Source: Government of Sweden
The Swedish Government prioritises Ukraine’s path towards EU membership, and Sweden is now strengthening its support to increase Ukraine’s capability to implement its accession negotiations. The Stockholm School of Economics has been granted SEK 3 million via the Swedish Institute to train Ukrainian civil servants and diplomats in negotiation skills.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)
WASHINGTON – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement on June 22, 2025
As we wait for more details on this evening’s U.S. actions against Iran’s nuclear sites in Natanz, Isfahan, and most significantly, Fordow, I proudly thank the brave service members who put their lives on the line for our defense and security. America and the world are more secure because of their success. I am grateful all have safely returned, and I pray for the safety of our 40,000 U.S. troops, our many diplomats and the thousands of U.S. citizens living, working and visiting the region.
Since the Iranian revolution in 1979, the regime in Tehran has effectively waged an undeclared war on the United States, Israel, and the broader West. A nuclear armed Iran poses a grave and unacceptable threat to the United States, and is an existential threat to Israel and every Arab state in the Gulf.
Iran must never have a nuclear weapon. Ever.
A diplomatic path to reversing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and permanently dismantling Iran’s nuclear development programs was preferable to war. Negotiations were recently restarted, but Iran dug in its heels at the recent talks in Italy, in Oman, and again this week in Switzerland. Iran gave every signal that diplomacy in this moment was a dead end.
I still hope that, after tonight’s actions, Iran accepts that it will never have a nuclear weapon and returns in good faith to the negotiating table.
While Iran’s nuclear ambitions demand a strategic, serious and coordinated response, it remains the sole Constitutional authority of Congress—not the President—to take our nation into war. That prerogative exists not only as a matter of law, but as a safeguard. The Administration must immediately engage with Congress and urgently provide a bipartisan, classified briefing so we can assess the intelligence, legal justifications, objectives, and consequences of this action.
###
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
KUNMING, June 25 (Xinhua) — The 9th China-South Asia Expo concluded on Tuesday in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, attracting over 500,000 visitors to the six-day expo.
KUNMING, June 25 (Xinhua) — The 9th China-South Asia Expo concluded on Tuesday in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, attracting over 500,000 visitors to the six-day expo.
KUNMING, June 25 (Xinhua) — The 9th China-South Asia Expo concluded on Tuesday in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, attracting over 500,000 visitors to the six-day expo.
KUNMING, June 25 (Xinhua) — The 9th China-South Asia Expo concluded on Tuesday in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, attracting over 500,000 visitors to the six-day expo.
KUNMING, June 25 (Xinhua) — The 9th China-South Asia Expo concluded on Tuesday in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, attracting over 500,000 visitors to the six-day expo.
KUNMING, June 25 (Xinhua) — The 9th China-South Asia Expo concluded on Tuesday in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, attracting over 500,000 visitors to the six-day expo.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 26 (Xinhua) — China Southern Airlines flight CZ3083 with 145 passengers on board took off from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in south China’s Guangdong Province on Wednesday for Almaty, Kazakhstan, marking the official opening of a direct air route between the two cities by the Chinese carrier.
The new route will be operated by Boeing 737-8 aircraft in both directions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the Chinese news agency Zhongxinshe reports.
With the addition of this route to the schedule, China Southern Airlines’ fleet now operates a total of 26 direct round-trip flights per week, connecting Almaty with airports in Guangzhou, Urumqi (the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in Northwest China), Xi’an (the capital of Shaanxi Province in Northwest China) and Beijing Daxing Airport.
Let us recall that 2024 was the Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China, and 2025 has been declared the Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan. The opening of the new airline will facilitate business and tourism exchanges between China and Kazakhstan, the report notes.
In addition, as previously reported, China Southern Airlines will also launch a Guangzhou-Tashkent flight on June 30. The carrier’s network of flights on air routes between China and Central Asia continues to expand. -0-
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 26 (Xinhua) — Xinhua News Agency Director-General Fu Hua met with a delegation of Azerbaijani media in Beijing on Wednesday.
Fu Hua said that Xinhua and the Azerbaijan State News Agency signed a cooperation agreement in April. Xinhua is ready to work with Azerbaijani media to tell stories about the friendship and cooperation between the two countries in various fields.
Fu Hua expressed hope that the media of the two countries will strengthen cooperation in news coverage, technology and personnel exchange.
Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Media Development Agency Akhmed Ismayilov stated that the Azerbaijani side is ready to implement important agreements reached by the heads of the two countries together with Xinhua and achieve new successes in media cooperation. -0-
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BAGHDAD, June 26 (Xinhua) — Two militants of the Islamic State (IS) group were killed on Wednesday during a military operation in northern Iraq, the Iraqi counter-terrorism service said in a statement.
Acting on intelligence, counter-terrorism forces ambushed militants in a remote area of Kirkuk province.
The counter-terrorism service will continue to fight terrorism in all corners of Iraq, the statement said.
While Iraq declared victory over ISIS in 2017, remnants of the group continue to carry out attacks on security forces and civilians in cities, deserts and remote areas. –0–
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hussein Dia, Professor of Future Urban Mobility, Swinburne University of Technology
As the world watches the US–Iran situation with concern, the ripple effect from these events are reaching global oil supply chains – and exposing their fragility.
If Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz as it is considering, it would restrict the global oil trade and trigger energy chaos.
Petrol in some Australian cities could hit A$2.50 a litre according to some economists. As global instability worsens, other experts warn price spikes are increasingly likely.
What would happen next? There is a precedent: the oil shocks of the 1970s, when oil prices quadrupled. The shock drove rapid change, from more efficient cars to sudden interest in alternative energy sources. This time, motorists would likely switch to electric vehicles.
If this crisis continues or if another one flares up, it could mark a turning point in Australia’s long dependence on foreign oil.
Australia currently imports 80% of its liquid fuels, the highest level on record. If the flow of oil stopped, we would have about 50 days worth in storage before we ran out.
Our cars, buses, trucks and planes run overwhelmingly on petrol and diesel. Almost three-quarters (74%) of these liquid fuels are used in transport, with road transport accounting for more than half (54%) of all liquid fuels. Australia is highly exposed to global supply shocks.
The best available option to reduce dependence on oil imports is to electrify transport.
EV uptake in Australia continues to lag behind global leaders. In 2024, EVs accounted for 9.65% of new car sales in Australia, up from 8.45% in 2023.
In the first quarter of 2025, EVs were 6.3% of new car sales, a decline from 7.4% in the final quarter of 2024.
Norway remains the global leader, with battery-electric passenger cars making up 88.9% of sales in 2024. The United Kingdom also saw significant growth – EVs hit almost 20% of new car registrations in 2024.
In China, EVs made up 40.9% of new car sales in 2024. The 12.87 million cars sold represent three-quarters of total EV sales worldwide.
One reason for Australia’s sluggishness is a lack of reliable public chargers. While charging infrastructure is expanding, large parts of regional Australia still lack reliable access to EV charging.
Until recently, Australia’s fuel efficiency standards were among the weakest in the OECD. Earlier this year, the government’s new standards came into force. These are expected to boost EV uptake.
If history is any guide, oil shocks lead to long-term change.
The 1970s oil shocks triggered waves of energy reform.
When global oil prices quadrupled in 1973–74, many nations were forced to reconsider where they got their energy. A few years later, the 1979 Iranian Revolution caused another major supply disruption, sending oil prices soaring and pushing much of the world into recession.
These shocks drove the formation of the International Energy Agency in 1974, spurred alternative energy investment and led to advances in fuel-efficiency standards.
Much more recently, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine pushed the European Union to face up to its reliance on Russian gas and find alternatives by importing gas from different countries and accelerating the clean energy shift.
Clearly, energy shocks can be catalysts for long-term structural change in how we produce and consume energy.
The new crisis could do the same, but only if policy catches up.
If fuel prices shot up and stayed there, consumer behaviour would begin to shift. People would drive less and seek alternate forms of transport. Over time, more would look for better ways to get around.
But without stronger support such as incentives, infrastructure and fuel security planning, shifting consumer preferences could be too slow to matter.
Cutting oil dependency through electrification isn’t just good for the climate. It’s also a hedge against future price shocks and supply disruptions.
Transport is now Australia’s third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Now that emissions are falling in the electricity sector, transport will be the highest emitting sector emissions source as soon as 2030.
Building a cleaner transport system also means building a more resilient one. Charging EVs on locally produced renewable power cuts our exposure to global oil markets. So do biofuels, better public transport and smarter urban planning.
Improving domestic energy resilience isn’t just about climate targets. It’s about economic stability and national security. Clean local energy sources reduce vulnerability to events beyond our control.
China offers a compelling case study. The nation of 1.4 billion faces real oil security challenges. In response, Beijing has spent the past decade building a domestic clean energy ecosystem to reduce oil dependency and cut emissions.
This is now bearing fruit. Last year, China’s oil imports had the first sustained fall in nearly two decades. Crude oil imports fell 1.5%, while oil refinery activity also fell due to lower demand.
China’s green energy transition was driven by coordinated policy, industrial investment and public support for clean transport.
China’s rapid shift to EVs and clean energy shows how long-term planning and targeted investment can pay off on climate and energy security.
The rolling crises of 2025 present Australian policymakers a rare alignment of interests. What’s good for the climate, for consumers and for national security may now be the same thing.
Real change will require more than sustained high petrol prices. It demands political will, targeted investment and a long-term vision for clean, resilient transport.
Doing nothing has a real cost – not just in what we pay at the service station, but in how vulnerable we remain to events a long way away.
Hussein Dia receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the iMOVE Australia Cooperative Research Centre, Transport for New South Wales, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, Victorian Department of Transport and Planning, and Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
– ref. Oil shocks in the 1970s drove rapid changes in transport. It could happen again if Middle East tensions continue – https://theconversation.com/oil-shocks-in-the-1970s-drove-rapid-changes-in-transport-it-could-happen-again-if-middle-east-tensions-continue-259670
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
Legislation Would Ban Former Government Employees from Lobbying for Countries of Concern
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Peter Welch (D-VT), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced the Conflict-free Leaving Employment and Activity Restrictions (CLEAR) Path Act, which would mitigate foreign influence on U.S. policymaking by prohibiting former government employees from lobbying on behalf of countries of concern:
“Foreign adversaries with ill intentions should not wield influence on American policymaking, nor should they exploit our own citizens to intercede on their behalf,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This commonsense legislation would root out attempts of malign foreign interference and permanently ban former U.S. government employees from lobbying for countries of concern like Russia and China.”
“Public trust in our democratic institutions has been eroding,” said Sen. Welch. “It’s vital we set higher standards against potential conflicts of interest for former government employees, particularly when it involves foreign adversaries that might be working to influence U.S. policy.”
“It isn’t right for senior government officials to turn their public service experience into a payout from malign foreign governments,” said Sen. Risch. “This bill will help prevent corruption at the highest levels of our government, protect our national security, and ensure that our public servants do not abuse their power for the good of America’s adversaries.”
“America is engaged in a clash of civilizations against kleptocrats, international criminals, and corrupt foreign nations that provide them safe harbor,” said Sen. Whitehouse. “Our adversaries exploit both secret and overt channels of influence to put their thumb on the scale of American policy. I’m glad to join this bipartisan effort to prevent senior U.S. government officials from selling their expertise, access, and influence to shadowy foreign interests after they leave their jobs.”
Background:
With recent attempts by foreign actors to manipulate the U.S. political and governing processes in recent years, the Clear Path Act would seek to mitigate foreign malign influence in our political system by:
Permanently banning agency heads, deputies, and Senate-confirmed employees from lobbying the executive and legislative branches on behalf of countries of concern, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Cuba;
And including a mechanism to add or remove countries of concern via a Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House Judiciary Committee joint resolution and with the concurrence of the U.S. Secretary of State and U.S. Attorney General.
Source: US State of Nebraska
. Pillen Celebrates Passage of Bill to Protect Against Influence of Foreign Adversaries
LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen celebrated passage of LB644, brought on his behalf by Senator Eliot Bostar. During the news conference, the Governor signed ceremonial copies of the bill. He officially signed the legislation into law on June 4.
LB644 creates two new acts: the Foreign Adversary and Terrorist Agent Registration Act and the Crush Transnational Repression in Nebraska Act. Together, the acts are aimed at knowing who represents foreign adversaries within the state, curbing the information and/or data they may access or distribute, as well as providing protection against tactics that could be utilized by such organizations to cause undue influence or harm. Reporting requirements and penalties for violations are outlined within each Act.
“Iran, China, Russia, North Korea, Cuba and the Maduro regime in Venezuela are all designated as foreign adversaries by the U.S. Government,” said Gov. Pillen. “They do not have our best interests at heart and as a result, we need to take appropriate steps to make sure that as a state, we are protected.”
LB644 represents the latest of several executive and legislative actions that Gov. Pillen has authorized since taking office – all aimed at making sure state assets including infrastructure, land, technology and people are protected.
“In today’s world, the means of getting access, of getting information, and crippling our most critical systems is easier than ever, which is why we are highly focused on addressing these issues,” continued Gov. Pillen.
Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly, who serves as the state’s director of homeland security, called attention to several of the executive orders and bills signed by Gov. Pillen over the two previous legislative sessions — including LB683 and LB1301 — both brought Sen. Bostar. Those bills, respectively, address the protection of communications equipment and prohibit companies from adversarial countries bidding on state and local procurement contracts.
“This year, primarily, the legislation is focused on guarding against foreign adversarial influence operations,” said Bostar. “We have some existing transparency requirements for those who would seek to influence policy in the state of Nebraska, but not enough. It doesn’t prohibit the circumvention of full transparency over interests that would be adversarial to the interests of Nebraskans.”
Michael Lucci, founder and CEO of State Armor, pointed to Nebraska’s leadership among other states when it comes to addressing national security issues.
“Resilience is the key topic for states to address — being ready for potential conflict, being ready to counter political warfare — this is a part of resilience,” noted Lucci.
State Armor works alongside states to identify solutions to global security issues and was founded following the introduction of LB683 in 2023.
“One of the first things when our organization was founded was to tell states, ‘do what Nebraska did.’ And we have not stopped conveying that message.”
Lucci commended Nebraska lawmakers on taking a bipartisan approach to legislation aimed at protecting the state and signaled it was the approach President Trump and other federal officials want to see.
Major General Craig Strong, adjutant general for the Nebraska National Guard and director of the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) remarked that in his dual role, homeland security was top of mind.
“Our adversaries can reach out at us through many different methods, and not just through the traditional, conventional munitions, but by way of cyber-attack, satellite imagery and other vectors that we have to be aware of, such as drones,” said MG Strong. “This bill clearly helps us maintain the level of awareness and readiness that are important elements of our state emergency response plans, particularly as it relates to Nebraska’s homeland defense.
Also attending today’s news conference and ceremonial bill signing were senators Beau Ballard, Barry DeKay and Brian Hardin.
Links to executive orders, legislation and letters signed by Gov. Pillen to protect the state against foreign adversaries can be found below.
https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/gov-pillen-joins-letter-calling-halt-foreign-land-grabs
https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/governor-pillen-senators-push-back-against-foreign-adversaries
https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/gov-pillen-senators-and-dept-ag-present-laws-protect-nebraska-foreign-adversaries-during-news
https://governor.nebraska.gov/gov-pillen-signs-executive-order-banning-more-ccp-tech
Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Nina Sivertsen, Associate Professor, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University
Pregnancy and having a baby can be a special time. And families want to feel safe and trust their maternity care.
But when we reviewed the evidence, we found many Indigenous families globally face unfair treatment during pregnancy and birth. This can include racism, neglecting cultural aspects of their care, or using health care poorly designed to accommodate their needs.
We found similar themes in research involving more than 1,400 Indigenous women, Elders, fathers, family members and health workers from locations including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Greenland and Sápmi (parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia).
Many Indigenous families felt disrespected. They said hospital staff often didn’t understand their cultures or give them basic rights during their maternity care, such as being listened to, included in decision-making, or giving informed consent.
As a result, some families felt hesitant to seek care in mainstream hospitals. As one Indigenous woman told us during recent Australian research submitted for publication:
I’m dreading birthing in such a system.
But there are alternatives.
There is a clear need to improve birthing services and cultural safety in mainstream hospitals with a focus on respecting the beliefs, practices and traditions of all families, including Indigenous ones.
For example, many Indigenous families view childbirth as a communal event with extended family support. But hospital policies that limit the number of support people often disregard these important cultural practices.
Indigenous families also need to get the type of health care they trust and feel comfortable with. Ideally this might involve staff with sound cultural knowledge and who can support families clinically in a culturally safe way.
Aboriginal patient liaison officers are sometimes available in hospitals or health services. But there are not often enough, they have to service entire facilities, and they provide cultural support not clinical patient care.
Indigenous families may also want to access a specific type of care. One example is “continuity of care”, where the same midwife or a small team of midwives, supports the family through the whole pregnancy. Ideally, these midwives should be Indigenous or, if not, be trained in supporting Indigenous families with respect and understanding.
For Indigenous women living in rural and remote areas, being sent away from home to give birth in a city hospital can be really hard.
Sometimes women and families are evacuated from their home communities and have to stay for weeks or months in temporary accommodation in the city, both before and after birth, or if their baby is born pre-term and needs extra care. This temporary accommodation can be far from the hospital.
All this takes place in unknown cities and towns, without family support, and sometimes away from their other children cared for by the community back home.
This makes it harder for mums who need extra support, and can get in the way of starting breastfeeding and bonding with their baby.
Again, there is an alternative. For many Indigenous families, giving birth is not just about having a baby. It’s also a spiritual and cultural event that strengthens their identity and connection to Country. A “birthing on Country” model of care, which respects Indigenous traditions and knowledge, reinforces that.
This is midwife-led care designed for and with Indigenous communities. It doesn’t mean you have to birth in rural and remote spaces, but it is a model of care that focuses on culture, and can also be implemented in the city.
Ideally, families would see the same midwife or team of midwives and use the “birthing on Country” model.
Maternity services can be led by Indigenous people, which many women prefer. But Indigenous staff make up about 3.1% of the Australian health workforce.
So it is crucial to engage non-Indigenous staff in building relationships and to support Indigenous families in their right to receive culturally safe care.
This can start with better training for staff, not only to understand and respond to an Indigenous person’s individual needs, but to know when and how to speak up, call out or report racist or disrespectful behaviour.
A health system you can trust should be safe for everyone. If some people feel unsafe or face discrimination when getting care, this not only affects them, it affects everyone.
For instance, when Indigenous women avoid or delay going to the hospital because of past bad experiences or discrimination, it can lead to health problems that could have been prevented.
This not only harms the women, it puts more pressure on the public health system, which affects us all.
By talking about these issues, we hope all Australians begin to care about the safety of all women during pregnancy and birth.
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.
– ref. ‘I’m dreading birthing in such a system’: what Indigenous women globally think of birth care and what they’d like to see instead – https://theconversation.com/im-dreading-birthing-in-such-a-system-what-indigenous-women-globally-think-of-birth-care-and-what-theyd-like-to-see-instead-256877
Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Nina Sivertsen, Associate Professor, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University
Pregnancy and having a baby can be a special time. And families want to feel safe and trust their maternity care.
But when we reviewed the evidence, we found many Indigenous families globally face unfair treatment during pregnancy and birth. This can include racism, neglecting cultural aspects of their care, or using health care poorly designed to accommodate their needs.
We found similar themes in research involving more than 1,400 Indigenous women, Elders, fathers, family members and health workers from locations including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Greenland and Sápmi (parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia).
Many Indigenous families felt disrespected. They said hospital staff often didn’t understand their cultures or give them basic rights during their maternity care, such as being listened to, included in decision-making, or giving informed consent.
As a result, some families felt hesitant to seek care in mainstream hospitals. As one Indigenous woman told us during recent Australian research submitted for publication:
I’m dreading birthing in such a system.
But there are alternatives.
There is a clear need to improve birthing services and cultural safety in mainstream hospitals with a focus on respecting the beliefs, practices and traditions of all families, including Indigenous ones.
For example, many Indigenous families view childbirth as a communal event with extended family support. But hospital policies that limit the number of support people often disregard these important cultural practices.
Indigenous families also need to get the type of health care they trust and feel comfortable with. Ideally this might involve staff with sound cultural knowledge and who can support families clinically in a culturally safe way.
Aboriginal patient liaison officers are sometimes available in hospitals or health services. But there are not often enough, they have to service entire facilities, and they provide cultural support not clinical patient care.
Indigenous families may also want to access a specific type of care. One example is “continuity of care”, where the same midwife or a small team of midwives, supports the family through the whole pregnancy. Ideally, these midwives should be Indigenous or, if not, be trained in supporting Indigenous families with respect and understanding.
For Indigenous women living in rural and remote areas, being sent away from home to give birth in a city hospital can be really hard.
Sometimes women and families are evacuated from their home communities and have to stay for weeks or months in temporary accommodation in the city, both before and after birth, or if their baby is born pre-term and needs extra care. This temporary accommodation can be far from the hospital.
All this takes place in unknown cities and towns, without family support, and sometimes away from their other children cared for by the community back home.
This makes it harder for mums who need extra support, and can get in the way of starting breastfeeding and bonding with their baby.
Again, there is an alternative. For many Indigenous families, giving birth is not just about having a baby. It’s also a spiritual and cultural event that strengthens their identity and connection to Country. A “birthing on Country” model of care, which respects Indigenous traditions and knowledge, reinforces that.
This is midwife-led care designed for and with Indigenous communities. It doesn’t mean you have to birth in rural and remote spaces, but it is a model of care that focuses on culture, and can also be implemented in the city.
Ideally, families would see the same midwife or team of midwives and use the “birthing on Country” model.
Maternity services can be led by Indigenous people, which many women prefer. But Indigenous staff make up about 3.1% of the Australian health workforce.
So it is crucial to engage non-Indigenous staff in building relationships and to support Indigenous families in their right to receive culturally safe care.
This can start with better training for staff, not only to understand and respond to an Indigenous person’s individual needs, but to know when and how to speak up, call out or report racist or disrespectful behaviour.
A health system you can trust should be safe for everyone. If some people feel unsafe or face discrimination when getting care, this not only affects them, it affects everyone.
For instance, when Indigenous women avoid or delay going to the hospital because of past bad experiences or discrimination, it can lead to health problems that could have been prevented.
This not only harms the women, it puts more pressure on the public health system, which affects us all.
By talking about these issues, we hope all Australians begin to care about the safety of all women during pregnancy and birth.
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.
– ref. ‘I’m dreading birthing in such a system’: what Indigenous women globally think of birth care and what they’d like to see instead – https://theconversation.com/im-dreading-birthing-in-such-a-system-what-indigenous-women-globally-think-of-birth-care-and-what-theyd-like-to-see-instead-256877
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that he discussed steps toward a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
“We discussed how to achieve a ceasefire and a real peace. We spoke about how to protect our people,” Zelensky said on social media platform X.
Ukraine appreciates the attention and the readiness of the United States to help bring peace closer, Zelensky said.
Zelensky and Trump met on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have agreed to raise their defense spending to 5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) annually by 2035, according to a declaration issued on Wednesday following the high-level summit in The Hague.
The five-paragraph statement outlined that the new spending target will be split between two key categories: 3.5 percent for core defense and 1.5 percent for related areas, including critical infrastructure, networks, and defense industrial capabilities.
The plan will undergo a review in 2029, taking into account the strategic environment and revised capability targets, the document added.
U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the agreement at a press conference after the summit, asserting that Washington had long carried more than its fair share of the alliance’s defense burden.
However, he singled out Spain, criticising Madrid as the only country refusing to meet its full commitment.
Trump said the United States is negotiating a trade deal with Spain and warned that Madrid could be made to “pay twice as much” through trade measures.
Spain has agreed with NATO to limit its military spending to 2.1 percent of GDP, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Sunday, ahead of the NATO summit.
In his Sunday statement, Sanchez warned that “rushing toward 5 percent” would lead to rising prices and public spending, and reduce investment in key sectors such as education and digital development.
Calling the 5 percent target “disproportionate and unnecessary” for Spain, Sanchez emphasized that Spain is “one of the five NATO countries with the most troops deployed worldwide.” He also stressed that “asymmetry within NATO is normal and inevitable,” citing the economic diversity among allies.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun on Wednesday held individual meetings in east China’s Qingdao city with his counterparts from Belarus, Iran, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia.
They are attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers’ Meeting from Wednesday to Thursday.
Unilateralism and protectionism are surging, while hegemonic, high-handed, and bullying acts severely undermine the international order, making these practices the biggest sources of chaos and harm, Dong said.
He called for efforts to enhance coordination within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the SCO, defend international fairness and justice, and uphold global strategic stability.
The attendees commended China’s rotating SCO presidency for enhancing institutional mechanisms and cross-sector cooperation, while expressing strong readiness to consolidate and develop military cooperation.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Young delegates from 14 countries and regions, including China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Australia and Brazil, pose for a group photo with organizers of the 2025 Future Close-Up at the youth exchange program’s launch ceremony on June 24.
On June 24, the 2025 Future Close-Up global youth exchange and visit program kicked off at the headquarters of Chinese Internet giant Tencent in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. Themed Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao: Driving High-Quality Development in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), this year’s event brings together young delegates from 14 countries and regions including China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Australia and Brazil to explore innovation across the region and China’s approach to regional cooperation, and gain a deeper understanding of the forces driving the country’s high-quality development.
Future Close-Up was collaboratively launched in 2023 by China International Communications Group (CICG) Center for the Americas (CICG Center for Americas) and Tencent’s Marketing and Public Relations Department.
From June 23 to 30, the participants will travel to Shenzhen, Dongguan, Hengqin and Guangzhou in Guangdong, as well as Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, for exchange activities.
Members of this year’s Future Close-Up are influential figures in their fields, including entrepreneurs, scientists, scholars and opinion leaders. This edition of the program will feature a forum on urban innovation and cultural exchange in the GBA, offering international youth a platform to deepen their understanding of the region’s innovation ecosystem and facilitating mutual learning between urban cultures.
At the launch ceremony, Zhang Jun, General Manager of Tencent’s Marketing and Public Relations Department, said he believes the event can connect people from different regions and cultural backgrounds. “With this vision in mind, we launched the Future Close-Up program, which has brought together over 100 young people from 35 countries and regions over the past three years,” Zhang added.
“Future Close-Up has always been about opening a window for young people around the world to a more meaningful understanding of China. At the same time, their participation helps us broaden our appreciation for the diversity of global cultures,” said Tao Xing, the Future Close-Up program representative from the CICG Center for Americas, at the ceremony.
“This year, we have invited international youth to visit the vibrant GBA. We hope you will embrace the journey with open minds, observe with curiosity, reflect on what you encounter and gain a uniquely personal experience of China,” he continued.
The young delegates also shared their excitement and expectations for their upcoming journey.
Torry Ko, Senior Strategy Manager for the Asia-Pacific region at Australian tech company MOLOCO, said he was especially interested in learning how leading firms like Tencent are tapping into the strengths of the GBA to fuel their rapid growth. “China’s tech industry is at the forefront globally,” he said.
“I first came to Shenzhen 16 years ago, when I was studying in China. It’s incredible to see how much the city has changed. I am looking forward to learning more about the innovation driving China’s ongoing reform and development,” Ko added.
Iuliia Bautdinova, a finance and communications analyst at multinational aerospace corporation Airbus from Russia, said she was drawn to Future Close-Up after hearing strong recommendations from previous participants. “My expectation is to get to know how people live here and what they do when they work with the future,” Bautdinova said. She is eager to take a closer look at the GBA’s renowned electronics and information industry and its ongoing development.
Hugo Fontanel from France is interested in China’s digital transformation. The omnichannel lead at British multinational pharmaceutical company ViiV Healthcare expects “to learn more about the economic development of China, especially in the tech industry.” He also looks forward to meeting more international youth who share a passion for cross-cultural exchange and adventure.
After the launch ceremony, the delegates visited Tencent’s digital exhibition hall, where they delved into the company’s innovations in AI, cloud computing and smart city technologies through immersive experiences. They also toured Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co. Ltd. to explore its research and development achievements in the medical device field.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
MINNEAPOLIS, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jefferson Capital, Inc. (“Jefferson Capital”), a leading analytically driven purchaser and manager of charged-off and insolvency consumer accounts, today announced the pricing of its underwritten initial public offering of 10,000,000 shares of common stock at an initial public offering price of $15.00 per share. Jefferson Capital is offering 625,000 shares of common stock, and certain existing stockholders are offering 9,375,000 shares of common stock. In addition, the underwriters of the offering have a 30-day option to purchase from the selling stockholders up to 1,500,000 additional shares of common stock at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. Jefferson Capital will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders.
Jefferson Capital’s common stock is expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on June 26, 2025 under the ticker symbol “JCAP.” The offering is expected to close on June 27, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.
Jefferies and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company, are acting as joint-lead book-running managers for the offering. Citizens Capital Markets, Raymond James, Truist Securities, Capital One Securities, DNB Carnegie, Regions Securities LLC and Synovus are acting as book-running managers for the offering. FHN Financial Securities Corp. and ING Financial Markets LLC are acting as co-managers for the offering.
A registration statement relating to the sale of these securities was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 25, 2025. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the final prospectus related to the offering may be obtained, when available, from: Jefferies LLC, at Attention: Equity Syndicate Prospectus Department, 520 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022, by telephone at 877-821-7388, or by email at prospectus_department@jefferies.com; or Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. by telephone at (800) 966-1559, or by e-mail at USCapitalMarkets@kbw.com.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
Use of Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and any such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the following cautionary statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on current expectations and involve a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements.
About Jefferson Capital, Inc.
Founded in 2002, Jefferson Capital is an analytically driven purchaser and manager of charged-off and insolvency consumer accounts with operations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Latin America. It purchases and services both secured and unsecured assets, and its growing client base includes Fortune 500 creditors, banks, fintech origination platforms, telecommunications providers, credit card issuers and auto finance companies. Jefferson Capital is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota with additional offices and operations located in Sartell, Minnesota, Denver, Colorado and San Antonio, Texas (United States); Basingstoke, England; London, England and Paisley, Scotland (United Kingdom); London, Ontario and Toronto, Ontario (Canada); as well as Bogota (Colombia).
Contacts
Investor Relations: IR@jcap.com
Media Relations: Doug.Donsky@icrinc.com
SOURCE Jefferson Capital
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nina Sivertsen, Associate Professor, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University
Pregnancy and having a baby can be a special time. And families want to feel safe and trust their maternity care.
But when we reviewed the evidence, we found many Indigenous families globally face unfair treatment during pregnancy and birth. This can include racism, neglecting cultural aspects of their care, or using health care poorly designed to accommodate their needs.
We found similar themes in research involving more than 1,400 Indigenous women, Elders, fathers, family members and health workers from locations including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Greenland and Sápmi (parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia).
Many Indigenous families felt disrespected. They said hospital staff often didn’t understand their cultures or give them basic rights during their maternity care, such as being listened to, included in decision-making, or giving informed consent.
As a result, some families felt hesitant to seek care in mainstream hospitals. As one Indigenous woman told us during recent Australian research submitted for publication:
I’m dreading birthing in such a system.
But there are alternatives.
There is a clear need to improve birthing services and cultural safety in mainstream hospitals with a focus on respecting the beliefs, practices and traditions of all families, including Indigenous ones.
For example, many Indigenous families view childbirth as a communal event with extended family support. But hospital policies that limit the number of support people often disregard these important cultural practices.
Indigenous families also need to get the type of health care they trust and feel comfortable with. Ideally this might involve staff with sound cultural knowledge and who can support families clinically in a culturally safe way.
Aboriginal patient liaison officers are sometimes available in hospitals or health services. But there are not often enough, they have to service entire facilities, and they provide cultural support not clinical patient care.
Indigenous families may also want to access a specific type of care. One example is “continuity of care”, where the same midwife or a small team of midwives, supports the family through the whole pregnancy. Ideally, these midwives should be Indigenous or, if not, be trained in supporting Indigenous families with respect and understanding.
For Indigenous women living in rural and remote areas, being sent away from home to give birth in a city hospital can be really hard.
Sometimes women and families are evacuated from their home communities and have to stay for weeks or months in temporary accommodation in the city, both before and after birth, or if their baby is born pre-term and needs extra care. This temporary accommodation can be far from the hospital.
All this takes place in unknown cities and towns, without family support, and sometimes away from their other children cared for by the community back home.
This makes it harder for mums who need extra support, and can get in the way of starting breastfeeding and bonding with their baby.
Again, there is an alternative. For many Indigenous families, giving birth is not just about having a baby. It’s also a spiritual and cultural event that strengthens their identity and connection to Country. A “birthing on Country” model of care, which respects Indigenous traditions and knowledge, reinforces that.
This is midwife-led care designed for and with Indigenous communities. It doesn’t mean you have to birth in rural and remote spaces, but it is a model of care that focuses on culture, and can also be implemented in the city.
Ideally, families would see the same midwife or team of midwives and use the “birthing on Country” model.
Maternity services can be led by Indigenous people, which many women prefer. But Indigenous staff make up about 3.1% of the Australian health workforce.
So it is crucial to engage non-Indigenous staff in building relationships and to support Indigenous families in their right to receive culturally safe care.
This can start with better training for staff, not only to understand and respond to an Indigenous person’s individual needs, but to know when and how to speak up, call out or report racist or disrespectful behaviour.
A health system you can trust should be safe for everyone. If some people feel unsafe or face discrimination when getting care, this not only affects them, it affects everyone.
For instance, when Indigenous women avoid or delay going to the hospital because of past bad experiences or discrimination, it can lead to health problems that could have been prevented.
This not only harms the women, it puts more pressure on the public health system, which affects us all.
By talking about these issues, we hope all Australians begin to care about the safety of all women during pregnancy and birth.
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.
– ref. ‘I’m dreading birthing in such a system’: what Indigenous women globally think of birth care and what they’d like to see instead – https://theconversation.com/im-dreading-birthing-in-such-a-system-what-indigenous-women-globally-think-of-birth-care-and-what-theyd-like-to-see-instead-256877
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
Rescissions package that Senate Republicans are debating—and House Republicans passed—would rescind every dollar of federal support for 1500+ local public radio and TV stations nationwide
Sweeping cuts would hit rural stations hardest, force layoffs nationwide, and even jeopardize lifesaving emergency alerts people count on
Washington, D.C. – Ahead of a hearing on President Trump’s $9.4 billion rescissions request with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released a new fact sheet detailing how the request to zero out $1.1 billion in funding Congress has already appropriated on a bipartisan basis for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) would hurt communities nationwide who count on the programming offered by the over 1500+ public radio and TV stations the funding supports.
[Full map and CPB data available here]
The rescissions package requested by President Trump that the House of Representatives passed in full earlier this month would rescind two years of advance funding Congress has provided for CPB to support public media in fiscal years 2026 and 2027—ripping away support that over 1500 public radio and TV stations all over the country rely on to keep broadcasts on air and deliver impartial news and critical updates that people count on every day.
For 50+ years, Congress has provided advance appropriations for CPB to help insulate stations’ programming decisions from politics—and to provide them with the certainty they need to keep the lights on.
Every state in the country is set to lose critical funding for local public radio and TV stations if the CPB funding is rescinded.
FUNDING ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK
| State | Funding |
| Alabama | $5,408,997 |
| Alaska | $12,023,34 |
| Arizona | $7,424,661 |
| Arkansas | $3,187,528 |
| California | $57,105,735 |
| Colorado | $7,655,017 |
| Connecticut | $3,017,018 |
| Delaware | $133,048 |
| District of Columbia | $18,275,757 |
| Florida | $24,944,99 |
| Georgia | $6,558,857 |
| Hawaii | $4,292,969 |
| Idaho | $3,341,916 |
| Illinois | $12,818,816 |
| Indiana | $9,388,508 |
| Iowa | $4,723,772 |
| Kansas | $3,989,434 |
| Kentucky | $6,627,021 |
| Louisiana | $6,530,752 |
| Maine | $2,895,498 |
| Maryland | $6,357,641 |
| Massachusetts | $22,549,33 |
| Michigan | $11,818,761 |
| Minnesota | $17,228,752 |
| Mississippi | $2,824,520 |
| Missouri | $8,677,805 |
| Montana | $2,837,807 |
| Nebraska | $6,297,290 |
| Nevada | $3,881,471 |
| New Hampshire | $1,795,240 |
| New Jersey | $2,282,024 |
| New Mexico | $5,841,697 |
| New York | $42,556,210 |
| North Carolina | $8,236,216 |
| North Dakota | $2,564,579 |
| Ohio | $13,341,101 |
| Oklahoma | $3,485,600 |
| Oregon | $7,468,534 |
| Pennsylvania | $14,492,945 |
| Rhode Island | $1,082,244 |
| South Carolina | $3,488,714 |
| South Dakota | $3,038,524 |
| Tennessee | $7,365,199 |
| Texas | $17,719,507 |
| Utah | $7,103,835 |
| Vermont | $2,043,510 |
| Virginia | $99,465,449 |
| Washington | $10,106,644 |
| West Virginia | $1,790,242 |
| Wisconsin | $8,498,812 |
| Wyoming | $1,870,865 |
The totals above detail the funding each state received in fiscal year 2024—the latest full year of data available. [CPB DATA]
When disasters and other threats strike, public radio and TV stations nationwide not only provide critical updates to those affected who may be cut off from other communications channels, they also play an instrumental role in delivering emergency alerts.
Since 2013, public TV stations have helped the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system deliver emergency alerts to people’s cell phones via the stations’ own transmitters when cell companies’ connections fail. In 2024, over 11,000 alerts were issued by federal, state, and local authorities via the PBS WARN system.
Similarly, the Public Radio Satellite System (PRSS), which is managed by NPR, helps send presidential emergency alerts to local public radio stations nationwide—allowing critical communications to reach people, even when the internet or cellular connections fail.
Here are just a few recent examples of how CPB-funded stations and systems have helped disaster survivors:
Zeroing out all CPB funding will seriously jeopardize stations’ ability to continue serving critical, lifesaving alerts and cut resources specifically provided to maintain and strengthen these emergency alert systems.
Nearly half of all CPB grantees serve rural communities—and these rural stations are disproportionately reliant on CPB funding to keep their broadcast on air. Federal funding supports an average of 17% of rural stations’ revenue versus 9% for non-rural stations.
In total, 120 rural stations rely on federal funding for at least 25% of their revenue—and over 30 stations count on it for at least half. Some stations in the most remote parts of the country depend on federal support for even more of their revenue and could be forced to immediately shut down operations if CPB is defunded.
If this support is ripped away, stations will be forced to cut back on programming, lay off staff, and even take their broadcasts off the air.
“Should the Senate go along with the House and claw back this funding,
we’re going to see probably a third of our public radio stations go dark.”
— Ed Ulman, CEO of Alaska Public Media
“We are in a rural area, so a lot of areas don’t have cellphone service.
A lot of people do rely on the radio to get much of their information.”
— Station Manager at KGVA 88.1 in Montana
Rescinding all CPB funding would rip away federal investments in all manner of educational programming for kids. CPB grants support local programming across the country to educate young Americans about civics, provide educational tools and programming, and much more. Rescinding the funding would also cut off all federal support for PBS LearningMedia, a free digital learning website accessed by more than 1.4 million users each month, which supports teachers and helps students learn and understand new and complex concepts.
A recent survey from the Pew Research Center found that by a two-to-one margin, the American people overwhelmingly favor continuing federal funding for NPR and PBS, which receive support via CPB grants.
Eliminating support for these stations will do next to nothing to address our annual deficit or growing national debt. The $1.1 billion Congress has already provided for two years of funding for public media represents less than 0.16% of all federal spending in fiscal year 2025 alone.
If President Trump and congressional Republicans want to tackle the deficit and our national debt, they can start by not passing their so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which will add $4 trillion to the debt over the next 10 years.
Finalists from 33 countries will receive $50,000 and support to test breakthrough ideas for improving life in cities – In January 2026, 25 winning cities will receive $1 million each to bring their idea to life.
New York, NY – (June 25, 2025) – Bloomberg Philanthropies today announced the 50 finalists of its latest Mayors Challenge, a competition to spur local government innovation that improves lives in cities around the world. The sixth Challenge elevates municipalities that have proposed the boldest ideas to bolster essential municipal services.
From Boise to Belfast, Ansan to Addis Ababa, Toronto to Taipei, the 50 finalists, selected from more than 630 applications, hail from 33 countries and represent over 80 million residents. Their ideas aim to increase public transit ridership, lower household energy costs, expand urban green space, speed service response, strengthen sanitation, improve youth safety, safeguard water supply, and more.
Each finalist city will receive $50,000 to prototype their idea. They will also participate in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Ideas Camp in July to hone and test their concepts with feedback from experts and fellow peers. In January 2026, the 25 city halls with the most promising ideas will each be awarded $1 million and operational assistance to bring their proposals to life.
“Local government is where people meet policy—and where government improves lives and builds trust,” said James Anderson, who leads the Government Innovation program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. “That’s why municipal innovation isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about solving hard problems under pressure, often with imperfect tools and finite resources. These Mayors Challenge finalists stand out because they’re not just thinking creatively—they’re designing solutions that reckon with the complexity of implementation and the urgency of their residents’ needs. Their proposals reflect a new standard for public sector achievement: ambitious, yes, but also grounded, disciplined, and ripe for real impact.”
The 630 ideas submitted to the Mayors Challenge reflect some of the greatest public service challenges facing cities today—as well as the creativity that animates local governments across the globe. A third of U.S. and Canada applicants, for example, devised solutions addressing housing and shelter. Nearly half of the applicants from Africa proposed upgrades to waste collection and management. One out of five applicants from the Asia-Pacific region focused on cleaner water, air, and infrastructure, and 22 percent of European applicants sought ways to reduce poverty or enhance social inclusion.
The 50 finalist ideas were selected for their originality, potential for impact, and credible vision for delivery. Artificial intelligence was featured in the plans of a number of finalists, including South Bend, Indiana, which envisioned a cutting-edge 311 system that anticipates complaints for non-emergency issues, such as potholes, allowing officials to address problems before a resident report. More analog innovations also rose to the top: In Yonkers, New York, city officials proposed a powerful new hyper-local civic brigade to help older neighbors age happily and healthfully in place.
The 50 finalist cities are:
In this round of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge, more funding will be distributed and more cities will be assisted than in the previous five Challenges which each selected between five to 15 winners.
“Local government and mayors’ offices are the beating heart of innovation and change in our urban environments,” said Professor Lesley Lokko OBE, Founder and Chair of the African Futures Institute and 2025 Mayors Challenge advisory committee member. “It has been an honour to join Bloomberg Philanthropies’ advisory committee for the organization’s sixth Mayors Challenge, an initiative dedicated to empowering and supporting city makers around the world. I look forward to working with these 50 finalists as they advance in this extraordinary competition—strengthening their ideas which each represent the inventiveness citizens everywhere should expect from their governments—and the future of what municipal delivery has the power and potential to be.”
“For more than a decade, Bloomberg Philanthropies has provided unprecedented support to drive local government innovation in cities across the country and around the world,” said Admiral Michael G. Mullen, President & CEO of MGM Consulting and 2025 Mayors Challenge advisory committee member. “The organization’s sixth Mayors Challenge will invest in the future of urban delivery from the ground floor of communities—and I am thrilled to join its advisory committee and work with these finalist cities on accelerating their ideas – from safeguarding water supply to carving out community spaces to integrating AI to improve student routes, and more.”
The new Mayors Challenge builds on more than 10 years of work led by Bloomberg Philanthropies to discover, nurture, and drive innovation in cities. The awards to date across five previous rounds of competition have provided 38 winning cities with funding and technical assistance to realize their ideas for addressing civic issues. By supporting the replication of the most successful winning ideas, Bloomberg Philanthropies has expanded the impact of the Mayors Challenge to 337 other cities globally, reaching over 100 million residents around the world.
“Bloomberg Philanthropies has provided invaluable support for cities to develop and implement innovative solutions that improve the lives of residents in ways they can feel,” said Mayor Mike Duggan of Detroit, Michigan. “Detroit is honored to be among the 50 municipalities selected from over 630 applications for the organization’s Mayors Challenge. As a finalist, we will work with renowned experts and peers to advance our proposal to create a powerful, single entry that connects currently scattered information – such as inspection dates, taxes, and utilities – on all 400,000 Detroit properties to revolutionize how owners can access this vital information, as well as how our city plans and provides its most essential services.”
“Seoul is honored to be selected as one of the 50 finalists for the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge competition,” said Mayor Oh Se-hoon of Seoul, South Korea. “As a finalist, we will further our proposal to launch powerful educational campaigns and new support systems that will protect youth safety and prevent online child exploitation through the development of an AI-based mobile app that detects risks and alerts parents – while working alongside other cities to set a new standard for the future of urban policy.”
“City halls deliver the most fundamental public services—from reliable public transport to affordable housing, clean water, sustainable environments, emergency response, and more,” said Mayor Gergely Karácsony of Budapest, Hungary. “Recognizing their potential and reach, the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge rewards and equips those with the most inventive ideas to lead transformations of the essential programs their communities rely on. We are honored that Budapest is one of the 50 finalists selected to further our idea to build a city-run food processing plant that can turn surplus fruits and vegetables from local markets into nutritious meals for schools and senior homes.”
“It is an honor to be selected as a finalist for the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge,” said Mayor Sunita Dayal of Ghaziabad, India. “As we pursue our idea to improve our environment alongside bolstering our workforce – converting organic waste into white rooftop paint and compost to cool homes, green parks, and lower emissions while providing new job opportunities – we have a unique opportunity to incubate innovation that will move our communities forward.”
“Thank you to Bloomberg Philanthropies for seeing our vision to improve the quality of life for seniors across our city,” said Mayor Mike Spano of Yonkers, New York. “We are honored to be among 50 finalists selected for the prestigious global Mayors Challenge competition. As a finalist, we will look to create a fully sustainable model for community engagement – marshaling public and private partners as well as residents and students – coupled with innovative technology and tools to enable many more to age safely and gracefully in place.”
With the expansion of the Bloomberg Cities Idea Exchange, future Mayors Challenge-winning ideas and other locally led solutions supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies will have new potential to scale—serving as models and catalysts for how governments solve problems across the globe.
To learn more about the 50 finalist proposals, visit mayorschallenge.bloomberg.org
About Bloomberg Philanthropies:
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3.7 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org,
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Export expectations among German manufacturers deteriorated in June as U.S. tariff policies continued to weigh on sentiment across key industries, a survey by the ifo Institute showed on Wednesday.
The ifo Export Expectations index fell to -3.9 points in June from -3.0 in the previous month, signaling an overall decline in confidence within Germany’s export-driven economy.
The apparel sector reported the bleakest outlook, while sentiment also weakened significantly among food and beverage producers, automakers, and metal product manufacturers.
Germany’s automotive sector, a cornerstone of its industrial base, has faced persistently weak export expectations and remains especially exposed to trade tensions. The United States has already imposed a 25-percent tariff on cars and car parts imported from the European Union (EU).
“The tariff threats from the U.S. are still on the table. An agreement between the EU and the U.S. has yet to be reached,” said Klaus Wohlrabe, head of surveys at ifo. “This uncertainty is lowering exporters’ expectations.”
Latest data from the Federal Statistical Office showed that German exports dropped by 1.7 percent month-on-month in April, while shipments to the United States, Germany’s largest export market, fell sharply by 10.5 percent.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
FC Barcelona on Wednesday confirmed the club will end its two years in exile and return to Camp Nou Stadium on August 10.
The official Barcelona website announced the club will play its traditional Joan Gamper pre-season opener in the ground, which has been undergoing extensive renovation works over the past two years.
FC Barcelona’s players pose for photo after a Spanish league match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad in Barcelona, Spain, on May 20, 2018. Barcelona won 1-0. It was the last Spanish league match that Andres Iniesta played as team captain at the Camp Nou stadium. (Xinhua/Joan Gosa)
Barca has been forced to spend that time in the former Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium on the top of Montjuic, although the venue hasn’t been popular with supporters, who despite large numbers of tourists among their number, have rarely been able to fill the ground, which has a capacity of just below 57,000.
The club returns to its traditional home with building work still going on, with Barcelona confirming that; “among the parts still needing to be finished, are the construction of the new third stand, the double VIP ring, the installation of the roof and the preparation of some interior spaces and the remodeling of the area around the ground.”
The ongoing work means the capacity on August 10 will be around 60,000, which is well below the final capacity of 99,354, but considerably more than the 25,000 initially expected for the Joan Gamper game.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Benfica secured top spot in Group C at the FIFA Club World Cup with a 1-0 win over Bayern Munich on Tuesday, as Chelsea advanced from Group D and Auckland City stunned Boca Juniors with a 1-1 draw. Flamengo, already assured of a place in the last 16, drew 1-1 with Los Angeles FC in Orlando.
In Charlotte, an early goal from Norway international forward Andreas Schjelderup inflicted Bayern’s first blemish of the tournament.
Liam Delap (R) of Chelsea vies with Yassine Meriah of Esperance De Tunisie during the Group D football match between England’s Chelsea and Tunisia’ Esperance de Tunisie at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in Philadelphia, the United States, on June 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)
Schjelderup timed his run to perfection to sweep home a first-time effort from 12 yards after compatriot Fredrik Aursnes crossed from the right wing.
Bayern enjoyed almost three quarters of the total possession but rarely threatened against a disciplined and compact Benfica defense.
The result left the Lisbon-based club a point ahead of the Bundesliga champions, who also advanced to the tournament’s next stage.
“I think this was a very fair and important win, historic really,” Benfica manager Bruno Lage said. “We were as straightforward and assertive as we should be and I think we were very effective in delivering our strategy.”
Benfica will meet Chelsea in Charlotte on Saturday while Bayern Munich faces Flamengo in Miami the next day.
In Nashville, Christian Gray struck a second-half equalizer as Auckland City clinched its first point of the tournament against Boca Juniors.
The Argentine outfit went ahead when Lautaro Di Lollo’s header from a corner hit the left post before ricochetting in off goalkeeper Nathan Garrow.
But Gray equalized by latching onto a Jerson Lagos corner with a low header beyond Agustin Marchesin.
Garrow repeatedly denied Boca with a series of sharp saves as the semi-professional team from New Zealand bowed out on an encouraging note.
Boca finished third in Group C, joining fourth-placed Auckland City in exiting the competition.
“I’m from a small town, a long way from here and a lot different to this environment. So it is somewhat of a dream,” Gray said after the match, explaining that he would go back to his job as a school teacher upon returning to New Zealand.
“We’ve had some tough results, but I’m just happy for the team and the boys. I think we deserve it,” the 28 year-old added.
In Philadelphia, Chelsea secured its passage to the knockout phase with a 3-0 victory over Tunisia’s Esperance in Group D.
Tosin Adarabioyo opened the scoring with a looping header into the far corner after Enzo Fernandez’s floating free-kick.
Argentina international midfielder Fernandez was again the provider as his lofted pass released Liam Delap, who shook off two defenders before calmly slotting a low finish past goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said.
The Premier League side made it 3-0 in second-half stoppage time when Tyrique George’s long-range shot slipped through Ben Said’s gloves and rolled into the back of the net.
The result meant Chelsea finished second in Group D with six points, three ahead of the eliminated Esperance.
In Wednesday’s other fixture, a late Wallace Yan strike earned Flamengo a 1-1 draw with Los Angeles FC in Orlando.
Denis Bouanga broke the deadlock against the run of play when he ran onto Timothy Tillman’s long free-kick before nutmegging goalkeeper Agustin Rossi with a composed finish.
Wallace leveled two minutes later for the Brazilian club as he bulldozed his way into the box after Jorginho’s pass and lashed low past Hugo Lloris.
Despite the result, Flamengo topped Group D with seven points while Los Angeles – which entered the match without hope of progressing – finished last, six points further back.
Source: Government of Sweden
Sweden faces considerable problems with volatile electricity prices for households and businesses and imbalances in the electricity system. To deal with this, the fossil-free base load needs to be expanded. In March 2025, the Government adopted the Financing and risk sharing in new nuclear power Government Bill, which included proposals for state aid to companies that want to invest in nuclear reactors. The Riksdag has now decided to adopt the Government’s proposal.
Source: Government of Sweden
Today, the Government, together with the Social Democratic Party, the Sweden Democrats, the Left Party, the Centre Party and the Green Party, presents an agreement to enable a historic expansion of Sweden’s defence to meet NATO’s new defence spending targets – expected to be 3.5 per cent of GDP – and that this expansion will be achieved rapidly through temporary financing via loans. This is a historic show of strength. If NATO were to agree on an additional target of 1.5 per cent of GDP for broader defence and security-related investments, the parties are in agreement that Sweden should also meet that target.
Source: Government of Sweden
The recovery that began in the second half of 2024 has slowed, and the Swedish economy remains in protracted recession. This is largely due to increased geopolitical uncertainty. However, rising real wages and lower interest rates suggest that the recovery will gain momentum in the second half of 2025. Minister for Finance Elisabeth Svantesson has presented the latest economic forecast from the Ministry of Finance.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
San Francisco, USA, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Electronic Health Records (EHR) market was valued at USD 33,451.20 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.59% from 2025 to 2032. This growth is driven by the global shift toward digital healthcare infrastructure, government mandates for record standardization, and the rising demand for efficient patient data management across hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory care centers. EHR systems are digital versions of a patient’s paper chart, offering real-time, patient-centered records that make information instantly and securely available to authorized users. They are critical for improving coordination between care providers, minimizing medical errors, and enhancing overall clinical outcomes.
Government initiatives worldwide are playing a key role in promoting EHR adoption. Programs such as the U.S. HITECH Act, the EU’s digital health transformation goals, and India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission are pushing healthcare providers toward digitization. At the same time, the rise of value-based care, telehealth, and mobile health applications has increased the need for interoperable and cloud-based EHR systems. The market is witnessing significant technological advancements, including integration with AI, predictive analytics, and mobile platforms, which enable better clinical decision-making and patient engagement. However, challenges such as high implementation costs, data privacy concerns, and interoperability issues between different systems remain key hurdles, particularly in emerging markets.
North America dominates the global EHR market, backed by strong digital infrastructure and initiatives like the U.S. HITECH Act, which allocated over $35 billion to promote EHR adoption. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region, fueled by rising healthcare investments—India’s health budget rose 13% in 2023—and national digitization drives like China’s “Healthy China 2030.” Supportive policies, growing urbanization, and expanding patient volumes are accelerating EHR integration across the region, attracting global players and investors alike.
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Key Players- Detailed Competitive Insights
Market Dynamics
Drivers
Challenges
Opportunities
Regional Insights
North America
North America holds 42.50% of the global EHR market, driven by the U.S.’s early adoption and digital health funding. Epic Systems powers major hospital networks like Kaiser Permanente, while Canada’s Infoway initiative accelerates EHR integration, ensuring secure, interoperable data across provinces.
Europe
Europe is a mature yet fragmented market for EHRs. Countries like Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands are progressing well in EHR integration, while others lag due to privacy concerns and inconsistent digital policies. The EU’s push toward unified health records under the European Health Data Space initiative could streamline EHR adoption across member states.
Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. Rapid urbanization, increased healthcare spending, and the digitalization efforts in countries like India, China, and Australia are major contributors. Government-backed programs such as India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and China’s Smart Healthcare initiative are significantly driving EHR deployment.
Latin America & Middle East
Both regions are gradually embracing EHR systems. Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have initiated digital health reforms. However, budget constraints and a lack of infrastructure remain key barriers. International partnerships and private investments are expected to unlock growth potential in these markets.
TABLE OF CONTENT
1. Electronic Health Records Market Overview
1.1. Study Scope
1.2. Market Estimation Years
2. Executive Summary
2.1. Market Snippet
2.1.1. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet By Product
2.1.2. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet By Type
2.1.3. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet By Business Model
2.1.4. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet By Application
2.1.5. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet By End Use
2.1.6. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet by Country
2.1.7. Electronic Health Records Market Snippet by Region
2.2. Competitive Insights
3. Electronic Health Records Key Market Trends
3.1. Electronic Health Records Market Drivers
3.1.1. Impact Analysis of Market Drivers
3.2. Electronic Health Records Market Restraints
3.2.1. Impact Analysis of Market Restraints
3.3. Electronic Health Records Market Opportunities
3.4. Electronic Health Records Market Future Trends
4. Electronic Health Records Industry Study
4.1. PEST Analysis
4.2. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
4.3. Growth Prospect Mapping
4.4. Regulatory Framework Analysis
5. Electronic Health Records Market: Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions
5.1. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
5.2. Impact of Russia-Ukraine War
5.3. Impact of Middle East Conflicts
6. Electronic Health Records Market Landscape
6.1. Electronic Health Records Market Share Analysis, 2024
6.2. Breakdown Data, by Key Manufacturer
6.2.1. Established Players’ Analysis
6.2.2. Emerging Players’ Analysis
7. Electronic Health Records Market – By Product
7.1. Overview
7.1.1. Segment Share Analysis, By Product, 2024 & 2032 (%)
7.1.2. On-premises
7.1.3. Web & Cloud-Based EHR
8. Electronic Health Records Market – By Type
8.1. Overview
8.1.1. Segment Share Analysis, By Type, 2024 & 2032 (%)
8.1.2. Acute
8.1.3. Outpatient
8.1.4. Post Acute
9. Electronic Health Records Market – By Business Model
9.1. Overview
9.1.1. Segment Share Analysis, By Business Model, 2024 & 2032 (%)
9.1.2. Licensed Software
9.1.3. Technology Resale
9.1.4. Subscriptions
9.1.5. Professional Services
9.1.6. Others
10. Electronic Health Records Market – By Application
10.1. Overview
10.1.1. Segment Share Analysis, By Application, 2024 & 2032 (%)
10.1.2. Cardiology
10.1.3. Neurology
10.1.4. Radiology ………
Reasons to Invest in the EHR Market
Future Outlook
The Electronic Health Records (EHR) market is poised for a tech-driven evolution, with AI integration, cloud-based platforms, and interoperability leading the way. By 2032, real-time data exchange, as seen in the U.K.’s NHS Federated Data Platform and India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, will become standard.
Growing cybersecurity investments and patient-centric innovations are redefining EHR functionality. With global healthcare systems embracing value-based care, the market is set for intelligent, adaptive, and patient-connected growth worldwide.
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Source: IMF – News in Russian
June 25, 2025
Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Fourth Reviews of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangements and the Third Review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) Arrangement for Côte d’Ivoire.
The EFF/ECF-supported program approved in May 2023 in the amount of SDR2,601.6 million (equivalent to 400 percent of quota or about US$3.6 billion), has substantially reduced imbalances and safeguarded a moderate risk of debt distress rating, while important reforms under RSF arrangement for a total amount of SDR975.6 million (equivalent to 150 percent of quota or about US$1.3 billion) are contributing to prospective balance of payments stability and economic resilience to climate-induced shocks. The authorities’ ongoing commitment to reforms under both programs should support Côte d’Ivoire’s sustainable transformation toward upper middle-income status over the medium-term. Program implementation has been generally strong thus far, with all end-December performance criteria met and implementation of structural benchmarks being satisfactory. Moreover, all reform measures under the RSF arrangement for this review with a focus on climate-financing architecture were implemented. The completion of the reviews allows for an immediate disbursement of about US$758 million under the multi-year Fund arrangements.
Côte d’Ivoire’s resilient economy has consolidated its role as an anchor of stability in the region against a still difficult global backdrop. Amid a recovery in agricultural production, favorable terms of trade and rising household incomes growth is expected to pick up in the near term. The medium-term outlook also remains favorable as economic fundamentals strengthen further and the hydrocarbon and mining sectors add to broad-based growth. Risks are broadly balanced. For 2025, growth is projected to be 6.3 percent, while average inflation is expected to return to within the 1 to 3 percent WAEMU target range. The 2025 current account deficit is projected to narrow to 3.6 percent of GDP, and the fiscal deficit is expected to meet the WAEMU deficit ceiling of 3 percent of GDP.
The authorities remain firmly committed to boosting tax revenue in the medium term, and to implementing the medium-term revenue strategy (MTRS) approved in May 2024. Sustained effort is expected by the authorities to increase tax revenue to GDP by 0.5 percent of GDP, each year through 2026 and reach approximately 20 percent of GDP over the medium-term through self-sustaining tax policy and tax administration reforms.
Important structural reforms continue to focus on improving the business climate and increasing the involvement of the private sector in the country’s development. To this end, enhancements in the transparency and accountability of public enterprises, further strengthening governance and financial integrity (particularly the AML/CFT framework), along with investment in human capital, broader financial inclusion, and climate resilience, to support higher productivity growth will be instrumental.
Following the Executive Board discussion, Mr. Okamura, Acting Chair and Deputy Managing Director, made the following statement:
“Côte d’Ivoire’s performance under the Fund-supported programs has been strong, reflecting the authorities’ commitment to entrenching macroeconomic stability. Sustained reform efforts will help safeguard fiscal and debt sustainability and consolidate the country’s role as an anchor of regional stability.
“Continued fiscal consolidation envisaged in the 2025 budget will be underpinned by high-quality and permanent tax policy measures, as well as tax and customs administration reforms. These measures will support bringing the fiscal deficit to 3 percent of GDP by 2025, in line with the WAEMU ceiling, and help reduce the country’s debt sustainability risks.
“Sustaining domestic revenue mobilization over the medium-term remains a priority to generate the fiscal space needed to finance social and development spending and support a deeper economic transformation toward upper middle-income status. To this end, implementation of the Medium-term Revenue Mobilization Strategy (MTRS) will continue to require significant engagement with stakeholders to ensure buy-in for the needed overhaul of the tax system and the streamlining of VAT tax exemptions and other tax expenditures.
“Preserving fiscal space will be aided by the authorities’ commitments to enhance the coverage, transparency, and management of public finances. The authorities’ continued active debt management remains critical in safeguarding debt sustainability. Sustaining structural reform momentum and continuous improvements in safeguarding financial integrity and governance are important for unlocking the private sector’s potential.
“Addressing identified AML/CFT framework deficiencies, and showcasing an implementation track-record on AML/CFT is critical. Further investments in human capital development, especially amongst youth and women, along with the reduction of informality, will make growth more inclusive. Continuing efforts to strengthen resilience to climate shocks will also be important for a sustainable transformation of Côte d’Ivoire’s economy.”
Table 1. Côte d’Ivoire: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2022–26
PRESS OFFICER: Kwabena Akuamoah-Boateng
Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org
https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/25/pr25220-cote-d-ivoire-fourth-reviews-of-the-eff-ecf-and-third-review-of-the-rsf
Source: Government of Sweden
On Friday 13 June Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson received Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh for bilateral talks at Rosenbad. During the official visit, Sweden and Vietnam entered into a bilateral sectorial strategic partnership aimed at advancing cooperation in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2
Thousands of people are set to benefit from on-the-job training and career opportunities in the construction sector.
Roles ranging from project managers to bricklayers will be made available to jobseekers thanks to the agreement, which will mean Jobcentres working more closely with the construction industry to offer work experience and tailored placements to meet the need of employers and people looking to start a fulfilling career.
The agreement signed earlier this week at the newly-launched Green Plant Academy at the Earl’s Court Skills Centre, by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Department for Work and Pensions, is a major step in the government’s drive to get Britain building and get Britain working as part of its Plan for Change.
More than 40,000 industry placements will be funded through a further £100 million from the government, alongside a £32 million contribution from the CITB.
This comes alongside a £1 billion employment support package to support more disabled people and those with health conditions back into work. This is a quadrupling of the level of annual spend on supporting sick and disabled people into work, from the £275 million in 2024/25 we inherited, to over £1 billion in 2029/30.
It comes as the Deputy Prime Minister will co-chair the first Construction Skills Mission Board with Mark Reynolds, Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council today, where, alongside Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Industry Sarah Jones, and several CEOs and sector leaders, they will launch an industry commitment to recruit 100,000 more construction workers per year by the end of the Parliament. This will be a step-change for the construction sector, creating good jobs across the country to deliver on government’s housing and infrastructure commitments, including building 1.5 million homes over this Parliament and delivery of the 10-year infrastructure strategy.
Ministers will highlight major reforms to transform Jobcentres as well as the £625 million investment to tackle skills shortages in the construction sector – expected to create up to 60,000 more jobs for engineers, electricians and joiners by the end of the parliament.
Building 1.5 million homes takes investment, skills, and a government that’s ready to roll up its sleeves to deliver. And that is exactly what we are doing.
Our Plan for Change commits to delivering the biggest boost for affordable and social housing in a generation, which we’ve backed with a £39 billion investment over ten years.
We’re working hand-in-hand with industry to recruit thousands more workers into skilled construction jobs, and thanks to our Make Work Pay reforms we will ensure these jobs are more secure and better rewarded.
I am determined that our young people have the best start in life. To do this we must give them the tools they need to get ahead.
This agreement, alongside our record funding will do just that. Our welfare reforms will see the biggest investment in a generation to support disabled people into secure, well-paid work.
Our Plan for Change will deliver the jobs, homes and opportunities we need to build a stronger and more prosperous Britain.
The construction sector is on the frontline in our mission to grow the economy, giving more people skilled jobs building the homes and infrastructure we need.
Through our Plan for Change we are determined to break the link between background and success, so that more young people can get on in well paid careers.
The Construction Skills Mission Board will make sure we hear directly from employers about what their skills needs are, driving our reforms and helping more young people achieve and thrive.
Opportunities in construction are for everybody, whatever their background. By working together, we can widen the talent pool, bring in more diverse voices, and encourage more people to consider a career in construction.
Every year, over 100,000 people receive construction training. I want many more of them to forge lasting careers in the sector. This is why the partnership with DWP is so vital, as it helps ensure individuals are not just trained but truly prepared for careers in construction.
The government commitment to addressing the housing shortage, improving the country’s infrastructure, and investing in construction skills mean this is a real boom time for our industry.
This industry commitment follows the biggest boost to social and affordable housing investment in a generation, with the Chancellor committing £39 billion for the Affordable Homes Programme. This is the first time in living memory affordable housing funding has been committed over a 10-year period.
From August, new construction foundation apprenticeships, backed by an additional £40 million, will provide young people at the start of their career with a route into construction.The scheme comes as part of the governments Youth Guarantee to ensure every young person is either earning or learning and will give youngsters skills in a range of specialist occupations, such as brick laying and carpentry, as well as employability skills and behaviours.
The Construction Skills Mission Board represents a new partnership between industry and government, working together to find industry-led, collaborative solutions to delivering the workforce of the future.
I am delighted that we have seen such strong support from Ministers and some of the most important leaders in our sector – and I hope everyone will play their part in the delivery of this essential mission.
Construction will be essential to delivering growth and investment across the UK; and so it is vital that we now step up as a sector.
We are proud to represent workers voices and the pride they hold in their skills and trades on the construction skills mission board. We welcome the governments focus on a job-outcomes approach.
This is the largest investment in skills for a generation and the CSMB is a clear demonstration of industries commitment to supporting the skilled construction workforce of tomorrow.
In attendance at the signing of the agreement in West London earlier this week was Millie, whose bricklaying apprenticeship with The Skills Centre enabled her to gain meaningful, long-term work in the sector. She now works on live sites, putting her training into practice and has discovered her passion for the industry; “I really enjoy learning brickwork and then doing it for real on site. I would really recommend an apprenticeship in construction — it’s open to all.”
The government is already expanding workplace training through Sector-based Workplace Academy Programmes (SWAPs), with over 100,000 SWAPs expected to take place this financial year. The placements offer jobseekers the opportunity to kickstart a new career by providing training, workplace placements and a guaranteed interview with an employer.
SWAPs are proven to help people to stay in work for longer and boost their pay, while getting businesses loyal staff with the right skills, with the scheme to be boosted even further, giving even more people access to these life-changing.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2
Waste management experts drive first batches of harmful material away from nationally significant nature site
Drone footage of harmful waste being removed from Hoad’s Wood into a lorry
Lorries have begun to remove tonnes of harmful waste from Hoad’s Wood in Kent as part of a major operation to aid the recovery of the woodlands, the Environment Agency announced today (26 June 2025).
The huge operation, co-ordinated by the Environment Agency and carried out by approved contractors Acumen Waste Services Ltd, will see more than 30,000 tonnes of household and construction waste removed.
More than 50 specialist workers have been deployed to dig up the harmful waste and carefully transport it for safe disposal at approved facilities. The whole operation is expected to take more than one year to complete.
Organised criminals dumped the lorry loads of waste, piled up to 15 feet high in certain areas, in 2023. Hoad’s Wood is a Site of Special Interest, home to rare plants and wildlife, and a popular beauty spot for nearby communities.
The damage caused by these shameless criminals rocked the community of Ashford and robbed residents of an important habitat which holds a special place in their hearts.
Today marks an important step in the journey of bringing Hoad’s Wood back as a sanctuary for both wildlife and people.
Our efforts are now focused on removing all the waste and bringing those behind this heinous crime to justice. Complex investigations like this take time but we are using our specialist enforcement resources to make sure this type of crime does not pay.
Illegal dumping is a serious criminal offence which blights communities and damages our natural environment.
The community in Ashford shouldn’t have to put up with the disgusting actions of these criminal gangs. I would like to thank the Environment Agency and its partners for their clean-up efforts, which will allow residents to once again enjoy this vital green space.
This Government is determined to crack down on waste criminals, which is why we recently announced plans to ensure vehicles involved in waste crime are seized and crushed.
The Environment Agency continues to progress the criminal investigation into the illegal tipping of waste at Hoad’s Wood. In February, three individuals were arrested by the Environment Agency, Kent Police and the Joint Unit for Waste Crime, marking an important moment in securing justice for the local community.
Evidence obtained during these arrests is now being used to support the next stages of the investigation.
We are fully supportive of the Environment Agency’s ongoing efforts to tackle waste crime across Kent, and it is great that work has now begun to restore Hoad’s Wood to its former beauty.
The illegal dumping of large volumes of waste is often linked to other forms of criminal activity and we play our part by making arrests, gathering evidence and carrying out preventative activities including spot checks of vehicles seen in areas where such offences are common.
We will continue to work closely with the Environment Agency and local authorities to send a clear message to fly-tippers that they are not welcome in Kent and will be dealt with accordingly.
We are pleased to see the start of the clean-up process proceeding at Hoad’s Wood. Restoring this ancient woodland to its former state will be a mammoth undertaking, but we are hopeful that today is a step in the right direction.
The Environment Agency will continue to monitor the site for any effect on air or water quality as the harmful waste is safely removed. Work is being carried out with the agreement of Natural England, the Forestry Commission and Ashford Borough Council.
To prevent criminals getting their hands on waste, the public are urged to use only waste carriers listed on the public register to take away their rubbish.
If a member of the public has any information that may assist with the Hoad’s Wood investigation, they should call the Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline on 0800 807060. They can also report it anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or the Crimestoppers website.
