Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
This article summarises free education and training available to Canberrans.
Support is available to children and students, as well as adults looking to change careers or upskill.
Free education is available for Canberrans looking to start their career, change direction or upskill.
Students and those returning to work can also access support.
This is not an exhaustive list of free education in Canberra.
Free three-year-old preschool
Canberra families can access free preschool for children who are three years old. Canberra families can use preschool for free. They get up to 300 hours each year.
This equates to about six hours per week, generating an average saving of $1329 per child for eligible families.
For information on which Childhood Education and Care services across Canberra offer the free three-year-old preschool program visit act.gov.au/education.
Free TAFE is jointly funded by the ACT and Australian Governments.
Free TAFE offers free training courses through CIT for people who want to learn, retrain or upskill.
The courses on offer address skills shortages across essential in-demand sectors such as:
This grants program supports women who have been out of the workforce for more than six months to re-enter the workforce.
A grant of up to $1,000 is available to eligible woman who meet the criteria.
The grants can be used for:
courses
resources for study
work clothing.
Grant recipients also get a one-on-one mentoring session that offers:
links to education and training opportunities
employment support.
Work Experience and Support program
The Work Experience and Support program helps multicultural Canberrans who are unemployed.
This program provides recipients a chance to:
build your skills and knowledge
experience an Australian workplace
improve your job seeking confidence and competitiveness
build a network of contacts in the ACT public service.
The program runs full-time over 12 weeks. Successful participants will get a Certificate II in Workplace Skills from CIT.
There are two application rounds per year. Find out more at act.gov.au.
Adult and Community Education JobTrainer grants program
The JobTrainer program assists Canberrans facing challenges in learning, training, and employment.
It aims to help them develop essential skills needed to participate effectively in the labour market and contribute to Canberra’s economic growth.
The programs are for participants aged 17 years or older and not enrolled in or attending a school, college or other program leading to the completion of Year 12.
Libraries ACT’s digital resources
Libraries ACT has a huge inventory of digital learning and educational materials for people of all ages.
From learning to read, vocabulary or story time in languages other than English. Libraries ACT offers a huge range of learning resources.
Canberrans can access:
a huge range of kid’s resources
newspapers, magazines and comics
arts and crafts instructional videos
English and foreign language resources.
Stay up to date with news and events in the ACT, sign up to our email newsletter:Subscribe to OurCBR.
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3D Systems’ applications expertise, technologies foundational to research projects led by Penn State, Arizona State & NASA Glenn Research Center
Additive manufacturing enabling novel titanium and nitinol passive heat pipes for space applications with 50% reduced weight enabling more efficient thermal management
Researchers advance state-of-the-art for thermal management of CubeSats with projected 6× greater deployed-to-stowed-area ratio with one of the first additively manufactured shape memory alloy (nitinol) radiators
3D Systems’ solutions accelerating the adoption of additive manufacturing use in space applications — a total addressable market anticipated to reach nearly $4 billion by 2030
ROCK HILL, S.C., June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, 3D Systems (NYSE: DDD) announced the Company is collaborating with researchers from Penn State University and Arizona State University on two projects sponsored by the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) intended to enable ground-breaking alternatives to current thermal management solutions. Severe temperature fluctuations in space can damage sensitive spacecraft components, resulting in mission failure. By combining deep applications expertise with 3D Systems’ leading additive manufacturing (AM) solutions comprising Direct Metal Printing (DMP) technology and tailored materials and Oqton’s 3DXpert® software, the teams are engineering sophisticated thermal management solutions for the demands of next-generation satellites and space exploration. The project led by researchers with Penn State University, Arizona State University, and the NASA Glenn Research Center1 in collaboration with 3D Systems’ Application Innovation Group (AIG) has resulted in processes to build embedded high-temperature passive heat pipes in heat rejection radiators that are additively manufactured in titanium. These heat pipe radiators are 50% lighter per area with increased operating temperatures compared with current state-of-the-art radiators, allowing them to radiate heat more efficiently for high power systems. Additionally, a project led by researchers at Penn State University and NASA Glenn Research Center2 with 3D Systems’ AIG yielded a process to additively manufacture one of the first functional parts using nickel titanium (nitinol) shape memory alloys that can be passively actuated and deployed when heated. This passive shape memory alloy (SMA) radiator is projected to yield a deployed-to-stowed area ratio that is 6× larger than currently available solutions, enabling future high-power communications and science missions in restricted CubeSat volume. When deployed on spacecraft, such as satellites, these radiators can raise operating power levels and reduce thermal stress on sensitive components, preventing failures and prolonging satellite lifespan.
Traditionally, heat pipes have been manufactured with complex processes to form porous internal wick structures that passively circulate fluid for efficient heat transfer. Using Oqton’s 3DXpert® software, the Penn State/Arizona State/NASA Glenn/3D Systems project team embedded an integral porous network within the walls of the heat pipes, avoiding subsequent manufacturing steps and resulting variability. Monolithic heat pipe radiators were manufactured in titanium and nitinol on 3D Systems’ DMP technology. The titanium-water heat pipe radiator prototypes were successfully operated at temperatures of 230°C and weigh 50% less (3 kg/m2 versus over 6 kg/m2), meeting NASA goals for heat transfer efficiency and reduced cost to launch for space-based applications.
The Penn State/NASA Glenn/3D Systems team is also pushing the boundaries of what is possible with metal AM by developing a process to 3D print passively deployed radiators with shape memory alloys. The chemistry of these materials can be tuned to change shape with application of heat. SMAs can withstand repeated deformation cycles without fatigue and exhibit excellent stress recovery. The team again used 3DXpert to design the deployable spoke structure of the radiator. This was then 3D printed in nitinol (NiTi), a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy, using 3D Systems’ DMP technology. When affixed to a spacecraft such as a satellite, this device can be passively actuated and deployed when heated by fluid inside, thus removing the need for motors or other conventional actuation in space. The passive shape memory alloy radiator developed by the team offers transformative advances with projected deployed-to-stowed area ratio that is 6× larger than what is currently considered state-of-the-art (12× versus 2×) and 70% lighter (<6 kg/m2 versus 19 kg/m2).
“Our long-standing R&D partnership with 3D Systems has enabled pioneering research for the use of 3D printing for aerospace applications,” said Alex Rattner, associate professor, The Pennsylvania State University. “The collective expertise in both aerospace engineering and additive manufacturing is allowing us to explore advanced design strategies that are pushing the boundaries of what is considered state-of-the-art. When we complement this with the software capabilities of 3DXpert as well as the low oxygen environment in 3D Systems’ DMP platform, we are able to produce novel parts in exotic materials that enable dramatically improved performance.”
“3D Systems has decades of leadership developing additive manufacturing solutions to transform the aerospace industry,” said Dr. Mike Shepard, vice president, aerospace & defense, 3D Systems. “Thermal management in the space environment is an ideal application for our DMP technology. These latest projects, in collaboration with the teams at Penn State, Arizona State, and NASA Glenn Research Center, demonstrate the potential of our DMP technology to create lightweight, functional parts that advance the state-of-the-art in thermal management for spacecraft applications. Thermal management is an extremely common engineering challenge and the DMP process can deliver solutions that are effective for many industries including aerospace, automotive, and high-performance computing/AI datacenters.”
According to Research and Markets3, the global market for additive manufacturing in the aerospace industry was estimated at $1.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $3.8 billion by 2030. Additive manufacturing is making a significant impact by enabling the production of airworthy parts with reduced weight and improved performance. In the last decade alone, 3D Systems has worked alongside aerospace industry leaders to produce more than 2,000 structural titanium or aluminum alloy components for space flight, and over 200 critical passive RF flight parts. There are currently more than 15 satellites in orbit with 3D Systems-produced flight hardware on board. For more information, please visit the Company’s website.
Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made in this release that are not statements of historical or current facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from historical results or from any future results or projections expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In many cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “believes,” “belief,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “estimates,” “intends,” “anticipates” or “plans” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are based upon management’s beliefs, assumptions, and current expectations and may include comments as to the company’s beliefs and expectations as to future events and trends affecting its business and are necessarily subject to uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of the company. The factors described under the headings “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as other factors, could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected or predicted in forward-looking statements. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not, and should not be relied upon as a guarantee of future performance or results, nor will they necessarily prove to be accurate indications of the times at which such performance or results will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included are made only as of the date of the statement. 3D Systems undertakes no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statements made by management or on its behalf, whether as a result of future developments, subsequent events or circumstances or otherwise, except as required by law.
About 3D Systems For nearly 40 years, Chuck Hull’s curiosity and desire to improve the way products were designed and manufactured gave birth to 3D printing, 3D Systems, and the additive manufacturing industry. Since then, that same spark continues to ignite the 3D Systems team as we work side-by-side with our customers to change the way industries innovate. As a full-service solutions partner, we deliver industry-leading 3D printing technologies, materials and software to high-value markets such as medical and dental; aerospace, space and defense; transportation and motorsports; AI infrastructure; and durable goods. Each application-specific solution is powered by the expertise and passion of our employees who endeavor to achieve our shared goal of Transforming Manufacturing for a Better Future. More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com.
Self-Portrait by J.M.W Turner (1799) and an engraving of Austen by William Home Lizars (1869).Wiki Commons, CC BY-SA
Harewood House, with its impressive history and classic English beauty, is a magnificent place to visit in Leeds, west Yorkshire. The house frequently hosts remarkable exhibitions and cultural events devoted to art, poetry and history.
This time, its doors are open for a new exhibition Austen and Turner: A Country House Encounter, which marks the 250th anniversaries of the landscape painter J.M.W. Turner and the novelist Jane Austen.
The anniversaries have presented an opportunity for the co-curators of Harewood House Trust and the Centre for Eighteenth Century Studies at the University of York to unite the incredible works of two outstanding personalities of the Regency era.
Their masterpieces reflect their common engagement with the cultural and societal significance of British country houses and their landscapes. Though the pair seem to have never met, the expressiveness of Turner’s paintings are complemented by the literary richness of Austen’s manuscripts.
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The exhibition creatively highlights the common threads within Austen and Turner’s work through shared themes. The first is Austen Meets Turner, which explores how Austen and Turner’s interests and experiences intersected in the country estates that inspired their works.
I was especially struck by Harewood House from the North East (1797). Turner captured the magnificent building with such softness and light. The painting makes the landscape feel peaceful and alive, showing his ability to transform a real place into something almost dreamlike.
It highlights the grandeur of the landed aristocracy of the time, symbolising wealth, influence and a strong social hierarchy that was rooted in land ownership. Austen also used houses as symbols of status and wealth in her novels. Pemberley in Pride and Prejudice (1813), for example, reflects the class, riches and style of the love interest, Mr Darcy.
Another theme that attracted my attention was Encounters with Austen and Turner, located at the heart of the Harewood House library. Here, among the letters is another of his well-known paintings, Harewood Castle from the South East (1798). A visit to the exhibition can be complemented by a short walk to the real castle ruins in the Harewood grounds.
You just cannot take your eyes off this painting. Turner captures the ruin bathed in soft, natural light, blending the architectural detail of the castle with the surrounding pastoral landscape. His delicate use of colour and atmospheric perspective evokes a sense of romantic nostalgia, highlighting the harmony between human history and nature – a key feature of his style.
Objects of genius
The theme Interior Worlds deserves special attention. It is especially engaging because it offers the opportunity to feel the presence of Austen and Turner through the very objects that once made them famous.
Turner’s travelling watercolour box from 1842, for example, was made by the artist using two cards attached to a linen cloth. It was designed to hold a new kind of watercolour block, variations of which are still manufactured today.
Another such item is the original handwritten version of Austen’s unfinished novel Sanditon, penned during the last months of her life in 1817.
A first edition of Sense and Sensibility is also on show, with a fascinating explanation of the history behind its creation. Originally titled Elinor and Marianne and written in 1795, it was intended to be a novel in letters. But Austen later revised the text, and the version as we know it was published anonymously in 1811.
Finally, a collection of period costumes from Austen adaptations makes this exhibition truly memorable. An impressive collection of costumes from Sense and Sensibility (1995), Pride and Prejudice (1995) and Emma (2020) are on display.
Each garment reflects the elegance and social nuance of the Regency era, bringing Austen’s characters vividly to life. The craftsmanship and historical detail in the costumes evoke a sense of timeless charm that deepen the viewer’s connection to the novels.
This incredible exhibition is sure to move everyone who really wishes to engage with the high art and experience the historical spirit of the Regency era.
Oksana Hubina works at the School of English, University of Leeds. She receives funding from the British Academy in the field of the humanities.
Climate professionals, people who work in roles which address climate change, are often criticised for what they eat or how they travel. Criticism of lifestyle choices by colleagues, family members or even strangers can be demotivating. Worse, it can hinder efforts towards building a sustainable future.
As more people start working in sustainability, both in traditional sectors such as climate researchers or public health professionals and within other workspaces where sustainability is embedded into an existing role, this type of criticism is in danger of becoming more familiar.
Climate change affects everyone, whether we like to admit it or not. It can be overwhelming to know how best to act on all the advice about living more sustainably. In fact, increased knowledge about what is necessary for a sustainable lifestyle can be paralysing, and prevent someone from taking action.
Of course, many of us do want to live more sustainably. But some people may feel restricted by the efforts and costs of taking these extra steps to change multiple aspects of our busy daily lives.
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Instead of revamping our own lifestyles, it can be easier to challenge those recommending these changes to our behaviour, to see if they are following their own rules.
Climate professionals know which choices are best for the environment. But when you see one of them flying to a UN climate summit, drinking from a plastic water bottle or caught red-handed eating a beef burger, how do you feel? Confused? Vindicated? Perhaps, relief? If the very people who are advising us how to live sustainably aren’t practising what they preach, does this absolve us of responsibility to act?
Whether intentional or not, holding climate professionals to unrealistic standards is a tactic which delays effective climate action. It slows down climate action by redirecting responsibility and foregrounding low-impact solutions.
Calling out the failure of climate professionals can emphasise the difficulties of sustainable living and reinforce the idea that slowing down climate change is impossible. You may think that these imperfections are a reflection on their hypocrisy and limits the integrity of their work. In reality, it’s an indication that we are all people operating in a broken system, no matter our expertise.
The report found that a system in which governments and businesses support and normalise sustainable behaviour would be far more effective than the weight of individuals taking action alone. And so, as a society, we need to value the work of those advocating for systems change, rather than scrutinising their lifestyle choices.
Ultimately, rich nations, wealthy people and fossil fuel companies are disproportionately to blame for climate change. However, their preferred narrative concerning the importance of individual action, rather than system change, prevails.
And this is nothing new. BP popularised the concept of a carbon footprint over 20 years ago. This displaced responsibility for environmental impact from large organisations and systems and towards citizens.
While people tend to view the impact of climate change as relevant to them, they may not be able to envisage a greener future. This is because people tend to focus on immediate effects rather than longer term outcomes. Short-term environmental policies can fuel this short-term thinking, preventing us from conceptualising a future that recovers from climate change.
Quick climate dictionary: the meaning of a carbon footprint.
Change from within the system
It’s easier to blame climate professionals for not sticking to their own advice, than to think about change at a higher level. But climate professionals must be part of the system to change the system, much to their frustration.
In fact, climate researchers like us actually fly more than researchers in other fields, because structural factors such as limited funding, accessibility of locations and professional pressures matter more than individual attitudes for reducing flights. How can we expect all the necessary voices to be at the table during international climate conferences if flying is the only feasible way for many to attend?
Some climate professionals do lead very impressive sustainable lifestyles. We should celebrate these efforts. But we need to dispel the expectation that all climate professionals have the resources to act the same within a broken system.
Remember, climate professionals are working towards a system which empowers all citizens to choose these sustainable lifestyles, including their own. For instance, some researchers are studying the positive climate impact of protected cycle lanes, producing evidence in support of their construction in cities worldwide.
Imagine if public transport and active travel were the most obvious choice for everyone. If you wanted to drive, then you would have to meticulously plan a route incorporating private transport lanes, or be prepared to adapt if they don’t exist. Which would you choose?
Climate professionals are experiencing a whole spectrum of emotions related to climate change, including feeling stuck between what they say and what they do. Focusing on their personal behaviour risks discrediting and devaluing important climate-focused work.
This can detract from valuable conversations about the urgent need for wider systemic change. The next time you speak to a climate professional, try not to catch them out. Instead, ask about their work and its influence on changing the system – we guarantee they will be more receptive.
Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
If you take your dog, cat or fish to see a vet in the UK, the person who treats them is likely to be a woman. According to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, 61% of current UK vets are female. University admissions are even more skewed. Among vets who had recently qualified, nearly 80% were female.
This wasn’t always the case. In the 1930s, when James Herriot – author of books including All Creatures Great and Small and for many the iconic British vet – was practising, almost all vets were male.
The women’s liberation movement of the 60s and 70s saw an influx of female vet students. You might expect a levelling of the playing field to lead to a profession now equally split between genders, but that isn’t so.
I teach veterinary clinical communication skills to veterinary students. My research relates to developing communication strategies that are effective across a wide range of cultures and social groups. However, vets are not very culturally diverse: as well as the majority being female, nearly all are heterosexual and white.
This can limit their experience and understanding of different perspectives. As part of a wider piece of research into student experience of communication, I have reviewed the history of veterinary demographics, with some surprising results.
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Historically, vets worked mainly in farms with large animals, for which clients perceived physical strength to be crucial. Increasing pet ownership means most vets now work with small animals.
This change in focus has altered society’s perception of veterinary work from “practical” to “caring”, and it has been suggested that this has discouraged boys from considering the profession. Veterinary salaries have also stagnated for some time, which may make the job less attractive to men.
There is very little research to support any of these theories, but the most relevant and largest study available comes from the US in 2010. When applications to vet schools across the country from the 1960s to early 2000s were reviewed, one factor predicted student choice: the more female students there were, the less likely males were to apply.
This is an understudied sociological phenomenon called “male flight” or “gender flight”. It seems that, in some professions at least, men lose interest once the number of women rises above 60%.
Another study of UK workplaces found the same thing when modelling various reasons for gender disparities. Men not choosing professions such as pharmacy and accountancy due to increased female presence was the best explanation.
These findings are concerning when connected with a UK study from 2018 called Drawing the Future. Thirteen thousand UK school children aged between seven and 11 were asked to draw pictures of their dream job. Researchers found that – perhaps unsurprisingly – dream jobs were strongly gendered, and that this happens from a young age.
“Vet” was third overall, a very popular job choice. But when you split that by gender, it was the second most popular job for girls, but only ninth for boys. This very much matches the gender balance of vet school applicants, so we can hypothesise that attitudes to being a vet are set early in life.
Need for diversity
Most diversity initiatives aim to reduce barriers for underrepresented groups. The veterinary profession isn’t nearly as diverse as it could be – only around 4% of vets come from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, compared to 18% of people in the UK population overall.
Various reasons for this have been suggested, including lack of representation and financial barriers. But we actually don’t know why this is; applications to veterinary medicine by non-white students are lower than for other degrees.
But in the case of gender, boys can become vets. They simply don’t want to.
There’s value of diversity in general within the veterinary profession. Vets don’t just work in clinics with pets: they also play a key public health role preventing disease in animal populations and ensuring the health and welfare of farm animals.
There are many animal charities that rely on vets to help support the human-animal bond, such as rescuing and rehoming animals, working with pets belonging to homeless people, or caring for the pets of people fleeing domestic violence. This means working with people from all over the UK, from all backgrounds.
Many studies of stress in the veterinary profession identify difficulties with communication as a key problem. Indeed, communication is highlighted as a key skill for veterinary students by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and many studies of veterinary education. But there lies a challenge common to homogeneous professions. Learning to communicate effectively with others is more difficult when there is less diversity.
This issue of gender flight has broader social implications. When men leave a profession due to increased numbers of women, wages tend to stagnate, which is a serious issue for students who frequently leave their five-year vet degrees with substantial debt.
One place to start might be looking at how young children view vets – and what might make it a profession to choose as a result of personal ability and preference, rather than social pressure.
Hamish Morrin 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.
The UK government recently announced plans to fund five small-scale trials related to geoengineering. It’s the first time a state research funding body has put serious money into what’s known as solar radiation management, or SRM, which seeks to cool the planet by reflecting more of the Sun’s energy back into space.
It’s easy to see why countries have been so hesitant to proceed with projects of this nature: SRM is highly controversial, even among scientists.
Deliberately altering the atmosphere, a shared global resource, is fraught with ethical, geopolitical and practical problems. It is and always has been a crazy idea.
However, many consider the failure to control carbon emissions means not intervening in this way is an even crazier idea. They consider it necessary to avert the collapse of ecosystems and society. Perhaps solar geoengineering is the price we must pay for our wholly inadequate climate change response to date.
The good news is that SRM may be able to deliver some progress relatively quickly. Earth has become slightly less reflective over the past few decades. That’s mostly thanks to reduced cloud cover (warmer oceans cause clouds above them to evaporate), but also thanks to less snow and ice, and a significant reduction in nasty-but-reflective shipping fuel pollutants.
By my calculations (based on data from US climate scientist James Hansen), this reduction in the reflectivity of Earth has caused as much warming as the 750 gigatonnes of CO₂ emitted since 2005. And while it will take decades to achieve significant global cooling through decarbonisation, it can be achieved relatively quickly by small increases in reflectivity.
Of the 21 projects being funded by Aria, the UK government’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency, five are likely to involve small-scale outdoor experiments. They account for about half the £57 million programme.
Three of the projects concern brightening clouds over the ocean, one explores a method of refreezing the Arctic and the fifth looks at a specific detail of injecting reflective aerosols into the stratosphere.
The other projects concern how to govern these technologies and model and monitor their effects. They could also yield insights vital for securing the public and governmental support necessary if these technologies are ever to be deployed on a much larger scale.
Marine cloud brightening
Marine cloud brightening seeks to make clouds over the ocean more reflective. This is done by turning seawater into an aerosol spray and allowing air currents to loft salt crystals into the clouds, where they enhance the creation of reflective water droplets.
Clouds above the ocean could become a key battleground in the fight against climate change. G_O_S / shutterstock
The greatest challenge with this method is making enough seawater mist in which the droplets are of a uniform size, about 1 micron in diameter. The Reflect project led by the University of Manchester has received £6.1 million to explore “the technical feasibility and optimal methods” for generating these droplets.
A team from the University of Reading has developed a process using drones to fire electric charges through fog to alter the size of its water droplets. Their Brightspark project has been awarded £2 million to determine whether this process would be viable and safe if applied to clouds. A second phase involving small-scale testing in the UK is contingent on further approval by Aria.
Daniel Harrison, an oceanographer at Southern Cross University in Australia, has been researching marine cloud brightening for several years for the limited purpose of protecting the corals of the Great Barrier Reef. Preliminary results are positive.
His previous work will be extended to assess if, and how, marine cloud brightening could work safely and effectively, but still only as a regional intermittent intervention to protect coral from marine heatwaves.
This will also be a two-phase project (£1 million and £5 million respectively) in which the research will initially deal with modelling and spray design. Subject to further approvals, it will then test the newfound knowledge over the Great Barrier Reef.
The remaining two projects are both from teams led by the Centre for Climate Repair at Cambridge University (I’m an associate researcher of the centre but I have no involvement in either of these projects).
Arctic refreezing
Engineer Shaun Fitzgerald has been awarded £9.9 million to extend an existing research project to examine the feasibility of thickening Arctic sea ice by pumping seawater from below the ice on to the surface, where it freezes. The idea is to increase the extent and thickness of sea ice in winter so that it endures longer through the summer.
Thicker, longer-lasting sea ice may help keep global warming in check. Mozgova / shutterstock
The project also includes modelling to assess the impact this would have on a range of climate phenomena. Most significantly, this includes the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, an ocean current that some fear is in imminent danger of weakening sufficiently to bring Siberian winters to north-west Europe.
Stratospheric aerosol injection
The final project being funded looks at the injection of aerosols into the stratosphere – higher than clouds – where they would reflect a little of the Sun’s energy back to space.
Many regard this as the form of geoengineering most likely to happen. It is the most studied, as it replicates the natural cooling effect of certain big volcanic eruptions that put massive amounts of sulphate-based aerosols into the stratosphere. Scaling it to be climatically significant is thought to be relatively straightforward, and would probably be the cheapest cooling option.
One significant concern is the health and environmental impact of these aerosols as they fall back to the planet’s surface. Hugh Hunt, also an engineering professor at Cambridge, has been awarded £5.5 million to examine a range of alternative aerosol compounds. The plan is to send tiny samples into the stratosphere in specially designed gondolas attached to balloons. The gondolas will later be recovered, so that the effect of the stratosphere on the samples can be examined. Nothing will be released into the atmosphere.
A small step towards something much bigger
Aria is treading a fine line with this programme.
On the one hand, the organisation recognises that further interventions might be needed to mitigate the harm from the continuing failure to phase out fossil fuels. On the other, it recognises how controversial such interventions are. It is clearly anxious not to provoke a public furore that could undermine the research effort.
In isolation, it is unlikely that this programme will fill any knowledge gaps that might encourage policymakers to push climate intervention up the international agenda. What it could demonstrate, however, is that with appropriate controls in place, it is safe to test these options.
Perhaps the next funding round will support bigger outdoor experiments. These would help determine which technologies can eventually become the safe and effective climate interventions we desperately need.
Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
Robert Chris 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.
From celebrities and influencers to everyday people, social media is full of content that showcases perfectly toned, muscular bodies – and how to achieve them. Having a muscular physique is no longer confined to elite athletes and body builders – it has become a widely popular aspiration.
But alongside the rising popularity of this kind of content has been an increase in the pressure that both men and women are feeling to achieve a more athletic, muscular physique. This seemingly healthy trend has coincided with the detection of a new form of disordered eating.
Muscularity oriented disordered eating (Mode) refers to a set of disordered eating habits driven by an excessive focus on lean muscle gain. This includes excessive consumption of protein supplements and drinks, rigid diet patterns, meticulous tracking of macronutrients (protein, carbs and fat in food) and frequent muscle checking.
Unlike eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, Mode is specifically related to muscularity and predominantly affects young men. But, as with other forms of disordered eating, Mode can disrupt daily life, harm social relationships and diminish emotional wellbeing.
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Social media plays a significant and multifaceted role in Mode. While social media can sometimes offer helpful health and fitness information, social media algorithms also amplify content of extreme or visually striking bodies that garner attention.
Many social media influencers also promote unattainable body standards, unsustainable lifestyles and extreme eating habits. These include the daily use of protein supplements, rigorous tracking of macronutrients, extreme workouts and the use of drugs (including anabolic steroids) to enhance performance.
Some influencers even partner with fitness supplement companies, becoming the image for a specific brand or food product. This can incentivise social media users to purchase those products and follow similar dietary habits without seeking professional advice or examining the risks.
While not every fitness enthusiast is at risk of developing Mode, this intense preoccupation with muscle growth is growing. According to one 2019 study, 22% of males and 5% of females aged 18–20 reported engaging in behaviour consistent with Mode.
Mode has been closely associated with preoccupation with body image, which is known to be linked with unhealthy, body-changing behaviours.
Obsessively tracking protein intake, consuming supplements and following a rigid diet are all associated with Mode. George Rudy/ Shutterstock
Several other factors have also been associated with Mode. These include exercising specifically to gain weight, perceiving oneself as underweight, having a lower body mass index (BMI), practising weightlifting and using anabolic steroids. Among males, alcohol consumption is linked to Mode, while depressive symptoms were a notable factor for females.
Mode has also been reported at comparable rates in many countries around the world – including the United States, Canada and Iran.
Risk of harm
There are many physical and mental harms that may be associated with Mode.
For instance, the condition is associated with a variety of disordered eating patterns. Fixation on muscle development can trigger or exacerbate eating disorders, notably binge eating. Orthorexia nervosa – a pathological and potentially harmful focus on “healthy eating” – is also frequently recorded in fitness communities.
While women were once the main audience for the health food market, health supplements and protein products are increasingly targeted at men.
According to a US study, more than 80% of male college students reported using whey protein powders or shakes, and more than 50% used the supplement creatine monohydrate to increase muscle mass and strength. Alarmingly, 82% of anabolic-androgenic steroid users in the study were also from this demographic. Steroid use is associated with serious side effects, including mood swings and sexual dysfunction.
Over-consumption of protein products can be harmful to health. While it’s true your body needs more protein when you are more active, not all muscle-building products are necessarily healthy. Protein shakes, for example, can be highly processed.
Some products contain artificial sweeteners and thickeners. They may also contain potentially harmful chemicals such as heavy metals (including lead and aluminium).
Over-consumption of protein products has also been linked to gut and metabolic disturbances. It’s important that protein shakes and bars aren’t used as replacements for natural protein sources, such as pulses, meat, fish or dairy foods.
On a social and emotional level, Mode is associated with disruptions to daily life and social isolation, with the person prioritising diet and fitness plans over work, school and relationships. In one study, male bodybuilders who followed an extreme, muscle-focused diet reported they felt guilty and disappointed in themselves if they deviated from their lifestyle – with their dietary needs affecting their work.
Recognising Mode as a legitimate public health concern is essential for cultivating a more inclusive and healthy fitness culture. While continuing to support efforts to exercise more and stay healthy, schools, colleges, gyms and fitness instructors should be mindful of the potential for Mode among people who are excessively focused on their physical appearance or over-frequenting the gym.
More work needs to be done to identify Mode risk factors and prevent further escalation. The fitness industry should also be held to greater account for the products and lifestyles they promote.
Alison Fixsen 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.
President Donald Trump’s critics often accuse him of harboring authoritarian ambitions. Journalists and scholars have drawn parallels between his leadership style and that of strongmen abroad. Some Democrats warn that the U.S. is sliding toward autocracy – a system in which one leader holds unchecked power.
Others counter that labeling Trump an autocrat is alarmist. After all, he hasn’t suspended the Constitution, forced school children to memorize his sayings or executed his rivals, as dictators such as Augusto Pinochet, Mao Zedong and Saddam Hussein once did.
But modern autocrats don’t always resemble their 20th-century predecessors.
Instead, they project a polished image, avoid overt violence and speak the language of democracy. They wear suits, hold elections and talk about the will of the people. Rather than terrorizing citizens, many use media control and messaging to shape public opinion and promote nationalist narratives. Many gain power not through military coups but at the ballot box.
The softer power of today’s autocrats
In the early 2000s, political scientist Andreas Schedler coined the term “electoral authoritarianism” to describe regimes that hold elections without real competition. Scholars Steven Levitsky and Lucan Way use another phrase, “competitive authoritarianism,” for systems in which opposition parties exist but leaders undermine them through censorship, electoral fraud or legal manipulation.
These leaders don’t rely on violent repression. Instead, they craft the illusion that they are competent, democratic defenders of the nation – protecting it from foreign threats or internal enemies who seek to undermine its culture or steal its wealth.
President Donald Trump appears at an Air Force base in Doha, Qatar, on May 15, 2025. Win McNamee/Getty Images
Hungary’s democratic facade
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán exemplifies this approach. He first served from 1998 to 2002, returned to power in 2010 and has since won three more elections – in 2014, 2018 and 2022 – after campaigns that international observers criticized as “intimidating and xenophobic.”
Orbán has preserved the formal structures of democracy – courts, a parliament and regular elections – but has systematically hollowed them out.
To boost his image, Orbán funneled state advertising funds to friendly news outlets. In 2016, an ally bought Hungary’s largest opposition newspaper – then shut it down.
Orbán has also targeted advocacy groups and universities. The Central European University, which was registered in both Budapest and the U.S., was once a symbol of the new democratic Hungary. But a law penalizing foreign-accredited institutions forced it to relocate to Vienna in 2020.
Yet Orbán has mostly avoided violence. Journalists are harassed rather than jailed or killed. Critics are discredited for their beliefs but not abducted. His appeal rests on a narrative that Hungary is under siege – by immigrants, liberal elites and foreign influences – and that only he can defend its sovereignty and Christian identity. That message resonates with older, rural, conservative voters, even as it alienates younger, urban populations.
A global shift in autocrats
In recent decades, variants of spin dictatorship have appeared in Singapore, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ecuador and Venezuela. Leaders such as Hugo Chávez and the early Vladimir Putin consolidated power and marginalized opposition with minimal violence.
Data confirm this trend. Drawing from human rights reports, historical records and local media, my colleague Sergei Guriev and I found that the global incidence of political killings and imprisonments by autocrats dropped significantly from the 1980s to the 2010s.
Why? In an interconnected world, overt repression has costs. Attacking journalists and dissidents can prompt foreign governments to impose economic sanctions and discourage international companies from investing. Curbing free expression risks stifling scientific and technological innovation – something even autocrats need in modern, knowledge-based economies.
Still, when crises erupt, even spin dictators often revert to more traditional tactics. Russia’s Putin has cracked down violently on protesters and jailed opposition leaders. Meanwhile, more brutal regimes such as those in North Korea and China continue to rule by spreading fear, combining mass incarceration with advanced surveillance technologies.
But overall, spin is replacing terror.
America too?
Most experts, myself included, agree that the U.S. remains a democracy.
Some experts say democracy depends on politicians’ self restraint. But a system that survives only if leaders choose to respect its limits is not much of a system at all.
What matters more is whether the press, judiciary, nonprofit organizations, professional associations, churches, unions, universities and citizens have the power – and the will – to hold leaders accountable.
Wealthy democracies such as the U.S., Canada and many Western European countries benefit from robust institutions such as newspapers, universities, courts and advocacy groups that act as checks on government.
Such institutions help explain why populists such as Italy’s Silvio Berlusconi or Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, although accused of bending electoral rules and threatening judicial independence, have not dismantled democracy outright in their countries.
In the U.S., the Constitution provides another layer of protection. Amending it requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-quarters of the states – a far steeper hurdle than in Hungary, where Orbán needed only a two-thirds parliamentary majority to rewrite the constitution.
Of course, even the U.S. Constitution can be undermined if a president defies the Supreme Court. But doing so risks igniting a constitutional crisis and alienating key supporters.
That doesn’t mean American democracy is safe from erosion. But its institutional foundations are older, deeper and more decentralized than those of many newer democracies. Its federal structure, with overlapping jurisdictions and multiple veto points, makes it harder for any one leader to dominate.
Still, the global rise of spin dictatorships should sharpen awareness of what is happening in the U.S. Around the world, autocrats have learned to control their citizens by faking democracy. Understanding their techniques may help Americans to preserve the real thing.
Daniel Treisman does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
HOUSTON, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.TM (Nasdaq: SKWD) (“Skyward Specialty” or “the Company”) a leader in the specialty property and casualty (P&C) market, announced its entry into the specialized aviation market with the launch of a new Aviation underwriting unit. The expansion follows the Company’s acquisition of the assets of Acceleration Aviation Underwriters (“Acceleration”) and builds on a strategic partnership between the two companies initiated last year.
This move marks a bold step forward in the Company’s ongoing growth strategy, leveraging technology and data-driven underwriting to expand into highly specialized and underserved markets.
“For the Acceleration team, this is the culmination of our decades long career, and I am very proud to join Skyward Specialty to see our legacy continue,” said Chris Jones, founder of Acceleration Aviation Underwriters. “With Skyward Specialty’s growth-driven strategy and our deep underwriting knowledge, we have the backing and scale to realize the full potential of our business. I am very excited to be part of this next phase in Acceleration’s future and establish Skyward Specialty’s place in the aviation market.”
With the acquisition, Skyward Specialty gains a seasoned team of aviation experts with a proven track record of success in niche, underserved segments, which is an ideal complement to the Company’s focus on complex and hard-to-place risks.
“Over the past couple of years, we have built a terrific relationship with the Acceleration team including as a program manager writing on behalf of Skyward Specialty. They’ve carved out a smart, sustainable niche, particularly in smaller, overlooked risks within the aviation market and we find this is fits well within our strategy,” said Andrew Robinson, Chairman & CEO of Skyward Specialty. “By combining their deep expertise with our advanced analytics and tech-enabled underwriting capabilities, we are well positioned to scale this business and strengthen our position in the aviation market. This integration further reflects our commitment to our strategy to invest in specialty markets where insights, precision and innovation drive lasting value.”
About Skyward Specialty Skyward Specialty (Nasdaq: SKWD) is a rapidly growing and innovative specialty insurance company, delivering commercial property and casualty products and solutions on a non-admitted and admitted basis. The Company operates through nine underwriting divisions — Accident & Health, Agriculture and Credit (Re)insurance, Captives, Construction & Energy Solutions, Global Property, Professional Lines, Specialty Programs, Surety and Transactional E&S.
Skyward Specialty’s subsidiary insurance companies consist of Great Midwest Insurance Company, Houston Specialty Insurance Company, Imperium Insurance Company, and Oklahoma Specialty Insurance Company. These insurance companies are rated A (Excellent) with a stable outlook by A.M. Best Company. For more information about Skyward Specialty, its people, and its products, please visit skywardinsurance.com.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today hosted the Forging a National High-calibre Talent Hub Symposium, gathering about 150 representatives from the Mainland, Macau and Hong Kong.
At the symposium themed “Regional Collaboration, Empowerment through Science & Education, Global Talent Attraction”, participants exchanged views on promoting regional collaborative ties on talent work and the strategic development of a national high-calibre talent hub.
The participants were from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong Province, the nine Mainland cities and four major co-operation platforms of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Macao Special Administrative Region, as well as 23 renowned universities on the Mainland and five of the world’s top 100 universities in Hong Kong.
In his welcome remarks, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki said education, technology and talent form the critical foundation for developing new quality productive forces and enhancing high-quality development.
He added that the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Committee on Education, Technology & Talents is targeting the manpower demand of Hong Kong’s strategic positioning of the “eight centres” and co-ordinating the promotion of integrated development of education, technology and talent to build Hong Kong as an international hub for high-calibre talent.
The symposium featured keynote speeches and two thematic panel discussions.
Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun, together with government officials from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong Province joined the first discussion to explore ways to synergise regional strengths in building the talent hub.
Mr Sun also witnessed Hong Kong Talent Engage Director Anthony Lau sign a Memorandum of Understanding with representatives from the Shenzhen Qianhai Cooperation Zone and Guangzhou Nansha District respectively, deepening collaboration in talent recruitment, services, employment and development between Hong Kong and the two regions.
In his closing remarks, the labour chief highlighted Hong Kong’s various advantages in attracting global talent and the need to collaborate with different regions across the country through interdependence and mutual reinforcement, thereby accelerating the development of the national high-calibre talent hub.
He expects the symposium, together with the second Global Talent Summit · Hong Kong scheduled for early next year, would bring together valuable experiences from various regions in talent attraction, retention, nurturing and recruitment, to inject new impetus into high-quality development and achieve the vision of developing a national quality workforce.
Posted on Jun 2, 2025 in Featured, Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases
STATE OF HAWAIʻI KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR KE KIAʻĀINA
GOVERNOR GREEN WELCOMES NEW STATE FIRE MARSHAL The Position was Abolished Nearly 46 Years Ago
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 2, 2025
HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today announced the appointment of Dori Booth as Hawai‘i’s new State Fire Marshal, reviving a critical public safety position that has been vacant for nearly 46 years. The original Office of the State Fire Marshal was abolished by Act 241 of the 1978 Session Laws of Hawaiʻi, with its responsibilities devolved to the counties as of July 1, 1979.
This appointment marks a historic return to a centralized approach to statewide fire protection — one that was strongly recommended by independent wildfire investigation reports following the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires.
“Dori Booth steps into this role at a moment of incredible urgency — and with a mission that’s nothing short of transformative,” said Governor Green. “We are rebuilding an entire fire safety infrastructure at the state level, and Dori is at the center of it. She’ll need to navigate the complex division of responsibilities between the counties and the state, set up a new operational structure, and immediately implement top-priority reforms to protect our communities. It may sound like bureaucracy — but the goal is simple: save lives, protect property and keep Hawai‘i safe.”
Fire Marshal Booth has familiarized herself with the wildfires investigation reports by the Fire Safety Research Institute and will be leading the charge on executing the 10 priorities identified in the Phase II report.
“It’s an honor to step into this role at such a critical time for Hawaiʻi,” Booth said. “The lessons from the Maui wildfires are still fresh, and our responsibility is clear: We must do everything in our power to prevent future tragedies. That means stronger coordination, smarter planning, and a relentless focus on community safety. And when wildfires or other disasters cannot be prevented, we must be resilient — to protect Hawaiʻi’s most precious resources: its people, history, culture and places of deep significance. I’m committed to working with community members, county, state and federal partners — as well as our first responders — to build a fire protection system that reflects the strength and resilience of Hawaiʻi’s people.”
Booth brings more than two decades of leadership in fire safety and public service. Prior to her appointment, she served as Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction for the Sedona Fire District, and previously rose to Deputy Fire Marshal with the Phoenix Fire Department. In these roles, she led major fire prevention programs, high-risk inspections, hazardous materials response, and public safety planning for large venues and airports. A U.S. Army veteran, Booth served in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan, where she specialized in civil-military operations and infrastructure stability. Her service earned her the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge.
She holds a Master’s degree in Public Safety Leadership Administration and a Bachelor’s in Sustainable Tourism Development and Management, both from Arizona State University. Booth also serves in a national leadership role with the International Code Council, chairing the Fire Sprinkler Exam Development Committee.
“The Fire Marshal will have a very important role in protecting our communities,” said Department of Law Enforcement Director Mike Lambert. “The Department of Law Enforcement looks forward to helping Dori be successful and we are honored that we have been entrusted to work with her side by side to keep Hawai‘i among the safest states in the nation.”
The fire marshal position was initially recreated by the 2024 Legislature in order to address the post-Maui wildfires third-party investigation reports initiated by the Department of the Attorney General, recommending a prioritized list of action items of changes to be made to improve Hawai‘i’s response to wildfires for the state and all counties. The 2024 legislation was amended in the most recent session to, among other changes, place the office of the State Fire Marshal under the Department of Law Enforcement.
A headshot of Dori Booth can be found here. Additional photos, courtesy the Office of the Governor, can be found here.
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Media Contacts: Erika Engle Press Secretary Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i Office: 808-586-0120 Email: [email protected]
Makana McClellan Director of Communications Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi Cell: 808-265-0083 Email: [email protected]
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed, by an order dated May 30, 2025, a monetary penalty of ₹3 lakh (Rupees Three Lakh only) on The Bathinda Central Co-operative Bank Ltd., Bathinda, Punjab (the bank) for contravention of provisions of Section 26A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act). This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the BR Act.
The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with statutory provisions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said provisions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made by it during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:
The bank had failed to transfer eligible unclaimed amounts to the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund within the prescribed time.
This action is based on deficiencies in statutory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Dame Vera Baird DBE KC appointed as Interim Chair of the CCRC
Dame Vera Baird DBE KC has been appointed as the Interim Chair of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC).
His Majesty the King, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, has approved the appointment of Dame Vera Baird DBE KC as the Interim Chair of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC). The appointment will commence on 9 June 2025 and will end on 8 December 2026. The CCRC Chair role has been vacant since Helen Pitcher’s resignation on 14 January 2025.
The Lord Chancellor has requested that Dame Vera carry out a thorough review of the operation of the CCRC, to increase public confidence in the organisation and the important work it undertakes investigating potential miscarriages of justice.
In order to bring stability to the organisation at this crucial time it was important to ensure that the post holder was an exceptional individual with sound knowledge and experience of examining the criminal justice system and a strong track record of leadership.
The CCRC
The CCRC was established by the Criminal Appeal Act 1995 and commenced operation in 1997. The CCRC considers – on application – cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland where a miscarriage of justice is alleged or suspected. The CCRC decides if there is any new evidence or new argument which raises a real possibility that an appeal court would quash a conviction or reduce a sentence.
The appointment of the CCRC Chair is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and this appointment complies with the Cabinet Office Governance Code on Public Appointments.
Appointments of CCRC Commissioners are made by His Majesty the King on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, who receives advice from the Lord Chancellor.
Biography
Dame Vera Baird DBE KC’s biography is as follows:
Member of the Women’s Justice Board
Visiting Professor in Practice at the Mannheim Centre, London School of Economics
Honorary Fellow of St Hilda’s College Oxford
Hon Professor of Law at Exeter and Newcastle Universities
Hon Doctorates at Northumbria and Loughborough Universities
Former Victims Commissioner for England and Wales (2019-22)
DBE for Services to Women and Equalities 2017
Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria (2012-19)
Chair of Association of Police and Crime Commissioners 2016
Association of PCCs’ National lead for Supporting Victims (2012-19)
Solicitor General for England and Wales (2007-2010)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice (2006-7)
Member of Parliament for Redcar 2001-2010
Former Practising Criminal Barrister and QC
Author of many articles, chapters & reports, most recently The Baird Review into Greater Manchester Police.
Patron of Respect, Operation Encompass and Board Member of Revolving Doors
Dame Vera Baird DBE KC has declared the following political activity on behalf of the Labour Party: public speaking, Chair of the Women’s Branch Horney and Friern Barnet Constituency (HFBC), member of the HFBC Fabian Society, member of the Labour Women’s Network and campaigning in elections.
Julian Cote-Dorado ’24 (CLAS) has been accepted into the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for Young Professionals for the 2025-26 academic year. The fellowship annually provides 65 American and 65 German young professionals the opportunity to spend one year in each other’s countries, studying, interning, and living with hosts as part of a cultural immersion program.
Cote-Dorado graduated from UConn with a degree in political science and minors in economics and German. The Mansfield native grew up in the UConn community and graduated from E.O. Smith High School.
He is interested in pursuing a career in international relations and diplomacy.
“I love to travel meeting people, and I am very interested in different languages,” says Cote-Dorado. “My dream is to work in foreign affairs or diplomacy.”
For Americans, the CBYX program consists of three phases: two months of intensive German language training, one semester of classes, and a three-to-five-month-long internship. CBYX is sponsored in the United States by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
“I met Julian last fall at a German language club coffee hour,” says Tim Beaucage, an Honors Program advisor and STEM Scholar coordinator, who advised Cote-Dorado on his application for the CBYX program. “It is a great opportunity for the UConn community to gather and have the opportunity to practice their German language skills. Julian really impressed me with his German speaking and understanding ability. For someone who has only been learning the language in college, his level is outstanding. I could tell he was really passionate about languages, and he speaks several very well himself.
“I am so excited and happy for Julian to participate in the CBYX program,” Beaucage continues. “I am sure that he will walk away with not only superior German language skills, but many life-changing experiences and future opportunities as well.”
Cote-Dorado studied at Heidelberg University in Germany during his junior year as part of UConn’s bilateral exchange program. During his time there, he spent six weeks teaching English to Chinese high school graduates.
“That was my first foray into Germany, and I ended up really liking it,” says Cote-Dorado. “I am really looking forward to improving my German when I go back there and would like to get as close to fluent as possible.”
He adds, “The fellowship will give me a foothold in Europe for a possible career there. It’s a very interesting time to be in Germany as the country has taken on a stronger leadership role in international security in Europe.”
Cote-Dorado was also recently named a finalist for the Fulbright US Student Program as well, but has opted for the CBYX fellowship.
He was an intern at the U.S. Department of State in the fall of 2023, which included a trip with a delegation to Moldova for a multilateral nuclear security exercise. Cote-Dorado was also an intern in the Connecticut State Senate in the spring of 2024.
“Being in Hartford was interesting because I didn’t know much about state politics beforehand,” says Cote-Dorado. “I got to see not only how the legislative process works, but also how senators and representatives engage with each other. Connecticut is a small state, and they all know each other at the Capitol. It was interesting to see how committed they are to representing their citizens. They do it because they really care.”
There’s no magic pill for youth, but there might be a magic poo. Or rather a medicinal one, University of Connecticut researchers report in mSystems on May 30. They found that giving old mice fecal transplants from younger mice can reduce symptoms of aging.
Harvesting youth from the young to rejuvenate the elderly has been a theme in popular culture for quite some time. There have even been some experiments in mice showing that blood from a young animal can improve the health of an old one. But scientists are a long way from being able to replicate those successes in humans.
Now there might be a different way. UConn School of Medicine microbiome researcher Yanjiao Zhou and aging researcher Ming Xu have shown that supplementing old mice with the microbiomes of young mice can make them act younger, at least temporarily.
The microbiome refers to the ecosystem in the guts of the mice. The researchers gave old mice fecal transplants from young mice (yes, it’s exactly what you’d think) and measured common markers of aging. Old mice who received the fecal transplants displayed fewer anxious behaviors, lower levels of inflammation, improved mitochondrial function (meaning their cells were more efficient with energy) and increased grip strength. Mice receiving the young microbiome also lost more weight, had an improved metabolic profile, and improved behavior.
The old mice in the experiment were 18 months old, approximately equivalent to humans 60 to 65 years old. They received fecal transplants from young adult mice about 6 to 8 weeks old. The researchers continued giving the aged mice fecal transplants twice a week for two months, and the anti-aging effects continued as long as the transplants did. Whether they would continue if the experiment went on longer with even older mice is unknown.
The researchers are working on identifying the bacteria responsible for the anti-aging effects, and perhaps developing a probiotic that can benefit older humans.
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
BEIJING, June 3 — On the occasion of the 75th International Children’s Day, the Chinese Peacekeeping Military Utility Helicopter Unit and the Rapid Response Unit to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) visited the Comboni Primary School in Abyei Township near the mission area to extend festival greetings and care to the local teachers and students, and convey peace and friendship through cultural exchanges.
During the visit, the Chinese peacekeepers donated more than 1,200 pieces of teaching supplies including schoolbags, stationery, and sports and cultural items to help improve the local teaching conditions. Subsequently, they presented an art performance featuring traditional Chinese culture to the teachers and students.
It is learned that the Chinese peacekeepers have been persistently carrying out educational assistance and support projects in the mission area. Over the past five years, the Chinese Peacekeeping Military Utility Helicopter Unit and the Rapid Response Unit to the UNISFA have visited the local schools for over 20 times. In addition to donating supplies, they also regularly conducts Chinese language teaching and basic science courses to help enhance the local education level, demonstrating the responsibility of a “peace envoy” through practical actions.
JORDAN—The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution from the Government of the People’s Republic of China to support the National School Feeding Programme in Jordan by providing healthy school meals for 30,000 students in the Zaatari and Azraq refugee camps.
The contribution will enable WFP to distribute nearly 2.7 million healthy meals over two semesters during the coming scholastic year beginning in September 2025. As much as supporting schoolchildren’s daily nutritional needs, the project will create employment opportunities for 90 refugee women who will prepare the meals in three dedicated kitchens within the camps. The programme also supports local farmers, bakers, and food producers in Jordan.
“We are deeply grateful for this timely and impactful contribution from China,” said WFP Representative and Country Director in Jordan Alberto Correia Mendes. “This generous funding enables us to feed vulnerable refugee children, providing healthy school meals that support their well-being and development, while also contributing to addressing food insecurity at the camp level.”
The homegrown meals, which consist of a freshly baked pastry, a fruit, and a vegetable help meet children’s immediate food needs while enhancing dietary diversity and encouraging healthier eating habits.
The Ambassador of People’s Republic of China to Jordan, H.E. Chen Chuandong, praised Jordan for its pivotal role in hosting Syrian refugees and maintaining regional peace and stability. He also acknowledged the World Food Programme’s efforts in supporting Syrian refugees in Jordan. Ambassador Chen highlighted China’s active participation in international humanitarian efforts, driven by the goal of fostering global cooperation and sustainable development.
“This assistance demonstrates China’s tangible commitment to advancing the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, while serving as a strong example of South-South cooperation,” said Ambassador Chen. He reaffirmed China’s readiness to collaborate with the international community to enhance refugees living conditions and promote food security, urging all parties to continue supporting Syrian refugees.
Under the National School Feeding Strategy, WFP and the Government of Jordan are working to scale up the homegrown healthy meals model to reach 500,000 vulnerable students by 2030.
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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.
Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media, @wfp_jordan.
Geneva, Switzerland, 2 June 2025 – The inaugural Global Early Warnings for All Multi-Stakeholder Forum opened today with a resounding call to accelerate the implementation of life-saving early warning systems worldwide. Co-led by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the forum brings together governments, international organizations, civil society, private sector actors, and communities to advance the UN Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative.
As part of the preparatory days for the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, the two-day forum aims to ensure that every person on Earth is protected by early warning systems by the end of 2027. With disasters projected to increase by 40% between 2015 and 2030, and economic losses from disasters in 2023 estimated at $250 billion, the urgency for effective early warning systems has never been greater.
The forum’s opening session featured a comprehensive stock-take of global early warning system progress, highlighting that 108 countries report that they have multi-hazard early warning systems. Building on outcomes from five regional Early Warnings for All Multi-Stakeholder Fora held across Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe & Central Asia, the Americas & Caribbean, and Arab States, the global gathering captures lessons learned and identifies pathways to close remaining gaps.
Community-centered approaches and innovation at the forefront
Graphic recording of thematic session on community empowerment.
The forum’s first day emphasized the critical importance of people-centered approaches to early warning systems. Thematic sessions explored how communities can be empowered through user-tailored early warnings and early action, with particular attention to the unique challenges faced in fragile and conflict settings.
Mr. Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, reinforced this message, stating, “Leave no one behind comes very important in the context of early warning systems. Women, children and persons with disabilities are not passive recipients of services, they are active participants.”
Participants examined effective governance models that support multi-hazard early warning systems, recognizing that successful implementation requires institutionalized chains of responsibility and multi-stakeholder engagement including South-South and Triangular Cooperation mechanisms. The forum highlighted that early warning systems are strongest when at-risk communities and sectors co-develop and co-own these systems, ensuring trust, timely action, and long-term sustainability.
Innovation emerged as a key theme, with experts showcasing how science, technology, and local knowledge can advance multi-hazard early warning systems. Discussions covered the integration of artificial intelligence, satellite systems, Information of Things (IoT) technologies, and traditional knowledge systems to enhance forecasting accuracy and improve warning dissemination to vulnerable populations.
Ambassador Julien Thöni, Deputy Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations and other Organisations in Geneva, highlighted the dual nature of innovation: “Early Warning Systems can go hand-in-hand with innovation. New technologies from satellite data to mobile alerts help us predict more accurately and reach people faster. But innovation also means finding smarter ways to work together, adapt to local needs, and make sure no one is left behind.”
Building partnerships for resilient futures
Graphic recording of opening session & stock take on collaborative action and multilateralism.
The forum underscored that no single entity can build and maintain effective early warning systems alone. Participants emphasized the need for stronger partnerships across sectors, levels of government, and international boundaries to achieve Early Warnings for All, by All.
Professor Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, emphasized the critical importance of collaboration: “No warning, however early, is effective unless it reaches the right people at the right time. And that is why we are here today. To cement our partnerships and trust which are essential to early action…Alone we can do very little. But together, we can do so much.”
Early warning systems provide a ten-fold return on investment and are recognized as among the most cost-effective adaptation measures. However, their full socio-economic benefits remain under-documented, highlighting the need for better evidence and advocacy to scale up investments.
The forum’s diverse organizing committee, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the CREWS Secretariat, the Risk-informed Early Action Partnership (REAP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Group on Earth Observations (GEO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Food Programme (WFP), Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism (SEM), the Global Network of Civil Society for Disaster Reduction (GNDR), and the Executive Office of the Secretary-General Climate Action Team, reflects the multi-stakeholder approach essential for success.
Path forward: cooperation and finance
Graphic recording of session on effective governance to support multi-hazard early warning systems.
As the Forum continues, participants will focus on accelerating Early Warnings for All through international, regional and national cooperation and partnerships, alongside solutions for scaling and sustaining investments in multi-hazard early warning systems and building resident capacity.
The Forum will produce an outcome statement sharing overarching needs and priorities, as well as emerging opportunities identified by participants at the global level. These outcomes will feed directly into the Global Platform’s thematic session on early warnings and early action.
With Target G of the Sendai Framework calling for substantial increases in the availability and access to multi-hazard early warning systems, the Global Early Warnings for All Multi-Stakeholder Forum represents a critical milestone in the journey toward universal protection from disasters.
The Global Early Warnings for All Multi-Stakeholder Forum continues on 3 June 2025, focusing on international cooperation and financing solutions for early warning systems.
The 8th Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction 2025 (GPDRR2025) began with preparatory events on Monday, 2 June, ahead of the upcoming official programme with highlevel meetings from 4-6 June in Geneva, Switzerland. GPDRR 2025 is organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and hosted by the Government of Switzerland. Two parallel events took place on Monday: the Third Stakeholder Forum and the Global Early Warning for All (EW4All) MultiStakeholder Forum.
Third Stakeholder Forum
Opening
The Third Stakeholder Forum opened with statements by the Governments of Switzerland and Indonesia and senior UN leaders under the theme “United for Resilience.” Speakers highlighted progress on the Bali Agenda for Resilience, an outcome of the 7th Global Platform in 2022, and the opportunities for inclusive disaster risk reduction (DRR).
Mirjam Macchi, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, appreciated stakeholders’ solidarity around the evacuation and assistance to the historic village of Blatten, destroyed last week by a glacial landslide 200 km from Geneva. She noted that even livestock were cared for-a powerful reminder that “resilience begins with local people” and inclusive solutions are more effective when those directly affected by disasters bring vital knowledge to action.
Achsanul Habib, Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the UN, reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to risk-informed policies and inclusive approaches. He encouraged all participants to use the Stakeholder Forum as “not only a platform to listen and share, but a platform to act together.”
The event also showcased the Sendai Framework Voluntary Commitments online platform (SFVC), where stakeholders can register their commitments, and users can identify areas of activity as well as gaps. Yuki Matsuoka, Head, UNDRR Office in Japan, noted that 729 individual organizations so far have registered their commitments.
Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organisation
Whole-of-society approach for the Sendai Framework on DRR: A collective responsibility
Sarah Wade-Apicella, UNDRR, moderated the session. On effective methods to implement inclusive DRR, Marcie Roth, World Institute on Disability, underscored the need for people with disabilities to be involved early in co-development of disaster risk strategies, and for foresight processes to incorporate diverse voices. Major Hamad Sabah Al-Sawar, Director of Crisis and Disaster Management, Bahrain, described Bahrain’s communication platform providing diverse modes of information sharing in multiple languages, the use of a phone application, and a common hashtag used to mobilize public action.
On intersectional and intergenerational knowledge sharing, Tom Colley, HelpAge International, drew attention to the wide network of older people associations worldwide as opportunities to engage this age group in DRR. He noted these associations can also harness and serve as channels for bringing Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge into DRR strategies. Barrise Griffin, Disaster Risk Management Authority, The Bahamas, emphasized moving away from one-off, extractive approaches to information gathering, and instead facilitating ongoing dialogue. Josefina Miculax Sincal, Huairou Commission, called for frameworks and trainings to strengthen good practices at the community level.
A slide showing the numbers of internal displacement by hazard for 2015- 2024.
Participants then heard comments and questions from the floor on the role of national DRR platforms in community-level participation, engagement, and school programs for children; managing conflicts of interest; looking beyond immediate impacts of DRR; measuring the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement; shifting risk ownership to local communities to handle disasters; and securing resources.
Data and financing for disaster displacement as loss and damage
Steven Goldfinch, Asian Development Bank (ADB), moderated this session.
Christelle Cazabat, Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, explained that research into Hurricane Milton’s impacts in the US shows how people’s aspirations change when displacement stretches into the long term. She noted 2024 saw the highest number of people displaced in a single year globally (45.8 million), as well as the highest number of people continuing to live in displacement (9.8 million).
Noralene Uy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippines, noted that her country ensures children have access to child-friendly spaces during displacement, and that national protocols guide national and local assessments and reporting. Isoa Talemaibua, Ministry for Maritime and Rural Development, Fiji, highlighted Fiji’s risk assessment activities and stressed the value of financial tools such as green and blue bonds, and parametric insurance that enables rapid payouts based on environmental triggers.
Hoang Phuong Thao, ActionAid Vietnam, highlighted the organization’s work with marginalized and remote communities to use smartphones for receiving early warnings, as well as for reporting on local conditions, thereby informing the government’s trend analysis. Catalina Díaz Escobar, Corporación Antioquia Presente, emphasized that data collection itself is a political process and should be conducted in an ethical and respectful manner.
From Paris to Sendai: the fundamental connection of climate and DRR
Jamie Cummings, Sendai Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism, moderated the session. Animesh Kumar, UNDRR, underlined that risk is a common denominator across the Sendai Framework, Paris Agreement, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stating that all these global frameworks share the goal of resilience. He encouraged the institutionalization of the agreements at the national level and highlighted the need to localize them. On technical assistance, he stressed that funding applications under the Santiago Network -a mechanism to support countries recovering from loss and damage due to climate change -should be designed to catalyze downstream impacts. Hisan Hassan, National Disaster Management Authority, Maldives, described his country’s focus on EW4All and slow-onset losses. Manon Robin, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat, discussed integration of national adaptation plans and DRR strategies and emphasized, supported by Le-Anne Roper, UNDRR, the need to focus on coordinating actors on different aspects of climate resilience. Amber Fletcher, University of Regina, emphasized that slow-onset disaster management and funding are crucial for food producers, and stressed the significance of non-economic loss and damage.
View of the panel during the “From Paris to Sendai: the Fundamental Connection of Climate and DRR” event.
Innovative financing and private sector leadership in DRR
Camila Tapias, UNDRR ARISE Global Board Member, moderated the session. Manisha Gulati, ODI Global, noted that most funding goes toward emergency response after disasters occur. She highlighted that when the private sector invests in critical services, DRR becomes an outcome, not only a target.
Yezid Niño, Private Sector Liaison, UNDRR Americas, emphasized the relevance of understanding that DRR is part of the development of the countries and pointed toward the role of regulatory frameworks in involving the private sector in financing DRR. Terry Kinyua, Co-Chair of the ARISE Global Board, stressed that the resilience of communities amounts to the resilience of a country.
Through digital interaction, attendees identified cost-benefit analysis, data gaps, and trust as the major barriers to private sector investment in DRR. Among the actions leaders can take to accelerate investment in resilience, attendees mentioned political incentives, regulatory alignment, resilience as a national priority, and the involvement of local leaders.
View of the panel during the “Innovative Financing and Private Sector Leadership in DRR” event.
Implementation of climate and DRR gender action plans at the national level-Synergies and strategies
Mwanahamisi Singano, Women’s Environment and Development Organization (WEDO), moderated this panel discussion unpacking synergies between the different Gender Action Plans (GAPs) under multiple conventions and frameworks, including the Sendai GAP. She noted the need to avoid duplication and ensure cost effectiveness.
Mary Picard, Humanitarian and Development Consulting, gave a keynote address describing the actions leading to the launch of the Sendai GAP in 2024. Panelists mentioned key lessons from their experiences with governments in implementing the GAPs, including the challenge of competing priorities and political preferences among different ministries when attempting to coordinate the different GAPs. Other interventions focused on holding governments and agencies accountable for implementing GAPs and enhancing communication among women’s networks, particularly those involved in DRR. Following interventions on regional mapping tools and GAP observatories that monitor implementation progress, Singano invited participants to provide inputs towards developing a universal DRR gender equality observatory.
Community-led action for resilience, building partnerships for inclusive action
Maité Rodríguez, Fundación Guatemala, moderated this session. The panel featured grassroot women leaders and related international organizations. Godavari Dange, Swayam Shikshan Prayog, a women-led organization of farmer-producers, highlighted women farmers’ work in drought preparedness to cultivate and stockpile animal fodder. She also highlighted technology training conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic for women to use online platforms. Norma Choc Botzoc, Community Practitioners’ Platform for Resilience in Guatemala, described grassroot women’s own development of risk and vulnerability assessments, which, she noted, are being used as tools for advocacy to local authorities to direct resources appropriately. Speakers from ADB and the Centre for Coordination of Disasters in Central America and the Dominican Republic (CEPREDENAC) affirmed the central importance of cooperation and co-design of programs for climate resilience and recovery after disasters.
Disaster preparedness and risk reduction in urban areas—Building back better
Ladeene Freimuth, The Freimuth Group, moderated the session. Guilherme Simões, National Secretary for Peripheries, Ministry of Cities, Brazil, outlined the Live Peripheries program, which provides access to better urban infrastructure, social services, and opportunities; and the Peripheries Without Risk strategy, a community-based risk reduction and climate adaptation plan.
Marcie Roth, World Institute on Disability, highlighted EWS as one of the best-proven and cost-effective methods for reducing disaster deaths and losses. She drew attention to “Infinite Access,” a communication platform designed to deliver emergency alerts in multiple accessible formats.
Mario Flores, Habitat for Humanity International, discussed the challenges and opportunities of urban environments, stressing the need to build better in the first place; to have risk-informed development; and to consider housing as a platform for a peoplecentered resilience approach.
Debbra Johnson, ARISE-US Network, addressed the report “Navigating the sustainability-resilience nexus,” which brings together the SDGs, the Paris Agreement, and the DRR Sendai Framework.
Breaking the DRR financing silos: A systematic shift in DRR financing for localization of inclusive resilience
Camila Tapias, UNDRR ARISE Global Board Member, moderated the session. Noting that financial capital existed but is not reaching local levels, Tanjir Hossain, Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism, called for breaking down silos so funding is not sitting around while millions of people suffer. Steve Goldfinch, ADB, described the National Disaster Management Fund of Pakistan that finances projects with high economic benefits using a 70% – 30% funding model from provincial governments. He also highlighted the National Disaster Risk Management Fund of the Philippines that encourage local governments to invest in disaster response, relief, preparedness and risk reduction measures. Emma Haight, UNDRR Investor Advisory Board, described the adoption of a green sewer design, first developed in Washington DC, which proved so successful that the design was replicated in London, UK, Cape Town, South Africa, and Quito, Ecuador, highlighting its environmental and financial risk reduction, and over USD 200 million in cost savings. Michelle Chivunga, Global Policy House, discussed using artificial intelligence to shift DRR responses, optimize data utilization in local governments, track and mobilize funding, and to use digital capital during humanitarian crisis to make up for funding shortfalls. Sara Hoeflich, United Cities and Local Government, recommended investment in basic services such as water supply, street cleaning, and sewer solutions to ensure clean cities as an investment and risk mitigation measure. Marcos Concepción Raba, Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction, discussed effective localization.
Global Early Warning for All (EW4All) Multistakeholder Forum
Opening
Julien Thöni, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Switzerland, said timely early warning action should provide critical time to act and respond, and noted that innovation better predicts and reaches people faster. Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), suggested key criteria for improving early warning systems (EWS), including that science must connect people; and systems and partnerships must include actors “outside the DRR tent,” especially those most at risk. Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, and Head of UNDRR, said EWS should not be regarded as a once-off intervention. He said national ownership must be strengthened, and the concept of leaving no one behind should be embedded into all efforts. Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Climate Action and Just Transition, via video, suggested EWS is the most basic tool for saving and protecting lives, and called for high-level political support, a boost in technology access, and public and private finance at scale.
Fireside chat: The state of EWS
Johan Stander, WMO, drew attention to national ownership, stakeholder engagement, and the involvement of funding partners when investing in EW4All. Sujit Kumar Mohanty, Chief of Branch, UNDRR, emphasized co-design and co-ownership approaches to meaningfully engage stakeholders for successful EW4All.
Good practices: Stakeholder perspectives on EWS
Interventions during this panel session included: calls to integrate women and youth in all decisions focused on EWS; investing in women’s leadership, particularly those with disabilities; ensuring young people are equitably involved; reaching those living in remote rural areas and conflict zones; and leveraging the communication power of mobile networks through private-public partnerships.
UNDRR Disability Leaders gather at the end of the day.
Perspectives from across regions on EWS
Panelists in this session focused on: successful collaboration and EWS progress in Zimbabwe after the 2019 Cyclone Idai; institutionalization of the community-based approach to EWS in Barbados; main challenges to integrate scientific tools and remote sensing into EWS in Lebanon; integration of the private sector in EWS decision-making process in Makati, the Philippines; and the role of cross-border cooperation, knowledge sharing, and educating people for effective EWS in Poland.
Thematic Sessions
Four thematic sessions took place during the day. These were:
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​Hongkong Post announced today (June 3) that five sets of special stamps with various themes will be issued from July to December 2025. Each stamp issue has its own ingenious design and distinctive style, making the stamps valuable collectables for philatelists and the public.
Inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016, the “24 solar terms” of the Chinese calendar reflect the change of seasons and meteorological patterns. Following the “24 Solar Terms – Spring” special stamps and “24 Solar Terms – Summer” special stamps issued in 2020 and 2023 respectively, Hongkong Post will issue special stamps themed on “24 Solar Terms – Autumn”, featuring six solar terms of autumn, namely “Autumn Commences”, “End of Heat”, “White Dew”, “Autumnal Equinox”, “Cold Dew” and “Frost”.
The Central Government gifted a pair of giant pandas, Ying Ying and Le Le, to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in 2007. The pair welcomed a pair of cubs, Jia Jia and De De, on August 15, 2024. The twin cubs have since captured the hearts of the public, who have been keenly following their growth. Hongkong Post will issue special stamps themed on “Giant Panda Twin Cubs” to showcase the highlights of Jia Jia and De De’s daily lives at different stages and witness their growth journey.
In Hong Kong, there are many distinctive hiking trails, offering hikers a diverse array of green experiences. Among them, the Wilson Trail is a long-distance hiking trail that begins at Stanley and finishes at Nam Chung in the New Territories, stretching approximately 78 kilometres across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Hongkong Post will issue a set of 10 special stamps themed on “Hong Kong Hiking Trails Series No. 3: Wilson Trail” to feature the gorgeous scenery of various sections along the Wilson Trail.
Hong Kong’s airport plays an indispensable role in the successful development of Hong Kong into an international aviation hub. The passenger terminal of Kai Tak Airport was completed and commenced service as early as in the 1960s. In view of the growing demand for air traffic, Kai Tak Airport completed its historical mission in 1998 when Hong Kong International Airport relocated from Kai Tak to Chek Lap Kok. At present, it has developed a three-runway system. Meanwhile, the Government of the HKSAR is pressing ahead with the Airport City development strategy. Hongkong Post will issue a set of special stamps on the theme of “Aviation Development in Hong Kong” to feature the thriving aviation development in the city.
Christmas is a season full of joy, warmth and blessings. As a city embracing both Chinese and Western cultures, Hong Kong showcases a lively festive ambience throughout Christmas. Hongkong Post will issue special stamps on the theme of “Christmas Stamps V”, which adopt the night view of Victoria Harbour as the background, showcasing a variety of Christmas elements under the starry sky and highlighting the joy of the festive season.
Customers may place advance orders for the above new stamp products from today on Hongkong Post’s online shopping mall “ShopThruPost” (shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk). Customers may also visit the Facebook page “郵票．郵趣@Hongkong Post Stamps” (www.facebook.com/HKPStamps) for more details. Customers who place orders by June 23 (Monday) will receive attractive gifts and bonus points. Further information about placing orders can be obtained from the Hongkong Post Stamps website (stamps.hongkongpost.hk) or by calling the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau hotline at 2785 5711.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AMG, a strategic partner to leading independent investment management firms globally, today announced the appointment of Thomas M. Wojcik as President, effective June 3, 2025. Mr. Wojcik will also continue to serve as Chief Operating Officer. Jay C. Horgen, previously President and Chief Executive Officer, will continue as Chief Executive Officer. In his expanded role, Mr. Wojcik will continue to work with Mr. Horgen on developing and executing AMG’s growth strategy. Mr. Wojcik joined the Company in 2019, serving as Chief Financial Officer from 2019 through 2024, and was named Chief Operating Officer in 2024. He will continue to report to Mr. Horgen.
“Since Tom joined 6 years ago, AMG has evolved meaningfully as we have focused on expanding our participation in secular growth areas,” said Mr. Horgen. “Through growth investments in both new and existing Affiliates, we have increased our exposure to private markets and liquid alternative strategies, which now contribute half of our earnings. By investing our capital and resources in forming partnerships with outstanding new Affiliates as well as alongside our existing Affiliates to develop innovative solutions for clients, we are magnifying AMG’s and our Affiliates’ future success – and as an integral member of our executive team, Tom has played an instrumental role in the development of our strategy and its execution across all of these fronts over the years. Tom’s leadership and wide range of contributions over this period have furthered AMG’s strategic success and cultural evolution as an organization. I am grateful for Tom’s many contributions so far and all of those to come, and together we look forward to leveraging the strength of our outstanding team as we continue to execute on AMG’s unique opportunity set.”
Mr. Wojcik joined AMG in 2019 from BlackRock, Inc., where he held a number of leadership roles over nearly a decade, including Global Head of Corporate Development and Investor Relations, Head of Strategy for the Americas and EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), and Chief Financial Officer for EMEA. Prior to joining BlackRock, Mr. Wojcik held investment roles at several independent partner-owned alternative asset managers. He began his career in investment banking in the Financial Institutions Group at Merrill Lynch & Co. and earned a B.A. from Duke University, and an M.B.A. from The Wharton School.
About AMG
AMG (NYSE: AMG) is a strategic partner to leading independent investment management firms globally. AMG’s strategy is to generate long-term value by investing in high-quality independent partner-owned firms, through a proven partnership approach, and allocating resources across AMG’s unique opportunity set to the areas of highest growth and return. Through its distinctive approach, AMG magnifies its Affiliates’ existing advantages and actively supports their independence and ownership culture. As of March 31, 2025, AMG’s aggregate assets under management were approximately $712 billion across a diverse range of private markets, liquid alternative, and differentiated long-only investment strategies. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.amg.com.
Certain matters discussed in this press release issued by Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (“AMG” or the “Company”) may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, and could be impacted by a number of factors, including those described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in AMG’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such factors may be updated from time to time in the Company’s periodic filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. AMG undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. From time to time, AMG may use its website as a distribution channel of material Company information. AMG routinely posts financial and other important information regarding the Company in the Investor Relations section of its website at www.amg.com and encourages investors to consult that section regularly.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Each year, Dr Jeffrey Cummings and colleagues compile the data for Phase 1,2 and 3 trials currently active in the Alzheimer’s drug space. This year, we had experts at the Science Media Centre to talk us through his latest paper and what drug development for Alzheimer’s looks like right now. While we’ve all heard a lot about the monoclonal anti-amyloid antibodies (aducanumab, lecanemab and donanemab) over recent years, there’s a great deal more happening with multiple trial results expected in 2025, including twelve phase 3 trials. The paper was published in the journal, Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research and Clinical Interventions.
Journalists came to this briefing to hear:
What are some of the most exciting drugs in the dementia drug discovery pipeline right now?
How has Alzheimer’s drug development changed over the years?
Beyond the anti-amyloid drugs, what other types of drugs are being studied?
Which are Disease-Targeted Therapies (DTT) and which are targeting symptoms? How do we think they might work?
What about repurposed drugs?
Which drugs are we expecting phase 3 data on this year?
What clinical research is currently going on in the UK?
Speakers included:
Sheona Scales, Director of Research, Alzheimer’s Research UK
Emma Mead, Chief Scientific Officer for Oxford Drug Discovery Institute
Prof James Rowe, Professor of Cognitive Neurology at the University of Cambridge and Consultant Neurologist
Two inspiring days of inclusive sport and achievement are set to take place in the district.
Winchester Personal Bests will take place in Winchester Sport & Leisure Park and the University of Winchester sports stadium on Thursday 4 September 2025.
The event, which was previously known as Paralympic Personal Bests, is for adults with a wide range of learning and physical disabilities. It offers them the opportunity to try accessible sports and challenge themselves while creating connections and having fun in a supportive environment.
Each participant will have an opportunity to try a range of different sports including squash, athletics, low level circuits, rugby, football, cricket, yoga and boxing, and they will receive a T-shirt, reusable water bottle, certificate and a medal for taking part.
Winchester Personal Bests is the first event of its kind to be officially recognised as Autism Friendly by the National Autistic Society.
Then on Thursday 30 October 2025, brand-new event Winchester Aqua Bests in Winchester Sport & Leisure Park will offer adults with learning disabilities an opportunity to take part in various inclusive and fully accessible water-based activities.
Betty Chadwick, Executive Director of Active LD, said: “We know how important being active is for people with learning disabilities. Taking part in regular physical activity builds confidence, grows social networks and supports good physical and mental health. Access to inclusive and enjoyable physical activity is absolutely key to having a happy, healthy life.
“We’re so excited about this year’s event, and that Personal Bests continues to grow. Aqua Bests has come about because of valued feedback from our past participants, and we can’t wait to witness the achievements in the pool.
“We’d like to send huge thanks to all the coaches, participants, volunteers and event management team for making these events happen.”
Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities Cllr Kathleen Becker said: “Personal Bests helps its participants to build lasting connections with different sports and their coaches, highlighting pathways to, and encouraging people with learning disabilities to engage in, regular physical activity.
“By championing them for taking part and doing their best, it also helps to build confidence, grow their social networks, and support their mental health. I’d encourage anyone thinking about signing up to join in and give it a go – you’ll have a great time!”
Alison Lewis, Area Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: “Winchester Sport & Leisure Park is proud to host the upcoming events, Personal Bests and Aqua Bests, reflecting our ongoing commitment to inclusivity and accessible sport. These events embody our dedication to providing meaningful opportunities for individuals of all abilities to participate, achieve, and thrive.”
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –
A new issue of the SPbGASU newspaper “For Construction Personnel” has been published. In the latest issue, read:
How to become a highly paid specialist in a year and a half
SPbGASU graduate and practicing expert Veronika Zamaeva shared her personal experience. She gave advice that will be useful to all students regardless of their field of study.
The initiative of a master’s student may reach the State Duma
A graduate student at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Alexandra Polyanskaya, talks about how she initiated changes to the federal law that will eliminate a legal gap in regulating the activities of zoos located on the territories of cultural heritage sites.
Defense of a final qualifying work project as a real work process
We tell you first-hand how defending a final qualification work in the format of TIM projects helps students acquire practical skills and build interactions with related specialists.
Why is it beneficial to be a target?
Students are guaranteed work, industries are in-demand personnel. We discuss all the positive effects of targeted training with the participants of this program.
Construction is a great place to work
We provide feedback from students who work, do practical training and internships at construction sites. The guys told us what is interesting about their work and why adaptation to production is easy and successful.
New functionality for textile factories
Olga Tsepilova, a lecturer at the Department of Urban Development at SPbGASU, suggested giving a second life to the objects, preserving their historical value but changing their functionality in accordance with modern regulatory requirements. Read more about the scientific justification in our article.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
A young man in a tailcoat and shirt front sits at a table with a goose feather in his hand and watches the Dragonfly flutter across a forest clearing, and the Fox coaxes a piece of cheese from the Crow: this is what the production of Ivan Krylov’s fables looks like at the Special Theatre. All the actors are people with mental disabilities, wards of the daytime employment resource centre “House under the Sun” in Yasenevo. The project was created by the charitable foundation for the promotion of social and cultural initiatives and guardianship “Lifestyle”, helps them develop their thinking, memory and speech, adapt to society, feel busy with something important, write a story about their own life. In 2024, the project of the Special Theatre Foundation won the competition “Moscow is a kind city”, and its authors received financial assistance for its implementation.
mos.ru correspondents visited the Special Theatre and found out how children learn to transform into fairy tale characters, what talents they display and what they dream about.
All in leading roles
The Special Theatre operates in the House Under the Sun resource centre located on Golubinskaya Street (31, building 1), next to the Bitsevsky Forest natural and historical park. The Lifestyle Charity Foundation received this two-storey building free of charge from the Moscow Government, having won a competition for premises in 2020.
Inside the “House in the Sun” we see painted houses on a bright green forest background, wicker balls similar to nests are hung from the ceiling. There are flowers in pots everywhere, stands with drawings of the wards, shelves with toys. And in one of the rooms, a wall is occupied by a felt glade-carpet “Magic Forest”: you can attach multi-colored oaks, frogs, swallows, squirrels on Velcro to it, creating your own universe. At the same time, visitors to the center try to remember the names of animals and plants.
In the hall there is a motivational sign “Rules of the House in the Sun”: “Make each other happy. Believe in yourself. Always move forward. Do what you love.” Here all this works out.
When we came to the Special Theatre, the guys were preparing for a performance based on Ivan Krylov’s fables. 30-year-old Igor Kotelnikov plays a fabulist. According to the plot, he has to observe his characters and then read a moral, for example: “How many times have we told the world that flattery is vile, harmful, but it’s all to no avail…” Despite his mental peculiarities, the young man was able to learn the text by heart.
“This is not my first production. I used to play the bear in “Teremok”, the king in “The Bremen Town Musicians”, and the cat Basilio in “Buratino”. I also write a column called “Igor’s Chronicles” in our wall newspaper. I tell you what I have achieved here, how I help my mother clean the house, and how I take care of my family. In general, I can do a lot. I graduated from college, learned how to make notebooks, and won prizes in various nominations of the Abilympics competition,” admits Igor Kotelnikov, an actor at the Special Theatre and a protégé of “House Under the Sun”.
Another young man, 29-year-old Ivan Pronin, has also achieved success. It is difficult for him to speak, but in the role of the host he recites from memory a philosophical text written by the teachers of the House under the Sun: “Each of us chooses which road to walk or drive, what good deeds to do.” These words have meaning: they concern, first of all, the guys from the House under the Sun. Any of them can choose a role in the Special Theater depending on their abilities and interests.
Thus, 18-year-old Sergey Rogov is interested in zoology and takes excellent photographs of nature, but he has difficulty speaking and avoids people. In the play, he is a silent and serious Ant: he collects plastic fruits in a basket, drags a beanbag along the floor, where, according to the script, provisions for the winter are stored. And his peer Alisa Popova is fluent in written Russian and writes fairy tales, but has difficulty communicating – she is close to the roles of the Crow, Dragonfly and Cuckoo. To play such characters, the girl does not need to pronounce many words. For example, in a dialogue with the Rooster, she says only: “I am ready to listen to you, my godfather, forever.” And Ilya Shragin cannot speak, but he also found a role: he portrays a tree in an excerpt from the fable “The Pig Under the Oak.”
“The theatrical project allows the wards to feel confident, needed, overcome shyness, learn the text as much as possible. They are very nervous before each performance and are happy when they are applauded,” says Inga Zhgenti, deputy director of the charitable foundation “Lifestyle”.
Children from the special family centers “Rose of the Winds” and “Sem-Ya” came to the show. They laugh and clap their hands, watching the heroes of Ivan Krylov’s fables replace each other on stage. After the show, which lasts only 20 minutes, so as not to tire the actors and spectators, the guests are invited to a disco, and the little ones, together with the adults, happy and satisfied, dance.
“We recently went on an excursion to the educational center of the Moscow Art Theater School. On the way back, the guys asked: when will their plays be shown on the big stage? Of course, we cannot promise them this, but we plan to hold such meetings regularly. In addition, we will continue to invite guests to us. We want to show the world that people with mental disabilities are just a little different. They are cheerful and sincere. It is easy with them,” says Olga Stukalova, head of the Dom pod Solntsem center and deputy director for educational programs at the Obraz Zhizni charity foundation.
Creativity and play as ways to understand the world
Currently, 55 Muscovites from their teens to 40s are studying at the House Under the Sun. About 20 people come here every day. In addition to rehearsals and performances, the center’s guests learn to draw, make felt dolls, dance, sing, and cook simple dishes at the Special Theater. This is how they develop fine motor skills, learn new words, and learn to take care of themselves.
“Creativity helps people with mental disabilities to open up and learn to communicate. Most of our wards have poor speech, some can only count to 10, not everyone is able to move around the city independently. But here they have a goal – creation, they feel like real artists, musicians, actors,” says Olga Stukalova.
A lesson in the creative studio lasts 45 minutes. As Inga Zhgenti explains, to make it easier for participants to understand what lessons they have today, the staff makes a personal visual schedule for each person every day. These are cards with images of what they have to do today (for example, a treble clef and the word “Music”), which are placed under the students’ photos on the board. After the lesson, each participant puts the card in a basket.
We enter the music classroom. There are green and yellow paper ribbons with red carnations hanging from the ceiling: they set a positive mood. The students at their desks try to answer the teacher’s questions: “What kind of instrument is this? That’s right: spoons! And this? A tambourine! Well done!” Then everyone sings the songs “Sunny Circle, Sky Around” and “Let’s Go to the Garden to Pick Raspberries” in chorus.
In another class, young people are making pictures out of plasticine; one makes a boat, another a peacock. Each person chooses the theme of the picture themselves. One young man is blind and has almost no memory or speech; he recognizes people by putting their hands to his face. However, he managed to make a pink screwdriver and a capybara out of plasticine.
One of the favorite activities of the wards of “House under the Sun” is cooking. It is both creativity and acquisition of basic household skills.
“I’ve been coming here since the center opened. I sculpt, draw, play music, and attend a book club. I love cooking. I’ve already baked a pie, made scrambled eggs, shawarma, salad, pizza, and pancakes in an electric pancake maker,” Ivan Pronin shares.
According to Inga Zhgenti, the most effective way to teach people with mental disabilities is through play. At the same time, teachers make it clear that they value and respect their students and are happy to communicate with them. “Our main rule is let’s be friends,” the mos.ru interlocutor clarifies.
You can support “Lifestyle” and other Moscow non-profit organizations (NPOs) with the help of charity service on mos.ru. In category “For people with disabilities” 13 verified NPOs are presented that help children and adults with special needs, including mental disabilities. To make a donation, simply select a program of assistance and indicate the amount of the transfer. You can support one organization, several, or all programs in a category at once: in this case, the amount will be equally distributed between the NPOs of the selected section.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
A new multi-media education resource highlighting the unique heritage features of Tauranga’s Ōtūmoetai Pā has been launched and is now available to check out.
The learning module can be found on the LEARNZ website (see link below) and features video interviews and a wealth of historical and other information that will be useful for students and those who have an interest in the history of Ōtūmoetai Pā and its surrounding area. It also covers the role of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga with archaeology.
The series of videos include interviews with kaumatua Koro Des Tata (Ngāi Tamarāwaho), kaitiaki Barry Ngatoko (Ngāi Tamarāwaho) and Dean Flavell, the Pouarahi for the Tauranga Heritage Collection. Together they look after an important archaeological collection including taonga from excavations at Ōtūmoetai and the wider Tauranga Moana district until the new museum is built.
Tauranga-based archaeologist Ken Phillips is also interviewed along with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga staff based in Tauranga, including archaeologists Dr Rachel Darmody (Ngāi Tahu) and Eleanor Sturrock; and Pouarahi Te Haana Jacob (Te Arawa, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui).
“This is a teaching resource that is perfect for the classroom as well as home research and learning,” says Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Director Regional Services Pam Bain, who coordinated the education initiative.
“The content relates to different strands of the curriculum including Te Ao Tangata – Social Science; Pūtaio – Science; Ngā Toi – Arts; and Hangarau – Technology, to name a few. The stories are readily accessible and targeted to students, though people who may not have been in a classroom for many years should check out the link for sheer interest value. The material is fascinating.”
Every year LEARNZ offers a variety of online field trips allowing students to connect with people and places around New Zealand and beyond. The online trips incorporate video, audio and written materials providing interactive experiences for students that aim to spark curiosity, activate prior knowledge and build learning.
The LEARNZ online field trips have generated a huge amount of interest according to Clive Francis, LEARNZ Project Manager at Tātai Aho Rau Core Education.
“It shows there is a real appetite for schools and kura to learn about Aotearoa New Zealand’s histories,” he says.
“We are very grateful to the interviewees, the Ministry of Education and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga for their support to enable the field trip to happen.”
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga cares for 46 historic places around the country – many of which are open to the public and tell diverse stories. These range from New Zealand’s oldest building, Kemp House in Kerikeri to Totara Estate near Ōamaru, the farm that sent the first shipment of frozen lamb to Britain in 1882 – and almost everything in between.
“Ideally students are able to visit these places for themselves, though realistically not everyone can do that,” says Pam.
“LEARNZ provides wonderful alternative learning epxeriences for students that are the next best thing to being there.”
The most recent Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga field trip organised through LEARNZ reached about 12,000 students through 98 educators around the country – an amazing result that shows the power of online learning and the widespread interest in heritage.
“Tapping into this technology can bring our history alive and straight into classrooms around New Zealand – and even the world,” she says.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Hung Nguyen-Viet, Program Leader (ai), HEALTH at ILRI / CGIAR, International Livestock Research Institute
The world is facing daunting health challenges with the rise of zoonotic diseases – infections that are transmissible from animals to humans. These diseases – which include Ebola, avian flu, COVID-19 and HIV – show how the health and wellbeing of humans, animals and ecosystems are closely connected.
Zoonotic diseases have become more and more common due to factors such as urbanisation, deforestation, climate change and wildlife exploitation. These dangers are not limited by borders: they are global and demand a coordinated response.
By looking at health holistically, countries can address the full spectrum of disease control – from prevention to detection, preparedness, response and management – and contribute to global health security.
The World Health Organization has a basis for such an approach: One Health. This recognises the interdependence of the health of people, animals and the environment and integrates these fields, rather than keeping them separate.
I lead the health programme at the International Livestock Research Institute, where we are looking for ways to effectively manage or eliminate livestock-related diseases, zoonotic infections and foodborne illnesses that disproportionately affect impoverished communities.
My work focuses on the link between health and agriculture, food safety, and infectious and zoonotic diseases.
For example in Kenya we are part of an initiative of the One Health Centre in Africa to roll out canine vaccination and have so far vaccinated 146,000 animals in Machakos county.
In Ethiopia and Vietnam we worked in a programme to improve the hygiene practices of butchers in traditional markets.
In another project we work in 11 countries to strengthen One Health curricula in universities.
The lessons from the One Health projects implemented with partners across Asia and Africa are that there’s an urgent need for action on three fronts. These are: stronger cross-sectoral collaboration; greater engagement with policymakers to translate research findings into actionable strategies; and the development of adaptable and context-specific interventions.
But, having been active in this area for the last decade, I am impatient with the slow pace of investment. We know that prevention is better than cure. The cost of prevention is significantly lower than that of managing pandemics once they occur. Urgent steps, including much higher levels of investment, need to be taken.
What’s in place
In 2022 the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Organisation for Animal Health developed a joint One Health plan of action. They identified key areas to respond more efficiently to health threats. These included:
Reducing risks from emerging and re-emerging zoonotic epidemics. Actions include, for example, tightening regulations around farming and trade in wildlife and wild animal products.
Controlling and eliminating endemic, zoonotic, neglected tropical and vector-borne diseases by understanding the attitudes and knowledge of communities bearing the greatest burdens of these diseases. And boosting their capacity to fight them.
Strengthening action against food safety risks by monitoring new and emerging foodborne infections.
Curbing the silent pandemic of antimicrobial resistance, one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity.
Other collaborations include the Prezode (Preventing Zoonotic Disease Emergence) initiative to research all aspects of diseases of animal origin. This was launched in 2021 by French president Emmanuel Macron.
One Health has gained traction globally. But there’s still a great deal to be done.
The cost of inaction
According to a 2022 World Bank estimate, preventing a pandemic would cost approximately US$11 billion per year, while managing a pandemic can run up to US$31 billion annually. So the investment return of 3:1 is an important reason to call for investment in One Health.
The Pandemic Fund was launched in November 2022 by leaders of the Group of 20 nations and hosted by the World Bank Group to help low- and middle-income countries prepare better for emerging pandemic threats. US$885 million has been awarded to 47 projects to date through the two rounds in the last three years.
However, relative to the US$11 billion per year required for prevention, this investment is modest. Urgent investment in One Health needs to be made by countries themselves, in particular low- and middle-income countries.
The last two World One Health congresses (in Singapore in 2022, and in Cape Town in 2024) called for investment in One Health. There were also calls for investment in One Health at regional level to prevent zoonotic diseases and the next pandemic.
At the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) formally adopted by consensus the world’s first Pandemic Agreement. The landmark decision culminates more than three years of intensive negotiations launched by governments in response to the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is major global progress in One Health and disease prevention.
But the lessons of COVID-19 have shown us that the cost of inaction is incalculable in terms of lives lost, economic turmoil and societal disruption. To date, there have been over 777 million cases of COVID-19, including more than 7 million deaths worldwide.
According to estimates by the International Monetary Fund, COVID will have caused a cumulative production loss of US$13.8 trillion by 2024.
The choice is clear: invest today to prevent tomorrow’s pandemics, or pay a heavy price in the future.
– Preventing the next pandemic: One Health researcher calls for urgent action – https://theconversation.com/preventing-the-next-pandemic-one-health-researcher-calls-for-urgent-action-255229
An innovative programme of activity designed to grow the North East workforce is to be led by Aberdeen City Council.
Workwise will see the Council, alongside NESCol and Aberdeenshire Council combine efforts to support school leavers and adults to enter the job market through a combination of virtual work experience and illustrative online content.
The unique project has been made possible by grant funding from Ufi VocTech Trust, an independent charity focused on unlocking the full potential of technology to help adults improve skills for work and open up access for those furthest from opportunity.
The £250,000 grant will see the partners work collaboratively to develop a range of resources for North East residents to help them into work.
This includes virtual work experience modules which could lead to in-person placements, confidence building and skills development, and a series of videos of local people showcasing their jobs. The programme is being developed with wider partnerships and will grow skills, awareness, and confidence and understanding of the opportunities in the local labour market and strengthen the regional economy.
This includes creating digital programmes with real people from the region speaking about their roles, filmed within their workplaces; online confidence building covering study and digital skills, funding, support networks and progression pathways, and a digital work experience platform, for those lacking in experience or confidence, to use to build key skills and experience matched to their needs.
Aberdeen City Council’s Education and Children’s Services Convener, Councillor Martin Greig, said: “The generous funding offer from Ufi VocTech Trust will provide welcome support for young people and adults with limited work experience to help them develop their knowledge and skills in preparation for the job market.
“This new programme involves partnership collaboration with the aim of increasing individuals’ understanding of the work environment and feeling prepared for it. The approach uses technology and digital innovation to enhance their employment choices and opportunities.”
Caroline O’Donnell, Grants Programme Manager, Ufi VocTech Trust said: “We are proud to support this programme of work led by Aberdeen City Council, which reflects our ambition to support the adoption and deployment of technology to ensure every adult in the UK can gain the skills they need to participate in and benefit from our transitioning economy.
“By combining digital learning with in-person experience, the programme addresses key barriers to employment, particularly in communities furthest from opportunity, helping people build the confidence and skills needed to thrive in today’s workforce.”
The flexibility of the digital approach allows even those living in rural communities for whom travel is a barrier to employability activity to access these upskilling opportunities.
Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee Cllr David Keating said: “This is an exciting programme which has the potential to transform people’s lives by getting them into work with the skills they need.
“With the support of Ufi VocTech Trust, this approach, utilising technology and innovation will open doors for young people and adults alike. The scheme will not just help people understand the world of work, but grow their confidence and ambition.
“I’m especially pleased that we have been able to work together with our neighbouring council for the benefit of all our constituents.”
Robert Laird, Head of Planning and Academic Partnerships at NESCol, said: “We look forward to working with our project partners to develop and deliver this initiative. The course will be a 40-hour interactive programme covering personal development, personal organisation and time management, study skills, digital skills, finance options for students and progression pathways.
“In addition to both local authorities there will be input from SWAP East, Skills Development Scotland, Developing the Young Workforce North East, and both of the city’s universities. It is a very powerful example of the collaborative work being undertaken in the North East as partners come together to broaden the options available for all those who are keen to pursue opportunities in education and employment.”
The Workwise project will support the partners to build the region’s skilled workforce for the future, aligning with the Regional Economic Strategy’s Draft Skills Action Plan and the area’s growth and volume sectors, while simultaneously tackling poverty by supporting local people into quality employment.
First schools install Great British Energy solar panels
First 11 schools across England have installed solar panels backed by Great British Energy, saving a total of £175,000 per year.
Schools across the country to install new Great British Energy solar panels thanks to government’s £180 million funding to cut bills for schools and hospitals
11 schools have installed solar panels, saving £175,000 per year
Savings will be reinvested in schools as part of the government’s Plan for Change to fix public services – while providing clean power for pupils and teachers
Pupils across the country will benefit from more money for textbooks and teachers, as the first schools are announced in Great British Energy’s rooftop solar rollout to cut energy bills.
Schools are benefitting from funding for rooftop solar, with the first 11 schools estimated to save £175,000 per year after installing Great British Energy solar panels. The remaining schools set to benefit will be announced this summer, with all schools that are part of the scheme expected to have solar panels installed by the end of the year.
In England, around £80 million is supporting around 200 schools, alongside £100 million for nearly 200 NHS sites, covering a third of NHS trusts, to install rooftop solar panels that could power classrooms and operations, while giving them the potential to sell leftover energy back to the grid.
Great British Energy’s first investment could see millions invested back into frontline services, targeting deprived areas, with lifetime savings for schools and the NHS of up to £400 million over around 30 years.
Schools and hospitals have been hit with rocketing energy bills in recent years, costing taxpayers millions of pounds, and eating into school budgets. This has been driven by the UK’s dependency on global fossil fuel markets over which government has no control.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:
Solar panels on school rooftops mean energy bills are cut and money can be invested directly into improving young people’s education while helping to tackle climate change for the next generation.
Great British Energy is delivering rooftop solar as part of our Plan for Change that will support communities for generations to come, relieving pressures on our vital public services and ensuring investment is made in the future of our young people.
Great British Energy Chair Juergen Maier said:
Within 2 months we are seeing schools supported by our scheme having solar panels installed so they can start reaping the rewards of clean energy – opening up the opportunity for more money to be spent on our children rather than energy bills.
By partnering with the public sector as we scale up the company, we will continue to make an immediate impact as we work to roll out clean, homegrown energy projects, crowd in investment and create job opportunities across the country.
Education Minister Stephen Morgan said:
Through our Plan for Change, this government is supporting schools to save schools thousands on their bills so they can reinvest money saved into ensuring every child gets the best start in life.
The installation of solar panels will also help pupils to develop green skills, promoting careers in renewables and supporting growth in the clean energy workforce.
Currently only about 20% of schools have solar panels installed, but the technology has huge potential to save money on bills.
Estimates suggest that on average, a typical school could save up to £25,000 per year if they had solar panels with complementary technologies installed such as batteries.
The funding will support the government’s clean power mission as well as helping to rebuild the nation’s public services. It forms Great British Energy’s first local investment, kickstarting the Local Power Plan and ensuring the benefits of this national mission are felt at a local level, with energy security, good jobs and economic growth.
Notes to editors
The list of hospitals benefitting was announced in March and installations will start to complete this summer.
The support will target schools with buildings that are able to accommodate solar panels in areas of England most in need. As part of this, government is selecting the schools which will be primarily clustered in areas of deprivation in the North East, West Midlands and North West, as well as at least 10 schools in each region. Each cluster will include a further education college which will work with the contractors appointed to promote careers in renewables to support growth in the construction and renewables workforce. This could be through work placements, skills bootcamps and workshops.
Backed by £8.3 billion over this Parliament, Great British Energy will own and invest in clean energy projects across the UK. This will range from supporting local energy, like the solar power schemes announced today, to the £300 million invested to support offshore wind supply chains – unlocking significant investment in major clean energy projects that will revitalise the UK’s industrial heartlands with new jobs, alongside securing Britain’s energy supply.
11 schools to have installed Great British Energy solar panels
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Hung Nguyen-Viet, Program Leader (ai), HEALTH at ILRI / CGIAR, International Livestock Research Institute
The world is facing daunting health challenges with the rise of zoonotic diseases – infections that are transmissible from animals to humans. These diseases – which include Ebola, avian flu, COVID-19 and HIV – show how the health and wellbeing of humans, animals and ecosystems are closely connected.
Zoonotic diseases have become more and more common due to factors such as urbanisation, deforestation, climate change and wildlife exploitation. These dangers are not limited by borders: they are global and demand a coordinated response.
By looking at health holistically, countries can address the full spectrum of disease control – from prevention to detection, preparedness, response and management – and contribute to global health security.
The World Health Organization has a basis for such an approach: One Health. This recognises the interdependence of the health of people, animals and the environment and integrates these fields, rather than keeping them separate.
I lead the health programme at the International Livestock Research Institute, where we are looking for ways to effectively manage or eliminate livestock-related diseases, zoonotic infections and foodborne illnesses that disproportionately affect impoverished communities.
My work focuses on the link between health and agriculture, food safety, and infectious and zoonotic diseases.
For example in Kenya we are part of an initiative of the One Health Centre in Africa to roll out canine vaccination and have so far vaccinated 146,000 animals in Machakos county.
In Ethiopia and Vietnam we worked in a programme to improve the hygiene practices of butchers in traditional markets.
In another project we work in 11 countries to strengthen One Health curricula in universities.
The lessons from the One Health projects implemented with partners across Asia and Africa are that there’s an urgent need for action on three fronts. These are: stronger cross-sectoral collaboration; greater engagement with policymakers to translate research findings into actionable strategies; and the development of adaptable and context-specific interventions.
But, having been active in this area for the last decade, I am impatient with the slow pace of investment. We know that prevention is better than cure. The cost of prevention is significantly lower than that of managing pandemics once they occur. Urgent steps, including much higher levels of investment, need to be taken.
What’s in place
In 2022 the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Organisation for Animal Health developed a joint One Health plan of action. They identified key areas to respond more efficiently to health threats. These included:
Reducing risks from emerging and re-emerging zoonotic epidemics. Actions include, for example, tightening regulations around farming and trade in wildlife and wild animal products.
Controlling and eliminating endemic, zoonotic, neglected tropical and vector-borne diseases by understanding the attitudes and knowledge of communities bearing the greatest burdens of these diseases. And boosting their capacity to fight them.
Strengthening action against food safety risks by monitoring new and emerging foodborne infections.
Curbing the silent pandemic of antimicrobial resistance, one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity.
Other collaborations include the Prezode (Preventing Zoonotic Disease Emergence) initiative to research all aspects of diseases of animal origin. This was launched in 2021 by French president Emmanuel Macron.
One Health has gained traction globally. But there’s still a great deal to be done.
The cost of inaction
According to a 2022 World Bank estimate, preventing a pandemic would cost approximately US$11 billion per year, while managing a pandemic can run up to US$31 billion annually. So the investment return of 3:1 is an important reason to call for investment in One Health.
The Pandemic Fund was launched in November 2022 by leaders of the Group of 20 nations and hosted by the World Bank Group to help low- and middle-income countries prepare better for emerging pandemic threats. US$885 million has been awarded to 47 projects to date through the two rounds in the last three years.
However, relative to the US$11 billion per year required for prevention, this investment is modest. Urgent investment in One Health needs to be made by countries themselves, in particular low- and middle-income countries.
The last two World One Health congresses (in Singapore in 2022, and in Cape Town in 2024) called for investment in One Health. There were also calls for investment in One Health at regional level to prevent zoonotic diseases and the next pandemic.
At the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) formally adopted by consensus the world’s first Pandemic Agreement. The landmark decision culminates more than three years of intensive negotiations launched by governments in response to the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is major global progress in One Health and disease prevention.
But the lessons of COVID-19 have shown us that the cost of inaction is incalculable in terms of lives lost, economic turmoil and societal disruption. To date, there have been over 777 million cases of COVID-19, including more than 7 million deaths worldwide.
According to estimates by the International Monetary Fund, COVID will have caused a cumulative production loss of US$13.8 trillion by 2024.
The choice is clear: invest today to prevent tomorrow’s pandemics, or pay a heavy price in the future.
Hung Nguyen-Viet 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.
