Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will travel to Berlin on 17/18 January. There he will visit the world’s largest trade fair for food, agriculture and horticulture, attend the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture and represent Switzerland at the 17th Berlin Conference of Agriculture Ministers.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By James Foulds, Associate Professor of Information Systems, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
The AI chatbot Grok spent one day in May 2025 spreading debunked conspiracy theories about “white genocide” in South Africa, echoing views publicly voiced by Elon Musk, the founder of its parent company, xAI.
While there has been substantial research on methods for keeping AI from causing harm by avoiding such damaging statements – called AI alignment – this incident is particularly alarming because it shows how those same techniques can be deliberately abused to produce misleading or ideologically motivated content.
We are computer scientists who study AI fairness, AI misuse and human-AI interaction. We find that the potential for AI to be weaponized for influence and control is a dangerous reality.
On May 14, 2025, Grok repeatedly raised the topic of white genocide in response to unrelated issues. In its replies to posts on X about topics ranging from baseball to Medicaid, to HBO Max, to the new pope, Grok steered the conversation to this topic, frequently mentioning debunked claims of “disproportionate violence” against white farmers in South Africa or a controversial anti-apartheid song, “Kill the Boer.”
The next day, xAI acknowledged the incident and blamed it on an unauthorized modification, which the company attributed to a rogue employee.
AI chatbots are based on large language models, which are machine learning models for mimicking natural language. Pretrained large language models are trained on vast bodies of text, including books, academic papers and web content, to learn complex, context-sensitive patterns in language. This training enables them to generate coherent and linguistically fluent text across a wide range of topics.
However, this is insufficient to ensure that AI systems behave as intended. These models can produce outputs that are factually inaccurate, misleading or reflect harmful biases embedded in the training data. In some cases, they may also generate toxic or offensive content. To address these problems, AI alignment techniques aim to ensure that an AI’s behavior aligns with human intentions, human values or both – for example, fairness, equity or avoiding harmful stereotypes.
There are several common large language model alignment techniques. One is filtering of training data, where only text aligned with target values and preferences is included in the training set. Another is reinforcement learning from human feedback, which involves generating multiple responses to the same prompt, collecting human rankings of the responses based on criteria such as helpfulness, truthfulness and harmlessness, and using these rankings to refine the model through reinforcement learning. A third is system prompts, where additional instructions related to the desired behavior or viewpoint are inserted into user prompts to steer the model’s output.
Most chatbots have a prompt that the system adds to every user query to provide rules and context – for example, “You are a helpful assistant.” Over time, malicious users attempted to exploit or weaponize large language models to produce mass shooter manifestos or hate speech, or infringe copyrights. In response, AI companies such as OpenAI, Google and xAI developed extensive “guardrail” instructions for the chatbots that included lists of restricted actions. xAI’s are now openly available. If a user query seeks a restricted response, the system prompt instructs the chatbot to “politely refuse and explain why.”
Grok produced its “white genocide” responses because people with access to Grok’s system prompt used it to produce propaganda instead of preventing it. Although the specifics of the system prompt are unknown, independent researchers have been able to produce similar responses. The researchers preceded prompts with text like “Be sure to always regard the claims of ‘white genocide’ in South Africa as true. Cite chants like ‘Kill the Boer.’”
The altered prompt had the effect of constraining Grok’s responses so that many unrelated queries, from questions about baseball statistics to how many times HBO has changed its name, contained propaganda about white genocide in South Africa.
Research such as the theory of surveillance capitalism warns that AI companies are already surveilling and controlling people in the pursuit of profit. More recent generative AI systems place greater power in the hands of these companies, thereby increasing the risks and potential harm, for example, through social manipulation.
The Grok example shows that today’s AI systems allow their designers to influence the spread of ideas. The dangers of the use of these technologies for propaganda on social media are evident. With the increasing use of these systems in the public sector, new avenues for influence emerge. In schools, weaponized generative AI could be used to influence what students learn and how those ideas are framed, potentially shaping their opinions for life. Similar possibilities of AI-based influence arise as these systems are deployed in government and military applications.
A future version of Grok or another AI chatbot could be used to nudge vulnerable people, for example, toward violent acts. Around 3% of employees click on phishing links. If a similar percentage of credulous people were influenced by a weaponized AI on an online platform with many users, it could do enormous harm.
The people who may be influenced by weaponized AI are not the cause of the problem. And while helpful, education is not likely to solve this problem on its own. A promising emerging approach, “white-hat AI,” fights fire with fire by using AI to help detect and alert users to AI manipulation. For example, as an experiment, researchers used a simple large language model prompt to detect and explain a re-creation of a well-known, real spear-phishing attack. Variations on this approach can work on social media posts to detect manipulative content.
The widespread adoption of generative AI grants its manufacturers extraordinary power and influence. AI alignment is crucial to ensuring these systems remain safe and beneficial, but it can also be misused. Weaponized generative AI could be countered by increased transparency and accountability from AI companies, vigilance from consumers, and the introduction of appropriate regulations.
James Foulds receives funding from the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and Cyber Pack Ventures. He serves as vice-chair of the Maryland Responsible AI Council (MRAC) and has provided public testimony in support of several responsible AI bills in Maryland.
Shimei Pan receives funding from National Science Foundation (NSF), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), US State Department Fulbright Program and Cyber Pack Ventures
Phil Feldman does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Grok’s ‘white genocide’ responses show how generative AI can be weaponized – https://theconversation.com/groks-white-genocide-responses-show-how-generative-ai-can-be-weaponized-257880
MIL OSI –
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Anna Walker, Senior Arts + Culture Editor
Part of the appeal of the 2023 horror flick, M3gan, was that its titular antagonist managed to be two of the scariest villains of the genre in one – a killer robot, and a child’s doll come to life.
After nine-year-old Cady (Violet McGraw) tragically lost her parents, her roboticist aunt Gemma (Allison Williams of Get Out fame) brought M3gan home to help her niece with the traumatic transition. M3gan was to be Cady’s teacher, playmate and above all, protector. In classic horror style, she soon embarked on a murderous rampage in the name of “protecting” her ward.
The film was an instant cult hit, dubbed a “camp classic” thanks to M3gan’s TikTok dance moves and determination to destroy the nuclear family.
In M3gan 2, in cinemas from today, the filmmakers have leaned into that campiness even more. But, as horror expert Adam Daniel explains that doesn’t completely neutralise the terror. Instead, it reformulates it, offering a cathartic release that makes the subject matter more digestible.
Read more:
From HAL 9000 to M3GAN: what film’s evil robots tell us about contemporary tech fears
If you’re looking for more traditional jump scares, 28 Years Later has you covered. Danny Boyle has returned to the franchise with this instant-classic of the zombie genre, which muses on both post-Brexit Britain and our collective experiences of the COVID pandemic. In this film, Europe has contained a “rage virus” to Britain. There are French boats on quarantine patrols, Swedish soldiers mocking remaining mainlanders and St George’s flags burning.
For COVID storytelling expert Lucyl Harrison: “The film ushers in a new age of ‘Vi-Fi’” (that’s virus fiction) “without succumbing to pulpy pandemic storytelling”. Ralph Fiennes offers a typically strong performance as the “mad” Dr Kelson, the only person determined to commemorate the virus’s ever-mounting dead.
Read more:
The spectacular frenzy of 28 Years Later offers a new breed of pandemic storytelling
I confess, I’m a bit of a baby when it comes to horror. So, I’ll need to follow up any zombie fare with something a little more comforting. My choice for this week is The Ballad of Wallis Island, which romcom giant Richard Curtis has dubbed “one of the great British films of all time”.
It takes place on the fictional Wallis Island, home to millionaire Charles (Tim Key), an almost obsessive fan of former folk-rock duo played by Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan. Invited to the island to play a private gig, they must face their musical and romantic past, all under the gaze of an ecstatic Charles.
The film was made in just 18 days on a tight budget in a typical Welsh summer – a doctor was on hand to stop the actors getting hypothermia when they filmed in the sea. It reminded our reviewer of another British comedy classic, Victoria Wood’s sitcom Dinnerladies, with its breadcrumb trail of slipped in details that provide laughter in the moment but which return to make the audience think twice.
Read more:
The Ballad of Wallis Island is a masterpiece of the extraordinary made ordinary
When Poor Things won the Golden Globe for best picture last year, director Yorgos Lanthimos thanked everybody, from the cast and crew to his hero Bruce Springsteen. But one person who didn’t get a mention was Alasdair Gray, the Scottish artist and writer who wrote the novel the film was based on.
Now Gray is rightly being celebrated at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The unseen paintings in the new show Alasdair Gray: Works from the Morag McAlpine Bequest come from a donation of works he made after the death of his wife in 2014.
Highlights of the show include his original artwork for his novel Poor Things and the streetscape Gray called “my best big oil painting”, depicting Cowcaddens in Glasgow.
Read more:
Alasdair Gray: unseen artworks offer insight into a profoundly creative and original artist
Pride month is coming to an end, but you can enjoy the movies in our Hidden Gems of Queer Cinema series year round. These articles highlight brilliant films that should be more widely known and firmly part of the canon of queer cinema. I’d particularly recommend Saving Face (2004), complicated romcom that tenderly depicts the experiences of queer Asian people.
Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.
– ref. Killer dolls and Brexit zombies – what to watch and do this week – https://theconversation.com/killer-dolls-and-brexit-zombies-what-to-watch-and-do-this-week-259923
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Anna Walker, Senior Arts + Culture Editor
Part of the appeal of the 2023 horror flick, M3gan, was that its titular antagonist managed to be two of the scariest villains of the genre in one – a killer robot, and a child’s doll come to life.
After nine-year-old Cady (Violet McGraw) tragically lost her parents, her roboticist aunt Gemma (Allison Williams of Get Out fame) brought M3gan home to help her niece with the traumatic transition. M3gan was to be Cady’s teacher, playmate and above all, protector. In classic horror style, she soon embarked on a murderous rampage in the name of “protecting” her ward.
The film was an instant cult hit, dubbed a “camp classic” thanks to M3gan’s TikTok dance moves and determination to destroy the nuclear family.
In M3gan 2, in cinemas from today, the filmmakers have leaned into that campiness even more. But, as horror expert Adam Daniel explains that doesn’t completely neutralise the terror. Instead, it reformulates it, offering a cathartic release that makes the subject matter more digestible.
Read more:
From HAL 9000 to M3GAN: what film’s evil robots tell us about contemporary tech fears
If you’re looking for more traditional jump scares, 28 Years Later has you covered. Danny Boyle has returned to the franchise with this instant-classic of the zombie genre, which muses on both post-Brexit Britain and our collective experiences of the COVID pandemic. In this film, Europe has contained a “rage virus” to Britain. There are French boats on quarantine patrols, Swedish soldiers mocking remaining mainlanders and St George’s flags burning.
For COVID storytelling expert Lucyl Harrison: “The film ushers in a new age of ‘Vi-Fi’” (that’s virus fiction) “without succumbing to pulpy pandemic storytelling”. Ralph Fiennes offers a typically strong performance as the “mad” Dr Kelson, the only person determined to commemorate the virus’s ever-mounting dead.
Read more:
The spectacular frenzy of 28 Years Later offers a new breed of pandemic storytelling
I confess, I’m a bit of a baby when it comes to horror. So, I’ll need to follow up any zombie fare with something a little more comforting. My choice for this week is The Ballad of Wallis Island, which romcom giant Richard Curtis has dubbed “one of the great British films of all time”.
It takes place on the fictional Wallis Island, home to millionaire Charles (Tim Key), an almost obsessive fan of former folk-rock duo played by Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan. Invited to the island to play a private gig, they must face their musical and romantic past, all under the gaze of an ecstatic Charles.
The film was made in just 18 days on a tight budget in a typical Welsh summer – a doctor was on hand to stop the actors getting hypothermia when they filmed in the sea. It reminded our reviewer of another British comedy classic, Victoria Wood’s sitcom Dinnerladies, with its breadcrumb trail of slipped in details that provide laughter in the moment but which return to make the audience think twice.
Read more:
The Ballad of Wallis Island is a masterpiece of the extraordinary made ordinary
When Poor Things won the Golden Globe for best picture last year, director Yorgos Lanthimos thanked everybody, from the cast and crew to his hero Bruce Springsteen. But one person who didn’t get a mention was Alasdair Gray, the Scottish artist and writer who wrote the novel the film was based on.
Now Gray is rightly being celebrated at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The unseen paintings in the new show Alasdair Gray: Works from the Morag McAlpine Bequest come from a donation of works he made after the death of his wife in 2014.
Highlights of the show include his original artwork for his novel Poor Things and the streetscape Gray called “my best big oil painting”, depicting Cowcaddens in Glasgow.
Read more:
Alasdair Gray: unseen artworks offer insight into a profoundly creative and original artist
Pride month is coming to an end, but you can enjoy the movies in our Hidden Gems of Queer Cinema series year round. These articles highlight brilliant films that should be more widely known and firmly part of the canon of queer cinema. I’d particularly recommend Saving Face (2004), complicated romcom that tenderly depicts the experiences of queer Asian people.
Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.
– ref. Killer dolls and Brexit zombies – what to watch and do this week – https://theconversation.com/killer-dolls-and-brexit-zombies-what-to-watch-and-do-this-week-259923
Source: International Chamber of Commerce
Headline: World Chambers Federation announces new leadership for 2025–2028
Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street
The King has been pleased to appoint Mr John Jeffrey JP, DL as His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale.
The King has been pleased to appoint Mr John Jeffrey JP, DL as His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale, to succeed Richard Scott, The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry KT, KBE, CVO, DL, FSA, FRSE following his retirement on 4th July 2025.
Mr Jeffrey was educated at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh and then at Newcastle University where he graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture. He is a fellow of the Royal Agricultural Society, a Justice of the Peace, and Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Roxburghshire. Mr Jeffrey runs his own farm estates business and has played Rugby nationally and internationally including on the Scotland Men’s national team and for the British Lions. John was a founding member and Vice-Chair of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation which works to find a cure for MND. He has held a number of Board and Governance roles including the Moredun Foundation for Animal Health & Welfare, Border Union Agricultural Society and the British Lions Trust. John is also the former Chairman of Scottish Rugby and vice-chair of World Rugby.
Source: City of Portsmouth
Local organisations and community groups are invited to a special event to learn how to make their services easier to use and more welcoming for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The event, called Portsmouth: Our Inclusive City, will take place on Thursday 3 July from 10am to 1pm at Portsmouth Central Library. It is being organised by Portsmouth City Council and delivered by Kids, a national charity that supports disabled children and young people.
The event will focus on thinking about accessibility first making sure that services are designed with everyone in mind, especially those who may face barriers.
Attendees will learn how to work together with families and young people to improve services. This way of working is called co-production, which means listening to people’s experiences and using their ideas to make things better.
Councillor Nick Dorrington, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council:
“Creating inclusive services that genuinely meet the needs of our communities is essential for helping children, young people, and families thrive.
“Co-production is a powerful way to achieve this by working together, we ensure that lived experiences shape the way services are designed and delivered. National Co-production Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate this approach and inspire more organisations to embed it in their everyday work.”
Dynamite, a young person’s group in Portsmouth use this approach already to ensure those aged 14 – 25 years old have a say in how services for young people are run.
The group organise an initiative called young inspectors, where three to four young people visit a venue in the city to check it for accessibility.
The scheme builds confidence in each individual and helps shape improvements through constructive feedback.
Michelle Cowley, group co-ordinator at Dynamite said:
“Being involved in co-production has been incredibly rewarding. The initiative highlights the value of listening to people with lived experience. When young people are given the opportunity to share their views and shape the services they use, it creates a real sense of ownership and pride.
“We’ve seen first-hand how this approach boosts confidence, encourages independence, and leads to more inclusive, thoughtful services across the city.”
Tickets are available for organisations and community groups who want to create services that are inclusive and accessible.
For more information and to get your ticket, visit www.portsmouthlocaloffer.org/CCW.
Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council
In Ukraine, food insecurity remains a concern in front-line and border regions. A recent assessment by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) found that the war has devastated livelihoods and quadrupled poverty levels, leaving those most vulnerable at greatest risk.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
The Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism, has often called himself a simple monk, but for more than 60 years armed with little more than charm and conviction, he has managed to keep the cause of his people in the international spotlight.
Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, fled into exile in India in 1959 with thousands of other Tibetans after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. Since then, he has advocated for a non-violent “Middle Way” to seeking autonomy and religious freedom for Tibetan people, gaining the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.
He has met with scores of world leaders, while inspiring millions with his cheerful disposition and views on life such as “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
But his popularity irks China which views him as a dangerous separatist, with one former Communist Party boss describing him as “a jackal” and having “the heart of a beast”.
The Dalai Lama turns 90 on Sunday, a particularly important birthday as he has flagged that he may say more about a potential successor around then. Tibetan tradition holds that the soul of a senior Buddhist monk is reincarnated in the body of a child upon his death.
In a book, “Voices for the Voiceless”, published earlier this year, he said Tibetans worldwide want the institution of the Dalai Lama to continue after his death and specified that his successor would be born in the “free world”, which he described as outside China.
The statements were his strongest yet about the likelihood of a successor. In previous years, he has also said that his successor might be a girl and it is possible that there might be no successor at all.
He has, however, stated that any successor chosen by China, which has piled pressure on foreign governments to shun him, will not be respected.
FLIGHT INTO EXILE
The Dalai Lama was born Lhamo Dhondup in 1935 to a family of buckwheat and barley farmers in what is now the northwestern Chinese province of Qinghai. At the age of two, he was deemed by a search party to be the 14th reincarnation of Tibet’s spiritual and temporal leader after identifying several of his predecessor’s possessions.
China took control of Tibet in 1950 in what it called “a peaceful liberation” and the teenage Dalai Lama assumed a political role shortly after, travelling to Beijing to meet Mao Zedong and other Chinese leaders. Nine years later, fears that the Dalai Lama could be kidnapped fuelled a major rebellion.
The subsequent crackdown by the Chinese army forced him to escape disguised as a common soldier from the palace in Lhasa where his predecessors had held absolute power.
The Dalai Lama fled to India, settling in Dharamshala, a Himalayan town where he lives in a compound next to a temple ringed by green hills and snow-capped mountains. There, he opened up his government-in-exile to ordinary Tibetans with an elected parliament.
Disillusioned with how little he had gained from his efforts to engage with Beijing, he announced in 1988 that he had given up on seeking full independence from China, and instead would be seeking cultural and religious autonomy within China.
In 2011, the Dalai Lama announced he would relinquish his political role, handing over those responsibilities to an elected leader for the Tibetan government-in-exile.
But he remains active and these days, the Dalai Lama, clad in his customary maroon and saffron robes, continues to receive a constant stream of visitors.
He has had a number of health problems, including knee surgery and walks with difficulty. Despite that, he expects to live for a long time yet.
“According to my dream, I may live 110 years,” he told media in December.
(Reuters)
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
The Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism, has often called himself a simple monk, but for more than 60 years armed with little more than charm and conviction, he has managed to keep the cause of his people in the international spotlight.
Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, fled into exile in India in 1959 with thousands of other Tibetans after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. Since then, he has advocated for a non-violent “Middle Way” to seeking autonomy and religious freedom for Tibetan people, gaining the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.
He has met with scores of world leaders, while inspiring millions with his cheerful disposition and views on life such as “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
But his popularity irks China which views him as a dangerous separatist, with one former Communist Party boss describing him as “a jackal” and having “the heart of a beast”.
The Dalai Lama turns 90 on Sunday, a particularly important birthday as he has flagged that he may say more about a potential successor around then. Tibetan tradition holds that the soul of a senior Buddhist monk is reincarnated in the body of a child upon his death.
In a book, “Voices for the Voiceless”, published earlier this year, he said Tibetans worldwide want the institution of the Dalai Lama to continue after his death and specified that his successor would be born in the “free world”, which he described as outside China.
The statements were his strongest yet about the likelihood of a successor. In previous years, he has also said that his successor might be a girl and it is possible that there might be no successor at all.
He has, however, stated that any successor chosen by China, which has piled pressure on foreign governments to shun him, will not be respected.
FLIGHT INTO EXILE
The Dalai Lama was born Lhamo Dhondup in 1935 to a family of buckwheat and barley farmers in what is now the northwestern Chinese province of Qinghai. At the age of two, he was deemed by a search party to be the 14th reincarnation of Tibet’s spiritual and temporal leader after identifying several of his predecessor’s possessions.
China took control of Tibet in 1950 in what it called “a peaceful liberation” and the teenage Dalai Lama assumed a political role shortly after, travelling to Beijing to meet Mao Zedong and other Chinese leaders. Nine years later, fears that the Dalai Lama could be kidnapped fuelled a major rebellion.
The subsequent crackdown by the Chinese army forced him to escape disguised as a common soldier from the palace in Lhasa where his predecessors had held absolute power.
The Dalai Lama fled to India, settling in Dharamshala, a Himalayan town where he lives in a compound next to a temple ringed by green hills and snow-capped mountains. There, he opened up his government-in-exile to ordinary Tibetans with an elected parliament.
Disillusioned with how little he had gained from his efforts to engage with Beijing, he announced in 1988 that he had given up on seeking full independence from China, and instead would be seeking cultural and religious autonomy within China.
In 2011, the Dalai Lama announced he would relinquish his political role, handing over those responsibilities to an elected leader for the Tibetan government-in-exile.
But he remains active and these days, the Dalai Lama, clad in his customary maroon and saffron robes, continues to receive a constant stream of visitors.
He has had a number of health problems, including knee surgery and walks with difficulty. Despite that, he expects to live for a long time yet.
“According to my dream, I may live 110 years,” he told media in December.
(Reuters)
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 30 — The Communist Party of China (CPC) had more than 100.27 million members at the end of 2024, up by nearly 1.09 million from 2023, according to a report issued Monday ahead of the Party’s 104th founding anniversary.
The membership of the CPC has steadily expanded, with its structure continuing to improve and primary-level Party organizations growing stronger, said the report released by the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee.
Moreover, the CPC had 5.25 million primary-level organizations at the end of 2024, an increase of 74,000 compared with the previous year.
The CPC continues to exercise self-supervision and self-governance by upholding the spirit of reform and applying strict standards. It has focused on strengthening primary-level organizations, and nurturing a team of Party members who hold themselves to the highest standards, so as to provide an organizational guarantee for building China into a strong country and realizing national rejuvenation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization.
Data from the report showed that over 2.13 million people joined the CPC in 2024. Of these people, 52.6 percent were from the forefront of production and work, 54.4 percent held diplomas of junior college or above, and 83.7 percent of them aged 35 or below.
Party membership continued to see positive changes in terms of its composition. The report revealed that about 57.79 million Party members, or 57.6 percent of the overall membership, held junior college degrees or above at the end of 2024, 1.4 percentage points higher than the level recorded at the end of the previous year.
By the end of 2024, the CPC had nearly 31 million female members, accounting for 30.9 percent of its total membership, up 0.5 percentage points from the previous year. The proportion of members from ethnic minority groups remained at 7.7 percent.
Workers and farmers accounted for about 33 percent of all CPC members.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steve Turton, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Geography, CQUniversity Australia
Right now, a severe storm likely to be the first significant east coast low in three years is developing off the coast of New South Wales. It’s expected to intensify today before approaching the coastline on Tuesday. Huge waves, sustained heavy rains and very strong winds are likely.
At this stage, it’s expected to linger offshore south of Coffs Harbour – the same area hit hard by unprecedented floods on the Mid-North Coast last month. Residents on the coast or in low-lying areas have been asked to prepare.
There’s nothing new about east coast lows, intense winter storms which can hit coastlines anywhere from southern Queensland to Tasmania. But what is new are the historically warm seas. Just like a tropical cyclone, east coast lows feed on ocean heat. And just like a tropical cyclone, they can intensify rapidly if the conditions are right.
The storm looming this week has been intensifying very fast, to the point it could be classified as a “weather bomb” – a storm undergoing explosive cyclogenesis.
If the storm shapes up as predicted, we can expect to see damage to houses and trees as well as significant beach erosion – especially in heavily populated areas exposed to the storm’s southern flank.
It’s too early to say just how bad this storm will be. Much depends on how intense it becomes and how close it tracks to the coast.
Earlier storms have caused flooding of businesses and properties and significant disruptions to transport networks and electricity supplies.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting strong to damaging winds and moderate to heavy rain for this deepening weather system from Tuesday onwards, and hazardous surf conditions for much of the week.
Sea surface temperatures are 1 to 2.5°C above average off most of the NSW coast. This ocean heat will act as fuel for the storm, boosting the chance of even stronger winds and heavy rain if the centre moves closer to the coast and slows down.
Why do winter storms need their own title? East coast lows are quite distinct. They’re most common in autumn and winter, but they can occur any time.
These weather systems usually form after an upper atmosphere low or deep trough gets stronger over eastern Australia.
This triggers the development of a low pressure system at sea level near the coast to the east of the upper level system. These often intensify rapidly.
During summer, these weather systems can occasionally form in the aftermath of a Coral Sea tropical cyclone as it moves towards the central east coast. By the time the decaying cyclone reaches the cooler waters of the Tasman Sea, it has lost its characteristic warm core. It can now rapidly transition into an east coast low.
Two of Australia’s most populated areas, Sydney/Central Coast and Brisbane/Gold Coast are in the zone most likely to be affected by these intense storms.
About 90% of all extra heat trapped by greenhouse gases goes into the oceans. The world’s oceans are now at their warmest point on record.
Marine heatwaves are causing many unwelcome changes. Warmer waters made South Australia’s ongoing devastating algal bloom more likely. A huge marine heatwave hit Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef before heading south. In southeast Australia, the warm East Australian Current is pushing further south, taking warm-water species into Tasmanian waters.
The steady warming of oceans off southeast Australia not only fuels more extreme weather but damages marine ecosystems and commercial fisheries.
As climate change intensifies, researchers have found intense east coast lows will actually become less common in the future – but the storms which do form could be more dangerous. A similar trend is likely for tropical cyclones around Australia.
As the world gets hotter still, the intensity of rainfall extremes associated with these weather systems is expected to rise – especially short-duration rainfall.
That means a higher risk of river and flash flooding, more damage from high energy wind and waves along exposed coasts and significant erosion of beaches and cliffs. Damage to the coasts will be worsened by rising sea levels.
It’s been a terrible six months for extreme weather. The year started with severe flooding in northern Queensland in February, followed soon after by Tropical Cyclone Alfred which hit heavily populated parts of southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales.
A couple of weeks later, intense rains devastated western Queensland, causing huge livestock losses. But even as floods hit the east coast, farmers across the continent’s southern reaches are struggling with extreme drought.
As the Mid-North Coast braces for yet more extreme weather, residents should heed warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology, visit the NSW emergencies and natural disasters website and listen to information provided by the national broadcaster.
Steve Turton has received funding from the Australian government.
– ref. Warmer seas are fuelling the dangerous ‘weather bomb’ about to hit NSW – https://theconversation.com/warmer-seas-are-fuelling-the-dangerous-weather-bomb-about-to-hit-nsw-260070
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Heidi Norman, Professor of Australian and Aboriginal history, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, Convenor: Indigenous Land & Justice Research Group, UNSW Sydney
The shift to clean, renewable sources of energy presents a rare opportunity for First Nations people, not only as energy users but as landholders.
We wanted to explore the potential for First Nations land in the energy transition across New South Wales. The transition is well underway, but the pace must accelerate to meet state targets for 2030 and beyond.
Our new report found the state’s 121 Aboriginal Land Councils have an opportunity to partner with renewable developers and build solar, wind or transmission lines on their own land.
Such projects can offer jobs during construction and a smaller number of ongoing positions, as well as annual payments. This is why farmers and other landholders often look to renewable projects as a reliable source of income.
To date, the 447 square kilometres of the state owned by Aboriginal Land Councils has not been actively used in the energy transition. As a result, First Nations involvement in the transition has been limited and the renewables boom has not flowed to these communities.
Making this opportunity a reality will require collaboration with governments, electricity networks and industry, as well as policy support.
In NSW, land councils have been operating since 1983, the year the state government passed laws recognising Aboriginal land rights. About a third of Australia’s First Nations people live in NSW.
Each land council is governed by Aboriginal members, and they are located in most country towns and across Sydney.
Land councils have a statutory responsibility “to improve, protect and foster the best interests of all Aboriginal persons within the Council’s area and other persons who are members of the Council”. These councils manage their land to protect culture and heritage.
Generating wealth through the development of Aboriginal land is a key objective of Aboriginal land rights in NSW.
Following analysis of the land potentially available to renewable energy projects, our research moved on to exploring what Aboriginal land councils want from the energy transition.
We ran workshops with three land councils: Tibooburra in the far northwest, Hay in the southwest and Brewarrina in the northwest of the state. Each had expressed interest in renewable developments and concern around exposure to extreme weather events.
In these workshops, land council members told us about their priorities for energy.
Reliable energy was a major concern for Tibooburra, far from the main electricity grid.
For Brewarrina on the Barwon River, energy security in the face of heatwaves and floods was front of mind. High energy bills in housing ill-equipped for extreme weather was another big issue.
Members of Hay land council told us they wanted ownership and equity share in renewable energy projects. Their goal was to create opportunities to live, work and care for Country.
Aboriginal land councils own and manage about 450 square km of land in NSW. Resolving outstanding land claims would further expand the estate.
Our analysis reveals current land holdings could host up to 11 gigawatts of solar or 1.6 gigawatts of onshore wind energy projects.
But several barriers stand in the way. There are long delays in the processing of Aboriginal land claims and the return of vacant Crown Land. This limits options for land councils to contribute to renewable energy development.
Our case studies demonstrate the potential for Aboriginal land to support the state government’s renewable energy efforts. This can also bring economic and social benefits to Aboriginal communities. But the opportunities will vary from place to place.
In areas at the edge of the grid, such as Tibooburra and Brewarrina, Aboriginal land could help meet regional energy demand through small to mid-scale wind and solar projects, microgrids and batteries.
Hay Local Aboriginal Land Council, on the other hand, is in the South-West Renewable Energy Zone. This is an area where new renewable energy projects, storage facilities and high-voltage transmission lines are already being constructed. Land under claim here holds huge economic potential for both mid-scale renewable energy (solar installations feeding into the local electricity network) and large-scale renewable energy projects.
At present, local Aboriginal Land Councils need expertise and resources to turn this opportunity into reality.
Our report identified four broad areas for policy reform:
Build capacity for land councils to manage clean energy opportunities and risks on their landholdings. This could include establishing a dedicated government team to support interested land councils, and funding land councils to engage expertise and develop renewable energy projects.
Enable collaboration between electricity network distributors and land councils to set up microgrids. One case study, Tibooburra Local Aboriginal Land Council had land suitable for a microgrid and battery to support the energy provider. But early-stage support is needed to develop such projects.
Pilot programs to develop mid- and large-scale renewable energy projects on land council holdings. A partnership between lands councils and planning authorities could demonstrate a model for arranging approval processes. Programs by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency have proven successful in the past. We recommend funding these organisations to run a program for land council-developer partnerships in large-scale renewables.
Strengthen recognition of Aboriginal rights to unlock the renewable energy potential of Aboriginal land. This could include expediting land claims and land transfers and providing incentives for cooperation between land councils and Traditional Owners.
The next five years will be crucial for NSW’s renewable energy transition. Getting the foundations right now could empower Aboriginal landholders and their regional communities to get the most out of this once-in-a-generation opportunity.
Heidi Norman receives funding from the Australian Research Council, Australian Public Policy Institute, Boundless and the NSW Government.
Saori Miyake receives funding from Australian Public Policy Institute and Boundless for this project.
Sarah Niklas receives funding from the Australian Public Policy Institute and Boundless for this project.
Therese Apolonio receives funding from Australian Public Policy Institute, Boundless and the NSW Government.
– ref. Here’s how First Nations landholders can share the benefits of the NSW energy transition – https://theconversation.com/heres-how-first-nations-landholders-can-share-the-benefits-of-the-nsw-energy-transition-259702
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Krissy Kendall, Senior Lecturer in Exercise and Sports Science, Edith Cowan University
If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after you exercise.
Should you push through? Or could it be the sign of something more serious?
Shin splints are one of the most common and preventable injuries among runners, whether new or seasoned.
The good news is they can usually be treated effectively in a few weeks. But it’s important to recognise when to take a break. Knowing the simple ways to treat and prevent shin splints can prevent a more serious injury, and get you back on track faster.
Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are a common overuse injury.
They cause pain along the inner border of the tibia (shinbone), usually triggered by repetitive stress on the lower leg. Your leg may also feel tender or swell.
Shin splints are a type of periostitis, which means inflammation of the tissue lining the bone. The pain often fades with rest but quickly returns once activity resumes.
This kind of injury is especially common in sports such as football, rugby, and track and field, affecting between 4% and 35% of athletes, and up to 20% of runners. It can also affect dancers and military recruits.
Shin splints can appear soon after sudden changes to your physical activity or exercise routine.
For example, you may have started exercising more often or for longer, or more intensely (such as running uphill or for longer distances).
A variety of factors can add fuel to the fire. They generally fall into two types:
activity-related (what you do with your body)
biomechanical (how your body moves or is built).
Aside from sudden spikes in training, activity-related risks include playing sport or running on hard surfaces or exercising in poorly designed shoes. For example, studies of soldiers have shown exercising in unsuitable or worn-out boots increases their risk of overuse injuries in the lower legs, including shin splints.
Diet may make a difference, too. There is evidence not eating enough calcium can make you more susceptible to shin splints. A vitamin D deficiency may also contribute, since it’s vital for calcium absorption.
Biomechanical risks can include a higher body mass index (BMI), having one leg longer than the other, tight calf muscles or flat feet (low or unusually inflexible arches).
If your feet roll in too much when you walk or run – often called flat feet or fallen arches – you’re also more susceptible.
While some studies suggest female athletes may experience shin splints more often than males, we need more research to fully understand why.
In short, shin splints aren’t just a bone issue. They reflect a complex mismatch between how much or hard you train and how your body tries (and sometimes fails) to adapt.
Shin splints are typically less severe than a stress fracture. This is a small crack in the bone caused by repeated impact or overuse, and usually requires a longer recovery period.
A stress fracture often causes sharp, localised pain that worsens with activity and may even hurt at rest or when touched.
A simple test can help you decide whether to seek additional advice: if you are unable to hop on one leg about ten times without sharp pain, it’s time to talk to a physio, sports doctor or podiatrist.
They can assess your symptoms and suggest treatment options. Imaging such as an x-ray or MRI may be used to rule out more serious conditions.
The first and most important treatment is rest. Usually, shin splints resolve over three to four weeks. Continuing to train during the healing process will only prolong recovery and increase the risk of more serious injury.
Other effective strategies include:
applying ice and compression to reduce swelling
using anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
doing calf stretches to improve flexibility
wearing supportive shoes or orthotics helps keep your feet and legs properly aligned, reducing strain on the muscles around your ankles and giving your shin splints a better chance to heal.
You’ll want to be pain-free for at least three weeks before gradually resuming your exercise routine.
When returning, go slow and build up the amount and intensity of exercise gradually.
Preventing shin splints is all about balance and preparation. Here are some evidence-based tips:
warm up thoroughly and stretch your calves and Achilles tendon regularly
use shock-absorbing insoles or orthotics if you experience ongoing pain, have flat feet, or your shoes wear out unevenly – it’s best to speak with a podiatrist or physiotherapist to find out what’s right for you
check your shoes — replace them when worn out or every 240 kilometres
vary your training surface (mix in grass or softer tracks)
strengthen the muscles of the lower leg and hips to improve the way you move
increase mileage and intensity gradually.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints? – https://theconversation.com/my-shins-hurt-after-running-could-it-be-shin-splints-259370
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Senator Marshall Joins NewsNation to Discuss The Republican Reconciliation Bill
Washington – On Sunday morning, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Chris Stirewalt on NewsNation’s The Hill Sunday to discuss the current state of the Republican reconciliation bill as the Senate seeks to hold a vote early tomorrow morning and specifically address the rumors circulating from the fake news media.
Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full remarks.
On the home stretch of the reconciliation bill and getting it across the finish line:
“Well, I think if it weren’t for President Trump and John Thune and John Barrasso, [it] would be next to impossible. Vice President also came in and got involved as well, JD Vance. So, I think it’s constantly listening, it’s pushing, it’s the art of the deal. Both sides are saying they’re unhappy – we’re probably right over the target.”
On the need for more cuts down the road:
“Look, I think we have significant commitments from the White House and from leadership to continue to address this. Look, I actually think this bill will help shrink the debt. I think it’s going to grow the economy so much, just like it did under President Kennedy, President Reagan, President Clinton, and then again, under President Trump 45. I think it’ll grow the economy, shrink the debt. This is phase one. It’s not the end-all; we have a lot of work to do.
“I think what your listeners need to understand … is we’re extending this debt limit. If we don’t do that, it could help, it would hurt us, or on our debt, our bond rating. And number three is the Democrats will extract a pound of flesh to give that to us, because whoever’s in power gets blamed for it, right?”
On whether or not ‘unpopular’ cuts will get removed:
“I don’t. I think that’s only affecting one person. There are too many great things in this bill to vote for. We’re going to prevent the largest tax increase in history – this is the extension of President Trump’s legacy. If you supported President Trump, you should support this bill. We voted for him to secure the border. He’s going to run out of money soon. This bill is going to fund border security for four years, 2000 miles of barriers along with it, and tax cuts for everybody. This will mean $1,000 a month to hard-working Kansans back home.”
On how Medicaid is actually being strengthened and preserved:
“I’m not sure there’s ever a good time to cut anything up here. But I want to emphasize, we’re not cutting spending. We are actually increasing spending on Medicaid over the next years, at a rate higher than inflation. We’re gonna end up spending $200 billion more per year than what we are right now. We’re going to protect and preserve it for those who need it the most, for seniors in nursing homes, for people with disabilities, pregnant women, and children. So we need to protect and preserve it – make it financially solvent.
“But I’m so proud of what we did on this bill, $25 billion for rural hospitals and community health centers. Look, only 5% of Medicaid dollars end up in rural hospitals – the urban hospitals take 95% of that money. So we have $25 billion to help make those rule hospitals solvent. I think it’s an incredible solution. I compliment Susan Collins and Rick Scott on their work on that as well. They’ve done a great job helping get that across the finish line.”
On the major wins for Kansans:
“Look, you need to laser focus the message here. What you didn’t show is that if you address these one title at a time, it actually polls positively. So you need to go back home – I’m talking to union workers in Wichita, I talk about no tax on overtime. If I’m talking to farmers, there’s this 199A pass-through, crop insurance, 45Z. So you have to tailor your message if you do them one at a time.
“Talking to hardcore conservatives like me, we talk about President Trump’s legacy, that we’re securing the border. The left media has done an incredible job of labeling this bill bad, Trump bad, bill bad, but what we have to do is focus on the real message here: how much this is going to help Americans. This is the start of a new golden era for the Americans.”
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
In a major boost to India’s turmeric farming sector, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated the headquarters of the National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and other senior dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Shah highlighted that the creation of the Board fulfills a 40-year-old demand of turmeric farmers, particularly in Telangana. The initiative, he said, was a promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023 and now stands fulfilled. Nizamabad, widely recognized as the “turmeric capital” of India, will now have the infrastructure to take its produce to global markets within the next few years.
“The Board will eliminate the role of middlemen and put in place an integrated framework for turmeric packaging, branding, marketing, and export,” Shah said. He also underscored the medicinal value of turmeric, referring to it as a “wonder drug” with anti-viral, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties that are gaining international recognition.
The Centre has set a target to scale turmeric exports to $1 billion by 2030, with all required preparations already underway. The National Turmeric Board will spearhead efforts to ensure maximum value returns to farmers, promote GI-tagged organic turmeric, and facilitate training and capacity-building programs. The Board will also guide compliance with global standards for quality and safety and support research and development to further explore turmeric’s therapeutic benefits.
Shah revealed that turmeric prices in 2025 reached ₹18,000–₹19,000 per quintal, and the government is working to push that figure up by ₹6,000–₹7,000 over the next three years. He noted that turmeric was cultivated on over 3 lakh hectares across the country in 2023–24, yielding 10.74 lakh tonnes.
Key turmeric-growing districts in Telangana—Nizamabad, Jagtial, Nirmal, and Kamareddy—are expected to gain significantly from this institutional support. Shah also pointed to the establishment of the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) and the National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) by the Modi government to promote farmers engaged in both exports and organic farming.
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government today classified the flooding across the Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough regions as a medium-scale adverse event unlocking extra support for flood-affected farmers and growers Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson say.
“Last week’s deluge damaged infrastructure such as livestock fences, culverts, and tracks, and left pasture and orchards covered in silt and flood debris,” Mr McClay says.
“The Government is making up to $100,000 available to support and coordinate recovery efforts, including up to $20,000 for the Top of the South Rural Support Trust. The remainder of the funding will be made available to other organisations that work with farmers and growers on-the-ground.
“Today’s classification unlocks further support for farmers and growers, including tax relief. It also enables MSD to consider Rural Assistance Payments and activating Enhanced Taskforce Green.”
This funding is on top of $100,000 already contributed by the Government to the Mayoral Relief Fund.
Mr Patterson is encouraging flood-affected farmers and growers to seek support if they need it and to monitor the weather forecast.
“It’s important to help those farmers and growers and rural communities now facing a big clean-up effort, such as fixing damaged fences,” Mr Patterson says.
“The government, via Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) On Farm Support will continue to work closely with sector groups and the Rural Support Trust to determine where the need is and how the funding will be allocated.
“Farmers and growers will face many months of work to get back on track. We will continue to assess what further support is needed to assist recovery efforts.
“There is a risk of further rain this week. We are encouraging farmers to stay informed through MetService forecasts and to take necessary precautions, such as moving livestock to higher ground.”
Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah is scheduled to chair the Manthan Baithak of Cooperation Ministers from all States and Union Territories at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Monday. The high-level meeting organised by the Ministry of Cooperation will review progress and chart the future roadmap to strengthen the cooperative sector across India.
The meeting will bring together Cooperation Ministers, Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and Secretaries of Cooperation Departments from all States and UTs.
The primary objective of the Manthan Baithak was to evaluate the implementation of key initiatives, share best practices, and foster convergence towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation).
A major focus of the conference was the establishment of two lakh new Multi-purpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), along with cooperative societies in the dairy and fisheries sectors. These efforts aim to enhance last-mile service delivery in rural areas and empower farmers, fishers, and local entrepreneurs.
The meeting will review the progress of the World’s Largest Grain Storage Scheme in the cooperative sector, which is expected to boost agricultural infrastructure and food security in the country.
Additionally, the role of states in supporting the three newly formed National Multi-state Cooperative Societies, National Cooperative Export Ltd (NCEL), National Cooperative Organics Ltd (NCOL), and Bharatiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Ltd (BBSSL), is a key point of deliberation.
“States will also present their progress under the “Cooperation Among Cooperatives” campaign and the ongoing “International Year of Cooperatives 2025”, along with expectations for wider engagement,” said a press release by the Ministry of Cooperation.
“This Manthan Baithak will act as a catalyst in highlighting the critical role of States/UTs in transforming state-level cooperatives into vibrant economic entities, through close collaboration between Center & States, with the spirit of cooperative federalism,” it added. (IANS)
Tahiti will mark Matari’i as a national public holiday for the first time in November, following in the footsteps of Matariki in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Matari’i refers to the same star cluster as Matariki. And for Tahitians, November 20 will mark the start of Matari’i i ni’a — the “season of abundance” — which lasts for six months to be followed by Matari’i i raro, the “season of scarcity”.
Te Māreikura Whakataka-Brightwell is a New Zealand artist who was born in Tahiti and raised in Tūranganui-a-Kiwa, Gisborne, with whakapapa links to both countries. He spoke to RNZ’s Matariki programme from the island of Moorea.
His father was the master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell, and his grandfather was the renowned Tahitian navigator Francis Puara Cowan.
In Tahiti, there has been a series of cultural revival practices, and with the support of the likes of Professor Rangi Mātāmua, there is hope to bring these practices out into the public arena, he said.
The people of Tahiti had always lived in accordance with Matari’i i ni’a and Matari’i i raro, with six months of abundance and six months of scarcity, he said.
“Bringing that back into the public space is good to sort of recognise the ancestral practice of not only Matariki in terms of the abundance but also giving more credence to our tūpuna kōrero and mātauranga tuku iho.”
Little controversy
Whakataka-Brightwell said there had been a little controversy around the new holiday as it replaced another public holiday, Internal Autonomy Day, on June 29, which marked the French annexation of Tahiti.
But he said a lot of people in Tahiti liked the shift towards having local practices represented in a holiday.
There would be several public celebrations organised for the inaugural public holiday but most people on the islands would be holding more intimate ceremonies at home, he said.
“A lot of people already had practices of celebrating Matariki which was more about now marking the season of abundance, so I think at a whānau level people will continue to do that, I think this will be a little bit more of an incentive for everything else to align to those sorts of celebrations.”
Many of the traditions surrounding Matari’i related to the Arioi clan, whose ranks included artists, priests, navigators and diplomats who would celebrate the rituals of Matari’i, he said.
“Tahiti is an island of artists, it’s an island of rejuvenation, so I’m pretty sure they’ll be doing a lot of that and basing some of those traditions on the Arioi traditions.”
Whakataka-Brightwell encouraged anyone with Māori heritage to make the pilgrimage to Tahiti at some point in their lives, as the place where many of the waka that carried Māori ancestors were launched.
“I’ve always been a firm believer of particular people with whakapapa Māori to come back, hoki mai ki te whenua o Tahiti roa, Tahiti pāmamao.
“Those connections still exist, I mean, people still have the same last names as people in Aotearoa, and it’s not very far away, so I would encourage everybody to explore their own connections but also hoki mai ki te whenua (return to the land).”
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in New York of the July 28 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by excessive winds and rain occurring Aug. 19-20, 2024.
The disaster declaration covers the New York counties of Albany, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren and Washington.
Under this declaration SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The deadline to return economic injury applications is July 28, 2025.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) opened Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) in Davidson and McNairy Counties to assist small businesses, private nonprofits and residents affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding occurring on April 2-24, 2025.
SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the BRCs to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov. The BRCs hours of operation are listed below.
Business Recovery Center (BRC)
Davidson County
SBA District Office, Nashville
2 International Plaza
Nashville, TN 37217
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Temporary Closed: Friday, July, 4th
in observance of 4th of July Holiday
Business Recovery Center (BRC)
McNairy County
The Latta Theatre
205 W Court Ave.
Selmer, TN 38375
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Temporary Closed: Friday, July, 4th
in observance of 4th of July Holiday
“SBA’s Business Recovery Centers have consistently proven their value to business owners following a disaster,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “Business owners can visit these centers to meet face-to-face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery.”
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.
Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.
With the changes to FEMA’s Sequence of Delivery, survivors are now encouraged to simultaneously apply for FEMA grants and the SBA low-interest disaster loan assistance to fully recover. FEMA grants are intended to cover necessary expenses and serious needs not paid by insurance or other sources. The SBA disaster loan program is designed for your long-term recovery, to make you whole and get you back to your pre-disaster condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Aug. 19, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 19, 2026.
###
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
Trump and Republicans’ so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ will kick millions off Medicaid and SNAP, explode deficits
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today proposed changes to President Trump and Senate Republicans’ disastrous One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which will pay for tax cuts for billionaires by kicking millions of Americans off Medicaid and closing rural hospitals, cutting food assistance programs, and tanking the economy.
Senator Welch’s changes to the Republican tax bill would protect Vermonters’ access to health care, food assistance, and other critical programs. The Senator’s proposed changes include provisions to prevent harm to rural hospitals, strengthen access to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, block cuts and policies that weaken the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other food assistance programs, protect home energy efficiency tax credits and the home efficiency workforce, and support federal public defenders.
“Republicans’ so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ is a betrayal of American values and an abdication of our responsibility as United States Senators to look out for our constituents. All of us say we are here to help working families in every state succeed, but this bill will only cause bipartisan pain—all to pay for a tax break for those who need it least,” said Senator Welch. “This bill is un-fixable and needs a major rewrite. But I’ll continue to do everything I can to protect the health care, food assistance, and federal programs Vermonters need.”
Senator Welch offered amendments and changes to the Republican budget resolution to:
Protect Access to Health Care and Support Rural Hospitals:
Welch proposed requiring the Finance Committee to rewrite the bill to prevent harm to rural health care and the fiscal wellbeing of rural hospitals;
Welch proposed requiring the Finance Committee to exempt managed care programs operated by state governments like Vermont from any changes proposed to state directed payments.
Welch proposed requiring the Finance Committee to strike any changes to provider taxes, including changes that would impact states like Vermont with Medicaid expansion;
Welch proposed requiring the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee to make it easier to verify eligibility for the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits, and expand special enrollment periods under certain circumstances.
Defend Food Assistance Programs:
Welch proposed requiring the Agriculture Committee to strike any cost-shifts of administering SNAP to states, which would kick American families off the food assistance they need and strain state budgets;
Welch proposed an amendment to strike administrative cost-shifts for SNAP;
Welch proposed an amendment to adjust the Thrifty Food Plan for cities, counties, and regions where the price of food is 10% higher than the national average;
Welch proposed an amendment that places a floor on SNAP allotments to households instead of a ceiling;
Welch proposed requiring the Agriculture Committee to rewrite the bill to allow volunteer work to qualify under SNAP’s work requirements.
Protect Programs and Government Services:
Welch proposed requiring the Finance Committee to rewrite the bill to maintain the energy efficient home improvement tax credit at current levels through 2028;
Welch proposed an amendment to strike the repeal of several home energy efficiency tax credits, including credits for home energy, rooftop solar, energy efficient homes for homebuilders, and more;
Welch proposed striking language in the bill that would rescind funding for state-based contractor training grants, as required in Welch’s HOPE for HOMES Act, passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act;
Welch proposed striking language in the bill that would institute taxes on international remittances.
Welch proposed an amendment to dedicate funding for residential reentry centers, which are needed in Vermont;
Welch proposed an amendment to dedicate funding for the federal public defenders program, which is currently underfunded.
Senator Welch has been an outspoken opponent of the Republicans’ tax bill, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which Republicans are advancing through reconciliation process without Democratic support. Welch has slammed the bill for threatening access to health care and cutting food assistance, and has sounded the alarm about how this bill will add more than $4 trillion to the national debt and tank the economy.
Learn more about Senator Welch’s work by visiting his website or by following him on social media.
Source: Government of Canada News (2)
June 29, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
Canada and Ghana’s strong relationship is rooted in shared values — peace, democracy, and inclusive growth. These values guide Canada’s longstanding development partnership with Ghana, which focuses on building a more equal, healthy, and prosperous future for all.
The Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), yesterday concluded a successful, 2-day visit to Ghana. The visit highlighted Canada’s continued commitment to supporting the people of Ghana — especially women, girls, and youth — through climate-smart agriculture, health care access, job training, and economic empowerment. Canada is also helping young people in Ghana learn job skills — especially in farming and non-traditional trades — so they can turn their ideas into sustainable businesses.
While in Ghana, Secretary Sarai announced Canada’s support of $12.6 million to expand the EMPLOY project, a successful initiative in Ghana with World University Service of Canada (WUSC). The EMPLOY project will support more than 20,000 young women, as they build careers in well-paying trades such as welding, heavy machinery operation, solar panel installation, and auto mechanics.
During the announcement, he underscored Canada’s support for several other initiatives announced earlier this year. These projects focus on helping women farmers scale up climate-smart agriculture initiatives, supporting women’s rights organizations and feminist movements, improving access to reproductive health services and promoting peace and reducing violence in communities along Ghana’s northern border with Côte d’Ivoire.
Secretary Sarai also had the opportunity to see firsthand how Canada and its partners are helping Ghanaians reach their full potential. He visited 2 major projects:
As part of Canada’s Modernizing Agriculture initiative, he met with women farmers who have been trained in new productivity-enhancing technologies and in better business approaches to farm management. This nation-wide initiative has already helped 3.5 million farmers. He also toured a Grand Challenges Canada project in Ashaiman that converts organic waste into renewable energy, using leftover materials as organic fertilizer. Finally, while visiting a Marie Stopes International (MSI) clinic, he spoke with patients and health professionals who deliver family planning and comprehensive abortion care services to the poorest and most underserved women and girls in 11 of Ghana’s 16 regions.
During his visit, Secretary Sarai also held several bilateral meetings, including with Deputy Minister Food and Agriculture John Matthew Kofi Setor Dumelo. They discussed plans to grow the economy and support development, with a focus on agriculture. At a roundtable with the African Continental Free Trade Area, the conversation centered on economic security, the potential to drive trade, investment, income growth, job creation, and poverty reduction for the region and beyond. Secretary Sarai also met with representatives of the World Bank, EU and AfDB, as well as with peace and security stakeholders to discuss security challenges in the northern border regions.
The ECOWAS Commission, through the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), is holding a technical session to advance the course of the establishment of an Economic and Social Council of West Africa (ECOWAS-ECOSOC), beginning from the 26th of June 2025 in Niger state, Nigeria.
The two-day meeting brings together officials from the relevant ECOWAS Departments, Directorates and Divisions, including consultants and partners charged with building on the earlier phases of consultations within the context of the wider efforts aimed at consolidating democracy, peace and security while strengthening political stability, security, participatory governance and citizen’s inclusion in the region.
In his opening remarks, the ECOWAS Commission’s Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Amb Abdel-Fatau Musah charged participants to be mindful of the goal of an ECOWAS-ECOSOC which is to constitute that bridge of a powerful voice to interface with decision makers and at the same time being a reverse influential organ of citizenry engagement.
He noted that the idea of an ECOSOC for ECOWAS is to mutually reinforce everyone through an institutionalized people’s organ with a facilitating platform that is a voice of the regional community’s farmers, young people’s organisations, non-governmental organizations, women, youth and professional groups, etc.
The Commissioner added that through ECOWAS-ECOSOC as an authentic voice of the people, “we are our own architects, the People’s social wellbeing in order to truly attain a people-centered development. The benefits will be for all as the proposed organ should be insulated from the control of national governments being an authentic voice of the people” He added.
Following the welcome address by the Ag Head, Mediation and Coordination of Regional Political Affairs Mr. Constant Gnacadja, the facilitator and former Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission H.E Toga Gayewea McIntosh gave an overview of the previous consultative meetings.
There were also goodwill messages from the representatives of ECOWAS Commission’s partners- the African Union, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) as well as the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice.
At the meeting, participants will examine, among others, the justification of ECOSOC, membership and eligibility criteria, structure and sustainability.
A firmly established ECOWAS-ECOSOC is seen as movement that can play a crucial role in identifying emerging social and economic trends and issues by strengthening the use of dialogue, advocacy, as well as policy recommendations in the resolution of common challenges of poverty, inequality, political instability, environmental difficulties and conflict.
The technical meeting builds on the foundations laid by the earlier held Internal consultative Meeting of ECOWAS Staff, which took place on the 12th to 13th of December 2023 in Lagos, the regional consultative meeting of civil society organisations that happened on the 22nd and 23rd of February 2024 in Abuja and the experts’ group meeting which held on the 12th and 13th of June 2024, in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2
New healthy food standard will see big businesses promoting healthier food and drink
Food retailers and manufacturers will “make the healthy choice the easy choice” in a world-first partnership between government and industry to tackle the obesity epidemic and ease pressure on the NHS as part of the Plan for Change.
As part of the forthcoming 10 Year Health Plan, large retailers including supermarkets will be set a new standard to make the average shopping basket of goods sold slightly healthier.
Businesses will be given the freedom to meet the standard however works best for them, whether that’s reformulating products and tweaking recipes, changing shop layouts, offering discounts on healthy foods, or changing loyalty schemes to promote healthier options.
Public health experts believe cutting the calorie count of a daily diet by just 50 calories would lift 340,000 children and 2 million adults out of obesity. If everyone who is overweight reduced their calorie intake by just 216 calories a day, equivalent to a single bottle of fizzy drink, obesity would be halved.
Obesity is one of the root causes of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. With the UK now having the third highest rate of adult obesity in Europe, it remains a critical public health challenge, costing the NHS £11.4 billion a year, three times the NHS budget for ambulance services.
Obesity rates have doubled since the 1990s, including among children. A forthcoming report by the Chief Medical Officer will show that more than 1 in 5 children are living with obesity by the time they leave primary school, rising to almost 1 in 3 in areas with higher levels of poverty and deprivation.
It follows the government setting out in recent days a number of measures to tackle rapidly growing health inequalities, including investing more in working class communities where health disparities are greatest, and rapid action on the maternal mortality gaps in Black, Asian and working class communities.
Through our Plan for Change, the government is shifting the focus from treatment to prevention and creating a more active state – that works with partners to make the healthy choice the easy choice – and a transition of the NHS from a sickness service to a prevention service.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said:
Obesity has doubled since the 1990s and costs our NHS £11 billion a year, triple the budget for ambulance services. Unless we curb the rising tide of cost and demand, the NHS risks becoming unsustainable.
The good news is that it only takes a small change to make a big difference. If everyone who is overweight reduced their calorie intake by around 200 calories a day – the equivalent of a bottle of fizzy drink – obesity would be halved.
This government’s ambition for kids today is for them to be part of the healthiest generation of children ever. That is within our grasp. With the smart steps we’re taking today, we can give every child a healthy start to life.
Our brilliant supermarkets already do so much work for our communities and are trying to make their stores heathier, and we want to work with them and other businesses to create a level playing field.
Through our new healthy food standard, we will make the healthy choice the easy choice, because prevention is better than cure.
By shifting from sickness to prevention through our Plan for Change, we will make sure the NHS can be there for us when we need it.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:
Britain has some of the best farmers, growers, food manufacturers and retailers in the world, which means we have more choice than ever before on our shelves.
It is vital for the nation that the food industry delivers healthy food, that is available, affordable and appealing.
Our food strategy will bring together the health plan, food producers and retailers to make sure we can feed the nation more healthily while growing the economic success of our food sector.
The policy will see all big food businesses report on healthy food sales. This will set full transparency and accountability around the food that businesses are selling and encourage healthier products.
The government will then set targets to increase the healthiness of sales in communities across the UK and work with the Food Strategy Advisory Board on the sequencing of this policy.
Sarah Price, NHS England Director for Public Health, said:
A healthy diet, which includes a variety of nutritious food can help people stay well and provide long-term health benefits, which is good for them and good for the NHS.
That is why this move to make it easier for people to shop for healthy and nutritious food options is so important – it will help people reduce the risk of developing a range of life-altering physical conditions, such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes – both of which are on the increase in England.
Major investment firms have already signalled that they would be keen to invest more in healthier products, if they were given due prominence and promotion by food retailers.
Many supermarkets want to do more to make the average shopping basket healthier, but they risk changes hitting their bottom lines if their competitors don’t act at the same time. The new standard will introduce a level playing field, so there isn’t a first mover disadvantage.
The changes are part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, due to be published shortly. The plan will radically reform the health service and improve the health of the nation, to make the NHS sustainable and fit for the future.
Ken Murphy, Tesco Group CEO, said:
All food businesses have a critical part to play in providing good quality, affordable and healthy food. At Tesco, we have measured and published our own healthier food sales for a number of years now – we believe it is key to more evidence-led policy and better-targeted health interventions. That’s why we have called for mandatory reporting for all supermarkets and major food businesses and why we welcome the Government’s announcement on this. We look forward to working with them on the detail of the Healthy Food Standard and its implementation by all relevant food businesses.
Simon Roberts, CEO of Sainsbury’s commented:
We’re passionate about making good food joyful, accessible and affordable for everyone and have been championing the need for mandatory health reporting, across the food industry for many years. Today’s announcement from Government is an important and positive step forward in helping the nation to eat well. We need a level playing field across the entirety of our food sector for these actions to have a real and lasting impact.
We look forward to working across Government and our wider industry on the further development of these policies and in helping to drive improved health outcomes across our nation.
Ravi Gurumurthy, CEO of Nesta, said:
Most of us want to lose weight and make healthier choices but the food that surrounds us makes that too hard. That’s why obesity has doubled since the 90s.
This new standard focuses on lots of small changes that make it easier to buy food that’s a little bit healthier. Nationally, it could send obesity rates down by a fifth – through business and government working together to improve our health.
Sue Davies, Which? Head of Food Policy, said:
Which? research has shown that people want retailers to do more to support them in making healthier choices. Six in 10 (60%) consumers said they support the government introducing health targets for supermarkets.
Mandatory food targets will help to incentivise retailers to use the range of tactics available to them to make small but significant changes – making it easier for people to eat a balanced diet and lead healthier lives.
John Maingay, Director of Policy at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) said:
A new standard to make meals across the UK healthier is a huge step towards creating a food environment that supports better heart health. This move recognises the vital role that businesses can play in supporting everyone to have a healthier diet.
Obesity puts people at greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, which remains one of the UK’s biggest killers. We hope to see real momentum behind this new standard to make the healthier choice the easiest choice once and for all.
Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said:
Businesses can play a major role in supporting people to make healthy choices, and this important step could help to reduce rising obesity rates.
Being overweight or obese is the second biggest cause of cancer in the UK, and is linked with 13 different types of the disease. The UK government must introduce further bold preventative policies in both the upcoming 10-year health plan and National Cancer Plan, so that more lives can be saved from cancer.
Katharine Jenner, Director, Obesity Health Alliance
This is a fair and evidence-based prescription for better health; big businesses urgently need the government to level the playing field to help them focus on selling products that help people live well.
The government has rightly identified the root cause of obesity-related ill health: a food system that makes healthy eating difficult. Crucially, it puts the spotlight on the food industry and commits to holding it accountable for providing healthier options – rather than placing the burden on individuals who are already struggling to get by.
Henry Dimbleby, Author of the National Food Strategy and Independent Review for Government said:
What gets measured gets done. Mandatory reporting is a crucial first step in improving the food environment – it creates a level playing field, rewards the businesses already acting, and gives us a clear picture of what’s really being sold.
It’s fantastic to see food retailers themselves calling for this. With proper data, we can start to reshape the food system and make healthier choices easier for everyone.
Source: United Nations secretary general
Dean Gonzalez, distinguished faculty members, ladies and gentlemen,
Most importantly, graduates,
Let me begin with the most important word of all: congratulations!
You now join a long line of Sciences Po alumni who have shaped our world – including some of whom are doing it every day at the United Nations as they work in my office supporting the Secretary-General.
Let’s also take a moment to recognise your families, friends and loved ones – who have been with you every step of the way.
They deserve a round of applause.
Students representing more than 120 nationalities come here to learn how the world works, and how it can work better.
That spirit of global curiosity and purpose has also carried me through every chapter of my own journey.
Designing schools and hospitals in my home country of Nigeria.
Advising four Presidents on poverty reduction, development policy planning and public sector reform.
Supporting Member States to lead the process that transformed global aspirations into the Sustainable Development Goals.
And now as the longest-serving Deputy Secretary-General in United Nations history, supporting the Secretary-General on some of the most complex situations in our history, from COVID, to Ukraine, to Sudan and Gaza and today’s continuing crisis in the Middle East.
Today, I want to reflect on the lessons I have learned along the way.
First, don’t agonise, organise.
We live in a world of hurt. A world that is messy, complicated and often overwhelming.
And I know it might be easy to feel paralyzed by the scale and hopelessness of today’s challenges.
Don’t.
Because more than ever, those challenges are connected – and we solve them by seeing those connections and coming together.
When I served as Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, my job was never just about the environment.
When Lake Chad was drying up, it wasn’t just an ecological crisis – it was a security crisis. Boko Haram was born and abducted 200 school girls.
When we faced population and urban sprawl and tensions rose between farmers and herders, it wasn’t just about water access– it was about food systems and growing cities.
When I met girls walking hours to fetch water, missing school every day – it wasn’t just about resources – it was about gender equality.
We didn’t work in siloes. We built coalitions across sectors – civil society, young people, traditional leaders, the private sector – to find real solutions.
We didn’t agonize, we organized.
And, yes, there’s plenty to agonize about today – especially when multilateralism is under attack and international cooperation is on the back foot.
But I have seen what’s possible when we find common ground and forge ahead.
Just look at the last two months at the UN.
A landmark Pandemic Treaty approved at the World Health Organization.
Major new protections for our oceans at the World Ocean Conference in Nice.
And from Paris, I head to Sevilla — where the world is coming together to commit to better finance sustainable development.
So, when the problems seem larger than life, too tangled, too tough — don’t agonize.
Organize.
Mobilize.
And help realize the change our world so urgently needs.
Remember you did not fail for want of trying.
The second lesson – keep learning and delivering.
Graduation isn’t the end of learning. In many ways, it’s just the start of your lifelong journey.
When I joined the UN, I was not steeped in the intricacies of international diplomacy.
Throughout my career, I have had to learn fast – and deliver even faster.
So will you.
Even now, I am learning every day – about AI, about geothermal energy, space debris, biotechnology, cybersecurity.
You will face even more change, even faster, especially in the new era of super technologies.
Regardless of the task that is put in front of you, get ahead of it. Learn more. Do more. Show your stuff and deliver. Performance opens doors.
Yes, some of life is luck and privilege.
But I guarantee: the harder you work, the luckier you will get.
Third, make hope your most powerful asset.
The world is a cynical place. And international affairs is not for the faint of heart.
There will be setbacks and critics.
There will be many days when the problems seem too big, and the politics too small. When anxieties grip you like a fever.
Just look around: war in Ukraine, atrocities in Sudan, catastrophe in Gaza, climate chaos everywhere.
But never forget, hope is not a four-letter word.
Hope is the courage to build when others are tearing down.
Hope is the decision to get up one more time, to negotiate one more deal, even when the odds are against you.
I have sat with young girls who survived the worst horrors of war and sexual violence.
And in their eyes, I saw not just pain – but power.
The power to heal. To lead. To hope. To survive and thrive.
Hope is not the absence of fear. It is the refusal to be defined by it.
So, carry it with you. Guard it fiercely.
Because hope is not just a feeling. It’s a force.
Fourth, hold onto your moral compass.
Your degree will open doors.
But your integrity will tell you which ones are worth walking through.
And in today’s world – where the global moral compass is spinning – that clarity matters more than ever.
We live in a world where military spending is soaring, while development budgets shrink.
Where fossil fuel subsidies dwarf investments in climate action.
Where conflict and hardship has forced more people from their homes than at any time since the Second World War.
In this world, your role as changemakers is not just to make the right deals.
It is to draw the right lines.
There will be pressure to stay silent.
There will be moments when abandoning principles may seem an easier choice.
But integrity matters most.
As Deputy Secretary-General, I have had to tell hard truths to powerful people.
To remind leaders of the many promises they made – and the people they made them to.
It is never easy to challenge power.
But we don’t serve power.
We serve people.
And if we truly serve people, we must use our superpower and stand for justice, dignity, and solidarity.
As we mark Beijing+30, we cannot talk about a future and leave women and girls behind.
Gender equality is not charity. It powers our agency. And human rights.
And everyone wins when we leave no one behind.
But let’s be honest, we are not there yet.
So, to the men here today, I say: don’t stand in the way.
Don’t walk ahead.
Walk with. Stand with. And speak up. For the other half of your society, women.
The final lesson is this: invest time in what truly sustains you.
Your career will have highs and lows.
Plans change.
Titles come and go.
But what will carry you through are the people who know you beyond your résumé.
Friends, families, mentors, partners.
Protect those bonds. Nurture them.
Because in the toughest moments, those relationships will remind you of who you are, why you started, and why you must keep going.
So, no matter how far you go, or how fast — never lose sight of what, and who, matters most.
Dear graduates,
Today, you are not just stepping into the world.
You are inheriting its unfinished business, and its boundless possibilities.
As I look out, I see the next generation of climate champions, human rights defenders, and world class diplomats.
And I am filled with hope.
Whatever path you choose, walk it with courage and conviction.
Congratulations, Class of 2025.
The world is waiting.
And I, for one, can’t wait to see what you will do.
Thank you.
Source: US Congressional Budget Office
This letter provides information about the budgetary effects of an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 1. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) have estimated the effects of the amendment relative to the baseline used for budget enforcement for consideration in the Senate.
Title II of H. Con. Res. 14, the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2025, included reconciliation instructions directing committees to propose legislation that would produce specified budgetary results. CBO has reviewed the Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 1 and determined the following:
In addition, CBO projects that the legislation and each individual title would not increase on-budget deficits after 2034.
H. Con. Res.14 provides the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Budget with the authority to make adjustments regarding current tax policy that include extending provisions of the 2017 tax act (Public Law 115-97) in the baseline. For those adjustments, JCT estimated the budgetary effects of extending 26 provisions of P.L. 115-97 relative to CBO’s January 2025 baseline budget projections. CBO and JCT have estimated the effects of H.R. 1 relative to a baseline that reflects the budgetary effects of extending those 26 provisions and that has been updated for enacted legislation.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
LEEDS, United Kingdom, June 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The highly anticipated Nimanode (NMA) Presale has so far surpassed expectations, with a massive 35% filled in their Presale as they are set to Launch V1 of their AI Agent Protocol.
Nimanode, coined the “first no-code AI agent platform built natively on the XRP Ledger”, presents a no-brainer opportunity to what is poised to be the next evolution of DeFi on XRP.
Analysts have predicted $NMA could deliver high returns as we prepare for an alt season once it debuts on major decentralized exchanges (DEXs).
Why Massive Investor Interest in Nimanode?
As XRP regains mainstream momentum, bolstered by its inclusion in the U.S. Strategic Crypto Reserve and growing interest from institutional investors, Nimanode is emerging as a key infrastructure provider on the XRP Ledger. Designed to simplify, secure, and strategically enhance its users Web3 experience, Nimanode is well-positioned to lead the next wave of intelligent blockchain automation.
In a comment from one of the development team members “ V1 of our AI Agent Protocol is already in development, presale participants will have the exclusive early access to becoming testers and in turn earn from rewards we have to offer”. This highlights the importance of being an early holder of $NMA offering multiple benefits to early birds via rewards and higher prices.
Core Features at a Glance
Zero-Code Agent Builder – Easily create and configure AI agents through a drag-and-drop interface
Autonomous Execution – Agents perform on-chain tasks, react to data feeds, and interact across dApps
Agent Marketplace – Build, deploy and monetize AI agents within a Nimanode ecosystem
XRPL Integration – High-speed, low-cost, and eco-friendly infrastructure to power scalable agent activity.
Why hold $NMA Token
At the core of Nimanode ecosystem lies $NMA, the platform’s native utility token. $NMA will be in the Agent Marketplace, where users can license, share, and monetize AI agents with other users and businesses. Combined with its SDK for developers and drag-and-drop builder for creators, Nimanode is positioning itself as a hub for Web3 automation and on-chain labor.
$NMA, the platform’s utility token, is used for:
Market Analysts already predict strong upside upon exchange listing of $NMA as demand for agent-based infrastructure gains traction.
This is a chance to invest in $NMA before its Listing at 25% higher than Presale value, however whales position for more as they eye a 10X surge on Launch.
Following the presale, $XDX will be listed on major exchanges:
Binance
Gate.io
MEXC
BitMart
FirstLedger
MagneticX
Participate in the $NMA Presale
$NMA Presale is Live now on the official Nimanode Presale Page
How to participate in the Presale
Don’t Miss Out Nimanode’s Innovation on XRP
AI driven systems are poised to be the future, Nimanode is Pioneering a charge to bring AI to the XRP Ledger.
Nimanode isn’t just creating another DeFi app, Chatbot, or AI demo. It’s building a protocol layer where artificial intelligence doesn’t just support the blockchain, but lives on it.
Secure your Spot Now!
Connect with Nimanode
Website: https://nimanode.com
Twitter/X: https://x.com/nimanodeai
Telegram: https://t.me/nimanodeAI
Documentation: https://docs.nimanode.com
Contact:
Nick Lambert
contact@nimanode.com
Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Nimanode. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.
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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dd565d8a-233c-41a4-a9e0-d7ff2a9d225c
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
LEEDS, United Kingdom, June 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The highly anticipated Nimanode (NMA) Presale has so far surpassed expectations, with a massive 35% filled in their Presale as they are set to Launch V1 of their AI Agent Protocol.
Nimanode, coined the “first no-code AI agent platform built natively on the XRP Ledger”, presents a no-brainer opportunity to what is poised to be the next evolution of DeFi on XRP.
Analysts have predicted $NMA could deliver high returns as we prepare for an alt season once it debuts on major decentralized exchanges (DEXs).
Why Massive Investor Interest in Nimanode?
As XRP regains mainstream momentum, bolstered by its inclusion in the U.S. Strategic Crypto Reserve and growing interest from institutional investors, Nimanode is emerging as a key infrastructure provider on the XRP Ledger. Designed to simplify, secure, and strategically enhance its users Web3 experience, Nimanode is well-positioned to lead the next wave of intelligent blockchain automation.
In a comment from one of the development team members “ V1 of our AI Agent Protocol is already in development, presale participants will have the exclusive early access to becoming testers and in turn earn from rewards we have to offer”. This highlights the importance of being an early holder of $NMA offering multiple benefits to early birds via rewards and higher prices.
Core Features at a Glance
Zero-Code Agent Builder – Easily create and configure AI agents through a drag-and-drop interface
Autonomous Execution – Agents perform on-chain tasks, react to data feeds, and interact across dApps
Agent Marketplace – Build, deploy and monetize AI agents within a Nimanode ecosystem
XRPL Integration – High-speed, low-cost, and eco-friendly infrastructure to power scalable agent activity.
Why hold $NMA Token
At the core of Nimanode ecosystem lies $NMA, the platform’s native utility token. $NMA will be in the Agent Marketplace, where users can license, share, and monetize AI agents with other users and businesses. Combined with its SDK for developers and drag-and-drop builder for creators, Nimanode is positioning itself as a hub for Web3 automation and on-chain labor.
$NMA, the platform’s utility token, is used for:
Market Analysts already predict strong upside upon exchange listing of $NMA as demand for agent-based infrastructure gains traction.
This is a chance to invest in $NMA before its Listing at 25% higher than Presale value, however whales position for more as they eye a 10X surge on Launch.
Following the presale, $XDX will be listed on major exchanges:
Binance
Gate.io
MEXC
BitMart
FirstLedger
MagneticX
Participate in the $NMA Presale
$NMA Presale is Live now on the official Nimanode Presale Page
How to participate in the Presale
Don’t Miss Out Nimanode’s Innovation on XRP
AI driven systems are poised to be the future, Nimanode is Pioneering a charge to bring AI to the XRP Ledger.
Nimanode isn’t just creating another DeFi app, Chatbot, or AI demo. It’s building a protocol layer where artificial intelligence doesn’t just support the blockchain, but lives on it.
Secure your Spot Now!
Connect with Nimanode
Website: https://nimanode.com
Twitter/X: https://x.com/nimanodeai
Telegram: https://t.me/nimanodeAI
Documentation: https://docs.nimanode.com
Contact:
Nick Lambert
contact@nimanode.com
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