Category: European Union

MIL-OSI Economics: Piero Cipollone: From dependency to autonomy: the role of a digital euro in the European payment landscape

Source: European Central Bank

Introductory statement by Piero Cipollone, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, at the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs of the European Parliament

Brussels, 23 September 2024

It is a pleasure to be here today to meet the new members of this Committee and to update you on the status of the digital euro project. Let me also congratulate Madame Lalucq on her election as ECON Chair.

The ECB appreciates the open and valuable exchanges we have had with the ECON Committee on the digital euro since the beginning of the project. I am fully committed to continuing these exchanges and look forward to our future discussions.

Today I will focus on three key areas. First, Europe’s dependency on foreign players for retail payments. Second, the benefits of a digital euro for everyone, including consumers, merchants and banks. And third, the progress we have made on the digital euro project so far.

Foreign dominance in the European payment landscape

Fast-forward to the year 2030. Imagine you are at the football World Cup in Spain. You want to buy a drink, but you can only pay with Alipay. This scenario is not as far-fetched as it may seem: this summer, buying tickets for the European Football Championships in Germany was only possible with Chinese or American means of payment.

Could you imagine this happening in the United States? Going to the finals of the American football league, for example, and having no American means of payment available? I certainly cannot.

The Eurosystem will of course continue to ensure that people in Europe can pay with cash.^[1] However, cash is becoming less and less popular as digital payments and online shopping grow.^[2]

For example, more and more people are buying their groceries online. But you can’t use cash to pay for these. More often than not, the only option is PayPal or an international card scheme like Visa or Mastercard.

And more and more people are using digital wallets like PayPal or Apple Pay on their mobile phones. By 2027 these platforms are expected to handle 40% of e-commerce and 27% of in-store payments in Europe.^[3]

At the same time, the share of companies in the euro area not accepting cash has been increasing significantly.^[4]

These developments are contributing to the marginalisation of elderly and less tech-savvy people. They also make us dependent on non-European companies, which is risky.

Imagine what would happen if you could not pay digitally. For example, two weeks ago significant parts of the European card payments market were shut down for almost an entire day.^[5] Just like with electricity, gas or water, we don’t think about payments until they stop working. For energy, we had to learn this the hard way following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. For payments, we owe it to Europeans to do better.

We need our own strong digital payments system.^[6] We can achieve this by bringing central bank money into the digital era with the introduction of a digital euro: a digital form of cash, issued by the central bank and available to everyone in the euro area.^[7]

A digital euro would strengthen Europe’s financial sovereignty and resilience because it would be built with European technology and infrastructure. It would empower Europe to independently develop and manage digital payment solutions, supporting the further deepening of the Single Market.^[8]

But most importantly, the digital euro would offer tangible benefits to all stakeholders – consumers, merchants and banks.

Benefits for European citizens

We strongly support the Single Currency Package^[9], which will ensure that cash remains widely accessible and accepted. At the same time, it will pave the way for a digital euro, which would take the advantages of cash into the digital world.

Consumers could use a digital euro for all payments, everywhere in the euro area, also when shopping online. With a digital euro, making or receiving payments would be free of charge and as easy as using cash today. Consumers would need to use only one device and remember just one password. In addition, having a single means of payment for all circumstances would make it easier for users to have an overview of their expenditure.

Importantly, a digital euro would seek to promote digital financial inclusion by ensuring that no one is left behind.^[10] It would be accessible to everyone across the euro area, via a mobile app or a physical card, so everyone can choose the technology that they are most comfortable with, no matter how old or tech-savvy they are.

Finally, a digital euro would offer the best possible privacy and data protection afforded by the current technology used in large payment systems.^[11] From the outset, ensuring user privacy has been a central focus of the digital euro project.

A digital euro would be available both online and offline.^[12] With the offline functionality, users would enjoy cash-like privacy. The details of your offline payments would only be known to you and the recipient. For online payments, too, we would ensure that your personal data remain your own. The Eurosystem will not be able to identify you, nor directly link you to your payments.^[13]

New opportunities for merchants

A digital euro would also bring new opportunities for European merchants.

Right now, merchants in Europe are largely dependent on a handful of dominant online or card payment methods, often relying on non-European providers. International card schemes currently account for 64% of card transactions in the euro area.^[14]

This costs European merchants a lot of money. They collectively pay a significant amount each year to international card schemes like Visa or Mastercard. And the cost is mostly borne by smaller merchants, who incur charges three to four times higher than those of their larger competitors.^[15]

A digital euro would include safeguards for merchants by capping the fees they pay to banks for processing payments.^[16] A digital euro would thus narrow the gap between what smaller and larger merchants are charged for digital payments.

By providing a true alternative to existing payment solutions, a digital euro would also put all merchants, large and small, in a stronger position to negotiate better conditions with other providers. Finally, it could provide a safety net for merchants in case of network or power outages, thanks to its offline functionality.^[17]

Benefits for banks

Banks would benefit too, particularly in our rapidly evolving payment landscape, in which new players – especially big tech companies from outside Europe – are increasingly entering the market. The banks would be remunerated for the services they offer, while the Eurosystem would cover the costs of the digital euro scheme and infrastructure.

When you compare a digital euro with services like PayPal or Apple Pay, the benefits for banks become even clearer. For instance, banks do not earn anything if people top up their PayPal wallet via direct debit. And with Apple Pay, banks actually have to pay a fee just to let their cards be used in Apple Wallet.

A digital euro would also open up a new source of revenue by allowing banks to provide value-added services to their customers.^[18]

We are working closely with the market to ensure that a digital euro leverages the existing standards as much as possible, which would keep costs down and support Europe’s competitive payment landscape.^[19]

Moreover, cards and applications currently available in only one or a handful of Member States could use these standards to reach customers across the euro area without the need to invest in new acceptance infrastructure. Therefore, a digital euro would mean that European payment service providers could offer their customers the convenience of using their product everywhere in the euro area – just like international card companies. It would also strengthen banks’ negotiating positions vis-à-vis these companies.

Finally, banks and other payment service providers would be responsible for distributing a digital euro, thus serving as the sole point of contact for digital euro users. So a digital euro could help banks retain their customers in the face of growing payments competition.

Project preparation phase at full speed

Let me now give you a brief update on where we stand with the project.^[20]

We started the investigation phase back in 2021 and are now at the midpoint of the preparation phase, with roughly one more year to go.

One of our key focus areas during this phase is to develop a methodology for determining the maximum amount of digital euro a person could hold at any time.^[21] The holding limits are important to ensure financial stability and prevent large-scale transfers from bank deposits to digital euro, especially during crises.

These limits would be high enough to avoid negatively affecting the digital euro user experience.^[22]

Experts from the ECB, the national central banks in the Eurosystem and national competent authorities, building on their unique know-how, have started to identify the factors that could influence the holding limit calibration, on the basis of three key areas defined in the draft Regulation: usability, monetary policy and financial stability.^[23]

While the exact holding limits would be defined closer to the potential launch and on the basis of a well-defined governance process enshrined in the draft Regulation,^{[the ECB’s Governing Council will decide whether to move to the next phase of the project. But the Governing Council will not take any decision about the issuance of a digital euro before the legislative act has been adopted.}

Conclusion

To conclude, introducing a digital euro across the euro area would take time, but it is key for Europe’s future. Countries across the world are exploring retail central bank digital currencies. If we want to be standard-setters and keep our position among the frontrunners, we need to move swiftly.

A digital euro is a common European project, which is why we are talking to all the relevant stakeholders and carefully listening to their views and concerns. I also remain committed to engaging regularly with the European Parliament.

Introducing a digital euro that all banks and other providers make available to their customers and that all merchants accept, everywhere in the euro area, would take several years. Market participants need certainty to invest in the digital euro and this requires coordination between co-legislators and the central bank.

I appreciate all the work that the ECON Committee has done on the digital euro so far. The legislative discussions are now in your hands. The ECB is of course ready to engage with the negotiating team and to provide continued technical support when needed.

It is important that the legislative and technical work advance in parallel, swiftly and in close cooperation. Together, we can ensure that the digital euro strengthens Europe’s financial sovereignty and serves all its citizens.

MIL OSI Economics –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Translation: 23/09/2024 Meeting of the Minister of Finance with the EU Commissioner for Economy

MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

Meeting of the Minister of Finance with the EU Commissioner for Economy23.09.2024

On September 23, 2024, Finance Minister Andrzej Domański met with Paolo Gentiloni, EU Commissioner for Economic Affairs. The discussion focused on the current economic situation in the European Union and Poland, including the potential impact of flooding. Undersecretary of State Paweł Karbownik also participated in the meeting. During the conversation, issues related to Poland’s preparation of a medium-term budgetary and structural plan, which will define the framework for fiscal policy for 2025-2028, were raised. In accordance with the new rules of economic governance in the EU, Member States are required to submit such plans to the European Commission by mid-October. Minister Domański presented Poland’s strategy for exiting the excessive deficit procedure, which Poland was subject to this year, paying particular attention to military expenditure, which is responsible for a part of the deficit of the general government sector.

MILES AXIS

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

MIL Translation OSI

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Andrzej Duda, President of the Republic of Poland

Source: United Nations secretary general

The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Andrzej Duda, President of the Republic of Poland.

The Secretary-General and the President discussed the war in Ukraine. They also exchanged views on the outcomes of the Summit of the Future.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA News: U.S.-UAE Joint Leaders’ Statement Dynamic Strategic Partners

Source: The White House

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and President Joseph R. Biden Jr. met today at the White House during an official visit of His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to the United States. The visit is the first-ever by a President of the United Arab Emirates to Washington and marks the leaders’ fourth bilateral meeting in the Biden-Harris Administration. The leaders affirmed the enduring U.S.-UAE strategic and defense partnership, bolstered areas of deepening cooperation in advanced technology and investments, and discussed global and regional matters. The leaders pledged to pursue new opportunities to strengthen their economic and defense partnership; promote peace and stability across the Middle East and wider region; and deliver global leadership on issues of shared importance. The five decades of U.S.-UAE ties and friendship are rooted in a strong foundation of close collaboration that has underpinned our countries’ prosperity and security.

The leaders welcomed the significant progress between the United Arab Emirates and the United States during their tenure through cooperation in building trusted technology ecosystems, the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), the U.S.-UAE Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE) initiative, and the Economic Policy Dialogue (EPD), all of which serve to uplift economic and trade ties between the two countries.

On particular issues of discussion:

Dynamic Strategic Partnership: Trade and Advanced Technology

Our countries’ strong foundation of partnership is reflected in our close alignment on key economic objectives and in the excellence of our private sectors that generate more than $40 billion of bilateral trade annually and an access of $26 billion of U.S. exports to the UAE. The Leaders charted an ambitious course for the United Arab Emirates and the United States to lead global efforts to develop and expand new fields central to the global economy, particularly in advanced technologies and the clean energy required to power Artificial Intelligence.

They welcomed the partnership between Microsoft and UAE’s Group 42 (G42) through Microsoft’s $1.5 billion investment in April 2024. This investment is accelerating joint AI development to bring advanced AI and digital infrastructure to countries in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa.

The leaders further welcomed Microsoft and G42’s ongoing digital transformation in Kenya, which will leverage 1GW of geothermal energy to power data-centers to enable the deployment of cloud infrastructure and AI services for the public sector and regulated industries as well as enterprises. Further, the partnership will support the development of local Large Language Models and the establishment of an East African Innovation Lab. Additionally, the partnership hopes to encourage international and local connectivity investments, and collaboration with the government of Kenya to enable digital transformation programs across East Africa.

These initiatives mark the beginning of our partnership and investments in the responsible deployment of advanced technologies, clean energy, and frontier technologies that will be the engine that powers our interconnected world.

To meet the promise of this transformational moment and harness the potential of leading-edge technologies to improve human welfare globally, President Biden and His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed the Common Principles for Cooperation on AI, endorsed today by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and UAE National Security Advisor Tahnoon bin Zayed, and through which the United States and the United Arab Emirates aim to further strengthen cooperation, develop regulatory frameworks, promote the safe and trusted deployment of critical and emerging technologies, and enable enhanced support for joint private-public sector research and academic exchanges.

Building on our collaboration in the field of advanced technology, this partnership incorporates safeguards to protect the national security of both countries, enable trusted investments and entrepreneurship, and facilitate cross-border innovation, while creating jobs and facilitating the protection of advanced U.S. technologies and respect for international principles, best practices, and human rights. Moving forward, the leaders decided to promote the expansion of relationships among scientific, academic, and research and development communities.

Strengthening Critical Infrastructure and Supply Chain Resiliencies

The leaders reviewed progress on efforts to build a more interconnected, integrated world in committing to secure and resilient supply chains through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI).

His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and President Biden discussed progress on the landmark India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) launched at the 2023 G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi together with the leaders of India, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union. The leaders reaffirmed that the corridor – connecting India to Europe by ship-to-rail connections through the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and Europe through Greece – will generate economic growth, incentivize new investments, increase efficiencies and reduce costs, enhance economic unity, generate jobs, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and enable the transformative integration of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

They underscored that this transformative partnership has the potential to usher in a new era of international connectivity to facilitate global trade, expand reliable access to electricity, facilitate clean energy distribution, and strengthen telecommunication. The two leaders emphasized the importance of joint initiatives to promote a circular economy, reduce waste, facilitate recycling, and advance sustainable practices, underscoring their commitment to innovation for resource efficiency and environmentally responsible growth.

The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to continue their efforts with international partners and the private sector to connect the continents to commercial hubs and facilitate the development and export of clean energy; support existing trade and manufacturing synergies; strengthen food security and supply chains; and link energy grids and tele-communication lines through undersea cables to expand access to electricity, enable innovation of advanced clean energy technology, and connect communities to secure and stable internet.

The leaders additionally discussed the importance of ongoing efforts to cooperate on strategic investments in hard infrastructure and critical minerals-supply chains in Africa and emerging markets globally. These investments aim to diversify sourcing of critical minerals that are essential components to clean energy and advanced technologies, including batteries, wind turbines, semiconductors, and electric vehicles. President Biden recognized the United Arab Emirates’ leadership in strategic investments globally to ensure reliable access to critical infrastructure including, ports, mines, and logistics hubs through the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, the Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company, Abu Dhabi Ports, and DP World.

Both leaders committed to remain in close touch on future investment opportunities and maintain cooperation on strategic investments.

The leaders additionally highlighted that the U.S.–UAE 123 Agreement, which provides a comprehensive framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation based on a mutual commitment to nuclear nonproliferation, is the “gold standard” for securing and propelling the next generation of technologies.

Partnering to Protect our Planet Through the Clean Energy Transition

The leaders underscored the importance of U.S.-UAE leadership at COP28, which galvanized world leaders to take action and address the climate crisis. President Biden thanked His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for his extraordinary commitment that was central to the groundbreaking outcomes at COP28 in Dubai resulting in the UAE Consensus.

The two leaders recognized that this moment represents a unique opportunity to create sustainable and clean energy jobs, revitalize communities, improve quality of life, and power digital infrastructure with renewable energy across both countries and around the globe. In this context, the two leaders affirmed their shared commitment to protecting our precious planet and securing a sustainable future for humanity through united leadership across various platforms, including the upcoming COP29 and beyond, which will serve to advance climate action and strengthen global partnerships.

The two leaders expressed their determination to leverage visionary initiatives, including the Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE), the Agricultural Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM4C), the First Movers Coalition, the Net Zero Producers Forum, the Global Methane Pledge, Carbon Management Challenge, the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC), the Industrial Transition Accelerator (ITA), the Global Biofuels Alliance, and Global Flaring and Methane Reduction (GFMR) Trust Fund; and encourage commercial partnerships to decarbonize our energy systems, reduce emissions in pursuit of a net zero economy, and deliver prosperity to future generations.

President Biden and His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed reaffirmed their strong commitment to collaborate on sustainability and climate resilience, emphasizing their commitment to addressing global challenges through innovative solutions. The two leaders underscored their joint efforts in advancing agri-tech and vertical farming innovations, key drivers in enhancing food security for future generations. They highlighted ongoing cooperation in humanitarian initiatives aimed at addressing food insecurity in vulnerable regions, particularly through agricultural development and capacity building in climate affected areas. Recognizing the impact of climate change on public health, the leaders emphasized the need to integrate health resilience into comprehensive climate action strategies.

President Biden also congratulated the United Arab Emirates on its many successes in its two Years of Sustainability (2023-2024), including the recent announcement on co-hosting the next UN Water Conference in 2026 with Senegal, noting the critical importance of accessible and affordable clean water to all; and its significance within various sectors in the clean energy transition, addressing climate change, and the sustainable development agenda.

Partnership to Accelerate Clean Energy (PACE)

Under the U.S.-UAE Partnership to Accelerate Clean Energy (PACE) initiative, the United States and the UAE are announcing several initiatives that will continue our efforts to ensure a swift and smooth transition towards clean energy. The United States and United Arab Emirates remain committed to investing together in Africa and working to end energy poverty across sub-Saharan Africa. Today, the UAE-based Averi Finance and AMEA Power are both private sector partners under the U.S.-led Power Africa Initiative, joining an existing partnership with UAE-based company Phanes. As private sector partners, these firms will be offered tailored assistance from transaction advisors and technical experts and can benefit from services offered by participating U.S. government departments and agencies.

To support the Power Africa initiative, Averi Finance intends to facilitate $5 billion in investments, build 3GW of power generation projects, construct over 3,000 kilometers of transmission or distribution lines, establish over 500,000 new home and business connections, and aim for a CO2 equivalent reduction or avoidance of 90 million tons. AMEA Power and Power Africa have recently entered into a partnership to accelerate power projects. AMEA Power is targeting 5GW of renewable energy capacity in Africa by 2030, and to realize this target, intends to mobilize $5 billion in capital.

Additionally, under PACE, ADNOC has announced a 35 percent stake in ExxonMobil’s proposed low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia production facility in Baytown, Texas. This facility aims to produce up to approximately 900,000 tons of low-carbon ammonia per year, enabling the transition to cleaner fuels in hard-to-abate sectors. Plynth Energy – a recently established Abu Dhabi government-owned early-stage fund focused on fusion technologies and supply chains – invested in the U.S. company Zap Energy, which plans to build scalable and commercially-viable fusion energy. This investment will help fund the further development of Zap Energy’s small-format commercial fusion technology. Zap Energy is a participant in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program, and will receive DOE funding based on reaching development milestones to support the design of a fusion pilot plant.

Lastly, as two of over 155 participants in the Global Methane Pledge, the U.S. and the UAE will accelerate their respective domestic methane reductions, work together to support countries undertaking methane abatement, and call on others to do the same by advancing methane reduction projects, strengthening methane standards and regulations, addressing methane super emitter events, and identifying appropriate financing for methane reduction.

Partners in Space Exploration

As founding nation members of the Artemis Accords, His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and President Biden reinforced the U.S. and UAE’s groundbreaking cooperation in space, the future of human exploration, and our shared interest in deepening our understanding of the universe.

The leaders recalled the role of this partnership in the historic launch of the first Arab probe to Mars, the Hope Probe in 2021, and the resulting and ongoing global scientific collaboration and contribution to the study of Mars’ atmosphere. This strategic partnership in deep space missions is further exemplified by the UAE Space Agency’s announcement of the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, the first multi-asteroid tour and landing mission to the main belt, with the partner, Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder.

The leaders highlighted the January 2024 Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center agreement with NASA for the Center to provide an airlock for Gateway, humanity’s first space station to orbit the Moon supported by NASA’s missions for long-term Moon exploration under the Artemis Program. The airlock will allow crew and equipment transfers to-and-from the habitable environment of Gateway’s pressurized modules to the vacuum of space. This agreement will also enable the first Emirati astronaut to fly to the Gateway for joint exploration of the Moon.

This cooperation builds on NASA and the UAE’s previous human spaceflight collaboration. In 2019, Hazaa Al Mansouri became the first Emirati astronaut to fly to space during a visit to the International Space Station (ISS), where he worked with NASA to perform experiments and educational outreach. A second Emirati astronaut, Sultan Al Neyadi, launched to the ISS in 2023, where he participated in the floating laboratory’s scientific research to advance human knowledge and improve life on Earth. The leaders welcomed continued training of astronauts, including two Emirati astronaut candidates in training at the Johnson Space Center, as well as ongoing work on Mars research and scientific studies to support mutual exploration goals.

Sharing the common spirit and ambition of humanity’s journey in space, the leaders reaffirmed the principles of the Artemis Accords to explore and use outer space for peaceful purposes and usher in a new era of exploration, as well as obligations under the Outer Space Treaty, including the requirement that countries not place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kind of weapons of mass destruction.

Partners in Security and Defense

His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed and President Biden praised the strong security and defense partnership with the UAE. President Biden strongly affirmed the United States’ commitment to the United Arab Emirates’ security and territorial defense, and to facilitating its ability to obtain necessary capabilities to defend its people and territory against external threats. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a strong bilateral security and defense relationship and to expanding defense and security cooperation to bolster joint defense capabilities against external threats, including through the Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program.

The leaders affirmed a shared vision of an interconnected, peaceful, tolerant, and prosperous region as outlined by President Biden during the GCC+3 Summit Meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on July 16, 2022. They reviewed the proud legacy of standing shoulder-to-shoulder, in peace and in conflict, including the UAE’s support for American-led counterterrorism missions since the attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington on September 11, 2001, to deter threats, de-escalate conflicts, and reduce tensions globally. Specifically, the leaders recalled the United States and the United Arab Emirates standing alongside each other in the global coalition against Da’esh, and prior conflicts: Somalia, the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya.

The leaders reviewed ongoing initiatives and investments in advanced systems that have made the United Arab Emirates one of the most capable U.S. military partners in the region, in addition to a robust schedule of bilateral and multilateral exercises. They underscored the importance of strengthening efforts to combat regional threats, advance counterterrorism initiatives, reinforce maritime security and counter-piracy efforts, increase security cooperation, and intercept illicit shipments of weaponry and technology.

The leaders discussed deepening investment in U.S. defense systems and acknowledged that military-to-military cooperation with the United Arab Emirates’ armed services helps ensure interoperability with the United States through the provision of advanced defense articles and services. They further decided to explore potential investment in our most advanced defense systems and to maintain regular exchanges to deepen partnership in research and development.

The leaders reaffirmed the 2017 Defense Cooperation Agreement, an important step for both countries that underscored their vital and longstanding collaboration in defeating terrorist groups, such as Da’esh and al-Qaida, securing regional stability, and combatting threats against their common interests including terrorist financing. They underscored the importance of the annual Joint Military Dialogue as the foremost bilateral defense forum for advancing the U.S.-UAE defense partnership, including reviewing shared security interests, as well as discussing strategic objectives for the relationship and challenges in the region, such as maritime security, counter-piracy, counterterrorism cooperation, and domain awareness in the Middle East, the Indian Ocean, and East Africa. They further noted the recognition by the Security Council in Resolution 2686 that hate speech, racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, related forms of intolerance, gender discrimination and acts of extremism can contribute to driving the outbreak, escalation and recurrence of conflict.

Designation as a Major Defense Partner of the United States

Acknowledging the U.S. and UAE’s deepening security partnership and cooperation in advanced technology and acquisition, shared interest in preventing conflict and de-escalation, President Biden today recognized the United Arab Emirates as a Major Defense Partner of the United States, joined by only India, to further enhance defense cooperation and security in the Middle East, East Africa, and the Indian Ocean regions. This unique designation as a Major Defense Partner will allow for unprecedented cooperation through joint training, exercises, and military-to-military collaboration, between the military forces of the United States, the UAE, and India, as well as other common military partners, in furtherance of regional stability.

Both leaders committed to close and sustained cooperation among our militaries.

Partners in a Stable, Integrated, and Prosperous Middle East and Wider Region

The leaders stressed the importance of reaching a peaceful solution to the dispute over the three islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, through bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice, in accordance with the rules of international law including the UN Charter.

The leaders discussed persisting and emerging threats to peace and stability in the Middle East and the wider region. They renewed their commitment to upholding international law, particularly international humanitarian law, work with parties to resolve conflicts and protect civilians, and to provide urgently needed aid to alleviate human suffering. They reiterated the importance of sustainable and enduring solutions to the security threats in the region, including those posed by non-state terrorist actors. They discussed the enduring importance of the Abraham Accords and continuing on the path of peace, integration, and prosperity in the region.

The leaders discussed the war in Gaza. They underscored their commitment to continue working together towards ending the conflict, calling for a lasting and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages and detainees in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2735, and affirmed that all sides to the conflict must adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law. President Biden commended the UAE’s extraordinary humanitarian efforts in Gaza, which have been critical in addressing the humanitarian crisis, including through the launch of a maritime corridor for movement of aid, opening a field hospital in Gaza, and supporting evacuations of wounded civilians and cancer patients.

The two leaders emphasized the ongoing need for the urgent, unhindered, and sustained delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance, at a scale commensurate with the growing needs among the civilian population throughout Gaza. They called on all parties to ensure the safety, security, and sustained access of aid workers to all those in need, and to create the conditions needed to facilitate an effective humanitarian response in Gaza.

His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed commended the mediation efforts by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, to reach a lasting and sustainable ceasefire and hostage release deal to help end the war in Gaza. His Highness also echoed the principles laid out by President Biden on May 31, 2024, and stressed the importance of building on this proposal in order to create a serious political horizon for negotiation. To that end, the leaders discussed a path to stabilization and recovery that responds to the humanitarian crisis, establishes law and order, and lays the groundwork for responsible governance. The leaders expressed their commitment to the two-State solution, wherein a sovereign and contiguous Palestinian state lives side-by-side in peace and security with Israel, as the only way to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in accordance with the internationally-recognized parameters and the Arab Peace Initiative. They stressed the need to refrain from all unilateral measures that undermine the two-State solution, and to preserve the historic status quo of Jerusalem’s holy sites, recognizing the special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in this regard.

On the conflict in Sudan, the leaders expressed their deep concern over the tragic impact the violence has had on the Sudanese people and on neighboring countries. Both leaders expressed alarm at the millions of individuals who have been displaced by the war, the hundreds of thousands experiencing famine, and the atrocities committed by the belligerents against the civilian population. They stressed that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Sudan and underscored their firm and unwavering position on the imperative for concrete and immediate action to achieve a lasting cessation of hostilities, the return to the political process, and transition to civilian-led governance.

Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to de-escalate the conflict, alleviate the suffering of the people of Sudan, ensure humanitarian assistance reaches the Sudanese people, and prevent Sudan from attracting transnational terrorist networks once again. Noting their shared concern about the risk of imminent atrocities, particularly as fighting continues in Darfur, they underscored that all parties to the conflict must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, and all individuals and groups that commit war crimes must be held accountable. The leaders emphasized that the priority right now must be the protection of civilians, particularly women, children and the elderly, securing humanitarian pauses in order to scale up and facilitate the movement of humanitarian assistance into the country and across conflict lines, and ensuring the delivery of aid to those in need, especially to the most vulnerable.

Partners in Cyberspace

The leaders emphasized that safety and stability in cyberspace is critical for digital economic growth and development, and reaffirmed their commitment to an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable internet, underpinned by the multistakeholder model of internet governance.

They committed to deepen cooperation on cybersecurity and to enhance cyber collaboration to protect critical infrastructure, counter malicious cyber activity by state and non-state actors, and noted that the UAE’s significant contributions to the International Counter Ransomware Initiative reflects the strength of our cooperation. The leaders committed to promote stability in cyberspace based on the applicability of international law including the United Nations Charter, the promotion of voluntary norms of responsible state behavior during peacetime, and the development and implementation of confidence building measures between states.

Looking Forward

The United States and the United Arab Emirates are both entrepreneurial nations, joined together by a relentless focus on the future. Our aspirations are rooted in a common resolve to pursue innovative partnerships in new fields, including AI, food security, infrastructure investment, and supply chain resilience, even as we continue to strengthen the foundational element of our partnership: our longstanding people-to-people ties. These connections between our countries drive progress and expand horizons, from clean energy technologies, to AI, defense cooperation, space exploration, and ongoing coordination across priority areas of science, education, and culture. This first-ever official visit by a President of the United Arab Emirates to the United States sets a new foundation for our countries’ cooperation for decades to come

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MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: What You Need to Know About the End of LIBOR – Investor Bulletin

Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

You may have recently read in the financial press about the phase-out of LIBOR. You may be affected by the transition away from LIBOR if you hold securities, financial instruments or financial products that have exposure to LIBOR. The SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy (OIEA) wants to help you understand how the transition away from LIBOR could impact your investments and financial situation, and where you can go for additional information.

What’s LIBOR?

U.S.-dollar LIBOR is a benchmark interest rate set by input from a panel of banks. It has been used to set the interest rate in floating rate, adjustable rate or variable rate instruments or loans, in which the interest rate periodically resets (such as every three months or every year) over the life of the instrument or loan. LIBOR was used once in over $200 trillion of financial instruments, ranging from sophisticated financial and investment derivatives to bonds, bank loans and consumer products, like adjustable rate mortgages and student loans.

Replacing LIBOR

In recent years, however, U.S.-dollar LIBOR is being phased out in response to concerns that the benchmark was being manipulated. The publication for one-week and two-month U.S.-dollar LIBOR ceased at the end of 2021. The remaining tenors of U.S.-dollar LIBOR are scheduled to cease publication after June 30, 2023.

The end of LIBOR has precipitated the need for an alternative benchmark rate. In March 2022, Congress enacted the Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act. This Act provides a process and protections for transitioning to an alternative rate in contracts with terms that do not provide for a clear transition. The Federal Reserve Board adopted a final rule in December 2022 implementing the LIBOR Act and specified benchmarks based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) as the replacement rates.

Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR). SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities. It is based on observable transactions in the repurchase market. The Alternative Reference Rate Committee (ARRC), an industry-led group in which the SEC and other departments and agencies of the U.S. government participate, recommended SOFR as the LIBOR replacement rate.

What do I need to know?

Some investments you own, such as mutual funds, ETFs, closed-end funds, business development companies (BDCs), municipal and corporate bonds, and individual stocks, may either be LIBOR-based financial instruments or have exposure to such instruments.

For instruments that are subject to the LIBOR Act, the replacement rate will be a SOFR-based rate. Other LIBOR-based financial instruments that already provide for a clear transition from LIBOR may have other non-SOFR-designated replacement rates, such as the U.S. prime rate.

Synthetic U.S.-dollar LIBOR. The Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom, LIBOR’s regulator, recently required the continued publishing of “synthetic” U.S.-dollar LIBOR for a period of 15 months after June 30, 2023 for use in certain cases to aid in the transition.

How may I be affected?

You may be affected by the transition away from LIBOR if you hold securities, financial instruments or financial products that have exposure to LIBOR.

Municipal, corporate and FHLB bonds. If you are directly invested in a variable or floating rate municipal, corporate or FHLB bond that relies on LIBOR as a component for the periodic variable rate adjustment, then the cessation of LIBOR will have direct implications for you. Review any disclosures provided by the issuer of the bond. You can utilize our EDGAR database to review disclosures by issuers of corporate bonds. For municipal bonds, you may access information at the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s Electronic Municipal Market Access (EMMA) website. You can find offering disclosure regarding FHLB bonds on their website. In addition, it may be worthwhile to have a discussion with your broker or investment adviser about your specific exposure and how the LIBOR transition may affect your specific bond holdings.

Individual stocks. Many companies use sophisticated financial and investment instruments and derivatives as a means to manage the company’s financial situation and risk profile. Many of these instruments and derivatives may incorporate a variable interest rate based on LIBOR.

To further understand how a company may be affected by the LIBOR transition, you may review the company’s periodic disclosure in our EDGAR database. Companies that have material risk exposure to the LIBOR transition should discuss such risks in their annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. A search for the term “LIBOR” in the document can be a quick way to find the relevant discussions. The SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance has encouraged public companies and asset-backed securities issuers to keep investors informed about the progress toward risk identification and mitigation, and the anticipated impact on the company, if material, and expects disclosures to evolve as companies provide updates to reflect transition efforts and the broader market and regulatory landscape.

Asset-backed securities. Asset-backed securities are securities whose income payments come from a pool of specific debt obligations, such as mortgages, credit card obligations or car loans. Mortgage-backed securities (MBSs) issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae are types of asset-backed securities. New LIBOR-based securities are no longer being issued by these entities, except for certain re-securitizations, which will cease on June 30, 2023. If you invest in asset-backed securities, then you may want to have a conversation with your broker or investment adviser about how the LIBOR transition may affect your specific holdings of asset-backed securities. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have also prepared frequently asked questions relating to the LIBOR transition that you may want to review.

Mutual funds and ETFs. Mutual funds and ETFs that you own may have invested in individual stocks, municipal bonds, corporate bonds, bank loans and/or securitizations that have risks related to the LIBOR transition. You along with your broker or investment adviser may want to assess the nature and character of the mutual funds and ETFs you are invested in to determine how much exposure to LIBOR transition risk you have. Certain types of a mutual funds or ETFs may merit closer review, particularly those investing in companies in the real estate, banking, or insurance industries or specific municipal and corporate bonds, including floating rate debt, and bank loans.

You can review a fund’s principal strategies and risk disclosure in its prospectus. The SEC’s Division of Investment Management has encouraged funds affected by the LIBOR transition to provide investors with tailored risk disclosures that specifically describe the impact of the transition on their holdings.

Adjustable rate mortgages. Many adjustable rate mortgages—a mortgage where the interest rate adjusts to the then prevailing market rate after a period of time—are tied to LIBOR as the reference rate. In 2016, there was an estimated $1.2 trillion in residential mortgages with an interest rate based on LIBOR.

If you have an adjustable rate mortgage based on LIBOR, consider consulting with your lender or loan servicer or read the documentation to understand how you may be affected by the LIBOR transition. Read this blog from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for more information.

Student loans. Similar to adjustable rate mortgages, student loans can have variable rates based on LIBOR. If you have a variable rate student loan, consult with your lender or loan servicer or read the documentation to understand how you may be affected by the LIBOR transition. If you are planning on obtaining a new student loan or refinancing an existing one, consider the LIBOR transition in your decision making.

Other consumer products. Other consumer credit products such as credit cards, auto loans and personal loans and lines of credit can also have variable rates based on LIBOR. You should review the financial products that you hold, particularly those that operate with a variable interest rate, in light of the LIBOR transition.

Additional Resources

To learn how the SEC is addressing the LIBOR transition, see the Staff Statement on LIBOR Transition, the Office of Municipal Securities Staff Statement on LIBOR Transition In The Municipal Securities Market, and the Staff Statement on LIBOR Transition—Key Considerations for Market Participants.

To learn more about adjustable rate mortgages, see the CFPB’s Consumer Handbook on Adjustable Rate Mortgages (CHARM) booklet.

For additional investor educational information, see the SEC’s website for individual investors, Investor.gov.

Call OIEA at 1-800-732-0330, ask a question using this online form, or email us at Help@SEC.gov.

Receive Investor Alerts and Bulletins from OIEA email or RSS feed. Follow OIEA on Twitter. Like OIEA on Facebook.

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Call for bids: Promoting sustainable mining in Peru
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

The British Embassy in Lima is seeking bids for a practical action research project that will build insights to push forward mining and human rights in Peru.
The British Embassy in Lima is seeking bids for a practical action research project that will build insights on how to push forward mining and human rights in Peru. Results from the project should inform partner interventions and policymaking and strengthen the UK’s reputation as an ally to sustainable growth in Peru.

1.       Background

The UK is a global promoter of responsible business practices: it aims to ensure that companies abide by human rights standards in all their activities, as it benefits business and communities, and contributes to the goal of building democratic societies and sustainable development. The UK was the first country to produce a National Action Plan based on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and is a member of a cross-government Working Group on Business and Human Rights. As such, the FCDO supports countries in adhering to the UNGPs and other voluntary commitments.

Globally, the past years have seen an explosion of mandatory and voluntary regulation regarding responsible business practices, such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, the ILO’s Tripartite declaration of principles concerning multinational enterprises and social policy. Similarly, the OECD has adopted Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct and a Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct.

These regulations play a role in Peru’s business ecosystem. During a 2017 visit by the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, the government committed to creating a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. The final 2021-2025 Plan was published in June 2021 -the second in the region- after multistakeholder consultations. While it is currently in its implementation phase, the Mesa Multiactor has had limited activity. In 2020, the OECD recommended that Peru effectively implement existing laws and policies regarding responsible business practices. Further, CSOs have proposed a bill that would regulate human rights due diligence.

In this context, a critical area of impact for business and human rights is Peru’s mining sector. Mining activity concentrates significant, long-term foreign investment, and is increasingly affected by human rights standards. Despite continued efforts from mining companies, in an environment that is still adapting to responsible mining practices it remains difficult to mitigate the negative externalities of business operations and reduce barriers. These difficulties are compounded by the growth of illegal and informal mining, which represents a significant portion of resource extraction.

Across the region, valuable efforts have been made to map existing National Action Plans, policies, legislation, and best practices (see, for example, Danish Institute of Human Rights, 2019; KAS, 2023; UNHCHR, 2022; Global NAPS; SNMPE, 2023). However, there is space to move research into action to ensure the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, UN Guiding Principles and similar voluntary documents become a reality. As such, the British Embassy would like to support an action research project that would push forward mining and human rights in Peru. This falls in line with Priority Theme 3 (Business and Human Rights) of our country Human Rights and Gender Equality Strategy 2023-2025.

2.       Objective and scope of work

The objective of the work is to support the UK’s commitment to sustainable growth and human rights in Peru. Projects should adopt a practical action research approach, with clear research and programmatic components. Successful bidders will demonstrate a creative, impactful approach to ensure that voluntary standards in business and human rights are clear for Peruvian stakeholders and move the field forward towards effective implementation.

Bids should look to demonstrate their ability to deliver a project that includes:

a) Research and analysis.

A comprehensive assessment of the current state of formal and informal mining and human rights in Peru, referencing existing national and international voluntary. commitments, with emphasis on OECD guidelines.

Map the existing mining and human rights ecosystem in Peru, with emphasis on barriers and facilitators action. Proposals that include informal mining in their mapping will be especially welcome.

b) Technical assistance

Provide technical assistance to relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to government agencies, mining companies and civil society organizations, to support the implementation of voluntary commitments on business and human rights.

Monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of technical assistance.

3.       Project Budget

Project proposals of up to £60,000 = S/274,800 / $72,000. We are looking for projects that can begin in October 2024 and be completed by March 2025. Implementers should spend 100% of their allocation by March 2025.

4.       Assessment

Bids will be assessed against the following criteria:

strategic fit – alignment with stated objectives and scope of work expected.

project viability – including a realistic description of methodology and activities to deliver the outcome and deliverables (outputs) within the project duration and sustainability after the project ends.

stakeholder management – including the capacity of the implementing organisation to engage with key stakeholders, including diverse business, government and civil society stakeholders present in Peru, and involve local/international expertise to deliver expected outcomes.

project design – including clear achievable objectives and outputs

value for money

risk management

experience and understanding of the current mining and human rights context in Peru.

5.       How to Bid

Please complete the attached “Project Proposal Form” and “Activity Based Budget” using the guidance provided.

Completed forms should be sent in standard document and spreadsheet formats in English or Spanish to BEProjectsPeru@fcdo.gov.uk by 11:59pm September 26, with “Call for bids Mining and Human Rights” in the subject line of your email.

Bids submitted after this date will not be considered. Bids can be submitted at any time up to the indicated deadline.

Bidders will be notified via email of the outcome of assessments in early October. Due to the volume of bids expected, we will not be able to provide feedback on unsuccessful bids.

Organisations can submit up to a maximum of 2 proposals; bids for projects that include engagement with stakeholders outside of Lima are particularly welcome.

Please also familiarise yourself at an early stage with the standard ‘Grant Agreement Template’ attached.

What to Include in the Bid Form?

Overview of project or activity.

How it fits with the UK’s approach to the relevant priority; and why the UK should fund the project or activity.

How the project or activity will create an impact and lead to change.

Rationale– including why the project or activity should take place now.

Where relevant, evidence of support from Peruvian government actors for the project or activity and that it complements their own strategy.

Information about how the impact will be sustained after the project or activity has been completed.

Proposals must be submitted on the authorised forms and include an activity-based budget (ABB) in soles/US dollars. Value for money is an important selection criterion and if you do not submit a detailed ABB then your proposal will not be considered.

6.       Key documents

Proposal Form for Activities / Projects between £10,000 and £80,000 Template_Project_Proposal (ODT, 77.5 KB)

Activity Based Budget (ABB) Template_Activity Based Budget Template (ODS, 10.2 KB)

Value for money and budgeting guidance Value for money and budgeting guidance (ODT, 13.8 KB)

Model Grant Agreement Template_Accountable Grant Low Value Arrangement (ODT, 94.5 KB)

7.       Contacts

Please contact BEProjectsPeru@fcdo.gov.uk. with any questions or queries.

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Updates to this page

Published 23 September 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
September 29, 2024
MIL-Evening Report: In the rare event of a vaccine injury, Australians should be compensated
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicholas Wood, Professor, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney

PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

Vaccination is one of the most effective methods to protect individuals and the broader public from disease. Vaccines are typically given to healthy people to prevent disease, so the bar for safety is set high.

People benefit from vaccination at an individual level because they’re protected from disease. But for some vaccines, strong community uptake leads to “herd immunity”. This means people who are unable to be vaccinated can be protected by the “herd”.

As with any prescribed medicine, vaccines can cause side effects. In the rare case that COVID vaccines did cause a specified serious injury (the scheme listed certain conditions that a person could claim for), Australians have been able to claim compensation. But this ends at the end of this month.

From then, Australians won’t be able to access no-fault compensation for any vaccine injury – from COVID or any others.

Why compensate people for vaccine injuries?

Fortunately, serious vaccine injuries are rare. Most are not a result of error in vaccine design, manufacturing or delivery, but are a product of a small but inherent risk.

As a result, people who suffer serious vaccine injuries cannot get compensation through legal mechanisms. This is because they can’t demonstrate the injury was caused through negligence.

Vaccine injury compensation schemes compensate people who have a serious vaccine injury following administration of properly manufactured vaccines.

The COVID vaccine claims scheme

In 2021, in recognition of the rare risk of a serious vaccine injury, and in support of the roll out of the COVID vaccine program, the Australian government introduced a COVID vaccine claims scheme.

The aim was to provide a simple, streamlined process to compensate people who suffered a moderate to severe vaccine injury, without the need for complex legal proceedings. It was limited to TGA-approved COVID vaccines, and to specific reactions.

The Australian government has said the scheme will close this month and claims need to be lodged before September 30 2024.

Following its closure, Australia will not have a vaccine injury compensation scheme.

Australia is lagging internationally

Australia lags behind 25 other countries including the United States, United Kingdom and New Zealand which have comprehensive no-fault vaccine injury compensation schemes. These cover both COVID and non-COVID vaccines.

The schemes are based on the ethical principle of “reciprocal justice”. This acknowledges that people acting to benefit not just themselves but also the community (for the benefit of the “herd”) should be compensated by the same community if it has resulted in harm.

The US, UK and New Zealand all have vaccine injury compensation schemes.
Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

So what happens in Australia now?

In Australia, people with non-COVID vaccine injuries or COVID vaccine injuries not covered by the current claims scheme must bear the costs associated with their injury by themselves or access publicly funded health care. They will not receive any compensation for their injury and suffering.

Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding support to access therapies for people with a permanent and significant disability. However, it does not cover temporary vaccine-related injuries.

Participants with vaccine injuries as a result of taking part in a clinical vaccine trial are compensated. This typically includes income-replacement, personal assistance expenses and reimbursement of expenses resulting from the incident, including medical expenses.

In Australia, we also have strong compulsion for people to receive routine vaccines through legislative requirements such as No Jab No Pay (which requires children to be immunised to receive some government payments) and, in some states, No Jab No Play (which requires children be fully immunised to attend childcare).

Countries such as ours that mandate vaccination without providing no-fault injury compensation schemes for rare vaccine injury could be abrogating the social contract by not protecting the individual and community.

It’s time to set up an Australian scheme

The Australian immunisation system is among the most comprehensive in the world. Our government-funded national immunisation program provides free vaccines for infants, children and adults for at least 15 diseases.

We also have a whole-of-life immunisation register and comprehensive vaccine safety surveillance system.

Australia’s immunisation program provides vaccines for at least 15 different diseases.
sergey kolesnikov/Shutterstock

A recent Senate committee recommended:

the Australian government consider the design and compensation arrangements of a no-fault compensation scheme for Commonwealth-funded vaccines in response to a future pandemic event.

Vaccines are designed to be very safe and effective. But the “insurance policy” of an injury compensation scheme, if designed and communicated appropriately, should build trust and give confidence to health workers and the general public to support our national vaccine program. This is particularly important given the reductions in uptake of routine vaccines.

How should it work?

A no-fault vaccine injury compensation scheme could be funded via a vaccine levy system, as is done in the US, where an excise tax is imposed on each dose of vaccine.

An effective vaccine injury compensation scheme needs to be:
- accessible, with low legal and financial barriers
- transparent, with clear decision-making processes, compensation frameworks and funding responsibilities
- timely, with short, clear timeframes for decision-making
- fair, with people compensated adequately for the harm they’ve suffered.
Legislation to introduce and allocate funds to support an Australian injury compensation scheme for all vaccines is overdue. The draft National Immunisation Strategy 2025–2030 hinted at the opportunity to explore the feasibility of a no fault compensation scheme for all vaccines the Australian government funds, without committing to such a program.

An Australian vaccine injury scheme, covering all national immunisation program vaccines, not just pandemic use vaccines, should be seen as a crucial component of our public health system and a social responsibility commitment to all Australians.

Nicholas Wood previously received funding from the NHMRC for a Career Development Fellowship and is a Churchill Fellow.

Sophie Wen receives funding from Queensland Government for an Advancing Clinical Research Fellowship and is a Mary McConnel career boost program recipient from Children’s Hospital Foundation. Sophie Wen is an investigator for several industry-sponsored clinical vaccine trials but does not receive any direct funding.

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

– ref. In the rare event of a vaccine injury, Australians should be compensated – https://theconversation.com/in-the-rare-event-of-a-vaccine-injury-australians-should-be-compensated-232396
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Representative Doggett and Senator Warren Lead Members Urging Biden Administration to Lower Price of Popular Weight-Loss Drugs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

Contact: Alexis.Torres@mail.house.gov

Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37) and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) led an effort to urge the Biden Administration to improve American health and well-being by lowering the cost of vital weight-loss drugs. Specifically, the members are calling for Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra to use existing legal authority to issue generic licenses for semaglutide, a prescription drug commonly used to treat obesity and diabetes and is sold under the brand names of Ozempic and Wegovy. Similarly, a coalition of more than 20 organizations has also called on Secretary Becerra to take such action.

“With a sticker price of up to $1,400 per month, patients can rarely afford Wegovy or Ozempic out-of-pocket and few insurance plans offer complete coverage due to the prohibitive cost,” the members wrote. “One study has found that covering these drugs for just 10% of Medicare beneficiaries with obesity would cost taxpayers $27 billion a year. Coverage for all Americans would cost nearly $1 trillion. A recent report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the cost to cover these drugs would outweigh any savings from reduced utilization of associated health services and treatments.”

“Manufacturers will frequently cite the cost of innovation and the need to recoup research and development costs as the reason for charging sky-high prices. Yet, time and again, this is debunked,” the members continued. “In the case of Ozempic and Wegovy, the manufacturer has earned over $38 billion in revenue from these two drugs and Goldman Sachs Research predicts revenue will reach $100 billion within this decade. Meanwhile, last year, the manufacturer spent nearly twice as much on enriching its shareholders with stock buybacks and dividends ($8.95 billion) than on research and development ($4.71 billion).

Under Section 1498, a more than a century-old statutory authority, the Biden Administration may lower prices by permitting generic competitors to license patented inventions in exchange for reasonable compensation to the brand-name manufacturer. By exercising this existing authority, HHS could help stabilize the health care market while meeting high consumer demands at more affordable prices.

Additional signers include Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Cori Bush (MO-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Mark Takano (CA-39), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Greg Casar (TX-35) and Barbara Lee (CA-12).

The letter in full can be found here and below.

Dear Secretary Becerra:

We write to strongly urge you to use your existing legal authority under 28 U.S.C. § 1498 to protect the public’s health and safety to ensure reasonable prices on semaglutide, a prescription drug sold under the brand names of Ozempic and Wegovy and commonly used to treat diabetes and obesity. By utilizing your competitive licensing authority to permit generic competitors to Wegovy and Ozempic, you can stabilize supplies at a time of enormous demand and lower outrageous prices that have severely limited access to these life-changing drugs.

Approximately 38 million, or one in ten, Americans has diabetes, and an additional 100 million American adults have prediabetes. Nearly one-third of adults are overweight and 42% are obese. Diabetes and obesity are associated with heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and more. Yet, the federal government has failed to restrain Big Pharma price gouging to ensure patients can afford the newest treatments.

With a sticker price of up to $1,400 per month, patients can rarely afford Wegovy or Ozempic out-of-pocket and few insurance plans offer complete coverage due to the prohibitive cost. One study has found that covering these drugs for just 10% of Medicare beneficiaries with obesity would cost taxpayers $27 billion a year. Coverage for all Americans would cost nearly $1 trillion. A recent report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the cost to cover these drugs would outweigh any savings from reduced utilization of associated health services and treatments.

Due to budget-busting prices, only 16 states offer state employee or Medicaid coverage for these drugs. About 34% of employer plans offer coverage and only about 1% of Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans do the same. Put another way, 99% of consumers with Marketplace plans have no access to these drugs, while 66% of workers with private employer plans and 68% of state employees and Medicaid recipients are denied access. The few insurers that offer coverage for Ozempic and Wegovy often include several restrictions to limit the financial impact. For example, the Department of Veterans Affairs requires patients with diabetes to try and fail with two or more medications before the VA will cover Ozempic.

We do not condemn the states and insurers that have limited access to these drugs under such difficult circumstances. It would be irresponsible to offer unlimited coverage when prices are also unlimited. The North Carolina State Health Plan ended coverage after spending $100 million in a single year on these drugs—spending that would have required insurance premiums to double to offset the cost. If half of all Americans with obesity could access these drugs, it would cost an estimated $411 billion a year, more than all existing prescription drug spending in the U.S.

We do not need to waste taxpayer dollars, bankrupt health systems, or deny patients access to effective treatments. We can save consumers’ health and be fiscally responsible by stopping Big Pharma monopoly abuse. These drugs cost Americans up to 15 times more than patients in peer countries like Canada, Japan, Germany, the UK, and Denmark. There is no reason for Americans to pay the world’s highest prices, substantially more than other wealthy Nations, for the exact same medicines.

Manufacturers will frequently cite the cost of innovation and the need to recoup research and development costs as the reason for charging sky-high prices. Yet, time and again, this is debunked. In the case of Ozempic and Wegovy, the manufacturer has earned over $38 billion in revenue from these two drugs and Goldman Sachs Research predicts revenue will reach $100 billion within this decade. Meanwhile, last year, the manufacturer spent nearly twice as much on enriching its shareholders with stock buybacks and dividends ($8.95 billion) than on research and development ($4.71 billion).

The exorbitant prices paid by Americans are financing corporate greed, not innovation. While we recognize the important role of the private sector in research and development and support the ability to make a reasonable profit, industry interests should not outweigh meeting health and safety needs for all consumers and providing accountability to taxpayers. When manufacturers use their monopoly power to extract unfair and unjustified prices at the expense of consumers, the federal government must restrain such abuse.

Under Section 1498, the Administration has the clear authority to license generic competition on any patented invention “used or manufactured by or for the United States.” Rightly, patentholders are entitled to reasonable compensation set by the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. This law ensures Americans may access important goods while protecting the rights of inventors and providing fair compensation. For over a century, this authority has been used across technologies, ranging from fraud detection banking software and electronic passports to methods of removing hazardous waste. Section 1498 has also been used to authorize generic, lower cost drugs, and just the threat of this authority, has incentivized brand-name manufacturers to voluntarily cut prices.

You have the opportunity and responsibility to dramatically improve health care access and achieve substantial taxpayer savings by using Section 1498 to authorize generic competitors to Ozempic and Wegovy. We strongly urge you to use your clear statutory authority and stand ready to assist in your efforts to deliver long overdue relief to American taxpayers and consumers.

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024

MIL-OSI: Red Cat Holdings Reports Financial Results for Fiscal First Quarter 2025 and Provides Corporate Update

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or “Company”), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, reports its financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended July 31, 2024 and provides a corporate update.

Recent Operational Highlights:

Presented drone solutions to high-level officials, at multiple Defense Conferences, including the U.S Marine Corps (Modern Day Marine), domestic and international Special Operations Forces (SOF Week), and European Union and NATO forces at Eurosatory 2024 in Paris, France.
Announced development of a new Family of Small ISR and Precision Strike Systems at Eurosatory 2024.
Recently closed FlightWave asset purchase agreement.
Launched Robotics and Autonomous Systems Industry Consortium called Red Cat Futures Initiative.

First Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights:

Quarterly revenue of $2.8 million, representing 59% year-over-year growth.
Ended the quarter with cash of $7.7 million.
Guidance of $50-$55 million for calendar year 2025 exclusive of government or NATO programs of record.
Record backlog of $13 million.

“Red Cat continues to see significant global demand and year-over-year growth with a strong pipeline and backlog,” said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “This is being driven by strong domestic and international adoption and sales across our entire Family of Systems, which now includes the Edge 130 Blue. Our guidance for the upcoming 2025 calendar year of $50 – $55 million will continue our growth trend as we await news around the U.S. Army’s Short-Range Reconnaissance Program of Record and prepare to scale up production capacity.”

“We are reporting 59% year-over-year growth and $13 million in backlog for the first quarter of fiscal 2025,” stated Leah Lunger, Chief Financial Officer. “Having officially closed the acquisition of FlightWave Aerospace System, we look forward to integrating the Edge 130 Blue into our Family of Systems, which will open new revenue streams and partnership opportunities with companies in our Futures Initiative. We also have significant market potential for NDAA compliant FPV precision strike drones within our innovation roadmap.”

Conference Call Today

CEO Jeff Thompson and CFO Leah Lunger will host an earnings conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, September 23, 2024 to review financial results and provide an update on corporate developments. Following management’s formal remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session.

Interested parties can listen to the conference call by dialing 1-844-413-3977 (within the U.S.) or 1-412-317-1803 (international). Callers should dial in approximately ten minutes prior to the start time and ask to be connected to the Red Cat conference call. Participants can also pre-register for the call using the following link: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10192508/fd6e5cff60

The conference call will also be available through a live webcast that can be accessed at:
https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=TD6F4UVA

A replay of the webcast will be available until December 22, 2024 and can be accessed through the above link or at www.redcatholdings.com. A telephonic replay will be available until October 7, 2024 by calling 1-877-344-7529 (domestic) or 1-412-317-0088 (international) and using access code 2058195.

About Red Cat, Inc.
Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a bleeding-edge Family of ISR and Precision Strike Systems including the Teal 2, a small unmanned system offering the highest-resolution thermal imaging in its class, the Edge 130 Blue Tricopter for extended endurance and range, and FANG™, the industry’s first line of NDAA compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities. Learn more at www.redcat.red.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2023. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

Contact:

INVESTORS:
E-mail: Investors@redcat.red

NEWS MEDIA:
Phone: (347) 880-2895
Email: peter@indicatemedia.com

RED CAT HOLDINGS
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

		July 31,			April 30,
		2024			2024
ASSETS

Cash and marketable securities	$	7,732,763		$	6,067,169
Accounts receivable, net		681,775			4,361,090
Inventory, including deposits		10,667,676			8,610,125
Intangible assets including goodwill, net		12,612,560			12,882,939
Other		6,260,457			7,473,789
Equity method investee		—			5,142,500
Note receivable		—			4,000,000

TOTAL ASSETS	$	37,955,231		$	48,537,612

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	3,428,538		$	2,703,922
Debt obligations		599,570			751,570
Operating lease liabilities		1,471,589			1,517,590
Total liabilities		5,499,697			4,973,082

Stockholders’ capital		126,002,642			124,690,641
Accumulated deficit/comprehensive loss		(93,547,108	)		(81,126,111	)
Total stockholders’ equity		32,455,534			43,564,530
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	37,955,231		$	48,537,612

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

		Three months ended
		July 31,
		2024			2023
	Revenues	$	2,776,535		$	1,748,129

	Cost of goods sold		3,259,926			1,573,464

	Gross (loss) profit		(483,391	)		174,665

	Operating Expenses
	Research and development		1,626,440			1,353,551
	Sales and marketing		2,041,511			1,288,760
	General and administrative		3,483,095			2,863,758
	Impairment loss		93,050			—
	Total operating expenses		7,244,096			5,506,069
	Operating loss		(7,727,487	)		(5,331,404	)

	Other expense		4,688,889			262,891

	Net loss from continuing operations		(12,416,376	)		(5,594,295	)

	Loss from discontinued operations		—			(242,573	)
	Net loss	$	(12,416,376	)	$	(5,836,868	)

	Loss per share – basic and diluted	$	(0.17	)	$	(0.11	)

	Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted		74,500,480			54,935,339

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

		Three months ended July 31,
		2024			2023
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net loss from continuing operations	$	(12,416,376	)	$	(5,594,295	)
Non-cash expenses		6,755,639			1,522,611
Changes in operating assets and liabilities		3,312,325			(2,854,385	)
Net cash used in operating activities		(2,348,412	)		(6,926,069	)

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of equity method investment and note receivable		4,400,000			—
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities		—			4,888,399
Other		(99,957	)		(5,054	)
Net cash provided by investing activities		4,300,043			4,883,345

Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Payments of debt obligations, net		(152,000	)		(137,989	)
Payments related to employee equity transactions		(134,037	)		(8,520	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(286,037	)		(146,509	)

Net cash used in discontinued operations		—			(118,295	)

Net increase (decrease) in Cash		1,665,594			(2,307,528	)
Cash, beginning of period		6,067,169			3,260,305
Cash, end of period		7,732,763			952,777
Less: Cash of discontinued operations		—			(15,021	)
Cash of continuing operations, end of period		7,732,763			937,756
Marketable securities		—			7,922,392
Cash of continuing operations and marketable securities	$	7,732,763		$	8,860,148

The MIL Network –

September 29, 2024

MIL-OSI: Ellomay Capital Announces Execution of An Agreement for the Sale of Tax Credits of Texas Solar Projects
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Tel-Aviv, Israel, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ellomay Capital Ltd. (NYSE American; TASE: ELLO) (“Ellomay” or the “Company”), a renewable energy and power generator and developer of renewable energy and power projects in Europe, Israel and the USA, today announced a key achievement in its U.S. strategic growth plan. The Company has successfully entered into an agreement for the sale and transfer of Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) linked to its Fairfield (13.4 MW), Malakoff (13.92 MW), Mexia (11.1 MW), and Talco (10.5 MW) solar projects, all located in the State of Texas, USA. The agreement was executed with a reputable financial institution, with vast experience in executing tax credit transactions.

Through this transaction, the Company expects to receive approximately $19 million from the sale of Investment Tax Credits, representing approximately 32% of the expected total portfolio costs. The sale is facilitated under the Inflation Reduction Act’s new transferability provisions, allowing Ellomay to retain 100% of the operating profits from these projects. Funds from the sale of the ITCs generated from a project will be disbursed after such project is placed in service and meets the applicable requirements. The Company expects the Fairfield and Malakoff projects to be placed in service by the end of Q4 2024, and the Mexia and Talco projects to be placed in service by the end of Q2 2025. The agreement includes customary indemnification obligations (for damages not covered by tax insurance policy), including in connection with certain continued eligibility requirements and scope of the ITCs, for which the Company provided a guarantee to the purchaser of the ITCs.

Ran Fridrich, CEO and a board member of Ellomay, said “The agreement to sell the Investment Tax Credits to an institutional buyer represents a major milestone in the development of Ellomay’s solar portfolio in Texas and underscores the Company’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy presence in the U.S. The Company sees great importance in its ability to sell the ITCs while maintaining the benefits of accelerated depreciation in the Company. The Company believes that additional projects in the pipeline will be able to follow a similar strategy.”

About Ellomay Capital Ltd.

Ellomay is an Israeli based company whose shares are listed on the NYSE American and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “ELLO”. Since 2009, Ellomay Capital focuses its business in the renewable energy and power sectors in Europe, USA and Israel.

To date, Ellomay has evaluated numerous opportunities and invested significant funds in the renewable, clean energy and natural resources industries in Israel, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Texas, USA, including:
- Approximately 335.9 MW of operating photovoltaic power plants in Spain (including a 300 MW photovoltaic plant in owned by Talasol, which is 51% owned by the Company) and approximately 20 MW of operating photovoltaic power plants in Italy;
- 9.375% indirect interest in Dorad Energy Ltd., which owns and operates one of Israel’s largest private power plants with production capacity of approximately 850MW, representing about 6%-8% of Israel’s total current electricity consumption;
- Groen Gas Goor B.V., Groen Gas Oude-Tonge B.V. and Groen Gas Gelderland B.V., project companies operating anaerobic digestion plants in the Netherlands, with a green gas production capacity of approximately 3 million, 3.8 million and 9.5 million Nm3 per year, respectively;
- 83.333% of Ellomay Pumped Storage (2014) Ltd., which is involved in a project to construct a 156 MW pumped storage hydro power plant in the Manara Cliff, Israel;
- Ellomay Solar Italy Ten SRL that is construction a photovoltaic plant (18 MW) in Italy;
- Ellomay Solar Italy Four SRL (15.06 MW), Ellomay Solar Italy Five SRL (87.2 MW), Ellomay Solar Italy Seven SRL (54.77 MW), Ellomay Solar Italy Nine SRL (8 MW) and Ellomay Solar Italy Fifteen SRL (10 MW) that are developing photovoltaic projects in Italy that have reached “ready to build” status; and
- Fairfield Solar Project, LLC (13.44 MW), Malakoff Solar I, LLC (6.96 MW) and Malakoff Solar II, LLC (6.96 MW), that are constructing photovoltaic plants and Mexia Solar I, LLC (5.6 MW), Mexia Solar II, LLC (5.6 MW), and Talco Solar, LLC (10.3 MW), that are developing photovoltaic projects that have reached “ready to build” status, all in the Dallas Metropolitan area, Texas.
For more information about Ellomay, visit http://www.ellomay.com.

Information Relating to Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including statements that are based on the current expectations and assumptions of the Company’s management. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding the Company’s plans and objectives, expectations and assumptions of management are forward-looking statements. The use of certain words, including the words “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on the Company’s forward-looking statements. Various important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those that may be expressed or implied by the Company’s forward-looking statements, including the delays or failure in placing into service of any or all of the Texas solar facilities, failure to meet the continued eligibility requirements for the ITCs, changes in the markets and economy, changes in electricity prices and demand, continued war and hostilities in Israel and Gaza, regulatory changes, including extension of current or approval of new rules and regulations increasing the operating expenses of manufacturers of renewable energy in Spain, increases in interest rates and inflation, changes in the supply and prices of resources required for the operation of the Company’s facilities (such as waste and natural gas) and in the price of oil, the impact of continued military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, technical and other disruptions in the operations or construction of the power plants owned by the Company and general market, political and economic conditions in the countries in which the Company operates, including Israel, Spain, Italy and the United States. These and other risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s business are described in greater detail in the filings the Company makes from time to time with Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 20-F. The forward-looking statements are made as of this date and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:
Kalia Rubenbach (Weintraub)
CFO
Tel: +972 (3) 797-1111
Email: hilai@ellomay.com

The MIL Network –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI: Jade Power Announces Closing of Non-Brokered Private Placement

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jade Power Trust (“Jade Power” or the “Trust”) (TSXV:JPWR.H) is pleased to announce that it has closed its non-brokered private placement of 6,666,666 units (the “Units”) at a price of C$0.075 per Unit (the “Offering”).

Each Unit consists of one trust unit in the capital of the Trust (the “Trust Units”) and one half of one Trust Unit purchase warrant (each a “Warrant”). Each whole Warrant is exercisable for a period of one year from the date of issuance to purchase an additional Trust Unit at a price of C$0.10. Net proceeds of the Offering will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Closing of the Offering remains subject to receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, including the final approval of the NEX Board and the TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance and the resale rules of applicable securities legislation.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

For further information please contact:

David Barclay
Chief Executive Officer
+1 954-895-7217
david.barclay@bellsouth.net

About Jade Power

The Trust, through its direct and indirect subsidiaries in Canada, the Netherlands and Romania, was formed to acquire interests in renewable energy assets in Romania, other countries in Europe and abroad that can provide stable cash flow to the Trust and a suitable risk-adjusted return on investment. All material information about the Trust may be found under Jade Power’s issuer profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities legislation in the Canada and which are based on the expectations, estimates and projections of management of the parties as of the date of this news release unless otherwise stated. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “objective”, “ongoing”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “could”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends” or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

Details of the risk factors relating to Jade Power and its business are discussed under the heading “Business Risks and Uncertainties” in the Trust’s annual Management’s Discussion & Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023, a copy of which is available on Jade Power’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Most of these factors are outside the control of the Trust. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulation, Jade Power expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither the TSXV nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The MIL Network –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Parkinson’s research landscape

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

September 23, 2024

Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, affecting around 153,000 people in the UK. It affects the dopamine-producing neurons in the brain and leads to many symptoms, mainly tremor, slowness of movement, and rigidity.

Currently, there are no specific diagnostic tests or disease-modifying drugs available to diagnose and treat Parkinson’s. Diagnosis is based on medical history, symptoms, and a neurological and physical exam. Treatments focus on replacing the lost dopamine but are associated with long-term side effects and do not stop remaining neurons from dying.

Remarkable progress is being made by scientists in the UK and globally to understand the mechanisms of neurodegeneration, develop diagnostics, stratify patients, and prevent/treat Parkinson’s. Journalists came to this Science Media Centre briefing to hear three leading experts discuss the current research landscape, including early detection, models to test the effect of genetics and environment and test new therapies, and the new Landmark programme; a consortium led by Parkinson’s UK using big data to accelerate treatments.

Speakers included:

Professor David Dexter, Director of Research at Parkinson’s UK

Professor Alastair Noyce, Professor in Neurology and Neuroepidemiology at Queen Mary University of London and Consultant Neurologist at Barts Health NHS Trust

Professor Sonia Gandhi, MRC Senior Clinician Scientist, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology & Senior Group Leader, The Francis Crick Institute

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation Ministerial

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
Today, the members of the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, – or the Atlantic Partnership – came together and reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Atlantic region and a healthy, sustainable, and resilient Atlantic Ocean that is a resource for future generations. Since its launch, the Atlantic Partnership has grown to forty-two members, representing more than 75 percent of the Atlantic coastline. Countries from Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and the Caribbean come together to address shared challenges, promote common solutions, and advance collective principles. In addition to the 32 original founding members, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Cameroon, Guinea-Bissau, Panama, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago have joined the Atlantic Partnership over the past year.
Members have endorsed a Declaration on Atlantic Cooperation promising engagement on the basis of international law, existing national and international legal frameworks, mutual collaboration, and respect for differences in capacity and political perspective, and acknowledging the special role and primary interest of Atlantic states in the Atlantic.  At today’s ministerial, the Partnership’s members reaffirmed their commitment to work together to uphold the guiding principles for Atlantic cooperation as outlined in the Declaration. These include:
A commitment to uphold international law, including the UN Charter, to promote an open Atlantic in which Atlantic states are free from interference, coercion, or aggressive action;
A commitment to uphold the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and political independence of states;
Recognition of the special interest and primary role that Atlantic states have in the Atlantic.
The Atlantic Partnership has focused on three lines of effort: 1)Sustainable Blue Economy, 2) Science Capacity Building and Exchange, and 3) Ocean-based Food Security.
Sustainable Blue Economy
The blue economy is the sustainable use of Atlantic Ocean resources for economic growth. The increase in the use of the ocean space, resources, and services, and their impact on marine biodiversity and ocean ecosystems, can put the ocean’s benefits at risk. The Declaration and its accompanying Plan of Action established the objective of advancing sustainable blue economic development as an overarching Atlantic Partnership goal. The United States is contributing to the Sustainable Blue Economy line of effort with the following programs and initiatives:
Marine Spatial Planning Technical Assistance – The Atlantic Partnership has established a working group on Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), which is co-chaired by Spain, Morocco, and Angola. MSP is a process that helps coordinate multiple ocean-related industries to use marine resources sustainably. MSP can provide an integrated, ecosystem-based framework to allow for sustainable use of the marine and coastal environment, maintain biodiversity, and ensure alignment of government policies, community needs, and economic drivers. The United States is sponsoring MSP capacity building via directed technical assistance, local case studies, and global best practices.
Blue Economy/Blue Tech Solutions Public Diplomacy:  The United States is sponsoring a series of Atlantic Partnership Blue Economy/Blue Tech Solutions events.  The events will bring the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and technical government offices together with U.S. counterparts to develop and deploy solutions to environment- and ocean-related challenges with the United States as a model.     
Partnering Across the Atlantic on the Blue Economy – The United States is sponsoring technical assistance and capacity building to strengthen Atlantic Partnership members’ efforts to grow the blue economy. The Atlantic Partnership is strengthening the blue economy via support for work on aquaculture, sustainable fisheries, coastal planning, coastal resilience, science-based decision making, technology and data management, and early career development for scientists.
Support for Ghost Gear Reduction in the Atlantic – Ghost gear is abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear that can wreak havoc on marine ecosystems. The United States is working with the Global Ghost Gear Initiative and technical experts and local partners in West Africa and Central America to identify factors contributing to ghost gear in the Atlantic Ocean and potential solutions. In April 2024, The United States and Canada convened Atlantic Partnership members to focus on the problem of abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) or “ghost gear,” a form of marine plastic debris. Canada, Costa Rica, and Ghana shared response experiences, best practices, and challenges, creating a new network of pan-Atlantic practitioners addressing the issue.
Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation Marine and Blue Economy “4TheAtlantic” Incubator – To bolster cooperation among Atlantic Cooperation countries in the Gulf of Guinea to address emerging oceanic environmental issues, the United States is funding a three-day capacity building program designed to help entrepreneurs across Atlantic Partnership members to tackle emerging oceanic environmental issues such as food security, rising sea levels, deteriorating marine life, increased oceanic and surface temperatures, unregulated fishing, and marine pollution.
Ocean-related or “Blue” Technology – In August 2024, the Atlantic Partnership convened technology leaders to introduce new and innovative technology solutions to improve the blue economy, enhance environmental stewardship, and address challenges posed by climate change. These included technologies for ocean mapping, hydrography, GIS, ocean observation, robotics and telepresence, and vessel monitoring.
Innovative Financing: In April 2024, the United States convened members and external partners to focus on innovative financing solutions for marine conservation. Co-hosted by Pew and the Nature Conservancy, the event highlighted opportunities and processes associated with debt-for-nature programming and the Belize and Gabon’s experiences of with innovative finance to protect their marine areas.
Science Capacity Building and Exchange    The Atlantic Ocean is at the heart of the Atlantic Partnership. Under the leadership of Brazil, Portugal, and the United States, the Partnership has created a platform to advance Atlantic Ocean observation and understanding. The Platform creates a mechanism to bring in world-class science, connect with ongoing scientific endeavors, strengthen member participation, and deliver benefits to members. The United States is contributing to the Science Capacity Building and Exchange line of effort with the following programs and initiatives:
Building Ocean Observation and Modeling Capacity – The United States is sponsoring a targeted effort to support diverse, equitable, and inclusive all-Atlantic research collaborations with facilitated trainings and workshops that respond to Atlantic Partnership members’ needs, including building the technical capacity and increasing global access to Atlantic Ocean research data through increased access to and training on ocean observing equipment for under-resourced countries and communities, and will collaborate with All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA) Partners.
Atlantic Partnership/AAORIA Ocean Observation and Modeling Workshop – The United States hosted a joint Atlantic Partnership/AAORIA workshop on ocean observation and modeling capacities in Washington, DC. Collaboration with AAORIA brings access to the broader Atlantic Ocean science community, strengthens the potential for internal interagency coordination in member governments, and further demonstrates the power of the Atlantic community.
Ocean-Based Food Security 
Food security and food system resilience affect all countries, and some of the coastal Atlantic states face acute pressures. Over half the world’s population depends on ocean-derived foods as a vital food source, underscoring the immense importance of ocean-based food security. In addition to conflict and political challenges, Atlantic States face increasing pressures from changing precipitation patterns, shifting fisheries stocks, and warming oceans, all of which affect food and nutrition security in real terms.
The United States is contributing to the Food Security of effort with the following initiative:
Ocean-based Food Security Solutions Exchange: The Atlantic Partnership “solutions exchange” will focus on sustainable aquaculture as a food security solution, highlighting global food security as its signature issue for its December 2024 UN Security Council Presidency General Debate. Working with the Environmental Defense Fund, the United States will bring together government officials, private sector leaders, NGO and academic experts, philanthropies, and multilateral groups to focus on the nexus between food security and the Atlantic Ocean. This exchange will highlight the critical importance of the issue of food security, particularly the potential for the Atlantic Ocean to support sustainable responses.
Public Private PartnershipsThe United States is partnering with the Schmidt Ocean Institute and with additional philanthropies, academics, private sector, and NGOs to bring their significant resources and expertise to augment government efforts, with a particular focus on ocean research and observations and harness opportunities for early career scientists.
Partnership with Schmidt Ocean Institute: The United States is partnering with Schmidt Ocean Institute to leverage its planned work in Atlantic Ocean scientific observation, research, and capacity building, through the 2025-2029 R/V Falkor (too) Atlantic Expeditions.
Cabo Verde Partnership Opportunity Delegation: The United States will bring a delegation of interested U.S.-based research, private sector, and conservation organizations to explore opportunities to collaborate with Cabo Verde at the nexus of science exchange and sustainable economic development.
Ongoing U.S. Atlantic ProgramsConsistent with our leadership of the Atlantic Partnership, the United States has implemented and continues to advance programs across the Atlantic on a range of shared challenges:
The End Plastic Pollution International Collaborative (EPPIC) – The United States initiated EPPIC, a new international public-private partnership to incentivize investment and solutions to end plastic pollution, starting upstream. EPPIC engages partners beyond national level governments to take on ambitious commitments that reduce demand for plastic and maximize circularity.
Save Our Seas Initiative – The United States addresses ocean plastic pollution in the northern coast of Dominican Republic through its global and bilateral programs. The global Clean Cities, Blue Ocean program focuses on supporting an improved solid waste management system and remediating opened dump sites in Samana Province and preventing waste, including plastic waste entering the Samana Bay. The Dominican Republic Solid Waste Reduction Program works to reduce waste in municipalities on Puerto Plata, Monte Cristi, and Dojabon provinces leading to cleaner oceans, enabling communities and economies to thrive and build resilience to climate and economic shocks.
Coastal Resilience, Carbon, and Conservation Finance – The United States Climate Finance for Development Accelerator launched the Coastal Resilience, Carbon, and Conservation Finance (C3F) program to encourage the flow of private capital into coastal resilience and blue carbon projects. These projects generate biodiversity conservation, climate mitigation, and adaptation outcomes while safeguarding local communities’ benefits. The United States is partnering with the Ocean Risk and Resilience Alliance to identify and engage stakeholders in Senegal, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Suriname, and other countries to build capacity to develop bankable, climate-positive projects and address information asymmetries between communities and investors – leading to investments that safeguard local resources and livelihoods.
Blue Carbon Inventory Project – Through the Blue Carbon Inventory Project, the United States will continue to provide partner countries with technical assistance on the integration of coastal wetlands in National Greenhouse Gas Inventories and maximizing the value of these ecosystems in terms of coastal resilience and blue economies. Through an integrated series of workshops, engagements and directed bilateral collaboration, the Blue Carbon Inventory Project has already collaborated to varying degrees with Costa Rica, Ghana, and Senegal and hopes to engage with other members of the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation in the years to come.
Atlantic Ocean Marine Microbiome Working Group – Marine microbes play pivotal roles in the environment and climate, the food value chain, biodiscovery, and a host of cross-cutting challenges, including the need to demonstrate the socio-economic value of marine microbiomes and environmental DNA (eDNA). The United States co-chairs and provides in-kind contributions to the Atlantic Ocean Marine Microbiome Working Group, which focuses on building a network of marine microbiome researchers and disseminating knowledge about the important role microbiomes play in the functioning of the ocean.
Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) Pole to Pole of the Americas – The United States continues to provide support for MBON Pole to Pole, a knowledge sharing network dedicated to the collection, use, and sharing of marine biodiversity data in a coordinated, standardized manner, leveraging existing infrastructure and standards.
U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030) – The United States has provided over $100 million in new resources to increase access to climate finance, accelerate the transition to renewable energy, and build resilience to climate change and natural disasters under PACC 2030. PACC 2030 has established a network of Caribbean-based scientific experts to develop new climate mitigation and adaptation measures, identified new opportunities for clean energy infrastructure, and enhanced resilient food production systems to feed the region.
Caribbean Sustainable Ecosystems Activity – The United States Caribbean Sustainable Ecosystems Activity aims to reduce threats to coastal-marine biodiversity in the Caribbean while building coastal communities’ resilience to climate change. The Sustainable Ecosystems Activity harmonizes regional conservation approaches and engages the tourism sector to advocate and conserve marine protected areas
Caribbean Biodiversity Program – Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can help support biodiversity and climate resilience in the face of climate change. The Caribbean Biodiversity Program facilitates international and regional peer-to-peer exchange between MPAs in areas of enforcement, protected area financing, communication, outreach, public education, coral reef monitoring, and socio-economic monitoring.
Sargassum Inundation Embassy Science Fellow – Sargassum inundation events occur when rafts of this algae are carried to shore by winds and currents. These events are a type of harmful algal bloom that can adversely impact coastal ecosystems, tourism, and public health. The United States embedded an environmental engineer at the University of the West Indies to focus on collaborative research to better detect and address Sargassum influxes in the Caribbean and to support developing a plan for identification and response strategies for Sargassum inundation events in the Eastern Caribbean.
National Marine Litter Action Plans – The United States assisted several Atlantic Partnership members (Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Guatemala) in the development of their National Marine Litter Action Plans which establish a roadmap for relevant authorities in each country to better manage marine litter issues.
Ocean Conservation Skill Sharing – The United States is working to build relationships among regional institutions to share approaches and learning to improve conservation of mangroves, shellfish, seagrass, and coral reefs.
Support for fisheries management efforts of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) – The United States provides extensive support for ICCAT, which oversees the conservation and management of Atlantic tunas, swordfish, marlin and sharks, and adopts measures to minimize bycatch of sea turtles, seabirds, and other protected species associated with these fisheries. This responsibility is shared among ICCAT’s 53 members, including a number of members of the Atlantic Partnership.
Support for the Atlantic Centre Course on “Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing in the Atlantic” – The United States partners with the Atlantic Centre, a “Multilateral Centre of Excellence,” to promote defense capacity-building for the Atlantic, including the recent course on “Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing in the Atlantic,” held in the Azores.
Joint Presentation of the Five-Day Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Seminar – The United States has deployed an exportable, internationally-focused seminar to assist partner nations (including Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone) to develop and strengthen their fisheries enforcement regimes to help prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing products from entering the global seafood market.
Maritime Advisor to Côte d’Ivoire – The United States supports a Maritime Advisor to Côte d’Ivoire, who assists in countering illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; and improving maritime governance, port security, and port state control in West Africa. A mobile training team completed a two-week Boarding Officer Course for 18 Ivorians from their Navy, Gendarmerie, Customs and Fisheries organizations.
Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity – The United States funds the Feed the Future Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity (GFRA) – a five-year, $17.8 million project that is mitigating the near collapse of Ghana’s small pelagic fisheries and establishing a foundation for their ecological recovery. The GFRA reduces overfishing and improves small pelagic fisheries management, which encourages ecological sustainability and marine biodiversity conservation and improves the socioeconomic well-being, food security, and resilience of fishers and coastal communities in Ghana.
Women Shellfishers and Food Security Activity – The United States works in field sites in The Gambia and Ghana to demonstrate effective shellfishing and natural resource management approaches to women-led, community-based shellfishing operations.
Protecting Natural Ecosystems in Sierra Leone – The United States provided $10 million in political risk insurance to support West Africa Blue’s equity investment in a mangrove blue carbon project in the Bonthe and Moyamba regions of Sierra Leone. The project builds on a longstanding relationship with local communities and aims to develop long-term conservation, restoration, and income diversification activities funded sustainably through the issuance of high-quality, certified carbon credits.

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation Ministerial
Source: The White House

Today, the members of the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, – or the Atlantic Partnership – came together and reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Atlantic region and a healthy, sustainable, and resilient Atlantic Ocean that is a resource for future generations.

Since its launch, the Atlantic Partnership has grown to forty-two members, representing more than 75 percent of the Atlantic coastline. Countries from Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and the Caribbean come together to address shared challenges, promote common solutions, and advance collective principles. In addition to the 32 original founding members, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Cameroon, Guinea-Bissau, Panama, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago have joined the Atlantic Partnership over the past year.

Members have endorsed a Declaration on Atlantic Cooperation promising engagement on the basis of international law, existing national and international legal frameworks, mutual collaboration, and respect for differences in capacity and political perspective, and acknowledging the special role and primary interest of Atlantic states in the Atlantic.

At today’s ministerial, the Partnership’s members reaffirmed their commitment to work together to uphold the guiding principles for Atlantic cooperation as outlined in the Declaration. These include:
- A commitment to uphold international law, including the UN Charter, to promote an open Atlantic in which Atlantic states are free from interference, coercion, or aggressive action;
- A commitment to uphold the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and political independence of states;
- Recognition of the special interest and primary role that Atlantic states have in the Atlantic.
The Atlantic Partnership has focused on three lines of effort: 1)Sustainable Blue Economy, 2) Science Capacity Building and Exchange, and 3) Ocean-based Food Security.

Sustainable Blue Economy

The blue economy is the sustainable use of Atlantic Ocean resources for economic growth. The increase in the use of the ocean space, resources, and services, and their impact on marine biodiversity and ocean ecosystems, can put the ocean’s benefits at risk. The Declaration and its accompanying Plan of Action established the objective of advancing sustainable blue economic development as an overarching Atlantic Partnership goal. The United States is contributing to the Sustainable Blue Economy line of effort with the following programs and initiatives:
- Marine Spatial Planning Technical Assistance – The Atlantic Partnership has established a working group on Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), which is co-chaired by Spain, Morocco, and Angola. MSP is a process that helps coordinate multiple ocean-related industries to use marine resources sustainably. MSP can provide an integrated, ecosystem-based framework to allow for sustainable use of the marine and coastal environment, maintain biodiversity, and ensure alignment of government policies, community needs, and economic drivers. The United States is sponsoring MSP capacity building via directed technical assistance, local case studies, and global best practices.
- Blue Economy/Blue Tech Solutions Public Diplomacy:  The United States is sponsoring a series of Atlantic Partnership Blue Economy/Blue Tech Solutions events.  The events will bring the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and technical government offices together with U.S. counterparts to develop and deploy solutions to environment- and ocean-related challenges with the United States as a model.     
- Partnering Across the Atlantic on the Blue Economy – The United States is sponsoring technical assistance and capacity building to strengthen Atlantic Partnership members’ efforts to grow the blue economy. The Atlantic Partnership is strengthening the blue economy via support for work on aquaculture, sustainable fisheries, coastal planning, coastal resilience, science-based decision making, technology and data management, and early career development for scientists.
- Support for Ghost Gear Reduction in the Atlantic – Ghost gear is abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear that can wreak havoc on marine ecosystems. The United States is working with the Global Ghost Gear Initiative and technical experts and local partners in West Africa and Central America to identify factors contributing to ghost gear in the Atlantic Ocean and potential solutions. In April 2024, The United States and Canada convened Atlantic Partnership members to focus on the problem of abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) or “ghost gear,” a form of marine plastic debris. Canada, Costa Rica, and Ghana shared response experiences, best practices, and challenges, creating a new network of pan-Atlantic practitioners addressing the issue.
- Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation Marine and Blue Economy “4TheAtlantic” Incubator – To bolster cooperation among Atlantic Cooperation countries in the Gulf of Guinea to address emerging oceanic environmental issues, the United States is funding a three-day capacity building program designed to help entrepreneurs across Atlantic Partnership members to tackle emerging oceanic environmental issues such as food security, rising sea levels, deteriorating marine life, increased oceanic and surface temperatures, unregulated fishing, and marine pollution.
- Ocean-related or “Blue” Technology – In August 2024, the Atlantic Partnership convened technology leaders to introduce new and innovative technology solutions to improve the blue economy, enhance environmental stewardship, and address challenges posed by climate change. These included technologies for ocean mapping, hydrography, GIS, ocean observation, robotics and telepresence, and vessel monitoring.
- Innovative Financing: In April 2024, the United States convened members and external partners to focus on innovative financing solutions for marine conservation. Co-hosted by Pew and the Nature Conservancy, the event highlighted opportunities and processes associated with debt-for-nature programming and the Belize and Gabon’s experiences of with innovative finance to protect their marine areas.
Science Capacity Building and Exchange 
 
The Atlantic Ocean is at the heart of the Atlantic Partnership. Under the leadership of Brazil, Portugal, and the United States, the Partnership has created a platform to advance Atlantic Ocean observation and understanding. The Platform creates a mechanism to bring in world-class science, connect with ongoing scientific endeavors, strengthen member participation, and deliver benefits to members. The United States is contributing to the Science Capacity Building and Exchange line of effort with the following programs and initiatives:
- Building Ocean Observation and Modeling Capacity – The United States is sponsoring a targeted effort to support diverse, equitable, and inclusive all-Atlantic research collaborations with facilitated trainings and workshops that respond to Atlantic Partnership members’ needs, including building the technical capacity and increasing global access to Atlantic Ocean research data through increased access to and training on ocean observing equipment for under-resourced countries and communities, and will collaborate with All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA) Partners.
- Atlantic Partnership/AAORIA Ocean Observation and Modeling Workshop – The United States hosted a joint Atlantic Partnership/AAORIA workshop on ocean observation and modeling capacities in Washington, DC. Collaboration with AAORIA brings access to the broader Atlantic Ocean science community, strengthens the potential for internal interagency coordination in member governments, and further demonstrates the power of the Atlantic community.
Ocean-Based Food Security 

Food security and food system resilience affect all countries, and some of the coastal Atlantic states face acute pressures. Over half the world’s population depends on ocean-derived foods as a vital food source, underscoring the immense importance of ocean-based food security. In addition to conflict and political challenges, Atlantic States face increasing pressures from changing precipitation patterns, shifting fisheries stocks, and warming oceans, all of which affect food and nutrition security in real terms.

The United States is contributing to the Food Security of effort with the following initiative:
- Ocean-based Food Security Solutions Exchange: The Atlantic Partnership “solutions exchange” will focus on sustainable aquaculture as a food security solution, highlighting global food security as its signature issue for its December 2024 UN Security Council Presidency General Debate. Working with the Environmental Defense Fund, the United States will bring together government officials, private sector leaders, NGO and academic experts, philanthropies, and multilateral groups to focus on the nexus between food security and the Atlantic Ocean. This exchange will highlight the critical importance of the issue of food security, particularly the potential for the Atlantic Ocean to support sustainable responses.
Public Private Partnerships
The United States is partnering with the Schmidt Ocean Institute and with additional philanthropies, academics, private sector, and NGOs to bring their significant resources and expertise to augment government efforts, with a particular focus on ocean research and observations and harness opportunities for early career scientists.
- Partnership with Schmidt Ocean Institute: The United States is partnering with Schmidt Ocean Institute to leverage its planned work in Atlantic Ocean scientific observation, research, and capacity building, through the 2025-2029 R/V Falkor (too) Atlantic Expeditions.
- Cabo Verde Partnership Opportunity Delegation: The United States will bring a delegation of interested U.S.-based research, private sector, and conservation organizations to explore opportunities to collaborate with Cabo Verde at the nexus of science exchange and sustainable economic development.
Ongoing U.S. Atlantic Programs
Consistent with our leadership of the Atlantic Partnership, the United States has implemented and continues to advance programs across the Atlantic on a range of shared challenges:
- The End Plastic Pollution International Collaborative (EPPIC) – The United States initiated EPPIC, a new international public-private partnership to incentivize investment and solutions to end plastic pollution, starting upstream. EPPIC engages partners beyond national level governments to take on ambitious commitments that reduce demand for plastic and maximize circularity.
- Save Our Seas Initiative – The United States addresses ocean plastic pollution in the northern coast of Dominican Republic through its global and bilateral programs. The global Clean Cities, Blue Ocean program focuses on supporting an improved solid waste management system and remediating opened dump sites in Samana Province and preventing waste, including plastic waste entering the Samana Bay. The Dominican Republic Solid Waste Reduction Program works to reduce waste in municipalities on Puerto Plata, Monte Cristi, and Dojabon provinces leading to cleaner oceans, enabling communities and economies to thrive and build resilience to climate and economic shocks.
- Coastal Resilience, Carbon, and Conservation Finance – The United States Climate Finance for Development Accelerator launched the Coastal Resilience, Carbon, and Conservation Finance (C3F) program to encourage the flow of private capital into coastal resilience and blue carbon projects. These projects generate biodiversity conservation, climate mitigation, and adaptation outcomes while safeguarding local communities’ benefits. The United States is partnering with the Ocean Risk and Resilience Alliance to identify and engage stakeholders in Senegal, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Suriname, and other countries to build capacity to develop bankable, climate-positive projects and address information asymmetries between communities and investors – leading to investments that safeguard local resources and livelihoods.
- Blue Carbon Inventory Project – Through the Blue Carbon Inventory Project, the United States will continue to provide partner countries with technical assistance on the integration of coastal wetlands in National Greenhouse Gas Inventories and maximizing the value of these ecosystems in terms of coastal resilience and blue economies. Through an integrated series of workshops, engagements and directed bilateral collaboration, the Blue Carbon Inventory Project has already collaborated to varying degrees with Costa Rica, Ghana, and Senegal and hopes to engage with other members of the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation in the years to come.
- Atlantic Ocean Marine Microbiome Working Group – Marine microbes play pivotal roles in the environment and climate, the food value chain, biodiscovery, and a host of cross-cutting challenges, including the need to demonstrate the socio-economic value of marine microbiomes and environmental DNA (eDNA). The United States co-chairs and provides in-kind contributions to the Atlantic Ocean Marine Microbiome Working Group, which focuses on building a network of marine microbiome researchers and disseminating knowledge about the important role microbiomes play in the functioning of the ocean.
- Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) Pole to Pole of the Americas – The United States continues to provide support for MBON Pole to Pole, a knowledge sharing network dedicated to the collection, use, and sharing of marine biodiversity data in a coordinated, standardized manner, leveraging existing infrastructure and standards.
- U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030) – The United States has provided over $100 million in new resources to increase access to climate finance, accelerate the transition to renewable energy, and build resilience to climate change and natural disasters under PACC 2030. PACC 2030 has established a network of Caribbean-based scientific experts to develop new climate mitigation and adaptation measures, identified new opportunities for clean energy infrastructure, and enhanced resilient food production systems to feed the region.
- Caribbean Sustainable Ecosystems Activity – The United States Caribbean Sustainable Ecosystems Activity aims to reduce threats to coastal-marine biodiversity in the Caribbean while building coastal communities’ resilience to climate change. The Sustainable Ecosystems Activity harmonizes regional conservation approaches and engages the tourism sector to advocate and conserve marine protected areas
- Caribbean Biodiversity Program – Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can help support biodiversity and climate resilience in the face of climate change. The Caribbean Biodiversity Program facilitates international and regional peer-to-peer exchange between MPAs in areas of enforcement, protected area financing, communication, outreach, public education, coral reef monitoring, and socio-economic monitoring.
- Sargassum Inundation Embassy Science Fellow – Sargassum inundation events occur when rafts of this algae are carried to shore by winds and currents. These events are a type of harmful algal bloom that can adversely impact coastal ecosystems, tourism, and public health. The United States embedded an environmental engineer at the University of the West Indies to focus on collaborative research to better detect and address Sargassum influxes in the Caribbean and to support developing a plan for identification and response strategies for Sargassum inundation events in the Eastern Caribbean.
- National Marine Litter Action Plans – The United States assisted several Atlantic Partnership members (Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Guatemala) in the development of their National Marine Litter Action Plans which establish a roadmap for relevant authorities in each country to better manage marine litter issues.
- Ocean Conservation Skill Sharing – The United States is working to build relationships among regional institutions to share approaches and learning to improve conservation of mangroves, shellfish, seagrass, and coral reefs.
- Support for fisheries management efforts of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) – The United States provides extensive support for ICCAT, which oversees the conservation and management of Atlantic tunas, swordfish, marlin and sharks, and adopts measures to minimize bycatch of sea turtles, seabirds, and other protected species associated with these fisheries. This responsibility is shared among ICCAT’s 53 members, including a number of members of the Atlantic Partnership.
- Support for the Atlantic Centre Course on “Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing in the Atlantic” – The United States partners with the Atlantic Centre, a “Multilateral Centre of Excellence,” to promote defense capacity-building for the Atlantic, including the recent course on “Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing in the Atlantic,” held in the Azores.
- Joint Presentation of the Five-Day Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Seminar – The United States has deployed an exportable, internationally-focused seminar to assist partner nations (including Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone) to develop and strengthen their fisheries enforcement regimes to help prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing products from entering the global seafood market.
- Maritime Advisor to Côte d’Ivoire – The United States supports a Maritime Advisor to Côte d’Ivoire, who assists in countering illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; and improving maritime governance, port security, and port state control in West Africa. A mobile training team completed a two-week Boarding Officer Course for 18 Ivorians from their Navy, Gendarmerie, Customs and Fisheries organizations.
- Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity – The United States funds the Feed the Future Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity (GFRA) – a five-year, $17.8 million project that is mitigating the near collapse of Ghana’s small pelagic fisheries and establishing a foundation for their ecological recovery. The GFRA reduces overfishing and improves small pelagic fisheries management, which encourages ecological sustainability and marine biodiversity conservation and improves the socioeconomic well-being, food security, and resilience of fishers and coastal communities in Ghana.
- Women Shellfishers and Food Security Activity – The United States works in field sites in The Gambia and Ghana to demonstrate effective shellfishing and natural resource management approaches to women-led, community-based shellfishing operations.
- Protecting Natural Ecosystems in Sierra Leone – The United States provided $10 million in political risk insurance to support West Africa Blue’s equity investment in a mangrove blue carbon project in the Bonthe and Moyamba regions of Sierra Leone. The project builds on a longstanding relationship with local communities and aims to develop long-term conservation, restoration, and income diversification activities funded sustainably through the issuance of high-quality, certified carbon credits.
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MIL OSI USA News –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Europe: UNGA: President Meloni meets with Crown Prince of Kuwait

Source: Government of Italy (English)

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23 Settembre 2024

The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, met today with the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly.

The meeting focused on a further deepening of the already intense bilateral relations in all areas, starting with the defence sector, and in particular between the two air forces.

The situation in the Middle East was also discussed, together with the common commitment to an easing of tensions in the region.

Recalling that Kuwait will assume the Presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in December, the meeting confirmed the common will to strengthen relations between the European Union and the GCC nations, also ahead of the upcoming EU-GCC Summit.

MIL OSI Europe News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Escobar Sends Letter Advocating for Expedition of the Repatriation of Sacred Pueblo Artifacts

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16)

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) sent a letter to Brigitta Tazelaar, Netherlands Ambassador to the United States, seeking her assistance in expediting the repatriation of sacred Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo Tribe artifacts back to their home.

The letter expressed sincere appreciation for the Dutch Government’s commitment to the return of the Pueblo artifacts while urging Ambassador Tazelaar to facilitate their return by the Pueblo’s Winter dance season. The artifacts currently sit in the warehouse of the Nationaal Musuem Van Wereldculturen in Linden.

“Over the last few months, the Dutch government and officials at the Museum have been most helpful in communicating with the U.S. government and Congress, as well as the Pueblo’s leadership,” the Congresswoman wrote. “I was particularly encouraged by … communication between the Museum and Pueblo in July in which Museum leadership expressed their willingness to return the Pueblo’s artifacts…”

“However, I am concerned by the turnaround of adjudicating the Pueblo’s request, and I respectfully seek your assistance to expedite the return of the Pueblo’s Powith Winter Drum and other items held in the Netherlands prior to the Pueblo’s Saint Andrew Dance and Winter Dance season, which will begin on November 30, 2024,” wrote Congresswoman Escobar.

Congresswoman Escobar concluded, “The repatriation of these artifacts is of great ceremonial importance to the Tribe as these artifacts belong to the sacred life of the Pueblo. Their return would revive long-interrupted celebrations and rituals, restoring a vital part of the Pueblo’s cultural heritage.”

In June, the Congresswoman led a letter to the Dutch government on this topic.

Full text of the letter can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Translation: UNGA, President Meloni meets the Crown Prince of Kuwait

MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

Source: Government of Italy

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September 23, 2024

The Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, met the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sabah Al-Khalid Al Sabah on the sidelines of the work of the United Nations General Assembly.

At the heart of the meeting was the further deepening of the already intense bilateral relations in every field, starting from the defense sector, and in particular between the two Air Forces.

The situation in the Middle East and the common commitment to easing tensions in the region were also discussed.

Recalling that Kuwait will assume the Presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in December, the meeting confirmed the common will to strengthen relations between the European Union and the GCC nations, also in view of the upcoming Summit between the EU and the Council.

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

MIL Translation OSI

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Global: Meta’s AI-powered smart glasses raise concerns about privacy and user data

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Victoria (Vicky) McArthur, Associate Professor, School of Journalism and Communication, Carleton University

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are just one of many wearable tech devices on the market. The glasses, which first launched in 2021, are a collaboration between Meta and Italian-French eyewear company EssilorLuxottica, which owns Ray-Ban among many other brands.

The smart glasses feature two small cameras, open-ear speakers, a microphone and a touch panel built into the temple of the glasses. To access these features, users must pair them to their mobile phone using the Meta View app. Users can take photos or videos with the camera, listen to music from their phone and livestream to Meta’s social media platforms.

Users can operate the glasses using spoken commands or the built-in Meta AI assistant, which responds to prompts like “hey Meta.” For example, users can say, “hey Meta, look and…” followed by questions about their surroundings.

To take a photo or video, users press and hold a button on the frame, which activates an LED in the front of the glasses. The LED signals to others that the camera is actively capturing a photo or video. If the LED is covered, the camera won’t work and the user will be prompted by the Meta AI assistant to uncover it.

Although the LED helps to signal that the camera is in operation, the relatively small size of the LED garnered criticism from privacy regulators in Europe.

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses on display in Cremona, Italy, on July 29, 2024.
(Shutterstock)

Data privacy concerns

As a company that makes nearly all of its money from advertising, there have been concerns raised about how images captured with the glasses will be used by the company.

Meta has a long history of privacy concerns. When it comes to user data, folks are rightly concerned about how their images — potentially captured without their consent — might be used by the company.

The Meta smart glasses add another layer to this debate by introducing AI into the equation. AI has already prompted numerous debates and criticism about how easy it is to decieve, how confidently it gives incorrect information and how racially biased it can be.

Read more:
AI technologies — like police facial recognition — discriminate against people of colour

When users take photos or videos with the smart glasses, they are sent to Meta’s cloud to be processed via AI. According to Meta’s own website, “all photos processed with AI are stored and used to improve Meta products, and will be used to train Meta’s AI with help from trained reviewers.”

Meta states this processing includes the analysis of objects, text and other contents of photos, and that any information “will be collected, used and retained in accordance with Meta’s Privacy Policy.” In other words, images uploaded to the cloud will be used to train Meta’s AI.

Leaving it up to users

The ubiquity of portable digital cameras, including wearable ones, has had a significant impact on how we document our lives while also reigniting legal and ethical debates around privacy and surveillance.

In many Canadian jurisdictions, people can be photographed in a public place without their consent, unless there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. However, restrictions apply if the images are used for commercial purposes or in a way that could cause harm or distress. There are exceptions for journalistic purposes or matters of public interest, but these can be nuanced.

Meta has published a set of best practices to encourage users to be mindful of the rights of others when wearing the glasses. These guidelines suggest formally announcing when you plan to use the camera or livestream, and turning the device off when entering private spaces, such as a doctor’s office or public washrooms.

As someone who owns a pair, I can ask my Ray-Ban Meta glasses to comment on what I can see and it will describe buildings, translate signs and accurately guess the species of my mixed-breed dog, but will let me know that it is not allowed to tell me anything about people whenever a person appears in frame.

What remains unclear is the issue of bystander consent and how people who appear unintentionally in the background of someone else’s photos will be used by Meta for AI training purposes. As AI capabilities evolve and these technologies become more widespread, these concerns are likely to grow.

Meta’s reliance on user behaviour to uphold privacy norms may not be sufficient to address the complex questions surrounding consent, surveillance and data exploitation. Given the company’s track record with privacy concerns and its data-driven business model, it’s fair to question whether the current safeguards are enough to protect privacy in our increasingly digitized world still.

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

– ref. Meta’s AI-powered smart glasses raise concerns about privacy and user data – https://theconversation.com/metas-ai-powered-smart-glasses-raise-concerns-about-privacy-and-user-data-238191

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Canada: Canada and France reach agreement in Atlantic halibut negotiations

Source: Government of Canada News

Atlantic halibut is found in waters from east of Newfoundland to the northeastern United States. Most of the stock is found in Canadian fisheries waters, with a small percentage of the stock also found within the French Maritime Zone off the coast of St. Pierre and Miquelon

September 23, 2024

Ottawa, Ontario – Atlantic halibut is found in waters from east of Newfoundland to the northeastern United States. Most of the stock is found in Canadian fisheries waters, with a small percentage of the stock also found within the French Maritime Zone off the coast of St. Pierre and Miquelon. The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of this stock, both to Canadian and French fisheries.

Today, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, announced that following several months of recent negotiations, Canada has reached an agreement with France (in respect of St. Pierre and Miquelon) on a sharing arrangement for Atlantic halibut.

The agreement, reached on September 20, 2024, will allow French harvesters from St. Pierre and Miquelon to catch 3 per cent of the total allowable catch set by Canada. This allocation will allow for measured growth of the St. Pierre and Miquelon Atlantic halibut fishery, while also providing benefits for Canadian coastal communities through French landings of Atlantic halibut in Canadian ports. This agreement supports the health and sustainability of the Atlantic halibut stock and recognizes the importance of this fishery to coastal communities in Atlantic Canada, as well as the significant investments made by Canada and its fishing industry in the development and management of the fishery.

Since 2016, Canada has been working with France to reach an agreement on quota sharing for Atlantic halibut, with officials from Fisheries and Oceans Canada leading the negotiations.

MIL OSI Canada News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Nations: Committee on Enforced Disappearances Opens Twenty-Seventh Session

Source: United Nations – Geneva

Hears that Enforced Disappearances Are on the Increase as a Result of National and International Conflicts and Growing Polarisation Within and Between Countries

The Committee on Enforced Disappearances this morning opened its twenty-seventh session, during which it will examine the reports of Morocco, Norway and Ukraine on their implementation of the provisions of the International Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

Opening the session, Mahamane Cisse-Gouro, Director, Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Representative of the Secretary-General, said the Committee’s agenda deserved the world’s full attention at a time when enforced disappearances were on the increase as a result of national and international conflicts, and growing polarisation within and between countries. In times like these, the vital role of human rights mechanisms to protect and promote human rights became even more obvious.

Mr. Cisse-Gouro welcomed that, since the last session, Thailand, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire and Bangladesh became parties to the Convention, which now had 76 States parties. He expressed hope that the World Congress on Enforced Disappearances, which would be held in Geneva, Switzerland on 15 and 16 January 2025, would contribute to efforts to achieve universal ratification.

He also said he was pleased that, since the beginning of the Committee’s urgent action procedure, 512 urgent actions had been closed following the location of the disappeared person, including 15 since the last session. Out of the 512 located persons, it was particularly heartening that 408 were located alive.

Olivier de Frouville, Committee Chairperson, in his opening statement, said the session was opening in a context that was worrying for the future. Conflicts of all kinds were multiplying and claiming thousands of victims on all continents. In this context, the practice of enforced disappearances, far from receding, was spreading throughout the world.

Mr. de Frouville said there could be no human rights without an effective rights protection system, but the treaty bodies system was dramatically under-resourced. The Committee was therefore pleased by the adoption yesterday of the Pact for the Future by the General Assembly. The Pact instructed the Secretary-General “to assess the need to provide the human rights protection mechanisms of the United Nations system, including the Office of the High Commissioner, with adequate, predictable, increased and sustainable funding to enable them to carry out their mandates efficiently and effectively.”

Mr. de Frouville concluded by expressing solidarity with the victims of enforced disappearances, including the disappeared, their families and loved ones, who, day after day, suffered the torture of not knowing what had become of the victims.

During the meeting, Shui-Meng Ng, the wife of Sombath Somphone, a victim of enforced disappearance in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, recounted her husband’s disappearance and her subsequent efforts seeking truth, justice and reparation.

Committee Expert Barbara Lochbihler provided the Committee’s response to Ms. Ng’s statement, thanking her for sharing her story and presenting actions undertaken and planned by the Committee concerning Mr. Somphone’s case and the broader fight against enforced disappearances.

Before closing the meeting, the Committee adopted its agenda for the session.

All the documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage. Webcasts of the meetings of the session can be found here, and meetings summaries can be found here.

The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. this afternoon, Monday, 23 September, to consider the initial report of Ukraine (CED/C/UKR/1).

Statements

MAHAMANE CISSE-GOURO, Director, Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Representative of the Secretary-General, said the Committee’s agenda was as busy as ever and deserved the world’s full attention at a time when, sadly, enforced disappearances were on the increase as a result of national and international conflicts, and growing polarisation within and between countries.

There were multiple crises affecting the globe today. In times like these, the vital role of human rights mechanisms to protect and promote human rights became even more obvious. They communicated to States their human rights records and recommended ways to rectify what had gone wrong, bring justice to victims, and adopt measures to protect human rights and prevent their violation. Mr. Cisse-Gouro said human rights were regulators and correctors of power dynamics gone awry. International cooperation, grounded in human rights, was the channel all had to effect change and to address the massive challenges of the time.

The work of the treaty bodies, including this Committee, was key to make this a reality. The guidance and recommendations they provided, and the ongoing interaction they had with States, victims, civil society organizations, and national human rights institutions through the different mandated procedures, helped to identify ways to prevent and address human rights violations.

In times like these, the human rights mechanisms benefitted from increased synergy and mutual reinforcement. Mr. Cisse-Gouro noted with pleasure that reference was made to the Committee’s general comment on enforced disappearances in the context of migration in the report of the Human Rights Council’s intersessional panel discussion on the human rights of migrants. This was an excellent example of mutual reinforcement.

The Committee had continued to promote mutual reinforcement in all its activities. Since the last session in February, it had responded positively to more than 15 requests for training and consultations submitted by States and civil society actors around the world to promote the ratification and implementation of the Convention.

On 30 August, the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, the Committee issued a joint statement with the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, and the representatives of Indonesia and Thailand to the Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. In this statement, the Committee urged all actors to immediately join forces to support victims of enforced disappearances and ensure that their rights and obligations, as codified in regional and international treaties, became a reality for all. The Committee called on actors to take part in the World Congress on Enforced Disappearances, which would be held in Geneva, Switzerland on 15 and 16 January 2025.

On the same occasion, the High Commissioner for Human Rights said that there was no justification for enforced disappearances. Yet, every day, this heinous crime continued to silence and destroy lives. The World Congress in January 2025 was an opportunity to establish a strategy and network so that the world could finally end this tool of terror. Bringing together experts, victims, States and other key actors in the context of this first World Congress on Enforced Disappearances to share their experiences and good practices, and to establish a common strategy to promote the ratification of the Convention and its implementation, was indeed a unique opportunity that needed to be fully seized.

In times like these, it was particularly welcome that, since the last session, Thailand, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire and Bangladesh became parties to the Convention, which now had 76 States parties. The Office celebrated these ratifications, while continuing its efforts to achieve universal ratification. It hoped that the World Congress would contribute to reaching this objective.

The Office of the High Commissioner continued to actively support efforts to strengthen the treaty body system, which was the key topic at the thirty-sixth annual meeting of the treaty body Chairpersons in New York in June 2024. The Chairpersons met with the Secretary-General and other senior United Nations officials, civil society and Member States. The Chairs made marked progress in terms of aligning working methods, and they advocated together for enlarged support for the implementation of the treaty body strengthening process. At a well-attended meeting with Member States, the Chairs called for resources to implement the predictable review schedule and other key strengthening proposals.

A heavy programme for the next two weeks was before the Committee. It would examine three States parties under the Convention: Ukraine, Morocco and Norway. It would also adopt lists of issues and lists of themes for Belgium, Lesotho, Seychelles and Serbia and consider requesting ad hoc additional information.

Also before the Committee was the report on urgent actions. As of today, the Committee had registered a total of 1,893 urgent actions. Out of these, 1,101 were “living cases” on which the Committee needed to carry out comprehensive follow-up, either individually or in groups. Mr. Cisse-Gouro said he was particularly pleased that since the beginning of the procedure, 512 urgent actions had been closed following the location of the disappeared person, including 15 since the last session. Out of the 512 located persons since the beginning of the implementation of the procedure, it was particularly heartening that 408 of them were located alive. The Committee would also examine one individual complaint, and further discuss projects related to short-term enforced disappearances and to women and enforced disappearances.

Mr. Cisse-Gouro recalled the United Nations’ zero tolerance policy on intimidation and reprisals. The Secretary-General had asked all entities to be vigilant and committed in this area. Civil society and victims provided crucial information and testimony to the treaty bodies and provided contextual information essential to their work. States needed to ensure adequate protection against any act of intimidation or reprisal against those who cooperated or had cooperated with the United Nations and its mechanisms.

Mr. Cisse-Gouro concluded by expressing his support to the Committee and wished it a fruitful and productive session.

OLIVIER DE FROUVILLE, Chairperson of the Committee on Enforced Disappearances, said the session opened in a context that was worrying for the future. Conflicts of all kinds were multiplying and claiming thousands of victims on all continents. Power politics seemed to be back in international relations more than ever and, within States, merchants of hatred were stirring up mistrust between communities and preparing for tomorrow’s conflicts. The disastrous consequences of global warming were increasingly being felt, causing natural disasters that were additional factors of instability.

In this context, the practice of enforced disappearances, far from receding, was spreading throughout the world. Even when enforced disappearance took different forms, the objective always remained the same: to deny the disappeared person any humanity both as a legal person and as a natural person, and to spread terror among those close to them, who suffered the torture of uncertainty, a terror that quickly spread throughout society. But victims were resilient, as were societies.

Experience showed that every time criminals wanted to impose silence and obedience through enforced disappearance, victims’ families assembled in public squares and brandished their photos, asking the simple and fundamental question: “where are they?” Above all, it was women, mothers, sisters, wives who had the courage to call out armed men, because no amount of oppression or extreme violence could make them accept that their loved ones had evaporated into thin air. Their determination eventually gave rise to a new norm of international law: the complete prohibition of enforced disappearance. Their struggle had also led to the adoption of the Convention, in which States pledged to take all measures to make this prohibition effective and to eliminate the practice of enforced disappearance.

It was with a view to fulfilling this promise that several actors joined forces to organise the first World Congress on Enforced Disappearances, which would be held in Geneva on 15 and 16 January 2025. Mr. de Frouville thanked the High Commissioner Völker Turk for agreeing to be present at the opening session of the Congress, as well as his Office and States that were co-sponsoring the event. The Congress’ programme and plan of action were the result of a consultation process carried out since March 2024 with States and all other stakeholders, including victims’ associations, civil society organizations. and national human rights institutions. Mr. de Frouville invited all States, including parties and non-parties to the Convention, and all stakeholders who were willing to commit themselves to acting, even modestly, against enforced disappearance to come to the meetings of the Congress.

The fight for respect for human rights needed to be based on robust institutions and procedures. There could be no human rights without an effective rights protection system. However, the treaty bodies system was dramatically under-resourced; its budget was ridiculous in view of the magnitude of its task. In 2023, its budget was 459 million United States dollars, of which only 178 million was financed from the United Nations regular budget, forcing the Office of the High Commissioner to find 280 million in extra-budgetary resources. This sum did not cover all the estimated needs, which would have required an additional 171 million. This amount seemed ludicrous in view of the major role that the United Nations system played today in defending human rights and helping States and civil society to defend them in a world where they were threatened more than ever.

The Committee was therefore pleased by the adoption yesterday in New York of the Pact for the Future by the General Assembly. Among other interesting provisions, Measure 46 of the Pact instructed the Secretary-General “to assess the need to provide the human rights protection mechanisms of the United Nations system, including the Office of the High Commissioner, with adequate, predictable, increased and sustainable funding to enable them to carry out their mandates efficiently and effectively.”

This was in line with the call made by the Chairpersons of the treaty bodies at their thirty-sixth meeting held last July in New York. The Chairs told the Secretary-General and Member States that the treaty bodies needed, before the end of the year, a decisive resolution that would enable them to quickly implement the predictable timetable for the consideration of States’ reports. The immediate costs associated with this change would in fact represent a saving in the medium and long term, since the change would be accompanied by a longer reporting period of eight years, and economies of scale resulting from better coordination and complementarity between the 10 Committees and the rest of the system. The Committee Chairs expressed their hope that States would seize this opportunity to strengthen the treaty system decisively.

A year ago, a conference was held on a joint declaration on illegal intercountry adoptions drafted by the Committee on Enforced Disappearances, the Committee on the Rights of the Child, and several Special Procedures. The conference was an opportunity to hear from victims from all parts of the world, including adoptees and biological parents searching for their missing children. A documentary about the victims’ story and their quest for the truth would be premiered in Geneva, in parallel with this session, on 1 October 2024 in Auditorium A2 of the Maison de la Paix. The screening would be followed by a debate featuring the victims, who would testify about their experiences. A short excerpt from the documentary would also be shown at the closing of this session on 4 October.

Mr. de Frouville concluded by expressing solidarity with the victims of enforced disappearances, including the disappeared, their families and loved ones, who, day after day, suffered the torture of not knowing what had become of the victims.

SHUI-MENG NG, wife of Sombath Somphone, victim of enforced disappearance in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, said her husband was disappeared in December 2012 in front of a police post, where he was pushed into a white vehicle and taken away. Everything that happened at the time of the disappearance was recorded by police traffic cameras. He was a community worker who helped poor farmers to improve their livelihoods. He also worked with young people to find solutions for themselves and become more resilient, and with local communities to help them prepare and respond to climate change. Ms. Ng said she did not know why he had been disappeared, but said his work may have annoyed powerful people, who felt he was threatening their interests.

Ms. Ng did not know if her husband was still alive. This was the pain that victims of enforced disappearance suffered. The pain remained with her every day, despite the passing of time. The fear that he would not come back loomed larger and larger with each day, and the hope that he would return was fading.

Enforced disappearance was the most criminal violation of human rights. Ms. Ng called on the Committee and all States to appeal to the Government of Lao People’s Democratic Republic to reveal the truth regarding this enforced disappearance. Ms. Ng had appealed to the authorities and received no information, with authorities simply stating that the investigation was ongoing. The hope that she would receive truth and justice was becoming more remote, but she said that she would not give up. She would continue to raise the case of her husband at every opportunity, seeking news about what happened to him, as well as truth, justice and reparation until her last breath.

Ms. Ng urged the Committee to not forget the victims and their families. There were more than 14,000 cases of enforced disappearance before the United Nations. This was unacceptable in a world where governments claimed to protect their citizens from enforced disappearance. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic was a signatory to the Convention but had not ratified it. It nevertheless needed to uphold the spirit of the Convention. In closing, Ms. Ng appealed for the safe return of her husband.

BARBARA LOCHBIHLER, Committee Expert, thanked Ms. Ng for sharing the day that changed her life, the struggle that had defined her life ever since, and the pain that remained with her every day. This case was particular in several respects. Sombath Somphone was a well-known, dedicated and passionate community worker. He was honoured with awards beyond his country. His disappearance did not happen mysteriously in an unknown place but was recorded by police traffic cameras.

International non-governmental organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch had campaigned on his behalf, and international media had reported on the case. The European Parliament had called for his release, as had parliamentarians from the region. United Nations bodies, including the Human Rights Committee, had questioned the Lao Government on the issue. Ms. Ng’s tireless efforts were based on her professional expertise, her profound knowledge of international structures, and her experience in international solidarity networking. Despite these efforts, Sombath Somphone remained disappeared, his fate and whereabouts still unknown to his family and friends.

Pain and suffering remained with the victims of enforced disappearance every day despite the passing of time, because with time hope faded. Ms. Ng and Mr. Somphone’s supporters had been confronted with ignorance, disregard, inaction, negligence and outright lies from authorities. This was what so many victims of enforced disappearance had to deal with, often exacerbated by reprisals and existential distress. Mr. Somphone’s case clearly showed that an enforced disappearance had not only serious consequences for victims’ family and friends but also had a chilling effect on the civil society of the given community or country. After Mr. Somphone’s disappearance, civil society organizations in Lao People’s Democratic Republic were in fear, becoming more careful in their work or even inactive. This surely pleased those responsible for Mr. Somphone’s disappearance.

Ms. Ng, as with victims in so many countries, rightly had high expectations of the Committee. However, the Government of Lao People’s Democratic Republic had signed but not ratified the Convention, so the Committee had no formal means to review the situation in the State or ask for information on particular cases. Unfortunately, this applied to many countries in Asia, where only a few States had ratified the Convention.

The Committee was sincerely committed to change this, intensifying its outreach to governments and the broader human rights movement. Last year, it had a fruitful meeting with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights. In November, the regional office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Committee would organise several workshops with State and civil society organization representatives in Bangkok, and in January, the World Congress on Enforced Disappearance would gather activists and diplomats, victims and United Nations representatives to discuss ways forward in the fight against enforced disappearances.

Regrettably, the impact of a United Nations treaty body had its limitations. Essential for things to change was serious political will by the Government to act. The Committee would appeal to the Lao Government to demonstrate this political will and would never forget the victims. Ms. Lochbihler thanked Ms. Ng wholeheartedly for addressing the Committee, congratulating her for her passion and energy, and for not being discouraged by years of ignorance and denial. She expressed hope that the search for Ms. Ng’s husband would one day bring to light what really happened, as Ms. Ng had the right to know the truth.

Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media;
not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

CED24.006E

MIL OSI United Nations News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Video: Reporters Without Borders Thibaut Bruttin reviews the final report of the General Assembly of Information

Source: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) (Video Release)

#EDITORSF The modern jungle of algorithms, the impoverishment of journalism, the media’s independence – these are just a few of the subjects covered in France’s General Assembly of Information.

Thibaut Bruttin, RSF’s new Director General, looks back at the issues and solutions addressed in the Assembly’s final report, which dedicated to Christophe Deloire, Bruttin’s predecessor who passed away in June.

#journalism #tech #medias #humanrights #pressfreedom #journalists #journalisme #libertedelapresse #droitshumains #media #journalistes #journalismisnotacrime #rsf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcRcl7w06xo

MIL OSI Video –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SNP must rethink rail fare hike

Source: Scottish Greens

23 Sep 2024 Transport Climate Action

Peak rail fares are an unfair tax on people who have no say when they need to travel for work or study.

More in Transport

The SNP must reconsider its decision to bring back punishing and unfair peak rail fares, say the Scottish Greens.

The party’s transport spokesperson, Mark Ruskell MSP, has branded it “a disaster for commuters and our climate”, urging the SNP to make off peak all day fares permanent.

The scheme to remove peak rail fares was secured in October 2023 by the Scottish Greens as part of the party’s time in government. The SNP will be reintroducing peak fares at the end of this week.

Mr Ruskell said: “The return of peak rail fares will be a disaster for commuters and our climate. Rail users in Scotland already pay some of the highest fares in Europe.

“We need to reduce the number of cars on our roads if we are to hit our climate targets, but we can’t encourage people to make the switch to rail if we are making trains even more expensive.

“Ending peak fares is something that the Scottish Greens were proud to work with campaigners and trade unions to achieve during our time in government. It has helped thousands of workers and families who have no say in when they need to travel for work or study.

“Cheaper, greener railways have a key role to play in boosting public transport and protecting our planet. The cost of removing peak fares is a fraction of what is being spent every year on major road building projects.

“Even at this late stage, I urge the Scottish Government to think again, and to scrap peak fares for good.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Translation: 500 Years of the Three Leagues Free State – Exactly 500 Years Ago: The Three Leagues Seal Their Union

MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Grisons in Italian

Exactly 500 years ago, on 23 September 1524, the Three Leagues, namely the Grey League, the Caddean League and the League of Ten Jurisdictions, united to form the Free State of the Three Leagues and affixed their seals to the League Charter. From this aggregation, the Canton of Graubünden was created over time. In addition to numerous activities for the people of Graubünden, the Government is celebrating this historic event with guests from Switzerland and abroad.

On 23 September 1524, three leagues united, forming an independent state and laying the foundation for today’s Canton of Graubünden. This event is attested by the League Charter. This is a document bearing the seals of the Three Leagues and those of the Lord of Rhäzüns and the Abbot of Disentis. The Bishop of Chur joined later. The document is now kept in the State Archives of Graubünden. The most important provision is that no League may start a war without the consent of the others. The League Charter also guarantees mutual aid and assistance, the protection of roads and free trade. The central units of the Three Leagues are the jurisdictional municipalities, with their own jurisdiction. In the event of disputes, conciliation procedures are provided for. All this is agreed “forever”, without time limits.

Graubünden had long been linked to the Confederation as an allied country. In 1799, the Free State was forcibly integrated into the Helvetic Republic, and since 10 March 1803, Graubünden has been part of Switzerland as a Canton. At that time, Switzerland was still a Confederation of States, which left extensive powers to the Cantons. However, an independent foreign policy was no longer possible.

Government celebrates with guests In the anniversary year 2024, numerous events will allow you to see and experience the history of the Canton of Graubünden. In addition to projects and activities in all language regions, the Government of the Canton of Graubünden has invited the Federal Council, guests from neighboring countries and cantons, and numerous representatives of various institutions in Graubünden to Lantsch/Lenz for an anniversary event on Saturday, 21 September 2024.

After the welcome speech by the Prime Minister Jon Domenic Parolini, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider addressed the government and the guests. The guests were then introduced to the open-air theatre performance «1524» by Origen director Giovanni Netzer and were able to experience the first performance on the plateau in a spectacular setting. The event was rounded off with a sumptuous aperitif, created by the renowned chef Hansjörg Ladurner and served by hotel communication specialists in training at the EHL Passugg hotel school.

Open-air theatre performance «1524»Origen’s open-air theatre performance tells the story of the foundation of the Free State at the beginning of the 16th century. The country and the lives of the people are exposed to the lust for power of individual «great lords». A narrator, inspired by the historical figure of Gian Travers, guides the audience through the performance and interprets the era. Like a diary, he recalls the events of his life, which take shape on stage. A large ensemble of amateurs and professionals moves across the stage. In the lively performance, the performers engage with the history of Graubünden and reflect on the future of the Free State and the future Canton.The stage, a refined wooden structure, stands within a gentle arena created by nature. A high, irregular framework of dancing triangles supports the open roof. The theatre opens onto the unspoiled landscape on all sides.

Further information on the performance and advance tickets are available at www.origen.ch/theater. Performances from today until October 12, at 6:30 pm.

Other activities for the JubileeThe numerous activities in all linguistic regions continue and can be consulted at https://500.gr.ch/it.

The site also features a chronological representation of historical events: https://500.gr.ch/chronologie

Attached images:

The Government in corpore with the League Charter (Photo: Mattias Nutt)

Link to photos of the jubilee event (©Mattias Nutt)

Contact persons:

Questions about the 500th anniversary celebrations:

Prime Minister Dr. Jon Domenic Parolini, Director of the Department of Education, Culture and Environmental Protection, e-mailJondomenic.Parolini@ekud.gr.ch
Daniel Camenisch, Project Manager 500 Years of the Three Leagues Free State, Tel. 41 78 659 63 60, e-mailcamenisch@vinavant.ch

Questions about the open-air theatre performance «1524»:

Dr. Giovanni Netzer, author and director of the open-air theatre performance, director of Origen, tel. 41 81 637 16 81, e-mailinfo@origen.ch; g.netzer@origen.ch

Competent body: Department of Education, Culture and Environmental Protection

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

MIL Translation OSI

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI: Tryg A/S – Q3 2024 pre-silent newsletter
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Tryg will host pre-close analysts calls and meetings during the week that starts on September 23 ahead of the Q3 2024 results to be published on October 11. Tryg has decided to publish a quarterly newsletter, ahead of the pre-silent period, to remind capital markets participants about the most important items impacting the company’s financial performance. The newsletter is also in alignment with recent ESMA (European Securities and Markets Authority) guidance on the topic.
- Tryg derives approximately 20% of the revenue from Norway and 30% from Sweden, the average expected NOK/DKK exchange rate is in Q3 2024 around 64.1 (Q3 2023 64.77) while the average expected SEK/DKK exchange rate is around 65.2 (Q3 2023 63.42). The level of the exchange rates is relevant when translating local revenues in Danish kroner, Tryg’s reporting currency.
- Q3 is the summer/autumn quarter where some 20% of the annual weather claims are expected. As a reminder Tryg expects DKK 800m of annual normalized weather claims split (percentages wise) by quarter as 40%-10%-20%-30%. The definition of weather claims includes “storms and cloudbursts” but it also reflects the seasonality of claims where winter is the most important driver.
- Large claims are guided also at DKK 800m per annum but without any seasonality, it should therefore be assumed an amount of DKK 200m per quarter.
- At times information regarding large weather events or large claims may be available in local press, mass media or industry associations websites.
- Tryg runs a stable business therefore recent trends of underlying performance ought to be taken as a good guidance for short term trends at least, the group underlying claims ratio was 67.5% in Q3 2023
- The free portfolio of approximately DKK 17bn is the most volatile part of Tryg’s investment result, the return to date (in percentage) of the free portfolio is observable on a daily basis tryg.com. Tryg has disclosed a recurrent component of DKK 90m, related to interest income on premiums provisions, as part of the match portfolio (DKK 44bn of Scandinavian covered bonds) quarterly return. Other financial income and expenses (booked against the investment result) are guided at a normalized quarterly level around DKK -90m as previously written in quarterly reports.
- Other income and costs in the profit and loss are expected to be on a normalized basis between DKK -350m and DKK -370m primarily driven by intangibles amortization from the Alka and RSA Scandinavia acquisitions.
- Tryg pays a flat quarterly dividend, the company paid 1.95 per share in Q1 and Q2 in 2024. The solvency ratio movements are primarily driven by operating earnings (earnings adjusted for intangibles amortization) and dividend payment impacting the Own Funds while the SCR (solvency capital requirement) does not move significantly between quarters assuming an unchanged business and investments profile.
- Following the Q2 2024 results in July no other announcement has been published while investors meetings in Copenhagen, New York, Zurich & London have been or will be attended during the summer quarter.
- A transcript of the Q2 2024 earnings call from July 11 is available on Tryg.com.
- Tryg will publish its Q3 results on October 11 at around 7:30 CET and will host a conference call on the day of the release at 10:00 CET. CEO Johan Kirstein Brammer, CFO Allan Kragh Thaysen and CTO Mikael Karsten will present the results in brief, followed by a Q&A session. The conference call will be held in English.
Tryg will publish the Group’s Q3 results for 2024 on 11 October 2024 at around 7:30 CET.

Conference call

Tryg will host a conference call on the day of the release at 10:00 CET. CEO Johan Kirstein Brammer, CFO Allan Kragh Thaysen, CTO Mikael Kärrsten and SVP Gianandrea Roberti will present the results in brief, followed by a Q&A session.

The conference call will be held in English.

Date 11 October 2024

Time 10:00 CET

Dial-in numbers

Pin code
+45 (DK) 78 76 84 90

+44 (UK) 203 769 6819

+1 (US) 646 787 0157

560768

You can sign up for an e-mail reminder on tryg.com. The conference call will also be broadcasted on this site. An on-demand version will be available shortly after the conference call has ended.

All Q3 material can be downloaded on tryg.com shortly after the time of release.

Contact information:

Attachment
- Q3 2024 pre silent newsletter
The MIL Network –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI: Virtune AB (Publ) announces its expansion into the Netherlands through the listing of Virtune Staked Solana ETP on Euronext Amsterdam

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Amsterdam, 23rd 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 the Netherlands through the listing of its Virtune Staked Solana ETP on Euronext Amsterdam.

With strong traction and consistent inflows in the Nordic regions driven by increasing interest and crypto adoption, expanding into the Netherlands 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 the Netherlands with the introduction of our Staked Solana ETP to the Dutch 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 Dutch 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 Dutch audience and is available on brokerage platforms like Degiro. 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 Amsterdam, Euronext Paris, 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 Dutch investors can access the product easily and efficiently during Euronext market hours.

Stockholm, 23rd 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 www.virtune.com.

The MIL Network –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI: Organizations are ramping up efforts to meet sustainability targets, despite geopolitical challenges
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Press contact:
Victoire Grux
Tel.: +33 6 04 52 16 55
Email: victoire.grux@capgemini.com

Organizations are ramping up efforts to meet sustainability targets, despite geopolitical challenges
- 69% of executives say that anticipating stricter future regulations is a key driver of sustainability initiatives, up from 57% last year
- Nearly two thirds say geopolitics is driving a slowdown in their sustainability investments
- Six out of ten are concerned that their organization’s sustainability efforts might appear insincere to the public, up from only 11% in 2023.
Paris, September 23, 2024 – Organizations continue to make progress in their sustainability initiatives, despite facing geopolitical challenges. Regulation and technology are proving to be a vital part of this progress, with two thirds of executives agreeing that their organization will never be able to achieve its sustainability goals without climate tech. This is according to the Capgemini Research Institute’s latest report, ‘A world in balance 2024: Accelerating sustainability amidst geopolitical challenges’, which tracks advancements in organizations’ environmental and social sustainability over the last three years. The third edition of the report highlights marked improvements in circularity, sustainable design, measurement, water stewardship, biodiversity, and sustainability skilling, despite shortfalls in tackling Scope 3 emissions and consumer skepticism.

Collectively, organizations are ramping up their efforts to meet their sustainability targets, and their maturity in adopting sustainable practices has increased steadily since 2022. 84% of executives this year say their organization is on target to meet its carbon emissions goals; less than a tenth say they are behind. As organizations look to minimize their impact on the environment, progress is particularly visible in terms of circularity, sustainable product design, measurement, and water management. For instance, nearly three quarters of executives say that recycling products is a core aspect of their manufacturing strategy, up from 53% in 2022, while over two thirds said they were redesigning products to remove fossil fuel feedstock sources, up from less than half in 2022. In addition, three-quarters of executives have implemented a water-stewardship program, up from 55% in 2022.

In late 2023, executives were planning to increase investments in sustainability this year. However, companies have not followed through: average annual investment in sustainability initiatives and practices now stands at 0.82% of total revenue, down from 0.92% in 2023.

“This year’s report shows sustainability projects continuing to build momentum in 2024 despite current headwinds,” said Cyril Garcia, Capgemini’s Head of Global Sustainability Services and Corporate Responsibility and Group Executive Board Member. “Business leaders have the power and the responsibility to steer us towards a more sustainable economy. Water stewardship, biodiversity preservation, and circular practices are now established as key business imperatives. Executives are being very pragmatic, and CO₂reduction must now be translated into cost savings. We continue to see sustainability efforts bolstered by new climate tech innovations and regulations. The best way to build trust and credibility with consumers is by demonstrating tangible outcomes and planning for a future with sustainability at its heart.”

Consumers unconvinced about progress
Consumers want to see corporations going even further and demand transparency. The report finds three-quarters of consumers expecting corporations to play a larger role in reducing GHG emissions in 2024. Furthermore, even as organizations ramp up sustainability initiatives, consumers are more skeptical than ever about corporate sustainability, as more than half believe that organizations are greenwashing their sustainability initiatives, up from 33% in 2023.

Geopolitics and regulations impacting corporate sustainability initiatives
Executives pointed to climate-related regulations as a key driver of sustainability projects. A full three-quarters of executives believe that sustainability regulation is necessary to achieve global climate goals, and nearly two thirds even agree that without regulation, their organization would not have launched many environmental sustainability initiatives.

Globally, 73% of executives agree that the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is honing sustainability measurement and tracking capabilities. However, organizations continue to fall short in terms of reporting on sustainability initiatives, especially on Scope 3 emissions. Among organizations required to report for CSRD in 2025, just over a third say that they are prepared to report Scope 3 downstream emissions next year, while 86% are prepared for Scope 1.

Meanwhile, tensions such as US-China relations, the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the European energy crisis, are leading to disruption to supply chains and business operations, and uncertainty around government funding. This year, nearly two thirds of executives pointed to geopolitics as an increasing consideration in sustainability investments, and 69% are concerned about the impact of the uncertain US political scene. This is felt across countries, but Swedish executives are most concerned (75%), compared with 71% of US executives and 59% of executives in India.

To access the full report: https://www.capgemini.com/insights/research-library/sustainability-trends-2024

Methodology
The Capgemini Research Institute surveyed 2,152 executives employed at 727 organizations, each with more than $1 billion in annual revenue, across 13 countries in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific and in 12 industries and sectors, in June and July 2024. Executives surveyed were director level and above and 50% were from corporate functions, such as strategy, sustainability, sales, and marketing; 50% were from value chain functions, such as product design, R&D, procurement, and logistics. The Institute also surveyed 6,500 consumers over the age of 18 across the 13 countries and conducted interviews with 12 senior sustainability executives at leading organizations globally.

About Capgemini
Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fuelled by its market leading capabilities in AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2023 global revenues of €22.5 billion.

Get the Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

About the Capgemini Research Institute
The Capgemini Research Institute is Capgemini’s in-house think-tank on all things digital. The Institute publishes research on the impact of digital technologies on large traditional businesses. The team draws on the worldwide network of Capgemini experts and works closely with academic and technology partners. The Institute has dedicated research centers in India, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. It was recently ranked #1 in the world for the quality of its research by independent analysts.

Visit us at https://www.capgemini.com/researchinstitute/

Attachment
- 09_23 Capgemini Sustainability business trends CRI report
The MIL Network –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI: Nokia wins 5G deal with Viettel Group in Vietnam
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Press Release
Nokia wins 5G deal with Viettel Group in Vietnam
- Nokia to introduce 5G network to Vietnam for first time; including modernizing 4G infrastructure.
- Nokia to deploy first Vietnamese-made 5G solutions in country.
- Supports Viettel Group strategy of advancing 5G infrastructure and digital transformation in Vietnam.
23 September 2024
Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced that it has signed a major new deal with Viettel Group (Viettel) to deploy 5G equipment for the first time nationwide in Vietnam. The ambitious project will cover 22 provinces across the country and support Viettel’s strategy of advancing 5G infrastructure and digital transformation. The project will also see Nokia modernize Viettel’s 4G infrastructure. Deployment will begin this year.

Under the deal, Nokia will supply equipment from its industry-leading 5G AirScale portfolio for the first time in Vietnam covering 2,500 sites. This includes Nokia’s next-generation AirScale baseband solutions, Massive MIMO radios, and Remote Radio Head products. These are all powered by its energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip technology and combine to provide superior coverage and capacity. It marks the first 5G network in Vietnam where the deployed products have also been locally manufactured, highlighting Nokia’s commitment to the region.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications has placed great importance on 5G as a critical national infrastructure that will enable sustained socioeconomic development through science, technology, and innovation. Vietnam’s digital economy is expected to contribute between 20% and 30% of GDP by 2030.

Mr. Tao Duc Thang, President & CEO at Viettel Group, said: “This important project with our long-term partner Nokia, will play a critical role in advancing Viettel Group’s strategy of deploying 5G infrastructure and driving digital transformation in Vietnam. 5G technology supports the development of national digital infrastructure and a digital service ecosystem, creating opportunities for economic growth and increased productivity.”

Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, said: “Nokia is proud to be Viettel Group’s principal partner in this critical digital transformation project that will lay the foundations for Vietnam’s future competitiveness. Nokia has been a part of Vietnam’s growth over the past three decades, and this initiative of enhancing local technology production continues to strengthen our bond with the country. Our AirScale portfolio offers premium connectivity, low latency, and reduced power consumption supporting Vietnam’s digital future.”

Resources and additional information:
Webpage: Nokia 5G
Webpage: AirScale Radio Access
Webpage: MantaRay Network Management

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.

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

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The MIL Network –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Council By-elections for Wards 6 & 14 – Voters urged to make sure their vote counts
Source: Scotland – Highland Council
Issued on behalf of the Returning Officer

Polling will take place on Thursday 26 September 2024 to fill the two vacant seats for The Highland Council’s Cromarty Firth ward and the one vacant seat for the Inverness Central Ward. Voters are being reminded to be ready to make their vote count.

The single transferable vote system will be used. Instead of using a cross, voters should number the candidates in the order of their choice, putting a number 1 in the box next to the name of the candidate who is their first choice, 2 in the box next to their second choice and so on. Voters can mark as many choices as they wish.

Postal packs have been despatched to those registered electors that submitted a form by the postal vote deadline. Further guidance on how to complete your postal pack is available here

Anyone who has requested a postal vote will not be able to vote in person at a polling station. If you are unable to post it in time, it is possible to hand in your completed postal pack into any of the polling stations located within wards 6 and 14 between 7am and 10pm on Thursday 26 September 2024. There are no restrictions on the number of postal votes that can be handed in to a polling station.

For those opting to vote in person on Thursday 26 September 2024, polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm. Voters are reminded to check their poll cards as this will have details of where they need to go to cast their vote.

For those opting to vote in person on Thursday 26 September 2024, polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm. People are reminded to check their poll cards as this will have details of where they need to go to cast their vote. There is no requirement to bring any form of voter ID.

The confirmed candidates standing for election to Ward 6 – Cromarty Firth are:

Ryan BARROWMAN – Scottish Greens

Sinclair COGHILL – Independent

Richard James CROSS – Independent

John EDMONDSON – Scottish Liberal Democrats

Brideen GODLEY-MACKENZIE – Independent

Kim HANNING JACKSON – Reform UK

Roland HANNING JACKSON – Reform UK

Odette MACDONALD – Scottish National Party (SNP)

Tina MCCAFFERY – Independent

Innes MUNRO – Scottish Conservative and Unionist

Michael PERERA – Scottish Labour Party

Martin RATTRAY – Independent

The confirmed candidates standing for election to Ward 14 – Inverness Central are:

Andrew BARNETT – Scottish Greens

Michael GREGSON – Scottish Labour Party

Chris LEWCOCK – Scottish Liberal Democrats

Martin MACGREGOR – Scottish National Party (SNP)

Donald MACKENZIE – Scottish Conservative and Unionist

Iain RICHMOND – Reform UK

The electronic election counts for both wards will take place on Friday 27 September 2024 starting at 9.00am. People will be able to follow the count and watch the declaration of the results live via the Council’s social media channels – @highlandcouncil

All information about the by-election, including answers to frequently asked questions and short video clips to show how to vote is available by visiting the Council’s website
23 Sep 2024

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MIL OSI United Kingdom –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Translation: Swissmedic – Thuasne recalls Globe-Trotter walking sticks for people weighing more than 130 kg

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

Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

Federal Consumer Affairs Office

Bern, 23.09.2024 – Thuasne is recalling certain models of “Globe-Trotter” walking sticks for people weighing more than 130 kg. There is a risk of the walking stick becoming deformed or breaking, which could lead to a fall and serious injuries. Affected patients should stop using the walking sticks immediately and return them to their supplier.

What danger arises from the product concerned?

There is a risk of the cane becoming deformed or broken, which could cause the patient to fall and suffer serious injury.

Which products are affected?

The following rods are concerned:

– Globe-Trotter W2016021010 (blue)

– Globe-Trotter W2016022010 (gray)

– Globe-Trotter W2017021006

What should affected consumers do?

Persons weighing more than 130 kg should stop using the canes immediately and return them to their supplier. They can obtain a replacement or refund for the canes from the supplier.

Patients weighing less than 130 kg may continue to use canes. However, these individuals should have the safety of their cane checked by their supplier.

In doing so, they must take careful note of the information sent to suppliers by Thuasne (affix the sticker and add the addendum to the instructions for use).

Address for sending questions

If you have any questions, consumers can contact Thuasne SCL Export TFR: Telephone: 33 477 81 40 01 Email: sclexport@thuasne.fr URL: https://www.thuasne.com/

Author

Federal Office of Consumer Affairshttp://www.konsum.admin.ch/

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

MIL Translation OSI

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Translation: By 2023, one in four single-family homes was equipped with a heat pump

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

Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

Federal Statistical Office

Neuchâtel, 23.09.2024 – Switzerland had 1.79 million residential buildings and 4.79 million dwellings in 2023. 37% of the buildings were heated by oil and 17% by gas. 21% of the buildings were equipped with heat pumps. The share of the latter has increased fivefold since 2000. One in four single-family homes is equipped with a heat pump. These are some of the results of the building and housing statistics, compiled by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

You will find this press release and further information on this topic on the OFS website (see link below)

Address for sending questions

Info StatBL, OFS, Population Section, tel.: 41 58 467 25 25, e-mail: info.gws@bfs.admin.ch

Author

Federal Statistical Officehttp://www.statistique.admin.ch

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

MIL Translation OSI

September 29, 2024

Category: European Union

Introductory statement by Piero Cipollone, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, at the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs of the European Parliament

Foreign dominance in the European payment landscape

Benefits for European citizens

New opportunities for merchants

Benefits for banks

Project preparation phase at full speed

Conclusion

What’s LIBOR?

Replacing LIBOR

What do I need to know?

How may I be affected?

Additional Resources

1. Background

2. Objective and scope of work

a) Research and analysis.

b) Technical assistance

3. Project Budget

4. Assessment

5. How to Bid

6. Key documents

7. Contacts

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Updates to this page

Why compensate people for vaccine injuries?

The COVID vaccine claims scheme

Australia is lagging internationally

So what happens in Australia now?

It’s time to set up an Australian scheme

How should it work?

September 23, 2024

Data privacy concerns

Leaving it up to users

More in Transport

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Contact persons:

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