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Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI Global: Eco-anxiety Q&A: how the IPCC’s vice-chair keeps her head cool on a warming planet

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Diána Ürge-Vorsatz, Professor of Environmental Sciences, Central European University

    In the past months, the planet has experienced the hottest months of June and August, boreal summer and day on record, with a global average temperature of 17.16°C on 22 July. While many have been getting on with their lives as best as they can, there are many more who are feeling the heat, as levels of climate anxiety continue to rise. At risk are people experiencing climate impacts in the Global South, but also professionals in the Earth sciences documenting and modelling them.

    So, how can we channel our alarm in a way that doesn’t paralyse us, but propel us into action? To answer this question, The Conversation Europe spoke to one of the world’s most public-facing climate scientists, the Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Diána Ürge-Vorsatz.

    Could you start off by describing your work? According to you, what have been the highlights of your career as a climate scientist?

    So I mostly work in the area of energy efficiency. I have done a lot of modelling, including to demonstrate how higher efficiency buildings could reduce carbon emissions. Among others, I have alerted the world of what we call the carbon lock-in risks of inefficient building retrofits — when fossil fuel-intensive systems perpetuate, delay, or prevent the transition to low-carbon alternatives.

    I’ve always tried to concentrate on solutions which not only allow us to solve environmental issues, but also to increase human well-being and meet other societal goals. That’s because I come from a country [Hungary] where I see that while the environment and climate change are important, they typically play second fiddle to other priorities. Hence, I believe we have to solve these things in a way that makes it worthwhile.

    Diána Ürge-Vorsatz, 2024.
    Fourni par l’auteur

    My work therefore prompted lawmakers to revise the EU’s legislation to boost building energy efficiency – the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive – in 2010. On the first day the Fidesz government was reelected that year, I showed them how many jobs could be created through high efficiency building retrofits. Based on our research, they committed that the entire building stock would be refurbished to slash energy consumption by 60 %, which would have been really very ambitious, the first such commitment in the world. Unfortunately, a few months later, they changed their direction and they rather went into other energy policy priorities.

    Do you also research alarming climate scenarios? You told me the other day that you were particularly concerned with the potential collapse of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) at the moment

    That’s one of my concerns, yes, because it’s amongst the tipping points that would exert its impact the earliest.

    If we look at other Earth system tipping points, most of them require a century, several centuries, if not several millennia until they exert a full impact. If AMOC collapses, it would exert its full impact within two to three decades, potentially. These are very strong impacts predicted clearly, on Europe as well as other regions. More and more papers have shown evidence that its collapse could already be underway. That’s definitely been alarming.

    When you started on this career path, would you describe yourself as prey to eco-anxiety? And if not, was there a turning point when it appeared?

    No, when I started I don’t think we had any knowledge that would have amounted to any existential threat, and it was still not so tangible that so many things could go wrong.

    I was studying for my PhD at UCLA, at UC Berkeley from 1992-96. In the LA Times, there was a two page advertisement calling for artists to design artwork that would scare anyone away, which they could put above the Yucca Mountain deep high-level based nuclear repository so that even if people didn’t speak English or they didn’t understand our script anymore, they could still understand that there was something really dangerous under that.

    At that point, I remember thinking: “Oh my God, if you just can’t dig or walk wherever you want anymore, that’s just wrong. We cannot do that to future generations.”

    Then there’s the never-ending news cycle, making it hard to pinpoint specific moments that alarm you. One that comes to mind has been the discovery over time that forever chemicals – Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – are everywhere, even in the most remote parts of the earth and rain is no longer of drinking water quality even in Antarctica. This isn’t going to go away — precisely because PFAS are what we call forever chemicals. We will never be able to vacuum clean the planet from PFAS. Likewise with microplastics. When you start looking ahead with your eyes open, it can be really scary.

    And how do you experience the intimate knowledge of that alarming data on the one hand, and the public’s, and above all the elites’, climate inaction on the other?

    Well, I wouldn’t quite call it “climate inaction”. It’s easy to dwell on the idea that the glass is half empty. But in fact, the glass is half full. Lots has been done since the 2015 Paris Agreement, which was itself a miracle.

    You were there when the deal was struck, weren’t you? Could you tell us what it was like?

    Well, it was truly euphoric, because before that, if a scientist dared mentioning [the threshold of] 1.5°C [of warming above pre-industrial levels], you were a tree-hugger and an advocate, not a scientist. You did not get funding.

    And suddenly that became a political reality, or at least a political goal. I think that was really amazing for me because that time we didn’t have science clearly backing that you actually could achieve 1.5°C. So in the run-up to the Paris Agreement, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) asked the IPCC to produce a report on 1.5°C. I remember talking about it with colleagues at the time, who told me: “That’s crazy, this train is gone, let’s not do it”.

    Then the months went by and and those voices faded. By the time we got to the plenary meeting in January there was not a single voice saying “We shouldn’t do this report”. Scientists changed course and put so much effort in on trying to say “Okay can this be done well? Let’s actually see”. Then they ran their models to figure out that actually not only can it be done — but there are so many ways we can get there. Yes, I know that it’s now increasingly unlikely that we still will meet it, but it still created a lot of momentum.

    One fact that we don’t emphasize enough: we have prevented the world from warming by five to six degrees by the end of the century, and we are now at worst saying perhaps four degrees, but more likely 2.5°C to 3.5°C.

    How do you communicate with your children about the climate crisis? For example, are there things that you choose not to tell them in order to protect them?

    I don’t hide anything from them. We quite frequently talk about the gravity of the situation because I cannot help bearing on them in the evening all the negative experiences and facts I learned during the day and I just have to unload these for them at dinners and so on.

    One of my daughters did experience quite severe environmental anxiety for almost two years when she was about nine years old. She had come with me to a TV shooting and they allowed her into the studio. And before my interview, they just played this intense clip about storms and fires – typical climate impacts. But after that, she was really very afraid for a long time.

    How did that fear translate itself?

    She couldn’t sleep very well. She was constantly afraid physically. She would tell me: “My god, is this going to burn around us? Are we going to have floods?”

    And it’s that a nine year old cannot, of course, fully comprehend yet how these risks will unfold in the future. I think she was put in this state of fear and anxiety. So that’s why it was also hard to manage because it wasn’t anything concrete or anything that she could verbally express or phrase nicely.

    And I couldn’t say, “Look darling, it’s not going to happen.”

    And how did she manage to surface from that state of paralysis?

    After a while, I think she understood that it wasn’t yet threatening her life. But all of my children are still concerned and many of them want to contribute to fighting climate change in some way.

    For example, my eldest daughter was studying medicine, but after her second year, she spent the entire summer in tears. She was deeply passionate about climate action and believed there were only two paths forward. Either she could still save the planet by becoming an architect to design zero-energy buildings, or, if it was too late, she should focus on mitigating the damage by remaining in medicine. After two months of struggling with this dilemma, she abandoned her dream of architecture and decided to continue with medical school. It was heartbreaking for me to see how little hope they had of solving the climate crisis.

    What would your advice be for parents whose children are suffering from eco-anxiety?

    I think the best way is to turn anxiety into action — to explain to them that they have and we still have agency. Even though we are small, we have a very important impact. We can vote. We can choose a profession where we can change the world. We can be role models and we can influence our peers through social media and many other ways.

    So if we tell them the five scenarios that the IPCC presents (investor, consumer, citizen, role model, professional) in the 6th Assessment Report as individual roles we can play to curb climate change, it’s not only through whether we choose to take a plastic bag or not. The future isn’t something that happens to us, but in our hands. We are all part of systems where each of us can influence more than we think.

    If your children were to start striking for the climate, would you support them?

    Yes, I think protests are one of the very important ways how we can have an impact. Besides, children often don’t have any other tools. And that’s why they also feel anxiety because they don’t yet have influence. They don’t have any money to spend, or any voting rights yet. They don’t yet have a profession through which they can influence the world. They feel powerless.

    And often children’s only power is to protest. If we give them other means to where they can influence the processes, that’d be even better.

    Diána Ürge-Vorsatz ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

    – ref. Eco-anxiety Q&A: how the IPCC’s vice-chair keeps her head cool on a warming planet – https://theconversation.com/eco-anxiety-qanda-how-the-ipccs-vice-chair-keeps-her-head-cool-on-a-warming-planet-231226

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Eco-anxiety Q&A: how the IPCC’s vice-chair keeps her head cool on a warming planet

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Diána Ürge-Vorsatz, Professor of Environmental Sciences, Central European University

    In the past months, the planet has experienced the hottest months of June and August, boreal summer and day on record, with a global average temperature of 17.16°C on 22 July. While many have been getting on with their lives as best as they can, there are many more who are feeling the heat, as levels of climate anxiety continue to rise. At risk are people experiencing climate impacts in the Global South, but also professionals in the Earth sciences documenting and modelling them.

    So, how can we channel our alarm in a way that doesn’t paralyse us, but propel us into action? To answer this question, The Conversation Europe spoke to one of the world’s most public-facing climate scientists, the Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Diána Ürge-Vorsatz.

    Could you start off by describing your work? According to you, what have been the highlights of your career as a climate scientist?

    So I mostly work in the area of energy efficiency. I have done a lot of modelling, including to demonstrate how higher efficiency buildings could reduce carbon emissions. Among others, I have alerted the world of what we call the carbon lock-in risks of inefficient building retrofits — when fossil fuel-intensive systems perpetuate, delay, or prevent the transition to low-carbon alternatives.

    I’ve always tried to concentrate on solutions which not only allow us to solve environmental issues, but also to increase human well-being and meet other societal goals. That’s because I come from a country [Hungary] where I see that while the environment and climate change are important, they typically play second fiddle to other priorities. Hence, I believe we have to solve these things in a way that makes it worthwhile.

    Diána Ürge-Vorsatz, 2024.
    Fourni par l’auteur

    My work therefore prompted lawmakers to revise the EU’s legislation to boost building energy efficiency – the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive – in 2010. On the first day the Fidesz government was reelected that year, I showed them how many jobs could be created through high efficiency building retrofits. Based on our research, they committed that the entire building stock would be refurbished to slash energy consumption by 60 %, which would have been really very ambitious, the first such commitment in the world. Unfortunately, a few months later, they changed their direction and they rather went into other energy policy priorities.

    Do you also research alarming climate scenarios? You told me the other day that you were particularly concerned with the potential collapse of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) at the moment

    That’s one of my concerns, yes, because it’s amongst the tipping points that would exert its impact the earliest.

    If we look at other Earth system tipping points, most of them require a century, several centuries, if not several millennia until they exert a full impact. If AMOC collapses, it would exert its full impact within two to three decades, potentially. These are very strong impacts predicted clearly, on Europe as well as other regions. More and more papers have shown evidence that its collapse could already be underway. That’s definitely been alarming.

    When you started on this career path, would you describe yourself as prey to eco-anxiety? And if not, was there a turning point when it appeared?

    No, when I started I don’t think we had any knowledge that would have amounted to any existential threat, and it was still not so tangible that so many things could go wrong.

    I was studying for my PhD at UCLA, at UC Berkeley from 1992-96. In the LA Times, there was a two page advertisement calling for artists to design artwork that would scare anyone away, which they could put above the Yucca Mountain deep high-level based nuclear repository so that even if people didn’t speak English or they didn’t understand our script anymore, they could still understand that there was something really dangerous under that.

    At that point, I remember thinking: “Oh my God, if you just can’t dig or walk wherever you want anymore, that’s just wrong. We cannot do that to future generations.”

    Then there’s the never-ending news cycle, making it hard to pinpoint specific moments that alarm you. One that comes to mind has been the discovery over time that forever chemicals – Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – are everywhere, even in the most remote parts of the earth and rain is no longer of drinking water quality even in Antarctica. This isn’t going to go away — precisely because PFAS are what we call forever chemicals. We will never be able to vacuum clean the planet from PFAS. Likewise with microplastics. When you start looking ahead with your eyes open, it can be really scary.

    And how do you experience the intimate knowledge of that alarming data on the one hand, and the public’s, and above all the elites’, climate inaction on the other?

    Well, I wouldn’t quite call it “climate inaction”. It’s easy to dwell on the idea that the glass is half empty. But in fact, the glass is half full. Lots has been done since the 2015 Paris Agreement, which was itself a miracle.

    You were there when the deal was struck, weren’t you? Could you tell us what it was like?

    Well, it was truly euphoric, because before that, if a scientist dared mentioning [the threshold of] 1.5°C [of warming above pre-industrial levels], you were a tree-hugger and an advocate, not a scientist. You did not get funding.

    And suddenly that became a political reality, or at least a political goal. I think that was really amazing for me because that time we didn’t have science clearly backing that you actually could achieve 1.5°C. So in the run-up to the Paris Agreement, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) asked the IPCC to produce a report on 1.5°C. I remember talking about it with colleagues at the time, who told me: “That’s crazy, this train is gone, let’s not do it”.

    Then the months went by and and those voices faded. By the time we got to the plenary meeting in January there was not a single voice saying “We shouldn’t do this report”. Scientists changed course and put so much effort in on trying to say “Okay can this be done well? Let’s actually see”. Then they ran their models to figure out that actually not only can it be done — but there are so many ways we can get there. Yes, I know that it’s now increasingly unlikely that we still will meet it, but it still created a lot of momentum.

    One fact that we don’t emphasize enough: we have prevented the world from warming by five to six degrees by the end of the century, and we are now at worst saying perhaps four degrees, but more likely 2.5°C to 3.5°C.

    How do you communicate with your children about the climate crisis? For example, are there things that you choose not to tell them in order to protect them?

    I don’t hide anything from them. We quite frequently talk about the gravity of the situation because I cannot help bearing on them in the evening all the negative experiences and facts I learned during the day and I just have to unload these for them at dinners and so on.

    One of my daughters did experience quite severe environmental anxiety for almost two years when she was about nine years old. She had come with me to a TV shooting and they allowed her into the studio. And before my interview, they just played this intense clip about storms and fires – typical climate impacts. But after that, she was really very afraid for a long time.

    How did that fear translate itself?

    She couldn’t sleep very well. She was constantly afraid physically. She would tell me: “My god, is this going to burn around us? Are we going to have floods?”

    And it’s that a nine year old cannot, of course, fully comprehend yet how these risks will unfold in the future. I think she was put in this state of fear and anxiety. So that’s why it was also hard to manage because it wasn’t anything concrete or anything that she could verbally express or phrase nicely.

    And I couldn’t say, “Look darling, it’s not going to happen.”

    And how did she manage to surface from that state of paralysis?

    After a while, I think she understood that it wasn’t yet threatening her life. But all of my children are still concerned and many of them want to contribute to fighting climate change in some way.

    For example, my eldest daughter was studying medicine, but after her second year, she spent the entire summer in tears. She was deeply passionate about climate action and believed there were only two paths forward. Either she could still save the planet by becoming an architect to design zero-energy buildings, or, if it was too late, she should focus on mitigating the damage by remaining in medicine. After two months of struggling with this dilemma, she abandoned her dream of architecture and decided to continue with medical school. It was heartbreaking for me to see how little hope they had of solving the climate crisis.

    What would your advice be for parents whose children are suffering from eco-anxiety?

    I think the best way is to turn anxiety into action — to explain to them that they have and we still have agency. Even though we are small, we have a very important impact. We can vote. We can choose a profession where we can change the world. We can be role models and we can influence our peers through social media and many other ways.

    So if we tell them the five scenarios that the IPCC presents (investor, consumer, citizen, role model, professional) in the 6th Assessment Report as individual roles we can play to curb climate change, it’s not only through whether we choose to take a plastic bag or not. The future isn’t something that happens to us, but in our hands. We are all part of systems where each of us can influence more than we think.

    If your children were to start striking for the climate, would you support them?

    Yes, I think protests are one of the very important ways how we can have an impact. Besides, children often don’t have any other tools. And that’s why they also feel anxiety because they don’t yet have influence. They don’t have any money to spend, or any voting rights yet. They don’t yet have a profession through which they can influence the world. They feel powerless.

    And often children’s only power is to protest. If we give them other means to where they can influence the processes, that’d be even better.

    Diána Ürge-Vorsatz ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

    – ref. Eco-anxiety Q&A: how the IPCC’s vice-chair keeps her head cool on a warming planet – https://theconversation.com/eco-anxiety-qanda-how-the-ipccs-vice-chair-keeps-her-head-cool-on-a-warming-planet-231226

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Atos is awarded a “Platinum” EcoVadis Medal for its commitment to sustainability for 5th year running

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Communiqué de presse

    Atos récompensé pour la cinquième année consécutive par une médaille ‘EcoVadis Platine’ pour son engagement en matière de développement durable

    Paris (France), le 26 octobre 2024 – Atos annonce aujourd’hui avoir reçu une nouvelle fois, pour la cinquième année consécutive, la médaille ’Platine’ d’EcoVadis pour sa performance en matière de Responsabilité Sociale de l’Entreprise (RSE), avec 80 points sur 100.

    Atos confirme ainsi sa position aux côtés des 1% des entreprises les plus performantes évaluées par EcoVadis dans son secteur (programmation informatique, conseil et activités connexes).

    L’évaluation d’EcoVadis porte sur quatre catégories : Environnement, Travail et Droits de l’homme, Éthique, Achats durables. Atos a obtenu d’excellents résultats dans chacune d’entre elles, en particulier dans la catégorie Environnement.

    Après avoir reçu pendant huit années consécutives la médaille d’or EcoVadis, Atos s’est vu décerner, depuis 2020, une médaille de platine, en reconnaissance de son engagement durable. Cette médaille, associée à un excellent score dans la catégorie Environnement, confirme le rôle d’Atos en tant que leader mondial de la décarbonation numérique et reflète son engagement à atteindre des objectifs climatiques ambitieux.

    Le leadership d’Atos pour les sujets climatiques et son programme environnemental ont été récompensés année après année par des organisations et des classements internationaux, telles que l’indice DJSI et le Carbon Disclosure Project.

    Pour en savoir plus sur l’engagement d’Atos en matière de développement durable, veuillez vous référer au document d’enregistrement universel 2023 du Groupe.

    ###

    À propos d’Atos

    Atos est un leader international de la transformation digitale avec environ 92 000 collaborateurs et un chiffre d’affaires annuel d’environ 10 milliards d’euros. Numéro un européen du cloud, de la cybersécurité et des supercalculateurs, le Groupe fournit des solutions intégrées pour tous les secteurs, dans 69 pays. Pionnier des services et produits de décarbonation, Atos s’engage à fournir des solutions numériques sécurisées et décarbonées à ses clients. Atos est une SE (Société Européenne) cotée sur Euronext Paris.

    La raison d’être d’Atos est de contribuer à façonner l’espace informationnel. Avec ses compétences et ses services, le Groupe supporte le développement de la connaissance, de l’éducation et de la recherche dans une approche pluriculturelle et contribue au développement de l’excellence scientifique et technologique. Partout dans le monde, Atos permet à ses clients et à ses collaborateurs, et plus généralement au plus grand nombre, de vivre, travailler et progresser durablement et en toute confiance dans l’espace informationnel.

    Contact presse

    Laura Fau | laura.fau@eviden.com | +33 (0) 6 73 64 04 18

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: PM meeting with President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority: 25 September 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    The Prime Minister met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at UNGA this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at UNGA this afternoon.

    President Abbas opened by condemning the Hamas attacks of October 7th. He also highlighted the civilian death toll in Gaza since then, with 41k killed and 100k injured, plus 70% of infrastructure devastated. The Prime Minister agreed that the loss of civilian life had been intolerable. 

    The President and Prime Minister also condemned the increase in settler violence and settlement activity there has been on the West Bank. 

    The President and Prime Minister agreed that we need an immediate ceasefire, the release of the hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid getting in. 

    They also discussed what needed to come next in terms of supporting and reforming the Palestinian Authority and working towards a political horizon which was the only long term solution to this crisis: a viable Palestinian state along a safe and secure Israel.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority: 25 September 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Prime Minister met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at UNGA this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at UNGA this afternoon.

    President Abbas opened by condemning the Hamas attacks of October 7th. He also highlighted the civilian death toll in Gaza since then, with 41k killed and 100k injured, plus 70% of infrastructure devastated. The Prime Minister agreed that the loss of civilian life had been intolerable. 

    The President and Prime Minister also condemned the increase in settler violence and settlement activity there has been on the West Bank. 

    The President and Prime Minister agreed that we need an immediate ceasefire, the release of the hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid getting in. 

    They also discussed what needed to come next in terms of supporting and reforming the Palestinian Authority and working towards a political horizon which was the only long term solution to this crisis: a viable Palestinian state along a safe and secure Israel.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: PM meeting with President Ruto of Kenya: 25 September 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    The Prime Minister met Kenyan President William Ruto at UNGA this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister met Kenyan President William Ruto at UNGA this afternoon. 

    The two leaders stressed how pleased they were to meet each other for the first time, and agreed the UK and Kenya share a close and important partnership. 

    They agreed to take forward work to further strengthen the bilateral relationship, building on the existing Strategic Partnership between our two countries. 

    In particular, both leaders shared their determination to deliver world-leading action to tackle climate change and accelerate the energy transition.

    The Prime Minister praised President Ruto’s extensive and pioneering leadership in this area, both in Kenya and through his international work across Africa and the world to accelerate the clean energy transition, and reiterated his ambition to turn the UK into a clean energy superpower. 

    Both looked forward to working together more closely and agreed to take forward work to champion clean power internationally– including leveraging the power of private sector investment and international financial institution reform to deliver on their climate ambitions.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: PM meeting with President da Silva of Brazil: 25 September 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    The Prime Minister met President Luiz Inacio da Silva at UNGA this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister met President Luiz Inacio da Silva at UNGA this afternoon.

    They discussed their shared commitment to tackling global challenges, including the importance of global ambition on climate change and poverty.

    The Prime Minister congratulated President Lula on his leadership on tackling both these challenges as President of the G20 and looked forward to the Summit in Rio. 

    The leaders shared their plans to accelerate the energy transition at home and internationally, and agreed to work closely on this agenda including for COP30.

    The Prime Minister also confirmed strong support for President Lula’s G20 Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty.

    They also discussed the conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Lebanon. The Prime Minister set out his steadfast support for Ukraine and upholding the UN Charter. On the Middle East, the Leaders underlined the importance of ceasefires in both Lebanon and in Gaza.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with President da Silva of Brazil: 25 September 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Prime Minister met President Luiz Inacio da Silva at UNGA this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister met President Luiz Inacio da Silva at UNGA this afternoon.

    They discussed their shared commitment to tackling global challenges, including the importance of global ambition on climate change and poverty.

    The Prime Minister congratulated President Lula on his leadership on tackling both these challenges as President of the G20 and looked forward to the Summit in Rio. 

    The leaders shared their plans to accelerate the energy transition at home and internationally, and agreed to work closely on this agenda including for COP30.

    The Prime Minister also confirmed strong support for President Lula’s G20 Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty.

    They also discussed the conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Lebanon. The Prime Minister set out his steadfast support for Ukraine and upholding the UN Charter. On the Middle East, the Leaders underlined the importance of ceasefires in both Lebanon and in Gaza.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with President Ruto of Kenya: 25 September 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Prime Minister met Kenyan President William Ruto at UNGA this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister met Kenyan President William Ruto at UNGA this afternoon. 

    The two leaders stressed how pleased they were to meet each other for the first time, and agreed the UK and Kenya share a close and important partnership. 

    They agreed to take forward work to further strengthen the bilateral relationship, building on the existing Strategic Partnership between our two countries. 

    In particular, both leaders shared their determination to deliver world-leading action to tackle climate change and accelerate the energy transition.

    The Prime Minister praised President Ruto’s extensive and pioneering leadership in this area, both in Kenya and through his international work across Africa and the world to accelerate the clean energy transition, and reiterated his ambition to turn the UK into a clean energy superpower. 

    Both looked forward to working together more closely and agreed to take forward work to champion clean power internationally– including leveraging the power of private sector investment and international financial institution reform to deliver on their climate ambitions.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Man charged with murder following Woolwich stabbing

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating the murder of a teenager in Woolwich have charged a man.

    Police were called at approximately 18:35hrs on Sunday, 22 September to reports of a disturbance in Eglinton Road, SE18.

    Officers attended and found 15-year-old Daejaun Campbell suffering a stab injury.

    Despite the efforts of officers and paramedics at the scene, he sadly died a short time later. His family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

    Two men were arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into police custody.

    One of the men, Jacob Losiewicz, 18 (26.07.06) of Church Manor Way, Abbey Wood, was charged on Wednesday, 25 September, with murder.

    He will appear in custody at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 26 September.

    The second man, aged in his 50s, has been released without charge.

    Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry , who is in charge of policing for the South East Basic Command Unit, said: “The investigation into Daejaun’s murder continues and detectives are working around the clock. Local officers will remain in the area whilst we continue with our investigation. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions, they are there to support you and the community.

    “I want to appeal again for anyone who knows anything about the death of young Daejaun to come forward. Did you see anything suspicious around the Eglinton Road area? Did you see anyone running away from the area? Do you have any footage?

    “If you do, then please contact police; you can upload any footage via a link or you can also remain anonymous by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

    Anyone with information is asked to call police on 020 8721 4005 quoting Operation Baghaze.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: ASIA/INDIA – Archbishop Neli: In Manipur the path to peace is not made with weapons and separation walls

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: The Holy See in Italian

    Displaced people in Manipur

    by Paolo AffatatoImphal (Agenzia Fides) – “Peace and reconciliation in Manipur cannot be based on the separation of ethnic communities; they will not be achieved by building a new dividing wall on the border with Myanmar, the one that the state plans to build for over 1600 kilometres”. It is the vision of Msgr. Linus Neli, Archbishop of Imphal, capital of the Indian state of Manipur. “Peace – continues the Archbishop – will not be achieved even through the rearmament of ethnic groups, as is dangerously happening among the Kuki and Meitei communities. Peace will be achieved by reactivating dialogue, starting negotiations, proceeding on a path of equality and justice that overcomes atavistic rivalries and ethnic claims”. In an interview with Agenzia Fides, the Archbishop re-reads the crisis that has been year grips the state of north-eastern India. The Archbishop frames the issue in the ethnic and cultural configuration of the north-eastern region of India, “a region with its own specific dimension, characterized by ethnic, linguistic and cultural pluralism”. North-eastern India includes the seven states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, as well as the Himalayan state of Sikkim, and the Jalpaiguri division, legally part of West Bengal. “It is also geographically secluded – he notes – if you consider that it is connected to the rest of the country via a narrow corridor between Bhutan and Bangladesh, the Siliguri corridor. This geographical characteristic is not irrelevant, even with respect to relations with the central government in New Delhi”, he observes. The region has often been crossed in the past by conflicts and social, ethnic and political tensions. At the time of their establishment, “the North-Eastern States – recalls the Archbishop – were created to allow their respective indigenous communities to safeguard their identity and make their specific contribution to the Indian Federation, with the particular resources of their cultural heritage. Furthermore, some tribal groups are infinitely small communities and are only now entering the highly competitive world of modern India”. Furthermore, north-eastern India is one of the regions where, overall, the concentration of citizens of the Christian faith is greatest in India: Of the approximately 27.8 million Christians in the whole of India, approximately 7.8 million are found in the Northeast region. “This also entails our responsibility in promoting peace, justice, brotherhood between people and groups of different faiths, languages, cultures and ethnic groups”, states the Archbishop. Neli then outlines the internal situation of Manipur where “there are three main ethnic groups: the Kuki, the Meitei, the Naga. Coexistence and intercommunity relations have not been easy in the past. There is a discussion about ‘who was there originally’, therefore about who can claim greater rights in social life, as the Kuki came centuries ago (starting from the 16th century, ed.) from neighboring Myanmar (where they are called Chin, ed.). The confrontation, and even the conflict, has always had a central theme: the possession of land, which is the source of sustenance and prosperity. Even today’s clash between Kuki and Meitei is no exception: it is fundamentally a clash over the land and the politics of the land”, he explains. “Geographically – always the element of geography which cannot be ignored, he is keen to say – the Meitei today hold about 10% of the land and are based in the valley where the capital Imphal is located. The other groups, Naga and Kuki, are in the hilly and mountainous areas, occupy around 90% of the territory, and are included in the list of ‘recognised tribes’.” They are those historically marginalized tribes to which the Indian Constitution recognizes specific property rights, and indicates them as recipients of specific development, education and land allocation programs. In March 2023, an order of the High Court of Manipur recommended to the central government to also include the Meitei community among the “recognized tribes” and this generated the protest which then resulted in clashes and generalized conflict. “It must be said that the Meiteis are a numerical minority but they are a political majority, controlling the local government (the Prime Minister of the state is N. Biren Singh, member of the Baratiya Janata Party, that of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ed.), and over the years they have carried out policies that, according to other groups, discriminate against tribals.” Added to this is the religious element, given that the Meitei are of the Hindu religion and live – an exception in India – as a minority in a state with a majority Christian population. “There has also been, in recent years, an attempt to colonize the territory by Hindu extremists”, notes the Pastor of the Catholic community of Imphal. “Among other things – he adds, providing an element that complicates the picture, which did not emerge in the mass media – the destruction of Christian chapels during the conflict is due to the religious clash within the Meitei community, which then reunited to turn to the ‘common enemy’, the Kuki”. of community and fraternity and help to see the other not as an enemy, but as a brother and sister with whom to coexist peacefully. Faith in Christ helps to bring peace and justice”. The Archbishop recounts the current situation of absolute separation, with military checkpoints between the areas inhabited by Meitei and Kuki, who cannot go to each other’s areas: ” This division, in the short term, interrupted the spiral of conflict, but it is not enough, because it has not healed the traumas and wounds (over 220 victims and 67,000 displaced persons), nor has it calmed the hatred and revenge: in fact currently all the communities they are proceeding to rearm, organizing themselves with increasingly heavier armaments. Which gives the sense of the powder keg ready to respond. And, if that were the case, with the use of those weapons, it would be an even bloodier conflict”, he notes. In this context, Archbishop Neli, who is of the Naga ethnic group, considered “neutral”, can visit the parishes in the different areas , where there are priests (76 in the diocese) who are also divided by ethnicity. “Being a Naga I can visit and comfort various communities. Some religious people and priests who come from the Indian state of Kerala (in southern India) can also do so, and therefore are not parties to the proceedings. I can say that, from my visits, I have drawn a clear will: people are hungry and thirsty for peace. It is urgent to seek and pursue a political solution with all our energies,” he says, recounting the situation of over 1,000 Kuki Catholic refugees, who have had to leave areas such as the city of Imphal, where they lived in the past. “The Catholic community is offering them assistance and sustenance and we have also built small wooden houses where they can stay,” he reports. At a political level, the Archbishop expresses doubts about the road map for solving the crisis, presented by the central government , by Interior Minister Amit Shah because “the central government has neglected Manipur and the response to the management of the violence has not been adequate, there has not been a clear political vision, while now the social, employment and economic crisis of the country is worsening ‘entire state, blocked in the stalemate of lack of communication between regions and groups, with negative consequences for businesses, schools, socio-economic activities”. Furthermore, fearing infiltration of Kuki militants from Myanmar, the government has begun to build a barrier to border that should seal a frontier of 1600 kilometres, “which means institutionalizing separations, reasoning according to the logic of division which exasperates souls and foments hatred”, he notes. Politics, adds Archbishop Neli, “should think about concrete solutions such as the possible creation of two different autonomous administrative units or – another proposal that has emerged – that the Kuki districts become a Union Territory, i.e. directly dependent on the central government. But every proposal can only start from a dialogue, from a mediation, from a negotiation, which takes into account the need to find geographical and then socio-cultural harmony”. “This process – concludes Neli – starts from a basic assumption which must be welcomed by all: recognizing the other as a ‘brother in humanity’, the ground that allows coexistence even between peoples different in language, history, ethnicity, culture, religion. For this reason we are also inspired by Pope Francis’ document ‘Fratelli tutti’, whose spirit we hope can be welcomed by Christians and non-Christians”. (Agenzia Fides 26/9/2024)

    Archbishop Linus Neli

    Share:

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Traffic relief through Sta. Maria: Master Plan adjustments publicly exposed

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Grisons in Italian

    The next procedural phase for the traffic relief through Sta. Maria in Val Monastero has been started. The public participation exhibition for the adaptation of the Master Plan will start on 30 September 2024.

    The historic centre of Sta. Maria has been exposed to a high volume of traffic for years. The increasing transit traffic along the Ofen Pass road and the traffic on the Umbrail Pass regularly cause inconvenience and traffic jams, especially in the summer months. In this context, there has been a desire for decades to relieve the town of traffic in order to improve safety in the village, increase the quality of life of residents and guests, and preserve and enhance the village centre, which is protected at national level. Various approaches to solving this problem have been developed since the end of the 1990s. However, for various reasons, it has not been possible to implement relief measures so far.

    Adaptation of the master plan requiredAccording to the Federal Law on Spatial Planning, major road construction projects such as bypasses are considered projects with a particular impact on the territory and the environment and therefore require a specification in the cantonal master plan. As a basis, with the involvement of experts from various sectors, a comprehensive evaluation of variants for reducing traffic through Sta. Maria has been carried out since 2020. The best variant developed involves the construction of a bypass on the northern edge of the settlement, with a tunnel of around 600 metres in length that passes under the Paclera area and the Muranzina stream. This relief plan forms the basis for the specification in the master plan now planned.

    The master plan guarantees the necessary bypass corridor in a binding manner for the authorities and harmonizes the interests of the Confederation and the Canton. In addition, further measures are established for subsequent planning, which contribute, among other things, to enabling an optimal design and integration of the project into the landscape and to improving the quality of living and staying in the core.

    Public display for 30 daysThe adaptation of the master plan will be displayed for public participation for 30 days, starting from September 30, 2024. During this period, all interested parties have the opportunity to submit objections and proposals in written form.

    The project is already in the preliminary examination phase by the Confederation. The master plan will be further developed on the basis of the results of the public exhibition and the preliminary examination by the Confederation. The cantonal master plan will be decided by the Grisons government and approved by the Federal Council.

    Attached:

    Sta. Maria ring road, «northern ring road» variant (status: February 2023)

    Contact person:

    Richard Atzmüller, Head of the Office for Spatial Development, Tel. 41 81 257 23 21 (reachable between 10:30 and 11:30), e-mailRichard.Atzmueller@are.gr.ch

    Competent body: Office for Territorial Development

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Meeting with the Nai Qala association – a message of hope for the rural populations of Afghanistan

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Geneva in French

    On August 19, 2024, the President of the Council of State, Ms. Nathalie Fontanet, met with Ms. Taïba Rahim, President of the Nai Qala association, an organization supported by the canton which manages education projects for populations living in isolated areas of Afghanistan.

    This meeting provided an opportunity to review the general situation in the country and more specifically that of women and girls, and to better understand the realities experienced by the inhabitants of rural and remote regions of the country. The approach of the organization, created in 2007, aims to strengthen the dignity, self-confidence and sense of initiative of the population and women in particular.

    Since 2017, the canton of Geneva has supported various community education projects in several regions in the centre of the country, notably through the construction of schools. The project currently funded by the canton includes various activities, such as the opening of community classes and the provision of materials. The project also includes a training component for teachers from local communities, as well as workshops to prevent violence against children and within families.

    Taïba Rahim, a life for education.

    Taïba comes from a rural and precarious region of Afghanistan. Born into a family of 8 children, it was her father who insisted that all his children, including his daughters, could go to school. This humble man of modest means had a very clear vision: to give a different future to his nine children, especially his daughters, and to lift them out of poverty. To achieve his mission, there was only one watchword: study. Since there was no school in the region where they lived, her father decided to leave their village, his job and his status to settle in the city, where his children could go to school. Life there is very difficult, but the children can finally go to school.

    Taïba then continued her studies, until she became a secondary school teacher. Life then led her to work for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Afghanistan, then in Bosnia and Geneva, where she remained for many years.

    In 2007, when she felt like she was drifting away from her father’s mission and from Afghanistan, she decided to create an association to promote education in her home country. This is how Nai Qala was born. The association is named after her father’s native village, and also means “calligraphy castle”. Through her education project, Taïba shares a message of hope for Afghanistan. She wants to show the world that Afghanistan is the country of calligraphy, not war and poverty. She regrets that the world has a brutal vision of her country. Taïba is deeply grateful to her father, because it is thanks to him that she was able to realize and achieve her professional aspirations.

    Today, Nai Qala is one of the few women-led organizations in Afghanistan. Through its educational projects, it has a significant impact on hundreds of women and girls, and offers hope in the face of the current challenges facing the country. Taiba strongly believes that Nai Qala is a key player in the Afghan community, led by Afghans for Afghans, with the guiding principle of always “getting involved in difficult times.” According to her, the various supports she receives for the Nai Qala project exemplify the true essence of humanity and inspire hope that Afghanistan, in these difficult times, will move towards a brighter future.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Funded childcare for 9 month olds now available

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Launched at the start of September, it is the latest step in the roll out of Government funded childcare.

    And it means that all eligible parents of children aged from 9 months to 4 years old are now able to claim up at least 15 hours of funded childcare per week, for 1,140 hours or 38 weeks a year, at an approved provider – as eligible parents of children aged 3 and 4 can already claim 30 hours per week.

    To qualify, each parent must earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at national minimum or living wage, and have an income of less than £100,000 per year.

    People in receipt of certain benefits are also eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare for 2 year olds, known as Terrific for Twos in Wolverhampton.

    A further change is due to be rolled out in September 2025, when eligible working parents of all children from the age of 9 months to school age will be able to claim 30 hours of funded childcare per week.

    Meanwhile, eligible working parents and carers with children aged 11 or under can get up to £2,000 per child each year towards their childcare costs, or up to £4,000 for children with a disability aged 16 or under, though the tax free childcare scheme.

    To find out more, including how to apply for support with childcare costs, please visit the Childcare Choices website.

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Every year hundreds of families in Wolverhampton benefit from funded childcare schemes at participating nurseries, schools and childminders around the city.

    “Accessing early education gives your child the chance to learn, play and make new friends and the opportunity to develop and master new skills. It supports them as they prepare for school by helping them to communicate, explore new experiences, be active and healthy – and of course, it also helps working parents juggle careers and childcare.

    “I would encourage working parents to find out more about the expansion of funded childcare and to sign up if they are eligible.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appeal to trace relatives of the late Joseph Powell

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Joseph Powell had been a resident in a care home prior to his death.

    Anyone who is related to Mr Powell, or who has any information which may help trace his relatives, is asked to please call Protection and Funerals Officer Diane Doré on 07919 626117 or 01902 550095, or email her via diane.dore@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia Bell Labs and e& announce R&D collaboration to innovate for strategic industrial sectors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Nokia Bell Labs and e& announce R&D collaboration to innovate for strategic industrial sectors

    • Collaboration is expected to develop AI-based use cases for strategic industrial sectors.
    • Responsible AI solutions aim for sustainable enterprise and industrial automation applications.

    26 September 2024
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia’s research arm, Nokia Bell Labs, and e&, a global technology group, announced today that they have signed a year-long, non-binding memorandum of understanding (“MoU”) for R&D collaboration to create AI-based use cases for strategic industrial sectors.

    The goal is to develop responsible AI solutions for sustainable enterprise and industrial automation applications and accelerate innovation concepts toward real world deployments.

    The MoU includes exploring collaboration opportunities with industry, universities and research centers. Both organizations aim to develop innovative solutions in the areas of AI and information and communication technologies that fit into an overall vision of industrial automation and digitalization. Network connectivity, AI and advanced computing are foundational in solving the difficult industrial challenges of productivity, efficiency, safety, health and sustainability faced by many industrial sectors today.

    e& has emerged as a pioneering force of AI and Generative AI in the United Arab Emirates and its 33 operating markets in addition to declaring its commitment to reach net zero status in its home market of the UAE by 2030 and across all operations by 2040.

    Nokia Bell Labs is an industry leader in Responsible AI and has defined six principles to guide AI research in the future along the lines of fairness, reliability, privacy, transparency, sustainability and accountability. These principles not only reflect the future of AI standards but also comprehensively account for the telecom industry’s renewed focus on environmental sustainability, social responsibility and good governance.

    Thierry E. Klein, President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia, said: “This engagement between Nokia Bell Labs and e& reflects our commitment to innovating with our customers and partners. By jointly developing applications and use cases that leverage our expertise in responsible AI, software and data systems, we will accelerate the digital transformation that provides new technologies for a safer, more productive and more sustainable future. We look forward to co-creating ground-breaking solutions that can unlock new business opportunities for industrial operations in the Middle East and beyond.”

    Dena Almansoori, Group Chief AI and Data Officer at e&, said: “While we realise the immense potential of AI, it’s equally important to build strong protections to ensure its responsible development and deployment. This will be the foundation of our collaboration with Nokia Bell Labs as we both explore the potential of AI in driving sustainable industrial automation. By combining Nokia Bell Labs’ expertise in AI research and our deep understanding of industrial applications, we are set to explore the development of innovative solutions that address the urgent challenges facing industries today.”

    Resources and additional information
    Webpage: Nokia Bell Labs
    Webpage: e&

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    About e&
    e& is one of the leading technology groups in the world. Boasting impressive financial figures for 2023, with consolidated net revenue reaching a staggering AED 53.8 billion and consolidated net profit surging to AED 10.3 billion, the Group’s impeccable credit ratings reflect its strong balance sheet and track record of sustained success.

    Founded in Abu Dhabi over 48 years ago, the Group has a rich legacy as the pioneer in telecommunications in the UAE. Today, its footprint spans 33 countries, including STARZPLAY and Careem Everything app across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, making it a leading player in the industry.

    Innovation is ingrained in e&’s DNA to create an unbreakable bond between communities using cutting-edge digital solutions, smart connectivity and advanced technologies.

    The Group has designed five strong business pillars that address various customer segments: e& UAE, e& international, e& life, e& enterprise and e& capital. Through these pillars, we strive to revolutionise the way people communicate, work and live by providing unparalleled services and exceptional experiences.

    At e&, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible and delivering measurable results that make a difference in people’s lives.

    To learn more about e&, please visit: https://eand.com/. 

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: French artist Winshluss nominated for 2024 Töpffer Grand Prix for Comics

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Geneva in French

    A prolific and multifaceted author, Winshluss – Vincent Paronnaud by his real name – is rewarded for his entire body of work in drawing. The six authors nominated respectively for the Töpffer Prize Geneva and the Töpffer Prize for Young Comics are now known. The Töpffer Prizes will be awarded during a public ceremony at HEAD – Geneva on Thursday, November 28.

    Since 2018, the Grand Prix Töpffer has distinguished a French-speaking author or author translated into French for the importance of their contribution to contemporary comics. On the proposal of a jury made up of experts in the field, the canton and the City of Geneva have decided to award the Grand Prix Töpffer 2024, with a prize of 10,000 francs, to the French comic book author and filmmaker Winshluss.

    Born in 1970, Winshluss is a self-taught artist and jack-of-all-trades with a unique trajectory. He started out in comics in the mid-1990s by publishing his drawings in fanzines. At the turn of the 2000s, he established himself as a leading author for Requins Marteaux, an underground publishing house. His biting and often dark style, his scathing humor and the critical look he takes at our society in its dehumanizing aspects hit the mark.

    It was in 2009 that he became known to the general public by winning the Fauve d’or at the Angoulême festival with Pinocchio, a pop and trashy reinterpretation of the tale of the same name. Acclaimed by the public and critics alike and translated into a dozen countries, the album has become a classic of independent comics. In 2016, Winshluss received the Pépite d’or at the Montreuil Youth Book Fair for Dans la forêt sombre et mystérieuse, a book which – unusually for the author – ends well. In addition to his rich work in drawing, Winshluss is also a musician, visual artist and filmmaker. He notably co-directed the animated film Persepolis with Marjane Satrapi, which won the Jury Prize at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival.

    Six authors in the running in other categories

    Increasingly recognized in the world of comics, the Töpffer Awards have been awarded since 1997 in tribute to the Genevan Rodolphe Töpffer, considered the inventor of the 9th art. The ceremony on November 28 will also be an opportunity to recognize the 2024 winners of the Töpffer Geneva Prize, worth 10,000 francs, and the Young Comics Prize, worth 5,000 francs.

    For the Prix Töpffer Genève, which rewards a confirmed Geneva comic strip personality for an album published less than a year ago, the three nominated authors are Alex Baladi (1969) for Un monde en pleine mutation (Atrabile editions), Ibn Al Rabin (1975) for De la ductilité du sbrinz (Atrabile editions), and Juliette Mancini (1989) for La haine du poil (Cambourakis editions).

    Concerning the Young Comic Strip Prize, which rewards a project in progress by an author aged 15 to 30 and living or studying in Geneva, the three nominees are Jano (2002) for La Dragonne, Fanny Rose (2002) for On dit que c’est une étamine libre, and Stanyslas Leray (2000) for La Gwerz de l’ajonc. The first two works mentioned were produced as part of the diploma projects of the Geneva School of Comics and Illustration (ESBDI), while the third is the result of a bachelor’s thesis at HEAD – Geneva.

    For this 2024 edition, the selection jury is composed as follows: Hélène Becquelin (comic book author), Patrick Fuchs (dean of ESBDI), Yannis La Macchia (Töpffer Prize Geneva 2023), Clément Paurd (head of the illustration orientation at HEAD – Geneva), Emmanuèle Payen (director of the cultural development and cinema department at the Centre Pompidou), and Leticia Ramos (head of the Cumulus specialist bookstore).

    Festive evening to celebrate comics

    The 2024 Töpffer Comic Strip Awards will be presented on Thursday, November 28, during a ceremony attended by Thierry Apothéloz, State Councilor in charge of the Department of Social Cohesion, and Sami Kanaan, Administrative Councilor of the City of Geneva in charge of the Department of Culture and Digital Transition. This festive event, with public and free admission, will be held at the Cube on the HEAD – Geneva campus. The precise program will be announced soon.

    Artist biographies and press images are available at http://www.prixtopffer.ch.

    Please note that Winshluss, Grand Prix Töpffer 2024, will be in Geneva during the week of November 25, where he will give a workshop at the ESBDI. Media interested in an interview or a report can register at the contact details below.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia Bell Labs and e& announce R&D collaboration to innovate for strategic industrial sectors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Nokia Bell Labs and e& announce R&D collaboration to innovate for strategic industrial sectors

    • Collaboration is expected to develop AI-based use cases for strategic industrial sectors.
    • Responsible AI solutions aim for sustainable enterprise and industrial automation applications.

    26 September 2024
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia’s research arm, Nokia Bell Labs, and e&, a global technology group, announced today that they have signed a year-long, non-binding memorandum of understanding (“MoU”) for R&D collaboration to create AI-based use cases for strategic industrial sectors.

    The goal is to develop responsible AI solutions for sustainable enterprise and industrial automation applications and accelerate innovation concepts toward real world deployments.

    The MoU includes exploring collaboration opportunities with industry, universities and research centers. Both organizations aim to develop innovative solutions in the areas of AI and information and communication technologies that fit into an overall vision of industrial automation and digitalization. Network connectivity, AI and advanced computing are foundational in solving the difficult industrial challenges of productivity, efficiency, safety, health and sustainability faced by many industrial sectors today.

    e& has emerged as a pioneering force of AI and Generative AI in the United Arab Emirates and its 33 operating markets in addition to declaring its commitment to reach net zero status in its home market of the UAE by 2030 and across all operations by 2040.

    Nokia Bell Labs is an industry leader in Responsible AI and has defined six principles to guide AI research in the future along the lines of fairness, reliability, privacy, transparency, sustainability and accountability. These principles not only reflect the future of AI standards but also comprehensively account for the telecom industry’s renewed focus on environmental sustainability, social responsibility and good governance.

    Thierry E. Klein, President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia, said: “This engagement between Nokia Bell Labs and e& reflects our commitment to innovating with our customers and partners. By jointly developing applications and use cases that leverage our expertise in responsible AI, software and data systems, we will accelerate the digital transformation that provides new technologies for a safer, more productive and more sustainable future. We look forward to co-creating ground-breaking solutions that can unlock new business opportunities for industrial operations in the Middle East and beyond.”

    Dena Almansoori, Group Chief AI and Data Officer at e&, said: “While we realise the immense potential of AI, it’s equally important to build strong protections to ensure its responsible development and deployment. This will be the foundation of our collaboration with Nokia Bell Labs as we both explore the potential of AI in driving sustainable industrial automation. By combining Nokia Bell Labs’ expertise in AI research and our deep understanding of industrial applications, we are set to explore the development of innovative solutions that address the urgent challenges facing industries today.”

    Resources and additional information
    Webpage: Nokia Bell Labs
    Webpage: e&

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    About e&
    e& is one of the leading technology groups in the world. Boasting impressive financial figures for 2023, with consolidated net revenue reaching a staggering AED 53.8 billion and consolidated net profit surging to AED 10.3 billion, the Group’s impeccable credit ratings reflect its strong balance sheet and track record of sustained success.

    Founded in Abu Dhabi over 48 years ago, the Group has a rich legacy as the pioneer in telecommunications in the UAE. Today, its footprint spans 33 countries, including STARZPLAY and Careem Everything app across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, making it a leading player in the industry.

    Innovation is ingrained in e&’s DNA to create an unbreakable bond between communities using cutting-edge digital solutions, smart connectivity and advanced technologies.

    The Group has designed five strong business pillars that address various customer segments: e& UAE, e& international, e& life, e& enterprise and e& capital. Through these pillars, we strive to revolutionise the way people communicate, work and live by providing unparalleled services and exceptional experiences.

    At e&, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible and delivering measurable results that make a difference in people’s lives.

    To learn more about e&, please visit: https://eand.com/. 

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City to mark Hate Crime Awareness Week

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Hate crime is any criminal offence committed against a person or property which is motivated by an offender’s hatred of someone because of their race, colour, ethnic origin or nationality, their religion, their gender or gender identity, their sexual orientation, or their disability.

    It can take many forms, from physical attacks such as an assault, damage to property, offensive graffiti and arson, to verbal abuse or insults or the threat of attack, including the sending of offensive letters, emails or texts, abusive or obscene telephone calls or malicious complaints.

    The Safer Wolverhampton Partnership is calling on people to help raise awareness of the issue, and understand the ways that victims of, or witnesses to, an incident can report hate crime, during this year’s national Hate Crime Awareness Week, which takes place from 12 to 19 October. People can:

    • Call police on 101 – or dial 999 if it is an emergency
    • Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via Crimestoppers 
    • Report in person to the police at any police station or one of the Police Hate Crime drop-ins – see StopHateWLV for details
    • Report at any Third-Party Reporting Centre – independent organisations that have been trained to record hate crimes and incidents, offer support and signpost to other help. See StopHateWLV for details
    • Visit Report It and fill in the online reporting form which will be forwarded to police for investigation
    • If an incident occurs on a train or the Midland Metro, text British Transport Police on 61016
    • If the incident is Islamophobic in nature, Tell MAMA by visiting Tell MAMA or calling on 0800 456 1226
    • If the incident is anti-Semitic, it can be reported via Community Security Trust’s website, CST, or by calling 0208 457 9999.  

    Members of the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership will be at Sainsbury’s Wednesfield, Rookery Street, on Saturday 12 October from 11am to 5pm, Tesco Wolverhampton, Marston Road, on Wednesday 16 October from 10am to 12.30pm, Central Library, Snow Hill, on Thursday 17 October from 10am to 12.30pm and Wednesfield Library, Well Lane, also Thursday 17 October from 2pm to 4.30pm, to raise awareness the importance of reporting hate crime, and will also be holding a series of other activities throughout the week.

    Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Digital and Community, said: “The Safer Wolverhampton Partnership takes hate crime incredibly seriously, and all reports will be fully investigated by police.  

    “We’ll be using Hate Crime Awareness Week to get people thinking about how they can respond to hate crime if they witness or are victims to it.

    “Most importantly, we’ll be encouraging people to report instances of hate crime, which will enable victims to get the support they need and to ensure those committing it are met with justice.”

    People can find out more about hate crime by logging on to StopHateWLV. For details of National Hate Crime Awareness week, please visit #NationalHCAW. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Innofactor Plc: Notification of major holdings in accordance with Chapter 9, Section 10 of the Finnish Securities Markets Act

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Innofactor Plc                Stock exchange release        September 26, 2024, at 9:45 (EEST)

    Innofactor Plc has on September 25, 2024, received a notification from Onni Bidco under Chapter 9, Section 5 of the Finnish Securities Markets Act, according to which Onni Bidco Oy’s direct holding in Innofactor’s shares increased above the 30 percent threshold.

    Total positions of Onni Bidco Oy according to the notification:

             
      % of shares and voting rights % of shares and voting rights through financial instruments Total of both in % Total number of shares and voting rights of issuer
    Resulting situation on the date on which threshold was crossed or reached 30.09
    (+50.32)            		 0.41 30.49
    (+50.32 = 80.81)    		 36,343,691
    Positions of previous notification
    (if applicable)    		 28.37 21.84 50.20  

    Notified details of the resulting situation on the date on which the threshold was crossed or reached:

    A: Shares and voting rights

    Class / type of shares Number of shares and voting rights % of shares and voting rights
      Direct (SMA 9:5) Indirect (SMA 9:6 and 9:7) Direct (SMA 9:5) Indirect (SMA 9:6 and 9:7)
    Onni Bidco: Innofactor Plc share FI0009007637 10,934,048
    (+18,288,674)    		   30.09
    (+50.32)    		  
    Subtotal A 10,934,048
    (+18,288,674)    		 30.09
    (+50.32)

    B: Financial instruments according to SMA 9:6a

    Type of financial instrument Expiration date Exercise / Conversion period Physical or cash settlement Number of shares and voting rights % of shares and voting rights
    Tender offer consortium agreement     Share delivery through the acceptance of the tender offer 148,127 0.41
      Subtotal B 148,127 0.41

    Full chain of controlled undertakings through which the voting rights and/or the financial instruments are effectively held starting with the ultimate controlling natural person or legal entity:

    Name % of shares and voting rights % of shares and voting rights through financial instruments Total of both
    CapMan Growth Equi-ty Fund III Ky              
    Onni Topco Oy      
    Onni Midco Oy      
    Onni Bidco Oy 30.09
    (+50.32)    		 0.41 30.49
    (+50.32 = 80.81)

    Further, according to Onni Bidco Oy’s notification:

    CapMan Growth Equity Fund III Ky, a fund managed by the investment company CapMan Growth (CapMan Growth), Sami Ensio, through the holding company Ensio Investment Group Oy controlled by him, and co-investor Osprey Capital Oy have formed a consortium for the purposes of the public tender offer for the shares in Innofactor Plc made on 22 July 2024. Onni Bidco Oy, the offeror, formed for the purposes of the public tender offer, is currently owned by CapMan Growth. Onni Bidco Oy has acquired shares of Innofactor Plc through transactions made on September 25, 2024, resulting in a direct ownership of 10,934,048 shares and its direct ownership of shares and the voting rights they generate has now exceeded the 30 percent threshold. In accordance with the announcement made on September 19, 2024, regarding the final result of Onni Bidco Oy’s public tender offer, Onni Bidco Oy has decided to proceed with the public tender offer in accordance with its terms. Therefore, the 18,288,674 shares validly tendered in the public offer (including the shares under the control of Sami Ensio, excluding certain shares received as board remuneration totaling 148,127), which represent approximately 50.32 percent of Innofactor Plc’s shares and voting rights, will be transferred to the ownership of Onni Bidco Oy following the completion of the transactions related to the public tender offer, with the transfer expected to be finalized around October 10, 2024. These shares have been reported in this notification as the direct ownership of Onni Bidco Oy in parentheses, as the completion of the tender offer has been confirmed. According to an agreement between the consortium members, Sami Ensio has undertaken, subject to certain conditions and potential limitations, to accept the public tender offer in respect of all Innofactor Plc shares under his control. As the consortium members are acting in consert in making the public tender offer, the 148,127 shares obtained as board remuneration that are still under the control of Sami Ensio disclosed in this notification are disclosed as ownership based on a financial instrument. Although the ownership of the parties acting in concert now exceeds both 30 and 50 percent of the voting rights generated by Innofactor Plc’s shares, there is no obligation to make a mandatory public tender offer due to the exemption provided by Section 21, first paragraph, of Chapter 11 of the Securities Markets Act. 

    Espoo, September 26, 2024

    INNOFACTOR PLC

    Antti Rokala, CFO

    Additional information:
    Antti Rokala, CFO, antti.rokala@innofactor.com, +358 40 480 2752
    Lasse Lautsuo, CMO, ir@innofactor.com, +358 50 480 1597

    Distribution:
    NASDAQ Helsinki
    Main media
    http://www.innofactor.com

    Innofactor
    Innofactor is the leading driver of the modern digital organization in the Nordic Countries for its about 1,000 customers in commercial and public sector. Innofactor has the widest solution offering and leading know-how in the Microsoft ecosystem in the Nordics. Innofactor has about 600 enthusiastic and motivated top specialists in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway. The Innofactor Plc share is listed in the technology section of the main list of NASDAQ Helsinki Oy. http://www.innofactor.com #ModernDigitalOrganization #PeopleFirst #CreatingSmiles #BeTheRealYou

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: AFL : First half-year 2024: Business continued to grow at a sustained pace, delivering positive earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    First half-year 2024:
    Business continued to grow at a sustained pace, delivering positive earnings

    The AFL Group has unveiled its earnings for H1 2024. Highlights include:

    • New memberships expressed as pledged capital are up €21.5 million in H1 2024 – as much as during the full year in 2023.
    • Credit origination hit a new record high after growing 18% in H1 2024 compared to H1 2023.
    • Half-year earnings, excluding non-recurring items, rose 16% between 2023 and 2024.
    • Changes to local authority risk weightings, down from 20% to 0%, allow the debt securities issued by AFL to be classified as HQLA1 (decision by ACPR in June 2024).

    Consolidated earnings – key figures at June 30, 2024:

    Member local authorities: 878 (+102 local authorities vs. 31/12/2023)

    Pledged capital: 315 million euros (+21.5 million vs. 31/12/2023)

    Loan production: 622 billion euros (+18% vs. 30/06/2023)

    Funds raised in the market: 1,400 million euros (part of a 2,500-million-euro programme) with a 39-basis point margin over the OAT yield curve.

    Net interest margin: 11.6 billion euros (-10.5% vs. 30/06/2023)

    Gross operating income: 2.9 billion euros (-25% vs. June 30, 2023)

    Net income after tax: 1.96 billion euros (-31% vs. June 30, 2023)

    Cost/income ratio: 73.1% (vs. 67.4% as of December 31, 2023)

    Solvency ratio: 77.7% (vs. 13.23% as of December 31, 2023)

    Leverage ratio for public development lending institutions: 9.69% (vs. 8.86% as of December 31, 2023)

    Banking leverage ratio1: 2.42% (vs. 2.24% as of December 31, 2023)

    Record increase in lending activity and in the number of new local authority memberships

    Record credit origination

    During H1 2024, AFL granted loans of 622 million euros to its local authority members, 18% more than as of June 2023. This trend is being observed as demand for debt remains high, fuelled by the need to fund mid-term projects and address major challenges posed by the environmental and climate transition.

    Over 100 new local authority members

    Buoyed by this lending momentum and its increasingly strong reputation, AFL registered 102 new local authority memberships, thereby bringing its total members to 878 at 30 June, 2024.

    These new members are: 3 departments, 5 unions, 2 communities of communes, 5 urban communities and 87 municipalities of various sizes. Overall, AFL Group members include a total of 6 regions, 17 French departments, 669 municipalities and 186 EPCIs (groupings of municipalities) including 15 cities and 50 unions.

    This represents an additional capital commitment of 21.5 million euros, voted in H1 2024, bringing the total to 315 million euros.

    Efficient refinancing that stands out for the continued diversification of issuances

    In H1 2024, AFL raised 1.4 billion euros in the bond market with a weighted average maturity of 7.8 years:

    • A syndicated bond issue of 750 million euros with a 10-year maturity;
    • The first syndicated issuance in Swiss francs for a total 110 million, with a 10-year maturity;
    • A new 3-year syndicated bond issuance in sterling for a total 250 million;
    • Several Euro-denominated private placements including six “callable” deals (pre-determined term) for a total 221 million euros.

    The weighted average spread on these issues was 39-basis points over the Obligations Assimilables du Trésor (OAT) curve, a substantial improvement compared to the previous financial year (average of 49 basis points over OAT in 2023).

    Financial results are aligned with the business plan

    Robust earnings (consolidated earnings under IFRS)

    At June 30, 2024, the AFL Group has generated the income needed to pursue its growth:

    • Net banking income (NBI) came in at €10,785 thousand (€12,179 thousand as of 30/06/2023).
    • Net interest margin for the AFL Group stood at €11,586 thousand (€12,940 thousand of 30/06/2024). This decline stems from the exceptional results recorded in the first half of 2023, boosted notably by the substantial drop in cash carrying costs after the ECB raised its deposit rate.
    • The gross operating income stood at €2,901 thousand (€3,868 thousand as of 30/06/2023).
    • Excluding non-recurring items (i.e. excluding income from capital gains on disposals of securities and hedge accounting), gross operating income was €4,015 thousand (€3,452 thousand in H2 2023).
    • Operating costs during the period came to €7,336 thousand as of June 30, 2024 (€7,857 thousand as of 30/06/2023), reflecting AFL’s disciplined management and the end of the contribution to the Single Resolution Fund.  
    • Net income as of June 30, 2024, stood at €1,954 thousand (€2,840 thousand as of June 30, 2024).

    Earnings that meet our expectations and confirm the resilience of AFL’s model

    “The AFL Group’s results at the end of the first half of 2024 are in positive territory for the long term. They are in line with the forecast included in the budget for the year 2024 and the multi-annual business plan. They reflect the sustained growth of the bank’s core business: an accelerating rate of membership and historic credit production. With the 0% risk weighting of local authorities, the quality of the AFL signature in capital markets improves further and will allow it to strengthen its competitiveness in financing local public investment”, states Yves Millardet, Chairman of the Executive Board of AFL.

    The cost of risk is intrinsically low in AFL’s model

    AFL’s cost of risk is intrinsically limited due to its model as a public development credit institution, the company’s prudent management and the excellent solvency of local authorities. As an example, AFL has zero exposure to stage 3 (default status) assets.

    At June 30, 2024, the cost of risk relating to ex-ante impairment for expected losses on financial assets under IFRS 9 was a charge of €255 thousand (compared with a charge of €71 thousand at 30/06/2023).

    This rise in the cost of risk is mainly attributable to higher asset volumes, and to a lesser extent, to revisions made to the assumptions used for determining the economic scenarios by asset class, to account for the deterioration of macroeconomic and geo-strategic risks.

    The operating income stands at €2,645 thousand (€3,797 thousand as of June 30, 2023). This led to a rise in the cost/income ratio to 73.1% (68.2% as of June 30, 2023). Relative to credit volumes, operating expenses account for 19 basis points; this is a 1 basis-point improvement compared to December 31, 2023, confirming the efficiency of our model.

    Financial strength

    The highlight event for AFL during the period was the ACPR (Supervision and Resolution Authority)’s decision on June 21, 2024 (and published on July 3, 2024) to change the credit risk weighting of exposures to French local authorities from 20% to 0%. This decision is applicable to municipalities, departments, regions and EPCI (with specific tax status), and has generated a significant facial increase for the AFL Group’s solvency ratio.

    Furthermore, following its decision on June 21, 2024, the ACPR supervisory college announced that the debt issued by AFL would qualify as HQLA1 if the percentage of the credit granted by AFL to local authorities with 0% weightings is above 90% of its outstanding credit. Exposure to French local authorities with 0% weightings stands at 94.9% as of June 30, 2024 – which is largely above the minimum threshold of 90%.

    • The CET1 solvency ratio (consolidated) stands at 77.7% (13.23% at 31/12/2023);
    • The leverage ratio, calculated using the methodology applicable to public development credit institutions, was 9.69% (compared to 8.86% as of 31/12/2023 and for a regulatory limit of 3%);
    • The banking leverage ratio stands at 2.42% (2.24% as of 31/12/2023);
    • The liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) stands at 622%, above the regulatory limit of 100%;
    • The net stable funding ratio (NSFR) stands at 171%, above the regulatory threshold of 100%;
    • The 12-month internal liquidity ratio (NCRR) came to 98% at 30 June 2024, corresponding to a liquidity reserve of €2.1 billion. This will allow AFL to meet all its needs for almost 12 months without having to turn to the market.  

    Post-closing events

    • Since the end of H1 2024, on July 18, 2024, AFL tapped its bond maturing on March 20, 2034, by €250 million with a narrower margin of 23 basis points over the OAT rate. This narrower margin stems from the HQLA1 classification of the debt issued by AFL (cf. ACPR decision explained above).
    • As of August 31, 2024, AFL’s medium- and long-term loan production was €831 million, confirming its steady and solid growth.
    • A further capital increase was carried out by the Board of Directors of AFL-ST on September 25, 2024, to allow new local authorities to gain membership.
    • On September 4, 2024, AFL published the credit ratings assigned by Fitch Ratings: AA- (stable outlook) for mid-and long-term debt and F1+ (stable outlook) for short-term debt. At the same time, for purposes of methodology, Moody’s was asked to delete all ratings and assessments it had completed on AFL.
    • To continue to support the growth momentum of its loan portfolio and to address demand from its members, while maintaining high levels of equity capital, AFL is looking into the possibility of issuing super subordinated debt in the near future, market conditions permitting.

    AFL credit rating at 25 September, 2024

      Fitch Ratings Standard & Poor’s
    Long-term rating AA- AA-
    Outlook Stable Stable
    Short-term rating F1+ A-1+

    AFL’s Management Board signed off on AFL’s interim financial statements2for the first half of 2024 on September 10, 2024. At its meeting on September 25, 2024, chaired by Sacha Briand, AFL’s Supervisory Board approved AFL’s interim financial statements.
    At its meeting on September 25, 2024, chaired by Marie Ducamin, the Board of Directors of AFL-ST, the Société Territoriale (parent company), approved AFL Group’s consolidated interim financial statements.

    The Statutory Auditors conducted a limited review of the concise interim parent company and consolidated financial statements for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024, and their reports are available at:
    http://www.agence-france-locale.fr

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Although AFL Group believes that these statements are based on reasonable assumptions as of the date of this press release, they are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, relating in particular to the impacts of the war in Ukraine and the resulting economic crisis, which may cause actual results to differ from those indicated or implied in these statements.

    AFL Group’s financial information for the first half of the year consists of this press release and the report available on the website:

    https://www.agence-france-locale.fr/actualite/first-half-year-2024-results/

    About Agence France Locale

    “Embody responsible finance and empower local authorities to respond to the present and future needs of their inhabitants.”
    “By creating the first bank that we wholly own and manage, we, the French local authorities, have taken a strong political step toward decentralization. Agence France Locale is unlike any other financial institution. Created by and for local authorities, it acts in a local context to strengthen our freedom, our ability to develop projects and our responsibility as public actors. Its culture of prudence safeguards us against the potential dangers posed by the complexity and depth of its governance and conflicts of interest. Its fundamental objective is to offer local authorities access to resources on the best terms and with complete transparency. We are guided by the principles of solidarity and equity. Convinced that we will go further together, we wanted an agile institution that would appeal to all authorities, from the largest regions to the smallest municipalities. We see profit as a way to optimize public spending, not an end in itself. Through AFL, we support a local environment committed to addressing social, economic and environmental challenges. AFL strengthens our power to act, to carry out projects locally, for today and tomorrow, for the good of the people who live there. We are proud to have a bank that expresses growth as we see it, ever more responsible and sustainable. We are Agence France Locale.”

    More information can be found on http://www.afl-banque.fr         

    1The decree of July 15, 2024 amending the Code Général des Collectivités Territoriales (French Law for Regional and Local Authorities) states that local authorities wishing to become members of AFL must ensure that the risk appetite framework set by the banking institution includes a minimum equity capital threshold of at least 1.7 % of total exposure.
    2 During the first half of 2024, AFL purchased office space through its subsidiary Agence France Locale Foncière. This property will house AFL’s headquarters from 2027.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Virtune AB (Publ) announces its expansion into France through the listing of Virtune Staked Solana ETP on Euronext Paris

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, 26th of September 2024 — Virtune, a Swedish regulated digital asset manager and issuer of crypto Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) based in Stockholm, Sweden, announces its expansion into France through the listing of its Virtune Staked Solana ETP on Euronext Paris.

    With strong traction and consistent inflows in the Nordic regions driven by increasing interest and crypto adoption, expanding into France is a strategic milestone for Virtune. Virtune has since its inception in May 2023 been growing rapidly in the Nordics where it has listed a total of 12 products and reached more than 31 000 investors in its products in just about one year.

    The key success factors have been an educational focus, a transparent market approach and through its regulated status. This move not only addresses growing investor enthusiasm but also enhances our market presence across Europe.

    Christopher Kock, CEO of Virtune, stated:

    “We are thrilled to expand into France with the introduction of our Staked Solana ETP to the French investor community after its successful launch in the Nordic markets. Since our inception in May 2023, we have worked tirelessly to drive crypto adoption through educational efforts in the Nordics and we are excited to extend these efforts to the French financial market. This ETP provides investors with enhanced exposure to Solana, one of the leading and most influential blockchains globally, while also offering additional returns through included staking.”

    About Virtune Staked Solana ETP
    Virtune Staked Solana ETP provides exposure to Solana combined with the benefits of staking. With staking incorporated, the ETP offers an additional annual return of approximately 3% on the investment made in the ETP, while at the same time offering an attractive annual fee of 0.95%.

    Like all of Virtune’s ETPs, Virtune Staked Solana ETP is 100% physically backed and fully collateralized, is denominated in EUR for the French audience and is available on brokerage platforms. Virtune uses Coinbase as the crypto custodian where the underlying SOL tokens are being stored with highest institutional grade security in cold-storage. The underlying SOL tokens are being staked directly from cold-storage and the staking rewards are being reflected in the daily price of the ETP.

    Key Product Information:

    Exposure to Solana with approximately 3% annual return through staking
    100% physically backed by SOL
    0.95% annual management fee
    Non-custodial staking

    Virtune Staked Solana ETP:

    Trading Currency: EUR
    First Day of Trading: Tuesday, 17th of September 2024
    Euronext Exchange Ticker: VRTS
    Bloomberg Ticker: VIRSOL
    ISIN: SE0021309754
    Exchanges: Euronext Paris, Euronext Amsterdam, Nasdaq Stockholm

    About Virtune AB (Publ)
    Virtune is a registered financial institution with the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA) for trading and managing digital assets and has an approved EU Base Prospectus, renewed with the Swedish FSA on April 5, 2024 which has enabled Virtune’s strategy of listing ETPs on regulated European exchanges. Virtune’s mission is to provide seamless access to crypto assets for both institutional and retail investors through innovative ETPs, transparency, and education.

    Virtune has a wide offering of crypto ETPs that includes Virtune Bitcoin ETP, Virtune Staked Ethereum ETP, Virtune Staked Solana ETP, Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index ETP, Virtune XRP ETP, Virtune Chainlink ETP, Virtune Avalanche ETP, Virtune Staked Polkadot ETP, Virtune Staked Polygon ETP, Virtune Arbitrum ETP and Virtune Staked Cardano ETP.

    About Solana
    Solana is a high-performance blockchain platform designed to offer fast and scalable decentralized application operations and cryptocurrency transactions. By using a unique consensus mechanism known as Proof of History (PoH) along with Proof of Stake (PoS), Solana can handle thousands of transactions per second with low transaction costs, which is a significant improvement over older blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This combination of technologies not only allows for instant transaction verification but also a significant increase in network throughput without compromising security or decentralization.

    About staking
    Staking enables crypto asset owners to earn passive income by participating in the validation and confirmation of transactions on a blockchain through a process known as Proof of Stake. This mechanism is a fundamental component of Proof of Stake blockchains, like Ethereum and Solana, and plays a vital role in ensuring the security and authenticity of blockchain transactions. To facilitate a transaction on the blockchain securely and accurately, a validator must stake a certain amount of crypto asset as a guarantee of the transaction’s legitimacy.

    The validator aims to stake as much crypto assets as possible to increase the likelihood of receiving rewards, which are paid out in the same type of crypto asset that was staked. For instance, if you stake Solana, you receive additional SOL tokens as a reward. The annual reward percentage for staking can vary and may range from 0-14% or higher for some blockchains. Most crypto asset holders cannot act as validators themselves, as it requires significant amounts of crypto assets. Therefore, many choose to stake their assets through an established and trusted validator. Virtune includes staking rewards in its products that have ‘staked’ included in their names.

    Flow Traders will act as the market maker for the ETP, ensuring that French investors can access the product easily and efficiently during Euronext market hours.

    Stockholm, 26th of September 2024

    For further inquiries, please contact:
    Christopher Kock, CEO & Member of the Board of Directors
    Email: hello@virtune.com

    About Virtune AB (Publ)
    Virtune with its headquarters in Stockholm is a regulated Swedish digital asset manager and issuer of crypto exchange traded products on regulated European exchanges.

    With regulatory compliance, strategic collaborations with industry leaders and our proficient team, we empower investors on a global level to access innovative and sophisticated investment products that are aligned with the evolving landscape of the global crypto market.

    Cryptocurrency investments are associated with high risk. Virtune does not provide investment advice. Investments are made at your own risk. Securities may increase or decrease in value, and there is no guarantee that you will recover your invested capital. Please read the prospectus, KID, terms at http://www.virtune.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: OCE Profiles – September 2024

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Geneva in French

    Are you looking for a tourism specialist? Check out the profiles of these three experienced candidates:
    With nearly 20 years of professional experience in the business travel sector, this expert has proven herself within large groups. Throughout her career, her recognized organizational skills have enabled her to establish lasting and qualitative collaborations with both her clients and her business partners.
    Key skills

    Complete coordination of business travel for over 100 employees (visa applications, transportation tickets, accommodations, transfers, etc.) Negotiation and maintenance of numerous annual contracts with local and international travel partners to improve the quality of services and save on overall travel expenses Management of the review and approval process for all travel expense reimbursement requests Collection and analysis of company travel data for ad hoc, quarterly and annual business travel reports

    Trainings

    December 2023: Certificate in Corporate Travel Execution (CCTE), Online Course, Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) October 2023: Certificate in Advanced Principles of Corporate Travel Management, Online Course, Global Business Travel Association (GBTA)

    LANGUAGES

    Russian: mother tongue English: excellent knowledge French: good knowledge

    Fascinated by travel since childhood, this travel advisor with 25 years of experience in this sector has visited more than 35 countries throughout her career! She wishes to continue to make her solid knowledge and skills available by advising a clientele with a desire for escape and discoveries that are both varied and atypical.
    Key skills

    Informed and tailor-made advice to a diverse and demanding clientele, preparation of quotes and administrative follow-up in its entirety Creation of precise and useful “travel diaries” (electronic and paper) for travelers Effective management of unforeseen events, rapid research and proposals for alternative solutions Achievement of quantified objectives and active participation in the development and visibility of the agency/company during promotional events

    Trainings

    1998: GDS Galileo certificate, IATA, Geneva 1996-1997: IATA travel agent diploma, Geneva

    LANGUAGES

    French: mother tongue English: good knowledge Italian: excellent knowledge

    With 10 years of experience in the travel industry, this professional prioritizes high-quality listening and communication with her clients in order to satisfy them beyond their expectations. Creative and determined, resistant to pressure, she excels at quickly finding realistic and effective solutions.
    Key skills

    Rapid identification of customer needs and delivery of advice or solutions tailored to their desires and budget Complete and personalized operational management for all types of travel (air, rail, car and hotels). Monitoring of travelers throughout their trip Identification and proposal of price optimizations. Interface with suppliers or service providers Handling of disputes and complaints to the satisfaction of all parties

    Trainings

    2017 – various training courses: Baggage Services Training / Branding

    LANGUAGES

    Spanish: mother tongue English: bilingual French: perfect knowledge Are you interested in one of these candidate profiles? Would you like to discover others? Contact the OCE Employers Department:oce.de@etat.ge.ch

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Government announcement of 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Grisons in Italian

    The government has granted the Chur Unihockey and Piranha Chur associations a cantonal contribution from the special sports funding of up to CHF 135,000 per year for the three-year pilot project for the professionalization of large clubs in Graubünden. The project is based on the desired professionalization of the two National League A floorball associations in the course of the planned merger of the associations. Specifically, this is to be achieved through the appointment of a director or sports manager. The establishment of the new large association is planned for autumn 2024. The decision to contribute to this pilot project is subject to the approval of the merger by both existing associations.

    The management of large sports associations in Graubünden and throughout Switzerland is predominantly undertaken by voluntary board members. They are often supported by a secretariat that performs purely administrative tasks and is managed on a subsidiary basis. However, in addition to professional and family obligations, the large commitment to the associations usually leads to a more or less significant overload of the board members. This does not lead to significant progress in the development of the association. Such inefficient management and the scarcity of resources jeopardize the function of large associations as models, places of social cohesion, training centers and performance centers. However, professional operational management does not compete with volunteering, but rather strengthens it. The pilot project aims to gather valuable experience to test whether investments in a more efficient management can be refinanced through increased revenue and whether improved management of the association pays off from a sporting and organizational point of view for members and employees. The findings should pave the way for optimizing structures within other sports associations, so that volunteer work becomes attractive again in terms of content and feasible in terms of time. According to the submitted project, the total costs for the three-year pilot phase amount to 960,000 francs.

    Chur Unihockey and Piranha Chur on the occasion of the 2023 association day held together / © Chur Unihockey

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese FM urges EU not to politicize trade issues

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China and Europe share extensive converging interests, and should promote mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, as well as advocate for openness and cooperation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in New York on Wednesday.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

    Wang expressed hope that the European Union would maintain strategic autonomy and avoid politicizing economic and trade issues.

    On the bilateral ties, Wang urged Greece and China to strengthen the two major ties of civilizational exchange and practical cooperation to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership.

    For his part, the Greek minister affirmed Greece’s adherence to the one-China principle, support for Europe-China cooperation, and commitment to free trade.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Appeal following sexual assault and robbery in Finchley

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives are appealing for help to identify a man after a woman was sexually assaulted and had her possessions stolen in north London.

    Police were called at 04:35hrs on Friday, 13 September to reports of a robbery on Regents Park Road in Finchley.

    The victim, aged in her 70s, was getting off a bus when she was followed by an unknown man who pushed her into a doorway and sexually assaulted her. He then ran off having stolen her bank cards and roughly £20,000 worth of jewellery.

    The victim suffered several broken ribs and a broken leg as a result of the incident and remains in hospital.

    PC Harry Morrice, from the North West area’s local investigations team, said: “This was an extremely distressing incident which has left an elderly woman in hospital, having suffered serious injuries.

    “We are committed to finding the perpetrator and continue to carry out a number of enquiries in order to hold those responsible to account.

    “We are now releasing an image of a man we would like to identify and are asking for assistance from the public. We are also keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen the robbery, or a man running off.

    “Any information you provide will be treated in the strictest confidence. Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously.”

    Anyone who knows this man or has information can call police on 101 or message @MetCC on X quoting CAD 838/13Sep.

    Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: The European Investment Fund (EIF) and the Hungarian National Capital Holding (NCH) Launch a €40 Million VC Fund to Strengthen Enterprises with Social and Environmental Impact

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BUDAPEST, Hungary, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The European Investment Fund (EIF) and the Hungarian National Capital Holding (NCH) have launched Impact Ventures III, a €40 million venture capital fund aimed at supporting early-stage, innovative SMEs and startups with positive social and environmental impacts in Hungary and Central Eastern Europe.

    The new fund, which complies with paragraph 8 of the SFDR regulation on sustainability in the financial sector, is being launched in partnership with the National Capital Holding (NCH) and the European Investment Fund (EIF). The fund is once again managed by Impact Ventures Ltd, a specialist in corporate financing for social and environmental purposes, and aims to build on the success of previous investment periods of Impact Ventures I and II VC Funds. The new fund primarily provides VC investment, focusing on niche markets in highly scalable, technology-based key areas such as health and medical technology, education technology, recycling and waste management, as well as clean energy.

    “The successful investment periods of the previous funds demonstrate the need to embrace sustainable business models that deliver significant benefit to society and the environment. It’s a particularly proud moment that EIF has once again chosen us to be their partner in establishing a new VC fund supporting Hungarian and CEE startups,” said Bence Katona, CEO of National Capital Holding.

    “We are very glad to be renewing our collaboration with Impact Ventures and thus contributing to the sustainable development of both the Hungarian and broader European economy. The fund offers a vital new source of financing to a commercially underserved segment of the economy, supporting companies that can ultimately enhance quality of life and environmental protection. Our ongoing collaboration with the National Capital Holding reaffirms that partnerships between EU institutions, the public and private sectors, and financial institutions can serve to accelerate social development and a sustainable economy,” said Roger Havenith, Deputy Chief Executive of EIF.

    In addition to delivering financial returns, the companies are required to achieve measurable social and environmental impacts. To this end, the EIF has developed a unique set of criteria that describes the definition of specific, quantifiable social or environmental objectives for each investment.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/01e85a57-aeaf-46b7-95c9-b254676e6c6a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Capital Markets Day – Solutions30 outlines its 2026 roadmap

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    A European leader in rapid-response, multi-technology fields services, positioned on attractive markets where key players are investing several billions per year

    A >€1 bn Group entering a new phase of its development, prioritizing margins and cash generation and applying strict selectivity and discipline to its operations, particularly on its most mature markets

    Germany emerging as Group’s top performer in terms of growth and profitability and future 3rdpillar alongside France and Benelux, with revenue to triple and reach €150m to €200m by 2026 as a first milestone

    Clear action plan to accelerate diversification in energy transition-related services, expected to triple in size in France by 2026 and to rise sharply in other countries

    Strong focus on margin: adjusted EBITDA margin expected above 10% in all three major geographies by 2026

    Disciplined capital allocation: selective and accretive bolt-on M&A while maintaining a conservative financial policy, based on non-dilutive financing

    Solutions30 is holding today a Capital Markets Day in Paris, where it will present its roadmap for 2026. The presentation is available live through a webcast (see connection details at the end of this press release).

    Gianbeppi Fortis, Chief Executive Officer said: “Over the past 20 years, Solutions30 has consistently demonstrated its ability to grow and replicate its unique business model across technologies and sectors where it makes a difference for its customers. Now, having surpassed €1bn in revenue across nine countries, Solutions30 is entering a new phase of development with clear priorities: to establish Germany as the Group’s third pillar and top-performing region, accelerate diversification into the energy transition-related services, prioritize margins over volumes through strict discipline and contract selectivity particularly in its mature markets, and improve cash generation while maintaining a conservative financial policy. Although our ambition extends far beyond, we are setting an initial milestone for 2026, with concrete action plans and realistic targets, tailored to each of our markets. We are confident that our strategy will drive sustainable, long-term profitable growth.”

    A European leader in rapid-response, multi-technology field services positioned on attractive markets driven by the digital transformation and the energy transition

    Since its inception 20 years ago, Solutions30 has demonstrated its agility to deploy its business model wherever it makes a difference. Originated as a technology company, it has followed technological evolution and captured market opportunities from IT support to telecommunications, then energy.

    Today, Solutions30 operates in 9 countries with 16,000 technicians and revenue over €1bn across 3 verticals: Connectivity (76% of Group revenue), Energy (14%) and Technology (10%). Key European customers on these markets, typically large technology and energy B2B and B2C groups, have announced several billion euros of investment budget per year, with a cumulative c.€50 billion p.a. in the coming years, driven by two strong secular trends that are shaping today’s world: the digital transformation and the energy transition.

    Entering a new phase of development with a clear 2026 roadmap

    Having surpassed the €1 billion revenue mark in 2023, and active in a broad range of markets with different stages of maturity, Solutions30 is entering a new phase of its development. Although its ambition extends far beyond, the Group is setting today an initial milestone for 2026, with concrete, bottom-up action plans and targets defined at regional level, and an over-arching priority given to selectivity and profitability.

    In Benelux, Solutions30 is currently navigating a temporary situation where ongoing negotiations between Belgian telecom service providers aimed at streamlining fiber deployments across the country are causing delays in the Group’s activities and therefore impacting its performance in 2024. However, faced with strong opportunities offered by the early stage of fiber roll-out in Belgium, as well as the massive investments in power grid upgrade across the region, the Group is confident it can capitalize on its strong market positioning and resume its profitable growth trajectory as soon as 2025 (regardless of the outcome of the aforementioned negotiations) and expects adjusted EBITDA margin above 10% by 2026.

    In France, vast opportunities lie ahead in the Energy sector, where the Group has successfully replicated his business model and has emerged as a key partner to its customers. Energy revenue is expected to triple compared to 2023 and reach c. €150 million in 2026. In Connectivity, the Group is working towards stabilization, applying strict contract selectivity and prioritizing margins over volumes, while positioning itself to seize future opportunities like copper decommissioning, which could represent a market size of up to €1 billion per year. Adjusted EBITDA margin, benefitting from the comprehensive transformation plan launched in 2022, is expected to be above 10% by 2026.

    Germany is delivering on its promises, establishing itself as the Group’s top performer in terms of revenue growth, margins and cash flow performance. While the region is on a trajectory to become Solutions30’s third pillar alongside France and Benelux, benefitting from unique market dynamics in both Connectivity and Energy, a first milestone is set in 2026, when Germany’s revenue is expected between €150 million and €200 million, with adjusted EBITDA margin well above 10%. The country should then continue to grow faster than the rest of the Group.

    Across the rest of Europe, Solutions30 has adopted a portfolio management approach, aiming at sustaining Poland’s profitable growth, further improving performance in the UK, and either restoring margin in Italy and Spain by 2026 or initiating a strategic review in these two countries.

    Targeted and selective bolt-on acquisitions as a key growth driver. Since 2009, the Group has leveraged this strategy, successfully completing over 30 acquisitions with a combined annual revenue of approximately €350 million, all financed without any capital increase. Bolt-on M&A will continue to be a central pillar of the Group’s growth strategy and a primary focus for capital allocation, as part of a conservative financial policy that has historically resulted in a very limited leverage ratio, consistently below 2x net debt to adjusted EBITDA, and excludes any dilutive financing instruments.

    Lastly, the Group confirms its 2024 full-year outlook, as detailed in its press release dated September 18th, 2024.

    Beyond 2026, longer-term ambitions

    Building on its strong positioning, the attractiveness of its markets, and the fragmented nature of its competition, Solutions30 believes that, in the long term, it can double in size, with a service portfolio increasingly focused on Energy, and achieve a double-digit adjusted EBITDA margin at the Group level. Upon completion of its 2026 roadmap, Solutions30 will host another Capital Markets Day to set objectives for the next milestone.

    Sustainability at the heart of Solutions30’s business

    A significant portion of Solutions30’s activities act as enablers of the energy transition. 8% of the Group’s revenue is aligned with the EU Taxonomy for sustainable activities, including installation and maintenance of Smart meters, photovoltaic panels, EV chargers and grid services, as well as reutilization and refurbishment of IT equipment. Internally, the Group has defined a comprehensive ESG strategy, translated into concrete objectives for 2024, which will be complemented by 2030 carbon emissions reduction targets for Scope 1, 2 & 3 through the SBTi process (validation expected by the end of 2024).

    Webcast for investors and analysts

    Date: Wednesday, September 26, 2024
    8:30 PM (CET) – 7:30 PM (GMT)

    Speakers:
    Thomas Kremer, Member of the Supervisory Board
    Gianbeppi Fortis, Chief Executive Officer
    Amaury Boilot, Group General Secretary
    Luc Brusselaers, Chief Revenue Officer
    Wojcieh Pomykala, Chief Operations Officer
    Katarzyna Kuszewska, Group Head of Legal
    Denis Coleu, Groupe HR Director
    Jonathan Crauwels, Chief Financial Officer
    Nathalie Duchesne, Group Head of ESG, Risk & Compliance

    Connection details:

    Webcast in English: https://solutions30.capital-markets-day.eu/

    Upcoming events

    Q3 2024 Revenue Report November 4, 2024 (after market close)

    About Solutions30 SE

    Solutions30 provides consumers and businesses with access to the key technological advancements that are shaping our everyday lives, especially those driving the digital transformation and energy transition. With its network of more than 16 000 technicians, Solutions30 has completed over 65 million call-outs since its inception and led over 500 renewable energy projects with a combined maximum output surpassing 1600 MWp. Every day, Solutions30 is doing its part to build a more connected and sustainable world. Solutions30 has become an industry leader in Europe with operations in 10 countries: France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Poland.
    The capital of Solutions30 SE consists of 107,127,984 shares, equal to the number of theoretical votes that can be exercised. Solutions30 SE is listed on the Euronext Paris exchange (ISIN FR0013379484- code S30). Stock indexes: CAC Mid & Small | CAC Small | CAC Technology | Euro Stoxx Total Market Technology | Euronext Tech Croissance.
    Visit our website for more information: http://www.solutions30.com

    Contact

    Individual Shareholders:
    shareholders@solutions30.com – Tel: +33 (0)1 86 86 00 63

    Analysts/investors:
    investor.relations@solutions30.com

    Press – Image 7:
    Charlotte Le Barbier – Tel: +33 6 78 37 27 60 – clebarbier@image7.fr

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Joint statement by Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    We, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, reaffirm, here in Ottawa, the strong bond between Canada and France. This meeting reflects the importance of our historical and cultural ties and the enduring friendship between our nations that is rooted in a shared history, a common language and the values that drive what we do. 

    We also enjoy a strong trade relationship. Together, we are working to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, as well as a transparent, rules-based multilateral trade system. Since the provisional implementation of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in 2017, trade between Canada and France has grown significantly (over 53% for Canadian exports and nearly 46% for French exports in the span of seven years). Our bilateral trade helps to make life more affordable for our citizens and create good jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.

    In an international context marked by many different overlapping and mutually reinforcing crises, our two countries are determined to protect fundamental democratic principles in the face of authoritarian, populist and hateful ideologies. We stand up for human rights, fairness, and the rule of law, with due respect for international law and state sovereignty.

    Canada and France are facing foreign information manipulation and interference operations. Canada and France will strengthen their exchanges to effectively respond to these threats. In particular, Canada and France will work closely within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to create tools to guide countries in developing public policy focused on strengthening information integrity. In addition, through fora such as the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) and the Forum on Information & Democracy, we are also developing collective approaches to counter other threats to democracy and will continue to advance these objectives in our successive G7 presidencies in 2025 and 2026.

    Enhancing our bilateral cooperation 

    This year, we commemorated the sacrifices made by Canadians, the French and our Allies on the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landing. We will work to step up our bilateral cooperation in security and defence in order to improve our ability to respond to geopolitical crises. To that end, the Canada-France Declaration on a Stronger Defence and Security Partnership, which we are announcing today, will enable us to provide more effective support to Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, contribute to regional stability and security in the Indo-Pacific, strengthen our cooperation in modernizing our armed forces, and combat foreign information manipulation and interference. 

    To support French and Canadian citizens around the world, we also wish to strengthen our cooperation with respect to emergency preparedness and crisis management. We applaud the work of Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre and France’s Centre de crise et de soutien in this area.

    Fighting climate change and protecting the ecosystems and environment

    In response to the triple planetary crisis of climate warming, biodiversity loss, and pollution, we will continue to step up our cooperation, particularly in the fight against climate change and ocean protection. We will do this through our bilateral and multilateral actions, in line with the France-Canada Partnership, which was renewed in April, in which we pledged to work together, in particular to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Diversity Framework and to strengthen our climate and energy commitments, as well as our shared commitment to adopting a legally binding international agreement to address plastic pollution.

    Our Canada-France Declaration on the Ocean speaks to our readiness to put oceans at the heart of the bilateral and international agenda—with recognition of their critical role in the environmental and climate balance—in preparation for the June 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice. We also underscore their importance in providing food and energy sources, a vector for economic exchanges, and a vital link between countries and communities. The Prime Minister and the President also emphasized their commitment to working together in the fisheries sector, as demonstrated by the recent agreement reached on the Atlantic halibut fishery.

    Our two countries will also pursue their political commitment towards the adoption of a legally binding treaty to put an end to plastic pollution that meets our peoples’ expectations, with ambitious measures throughout the life cycle of plastic, from production to waste management. 

    To keep the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 °C target within reach, we will accelerate efforts on operationalizing the global stocktake’s decision on transitioning away from fossil fuels, including in the context of our G7 presidencies. We will continue to work with determination to align financial flows with the Paris Agreement, in particular by disclosing climate change risks and phasing out fossil fuel subsidies. We will continue our work together to expand the scope and use of carbon market instruments, while supporting countries that are interested in implementing these instruments.

    Canada is pleased to join France and the many countries that support The Paris Pact for People and the Planet (4P) in responding to the dual challenge of combatting poverty and preserving the planet. Further, to encourage increased funding in support of sustainable development, our two countries will continue to participate actively in the United Nations Secretary-General’s SDG Stimulus Leaders’ Group.

    Our responses to energy security concerns will aim to secure long-term energy supply in keeping with our climate objectives, and in a manner that ensures continued prosperity for both of our countries. Building on the Joint Statement Between Canada and France on Nuclear Energy Cooperation of fall 2023, we are working together to step up civil nuclear cooperation between our two countries, with a focus on identifying project funding solutions and upgrading skills and training for the trades. We will also work to accelerate the global phase-out of coal through our support for the Powering Past Coal Alliance and the Coal Transition Accelerator. 

    Recognizing the key role of critical minerals in supporting a green and digital economy, our two countries will work on the need to explore opportunities for joint investment in critical minerals projects, with the aim of securing their respective value chains. Canada and France are also founding members of the Sustainable Critical Minerals Alliance, which aims to promote on a global scale sustainable and socially inclusive mining, processing and recycling practices, and responsible critical minerals supply chains. We will continue to work with like-minded countries to reaffirm these values. Lastly, Canada and France will work together to develop low-carbon, efficient, sustainable and resilient transportation systems, whether in the aviation, rail or marine sectors.

    Embracing artificial intelligence responsibly

    Canada and France consider science and technology to be important levers for meeting the major challenges of the 21st century. We are mindful of the importance of developing a responsible approach to artificial intelligence (AI) that takes into account both risks and benefits, as demonstrated in the joint launch of the Global Partnership for Artificial Intelligence in 2020. The Canada-France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence published today reiterates our commitment to responsible, safe AI that respects human rights and democratic values. To promote and support scientific research in the field of AI, we welcome the recent call for proposals from last July for new funding, launched under the auspices of the Joint Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation uniting our two countries. 

    Expanding Canada-France collaboration in all areas of AI, we will further our work together at the AI Action Summit, to be hosted by France on February 10 and 11, 2025. With a view to promoting outreach and cooperation between our companies and business organizations and providing solutions, Canada is proud to announce that it will be Country of the Year at VivaTech 2025 in Paris. Responsible use of AI can create economic benefits for everyone, and adopting it can increase economic productivity and growth, for the benefit of all workers and businesses.

    In addition, our two countries will continue to work together to establish a digital dialogue on platform governance and ensure that AI is designed, developed, and deployed ethically and in compliance with copyright. This would allow us to recognize the important shared challenges in the digital space that have a considerable impact on the strength and health of culture and media in Canada and France.

    Promoting the French language throughout the world

    Canada and France reaffirm their support for the promotion of French and for the institutions of La Francophonie, and they commit to concluding a Canada-France Memorandum of Understanding on the Cité Internationale de la Langue Française on the margins of the upcoming Francophonie Summit in Villers-Cotterêts and Paris, France, on October 4 and 5. With our partners in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, we will support linguistic and cultural diversity, peace, democracy, and human rights. The Summit will also provide an opportunity to strengthen education, research, and innovation in French, as well as economic and digital cooperation for sustainable development. 

    Addressing geopolitical challenges

    We reiterate our strongest condemnation of Russia’s more than 900-day war of aggression in Ukraine. In the face of this war, which jeopardizes the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic region, we reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine in all areas, for as long as it takes. We continue to work towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on international law, and in particular the principles of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. In line with the NATO Washington Summit Declaration, we will continue to deepen our support for Ukraine, to give it the means to defend itself and deter Russian aggression. We are pursuing our efforts to support Ukraine in its reform process, notably in the fields of justice, the fight against corruption, and promotion of the rule of law. We also underscore the efforts of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, co-chaired by Canada with the participation of France. Finally, we are committed to helping to operationalize the agreement reached at the G7 Summit in Apulia to leverage immobilized Russian sovereign assets for the benefit of Ukraine.

    We also condemn in the strongest possible terms the October 7 massacres perpetrated by Hamas against Israel, and recognize Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law. We are extremely concerned by the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and by the appalling situation of the civilian population, which has been repeatedly displaced within the country and is unable to meet its most basic needs. Canada and France therefore call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the unfettered access of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Canada and France support the two‑state solution, which includes the creation of a Palestinian state, living in peace and security, alongside the State of Israel.

    We also wish to maintain our support for Haiti, to help re-establish security, the rule of law, and democracy. While we remain concerned about the humanitarian and security situation there, we are nevertheless pleased to note the progress made, including the establishment of the Transitional Presidential Council, a Prime Minister and a Cabinet of Ministers. We also welcome the fact that the creation of the Provisional Electoral Council is well underway. We are committed to supporting preparations for free, fair, and transparent elections. Canada and France will continue to work closely together to support the Haitian National Police, the Multinational Security Support Mission, and the strengthening of the justice sector and the fight against corruption and financial crime. 

    In the Indo-Pacific region, our two countries will study the deployment of joint patrol missions in the future, and will maintain their participation in multilateral exercises. To this end, our two countries will work on the possibility of integrating Canadian support into the deployment of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier.

    Coordinating our successive 2025 and 2026 G7 presidencies

    We will strengthen strategic coordination between our governments in the context of our bilateral and multilateral exchanges, and with a view to our successive G7 presidencies in 2025 and 2026. We are determined to meet today’s global challenges, guided by our shared desire to build a better future based on our common values, and supported by the rich and dynamic relationship between our two countries.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister concludes successful visit from President of France to Canada

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, welcomed the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, to Canada from September 25 to 26, 2024. With stops in Ottawa, Ontario, and Montréal, Quebec, the visit helped further strengthen the close ties between our countries and advance our shared priorities.

    The leaders announced three key declarations that will align Canada and France’s work to preserve peace and security, take ambitious climate action, protect the environment, and responsibly harness the full potential of artificial intelligence (AI).

    The first of these three declarations, the Canada-France Declaration on a Stronger Defence and Security Partnership, underscores Canada and France’s steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal invasion. It also reaffirms our contributions to regional stability and security in the Indo-Pacific and reflects our co-operation in managing emergencies, modernizing our armed forces, and combatting foreign interference.

    The two leaders discussed shared, ongoing work to respond to the humanitarian situation in Haiti and reiterated their support for the United Nations-authorized Multinational Security Support mission in the country. Canada and France are in steadfast support of Haitian-led solutions to the conflict that will make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of the Haitian people – and build a better future.

    Building on the progress made at the United Nations General Assembly and the Summit of the Future earlier this week, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron highlighted the critical importance of continued action to fight climate change and protect our oceans. In the Canada-France Declaration on the Ocean, the leaders underlined the vital role that oceans play for the environment, the climate, the economy, and food and energy security throughout the world. To advance our work, Prime Minister Trudeau announced Canada’s membership in the Paris Pact for People and the Planet. The Pact, led by France and in partnership with global leaders, emphasizes collective action to accelerate sustainable development and create opportunities to help lift vulnerable populations out of poverty.

    During the visit, the Prime Minister and the President met with AI experts, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to discuss the risks and benefits of this new technology. Canada and France have world-leading AI ecosystems, including leadership roles in the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), which has 29 members worldwide. A testament to our progress in growing a dynamic AI industry, GPAI’s first two centres of expertise opened in Canada and France. Moving forward on this work, the Prime Minister and the President announced the Canada-France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence. The Declaration reiterates our countries’ commitment to a safe use of AI that respects human rights and democratic values.

    During President Macron’s visit, Canada was also named Country of the Year for the Viva Technology 2025 technology conference, which will be held in Paris next year. At this event, Canada’s delegation will collaborate with the international community and meet with thousands of visionary start-ups, investors, organizations, and researchers to leverage advances in AI to strengthen our economy, increase productivity, and create new opportunities for Canadians. SCALE AI, Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster dedicated to AI, will lead Canada’s business delegation.

    Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the French language and La Francophonie’s institutions ahead of the next Sommet de la Francophonie, which will be held in Villers-Cotterêts and Paris, France, on October 4 and 5, 2024. They also renewed their commitment to strengthening strategic coordination in preparation for the successive G7 Presidencies that Canada and France will hold, in 2025 and 2026 respectively.

    Quote

    “Canada and France’s relationship is built on shared history, a common language, and democratic values. President Macron’s visit to Canada is a testament to the enduring friendship between our two countries, and with the progress we have made over this visit, we will move forward to build a fairer and more prosperous future for our peoples.”

    Quick Facts

    • This was President Macron’s second visit to Canada. It followed both leaders’ participation in the United Nations General Assembly and Summit of the Future in New York City, United States of America.
    • As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the G7 and the G20, a founding member of the European Union, and a key partner in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, France is a key ally for Canada on the international stage.
    • In 2023, France was Canada’s third largest merchandise export market in the European Union, and its 12th largest trade partner globally, with two-way merchandise trade totalling $12.9 billion.
    • That same year, Canadian exports to France amounted to $4.3 billion, while imports from France totalled $8.7 billion.
    • In France, Canada is represented by an embassy in Paris and consulates in Lyon, Nice, and Toulouse. France is represented in Canada by its embassy in Ottawa and consulates in Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal, Québec, and Moncton.

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