bring in partners.
    • International Competition: Earlier in 2025, NREL held, a virtual competition for organizations headquartered outside of the United States, Canada, and Europe. The winner, Ampersand, based out of Kigali, Rwanda, was invited to pitch at the in-person IGF, where the company also earned the award for Best Growth Venture.
    • Developer University: As a customized offering for the IGF, project development and project finance experts from CREO, Spring Lane Capital, and Wilson Sonsini delivered a snapshot of their Developer University curriculum. The morning session provided attendees with a crash course on the practical tools and strategies used for project development and the finance and legal structures that enable first-of-a-kind energy deployments. 
    • NREL Tech Talks: Startups and investors alike benefited from discussions with NREL researchers who shared the state of innovation in 30-minute talks spanning across advanced solar manufacturing, built environment, the grid, critical materials and batteries.
    Attendees at the Industry Growth Forum participated in nearly 3,000 meetings over the course of the event. Photo by Kira Vos

    Face-to-Face Meetings Encourage Innovation

    Nearly 3,000 meetings were held at this year’s IGF, many of them during the must-attend one-on-one sessions. A longtime IGF attendee, Woodward treats the one-on-one sessions like office hours.

    “In a perfect world, you come across a company that’s interesting and that you want to continue to do due diligence on, and that ultimately leads to an investment,” he said.

    Two of the companies Woodward met with early on are from the West Gate portfolio. He asked pointed questions, tracking responses to challenges and opportunities. His advice for innovators remained consistent.

    “Control what you can control, keep your head down, plug away, and build a good team,” he said.

    Solomentsev met with 15 to 20 investors during the IGF, many of them during the one-on-one session.

    Palanquin Power CEO Michael Solomentsev (left) met with 15 to 20 investors, many during the one-on-one meeting session. Photo by Kira Vos

    “It was really high value,” he said. “I loved the one-on-ones; I loved meeting a lot of people. I like learning about what other people are doing, and some of my most pleasant conversations are the ones with zero stakes where you’re just talking to another startup and then maybe there’s an introduction or a lead that comes out of that.”

    The meetings at the IGF saved him months of work, by bringing everyone together as only NREL can.

    “The reputation of the event, of NREL and the IEC, and their ability to attract great people and get them to come to Denver for this is unparalleled,” Solomentsev said.

    The Incubator/Accelerator Open House took place at the same time as the one-on-one meetings. The open house provided an opportunity for incubators and accelerators to set up tables in the expo hall and connect with startups, investors, and other IGF attendees to share information about their organizations and services.

    “That was so great for me,” Caldwell said. “If I wasn’t able to schedule time with folks, I could at least connect with them then, make eye contact, and say hello because everyone is friendly and willing to support you. Even if you meet someone that’s outside of the sphere you’re working in, there’s probably connections to be made.”

    Six startups won awards at the 2025 IGF. Photo from Kira Vos

    Award Winners and Beyond

    Before the closing remarks of the conference, Cozart announced the winners of the pitch competition awards. Solomentsev was among the winners, earning the Best Early Venture award for Palanquin Power.

    “I’m very excited—I’m very happy to have won the award,” Solomentsev said. “It is very nice to get some sort of validation that people think the core business is a big enough opportunity.”

    Learn more about the winners.

    “I hope this forum has brought you promising new connections and opportunities,” Cozart said during the closing remarks. “Startups out there, you see things that other people can’t see. Investors, you are bold because you believe in a future that only innovators can see. I look around this room and I see the future. I can’t wait to see the value that’s unlocked from the last couple of days.”

    To learn more about the IGF, visit www.nrelforum.com.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Spark (Beta) is Live

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Lightspark is launching Spark.

    It started as a small experiment inside the Lightspark offices. But very quickly, it became the thing the team couldn’t stop thinking about. After years of building on Bitcoin and Lightning — trying everything and running into walls — Spark felt like a breakthrough. Once the team had their first internal MVP, they knew there was no turning back.

    Now it’s real.

    Spark is the fastest, cheapest, and most UX-friendly way to build financial apps and issue assets on Bitcoin.

    It’s a high-speed payment and settlement stack for Bitcoin — a trust-minimized protocol that lets you move Bitcoin and Bitcoin-native assets, like stablecoins, instantly and at near-zero cost. All natively on Bitcoin, with no bridges or wrapping.

    Built for developers

    Spark is lightweight, efficient, and designed for developers who want to move fast without compromising Bitcoin’s core strengths.

    The team has spent the last few months working with partners to design the best developer experience possible. Today, Lightspark is shipping two SDKs that hide all the messy parts — so you can just build.

    • Wallet SDK —> Build Bitcoin-native wallets in minutes.
    • Issuer SDK —> Mint, send, and manage Bitcoin-native assets directly on Bitcoin.

    With Spark, developers can:

    • Move BTC and Bitcoin-native assets (including stablecoins) instantly, at near-zero cost.
    • Build self-custodial wallets and apps that onboard users in seconds.
    • Interoperate natively with Bitcoin and Lightning, without additional infrastructure.
    • Issue Bitcoin-native assets for any use case — from stablecoins to new financial primitives.
    • Unlock new Bitcoin-native use cases — swaps, lending, rewards, stablecoins, and more.

    It’s early

    This is a beta. Things will break. Some parts will feel rough. You’ll hit limits the team already know about — and probably some the team don’t.

    Spark is not finished. But it’s real enough, fast enough, and powerful enough that it’s worth your time to start building.

    Lightspark will be moving fast, listening hard, and shipping relentlessly. Your feedback will help make Spark better.

    Start building today

    If you’re interested in building a wallet, a payment app, moving money on Bitcoin, or working anywhere at the intersection of money and technology — the best way to get a feel for Spark is to dive into the docs → https://docs.spark.info/

    If you have any questions or feedback, tag Spark on X or reach out directly through the site. Spark is moving fast — and would love to hear what you’re thinking and building.

    The MIL Network