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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Welfare reform: Speech to the IPPR by Work and Pensions Secretary

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Welfare reform: Speech to the IPPR by Work and Pensions Secretary

    Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP speech to the IPPR setting out the case for welfare reform.

    I’m very grateful to my former employer IPPR for hosting us and to all of you for taking the time to come along, I’m especially grateful to Dominic for sharing his experiences, and I thought that was really important to hear today – about the benefits work brings to you, and the struggles you have faced, and your hopes for the future.

    I want to talk about the Government’s welfare reforms.

    How they will transform people’s lives, as part of our Plan for Change.

    [Political content removed]

    How these reforms will help ensure our welfare state is sustainable for the future.

    [Political content removed]

    Now Getting Britain Working is central to the Government’s Plan for Change.

    It is vital to delivering higher living standards in every part of Britain. 

    And it’s vital to achieving the number one mission of this Government, which is growing the economy.

    But Getting Britain Working is about so much more than this.

    It’s about giving people the dignity and self respect that we know good work brings.

    The purpose and belonging that Dominic spoke about so powerfully.

    It’s about improving the health of the nation, because we know good work is good for people’s mental and physical health – and can help reduce pressure on the NHS.

    And Getting Britain Working is critical to driving down child poverty and ensuring every child starts school ready to learn – perhaps the single most important step to transforming equality and opportunity in this country.

    And the scale and urgency of our task is there for all to see. 

    Nearly 1 in 10 people of working age are now on at least one sickness or disability benefit.  

    A near record 2.8 million people are out of work due to long-term sickness. 

    1 million young people are not in education, employment or training – that’s more than 1 in 8 of our young people – with all the long-term consequences this brings for their future health, job prospects and earnings potential.

    And 300,000 people with health conditions are falling out of work every single year, piling up even greater problems for the future.

    The result is millions of people who could work written off and denied the chance to build a better life …

    … with all these challenges far worse in parts of the Midlands and the North, whose economies were decimated in the 80s and 90s when whole industries closed, and who have never been given the investment, support and opportunity they need to recover.

    [Political content removed]

    … with the benefits bill for sickness and disability up £20 billion since the pandemic and set to rise by a further £18 billion by the end of this Parliament, unless we change course. 

    And the truth is … it doesn’t have to be this way.

    We are the only economy in the G7 whose employment rate still hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels.

    And spending on sickness and disability benefits in most other comparable countries is either stable or falling since the pandemic … yet ours continues to inexorably rise.  

    [Political content removed]

    And there is nothing inevitable about Britain’s future path, if we have the courage and conviction to act.

    We must start shifting so much spending from the costs of “failure” to investing in the jobs, skills and public services that people need to build a better life.

    This requires leadership and it requires reform. 

    Now the truth is, welfare reform is never easy. And it is rarely popular. 

    [Political content removed]

    So we will reform the welfare state.

    [Political content removed]

    Changing it to meet the social and demographic challenges of today and tomorrow and delivering the fairness, equality and opportunity people need and deserve.

    [Political content removed]

    Reforming the welfare state to offer them the same rights and chances to work as anybody else.

    When the welfare state was created, average life expectancy was 65, and the most common cause of illness and death was infectious diseases and accidents. 

    Now, average life expectancy is around 80. And 1 in 7 babies born today is likely to live to 100.

    Back then, disability was the exception. Now, 1 in 4 of us self-reports as disabled. And 1 in 3 of us will have a long-term health condition.

    But the welfare state has simply not kept pace with these changes.

    Our benefit system in particular forces too many sick and disabled people into a binary choice of can or can’t work – when we know many people’s physical and mental health conditions fluctuate, and many sick and disabled people want to and need to work.

    The system then writes people off, and traps them … without offering any help or support.

    The number of people on the health top up of Universal Credit is set to rise by 50 per cent to 3 million by the end of the decade. 

    And the number of people on Personal Independence Payments is set to more than double to 4.3 million.

    There are now 1,000 new PIP awards every single day. That’s the equivalent of adding a city the size of Leicester every single year.

    This is not sustainable or fair – for the people who need support and for taxpayers.

    So unless we reform the system to help those who can work to do so…

    Unless we get social security spending on a more sustainable footing…

    And unless we ensure public money is focused on those with the greatest need and is spent in ways that have the best chance of improving people’s lives…

    …the risk is the welfare state won’t be there for people who really need it in future.

    That is why we are grasping the nettle of welfare reform. 

    Not for the sake of it, but to ensure the welfare state lasts for generations to come.

    Now we have already made huge strides in getting Britain working and growing again. 

    We are improving the quality of work and making work pay, with our landmark Employment Rights Bill.

    We are creating more good jobs in every part of the country – from clean energy to construction and through our modern industrial strategy.

    And we are investing an additional £26 billion this year to drive down NHS waiting lists, because getting people back to health is crucial to getting them back to work.

    But we also need big changes in our system of social security and employment support to deliver greater fairness and opportunity.

    Our plans are based on three clear objectives. 

    First, overhauling the system to help those who can work, get into work and stay in work.

    Last autumn our Get Britain Working white paper kicked off the biggest reforms to employment support in a generation, backed by and additional £240 million…

    … overhauling our Jobcentres to create a new national jobs and careers service, and shift the focus away from benefit administration alone.

    … investing in 16 new trailblazing programmes across the country – led by Mayors and local areas – to join up work, health and skills support, ensure every young person is earning or learning and to tackle the scar of economic inactivity.

    This year, we announced a further £1 billion a year in our new ‘Pathways to Work’ offer.

    Along with programmes like WorkWell, Connect to Work – which is being rolled out to the whole of England and Wales by December – and freeing up 1,000 work coaches to support sick and disabled people….

    …. Pathways to Work will guarantee a comprehensive offer of health, work and skills support for anyone who needs it. 

    … rolling out from next April when our benefit changes start to come in… 

    …. the biggest ever package of support for sick and disabled people.

    To underpin these changes in employment support, we are also creating a more pro-active, pro-work system. 

    We are consulting on a new Unemployment Insurance to provide a higher rate of time-limited income protection for people who lose their job but have paid into the system.

    We are scrapping the failed Work Capability Assessment [Political content removed] to help end the binary can/can’t work divide.

    We are reforming Universal Credit to encourage people to find work, and not stay on benefits…

    … reducing the health top up for new claims from April 2026, alongside active help to find work.

    …. and bringing in a sustained above inflation increase to the standard allowance in Universal Credit for the first time ever, delivering a cash increase of £725 a year by the end of the Parliament. 

    We’re introducing a new ‘right to try work’ by legislating to guarantee that work in and of itself will never lead to someone being called in for a benefit assessment to give people the confidences to take the plunge and try work. 

    To underpin our Youth Guarantee we are consulting on delaying access to the health top up in Universal Credit until someone is aged 22, with the savings reinvested into work support and training opportunities. 

    And we will support employers to recruit and retain more disabled people and people with health conditions through our Keep Britain Working review, led by the former boss of John Lewis, Sir Charlie Mayfield.  

    The second objective of our plans is to protect those who cannot work. 

    Those with the most severe, life-long conditions that will never improve and who can never work will have their Universal Credit protected – including young people aged under 22. 

    And we will guarantee they will never be reassessed in future, removing totally unnecessary stress, anxiety and uncertainty.

    To improve trust, we will also fundamentally overhaul our safeguarding approach to ensure all our processes and training are of the highest possible quality and to protect and support vulnerable people.

    Our third objective is to focus Personal Independence Payments on those with higher needs and to review the PIP assessment to ensure it is fair and fit for purpose.

    I know the concerns that have been raised about our proposals. I am listening carefully to all the points people raise.

    But 9 out of 10 people claiming PIP at the point when the changes come into force in November 2026 will not be affected by the end of the Parliament.

    And even with the changes we are making…

    … there will still be 750,000 more people receiving PIP by the end of this Parliament than there were at the start.

    … and spending will be £8 billion higher than it is now: rising faster than GDP, and faster than spending on public services.

    In making our changes, we are preserving PIP as a vital cash benefit that makes a contribution towards the extra cost of living with a disability. [Political content removed]

    We are consulting on how best to support those who will no longer be eligible, including so their health and care needs are met. 

    We will improve the experience of those going through the PIP assessment, switching back to more face-to-face assessments and recording them as standard.

    And we have begun the first review of the PIP assessment, in more than a decade – including the descriptors, and in consultation with disabled people and the organisations that represent them – to ensure it is fair and fit for purpose. 

    Taken together, our measures will reform the system to support those who can work to do so, to protect those who cannot, and to help ensure our welfare state lasts for generations to come.

    I want to finish by saying this.

    When I travel around the country, I know the places with the highest levels of economic inactivity and the largest number of people on sickness and disability benefits…

    … are the same places with the worst health, lowest life expectancy and fewest opportunities.

    The villages, towns and cities, especially in parts of the Midlands and North whose economies have still not recovered from the 80s and 90s, where economic demand remains weakest.

    Places that are full of talent and ambition but which need the investment – in jobs, infrastructure, skills, and public services – to build a better life for themselves and their communities.

    People in this country rightly demand change.

    [Political content removed]

    They need real hope built on real solutions.

    [Political content removed]

    Change of this scale isn’t easy.

    But it is possible.

    [Political content removed]

    That we will create the jobs, opportunities and public services people want and deserve. 

    Because a future dependent on benefits alone is not good enough for people in Blackpool, Birkenhead or Blaenau Gwent. 

    I am confident we will deliver. 

    Because all the evidence shows hundreds of thousands of sick and disabled people want to work.

    When they have a government that is on their side and provides the right support, they get work. 

    And that this can transform their lives. 

    Our task is urgent. 

    [Political content removed]

    So now let’s get on with the job.

    ENDS

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Record pension scheme funding means up to £160 billion ready to boost growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Record pension scheme funding means up to £160 billion ready to boost growth

    The reforms will support the Government’s Plan for Change by boosting economic growth and securing the financial future of millions of UK savers.

    • Funding levels in the Defined Benefit (DB) pension sector have hit a record high, with three in four now in surplus and deficit payments down by over £10 billion a year
    • Increased resilience follows years of businesses creating security for members through building a larger surplus.
    • New freedoms to safely release surplus funding will unlock investments and benefit savers as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

    Working people, pension scheme members and businesses are set to benefit from record highs in pension scheme funding. 

    The majority of DB schemes are now running at a surplus which means the value of their assets exceed that of the promised pension benefits due to members.

    Thanks to the forthcoming Pension Schemes Bill – trustees and employers will soon be able to safely release part of this surplus to boost investment and benefit scheme members. 

    Funding levels for DB pension schemes, sometimes known as “Final Salary” pensions, are current in their strongest ever financial position with the number of DB schemes sufficiently financed tripling since 2010. 

    Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell, said:

    The record funding levels for Defined Benefit pension schemes is excellent news for Britain’s employers and workers.

    Fast falling deficit payments offer employers a cashflow boost of over £10 billion a year, that can support higher wages and investment. 

    And growing scheme surpluses can also be used productively. Currently some trustees are held back from sharing the benefits of a surplus, but our plans will allow all schemes to safely do so, delivering greater investment across firms and benefits for savers.

    In 2019, just 600 Defined Benefit schemes were financed sufficiently, meaning businesses could meet the costs associated with their schemes without dipping into operational budgets – by 2024 that figure had tripled to over 1,800.

    Because of this robust financial position, the additional payments businesses have had to pay to plug pension deficits has fallen from £16 billion in 2010 to under £5 billion in 2024. This is delivering an immediate cashflow benefit to firms and should support higher levels of investment and wages. 

    The funding position of schemes in deficit has improved significantly, from a collective deficit of £500bn in 2019 to a deficit of just £140bn in 2024. Schemes running at a surplus have seen their collective surplus now rise to more than £160bn. Currently, many schemes cannot access their surplus – but the forthcoming Pension Schemes Bill will allow Pension trustees and the sponsoring employers to safely release some surplus to invest back into their businesses and unlock more money for pension scheme members. The upcoming changes will focus on member protection, and trustees will continue to be required to fulfil their duties towards scheme beneficiaries. 

    These changes form part of a package of reforms in the upcoming Pension Schemes Bill that will secure the financial future of millions of UK savers and drive long-term economic prosperity.

    Additional Information

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council working in partnership to tackle illegal off-road biking

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Off-road vehicles including motorbikes, quad bikes and other similar vehicles are classed as motor vehicles and must meet specific standards to be legally ridden on public highways.

    Off-roaders must have the permission of the landowner to ride on private land and, even with permission, dangerous or careless riding can lead to prosecution. For more details, please visit Off-Road Vehicle Nuisance.

    Off-roaders may also be in breach of the High Court injunction banning street racing in the Black Country, and therefore in contempt of court, if they are used on the public highway or land open to the public either for racing or to perform stunts.

    Meanwhile, parents who are considering purchasing off-road vehicles for young people should be aware that they may be held accountable for the actions of their children if they are found using vehicles anti-socially, including fines and legal action.

    Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “As a council, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all our residents.

    “The anti-social use of off-road vehicles is not only dangerous but also illegal. It can cause significant distress and danger to our communities and offenders may face fines, prosecution or have their vehicles seized.

    “We are working closely with West Midlands Police and other partners to identify and take action against offenders, and are pursuing legal measures against persistent offenders.

    “But we need the public’s help. If you witness the anti-social use of off-road vehicles, please report it to us, in confidence.”

    People can report the anti-social use of off-road vehicles to the Wolverhampton Anti-Social Behaviour Unit via asbu@wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk, Report anti-social behaviour or by calling 01902 556789, or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via CrimeStoppers.

    Alternatively, contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat at West Midlands Police or call 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

    When reporting, please provide as much information as possible, including the location of the incident, a description of the vehicle(s) involved, the time and date of the incident and any photos or videos, if available.

    Chris Seymour, ASB Officer for Wolverhampton Police, said: “We are committed to dealing with the ongoing issues surrounding the use of off-road bikes and the associated anti-social behaviour – we will continue to work closely with our partners to identify and prosecute offenders.”

    For more information or to discuss concerns, please contact the council’s Community Safety Team via safer@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Residents lay first bricks for almost 100 new energy efficient council homes as part of major overhaul

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    It is part of City of Wolverhampton Council’s citywide strategy to identify solutions for 4,100 homes built by out dated, non traditional construction methods.

    Keon Homes, appointed through the council’s housing framework, are building the new homes, with the first ones now emerging on School Lane.

    Demolition of the ageing bungalows is simultaneously taking place across the estate on Alleston Road, Alleston Walk, Grosvenor Road, Grosvenor Crescent, Lincoln Green, School Lane, and Wood Lane.

    To date, 21 properties have been demolished and the first phase will see 36 bungalows built by summer 2026.

    All of the old bungalows have been declared defective under the 1985 Housing Act – and suffer from a number of issues including failing structural elements, leaking and poorly insulated roofs, very poor thermal efficiency, and wet rot in the floor.

    The council has therefore taken the decision to replace the properties before they have an adverse effect on tenants’ health and wellbeing.

    The new, modern council bungalows will also provide a greater ability to adapt properties to meet tenants’ needs, something which has been difficult to achieve in the out dated properties due to their structural limitations.

    The redevelopment programme is being managed on behalf of the council by Wolverhampton Homes and follows extensive and ongoing consultation with residents.

    Existing council tenants, currently living in the out dated bungalows, will be given the opportunity to move into the new properties. The remaining new homes will be allocated to local people in line with the council’s official housing allocations policy.

    Diane Brookshaw of Grosvenor Crescent and Lincoln Green Estate Tenants Residents’ Association Chair said: “We’re all excited and can’t wait to get into our new homes.

    “It’s great to see the first bricks getting laid and the process has been very good generally – we’ve been updated all the way through.”

    City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing, Councillor Steve Evans, said: “This is a major milestone for the project and it was great to see the residents excited to watch the first bricks being laid for their new homes.

    “The non traditional built properties they were living are in such poor structural condition that they can no longer be economically and satisfactorily maintained.

    “For the safety and comfort of our residents, we are delivering better homes in the long term that they can make their own in the same location.

    “We have been talking regularly with all those affected and have engaged with all tenants, who are relishing the prospect of moving into brand new homes. They understand the absolute necessity to remove these out dated bungalows and replace them with new modern homes.”

    Keon Homes Project Manager, Matt Wilkes, said: “Laying the first bricks is always a special moment and delivers a visual sign to local people that the exciting vision is becoming a reality.

    “Keon Homes is proud to be supporting the City of Wolverhampton Council on its ambitious housing framework, not only creating high quality homes that are energy efficient but delivering vibrant communities that make a real difference to individuals and families.”
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Costa to travel to Côte d’Ivoire to receive UNESCO peace prize on 22 May 2025

    Source: Council of the European Union

    The President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire to receive the UNESCO Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize on 22 May 2025. In the margins of the ceremony, he will also meet the Ivorian President, Alassane Ouattara, to discuss bilateral relations, regional stability and preparations for the upcoming EU-African Union summit later this year.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: Ripple Whales monitor as Nimanode set to Kick-off $NMA token Presale

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEEDS, United Kingdom, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The highly anticipated $NMA token presale for Nimanode is officially scheduled to commence on May 22nd, 2025 at 3 PM UTC.

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    Why Nimanode is Stealing the Spotlight?

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    This AI-powered platform is built on the XRP Ledger for high speed, low cost, and unmatched scalability. With its zero-code agent builder and decentralized agent marketplace, Nimanode is unlocking real-world utility for creators, developers, and businesses alike.

    Whether you’re launching a dApp, managing RWA, automating your smart contracts, or building Institutional workflows, Nimanode is the only toolkit you’ll need.

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    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Nimanode. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

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    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b41e8484-b81f-4a4a-b19f-803976fcfcfa

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE Presence builds capacities of Albanian judges and prosecutors on investigative and adjudicating techniques on money laundering

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE Presence builds capacities of Albanian judges and prosecutors on investigative and adjudicating techniques on money laundering

    OSCE Presence builds capacities of Albanian judges and prosecutors on investigative and adjudicating techniques on money laundering | OSCE

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Towards Safer Communities: Co-ordinated action to end violence against women and domestic violence

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Towards Safer Communities: Co-ordinated action to end violence against women and domestic violence

    The meeting brought together key institutional actors to identify urgent measures, align mandates, and ensure co-ordinated engagement of ministries, parliaments, relevant institutions, and international partners. (OSCE) Photo details

    SARAJEVO, 21 May 2025 – In a decisive step toward strengthening protections for survivors of domestic violence and violence against women, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (the Mission) convened a meeting today in Sarajevo to advance the implementation of the new legal framework in the Federation of BiH (FBiH).
    The meeting brought together key institutional actors to identify urgent measures, align mandates, and ensure co-ordinated engagement of ministries, parliaments, relevant institutions, and international partners. Participants included representatives from the FBiH Ministries of Justice, Interior, Labour and Social Policy, and Health, as well as the FBiH Parliament’s Committees for Security and Gender Equality.
    The FBiH Government has recently enacted critical legislation, including the Strategy for Prevention and Fight against Domestic Violence (2024–2027) and the Law on Protection against Domestic Violence and Violence against Women. These measures represent a major advancement in aligning domestic policies with international standards and improving protection and support services for survivors.
    “We welcome the Government’s commitment to amending the Criminal Code to strengthen protections for women and children and hope to see its swift adoption by the FBiH Parliament,” said Thomas Busch, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH. “Despite this progress, serious acts of violence persist. That’s why we must now focus on full implementation—to prevent abuse, protect victims, and ensure accountability.”
    To ensure effective implementation of the law, the following actions were agreed:

    Development and adoption of the relevant bylaws

    Given the mid-September 2025 deadline for the adoption of 14 bylaws as stipulated by the Law on Protection against Domestic Violence and Violence against Women in Federation of BiH (Law), and recognizing that the development and adoption processes will require close coordination and cooperation among various stakeholders at Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) and cantonal levels of governance, as well as the need to ensure coherence and alignment between the bylaws and the relevant laws;
    Given the planned or requested support in the development of the bylaws provided by international organizations, including, inter alia, Delegation of European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, UN Agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina including UN Women in Bosnia and Herzegovinian, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and recognizing that certain key ministries have already initiated the drafting or consultation processes regarding the bylaws; and
    Given existing coordination mechanisms amongst ministries in the context of implementing the GREVIO recommendations, the FBiH Strategy for Prevention and Protection Against Domestic Violence 2024–2027, and/or establishment of the Commission for Monitoring the Implementation of this Law as stipulated by the Law, which could be leveraged for technical-level coordination, and that the first coordination meeting at the technical level is planned for end of the May.

    The following are recommended for:

    Relevant ministries:
    Establish a body or task force, composed of representatives from key FBiH ministries, to formalize existing co-ordination and oversee the process of drafting, reviewing, and harmonizing the bylaws;
    Ensure efficient, transparent and inclusive consultation processes with relevant cantonal ministries, experts and professionals on bylaws; and
    Secure timely adoption of coherent, bylaws that align with international standards and ensure the effective operationalization of the Law.

    Chairs of committees:
    By the end of 2025, organize a joint committees’ session to share experiences and practices in the implementation of the Law including to present prepared bylaws and share plans for capacity building of professionals;
    Engage in promotional activities related to the implementation of the Law and bylaws, including with relevant cantonal committees.

    The Mission:
    Provide support to relevant ministries for the horizontal and vertical harmonization of the bylaws within and with the relevant legal framework(s); and
    Facilitate regular dialogue amongst key stakeholders including organizations and members of the international community, particularly ministers and chairs of committees, to review progress, ensure consistency, efficiency, and alignment throughout the process.

    2. Capacity building of professionals on the Law and relevant bylaws

    Given existing and planned support provided by various international organizations, including various project of European Union such as EU4Police, UN Agencies including UN Women in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the continuous support of the Mission, to Ministries of Interior and the and FBiH Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (MLSP) in strengthening the capacities of professionals;
    Given planned budget allocations by the FBiH Ministry of Interior (MoI) for the development of the capacity of the FBiH Police Academy and by the FBiH MLSP for the capacity building of professionals engaged in the institutional response to domestic and gender-based violence, as well as additional capacity-building activities planned under the FBiH Strategy for Prevention and Protection against Domestic Violence 2024–2027; and
    Given the validated training modules and programs developed by the FBiH MoI, FBiH MLSP, and the FBiH Minsitry of Health (MoH), as well as opportunities to ensure budget and institutional sustainability of these programs at FBiH and cantonal level where appropriate,

    The following are recommended for:

    Relevant ministries:
    Assess existing capacity-building programs, including training modules and materials, to determine their adaptability, validation, and suitability for training professionals on the Law and relevant bylaws;
    Identify the number and ranks of professionals to be trained, estimate the necessary costs, and develop an implementation timeline in co-ordination with relevant cantonal ministries; and
    Propose mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of mandatory training programs and the necessary budget, targeting an adequate timeframe for the training of professionals working on prevention and response in cases of violence, based on improved validated training programs, in order to achieve comprehensive, unified, and harmonized procedures in cases of domestic and violence against women, and
    Secure funding for the implementation of those programs through public budgets and with the international project support.

    Chairs of committees:
    Advocate with relevant committees’ counterparts at the cantonal level to secure institutional and budgetary support for the implementation of the Law;
    Advocate for the allocation of necessary funding for the work of parliamentary committees, which would include support for field visits, sessions and debates relevant to the committees’ respective legislative and oversight activities;
    Advocate for strengthening of co-operation and co-ordination of the FBiH Parliament’s committees with corresponding committees across different levels of government, which contributes to expanding committees’ capacities, positive dialogue and safeguarding stability. 

    The Mission:

    Continue to provide programmatic and political support to key ministries and institutions across different levels of governance, focusing on building the capacity of professionals and advocating for sustainable policy solutions; and
    Continue to provide programmatic and political support to relevant parliamentary committees across different level of governance, including in relation to their legislative and oversight mandates as well as co-operation and co-ordination among parliamentary committees.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE boosts solar energy skills to support Kyrgyzstan’s clean energy transition

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE boosts solar energy skills to support Kyrgyzstan’s clean energy transition

    To help drive Kyrgyzstan’s transition to clean energy and meet its growing demand for renewables, the OSCE organized a joint initiative in Bishkek focused on both high-level policy dialogue and technical training. This effort was carried out in partnership with the Kyrgyz State Technical University (KSTU) and the Bulan Institute for Peace Innovations.
    On 19 May, over 70 participants – including representatives from government, academia, the private sector, international organizations, and civil society – gathered at KSTU for a roundtable discussion titled “Integration of Renewable Energy Sources into the Energy System of the Kyrgyz Republic and Prospects for RES Development.” The event explored key policy, regulatory, and technical challenges related to scaling up renewable energy – particularly solar and wind power – and examined ways to improve grid integration and expand access to clean energy across the country.
    High-level officials delivered opening remarks, including Dinara Kemelova, Special Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic on Mountain Regions Development; Emilbek Ysmanov, First Deputy Minister of Energy; and  Nicolas Faye,  Ambassador of France to the Kyrgyz Republic.
    Alongside the policy discussions, the OSCE, together with KSTU and the Bulan Institute, launched the first of two hands-on training courses on solar photovoltaic system installation and maintenance. The course brought together 24 electricians from various parts of  Kyrgyzstan – including many from rural and remote areas – to gain practical skills in solar system design, installation, and safety. Notably, the active participation of women in the training marked a positive step toward greater gender equality in the energy sector. A second training is scheduled for June 2025.
    “This initiative goes beyond solar panels – it’s about giving people the skills to shape their own energy future,” said Giulia Manconi, OSCE Senior Energy Security Adviser. “By investing in skills development, we’re not only helping Kyrgyzstan unlock its solar potential, but also creating meaningful jobs, promoting local value, and ensuring an inclusive transition to renewable energy that supports the country’s broader energy and climate goals.”
    By building local expertise, this initiative lays the foundation for the creation of a dedicated Solar Training Centre at KSTU, providing long-term support for Kyrgyzstan’s clean energy transition and offering a model that can be replicated across the region.
    This activity is part of the OSCE project on Promoting Women’s Economic Empowerment in the Energy Sector in Central Asia, funded by Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Norway and Poland.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Shine a light’: responding to challenges facing the charity sector

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    ‘Shine a light’: responding to challenges facing the charity sector

    Charity Commission Chief Executive David Holdsworth delivers keynote speech at Charity Times’ Annual Conference 2025.

    Thank you Srabani and good morning everyone / bore da pawb.

    It’s a privilege to be speaking to at this conference for the first time as the Commission’s CEO, after rejoining the organisation last summer.

    I probably don’t need to explain to this audience why I returned to work with the charity sector.

    Current operating environment and challenges 

    The Charity Commission stands at a unique vantage point, where the perspectives of charities, government, the public and donors meet.

    From this position, we see three trends.

    First, an incredibly challenging economic environment for the sector.

    Like other sectors, charities face inflationary pressures and rising operational costs.

    But charities are also dealing with increased demands for their services.

    The cumulative impact of these trends on charities is, in some cases, extremely challenging.

    Second, charities, like other organisations, are contending with rapid technological and social change.

    Some tech innovations, notably in the space of AI, offer tools that can help charities do more with less and increase their impact.

    But looking ahead, these technologies potentially challenge the very role of organisations and institutions in the traditional sense.

    Notably when coupled with changing attitudes, especially among younger people, whose allegiances are increasingly to causes, not ‘bricks and mortar’ or brands and institutions and where technology platforms offer alternatives of direct giving to those in need.  

    Thirdly – global conflicts, geo political shifts and instability. The shocking invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in the middle east have seen demands on and need of charity increase significantly. Whilst at the same time the once seemingly immovable, solid post war geo political system is shifting, creating uncertainty and instability. This makes responding to increased global need more difficult and challenging to navigate.

    Impact and Potential

    Despite those challenges the sector has never been more important – and let’s be clear what charities achieve for society is astonishing, both in terms of scale and impact.

    Based on Annual Returns submitted to the Commission for 2023’s accounts, the sector had an annual income of over £96 billion – up around 7% on the previous year.

    We registered just over 5,000 new charities last year, having assessed a record 9,840 applications – a 9% increase on the previous year.

    And there are around 700,000 trustees who collectively steward the sector though good times and bad, and whose work often goes unrecognised and uncelebrated – though we at the Commission are all too aware of their service and contribution.

    But numbers alone don’t tell of the human impact of charity. Of the positive difference charities make in transforming or enriching communities, our environment, our wildlife, heritage, culture as well as saving and improving countless individual lives.

    It is that impact that charities, their amazing trustees, volunteers and employees have – that we must not lose sight of – nor let the challenges shroud.

    There are so many examples to tell.

    Like the Felix Project which had a landmark year, providing 38 million meals through its network of 1,264 community organisations and schools by growing its network of collaborations. Building on that success it has launched its Multibank, which has seen 1.46 million non-food essential items distributed to try and ensure no Londoner in need goes without.

    Welsh Women’s Aid and its partners helped 739 survivors access refuge-based support. That is life-saving intervention happening every day, across the country – offering not just physical shelter but a sense of home and safety when people need it most.

    That the osprey – that magnificent bird of prey – which was once driven to near extinction in the UK – is now thriving, with over 250 nesting pairs living in Britain today, is thanks to charities.

    And it is thanks to charity that, on average, two lives are saved at sea every single day by RNLI volunteers.  

    Also I know from my last CEO role at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, thanks to animal welfare charities’ campaigning work over decades, the UK now has one of the most advanced legal frameworks protecting animal health and welfare.

    These a just a few examples of what has been made possible by the charity sector.

    Potential and Opportunity

    So whilst I don’t underestimate for one moment the challenges charities face – and which I have seen first hand on my many visits – I would urge you not to let those challenges dim nor shroud the huge impact you are having, everyday.

    I also firmly believe that as Albert Einstein once said:

    in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.

    Arguably, the bigger the challenge, the greater the opportunity. Ideas previously rejected as too radical; innovation that once felt too big; conversations which felt too challenging can suddenly feel possible – and necessary.

    Take for example, the city I call home, Liverpool. Which is incidentally also the Commission’s main home, where most of our staff are based.

    I grew up in Liverpool in the 1980s. It was a time when the city felt like it had lost its way, with ever increasing challenges and ever dwindling opportunity and resources.

    Today my home city is transformed. And that transformation happened through collaboration – a combination of philanthropic investments, national and local government investment, alongside renewed community action notably in the arts, culture and tourism which acted as catalysts for wider renewal.

    Each individual project mattered, but what made for game-changing transformation was the cumulative impact of collaborative and complementary efforts from a number of actors. And that is true across the sector today.

    Take for example, Fareshare. Working collaboratively, supporting other charities in their network, they’ve helped distribute 92% more food over the last year, and made their budgets go 78% further.

    This resulted in them distributing a whopping 135 million meals, reaching nearly 1 million people.

    If you’ll allow me to return once more to my hometown.

    In late 2024, Zoe’s Place, a hospice in Liverpool which provides care to children, faced an uncertain future. The community of Liverpool, supported by business leaders and politicians, as well as a fellow charity the Institute of our Lady of Mercy, fellow hospice Claire’s Place and regional media collectively rallied to save Zoe’s Place, with the Commission playing a key facilitating role.

    Now, ownership has been transferred to the newly registered Liverpool Zoe’s Place. The charity’s trustees have also finalised plans to build the charity’s new home, securing the continuation of the former charity’s legacy.

    The hospice had been helping families through the unimaginable since 1995 – to see that vital service disappear would have been gutting for the community, and a huge blow to the families who rely on the organisation’s support.

    Instead, by reawakening their community’s passion and pride in the service, the charity will now continue to provide that support for years to come.

    In addition to this kind of public appeal, forging new corporate partnerships is another option being explored by many charities. Indeed, the Charities Aid Foundation estimates that UK businesses contribute around £4 billion to the sector.

    Take one example – a mere stone’s throw from here: national homelessness charity, Shelter.

    The organisation has partnered with clothing brand, Lucy and Yak. Last year they held a successful pop-up shop in Kings Cross, and now, they’ve launched donation boxes in several Lucy and Yak shops across the country encouraging customers to donate clothing.

    Shelter has responded to competition facing charity shops with the rise of preloved selling platforms in an agile and innovative way. Through this partnership, they’ve added a funding stream to their ‘bow’ and potentially reached new supporters.

    But I appreciate that public appeals and new corporate partnerships won’t work for everyone.  

    As a result of the Covid pandemic, many charities needed to re-evaluate their financial resilience and ability to weather further storms – many had dipped into their reserves, while others had little to fall back on.

    With the same desire to ensure services do not come to an end, some charities with similar goals turned to mergers – combining resources to create something more sustainable.

    For example, Community Integrated Care, one of the largest social care providers in the UK, merged with Inspire, a social care provider based in Scotland, in 2023. The charities saw how funding shortfalls, economic pressures and workforce shortages were impacting social care more broadly and chose to secure their future together rather than struggle through apart. And it paid off.

    Community Integrated Care’s income increased by £22 million in the year after the merger, and the charities reported publicly that the merger was a good strategic fit. These charities found strength in unity while continuing to provide that sense of belonging their beneficiaries depend on.

    Mergers are not the answer for all – and I don’t underestimate the work that can be involved in navigating a successful transition. But where you decide a merger is the best way forward, the Commission is on hand.

    Conclusion: strength in collaboration

    I’ve touched upon a few examples today to evidence my underlying confidence in this sector’s collective power. Just as no home is built by a single pair of hands, no lasting social change comes from isolated efforts.

    Our dear late Queen, Elizabeth II, once said:

    On our own, we cannot end wars or wipe out injustice, but the cumulative impact of thousands of small acts of goodness can be bigger than we imagine.

    In the year of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe and Victory in Japan we should remember those words and that out of darkness can come something brighter and better than before.

    From the darkness of tyranny, fascism and unfathomable loss came a renewed determination for peace, democracy and equality. That which charities had long fought for then came forward in the form of the NHS, welfare state, expansion of access to higher education, and workers’ rights.

    While the challenges facing society may be less existential, I believe this sector can again play a transformational role across communities, across government, local and national, with businesses and philanthropists to once again tackle our biggest issues with joint purpose.

    There is no greater charity sector in the world than here and my message is clear.

    Keep shining a light, charities.

    Shine a light on your charitable purpose.

    Shine a light of hope, and of refuge to those in need.

    Shine a light on your innovation and impact.

    And always remember that you not only stand on the shoulders of giants, but you too are now building that better brighter future for the next generation.

    Thank you. I look forward to hearing your thoughts, and taking your questions.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: From Protests to Partnership: Interview with Gerben Dijksterhuis, Mayor of Borsele, Kingdom of the Netherlands

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Gerben Dijksterhuis, Mayor of Borsele, addresses residents who developed a list of conditions for community acceptance of the construction of new nuclear power plants in the municipality. (Photo: Municipality of Borsele, Kingdom of the Netherlands)

    The world’s first major gathering of representatives of communities hosting nuclear facilities will take place in Vienna, Austria, from 26 to 30 May 2025 at the IAEA’s International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes. Gerben Dijksterhuis, Mayor of Borsele, Kingdom of the Netherlands, which hosts the country’s only operating nuclear power plant, discusses key aspects of stakeholder engagement for nuclear power:

    How has stakeholder engagement changed over time?

    In the 1960s and 1970s, there were fierce protests and demonstrations against the arrival of the nuclear power plant, but in recent years we have seen almost no demonstrations. Over the years, the plant operator, EPZ, has learned to communicate openly and transparently. This has contributed to a good relationship with the surrounding community, an important element of EPZ’s ‘licence to operate’. The plant is now seen as a good neighbour.

    Borsele organized a unique citizen participation process in 2023 on upcoming large energy projects, including two nuclear power reactors. What prompted you as Mayor, and the local government, to include citizens in the process?

    People often have strong opinions either for or against nuclear energy, but the decision about whether new nuclear power plants will be built is ultimately made by the national government. So we’ve focused on the interests of the local community and asked the question: “If two additional nuclear power reactors are built, what will that mean for our municipality and residents? Under what conditions would we accept such a development?” By having this conversation, we’re engaging in a discussion about our shared future and deciding what is needed to keep living, working and enjoying life in our region.

    My municipality has over 23 000 residents, so it’s not possible to ask everyone personally about their views on these developments. By randomly selecting 100 residents, we thought we would get a fair range of opinions reflecting the views of all residents. This way, we can look at what’s coming our way as a community with an open mind, without being too influenced by loud supporters or critics. We also wanted to give a voice to young people, who will live with the impact of new nuclear power plants the longest, and to the ‘silent majority’ — residents who are generally less likely to speak out in public debates.

    Over the course of 5 meetings, these 100 residents came up with 39 conditions under which major developments could take place, ensuring that the environmental impact is properly considered.

    We believe that as a local community we should have a voice in projects happening in our area.

    What are some of the common concerns local residents have about nuclear energy projects? To what extent are they different from concerns about other large projects?

    We are somewhat used to big projects because we live next to a large industrial area and an international seaport. However, there are concerns about the impact of the construction: we see in other countries how long it takes, how large the construction site is, and how many people work there. Residents mainly think about noise, dust and light pollution and an increase in construction traffic. There are also concerns about this development in relation to the landscape we are so proud of here.

    Specifically for the nuclear component, people are concerned about the safety of new nuclear power plants and the continuing perception of a lack of a final solution for nuclear waste.

    What is the socioeconomic impact of nuclear energy projects on host communities and neighbouring areas, based on the experience of Borsele?

    About 400 people work at the existing nuclear power plant, and many more are employed indirectly. If the construction of two new nuclear power reactors goes ahead, thousands of additional workers will be needed for 5 to 15 years. This will not only create jobs in the region but also provide opportunities for local businesses, educational institutions and housing development. It is an opportunity to invest in the future of the region, with innovation and progress at the forefront. It’s therefore crucial that, as a government and society, we make timely plans to properly manage these developments. The construction of nuclear power plants affects an entire region, and when new nuclear power reactors are built, cooperation with neighbouring municipalities is essential to prepare for this. This includes planning for housing, infrastructure and education.

    In addition to being Mayor of Borsele, you are President of the Group of European Municipalities with Nuclear Facilities (GMF Europe). Why is it important for nuclear host communities to organize in such associations?

    Nuclear host communities often face or have faced the same challenges. As a network of host communities in different parts of Europe, GMF allows us to learn from each other and find solutions together. We can help each other by sharing information and lessons learned about how to deal with nuclear initiatives. Together, we can also be a stronger voice that is heard in international politics. I am proud that GMF has been invited several times — including by the IAEA — to contribute to new policy and present our vision to participating countries. Together with mayors in Canada and the United States of America, we have also established the Global Partnership of Municipalities with Nuclear Facilities.

    It is equally important to advocate for the position of local communities. They must have a voice in developments that take place in their community.

    What is the advice you would give to communities that are newcomers to nuclear?

    Take an active role, make sure you are well informed, ask the right questions and ensure that the concerns of your community are heard. This not only helps in understanding the impact of nuclear projects, but also ensures that you can actively contribute to decision making and to the process in a way that is in the interest of your community.

    Additionally, it is important to join networks of municipalities. This way, you can jointly influence policy, both nationally and internationally. By working with organizations such as the IAEA, we can ensure that policies take into account the needs of host communities.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Have your say about Shared Lives

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Shared Lives is a unique form of social care based on the simple but transformative power of human relationships. In Shared Lives, a young person or adult who is assessed as needing care and support is matched with a carer by the Shared Lives service, coordinated by Camphill Village Trust. Together, they share home, family, and community life.  

    The service is provided by individuals or families – Shared Lives carers – and enables people to access community facilities, maximise their independence and quality of life, and live an ordinary life in a place which feels like home. In many cases the individual requiring support will become a permanent part of the Shared Lives family and in other cases the individual can use the support for short breaks.

    The service can support people aged 16 and over who have been assessed as having care needs which can be met by Shared Lives, including older people, people with mental health needs, people living with dementia, those with a physical and/or sensory impairment, learning disabilities, autistic spectrum conditions, care leavers and individuals with complex needs.  

    Councillor Paula Brookfield, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, said: “Shared Lives has been running in Wolverhampton since 2014 and has had an incredible impact on the lives of some of our most vulnerable citizens, offering greater choice around the support they receive and providing a real alternative to more traditional forms of care such as residential and day care.

    “We want it to be the best that it can be, and so we are carrying out a survey to shape future service delivery – please take a few moments to share your thoughts.”

    To complete the survey please visit Shared Lives by Monday 17 June, 2025.

    To find out more about Shared Lives, contact Camphill Village Trust on 01384 441505, email sharedlives@cvt.org.uk or visit Camphill Village Trust.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mansion House team tours city clubs and schools

    Source: City of York

    The Sheriff and Lord Mayor with a student dressing up in civic robes

    Published Wednesday, 21 May 2025

    While work continues to restore and maintain the Mansion House, the team which usually welcomes visitors to it is taking its stories, artefacts and democratic connections out into the community.

    Insider detail about the long and intriguing history of the Mansion House and its treasures are being shared in sessions with children and young people across the city. These include visits to Applefields for students with Special Educational Needs, to local Brownie groups and primary schools.

    The sessions offer an educational game of how to run a democratically-elected Council, dressing up as a member of the civic party, or an insight into Georgian fan language and fashion. They are being offered free to schools and groups such as Scouts and Guides to create connections with this building at the heart of York’s civic life.

    School groups have been invited on site visits to see the work underway, and work experience placements are being run for students from Huntington School and the Vale of York Academy.

    The Lord Mayor and the Sheriff of York have joined a number of visits when dressing-up robes were provided. The workshops have been running across the city since January and will continue until the end of June, free-of-charge.

    One of the sessions revolves around the game ‘Run the City’. In it, students manage an imaginary city council. They’re given a budget and a list of responsibilities, and work out how to spend their funds while considering the impact of those decisions at election time. Every group to have played it said they found it ‘very engaging and educational’.

    Also popular are workshops about Georgian women’s fashion and the language of the fan. Being an eighteenth-century townhouse and the home of York’s Georgian Festival (7-11 August 2025), the Mansion House is a centre of expertise on these. The rigmarole of dressing for the day is explained, along with handling the many layers of garments and finding out how they were made. Lessons on fan language include sending secret messages across a room, while learning about society’s expectations of young ladies in Georgian ballroom culture.

    Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council said:

    Taking the Mansion House out on tour across the city is a rare and important event. Its rich and colourful past and its role in the city’s democracy and cultural heritage are as important as its future place in the life of York.

    “Telling its stories and sharing its treasures with the younger generation will, I hope, increase their sense of belonging and understanding of their city. We all have a huge amount of pride in our home, York. Who knows, one day these young people could choose to stand for election to the Council itself!”

    When the Mansion House reopens ahead of the popular Georgian Festival, these workshops will run from the House itself along with other activities such as house tours, ghost trails and more.

    Find out more at www.york.gov.uk/YorkMansionHouse or book for the Georgian Festival events at www.mansionhouseyork.com .

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Denis Law Legacy Trail to officially open

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    The Printfield 10 – Denis Law Legacy Trail will be officially unveiled on Saturday (24 May) in Denis’ childhood community of Printfield.

    Set to be launched by members of the Law family, representatives from both the Printfield project and the Denis Law Legacy Trust and Aberdeen Lord Provost, Dr David Cameron, the ten point trail is a walking route through the Printfield community, that celebrates Denis Law’s life, career, and impact on Aberdeen.

    The project was first initiated by the Printfield community and developed in collaboration with Denis Law Legacy Trust, Robert Gordon University’s Gray’s School of Art, Denis’ family and Aberdeen City Council. 

    The trail was designed and delivered by Fine Day Studio, in collaboration with New Practice. The murals have been produced by Blank Walls – a street art company renowned for delivering world-class public art projects.

    A motion on the creation of the walking trail was brought to Full Council by Councillor Neil Copland in March 2020.

    Councillor Copland said: “I’m thrilled to see the Denis Law Legacy Trail completed in the heart of Denis’ childhood community of Printfield. The trail will allow people to walk in the footsteps of a sporting legend and experience a world-class public artwork in the heart of Aberdeen.

    “These artworks will attract both local people and tourists to the Printfield area, further cementing Aberdeen’s reputation as a growing hub for public art and cultural heritage.  It’s a very fitting tribute for one of Aberdeen’s greatest sons.”

    The trail will be officially opened on Saturday at 3.15pm, at number 10 on the corner of Printfield Walk and Printfield Terrace.

    Between 2pm and 4.15pm, there will be workshops for families in the Printfield play area, games and activities by The Denis Law Legacy Trust and workshops by Fine Day Studio and the Robert Gordon University Mobile Art School.

    Alex Harvey and Jerome Davenport, Co-Founders of Blank Walls said: “This has been an incredible project to be part of and It’s a great honour to create such an iconic legacy piece for a legend of Aberdeen and a legend of football. We hope the mural becomes a welcome addition to the already impressive street art in Aberdeen and serves as an inspiration to the local community.”

    Colin Leonard, Founder of Fine Day Studio said: “We’re thrilled to see the first phase of the Denis Law Legacy Trail come to life. Denis wasn’t just a footballing icon—he was also a fearless, selfless teammate who never lost sight of his roots in Printfield and Aberdeen.

    “Every stop on the trail offers a chance to celebrate his story and spark pride in the place he called home. It’s been about creating something joyful and meaningful that belongs to the whole community.”

    Di Law, Denis’ daughter said: “We are absolutely delighted and immensely proud to support this unbelievable project that will leave a positive and long-lasting legacy for our father and the community in Printfield.”

    David Suttie, Trustee of The Denis Law Legacy Trust said: “This trail is a wonderful example of the Trust and Aberdeen City Council coming together to support a community driven project into fruition. This project has come to life spectacularly and will be a great focal point for the city for a long time to come.”

    Mark Williams, Chief Operating Officer of The Denis Law Legacy Trust said: “We have been delighted to support the local Printfield community to deliver an incredible legacy for Denis in and around the very streets where he was born. Built to inform and inspire all who visit this, we hope it will continue to do so for many years to come.”

    A representative from the Printfield Youth Group said: “I think the Trail is really cool, I think the designs are so bright and makes you feel happy.  It makes the area look so much better and I think it will bring more people into the community and it is something to be proud of.”

    The Denis Law Legacy Mural has been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Aberdeen City Council’s Common Good Fund.

    Image courtesy of Innes Gregory.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Lord Mayor and Sheriff of Norwich appointed at full council meeting

    Source: City of Norwich

    A new Lord Mayor and Sheriff of Norwich have officially taken up their ceremonial roles following yesterday’s (Tuesday 20 May) full council meeting at City Hall.

    Councillor Paul Kendrick has been appointed Lord Mayor of Norwich for the coming civic year, taking over from Councillor Vivien Thomas. Stuart Wright has been named the new Sheriff of Norwich, succeeding Sirajul Islam.

    The positions of Lord Mayor and Sheriff are historic and ceremonial roles, representing the city at civic and public events, supporting local charities, and acting as ambassadors for city.

    Lord Mayor of Norwich – Councillor Paul Kendrick

    Councillor Paul Kendrick has served as a councillor on Norwich City Council since 2011, representing the Catton Grove ward. For the past nine years, he has held the position of cabinet member for finance, playing a key role in maintaining the council’s sound financial position.

    Under his stewardship, Norwich City Council has remained one of the few local authorities in the country to retain a 100% Council Tax reduction scheme for its lowest-income residents and has continued its commitment to being a Living Wage employer.

    Before moving to Norwich, Cllr Kendrick was active in local government across the south-east, serving on Hastings Borough Council, East Sussex County Council, and Kent County Council. During his time as chairman of Kent’s Highways Committee, he oversaw a major infrastructure programme linked to the Channel ports – managing the largest highways capital budget in the county at the time.

    Cllr Kendrick is 66 years old and has three children – James, Joanne and Daniel. His daughter Joanne will serve as Lady Mayoress during his term of office.

    Sheriff of Norwich – Stuart Wright

    Stuart Wright has a long-standing connection with the city and brings a wealth of experience from both public service and the private sector.

    He began his career as an officer in the Royal Engineers, where he trained as a military and civil engineer. After 20 years in the Army, he moved into the corporate world, holding senior leadership roles at PA Consulting and Aviva. At Aviva, his focus was on the planning, design and delivery of shared services across the UK and Europe.

    Stuart later led Aviva’s global net zero strategy, overseeing carbon reduction efforts across all operations, subsidiaries and joint ventures. His commitment to sustainability and social responsibility has also seen him champion the real Living Wage – chairing the UK Living Wage Foundation Advisory Council from 2016 to 2021 and currently serving as a trustee of Citizens UK.

    Stuart lives near Hingham and enjoys gardening, restoring a vintage tractor, and spending time with his three grown-up children and granddaughter, all of whom live locally.

    This year, the Lord Mayor’s civic charity is Norfolk & Waveney Mind, a local mental health charity that provides vital support, advice and services to help people experiencing mental health difficulties across the region.

    You can find out more about the roles of the Lord Mayor and the Sheriff of Norwich by visiting https://bit.ly/NorwichMayorAndSheriff

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Diamond Equity Research Releases Update Note on Almonty Industries, Inc. (TSX: AII) (ASX: AII) (OTCQX: ALMTF)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diamond Equity Research, a leading equity research firm with a focus on small capitalization public companies has released an Update Note Almonty Industries, Inc. (TSX: AII) (ASX: AII) (FWB: ALI) (OTCPK: ALMT.F). The update note includes detailed information on the Almonty Industries’ business model, services, industry overview, financials, valuation, management profile, and risks.

    The full research report is available below.

    Almonty Industries Update Note May 2025

     Highlights from the report include:

    • Almonty Industries Secures Strategic Three-Year Offtake Agreement for Tungsten Oxide with Tungsten Parts Wyoming; Provides Predictable Revenue and Strengthens Strategic Alliances within U.S. and Allied Defense Networks: Almonty Industries Inc. recently announced a binding offtake agreement with Tungsten Parts Wyoming, Inc. (TPW), a prominent U.S.-based defense contractor, and Metal Tech (MT), an Israel-based tungsten processor, significantly enhancing its strategic position within the critical materials supply chain for U.S. defense applications. Under the agreement, TPW commits to purchasing at least 40 metric tons of tungsten oxide monthly from Almonty, exclusively for use in critical defense applications, including missiles, drones, and ordnance systems. MT will process the supplied tungsten oxide into tungsten metal powder in Israel or the U.S., exclusively for TPW’s defense production programs. Notably, the arrangement includes a hard floor price with no ceiling, providing revenue predictability and substantial upside potential. The initial term of the agreement spans three years from the commencement of deliveries, with provisions for automatic annual renewal thereafter. This offtake agreement is strategically significant for Almonty, ensuring predictable revenues and deepening its integration into defense-oriented supply chains. Management has highlighted the importance of securing long-term demand specifically tied to high-value defense programs, emphasizing the company’s ability to align commercial interests with strategic national security priorities. It should be that that these substantial offtake commitments signal strong confidence in Almonty’s asset quality and operational delivery capabilities. Investors tend to place a premium on predictable revenues and consistent cash flows, making this agreement particularly valuable from a market valuation perspective. We view this development positively, as it further solidifies Almonty’s competitive advantage in supplying critical materials to allied defense markets.
    • Q1 2025 Financial Results Reflect Stable Revenue, Enhanced Mining Margins, and Elevated Non-Cash Charges: In the first quarter of 2025, Almonty Industries reported a 1.3% year-over-year revenue increase to $7.9 million, driven by higher tungsten concentrate pricing under long-term contracts. Income from mining operations rose significantly by 24.1% to $0.75 million, supported by favorable pricing dynamics and increased output at the Panasqueira mine. Operating expenses rose substantially to $9.5 million from $4.3 million in the prior year quarter, largely due to higher non-cash share-based compensation, losses related to the revaluation of embedded derivative liabilities, and increased expenditures associated with the company’s planned redomiciling. The company reported a net loss of $34.6 million, compared to $3.8 million in the prior-year period, primarily due to a non-cash loss of $25.8 million arising from the revaluation of warrant liabilities. Adjusted EBITDA came in at $(3.5) million compared to $(1.3) million in the same quarter of the previous year, reflecting a 169.2% increase on a non-IFRS basis. As of March 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents totaled $16.9 million, up from $7.8 million at year-end 2024, primarily due to the receipt of $8.7 in equity placement proceeds and $3.3 million from the exercise of warrant, partially offset by ongoing investments in the Sangdong Project in South Korea. Post the quarter-end, Almonty secured an additional $3.6 million through further warrant exercises. 
    • Valuation: The forthcoming commercialization of the high-grade Sangdong project, now construction-complete and in its final pre-production phase, is anticipated to serve as a key catalyst for Almonty’s growth trajectory and potential valuation re-rating. Strong operational performance at Panasqueira and a robust cash position of nearly $17 million provide a solid foundation for near-term execution. Strategic advancements, including a binding offtake agreement with a U.S. defense contractor and expanded partnerships with American Defense International and MZ Group, further reinforce Almonty’s position as a critical supplier within the allied tungsten value chain. Rolling over our financial model while incorporating the latest quarterly results and updated shares outstanding, we arrive at a valuation of $4.00 per share, contingent upon successful execution by the company.

    About Almonty Industries, Inc.  

    Almonty Industries Inc. is a global leader in tungsten mining, with strategically positioned assets in geopolitically stable regions including South Korea, Portugal, and Spain. The company is set to become the largest tungsten producer outside China upon the commissioning of its flagship Sangdong Mine. 

    About Diamond Equity Research

    Diamond Equity Research is a leading equity research and corporate access firm focused on small capitalization companies. Diamond Equity Research is an approved sell-side provider on major institutional investor platforms.

    For more information, visit https://www.diamondequityresearch.com.

    Disclosures:

    Diamond Equity Research LLC is being compensated by Almonty Industries, Inc. for producing research materials regarding Almonty Industries, Inc. and its securities, which is meant to subsidize the high cost of creating the report and monitoring the security, however the views in the report reflect that of Diamond Equity Research. All payments are received upfront and are billed for research engagement. As of 05/22/25 the issuer had paid us $50,000 for our company sponsored research services, which commenced 03/07/2025 and is billed annually. Diamond Equity Research LLC may be compensated for non-research related services, including presenting at Diamond Equity Research investment conferences, press releases and other additional services. The non-research related service cost is dependent on the company, but usually do not exceed $5,000. The issuer has not paid us for non-research related services as of 05/22/2025. Issuers are not required to engage us for these additional services. Additional fees may have accrued since then. Although Diamond Equity Research company sponsored reports are based on publicly available information and although no investment recommendations are made within our company sponsored research reports, given the small capitalization nature of the companies we cover we have adopted an internal trading procedure around the public companies by whom we are engaged, with investors able to find such policy on our website public disclosures page. This report and press release do not consider individual circumstances and does not take into consideration individual investor preferences. Statements within this report may constitute forward-looking statements, these statements involve many risk factors and general uncertainties around the business, industry, and macroeconomic environment. Investors need to be aware of the high degree of risk in small capitalization equities including the complete loss of their investment. Investors can find various risk factors in the initiation report and in the respective financial filings for Almonty Industries, Inc.

    Contact:
    Diamond Equity Research
    research@diamondequityresearch.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GraniteShares launches new YieldBoost ETFs on NVIDIA (NVYY) and Bitcoin (XBTY)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GraniteShares, an ETF issuer specializing in high conviction ETFs, announced that it is launching two ETFs to add to its existing YieldBOOST lineup – the GraniteShares YieldBOOST NVDA ETF (NVYY) and the GraniteShares YieldBOOST Bitcoin ETF (XBTY).

    The GraniteShares YieldBOOST NVDA ETF (NVYY) is designed to generate income from options1 strategies linked to 2x Long NVDA Daily ETF. To generate income, NVYY sells put options2 on leveraged ETFs linked to 2x Long NVDA Daily ETF.

    The GraniteShares YieldBOOST Bitcoin ETF (XBTY) is designed to generate income from options1 strategies linked to 2x Long Bitcoin Daily ETF. To generate income, XBTY sells put options2 on leveraged ETFs linked to 2x Long Bitcoin Daily ETF.

    FUND NAME TICKER CUSIP
    GraniteShares YieldBOOST NVDA ETF NVYY 38747R637
    GraniteShares YieldBOOST Bitcoin ETF XBTY 38747R421
         

    “We are excited to launch the newest additions to our YieldBOOST options income suite,” said Will Rhind, Founder and CEO of GraniteShares. “The GraniteShares YieldBOOST NVDA ETF (NVYY) and the GraniteShares YieldBOOST Bitcoin ETF (XBTY) will seek to generate income from selling put options on their respective underlying leveraged ETFs.”

    Other existing YieldBOOST ETFs include the GraniteShares YieldBOOST SPY ETF (YSPY), the GraniteShares YieldBOOST QQQ ETF (TQQY) and the GraniteShares YieldBOOST TSLA ETF (TSYY).

    For more information, please visit: www.graniteshares.com.

    About GraniteShares:

    GraniteShares is an entrepreneurial ETF provider focused on high-conviction investment solutions. The firm offers a range of ETFs spanning leveraged, inverse, and high-yield strategies, empowering investors with differentiated tools for portfolio construction. Founded in 2016, GraniteShares has grown rapidly by delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to modern market needs. For more information, visit www.graniteshares.com.

    Source: GraniteShares

    1An option is a contract that gives the holder the right, but not the obligation to buy or sell a specific asset at a predetermined price on or before a specified date. Options are a type of derivative, meaning their value is derived from the underlying asset.

    2A put option is a contract that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to sell an underlying asset at a specified price by or on a specific date.

    RISK FACTORS & IMPORTANT INFORMATION

    Please see the funds’ prospectus for more details – https://graniteshares.com/media/u5odudej/graniteshares-etf-trust-prospectus-yb.pdf.

    Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. For a prospectus or summary prospectus with this and other information about the Funds, please call (844) 476 8747 or visit www.graniteshares.com. Read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

    The investment program of the Funds is speculative, entails substantial risks and include asset classes and investment techniques not employed by more traditional mutual funds.

    PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

    The principal risks of investing in the Fund are summarized below. As with any investment, there is a risk that you could lose all or a portion of your investment in the Fund. Each risk summarized below is considered a “principal risk” of investing in the Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect the Fund’s net asset value per share (“NAV”), trading price, yield, total return and/or ability to meet its investment objectives. For more information about the risks of investing in the Fund, see the section in the Fund’s Prospectus titled “Additional Information About the Fund — Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund.”

    The Underlying NVDA ETF Risk. The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Underlying NVDA ETF shares. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Underlying NVDA ETF, even though it may not. By virtue of the Fund’s investments in options contracts that are based on the value of the Underlying NVDA ETF shares, the Fund may also be subject to the following risks:

    Effects of Compounding and Market Volatility Risk. The Underlying NVDA ETF shares’ performance for periods greater than a trading day will be the result of each day’s returns compounded over the period, which is likely to differ from 200% of the Underlying Stock’s performance, before fees and expenses. Compounding has a significant impact on funds that are leveraged and that rebalance daily. The impact of compounding becomes more pronounced as volatility and holding periods increase and will impact each shareholder differently depending on the period of time an investment in the Underlying NVDA ETF is held and the volatility of the Underlying Stock during the shareholder’s holding period of an investment in the Underlying NVDA ETF.

    Leverage Risk. The Underlying NVDA ETF obtains investment exposure in excess of its net assets by utilizing leverage and may lose more money in market conditions that are adverse to its investment objective than a fund that does not utilize leverage. An investment in the Underlying NVDA ETF is exposed to the risk that a decline in the daily performance of the Underlying Stock will be magnified. This means that an investment in the Underlying NVDA ETF will be reduced by an amount equal to 2% for every 1% daily decline in the Underlying Stock, not including the costs of financing leverage and other operating expenses, which would further reduce its value. The Underlying NVDA ETF could lose an amount greater than its net assets in the event of an Underlying Stock decline of more than 50%.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. Investing in derivatives may be considered aggressive and may expose the Underlying NVDA ETF to greater risks, and may result in larger losses or smaller gains, than investing directly in the reference assets underlying those derivatives, which may prevent the Underlying NVDA ETF from achieving its investment objective.

    Counterparty Risk. If a counterparty is unwilling or unable to make timely payments to meet its contractual obligations or fails to return holdings that are subject to the agreement with the counterparty resulting in the Underlying NVDA ETF losing money or not being able to meet its daily leveraged investment objective.

    Industry Concentration Risk. The performance of the Underlying Stock, and consequently the Underlying NVDA ETF’s performance, is subject to the risks of the semiconductor industry. The Underlying Stock is subject to many risks that can negatively impact its revenue and viability including, but are not limited to price volatility risk, management risk, inflation risk, global economic risk, growth risk, supply and demand risk, operations risk, regulatory risk, environmental risk, terrorism risk and the risk of natural disasters. The Underlying Stock performance may be affected by NVIDIA Corporation’s ability to identify new products, technologies or services, global competition and business conditions, its dependence on third-party product manufacturers, product defect issues, cybersecurity breaches, and customer concentration. The Underlying Stock may also be affected by risks that affect the broader technology industry, including: government regulation; dramatic and often unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for qualified personnel; heavy dependence on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability; and a small number of companies representing a large portion of the technology sector as a whole. The Fund’s daily returns may be affected by many factors but will depend on the performance and volatility of the Underlying Stock.

    Indirect Investments in the Underlying NVDA ETF. Investors in the Fund will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the Underlying NVDA ETF but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Underlying NVDA ETF. Although the Fund invests in the Underlying NVDA ETF only indirectly, the Fund’s investments are subject to loss as a result of these risks.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds, interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions. The use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The use of derivatives may result in larger losses or smaller gains than directly investing in securities. When the Fund uses derivatives, there may be an imperfect correlation between the value of the Underlying NVDA ETF and the derivative, which may prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objectives. Because derivatives often require only a limited initial investment, the use of derivatives may expose the Fund to losses in excess of those amounts initially invested. In addition, the Fund’s investments in derivatives are subject to the following risks:

    • Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events. For the Fund, in particular, the value of the options contracts in which it invests is substantially influenced by the value of the Underlying NVDA ETF. Selling put options exposes the Fund to the risk of potential loss if the market value of the Underlying NVDA ETF falls below the strike price before the option expires. The Fund may experience substantial downside from specific option positions and certain option positions held by the Fund may expire worthless. As an option approaches its expiration date, its value typically increasingly moves with the value of the underlying instrument. However, prior to such date, the value of an option generally does not increase or decrease at the same rate at the underlying instrument. There may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in values of options contracts and the underlying instrument, and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain options contracts. The value of the options held by the Fund will be determined based on market quotations or other recognized pricing methods. Additionally, the Fund’s practice of “rolling” may cause the Fund to experience losses if the expiring contracts do not generate proceeds enough to cover the costs of entering into new options contracts. Rolling refers to the practice of closing out one options position and opening another with a different expiration date and/or a different strike price. Further, if an option is exercised, the seller (writer) of a put option is obligated to purchase the underlying asset at the strike price, which can result in significant financial and regulatory obligations for the Fund if the market value of the asset has fallen substantially. Furthermore, when the Fund seeks to trade out of puts, especially near expiration, there is an added risk that the Fund may be required to allocate resources unexpectedly to fulfill these obligations. This potential exposure to physical settlement can significantly impact the Fund’s liquidity and market exposure, particularly in volatile market conditions.
    • Swap Risk: Swaps are subject to tracking risk because they may not be perfect substitutes for the instruments they are intended to hedge or replace. Over the counter swaps are subject to counterparty default. Leverage inherent in derivatives will tend to magnify the Fund’s losses. The swap agreements may reference standardized exchange-traded, FLEX, European Style or American Style put options contracts that are based on the values of the price returns of the Underlying ETF. that generate specific risks.

    Affiliated Fund Risk. In managing the Fund, the Adviser has the ability to select the Underlying NVDA ETF and substitute the Underlying NVDA ETF with other ETFs that it believes will achieve the Fund’s objective. The Adviser may be subject to potential conflicts of interest in selecting the Underlying NVDA ETF and substituting the Underlying NVDA ETF with other ETFs because the fees paid to the Adviser by some Underlying NVDA ETF may be higher than the fees charged by other Underlying NVDA ETF.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members. In cleared derivatives positions, the Fund will make payments (including margin payments) to and receive payments from a clearing house through their accounts at clearing members. Customer funds held at a clearing organization in connection with any options contracts are held in a commingled omnibus account and are not identified to the name of the clearing member’s individual customers. As a result, assets deposited by the Fund with any clearing member as margin for options may, in certain circumstances, be used to satisfy losses of other clients of the Fund’s clearing member. In addition, although clearing members guarantee performance of their clients’ obligations to the clearing house, there is a risk that the assets of the Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the clearing member’s bankruptcy, as the Fund would be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of the clearing member’s customers for the relevant account class. The Fund is also subject to the risk that a limited number of clearing members are willing to transact on the Fund’s behalf, which heightens the risks associated with a clearing member’s default. If a clearing member defaults the Fund could lose some or all of the benefits of a transaction entered into by the Fund with the clearing member. If the Fund cannot find a clearing member to transact with on the Fund’s behalf, the Fund may be unable to effectively implement its investment strategy. In addition, a counterparty (the other party to a transaction or an agreement or the party with whom the Fund executes transactions) to a transaction (including repurchase transaction) with the Fund may be unable or unwilling to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments, or otherwise honor its obligations.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of in-the-money put options contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the Underlying NVDA ETF over the Call Period. This means that if the Underlying NVDA ETF experiences an increase in value above the strike price of the sold put options during a Call Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and may significantly underperform the Underlying NVDA ETF over the Call Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in increases in value experienced by the Underlying NVDA ETF over each Call Period, but has full exposure to any decreases in value experienced by the Underlying NVDA ETF over the Call Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given time period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the performance of the Underlying NVDA ETF. The degree of participation in the Underlying NVDA ETF gains the Fund will experience will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put options contracts and will vary from Call Period to Call Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of the Underlying NVDA ETF, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Underlying NVDA ETF and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the price of the Underlying NVDA ETF share changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Call Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Underlying NVDA ETF share price. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact of the potential options contract income on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the price of the Underlying NVDA ETF share will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than that experienced by the Underlying NVDA ETF share price.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current monthly income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given month. If the Fund makes distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next. Additionally, the monthly distributions, if any, may consist of returns of capital, which would decrease the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment.

    NAV Erosion Risk Due to Distributions. When the Fund makes a distribution, the Fund’s NAV will typically drop by the amount of the distribution on the related ex-dividend date. The repeated payment of distributions by the Fund, if any, may significantly erode the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment.

    Put Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s put writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the Underlying NVDA ETF and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold put options and over longer time periods. 187 If, for example, the Fund were to sell 10% in-the-money put options having a one-month term, the Fund’s participation in the positive price returns of the Underlying NVDA ETF will be capped at 10% for that month. However, over a longer period (e.g., a three-month period), the Fund should not be expected to participate fully in the first 30% (i.e., 3 months x 10%) of the positive price returns of the Underlying NVDA ETF, or the Fund may even lose money, even if the Underlying NVDA ETF share price has appreciated by at least that much over such period, if during any particular month or months over that period the Underlying NVDA ETF had a return less than 10%. This example illustrates that both the Fund’s participation in the positive price returns of the Underlying NVDA ETF and its returns will depend not only on the price of the Underlying NVDA ETF but also on the path that the Underlying NVDA ETF takes over time.

    If, for example, the Fund were to sell 5% out-of-the-money put options having a one-week term, the Fund’s downward protection against the negative price returns of the Underlying NVDA ETF will be capped at 5% for that week. However, over a longer period (e.g., a four-week period), the Fund should not be expected to be protected fully in the first 25% (i.e., 4 weeks x 5%) of the negative price returns of the Underlying NVDA ETF, and the Fund may lose money, even if the Underlying NVDA ETF share price has appreciated over such period, if during any particular week or weeks over that period the Underlying NVDA ETF share price had decreases by more than 5%. This example illustrates that both the Fund’s protection against the negative price returns of the Underlying NVDA ETF and its returns will depend not only on the price of the Underlying NVDA ETF but also on the path that the Underlying NVDA ETF takes over time.

    Under both cases the Fund may be fully exposed to the downward movements of the Underlying NVDA ETF, offset only by the premiums received from selling put contracts. The Fund does not seek to offer any downside protection, except for the fact that the premiums from the sold options may offset some or all of the Underlying NVDA ETF’s decline.

    Option Market Liquidity Risk. The trading activity in the option market of the Underlying NVDA ETF may be limited and the option contracts may trade at levels significantly different from their economic value. The lack of liquidity may negatively affect the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective. This risk may increase if the portfolio turnover is elevated, for instance because of frequent changes in the number of Shares outstanding, and if the net asset value of the Underlying NVDA ETF is modest. For the 12-month period ending September 30, 2024, the net asset value of the Underlying NVDA ETF ranged from $0.6m to $5,986m.

    Concentration Risk. To the extent that the Underlying NVDA ETF concentrates its investments in a particular industry, the Fund will be subject to the risks associated with that industry.

    ETF Risks.

    Authorized Participants, Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that are authorized to purchase and redeem Shares directly from the Fund (known as “Authorized Participants” or “APs”). In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, Shares may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services; or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.

    Cash Redemption Risk. The Fund currently expects to affect a significant portion of its creations and redemptions for cash, rather than in-kind securities. Paying redemption proceeds in cash rather than through in-kind delivery of portfolio securities may require the Fund to dispose of or sell portfolio securities or other assets at an inopportune time to obtain the cash needed to meet redemption orders. This may cause the Fund to sell a security and recognize a capital gain or loss that might not have been incurred if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the Fund may pay out higher or lower annual capital gains distributions than ETFs that redeem in-kind. The use of cash creations and redemptions may also cause the Fund’s Shares to trade in the market at greater bid-ask spreads or greater premiums or discounts to the Fund’s NAV. Furthermore, the Fund may not be able to execute cash transactions for creation and redemption purposes at the same price used to determine the Fund’s NAV. To the extent that the maximum additional charge for creation or redemption transactions is insufficient to cover the execution shortfall, the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted.

    Costs of Buying or Selling Shares. Due to the costs of buying or selling Shares, including brokerage commissions imposed by brokers and bid-ask spreads, frequent trading of Shares may significantly reduce investment results and an investment in Shares may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments.

    Shares May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, Shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Although it is expected that the market price of Shares will approximate the Fund’s NAV, there may be times when the market price of Shares is more than the NAV intra-day (premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (discount) due to supply and demand of Shares or during periods of market volatility. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility, periods of steep market declines, and periods when there is limited trading activity for Shares in the secondary market, in which case such premiums or discounts may be significant.

    Trading. Although Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC (the “Exchange”), and may be traded on U.S. exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Shares will develop or be maintained or that the Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. This risk may be greater for the Fund as it seeks to have exposure to a single underlying stock as opposed to a more diverse portfolio like a traditional pooled investment. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, which can be significantly less liquid than Shares. Shares trade on the Exchange at a market price that may be below, at or above the Fund’s NAV. Trading in Shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to the Exchange “circuit breaker” rules. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. In the event of an unscheduled market close for options contracts that reference a single stock, such as the Underlying NVDA ETF’s securities being halted or a market wide closure, settlement prices will be determined by the procedures of the listing exchange of the options contracts. As a result, the Fund could be adversely affected and be unable to implement its investment strategies in the event of an unscheduled closing.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses. Frequent trading may also cause adverse tax consequences for investors in the Fund due to an increase in short-term capital gains.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil. This risk is greater for the Fund as it will hold options contracts on a single security, and not a broader range of options contracts. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, epidemics/pandemics, new legislation or regulatory changes inside or outside the United States. Illiquid securities may be difficult to value, especially in changing or volatile markets. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid security at an unfavorable time or price, the Fund may be adversely impacted. Certain market conditions or restrictions, such as market rules related to short sales, may prevent the Fund from limiting losses, realizing gains or achieving a high correlation with the Underlying NVDA ETF. There is no assurance that a security that is deemed liquid when purchased will continue to be liquid. Market illiquidity may cause losses for the Fund.

    Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. In managing the Fund’s investment portfolio, the portfolio managers will apply investment techniques and risk analyses that may not produce the desired result. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective.

    Money Market Instrument Risk. The Fund may use a variety of money market instruments for cash management purposes, including money market funds, depositary accounts and repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements are contracts in which a seller of securities agrees to buy the securities back at a specified time and price. Repurchase agreements may be subject to market and credit risk related to the collateral securing the repurchase agreement. Money market instruments, including money market funds, may lose money through fees or other means.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund. As a result, a decline in the value of an investment in a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers could cause the Fund’s overall value to decline to a greater degree than if the Fund held a more diversified portfolio.

    Operational Risk. The Fund is subject to risks arising from various operational factors, including, but not limited to, human error, processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund’s service providers, counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and technology or systems failures. The Fund relies on third-parties for a range of services, including custody. Any delay or failure relating to engaging or maintaining such service providers may affect the Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective. Although the Fund, Adviser, and Sub-Adviser seek to reduce these operational risks through controls and procedures, there is no way to completely protect against such risks.

    Recent Market Events Risk. U.S. and international markets have experienced significant periods of volatility in recent years and months due to a number of economic, political and global macro factors including the impact of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, which has resulted in a public health crisis, disruptions to business operations and supply chains, stress on the global healthcare system, growth concerns in the U.S. and overseas, staffing shortages and the inability to meet consumer demand, and widespread concern and uncertainty. The global recovery from COVID-19 is proceeding at slower than expected rates due to the emergence of variant strains and may last for an extended period of time. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. Conflict, loss of life and disaster connected to ongoing armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia in Europe and Israel and Hamas in the Middle East could have severe adverse effects on the region, including significant adverse effects on the regional or global economies and the markets for certain securities. The U.S. and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. The war has contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment vehicle which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (the Underlying NVDA ETF), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Tax Risk. The Fund intends to elect and to qualify each year to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its net investment income and net capital gain that it distributes to Shareholders, provided that it satisfies certain requirements of the Code. If the Fund does not qualify as a RIC for any taxable year and certain relief provisions are not available, the Fund’s taxable income will be subject to tax at the Fund level and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed. To comply with the asset diversification test applicable to a RIC, the Fund will attempt to ensure that the value of the derivatives it holds is never 25% of the total value of Fund assets at the close of any quarter. If the Fund’s investments in the derivatives were to exceed 25% of the Fund’s total assets at the end of a tax quarter, the Fund, generally, has a grace period to cure such lack of compliance. If the Fund fails to timely cure, it may no longer be eligible to be treated as a RIC. In addition, distributions received by the Fund from the Underlying NVDA ETF may generate “bad income” that could prevent the Fund from meeting the “Income Requirement” of Subchapter M of the Code, which may cause the Fund to fail to qualify as a RIC.

    Investing in U.S. Equities Risk. Investing in U.S. issuers subjects the Fund to legal, regulatory, political, currency, security, and economic risks that are specific to the U.S. Certain changes in the U.S., such as a weakening of the U.S. economy or a decline in its financial markets, may have an adverse effect on U.S. issuers.

    U.S. Government and U.S. Agency Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest in securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. Government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, such as the U.S. Treasury. Payment of principal and interest on U.S. Government obligations may be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States or may be backed solely by the issuing or guaranteeing agency or instrumentality itself. In the latter case, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, which agency or instrumentality may be privately owned. There can be no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises) where it is not obligated to do so.

    Fixed Income Securities Risk. The market value of Fixed Income Securities will change in response to interest rate changes and other factors, such as changes in the effective maturities and credit ratings of fixed income investments. During periods of falling interest rates, the values of outstanding Fixed Income Securities and related financial instruments generally rise. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the values of such securities and related financial instruments generally decline. Fixed Income Securities are also subject to credit risk.

    Investments in Fixed Income Securities may also involve the following risks, depending on the instrument involved:

    • Asset-Backed/Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk – The market value and yield of asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities can vary due to market interest rate fluctuations and early prepayments of underlying instruments.
    • Credit Risk – An investment in the Fund also involves the risk that the issuer of a Fixed Income Security that the Fund holds will fail to make timely payments of interest or principal or go bankrupt, or that the value of the securities will decline because of a market perception that the issuer may not make payments on time, thus potentially reducing the Fund’s return.
    • Event Risk – Event risk is the risk that corporate issuers may undergo restructurings, such as mergers, leveraged buyouts, takeovers, or similar events financed by increased debt. As a result of the added debt, the credit quality and market value of a company’s bonds and/or other debt securities may decline significantly.
    • Extension Risk – Payment on the loans underlying Fixed Income Securities held by the Fund may be made more slowly when interest rates are rising.
    • Interest Rate Risk – Generally, the value of Fixed Income Securities will change inversely with changes in interest rates. As interest rates rise, the market value of Fixed Income Securities tends to decrease. Conversely, as interest rates fall, the market value of Fixed Income Securities tends to increase. This risk will be greater for long-term securities than for short-term securities. In recent periods, governmental financial regulators, including the U.S. Federal Reserve, have taken steps to maintain historically low interest rates. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk. Changes in government intervention may have adverse effects on investments, volatility, and illiquidity in debt markets.
    • Prepayment Risk – When interest rates are declining, issuers of Fixed Income Securities held by the Fund may prepay principal earlier than scheduled.

    The Fund is distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc, which is not affiliated with GraniteShares or any of its affiliates ©2024 GraniteShares Inc. All rights reserved. GraniteShares, GraniteShares Trusts, and the GraniteShares logo are registered and unregistered trademarks of GraniteShares Inc., in the United States and elsewhere. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

    Media Contact:
    GraniteShares Inc.
    Attn: Media Relations
    222 Broadway, 21st Floor
    New York, NY 10038
    844-476-8747
    info@graniteshares.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: StepStone Group Opens New Office in Ireland

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — StepStone Group (Nasdaq: STEP), a global private markets solutions provider, today announced the opening of the new Ireland office at One Haddington Buildings, Dublin 4, of its subsidiary StepStone Group Europe Alternative Investment Limited (“SGEAIL”), an alternative investment fund manager regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

    Having operated in Dublin since 2005 through a predecessor firm, SGEAIL enables EU-based clients to access private market investment solutions in private debt, private equity, real estate, and infrastructure and real assets. SGEAIL oversees €29.1 billion in AUM as of December 31, 2024, a significant increase from €20.6 billion in December 2022.​

    “Our growth in Ireland reflects the increasing demand for private market solutions globally, and especially among EU-based institutional and private wealth clients,” said David Allen, Partner and CEO of SGEAIL. “Our expanded space demonstrates our commitment to investing in the local economy and talent pool to meet this demand.”

    Since 2021, the number of people working in StepStone’s Dublin office has doubled and now numbers 110 employees, approximately 10% of the firm’s global workforce. The new 12,000 square foot office allows the firm to continue to invest in talent to support the global client footprint, while providing the team with a modern workspace that was designed with teamwork, brand pride, wellness and sustainability in mind. 

    “StepStone Group’s expansion in Dublin is a welcome development for our financial services sector, and highlights Ireland’s position as a leading destination for global investment firms seeking to access the European market. I would like to congratulate the team at StepStone Group and wish them luck in this exciting new phase of their journey,” said Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.

    Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, the agency responsible for attracting and retaining foreign direct investment into Ireland, said “StepStone’s announcement further underscores Ireland’s position as a leading location for global firms in the financial services sector. The combination of deep industry expertise, a strong pipeline of talent, and a stable, pro-business environment continues to attract companies looking for a strategic entry point to the EU and access to wider global markets. I want to wish StepStone every success and to assure them of our continued support and partnership as they expand their footprint in Ireland.”

    In addition to managing EU-domiciled commingled funds and separate accounts for institutional clients, SGEAIL has in recent years served as a hub for StepStone’s expansion into the European private wealth market. Earlier this year, StepStone launched its first ELTIF focused on the private debt market and converted its existing RAIF funds into UCI Part II vehicles.

    Savills Dublin served as StepStone’s tenant representative for the new office, and Calibro Workspace completed the space’s interior design and fitout.

    About StepStone

    StepStone Group Inc. (Nasdaq: STEP) is a global private markets investment firm focused on providing customized investment solutions and advisory and data services to its clients. As of December 31, 2024, StepStone was responsible for approximately $698 billion of total capital, including $179 billion of assets under management. StepStone’s clients include some of the world’s largest public and private defined benefit and defined contribution pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and insurance companies, as well as prominent endowments, foundations, family offices and private wealth clients, which include high-net-worth and mass affluent individuals. StepStone partners with its clients to develop and build private markets portfolios designed to meet their specific objectives across the private equity, infrastructure, private debt and real estate asset classes.

    About IDA Ireland

    IDA Ireland is the country’s inward investment promotion agency, responsible for attracting and developing foreign investment in Ireland. With a proven track record of facilitating international companies, IDA Ireland offers a range of services to support businesses in establishing and expanding operations on the island. Our expert team works closely with companies across various industries, including technology, pharmaceuticals, financial services, and more, providing tailor-made solutions to meet their needs.

    As a gateway to Europe, Ireland offers a competitive corporate tax rate, a young and highly skilled workforce, and a robust business environment, making it an ideal location for global companies looking to innovate and grow. Headquartered in Dublin, with a network of offices worldwide, IDA Ireland is committed to driving economic growth and job creation by fostering a vibrant and sustainable business ecosystem. For more information, visit www.idaireland.com or follow us on Twitter @IDAIRELAND.

    StepStone Contacts:

    Shareholder Relations:
    Seth Weiss
    shareholders@stepstonegroup.com
    +1 (212) 351-6106

    Media:
    Brian Ruby / Chris Gillick / Matt Lettiero
    ICR
    StepStonePR@icrinc.com
    +1 (203) 682-8268

    IDA Ireland Contact:
    Rachel Bermingham
    Rachel.bermingham@ida.ie
    +353 087 437 6158

    Photos accompanying this announcement is available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ede6977b-e55f-436f-bd99-0846b67c4dc2

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a1446217-fe4f-4fd4-84f9-f55ff19333f2

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EUROPE/LATVIA – New Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies appointed

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 21 May 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – On April 10, 2025, Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches), appointed, Rev. Jēkabs Rodions Doļa, of the Diocese of Rēzekne-Aglona, director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Latvia.The new director is 36 years old and has been ordained a priest for 10 years. He obtained a Doctorate from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He is parish priest in two parishes in Ludza and Rudēni and Dean of the Deanery of Ludza. He is postulator of the cause of Beatification and Canonization of the diocesan priest Vladislavs Litaunieks.Finally he leads pilgrimages to Rome, the Holy Land and Turkey. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 21/5/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/KAZAKHSTAN – National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies appointed

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 21 May 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – On May 13, Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches), appointed Rev. Fr. Gabriel Jocher as National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Kazakhstan. The new National Director is 36 years old and was born in Germany, (Bavaria region). After finishing school, he entered the Congregation of the Servants of Jesus and Mary in 2007, he began his philosophical-theological studies in 2009, made his final vows in 2013, was ordained a deacon in 2015, and a priest in 2016. From 2016 to 2019, he served in the parish of Blindenmarkt (Austria) and from 2019 to 2023 he was in charge of the apostolate of youth ministry and families in southern Germany.Since October 2023 he has been working in the parish and in the Sacred Heart school in Korneevka in northern Kazakhstan. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 21/5/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/INDONESIA – The Director of the PMS: “Social justice as part of the mission, inspired by Pope Leo”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 21 May 2025

    Archdiocese of Jakarta

    Rome (Agenzia Fides) – “Social justice is one of the central themes today for a great nation like Indonesia, an emerging nation on the international scene. It is also a crucial issue for the Church’s mission in Indonesia. And we see that Pope Leo XIV, inspired by his predecessor Leo XIII, the Pope of Rerum Novarum, has placed the theme of social justice among the central points of his vision and action.This can also be of help to us,” says Father Alfonsus Widhiwiryawan, a Xaverian missionary originally from Java and National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Indonesia, in an interview with Fides.Fr. Alfonsus recalls Pope Leo XIV’s recent speech to the Diplomatic Corps, in which he stated that “the pursuit of peace requires the practice of justice.” And, evoking Leo XIII, he added that “in the era of change we are experiencing, the Holy See cannot fail to make its voice heard in the face of the numerous imbalances and injustices that cause, among other things, undignified working conditions and increasingly fragmented and conflict-ridden societies. It is also necessary to correct global inequalities, where opulence and poverty leave deep gaps between continents, countries, and even within individual societies.” “This need is felt in Indonesia, a nation characterized by a great diversity of regions, cultures, religious contexts, and socio-economic situations. The risk is fragmentation, even within the Church itself,” the missionary emphasized. “That is why our national motto is unity in diversity, and we are called to practice it every day also within the Church,” added the national director of the PMS. Social justice, he recalls, “is also one of the fundamental principles of Pancasila, the five-principle charter that is the basis of the Indonesian nation, and is a particularly relevant issue for many Muslim organizations.”The Indonesian bishops have clearly expressed their commitment in this area. For example, the prelates of the Flores region, in their message for Lent 2025, issued a joint appeal for “justice for the poor and a renewed commitment to Gospel values.” In particular, they expressed concern about the development of geothermal projects, which, they noted, “harm the environment, food security, social balance, and cultural sustainability.” They also denounced the persistence of chronic malnutrition, which continues to affect many young children, stressing that “this is not simply a question of health, but of justice.” “All children deserve food, love, and dignity,” they wrote, encouraging targeted support for vulnerable families and the implementation of solid nutrition education programs. It is in this context that the debate surrounding the economic policy of the new President, Prabowo Subianto, is taking place. In keeping with his campaign promises, he has launched an ambitious program to support school canteens and a budget efficiency plan. However, the latter has sparked protests over job cuts and the suspension of scholarships until 2025. Fr. Alfonsus comments on this: “Instead of allocating public resources to welfare measures that bring easy consensus, the government should consider and implement policies capable of stimulating economic growth, combating unemployment, and promoting authentic and sustainable development.” Social justice was also the central theme of Pope Francis’ first speech during his trip to Indonesia, on September 4, 2024, at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, before both the outgoing President Joko Widodo and President-elect Prabowo Subianto. On that occasion, the Pontiff called for a “true and far-sighted commitment” to achieving social justice, so that a substantial part of humanity is not left “on the margins, without a dignified existence and without any defense against the serious social imbalances that trigger acute conflicts.” “In a rapidly changing society,” concludes the National Director of the PMS, “the Indonesian Catholic Church is called to understand and expand its mission, reflecting and actively engaging in the field of social justice.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 21/5/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/KENYA – Priest dies after being found seriously injured along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 21 May 2025

    Nyahururu (Agenzia Fides) – The Diocese of Nyahururu in Kenya mourns the loss of Fr. John Ndegwa Maina, parish priest of St. Louis Church in Igwamiti.”The Catholic Diocese of Nyahururu announces the passing to eternal glory of Reverend John Maina Ndegwa. He passed away while receiving treatment at St. Joseph Hospital in Gilgil. Further information will be provided in due course. We pray for his soul and his family during this difficult time,” reads an official statement from the diocese.According to local media reports, the priest was found seriously injured on Friday, May 15, on the side of the Nakuru-Nairobi highway, several kilometers from his parish, and was taken to a hospital, where he died upon arrival.According to reconstructions and rumors, which have not yet been officially confirmed, the priest may have been fatally wounded somewhere other than where he was found. The results of the autopsy ordered by the competent authorities to determine the cause of death are expected in the coming hours.Meanwhile, the Catholic community of Igwamiti has gathered in mourning and prayer. Several ceremonies were held last weekend in memory of Father John Ndegwa Maina. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 21/5/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/DR CONGO – “We hope the Pope will make an appeal for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 21 May 2025   wars  

    Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – “We hope the Pope will make an appeal for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” write the members of ACMEJ (Association Against Evil and for the Integration of Youth) of Katogota, in the province of South Kivu, in the east of the country.Recalling that “in his first Sunday blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica, the new Pope Leo XIV made a solemn appeal for peace in Ukraine and for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza,” the members of the ACMEJ ask the Holy Father not to forget the tragedy of their homeland, one of the forgotten conflicts that continue to bloody the world. Since the M23 guerrillas, supported by Rwandan soldiers, have conquered vast areas of North and South Kivu—including the regional capitals of Goma and Bukavu—the civilian population has been living in tragic conditions.According to ACMEJ, the village of Katogota, already the scene of a massacre on May 14, 2000, in which 375 civilians died, has once again been “destroyed, looted, wounded, and bombed by the M23 and its Rwandan allies.” “The attackers have illegally occupied the premises of the local Catholic Church of Saint Berger—church, school, and prayer hall—as well as the multipurpose hall of the Katogota community, setting up their camp there and transforming the religious and educational spaces into military accommodation,” the statement sent to Fides said.”The villagers ask Pope Leo XIV to make a new solemn appeal for peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, starting with an immediate and effective ceasefire and the creation of a buffer zone in the villages of Katogota and Kamanyola, under the control of military forces sent by the United Nations Security Council or the African Union.” According to the ACMEJ, this measure would allow refugees and displaced persons from Katogota to return to their homes more safely, pending a final peace agreement,” the human rights organization stated.The villages of Katogota and Kamanyola are currently on the front line separating the M23 from forces loyal to the Kinshasa government (see Fides, 4/3/2025). The situation has been further aggravated by the Congolese government’s recent decision to close banks and airports in areas under M23 control.The Secretary General of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), Bishop Donatien Nshole, denounced the interruption of these essential services. “The closure of banks and airports in these areas forces many families to survive in particularly precarious conditions,” he said on May 19. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 21/5/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Government meets with employers’ associations on workplace health and safety

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    20 Maggio 2025

    The Government held two separate meetings with employers’ associations and trade associations at Palazzo Chigi today, both chaired by Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Alfredo Mantovano. The purpose of the meetings was to outline workplace health and safety proposals and initiatives.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 78th World Health Assembly: UK National Statement

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    78th World Health Assembly: UK National Statement

    The UK’s National Statement for the WHO’s World Health Assembly. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

    Vice President,

    The UK is committed to supporting WHO and its critical leadership role across global health. Only the WHO has the mandate to set global standards in health.

    Even amidst our current challenges, there is a clear opportunity for the WHO to emerge more focused, more agile and more effective. We therefore support the WHO’s vital work on its Transformation Agenda and are pleased to endorse the increase in Assessed Contributions.

    Let me thank the DG and WHO staff for their critical work. And let me pay a particular tribute to the staff on the increasingly dangerous front line of health emergencies, from Kyiv to Khartoum, and from Kivu to Khan Younis.

    This week’s adoption of the Pandemic Agreement is a truly historic milestone for which we have all worked so hard. We must remain just as committed to tackling Anti-Microbial Resistance, which is already directly responsible for over a million deaths annually.

    Chair,

    The quality of WHO’s scientific and technical expertise is fundamental to its effectiveness. We are proud in the UK to host 48 WHO Collaborating Centres. We call for Taiwan to have meaningful access to all relevant technical WHO meetings, and for it to be allowed to observe the WHA as it did from 2009 to 2016.

    Vice President,

    Stronger health systems are at the heart of delivering health services for all and we can – and must – learn from one another. In the UK, we are on the cusp of launching our 10-year health strategy.

    We are committed to tackling non-communicable diseases, including the challenge of obesity, and creating a healthier, fairer food environment. We look forward to working together at the High-Level Meeting on non-communicable diseases.

    Vice-President,

    In the UK, we are proud to work as partners of the WHO and with our fellow Member States. Working together, we can, must, and will drive better health across the globe.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Soloma Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary at the Moskino cinema park

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The multi-genre festival “Soloma” will be held in the capital for the 10th time on June 7 and 8. This time it will be held on the central square of the Moskino cinema park. The event can be attended with entrance tickets to the cinema park. Musicians will perform from 14:00 to 22:00 every day of the festival.

    On June 7, the program will be opened by students of the Moscow State Conservatory named after P.I. Tchaikovsky. They will perform songs and compositions from famous Soviet and world films. In addition, guests will see performances by performers Sasha de Buryak, Flora and Minaeva, musician Anton Lavrentyev, the group Ubel and participants of the multi-genre musical project “Tima is looking for light”.

    On the second day of the festival, guests will meet the performer Alena Samartseva, the groups Dreams Shadow, Shoo and “Elli na makovom pole”, as well as the participants of the musical project “Shaly”. At the end, the singer and songwriter Tosya Chaikina will perform.

    In addition, on June 7 and 8, guests of the Moskino cinema park will be treated to lessons from professional makeup artists, an inflatable trampoline for children, as well as ping-pong and mini-golf games. A food court with a variety of takeaway snacks will open on the central square.

    The Soloma festival has been opening new names to the general public for 10 years and giving young musicians the opportunity to present their work to a wider audience. In different years, such up-and-coming artists as Untone Chernov, Zavazalsky, Sasha Garahanov, as well as the groups Obe Dve, Neeeet, Ty Chko, Komnata Kultury and many others have performed at the venues.

    The festival is held with the support of the capital Department of Culture within the framework of the program “Summer in Moscow”. The event contributes to the implementation of the goals and objectives of the national project “Family” in Moscow.

    The play “Victory! The Banner over the Reichstag!” was seen by about seven thousand spectatorsSobyanin: Moskino Cinema Park has become one of the most popular filming locations

    The Moskino Cinema Park is part of the Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin’s project “Moscow – City of Cinema” and an object of the Moscow cinema cluster, which is being developed by the capital Department of Culture. The first stage of creation has already been completed here: 24 natural sites, four pavilions and six infrastructure facilities have been built. Among them are the sets “Center of Moscow”, “Moscow of the 1940s”, “Vitebsk Station”, “Yurovo Airport”, “Cathedral Square of Moscow”, “Deaf Village”, “County Town”, “Cowboy Town”, “St. Petersburg Bar” and other sites.

    The Moscow Film Cluster is an infrastructure facility, services and facilities for filmmakers, which are being developed by the Moscow Government within the framework of the Moscow — City of Cinema project. Its structure includes the Moskino film park, the Gorky Film Studio (sites on Sergei Eisenstein Street and Valdaisky Proyezd), the Moskino film factory, the Moskino cinema chain, the film commission and the Moskino film platform.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154142073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Amur Region Governor Expects to Expand Humanitarian Cooperation with China

    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

    HARBIN, May 21 (Xinhua) — “In terms of humanitarian cooperation, the Amur Region is the leader among other Russian regions in the number of Russian-Chinese joint events, just like Heilongjiang Province is among Chinese regions. I very much hope that in the future we will be able to raise the level of these events by attracting additional partner regions from both sides,” Amur Region Governor Vasily Orlov said in an interview with Xinhua.

    He made the statement on the sidelines of the 34th Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair, which is being held in Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province, northeast China, from May 17 to 21.

    “We have more than 200 events. They are held annually, there are very bright and iconic ones that have become the calling card of our cities – Blagoveshchensk and Heihe and the Amur Region and Heilongjiang Province,” explained V. Orlov.

    Among the above-mentioned events, the governor named the annual winter festival held on the ice of the Amur River (Heilongjiang River), which includes hockey matches, car rallies, and winter swimming competitions.

    “We have a number of regions that would like to act as partners in this event, and Heilongjiang Province will certainly also find such partners from the Chinese side,” noted V. Orlov.

    The Governor of the Amur Region highly praised the Harbin Winter Ice and Snow Festival. “It has become such a calling card that people from all over China come here to see it, but we have every chance that the winter festival in Blagoveshchensk and Heihe will be the same calling card and tourists will come there.”

    According to V. Orlov, there is colossal potential for tourism between Russia and China. “We are implementing several large logistics projects, including a cable car, the construction of which will be completed this year. Such a facility will give a serious boost to the growth of the tourist flow.”

    “We are further developing the theme of promoting tourism throughout Russia among Chinese tourists. We have built a new airport in Blagoveshchensk, built all the infrastructure for aircraft, and by the end of the year we will build an international passenger terminal. We are also actively working to develop the sector of flights from Blagoveshchensk to other cities of interest to Chinese tourists in Russia, such as Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Irkutsk and to Baikal,” the governor noted.

    V. Orlov is also aware of the high demand and congestion of flights between Blagoveshchensk and Harbin. “We really hope that the number of such flights will increase so that they fly regularly between the two cities,” he summed up. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Jewelry from the Russian Ethnographic Museum’s collection on display in Hangzhou

    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, May 21 (Xinhua) — An exhibition of jewelry from the 18th-20th centuries from the collection of the Russian Ethnographic Museum, “Jewelry Box,” has opened at the West Lake Museum in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province. The event is an important project within the framework of the China-Russia Cross-Culture Years, and will run until September 1 this year.

    The exhibition, organized by the West Lake Scenic Area Management Committee with the assistance of the above-mentioned two museums, displayed a total of 209 pieces/sets of jewelry and clothing, covering the unique artistic styles of nearly 40 ethnic groups in Russia, local media reported.

    It is reported that the exhibits presented at the exhibition are being shown in China for the first time. Among them are exquisitely painted ornaments of ethnic Russians, magnificent Siberian products, skillful ornaments from Central Asia, openwork ornaments by Caucasian craftsmen, etc.

    According to a senior official of the West Lake Museum, the current exhibition aims to create a model platform for dialogue between Chinese and Russian civilizations, thereby giving a sustainable impetus to humanitarian exchanges between the two countries.

    The exhibition is also part of the events marking the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the West Lake Museum. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Why are young Chinese marrying less often?

    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, May 21 (Xinhua) — A total of 1.81 million couples in China legalized their relationships in the first quarter of 2025, down 8 percent from the same period in 2024, according to data from the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

    After a nine-year decline, the country’s marriage rate briefly turned up in 2023. However, in 2024, the downward trend resumed, and the number of marriages fell to its lowest level since 1980.

    Experts attribute the overall decline to a decline in the number of people of marriageable age, changing Chinese attitudes about marriage and financial concerns associated with marriage.

    Demographer He Yafu, who has been tracking marriage data in the country for a long time, calculated based on data from the 7th National Population Census that in 2025, the number of women aged 15-49 in China will decrease by more than 16 million compared to 2020, among which the number of women aged 20-39 will decrease by more than 14 million. At the same time, according to the census data, there were 17.52 million more men of marriageable age (20 to 40 years old) in China than women.

    Li Ting, a population expert at Renmin University of China, said higher levels of education and a growing sense of individualism had combined to significantly change traditional Chinese views on marriage.

    “Nowadays, master’s students are usually 25 or 26 years old when they graduate, and doctoral graduates are usually around 30 or older. If they work for a few years, they will become even older and will postpone marriage until later,” said Tan Kejian, a research fellow at the Shanxi Academy of Social Sciences in northern China.

    “In the past, young people often got married around the time they finished their studies or started working, but now many do not think about marriage, or only if they plan to have children,” Li Ting added.

    According to the 2020 China Census Yearbook, the average age at first marriage in China was 28.67 years old, up nearly four years from 24.89 years in 2010. And the figure is still rising. Official data showed that among those in their 30s, the proportion of those who have never married rose from 14.56 percent in 2014 to 29.97 percent in 2024.

    Moreover, for some young people, celibacy is their voluntary choice.

    As one netizen put it on the popular microblogging site Weibo: “If I were married, there’s no way I could enjoy the freedom I have now.” Another commented: “If I can’t find the right person, I’d rather stay single than settle down.”

    Other Weibo users pointed out the difficulties of life, noting that raising a child can be a grueling process that often involves the entire family, including parents on both sides.

    Sociologist Li Yinhe believes that the growing number of single people is closely linked to the country’s ongoing processes of urbanization and modernization.

    “In the past, women who were not married often had no means of support. But today, women are quite capable of earning their own living and no longer have to rely on men. As a result, the desire to marry has significantly decreased compared to earlier times,” she explained.

    While Chinese society has become more accepting of single people, the decline in new marriages has also led to a decline in the birth rate, a trend that is causing growing public concern.

    In response to these changes, Chinese authorities have introduced various incentives to create a society that is friendly to newlyweds.

    Earlier in April, the government revised the rules for registering marriages, reducing the amount of paperwork and giving couples more freedom to choose where to register their union. The new rules came into force on May 10 this year.

    Some parts of China have already begun offering incentives for getting married. In a village in the southern city of Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, newlyweds can apply for a bonus of up to 40,000 yuan (about $5,490), while the northern city of Lüliang, Shanxi Province, is offering 1,500 yuan to women who marry before age 35. In east China’s Zhejiang Province, paid leave for marriage has been extended from three to 13 days.

    China is also increasingly offering conveniences to single young people as a “single person economy” gradually takes shape.

    Restaurants are offering single-serving meals, the market for single-occupancy apartments is booming, and small appliances and compact kitchenware are gaining popularity. Services such as solo travel and one-person wedding photo shoots are also on the rise.

    Li Ting noted that over the past three decades, the number of people choosing to remain single for life in countries such as the Republic of Korea and Japan has steadily increased, and this trend may well reflect the future of marriage in China. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China-Kazakhstan friendly chess match held in Tacheng

    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

    URUMQI, May 21 (Xinhua) — A friendly chess match between China and Kazakhstan was held recently in Tacheng City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on the China-Kazakhstan border.

    The event was organized by the Tacheng County Department of Culture, Sports, Radio, Television and Tourism and was attended by amateur chess players from Kazakhstan and players from different ethnic groups in Tacheng.

    The match is an individual rapid chess tournament for adults, played according to the Swiss system using computer programming, consisting of five rounds.

    The current match is not only a recognition of the achievements in the development of chess culture in Tacheng County, but also an important opportunity to popularize intellectual sports. It is not only an exchange in the field of chess, but also a vivid manifestation of friendship between China and Kazakhstan, said the organizer, expressing hope that the tournament will contribute to the growth of the popularity of this sport in Tacheng and promote deep integration of sports and culture between the two sides. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –