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Category: France

  • MIL-Evening Report: Dutton says it would cost too much to host UN climate summit, but pulling out would cost Australia even more

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney

    Opposition Leader Peter Dutton would withdraw Australia’s bid to co-host next year’s global climate summit if the Coalition wins the federal election.

    Australia has lobbied hard for the right to host the talks, known as COP31, in conjunction with Pacific nations. Australia has emerged as a leading contender, and has the backing of most countries in its United Nations grouping, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada and New Zealand.

    However, Dutton on Sunday described the idea of hosting the UN climate conference as “not something we are supporting — it is madness”. He also falsely claimed it would cost Australia “tens of billions” of dollars to host the event.

    Australia would reap big benefits by hosting the high-profile global talks. It would likely attract considerable investment in renewables and clean energy export industries, and strengthen Australia’s national security during a time of increasing geo-strategic competition in the Pacific. To pull out now would be a costly move.

    Decison deferred until June

    The decision on who will host COP31 in 2026 was expected at last year’s summit in Azerbaijan. But it was deferred until June this year – after Australia’s next federal election.

    Hosting rights are shared between five UN country groupings on a rotational basis. The final decision is made by consensus.

    Australia’s bid to host with Pacific nations has considerable support. But Turkey, the only other country in the running to host COP31, has so far resisted lobbying efforts to persuade it to drop out.

    An economic boost for Australia

    Hosting the UN climate talks is a massive economic opportunity for Australia.

    COP31 would be one of the biggest diplomatic summits Australia has ever hosted. Tens of thousands of people could be expected for a fortnight of negotiations, with satellite events held across the nation and the Pacific.

    Adelaide is in the box seat to play host. The South Australian government estimated hosting the UN talks could generate more than A$500 million for the state. But economic benefits would be much wider, and longer-lasting, than tourism receipts from those attending. The talks are a chance to attract investment for Australia’s energy transition and for clean energy industries of the future, including critical minerals and green iron.

    The UK government’s assessment of the value of hosting the UN climate summit in Glasgow in 2021 found the net economic benefit was double that spent – around A$1 billion. That includes benefits from trade deals and foreign investment. With abundant critical minerals, and excellent wind and solar resources, Australia has even more to gain.

    Hosting the world’s largest climate summit is a chance to attract the investment needed to replace ageing and unreliable coal-fired power stations. According to the Clean Energy Investor Group, which represents the capital behind large-scale renewables, more than 70% of the investment in clean energy comes from international sources.

    Dutton says he plans to replace coal with nuclear power (and to rely on gas until nuclear plants are built decades from now). The Coalition’s nuclear plan would require hundreds of billions of dollars of taxpayer support.

    Securing our place in the Pacific

    Working with Pacific nations to address climate change is key to Australian national security.

    Australia aims to be the security partner of choice for Pacific island countries. And Pacific island countries are crystal clear: climate change is their “single greatest threat”.

    In 2022, Solomon Islands signed a security deal with China, which raised the prospect of a potential Chinese naval base in Australia’s maritime approaches. Foreign Minister Penny Wong – who was in opposition at the time – described it as the worst foreign policy blunder in the Pacific since the end of WWII.

    The Albanese government has looked to cement Australia’s place in the Pacific by working with island nations to address climate change. In July 2022, Albanese joined Pacific leaders to declare a Pacific climate emergency and launched bid to co-host a UN climate summit with Pacific nations. In 2023, Australia signed a climate migration deal with Tuvalu that also prevents Tuvalu from pursuing a security deal with China.

    Pacific leaders have welcomed Australia’s plans to host the UN climate talks and have agreed to work together to advocate for the joint bid. Walking away now could do real damage to Australian strategy in the region.

    Embracing our clean energy future

    Hosting COP31 is a chance to set up Australia’s economy of tomorrow, signalling the shift from fossil fuel heavyweight to clean energy superpower.

    Australia is leading the clean energy transition. This is a story to tell the world. One in three households have rooftop solar. Already 40% of the main national power grid is powered by wind, solar and storage. We are on track for 80% renewables by 2030.

    South Australia is moving even faster, set for 100% clean electricity by 2027. Hosting COP31 in the state is also a chance to showcase clean energy export industries, especially plans to produce green iron and green steel at the Whyalla steelworks.

    Australia is the world’s largest exporter of raw iron ore, but is well positioned to export more-valuable, and lower-polluting, green iron to major economies in our region. The potential export value of green iron is estimated to be $295 billion a year, or three times the current value of iron ore exports.

    More broadly, our clean energy exports – including green metals, green fertilisers and green fuels – could be worth six to eight times more than our fossil fuel exports.

    Walking away from the chance to host the world and showcase our clean energy future would be costly indeed.

    Wesley Morgan is a fellow with the Climate Council of Australia

    – ref. Dutton says it would cost too much to host UN climate summit, but pulling out would cost Australia even more – https://theconversation.com/dutton-says-it-would-cost-too-much-to-host-un-climate-summit-but-pulling-out-would-cost-australia-even-more-253423

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NITI Aayog organises National Workshop on “Internationalisation of Higher Education in India: Challenges, Best Practices, and Policy Interventions” at IIT Madras, Chennai on March 29, 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 30 MAR 2025 7:16PM by PIB Delhi

    A one-day National Workshop on ‘Internationalisation of Higher Education in India’, was organised by the Education Division of NITI Aayog, as a part of the NITI–State workshop series, an initiative under the State Support Mission, and in collaboration with its knowledge partners, IIT Madras, Association of Indian Universities (AIU), and Acumen at the IIT Madras campus in Chennai on Saturday, 29th March 2025.

    The workshop brought together officers from the Centre, State and UT Governments, Institutions of National Importance, Central Universities, State Public Universities, Private Universities, Deemed Universities, International Universities, and representatives from several countries to deliberate on challenges, best practices and policy interventions for implementing internationalisation initiatives in Indian higher education at the systemic and institutional levels as envisioned in the National Education Policy 2020.

    Dr. Vinod Kumar Paul, Hon’ble Member (Education), NITI Aayog delivered the Keynote Address and the Concluding Address and chaired the entire workshop’s proceedings. Prof. Kamakoti Veezhinathan, Director, IIT Madras, delivered the Inaugural Address. Dr. Sonia Pant, Programme Director (Education), NITI Aayog welcomed the 140-strong audience. Prof. Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Dean – Global Engagement, IIT Madras, Dr. (Mrs.) Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, Association of Indian Universities, and Shri Adrian Mutton, Executive Chairman, Acumen addressed the gathering on behalf of the knowledge partners’ consortium.

    The workshop featured 40 speakers across 4 technical sessions on: (i) Internationalisation of Higher Education in India (in retrospect and future prospects), (ii) Academic Mobility for Learning and Research, (iii) Internationalisation of Curricula & Programmes, and (iv) Expanding Global Presence of Indian universities through Offshore Campuses and beyond. Special case studies on successes of Indian and international universities were presented including Indian universities setting up overseas campuses and international universities establishing campuses in India including at the GIFT City. Several country case studies including those of Australia, France, New Zealand, UK, USA, among others were also presented at the workshop.

    As discussions proceeded, participants emphasized actionable strategies such as enhancing infrastructure, streamlining regulations, and promoting India as a destination for academic collaboration, research, and learning on a global scale.

    This workshop marked a significant milestone in India’s journey towards internationalisation of higher education. The insights generated will feed into the ongoing NITI policy research study that aims to position Indian higher education institutions at the forefront of global academic excellence, ensuring India-centric internationalisation, and creating world class and world ready talent to enable India to play an influential role as a knowledge economy and achieve its vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2116875) Visitor Counter : 55

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: School phone ban one year on: our student survey reveals mixed feelings about its success

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cara Swit, Associate professor, School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury

    DavideAngelini/Shutterstock

    One year after the government banned cellphones from schools to help students focus and reduce distractions in class, we’re beginning to see how it has been implemented and how successful it’s been.

    As part of that process, our new research asked young people about the ban. Unsurprisingly, they had a lot to say.

    Schools around the world, including in Australia, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, China and parts of the United States, have implemented similar bans. The guiding principle everywhere has been to help students do better in school.

    When New Zealand’s ban came into effect in April 2024, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said it was time to cut the distractions so kids could learn and achieve.

    But studies have shown these bans often don’t work as planned. For example, recent research from the UK involving over 1,200 students found no significant difference in academic grades or wellbeing between schools with strict phone bans and those with more relaxed policies.

    With so many questions at the time of the ban about how it would be enforced, we wanted to hear what was going on in schools and what young people really thought. We spoke to 77 young people aged 12 to 18 from 25 schools around the country. Some liked the bans, some didn’t and some weren’t sure.

    Mixed feelings

    Many students had mixed feelings about the bans. Some admitted the bans helped reduce distractions and gave them a break from using their phones. As one explained,

    otherwise, we’ll be on our phone all day, all afternoon, all night, and it won’t be healthy for our minds.

    But other students said the ban had created new problems.

    First, some students felt stressed and anxious when they couldn’t contact their parents or caregivers during the day. Second, they said the rules weren’t always clear or fair. Some teachers were strict, others weren’t. And sometimes, teachers used their phones in class, but students couldn’t.

    That perceived double standard – where teachers can use phones but students can’t – left many of our respondents feeling frustrated and unfairly treated. In some cases, it even made them more secretive about their phone use. One student said,

    Even though we’re not allowed to use our phones, everyone is sneaky and uses it anyway.

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the cellphone ban would cut distractions so kids could learn and achieve.
    Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

    A lack of consultation

    A lot of students said they weren’t asked what they thought before the bans were introduced. They felt as if adults made the rules without asking them or listening to them. One of our interviewees said,

    It feels like they just ban everything, thinking it will fix the problem.

    Many didn’t understand the purpose of the ban, especially since they still have to use laptops and other technology in class.

    Recent research found more than 80% of students in Aotearoa New Zealand say technology in class is distracting – not just phones.

    Already, some students have found clever ways around the phone ban. At one Auckland school, students started using walkie-talkies instead of phones to stay connected with their peers.

    Examples like this show bans don’t always change behaviour the way they’re intended to. It can simply make students feel as though adults underestimate how tech-savvy they really are.

    Young people as active problem solvers

    The young people in our research offered some alternatives to the ban.

    Many suggested allowing phones at break and lunch times. That way, they could stay connected without interrupting class. They also said adults needed to model healthy digital habits, not just set the rules.

    Based on student responses, it does appear that learning and teaching how to use phones in healthy ways would be more helpful than banning them altogether.

    Research from the Digital Wellness Lab supports this balanced approach, emphasising skill building over restriction. But for this to work, adults need support too. Teachers and parents need training and resources to help guide young people – and should also be surveyed on how they feel about the ban.

    Banning phones doesn’t fix the bigger issue of helping young people to use technology safely and responsibly. If schools really want to support students, they need to move beyond one-size-fits-all rules.

    Our research shows young people aren’t just passive users of technology. They’re active problem solvers. They want to be part of the conversation – and part of the solution.

    This would involve replacing top-down bans with meaningful conversations involving young people and adults to build fair and practical digital guidelines, where everyone benefits.

    Cara Swit received funding from The Oakley Mental Health Foundation, InternetNZ and the University of Canterbury’s Vision Mātauranga Development Fund to conduct this research.

    Aaron Hapuku received funding from The Oakley Mental Health Foundation, InternetNZ and the University of Canterbury’s Vision Mātauranga Development Fund to conduct this research.

    Helena Cook received funding from InternetNZ, Oakley Mental Health Foundation and UC Vision Mātauranga Development Fund.

    Jennifer Smith received funding from Internet New Zealand and The Oakley Mental Health Foundation.

    – ref. School phone ban one year on: our student survey reveals mixed feelings about its success – https://theconversation.com/school-phone-ban-one-year-on-our-student-survey-reveals-mixed-feelings-about-its-success-252179

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig memorial unveiling

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A tight-knit country community will honour and remember a local police officer during a special memorial unveiling event this Sunday.

    A life-size silhouette of Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig and accompanying plaque will be unveiled by SA Governor, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC and Doig family members at Lucindale’s Centenary Park from 2pm Sunday.

    On 17 November 2023, Brevet Sergeant Doig, 53, was killed in the line of duty on a property at Senior in South Australia’s upper south-east.

    He joined South Australia Police in 1989 and served the Limestone Coast community for more than a decade, taking up the Lucindale post in 2011.

    SA Police Legacy, Police Association of South Australia, Wall to Wall and Cops 4 Kids have worked with SAPOL to organise the memorial following an outpouring of donations and support after Brevet Sergeant Doig’s death.

    He was posthumously awarded the South Australia Police Bravery Medal for saving the lives of two police colleagues.

    The memorial silhouette is based on a 2013 photo (pictured) taken during Brevet Sergeant Doig’s Lucindale posting, where he stands proudly next to a patrol vehicle.

    Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens will join fellow SAPOL members, the Doig family and other dignitaries and guests to celebrate Brevet Sergeant Doig’s life and career.

    “The Lucindale community has been extremely generous, which is a testament to the impact Brevet Sergeant Doig had during his career,” Commissioner Stevens said.

    “He leaves behind a legacy of community service and will forever be remembered for his courage and sacrifice.”

    Along with being the officer-in-charge at the Lucindale police station, Brevet Sergeant Doig was well known around town for volunteering at several sporting clubs and participating in crime prevention activities.

    SA Police Legacy Board President Kellie Watkins will emcee this Sunday’s event, which will include a Commissioner’s address, memorial unveiling, prayer and blessing, minute’s silence, speech by brother Brett Doig and a SAPOL course mate, and conclude with the laying of tributes.

    The Band of the South Australia Police will also perform The Requiescant – played at funerals and memorial ceremonies for Australian police officers killed on duty.

    Coinciding with the unveiling, Lucindale Lions Club has renamed a structure in the local park to be the ‘Jason Doig PBM LEM Memorial Shelter’.

    Members of the public are invited to attend the memorial event on Sunday, April 6 at Lucindale Centenary Park, Musgrave Avenue, 1.45pm for a 2pm start.

    A life-size silhouette and plaque will be unveiled at Lucindale this Sunday in honour of Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK hosts first major international summit to tackle illegal migration

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UK hosts first major international summit to tackle illegal migration

    The UK has mobilised over 40 countries and organisations to launch an unprecedented global fight against ruthless people smuggling gangs.

    The UK is spearheading the toughest ever international crackdown on organised immigration crime as the Prime Minister and Home Secretary host a landmark summit today (31 March). 

    The Organised Immigration Crime (OIC) Summit brings together over 40 countries, including the United States, Vietnam, Iraq, and France, to unite behind a new approach to dismantle people smuggling gangs and deliver on working people’s priorities for secure borders.

    This is the first time the full range of factors driving illegal migration, from the supply chain in small boats to anti-trafficking measures, illicit finance and social media advertising, have been explored at a global summit of this scale.

    The summit will also see representatives from Meta, X and TikTok discuss how to jointly tackle the online promotion of irregular migration. 

    Through the summit, the government will use all available levers at its disposal to push forward progress in bringing gangs to justice, tackle the global threat of organised immigration crime and protect vulnerable people from exploitation.

    To back this drive, the Home Secretary has today announced £30 million of funding going directly to high impact operations from the Border Security Command to tackle supply chains, illicit finances and trafficking routes across Europe, the Western Balkans, Asia, and Africa. 

    An additional £3 million will enable the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to increase its capacity to prosecute organised international smugglers and expand its international footprint to support the Border Security Command to pursue, disrupt and arrest those responsible for dangerous people smuggling operations. 

    This reflects the Prime Minister’s long-held view, informed by his work as Chief Prosecutor, that cross border cooperation is the foundation of tackling international gangs and securing Britain’s borders.

    In remarks delivered later today, the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, is expected to say: 

    This vile trade exploits the cracks between our institutions, pits nations against one another and profits from our inability at the political level to come together. 

    When I was the Director of Public Prosecutions, we worked across borders throughout Europe and beyond to foil numerous plots, saving thousands of lives in the process. We prevented planes from being blown up over the Atlantic and brought the perpetrators to justice. 

    I believe we should treat organised immigration crime in the same way. 

    I simply do not believe organised immigration crime cannot be tackled. We’ve got to combine our resources, share intelligence and tactics, and tackle the problem upstream at every step of the people smuggling routes.

    The summit will deliver concrete outcomes across Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, and North America by strengthening international partnerships, enhancing intelligence sharing, and implementing targeted disruptions to Organised Immigration Crime networks.

    As a direct result, we will be able to strengthen UK borders and security and create a more efficient and manageable asylum system, taking the burden away from housing, the NHS and schools, and giving hotels back to the local economy.  

    Speaking ahead of the summit, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:   

    Smuggler and trafficking gangs make their money crossing borders so law enforcement needs to work together across borders to bring them down. Only a coordinated international response, across the whole irregular migration route, can effectively dismantle these networks.  

    The Organised Immigration Crime Summit is the first of its kind and will reinforce the UK’s position as a leader by securing international commitments to disrupt Organised Immigration Crime at every stage of the business model.   

    The summit demonstrates mine and the Prime Minister’s absolute dedication to disrupting the callous Organised Criminal Gangs, strengthening our borders and ultimately save countless lives.

    The UK’s global leadership on this is issue is already delivering results. France has agreed to launch a unit of specialist officers who are mobile, highly trained and equipped to respond dynamically to prevent small boat launches. 

    Germany has committed to strengthen their laws against those who facilitate smuggling to the UK and a new UK-Italy taskforce is hitting people smugglers’ financial flows. After boosting the resources for the National Crime Agency to work with international law enforcement partners, they have seized 600 boats and engines since July. 

    Along with this, work continues at home through giving law enforcement tougher powers than ever to smash the smuggling gangs, ramping up removals to record levels and surging illegal working raids to end the false promise of jobs used by gangs to sell spaces on boats. 

    This comprehensive approach is a vital aspect of the government’s Plan for Change, with the threat from organised immigration crime increasing in scale and complexity.  

    Organised immigration crime spans multiple countries, nationalities, and criminal methodologies, with recent estimate of the total global income from migrant smuggling reaching $10 billion last year.

    Criminal gangs headed by hundreds of kingpins are using sophisticated online tactics, the abuse of legitimate goods and services, and illicit financial networks to facilitate dangerous and illegal journeys which undermine border security and put thousands of lives at risk each year.  

    The summit will also examine the work of the government’s Joint Maritime Security Centre (JMSC) in supporting the US, by providing innovative space-based maritime surveillance capability to monitor and dismantle any vessels along Haiti’s north coast suspected to be involved in illegal immigration, illegal fishing activities and drug smuggling.

    The JMSC is harnessing cutting edge technology and capabilities to provide 24 hour monitoring of UK waters and ensure our borders are secure, by using satellite to provide a better overall understanding of incoming threats to the Turks and Caicos Islands. The UK government is working with our partners in Turks and Caicos to support and protect the Island from irregular migration. 

    This collaboration demonstrates the UK government’s commitment to deploying advanced capabilities against illegal migration while protecting overseas territories. 

    There has also been a series of major arrests of smuggling kingpins, including: 

    • arrests linked to a major Syrian organised crime group responsible for smuggling at least 750 migrants into the UK and Europe
    • the arrest of a Turkish national suspected of being a huge supplier of small boats
    • the conviction of 2 men in Wales who ran a smuggling ring moving thousands of migrants across Europe
    • the arrests in February of 6 men wanted in Belgium over their suspected involvement in a major people smuggling ring

    These arrests come alongside the NCA working with the authorities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq for the first time, to facilitate the arrests of 3 men linked to a Kurdish people smuggling organised crime group, as well as an increase in the takedown of social media accounts linked to people smugglers.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s message on the International Day of Zero Waste [scroll down for French version]

    Source: United Nations – English

    strong>Download the video: 
    https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+Intl+Day+of+Zero+Waste+7+Feb+25/3336952_MSG+SG+INTL+DAY+OF+ZERO+WASTE+07+FEB+25.mp4

    This year’s International Day of Zero Waste puts the focus on fashion and textiles.

    And rightly so.

    Earth is a fashion victim.

    Textile production often uses thousands of chemicals – many of them harmful to people and the environment. 

    It devours resources, like land and water.

    And it belches out greenhouse gases – inflaming the climate crisis.

    Yet clothes are being produced at a staggering rate.

    And textile wastage is huge: every second, the equivalent of a garbage truck full of clothing is incinerated or sent to landfill. 

    We need a different approach:

    One that delivers on the commitment in the Sustainable Development Goals for sustainable production and consumption.

    There are signs of hope.

    Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainability.

    Important initiatives are bringing together business, industry associations, civil society, and more to drive sustainability across the sector.

    They include the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action – convened by the United Nations – and the Fashion Pact, launched by the Government of France.

    And the United Nations Advisory Board on Zero Waste is uniting partners to end waste – including from textiles – and to help meet the SDGs.

    But we must do more to secure change:

    Consumers through their choices;

    Young people and civil society through advocacy;

    Governments through regulations promoting sustainability and decent jobs;

    And businesses through embracing circularity, waste reduction and resource efficiency across their supply chains.

    On this International Day for Zero Waste, let’s all commit to ensure fashion sense makes good sense for people and planet.

    ***

    Cette année, la Journée internationale du zéro déchet est consacrée à la mode et aux textiles.

    Et pour cause !

    La Terre est victime de la mode.

    La fabrication des textiles fait souvent appel à des milliers de substances chimiques, dont beaucoup sont nocives pour les êtres humains et l’environnement.

    Elle dévore les ressources telles que la terre et l’eau.

    Et émet des gaz à effet de serre, aggravant la crise climatique.

    Pourtant, on produit des vêtements à un rythme effréné.

    Le gaspillage textile est énorme : chaque seconde, l’équivalent d’un camion à ordures rempli de vêtements est incinéré ou mis en décharge.

    Nous devons adopter une approche différente,

    qui permette de tenir les promesses des objectifs de développement durable en matière de production et de consommation.

    Il y a des lueurs d’espoir.

    Les consommateurs exigent de plus en plus des pratiques durables.

    D’importantes initiatives rassemblent les entreprises, les associations industrielles, les acteurs de la société civile et d’autres acteurs afin de promouvoir la durabilité dans l’ensemble du secteur.

    Il s’agit notamment de la Charte de l’industrie de la mode pour l’action climatique, établie par l’ONU, et du Fashion Pact, lancé par le Gouvernement français.

    À l’ONU, le Conseil consultatif pour le zéro déchet réunit actuellement des partenaires pour mettre fin à la production de déchets, notamment textiles, et contribuer à la réalisation des objectifs de développement durable.

    Mais nous devons faire plus pour ancrer le changement :

    les consommateurs, par leurs choix ;

    les jeunes et la société civile, grâce à des activités de sensibilisation ;

    les gouvernements, au moyen de réglementations favorisant la durabilité et les emplois décents ;

    les entreprises, en embrassant l’économie circulaire, la réduction des déchets et l’emploi efficace des ressources dans leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement.

    En cette Journée internationale du zéro déchet, engageons-nous à faire en sorte que la mode ait du sens pour les populations et pour la planète.

    ***
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s message on the International Day of Zero Waste [scroll down for French version]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Download the video: 
    https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+Intl+Day+of+Zero+Waste+7+Feb+25/3336952_MSG+SG+INTL+DAY+OF+ZERO+WASTE+07+FEB+25.mp4

    This year’s International Day of Zero Waste puts the focus on fashion and textiles.

    And rightly so.

    Earth is a fashion victim.

    Textile production often uses thousands of chemicals – many of them harmful to people and the environment. 

    It devours resources, like land and water.

    And it belches out greenhouse gases – inflaming the climate crisis.

    Yet clothes are being produced at a staggering rate.

    And textile wastage is huge: every second, the equivalent of a garbage truck full of clothing is incinerated or sent to landfill. 

    We need a different approach:

    One that delivers on the commitment in the Sustainable Development Goals for sustainable production and consumption.

    There are signs of hope.

    Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainability.

    Important initiatives are bringing together business, industry associations, civil society, and more to drive sustainability across the sector.

    They include the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action – convened by the United Nations – and the Fashion Pact, launched by the Government of France.

    And the United Nations Advisory Board on Zero Waste is uniting partners to end waste – including from textiles – and to help meet the SDGs.

    But we must do more to secure change:

    Consumers through their choices;

    Young people and civil society through advocacy;

    Governments through regulations promoting sustainability and decent jobs;

    And businesses through embracing circularity, waste reduction and resource efficiency across their supply chains.

    On this International Day for Zero Waste, let’s all commit to ensure fashion sense makes good sense for people and planet.

    ***

    Cette année, la Journée internationale du zéro déchet est consacrée à la mode et aux textiles.

    Et pour cause !

    La Terre est victime de la mode.

    La fabrication des textiles fait souvent appel à des milliers de substances chimiques, dont beaucoup sont nocives pour les êtres humains et l’environnement.

    Elle dévore les ressources telles que la terre et l’eau.

    Et émet des gaz à effet de serre, aggravant la crise climatique.

    Pourtant, on produit des vêtements à un rythme effréné.

    Le gaspillage textile est énorme : chaque seconde, l’équivalent d’un camion à ordures rempli de vêtements est incinéré ou mis en décharge.

    Nous devons adopter une approche différente,

    qui permette de tenir les promesses des objectifs de développement durable en matière de production et de consommation.

    Il y a des lueurs d’espoir.

    Les consommateurs exigent de plus en plus des pratiques durables.

    D’importantes initiatives rassemblent les entreprises, les associations industrielles, les acteurs de la société civile et d’autres acteurs afin de promouvoir la durabilité dans l’ensemble du secteur.

    Il s’agit notamment de la Charte de l’industrie de la mode pour l’action climatique, établie par l’ONU, et du Fashion Pact, lancé par le Gouvernement français.

    À l’ONU, le Conseil consultatif pour le zéro déchet réunit actuellement des partenaires pour mettre fin à la production de déchets, notamment textiles, et contribuer à la réalisation des objectifs de développement durable.

    Mais nous devons faire plus pour ancrer le changement :

    les consommateurs, par leurs choix ;

    les jeunes et la société civile, grâce à des activités de sensibilisation ;

    les gouvernements, au moyen de réglementations favorisant la durabilité et les emplois décents ;

    les entreprises, en embrassant l’économie circulaire, la réduction des déchets et l’emploi efficace des ressources dans leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement.

    En cette Journée internationale du zéro déchet, engageons-nous à faire en sorte que la mode ait du sens pour les populations et pour la planète.

    ***
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Third Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival to open in April (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Third Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival to open in April  
    Opening Week Programmes
    ______________________
     
    Silhouette Resonance x The Banquet (1991)
    ___________________________________
     
         Kicking off the festival is the opening programme “Silhouette Resonance x The Banquet (1991)” to be staged on April 4 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre. Renowned musician Ng Cheuk-yin will reimagine beloved songs from classic comedy films with fresh arrangements, while pop singer Alfred Hui, the a cappella choral theatre company Yat Po Singers, and beatboxer Heartgrey (Eric So) will perform together with a live band. Following the performance, there will be a screening of “The Banquet” (1991) (4K digitally restored version), a comedy produced to raise disaster relief funds for flood relief, directed by Tsui Hark, Clifton Ko, Cheung Tung Joe and Alfred Cheung, featuring a cast of legendary stars. The opening programme, blending entertainment with cultural artistry, offers audiences a fresh and inspiring perspective on the vibrancy of Hong Kong’s pop culture.
     
    ImagineLand 2025
    _______________
     
         Another highlight of the PCF is an outdoor music carnival “ImagineLand 2025” to be held on April 5 and 6 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, the Central Lawn & Event Trellis of Salisbury Garden, the Avenue of Stars free of charge. Supported and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the two-day carnival features both daytime and evening programmes. “Go Beyond Concert”, “Comics Fun Experience Gallery” and “Funarts Corner” will be available during the day, whereas film programme “Movie Under the Stars” will be held at night. “Go Beyond Concert” will showcase three stages featuring over 35 musicians and artists from Hong Kong and eight countries and regions including Mainland China, Japan, Korea, the United States, Australia, France, the United Kingdom and Ukraine. The event showcases boundless possibilities of music across the performances. Major line-ups of local artists include Ivana Wong, Joey Tang, Yatfung, Cloud, Ashley Lin, Pandora, Chu Wan-pin and more, performing mesmerising popular songs and original works.
     
         In addition to the music concert, “Comics Fun Experience Gallery” will display Hong Kong comics and animation from different eras to highlight the creativity of local artists. Visitors can learn about the history of Hong Kong’s comics and animation while taking photos with comic characters. In addition, “Funarts Corner” will offer workshops on art, music, and crafts for public participation. In the evenings, “Movie Under the Stars” will screen local comedies: “Table For Six” (2022) and “Forbidden City Cop” (1996) on April 5 and 6 respectively, allowing audiences to enjoy outdoor films while relaxing on the lawn.
     
         Other festival highlights include:
     
    Film Screening
    ____________
     
         Apart from “The Banquet” (1991), the Hong Kong Film Archive will hold a “Laughter Double Bill: Hong Kong Comedy Film Spectacular” film screening, showcasing eight pairs of thematically related classic films from the 1940s to the 2000s, including “Black Rose” (1965) (2K Digital Version) and “92 The Legendary la Rose Noire” (1992), “The Judge Goes to Pieces” (1948), and “Justice, My Foot!”(1992), showcasing the comedic sparks of master comedians from different eras while illustrating the evolution of Hong Kong comedy films.
     
    Exhibitions
    _________
     
         “Comic Fun for All: The Magic of Hong Kong Comedy Comics”, running from May this year to March 2026 at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, will showcase exhibits related to Hong Kong comedy comics from different periods. The exhibition will also feature the creative concepts and artistic features behind them, showing the unique charm of Hong Kong comedy comics.
     
         Another exhibition, “Legends of HK Film Comedies, 1980s and 1990s”, to be held from May to October at the Hong Kong Film Archive, will feature a wide selection of highlights from different films, offering an amusing window into the past. In-depth analysis of the films by renowned actors and behind-the-scenes filmmakers will also be offered to reveal the essence of Hong Kong humour.
     
    Library Activities
    _____________
     
         To support the PCF’s theme of “More Than Joy”, the Hong Kong Public Libraries will organise a series of activities under the theme of “Happy Reading” from April to August. This will feature book displays with themes “Delightful Comics”, “Into the World of Movies” and “Music Delights: from Classical Music to Popular Songs”. It will also include subject talks on “Hong Kong Comics” and “Hong Kong Style Humor Films”, as well as workshops on “Digital Art – Creative Comic Drawing” and “National Games Comics Path”, all aimed at sharing fun and happiness through comics, music and films. The “Meet-the-Authors 2025” will focus on “Joyful Writing” to explore writing and positivity. In April, Dr Chan Kai-tai, a psychiatrist and lyricist, will speak on “When Words meet Music and Mind: Cantopop and Well-being” to explore how the lyrics of Cantopop promote our mental well-being.
     
    Performing Arts
    _____________
     
         The 2025 Fiesta of Music Office Bands, Choirs and Orchestras-Bands “The Animated Melodies – Our Nostalgic Memories” will be held at Yuen Long Theatre in April, showcasing all-time favourite theme songs from animations such as “Nintama Rantar??” and “The Lion King”, and a medley of works by Akira Toriyama to transport audiences back to nostalgic moments. Another two “Let’s Have Fun with Music” concerts by Pan Asia Symphony Orchestra in May will blend the best of classical and pop music. To heighten the excitement, original animations crafted by local talents will be woven into the concert, making it a truly engaging and enjoyable concert.  Meanwhile, “Vivek Mahbubani Stand-up Comedy – Funny made in Hong Kong” by Hong Kong born stand-up comedian Vivek Mahbubani will feature jokes about the funny things of Hong Kong’s golden standard of “fast, beautiful and awesome” in June. 

         In pop music, “Ko Shan Fest” will be staged at Ko Shan Theatre in June, featuring two concerts curated by renowned producer and music director Carl Wong. Wong will collaborate with bands with diverse backgrounds and styles to reintroduce audiences to the history and culture of Hong Kong band music. Another two “Music & Laughs” concerts will be held in July at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Curated by veteran producer Edward Chan in collaboration with pop music artists and the Symphonic Pops Orchestra and band, the performance invites the audience to explore together: What is comedy? Several popular artists will join this feast and details will be announced later.
     
         Alongside the above programmes, several industry partners will be offering a range of events as part of the festival, which are not to be missed. These include “My Stage@HKCC 2025/26 – Saturday Music Live” by Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups; “2025 Hong Kong Reading +” by the Hong Kong Publishing Federation; “JITN – SHAG” by the Jazz World (Hong Kong) Ltd & Count-in Music Ltd; “Cinema Day 2025” by Hong Kong Theatres Association Ltd; “Cherish Tonight” concerts by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra; and the “4th HK Comics Support Programme” by the Hong Kong Comics & Animation Federation.
     
         Hong Kong’s pop culture has drawn inspiration particularly from humour, a constant trendsetter that has left a deep footprint on many aspects of the city’s rich and colourful pop cultural landscape. The PCF 2025, with more than 20 programmes, will not only delight audiences with exciting performances and works but will also offer an insight into the development paths of Hong Kong’s pop culture along the line of “happiness”. By participating in these activities, audiences will be able to discover their own happiness.
     
         For more details, please visit the website: www.pcf.gov.hkIssued at HKT 20:18

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government of India Supporting Photonic Chip Research for Next Gen Computing

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 28 MAR 2025 6:40PM by PIB Delhi

    Photonic chips use light instead of electricity to process and transmit data, offering ultra-high speed, high bandwidth, and good energy efficiency. They generate minimal heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and support dense parallelism. These chips are better suited for new applications such as 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, data centers, optical interconnects, neural network acceleration, and quantum communication.

    Government is supporting research in photonic chips through various initiatives:

    •  Ministry of Electronics and IT is supporting research in Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) based on various material platforms such as Silicon, Lithium Niobate, Diamond, Polymer or Composite and its packaging technology.

    •  The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is implementing the National Quantum Mission. Under the Mission, one Thematic Hub has been set up on Quantum Computing at IISC Bengaluru. One of the objectives of the T-Hub is the development of photonic qubits and photonic quantum processors, driving research in photonic chip technology to support next-generation computing infrastructure.

    The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), MEITY issues alerts and advisories regarding latest cyber threats/vulnerabilities including malicious attacks using Machine Learning (ML) and countermeasures to protect computers, networks and data on an ongoing basis.

    •           In May 2023, an advisory was published by CERT-In.

    •           September 2024: Certified Security Professional in Artificial Intelligence (CSPAI) program was launched.

    •           CERT-In is one of the International partners to co-sign the joint high-level risk analysis report on Artificial Intelligence (AI) entitled “Building trust in AI through a cyber-risk-based approach,” published by the National Cybersecurity Agency for France (ANSSI) in February 2025,

    •           CERT-In published “Cyber Security Guidelines for Smart City Infrastructure” in February 2025 including measures for secure usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for smart city infrastructure and applications.

    Safe and Trusted AI is one of the seven pillars of IndiaAI Mission.  Several Responsible AI projects have been selected to address the need for robust guardrails and ensure the responsible development, deployment, and adoption of AI technologies.

    Several quantum technologies are under development in government institutions such as Centre for Development of Telematics (CDOT) and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC). These technologies include Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) solutions, Quantum Key Distributions (QKD) and quantum secure smart Video IP phone with quantum secured voice/ video calling. 

    Neuromorphic computing is a brain-inspired approach to designing hardware systems. It mimics the structure and function of the human brain using neural networks and spiking signals. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is supporting R&D project in this area.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology Shri Jitin Prasada in  Rajya Sabha today.

    ***

    Dharmendra TewariNavin Sreejith

    (Release ID: 2116339) Visitor Counter : 309

    Read this release in: Urdu

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Pop culture festival to open in April

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The opening programme of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2025, Silhouette Resonance x The Banquet (1991), will be held at the Cultural Centre Grand Theatre on April 4.

    Blending entertainment with cultural artistry, renowned musician Ng Cheuk-yin will reimagine beloved songs from classic comedy films with fresh arrangements, while pop singer Alfred Hui, the a cappella choral theatre company Yat Po Singers, and beatboxer Heartgrey Eric So will perform together with a live band.

    Following the performance, there will be a screening of The Banquet, a comedy produced to raise disaster relief funds for flood relief, directed by Tsui Hark, Clifton Ko, Cheung Tung Joe and Alfred Cheung. 

    Another highlight of the festival is an outdoor music carnival ImagineLand 2025 to be held on April 5 and 6 at the Cultural Centre Piazza, the Central Lawn & Event Trellis of Salisbury Garden, the Avenue of Stars with free admission.

    The two-day carnival features both daytime and evening programmes. “Go Beyond Concert”, “Comics Fun Experience Gallery” and “Funarts Corner” will be available during the day, whereas film programme “Movie Under the Stars” will be held at night. 

    The “Go Beyond Concert” will showcase three stages featuring over 35 musicians and artists from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Japan, Korea, the US, Australia, France, the UK and Ukraine.

    Major line-ups of local artists include Ivana Wong, Joey Tang, Yatfung, Cloud, Ashley Lin, Pandora, Chu Wan-pin and more, performing mesmerising popular songs and original works.

    “Comics Fun Experience Gallery” will display Hong Kong comics and animation from different eras to highlight the creativity of local artists.

    “Funarts Corner” will offer workshops on art, music and crafts for public participation.

    In the evenings, “Movie Under the Stars” will screen local comedies Table For Six and Forbidden City Cop on April 5 and 6 respectively, allowing audiences to enjoy outdoor films while relaxing on the lawn.

    The Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival is being held for the third year with “More Than Joy” as its theme and over 20 programmes will offer audiences an insight into the development paths of Hong Kong’s pop culture along the line of “happiness”. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Museum Summit 2025 successfully concludes (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) in partnership with The Guimet – National Museum of Asian Arts in France, the Museum Summit 2025, an international mega event in the museum sector, successfully concluded today (March 29). The Summit was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for two consecutive days, receiving a record-high total registration of over 7 000. One-third of them were non-Hong Kong registrants, from 39 countries.
     
    The registrants of the Summit were from a wide range of sectors. Apart from local, the Mainland and overseas museum counterparts, representatives from cultural and art institutions and galleries, there were also practitioners from various industries including museum-related service or product suppliers, educational institutions, production houses, public institutions, as well as finance, technology, tourism, cultural communication, vocational training, etc. The Summit proved to be an expanding platform for dialogues, networking and business opportunities.
     
    With the theme of “Going Beyond”, this year’s Summit brought together over 30 cultural leaders and professionals from renowned museums and institutions across 17 countries to exchange and share their professional experiences, research findings and innovative concepts, as well as delegations comprising over 40 museum practitioners from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Museum Alliance and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).
     
    Addressing the closing ceremony, the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan said, Hong Kong has been achieving progressive developments. For museums, there are M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum in the West Kowloon Cultural District. The LCSD manages 15 museums and two art spaces, with the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Museum of History, Hong Kong Science Museum and Hong Kong Heritage Museum as our flagships. There are also many interesting private museums like our partners this year, the Tsz Shan Monastery Buddhist Art Museum, the Art Museum of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, amongst others. They are all telling the Hong Kong stories with a multiplying breadth and depth.
     
    Ms Chan said, like museums, and the society at large, the Museum Summit endeavoured to reinvent itself and go beyond usual parameters in its fourth edition. This Summit included topics like cultural tourism and social wellness in our dialogues, alongside the need to leverage technological advancements and achieve sustainability as its themes. These expanded roles were reflecting the transformative power of museums to connect people with heritage. She said, museum was no longer something about the past; rather it had become an integral element of the city’s cultural life. It was also an indispensable part of the city’s pride of its people and warm welcome to guests from across the globe.
     
    Other than the discussion sessions, this year’s Summit also arranged various extended programmes for speakers, moderators, delegation and attendees, which received an attendance of around 1 000. Highlights included local cultural visits, such as visiting Tai Fu Tai Mansion in San Tin, Yuen Long, and experiencing and intangible cultural heritage items including Cantonese Opera and Nanyin performances. They also visited local museums, and participated in Museum Night at the Hong Kong Museum of Art, enjoyed live music performances and guided tours of the galleries. They will travel to Shenzhen to visit the Shenzhen Museum, the Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning, the Shenzhen Art Museum (New Venue), and the Sea World Culture and Arts Center.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: World-renowned museum and institution representatives share expertise at Museum Summit 2025 (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         In partnership with The Guimet – National Museum of Asian Arts (France), the Leisure and Cultural Services Department commenced the Museum Summit 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (March 28). Themed “Going Beyond”, the two-day Summit has brought together over 30 leading figures and professionals from world-renowned museums and institutions in 17 countries to exchange and share their professional experiences, research findings and innovative concepts. Five countries including Egypt, Hungary, Norway, Qatar and Türkiye, are new participants this year.
         
         The Museum Summit this year is its fourth edition since the inaugural one in 2017. Officiating at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, highlighted that the Summit had established itself not only as a highly acclaimed international event in the museum world, but also an iconic mega event in the city’s vibrant cultural calendar.
     
         Mr Cheuk said that the Summit had recorded a total registration of over 7 000 participants, with about one-third from the Mainland and overseas, and two delegations comprising over 40 museum experts from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Museum Alliance and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). This stellar mix is a strong testament to the increasing importance of the Summit and Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
         
         The President of The Guimet – National Museum of Asian Arts (France), Dr Yannick Lintz, also delivered an opening address at the Summit.
     
         The Summit features four thematic sessions, namely “Museums + Tourism”, “Museums + Technology”, “Museums + Sustainability”, and “Museums + Wellness”. The discussions will encompass how museums could leverage the advantages brought by the tourism industry and technological advances to promote sustainable development as well as mental and physical well-being.

         For details of the Museum Summit 2025, please visit www.museumsummit.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The Nutrition for Growth Summit mobilizes over US$27 billion to reach nutrition-related Sustainable Development Goals (28 Mar. 2025)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    On March 27 and 28, 2025, at the Nutrition for Growth Summit (N4G), which was organized by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs under the auspices of Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, the international community made ambitious commitments to tackle the challenge of malnutrition in all its forms. Close to US$28 billion in nutrition funding to reach Sustainable Development Goals was announced, attesting to the exceptional degree of mobilization and renewed commitment to multilateralism.

    In total, the international community’s financial commitments in support of nutrition represent US$27.55 billion dollars. The Summit Chair’s final declaration helped reaffirm our shared commitment to global nutrition.

    One hundred twenty-seven delegations, including the governments of 106 countries, in addition to numerous international organizations, civil society organizations, development banks, philanthropic organizations, research institutions, and businesses, met together to help put an end to this scourge, which hinders countries’ economic and social development and traps communities in an intergenerational cycle of poverty. Over 400 commitments were registered on the Nutrition Accountability Framework platform.

    France remains fully committed to nutrition and food aid

    As the N4G Summit host country, France has committed to continuing its efforts in support of nutrition and, between now and 2030, plans to invest €750 million in projects supported by the French Development Agency in particular, as well as in the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs’ food aid programs. In addition, France has announced that it will be boosting food sustainability education, promoting the prevention and early identification of malnutrition, and improving the nutritional quality of the food supply at the national level.

    Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships, explains:

    “This summit is a collective success for France and the international community, whose vigorous efforts have demonstrated their commitment to tackling the challenge of malnutrition. That is the strength of multilateralism: the ability to tackle challenges that know no boundaries. Malnutrition has a particularly harmful impact on young children and pregnant and breastfeeding women. We cannot look away when one out of every two children under the age of five dies from malnutrition. Proper nutrition is a challenge shared by all of our societies. It is the key to unlocking a shared, more prosperous future. This summit is not limited to financial investments; it also provides for innovative, effective investments that will have a lasting impact on development.”

    Ambitious political and financial commitments in support of nutrition

    The European Union in particular mobilized its efforts, committing a total of €6.5 billion to fight malnutrition, of which €3.4 billion was allocated by the European Commission.

    Other countries, including Madagascar, Côte d’Ivoire, Guatemala and Bangladesh also made noteworthy political and financial commitments to tackling the burden of malnutrition in their countries.

    The development banks also mobilized their efforts, particularly the World Bank and the African Development Bank, which pledged US$5 billion and US$9.5 billion respectively until 2030.

    Lastly, philanthropic organizations, civil society organizations and the private sector account for a substantial share of financial commitments. Philanthropic organizations will raise more than US$2 billion in the coming years to combat malnutrition.

    One of the Summit’s highlights was the adoption of a youth declaration calling for young people to play a greater role in decision-making in order to promote the voices of the communities most affected by malnutrition.

    Nutrition, a challenge at the heart of public policy and sustainable development

    Nutrition enables all individuals to achieve their full potential. But all countries are facing at least one type of malnutrition, whose cost to the global economy is estimated at US$41 trillion over the coming decade.

    In an uncertain international climate, the Summit helped refocus public policy on nutrition through ambitious commitments to transform the lives of millions of people worldwide. By investing in nutrition, stakeholders have opted to support policies that have a positive impact on health, social protections, gender equality, the sustainability of food systems, climate and education. Nutrition is a particularly effective choice because on average, each euro invested in this area creates 23 euros in wealth.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Shanghai attracts more foreign financial firms

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    The growing presence of more international industry leaders serves as a snapshot of Shanghai’s continued efforts to open up its financial market and bring its financial capacity to the next level.

    A new Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Shanghai municipal government and the City of London Corp on March 20, is the latest example. The MoU, valid until 2028, continues the financial cooperation that started between the two cities approximately four decades ago.

    Alderman Alastair King, Lord Mayor of the City of London, said at the signing ceremony that there is vast room for cooperation between the two cities especially in areas of digital finance, green finance and offshore renminbi.

    With its China operations registered in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area in March 2024, London-headquartered Aspect Capital believes that there are a lot of opportunities as Chinese people upgrade their wealth management needs and more financial innovations drive the ongoing technology advancement in China, according to Lin Han, general manager of Aspect Capital in China.

    As one of the 10 largest commodity trading adviser managers in the world, Aspect Capital now manages about $9 billion of assets.

    On Dec 13, Aspect Capital (China) Ltd completed its registration as a private fund manager with the Asset Management Association of China. The UK CTA manager was the only wholly foreign-owned PFM approved for registration throughout 2024.

    Rapid progress has been made ever since. Aspect China released its first PFM product in January and completed registration of two other products one month later. The company has also submitted its application to become a Qualified Domestic Limited Partner.

    Planning to step up investment in China, Aspect China will expand its local team, apply for more business qualifications and seek strategic cooperation with Chinese domestic financial service providers, said Lin.

    BNP Paribas Securities China’s office registered in Pudong was officially opened on March 19. With its application submitted to the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the country’s top securities watchdog, in April 2021, it obtained approval in April 2024, marking the fourth wholly foreign-owned securities brokerage to be registered in China.

    BNP Paribas Securities China’s businesses now include securities brokerage, securities proprietary trading, securities investment consulting and securities asset management.

    According to Guo Zhiyi, BNP Paribas Securities China’s CEO, this year marks the first that the company can truly extend its reach in China. By incorporating their experience and resources in the international market, the company will advance its cross-border and securities businesses in the country to provide diversified services to both local and offshore clients, he said.

    France’s AXA Global Reinsurance and Germany’s Hannover Re have also opened their Shanghai reinsurance centers in Pudong.

    With its operation set up in Lingang Special Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, AXA can easily connect to the Shanghai International Reinsurance Exchange Ltd founded at the end of 2024, improving the efficiency of data flow and trading transparency, according to Xue Fei, general manager of AXA International Reinsurance (Shanghai) Co Ltd.

    Lujiazui, the core financial area of Pudong, has now gathered around 8,000 financial institutions. Approximately 80 percent of China’s foreign asset managers and 40 percent of the country’s foreign banks have set up operations in Lujiazui.

    According to the Municipal Government Work Report released at the beginning of the year, Shanghai will improve its capacity as an international financial center this year by optimizing its mechanisms, enriching its financial services and expanding product supply. The wider application of e-CNY, further facilitating cross-border financial services, optimizing RMB offshore trading, cross-border trade settlement and overseas financing will be the major focuses, said the work report.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: WiseChain.io Unveils AI-Powered Social Trading and Tailored Investment Solutions for Canadians and Seniors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, NY, March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WiseChain.io, a global leader in next-generation trading technology, announces the launch of its cutting-edge AI-driven social trading platform, now available exclusively to its elite clients. This breakthrough solution enables users to mirror strategies of top-performing traders through advanced, automated bots — delivering precision, speed, and real-time adaptability.

    By integrating automation with artificial intelligence, WiseChain.io redefines the modern investing experience. The platform is ideal for both beginners and professionals, empowering users to benefit from expert-level trading without needing deep financial expertise.

    A Trusted Partner for Canadian Investors

    For Canadian clients, WiseChain.io offers a secure, fully compliant platform that operates under strict international standards. With rigorous KYC and AML protocols, segregated fund storage, and end-to-end encryption, users can trade confidently in a transparent and legally sound environment. Bilingual support in English and French, combined with access to a broad range of markets — including forex, crypto, stocks, commodities, and ETFs — positions WiseChain.io as a top choice for Canadian investors.

    Empowering Seniors Toward Financial Independence

    Understanding the needs of older investors, WiseChain.io also provides a user-friendly and low-risk environment tailored to individuals over 50. With step-by-step guidance, flexible strategies, and minimal commissions, seniors can easily manage their savings, build passive income, and secure a more comfortable retirement — even without prior trading experience.

    Thousands of users have already embraced WiseChain.io as their partner in financial growth, thanks to its intuitive design, 24/7 customer support, and clear educational resources.

    Discover the Future of Smart Investing

    Whether you’re a high-net-worth trader, a cautious retiree, or a Canadian investor looking for a reliable platform, WiseChain.io offers the tools, technology, and transparency to help you succeed.

    Visit wisechain.io to start your journey toward smarter, safer investing.

    Social Links

    Media Contact

    Brand: WiseChain

    Contact: media team

    Email: support@wisechain.io

    Website: https://wisechain.io

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Family to be reunited with Nazi-looted artwork after eight decades

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Family to be reunited with Nazi-looted artwork after eight decades

    The heirs and great-grandchildren of Jewish Belgian art collector Samuel Hartveld are set to receive a painting by Henry Gibbs currently in the collection of the Tate

    • Hartveld and his wife fled Belgium prior to the German occupation during the Second World War, leaving behind their most treasured possessions

    The heirs and great-grandchildren of Jewish Belgian art collector Samuel Hartveld are set to be reunited with a painting that was looted by the Nazis when he fled his home city of Antwerp during the Second World War in May 1940.

    When Hartveld and his wife left the city, the couple were forced to leave behind their most treasured possessions including a painting by Henry Gibbs, titled ‘Aeneas and his Family Fleeing Burning Troy’. The painting is said to have been one of 66 paintings in a gallery owned by Hartveld in Antwerp.

    The narrative painting is believed to be a commentary on the English Civil War, which resulted in exile for many. The painting depicts scenes from ‘The Aeneid’ which is a Latin poem that tells the legendary story of Aeneas, a Trojan who fled the fall of Troy and travelled to Italy, where he became the ancestor of the Romans. The painting depicts the Trojan hero, Aeneas, trying to rescue his family from the burning city.

    After surviving the war, Hartveld was never reunited with his collection of paintings, as a majority of the works were looted and sold by the German authorities with Hartveld and his family receiving none of the proceeds. Some of his artworks may have changed hands several times since 1940 and are believed to be in galleries across Europe. The painting by Henry Gibbs was eventually purchased from Galerie Jan de Maere in Brussels in 1994 by the Tate collection.

    The independent Spoliation Advisory Panel was established by the government in 2000 to consider claims from anyone, or their heirs, who lost cultural property during the Nazi era, where such an object is now in a UK public collection. Over the last 25 years, the panel has received 23 claims, with 14 works being returned to the heirs of their former owners.

    Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

    The case of Samuel Hartveld is the perfect example of the Spoliation Advisory Panel doing the work it was designed to do – helping to reunite families with their most treasured possessions that were looted by the Nazis.

    The decision to return the painting to the heirs of Samuel Hartveld and his wife is absolutely the right decision, which I welcome wholeheartedly.

    Director of Tate Maria Balshaw said:

    It is a profound privilege to help reunite this work with its rightful heirs, and I am delighted to see the spoliation process working successfully to make this happen. Although the artwork’s provenance was extensively investigated when it was acquired in 1994, crucial facts concerning previous ownership of the painting were not known.

    I would like to thank the Sonia Klein Trust and the Spoliation Advisory panel for their collaboration over the last year. We now look forward to welcoming the family to Tate in the coming months and presenting the painting to them.

    The trustees of the Sonia Klein Trust said:

    The trustees acting for the Sonia Klein Trust and their counsel, Dr. Hannes Hartung, based in Munich, are deeply grateful to the Spoliation Advisory Panel for their recommendation that Tate Britain restitute the narrative painting of Henry Gibbs’ ‘Aeneas and his family fleeing from burning Troy’ and parliament’s ratification of that recommendation.

    This decision clearly acknowledges the awful Nazi persecution of Samuel Hartveld and that the ‘clearly looted’ painting belonged to Mr. Hartveld, a Jewish Belgian art collector and dealer.

    The trustees acting for the Sonia Klein Trust further thank the staff at Tate Britain for working with the trustees and their legal representative Dr. Hannes Hartung, to realise the return of this important painting by a highly regarded British painter. The staff at Tate Britain were open minded and prompt in their approval of the Spoliation Advisory Panel’s recommendation.

    Further, the trustees wish to acknowledge the scholarly efforts of Geert Sels, author of ‘Kunst voor das Reich’, in identifying the plight of Samuel Hartveld and his family because of Nazi persecution in Belgium during World War II. With this restitution, the trustees acting for the Sonia Klein Trust honour and remember the life of Samuel Hartveld and his family.

    The Spoliation Advisory Panel received a claim from trustees acting for the Sonia Klein Trust, established for Mr. Hartveld’s heirs, requesting the return of a painting by Henry Gibbs in May 2024. Following extensive research by the Trust’s legal representatives and others into how the family had come to lose the painting, it was identified as being in the Tate’s collection.

    The Spoliation Advisory Panel then considered all the evidence and decided that the legal and moral claims to the restitution of the painting were sufficiently compelling for them to advise the Secretary of State that the Sonia Klein Trust is entitled to its return.

    The Government welcomes Tate’s full cooperation with this process throughout and its prompt agreement to accept the Panel’s recommendation in full.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors

    The Holocaust (Return of Cultural Objects) Act 2009 allows national museums to return cultural objects, where the Spoliation Advisory Panel recommends and the Arts Minister agrees.

    The Spoliation Advisory Panel, together with the equivalent committees in France, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands is a member of the Network of European Restitution Committees on Nazi-Looted Art. The Network promotes international collaboration and information sharing on these issues.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General Appoints James Swan of United States Special Representative, Head of United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of James Swan of the United States as his Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS).  The Secretary-General expresses his gratitude to Mr. Swan for acting as Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM)/UNTMIS since May 2024, and is pleased that Mr. Swan accepted to continue to lead the United Nations in Somalia during this critical period.

    Mr. Swan is an experienced diplomat with a long career in African countries facing complex political transitions.  Prior to serving as acting Special Representative for Somalia and Head of UNSOM/UNTMIS as well as Special Representative for Somalia and Head of UNSOM (2019-2022), he worked in the United States Government as Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2013-2016), Special Representative for Somalia (2011-2013) and Ambassador to Djibouti (2008-2011).

    In his earlier career, Mr. Swan was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (2006-2008) and Director of African Analysis in the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research (2005-2006).  Before assuming these positions, Mr. Swan held various assignments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Cameroon, Nicaragua and Haiti.

    Mr. Swan holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, a Master of Arts degree from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies and a master’s degree in security studies from the National War College, all in the United States. He is fluent in English and French.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 73rd plenary session of the Conference of European Statisticians

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The 73rd plenary session of the Conference of European Statisticians (CES) will take place on 16-18 June 2025 in Palais des Nations, Geneva. Simultaneous interpretation in English, French and Russian will be provided.

    Click on session titles to view documents.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Human Rights Committee Closes One Hundred and Forty-Third Session

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Human Rights Committee today closed its one hundred and forty-third session after adopting concluding observations on the reports of Albania, Burkina Faso, Mongolia, Montenegro and Zimbabwe.

    Changrok Soh, Committee Chairperson, said the Committee had come to the end of a productive session and commended the Commitete members for their commitment and professionalism.  The Committee had held constructive dialogues with Albania, Burkina Faso, Mongolia, Montenegro and Zimbabwe and the concluding observations would be posted on the Committee’s webpage later today. The review of Haiti was postponed upon the request of the State party due to the difficult human rights situation. The Committee expressed solidarity with the people of Haiti and looked forward to engaging with the State in the next session in July.

    During the session, the Committee adopted a list of issues on Chad and lists of issues prior to reporting on Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Jordan, Mauritius, New Zealand and Samoa, which would serve as important tools to guide dialogues with these States. 

    On individual communications, the Committee considered 19 drafts, including one draft prepared in accordance with the simplified format adopted by the Committee at its one hundred and fortieth session.  The drafts related to 66 communications: 38 were decided on the merits, five communications were declared inadmissible, and 23 communications were discontinued. Regarding the communications decided on the merits, the Committee found violations in 37 of them.

    The Committee also adopted its annual report reflecting its work undertaken during its one hundred and forty-first, one hundred and forty-second and one hundred and forty-third sessions. 

    At its next one hundred and forty-fourth session, the Committee would review the initial and periodic reports of Guinea Bissau, Haiti, Kazakhstan, Latvia, North Macedonia, Spain and Viet Nam.  The Committee would also adopt the lists of issues prior to reporting on Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Denmark, Ghana, Liechtenstein, Morocco, Rwanda, Sweden and Switzerland.  It would evaluate the reports of Armenia and Germany under its follow-up procedure to concluding observations.

    In closing, Mr. Soh expressed appreciation to members of the bureau as well as the members of the Secretariat, the Petitions Section, United Nations entities, civil society and all those who made the session possible. 

    Before the meeting closed, several Committee Members took the floor, congratulating the five new Committee members and paying tribute to the Chair’s leadership throughout the session.  The Committee was going through challenging times, and it was vital that it continued to work as a united body promoting and protecting human rights around the world. 

    The Committee’s next session will be held from 23 June to 18 July 2025, during which it will review the reports of Guinea Bissau, Haiti, Kazakhstan, Latvia, North Macedonia, Spain and Viet Nam.

    ___________

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

     

     

    CCPR25.008E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Potential misuse of EU funds by pro-migrant association Equalis – E-000658/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Equalis received EUR 4 million in European funding from the European Social Fund (ESF)[1] between 2015 and 2022 (through the 2014-2020 French national programme) and EUR 1.14 million between 2022 and 2024 (through the FSE+ 2021-2027 French national programme). Equalis does not receive funding from the FSE+ regional programme of Île-de-France.

    La Commission carried out a compliance audit on the FSE+ French national programme in 2021 with a view to providing reasonable assurance that the management and control systems of this programme were working effectively to prevent, detect and correct errors and irregularities, thereby guaranteeing the lawfulness and regularity of expenditure declared to the Commission.

    The audit conclusions were positive. However, it should be noted that the sample selected by the Commission auditors did not include any operations of which Equalis was the beneficiary.

    It is the Member States which are primarily responsible for the management and control of the structural funds. In the event of irregularities, the authorities must deduct the expenses in question from the amounts declared to the Commission (in the annual accounts). The Member State is responsible for recovering these amounts from the beneficiary.

    The Commission checks the control systems put in place by the Member States. In the event of significant weaknesses, the Commission can interrupt payments and request corrective measures such as financial corrections and measures aimed at improving the functioning of the management and control systems.

    • [1] https://fse.be/
    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Fire ant invasion in Sicily – risks and containment measures – E-001150/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001150/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Stefano Cavedagna (ECR), Carlo Fidanza (ECR), Nicola Procaccini (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Giuseppe Milazzo (ECR), Francesco Ventola (ECR)

    The invasion of Solenopsis invicta (fire ant) in Sicily is extremely worrying, as it could spread throughout Europe. This invasive species from South America has already caused serious environmental and economic damage in the United States and Australia.

    The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) classifies it as a high-risk invasive pest, capable of establishing itself in southern European countries with a temperate, Mediterranean climate.

    Its spread could have devastating consequences on ecosystems, agriculture and public health. In Australia and the USA, it has wiped out native species, damaged crops and put humans at danger with its painful stings.

    The costs of controlling it are huge: Australia estimates the impact to be around AUD 1.65 billion per year, and has spent more than 400 million on eradication programmes since 2001.

    Timely and coordinated action is essential to avoid it spreading uncontrollably, which would make its eradication more difficult and expensive. Delays could exacerbate the problem, increasing the cost of containment.

    In view of this:

    • 1.Is there a structured monitoring programme and an updated map of the spread of S. invicta in Europe?
    • 2.What action has been taken to limit and eradicate its presence in infested areas?
    • 3.What funds and instruments have been or will be allocated to address this emergency at EU level?

    Submitted: 18.3.2025

    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission has it in for French rail freight – E-001141/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001141/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jordan Bardella (PfE)

    On 18 January, the Commission launched an in-depth investigation into Fret SNCF, jeopardising not only the future of the public operator, but also that of the French rail freight sector as a whole. Although rail freight is a strategic pillar of energy autonomy and industrial competitiveness, the Commission seems to favour a deregulatory approach that risks undermining the public sector for private gain.

    It is worth remembering that since the rail freight market was opened to effective competition in 2006, the modal share of rail freight transport has been halved and Fret SNCF has seen its workforce reduce by two thirds.

    What factors justify jeopardising a sector that is essential to France’s supply chain and industrial competitiveness?

    Submitted: 18.3.2025

    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Social crisis at Thales Alenia Space – E-001133/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001133/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Anthony Smith (The Left), Marina Mesure (The Left)

    In March 2024, management at Thales Alenia Space announced their intention to cut more than 1 300 jobs in Europe, including 1 124 in France. However, the Thales Group has made a record profit of EUR 20.6 billion, up 11.7 %, and its order book is full, thanks, in particular, to public orders such as the demonstration contract for the HydRON project, signed recently, and industrial activities for the IRIS2 project.

    In response, workers were stirred into action to protect their jobs and rail against the deterioration in their working conditions: according to its occupational health services, more than 50% of the group’s employees are overworked and 13% are already burned out.

    At a time when the EU has decided to boost its autonomy in the defence and space sector, does the Commission intend to:

    • 1.ensure that jobs and skills are maintained and improve the working conditions of employees at a company that has signed public contracts?
    • 2.step up checks to see to it that working conditions are decent at companies that have signed public contracts?

    Submitted: 18.3.2025

    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Reporting of EU funding to press bodies and implications for journalistic independence – E-001183/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001183/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Paolo Borchia (PfE), Susanna Ceccardi (PfE), Anna Maria Cisint (PfE), Aldo Patriciello (PfE), Silvia Sardone (PfE), Raffaele Stancanelli (PfE), Isabella Tovaglieri (PfE), Roberto Vannacci (PfE)

    Press sources report that the European Commission provided EUR 132.82 million to various media outlets – including significant Italian newspapers – through the company Havas Media France around the time of the June 2024 European elections. No information is available on the beneficiaries and specific amounts disbursed.

    Given that the EU institutions do not pursue commercial purposes and have internal structures for institutional communication:

    • 1.What criteria justified the allocation of these resources through a private intermediary, without applying the public tendering obligations for sums over EUR 14 000?
    • 2.There is evidence to suggest that articles and services have been tailored to the preferences of Brussels’ top dogs, undermining the principle of the independence of the press. In the light of this in particular, how will the Commission ensure that such funding, if indeed provided, is not used to politically influence the beneficiaries, curtailing their editorial freedom?
    • 3.Why has the information on beneficiaries and specific amounts disbursed not been published in full?

    Submitted: 20.3.2025

    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Reshoring pharmaceutical production back to Europe and conditions for accessing the European market – E-001139/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001139/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jordan Bardella (PfE)

    The global health crisis of 2020 and, more recently, the buyout of a Sanofi division by a US group have brought into relief Europe’s growing dependence on third countries for medicine production, highlighting the risks to the security of supply and public health. This weakness makes Europe vulnerable to stock shortages and price increases, and hampers its responsiveness to crises.

    In order to bolster the strategic independence of both France and the rest of Europe, pharmaceutical production needs to be reshored. Indeed, many are calling the sector to be reindustrialised for the sake of reliable and controlled supply.

    Against this background, does the Commission intend to set a local production quota as a prerequisite for obtaining a marketing authorisation from the European Medicines Agency?

    Submitted: 18.3.2025

    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Energy sanctions against Russia and audit request – E-001144/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001144/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jordan Bardella (PfE)

    The energy sanctions the EU has imposed against a number of third countries, including Russia, have had a dramatic economic impact on our businesses and citizens. In particular, the energy price hikes pose a serious threat to both our industry’s competitiveness and the purchasing power of the French people. Experts are also pointing to the fact that these sanctions could prove to be counterproductive, effectively bolstering in the long term the economy and strategic autonomy of the countries targeted.

    In the light of these repercussions and the current decline, it is now crucial to assess objectively the effectiveness of these sanctions and their real impact on Europe’s energy security.

    In view of this, does the Commission plan to have an independent and transparent audit carried out to analyse the impact of the energy sanctions on the European economy and on the energy sovereignty of the Member States, as well as their objective impact on the economies of the countries concerned?

    Submitted: 18.3.2025

    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Is the Commission aware of the serious trade difficulties faced by French wines and spirits? – E-001192/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001192/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Gilles Pennelle (PfE), André Rougé (PfE), Séverine Werbrouck (PfE), Valérie Deloge (PfE), Mélanie Disdier (PfE), Julien Leonardelli (PfE)

    On Wednesday 12 March, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Maroš Šefčovič, the Commissioner for Trade, Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, unveiled retaliatory measures in response to the new US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.

    While these measures are laudable in principle, it is regrettable that the US bourbon is targeted, exposing French wines and spirits to potential US taxes. French spirits are already suffering from the recent increase in Chinese taxes, which severely penalises them.

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of the serious trade difficulties faced by the French spirits sector?
    • 2.Can it explain why it is exposing the wine and spirits sector to US taxes, given the serious difficulties it is facing?

    Supporters[1]

    Submitted: 20.3.2025

    • [1] This question is supported by Members other than the authors: Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE), Julie Rechagneux (PfE)
    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: United States Secures Extradition of More Than a Dozen Fugitives from 10 Countries

    Source: US State of California

    Defendants Wanted for Murders, Drug Trafficking, Alien Smuggling, and Cybercrime in the District of Columbia, California, Florida, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, New York, Texas, and Washington State

    Extensive coordination and cooperation efforts between the U.S. Department of Justice and law enforcement authorities in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom resulted in the extraditions this month of alleged murderers, a child rapist, an MS-13 leader, an alien smuggler, Colombian drug traffickers, a Russian cybercriminal, a Nigerian fraudster, and an immigration scammer.

    “The dedicated, persistent work of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs with foreign partners resulted in the extradition of fugitives wanted in the United States for violent crimes,” said Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division Matthew R. Galeotti. “The Justice Department will aggressively pursue and bring to justice in the United States transnational criminals and hold them accountable for the death and violence they have committed here and abroad.”

    The fugitives extradited to the United States in March 2025 include:

    • Eswin Mejia, 28, was extradited from Honduras to face charges of vehicular homicide and failure to appear in court for the January 2016 killing of 21-year-old Sarah Root in Douglas County, Nebraska. Mejia was arrested and released on bond in February 2016 and subsequently fled the country to evade prosecution by the Douglas County Attorney’s Office.
    • Rigoberto Ramon Miranda-Orozco, 48, an alleged leader of a Guatemala-based alien smuggling organization, was extradited from Guatemala to face charges in the Western District of Texas for his alleged role in the June 2022 San Antonio mass casualty incident that resulted in the death of 53 Guatemalan, Honduran, and Mexican nationals, including children, and the injury of 11 others.
    • Moises Humberto Rivera Luna, 55, an alleged international leader of the violent gang MS-13, was extradited from Guatemala to face racketeering conspiracy charges in the District of Columbia regarding racketeering activities to include murder, narcotics distribution, extortion, robberies, obstruction of justice, and other crimes.
    • Carlos Espino Farfan, 36, was extradited from Spain to face charges of first-degree felony rape of a child and first-degree felony sodomy upon a child filed by the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office.
    • Jair Alberto Alvarez Valenzuela, 54, and Luis Carlos Diaz Martinez, 32, former Colombian Navy personnel were extradited to face charges in the Middle District of Florida for their alleged role in selling locations of Colombian Navy drug interdiction vessels to international drug traffickers.
    • Louie Hernandez, 61, was extradited from Mexico to face charges in King County, Washington, of first-degree murder in connection with the February 2024 fatal shooting of his alleged estranged partner, Reyna Hernandez.
    • Juan Ramirez, 37, was extradited from Mexico to face charges in Santa Clara, California, for the March 22, 2013, fatal stabbing of 29-year-old Sandra Cruzes-Gonsalez.
    • Solomon Sincler Gheorghe, 20, an Irish national, was extradited from France to face charges in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, of felony death by motor vehicle and felony serious injury by vehicle. Gheorghe is alleged to have been impaired by alcohol and drugs when he caused a multi-vehicle wreck on Sept. 20, 2023, resulting in the deaths of two adults and a 12-year-old boy, and with injury to others.
    • Rostislav Panev, 51, a dual Russian and Israeli national, was extradited from Israel to faces charges in the District of New Jersey for his alleged role as a developer for the LockBit ransomware group from its inception in or around 2019 through at least February 2024. The LockBit group has attacked more than 2,500 victims in at least 120 countries around the world, including 1,800 in the United States.
    • Marco Tulio Fernandez-Rodriguez, 24, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was extradited from the Dominican Republic to face charges in the Southern District of New York of murder, narcotics, and firearms in connection with his alleged role in an attempted gunpoint robbery of a Mount Vernon, New York, warehouse that sold various unlicensed marijuana and nicotine products. Two people — one employee of the warehouse and one member of the roughly 15-man robbery crew — were shot and killed during the failed robbery attempt.
    • Ehis Lawrence Akhimie, 41, a Nigerian national, was extradited from the United Kingdom to face charges in the Southern District of Florida for allegedly engaging in a transnational criminal organization that operated an inheritance fraud scheme targeting elder U.S. consumers.
    • Bikramjit Ahluwalia, 39, a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates living in Dubai, was extradited from Spain to face charges in the Western District of North Carolina of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to damage a protected computer, and wire fraud for his alleged role in an extensive tech support fraud scheme.
    • Danhong “Jean” Chen, also known as Maria Sofia Taylor, 60, a San Jose, California, immigration attorney, was extradited from the Kyrgyz Republic to face charges in the Northern District of California for allegedly committing visa fraud and related crimes to obtain immigration benefits for more than 100 foreign investors through the government’s Employment-Based Immigration Fifth Preference, or “EB-5,” visa program. Chen is the first extradition from the Kyrgyz Republic to the United States on federal criminal charges.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the defendants’ arrests and extraditions along with the U.S. Marshals Service. The Justice Department thanks and acknowledges the instrumental role of its law enforcement partners in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mexico, Spain and the United Kingdom for making these extraditions possible.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Secures Extradition of More Than a Dozen Fugitives from 10 Countries

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Defendants Wanted for Murders, Drug Trafficking, Alien Smuggling, and Cybercrime in the District of Columbia, California, Florida, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, New York, Texas, and Washington State

    Extensive coordination and cooperation efforts between the U.S. Department of Justice and law enforcement authorities in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom resulted in the extraditions this month of alleged murderers, a child rapist, an MS-13 leader, an alien smuggler, Colombian drug traffickers, a Russian cybercriminal, a Nigerian fraudster, and an immigration scammer.

    “The dedicated, persistent work of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs with foreign partners resulted in the extradition of fugitives wanted in the United States for violent crimes,” said Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division Matthew R. Galeotti. “The Justice Department will aggressively pursue and bring to justice in the United States transnational criminals and hold them accountable for the death and violence they have committed here and abroad.”

    The fugitives extradited to the United States in March 2025 include:

    • Eswin Mejia, 28, was extradited from Honduras to face charges of vehicular homicide and failure to appear in court for the January 2016 killing of 21-year-old Sarah Root in Douglas County, Nebraska. Mejia was arrested and released on bond in February 2016 and subsequently fled the country to evade prosecution by the Douglas County Attorney’s Office.
    • Rigoberto Ramon Miranda-Orozco, 48, an alleged leader of a Guatemala-based alien smuggling organization, was extradited from Guatemala to face charges in the Western District of Texas for his alleged role in the June 2022 San Antonio mass casualty incident that resulted in the death of 53 Guatemalan, Honduran, and Mexican nationals, including children, and the injury of 11 others.
    • Moises Humberto Rivera Luna, 55, an alleged international leader of the violent gang MS-13, was extradited from Guatemala to face racketeering conspiracy charges in the District of Columbia regarding racketeering activities to include murder, narcotics distribution, extortion, robberies, obstruction of justice, and other crimes.
    • Carlos Espino Farfan, 36, was extradited from Spain to face charges of first-degree felony rape of a child and first-degree felony sodomy upon a child filed by the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office.
    • Jair Alberto Alvarez Valenzuela, 54, and Luis Carlos Diaz Martinez, 32, former Colombian Navy personnel were extradited to face charges in the Middle District of Florida for their alleged role in selling locations of Colombian Navy drug interdiction vessels to international drug traffickers.
    • Louie Hernandez, 61, was extradited from Mexico to face charges in King County, Washington, of first-degree murder in connection with the February 2024 fatal shooting of his alleged estranged partner, Reyna Hernandez.
    • Juan Ramirez, 37, was extradited from Mexico to face charges in Santa Clara, California, for the March 22, 2013, fatal stabbing of 29-year-old Sandra Cruzes-Gonsalez.
    • Solomon Sincler Gheorghe, 20, an Irish national, was extradited from France to face charges in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, of felony death by motor vehicle and felony serious injury by vehicle. Gheorghe is alleged to have been impaired by alcohol and drugs when he caused a multi-vehicle wreck on Sept. 20, 2023, resulting in the deaths of two adults and a 12-year-old boy, and with injury to others.
    • Rostislav Panev, 51, a dual Russian and Israeli national, was extradited from Israel to faces charges in the District of New Jersey for his alleged role as a developer for the LockBit ransomware group from its inception in or around 2019 through at least February 2024. The LockBit group has attacked more than 2,500 victims in at least 120 countries around the world, including 1,800 in the United States.
    • Marco Tulio Fernandez-Rodriguez, 24, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was extradited from the Dominican Republic to face charges in the Southern District of New York of murder, narcotics, and firearms in connection with his alleged role in an attempted gunpoint robbery of a Mount Vernon, New York, warehouse that sold various unlicensed marijuana and nicotine products. Two people — one employee of the warehouse and one member of the roughly 15-man robbery crew — were shot and killed during the failed robbery attempt.
    • Ehis Lawrence Akhimie, 41, a Nigerian national, was extradited from the United Kingdom to face charges in the Southern District of Florida for allegedly engaging in a transnational criminal organization that operated an inheritance fraud scheme targeting elder U.S. consumers.
    • Bikramjit Ahluwalia, 39, a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates living in Dubai, was extradited from Spain to face charges in the Western District of North Carolina of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to damage a protected computer, and wire fraud for his alleged role in an extensive tech support fraud scheme.
    • Danhong “Jean” Chen, also known as Maria Sofia Taylor, 60, a San Jose, California, immigration attorney, was extradited from the Kyrgyz Republic to face charges in the Northern District of California for allegedly committing visa fraud and related crimes to obtain immigration benefits for more than 100 foreign investors through the government’s Employment-Based Immigration Fifth Preference, or “EB-5,” visa program. Chen is the first extradition from the Kyrgyz Republic to the United States on federal criminal charges.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the defendants’ arrests and extraditions along with the U.S. Marshals Service. The Justice Department thanks and acknowledges the instrumental role of its law enforcement partners in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mexico, Spain and the United Kingdom for making these extraditions possible.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Tourists are cancelling trips to the US – here’s how this could affect its economy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ross Bennett-Cook, PhD Researcher, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University

    The United States is one of the top three most visited countries in the world. The big draw cards – cities such as San Francisco, New York and Chicago and national parks such as Yosemite – have attracted international tourists for decades. This combined with its role as a global business powerhouse meant it had 66.5 million visitors in 2023 – and the 2024 figure is expected to be higher still.

    But a lot has changed in recent months, and 2025’s figures may not be as strong. The 2024 reelection of Donald Trump as the president of the United States and the consequential changes in foreign diplomacy and relations, alongside internal cultural shifts, are starting to change global attitudes towards the US – attitudes that appear to be affecting tourists’ desire to visit the US.

    In a recent report by research firm Tourism Economics, inbound travel to the US is now projected to decline by 5.5% this year, instead of growing by nearly 9% as had previously been forecast. A further escalation in tariff and trade wars could result in further reductions in international tourism, which could amount to a US$18 billion (£13.8 billion) annual reduction in tourist spending in 2025.

    There is already some evidence of travel cancellations. Since Trump announced 25% tariffs on many Canadian goods, the number of Canadians driving across the border at some crossings has fallen by up to 45%, on some days, when compared to last year. Canada is the biggest source of international tourists to the US. Air Canada has announced it is reducing flights to some US holiday destinations, including Las Vegas, from March, as demand reduces.

    According to a March poll by Canadian market researcher Leger, 36% of Canadians who had planned trips to the United States had already cancelled them. According to data from the aviation analytics company OAG, passenger bookings on Canada to US routes are down by over 70% compared to the same period last year. This comes after the U.S. Travel Association warned that even a 10% reduction in Canadian inbound travel could result in a US$2.1 billion (£1.6 billion) loss in spending, putting 140,000 hospitality jobs at risk.

    An unwelcoming environment?

    Some would-be visitors have cited an unwelcoming political climate as part of a concern about visiting the US – including angry rhetoric about foreigners, migrants and the LGBTQ+ community. The Tourism Economics report also cited “polarizing Trump Administration policies and rhetoric” as a factor in travel cancellations.

    There are other factors that may influence travellers from, for instance, western Europe, which represented 37% of overseas travel to the US last year. These include US tariffs pushing prices up at home and the US administration’s perceived alignment with Russia in the war in Ukraine.

    Canadian trips to the US are going down.

    Research by YouGov in March found that western European attitudes towards the US have become more negative since Trump’s reelection last November. More than half of people in Britain (53%), Germany (56%), Sweden (63%) and Denmark (74%) now have an unfavourable opinion of the US. In five of the seven countries polled, figures for US favourability are at the lowest since polling began in November 2016.

    Border issues

    Some high-profile cases at the US border could also be putting off tourists. In March, a British woman was handcuffed and detained for more than ten days by US Customs Enforcement after a visa problem. In the same month, a Canadian tourist was detained after attempting to renew her visa at the US-Mexico border. During the 12-day detention, she was held in crowded jail cells and even put in chains.

    Mexico is the US’s second largest inbound travel market. Tourism Economics suggests that issues around new border enforcement rules will raise concerns with potential Mexican tourists. During Trump’s first term in office, Mexican visits to the US fell by 3%. In February this year, air travel from Mexico had already fallen 6% when compared to 2024.

    Many countries including Canada have been updating their travel advice for the US. For instance, on March 15 the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office updated its advice for the US, warning visitors that “you may be liable to arrest or detention if you break the rules”. The previous version of advice, from February, had no mention of arrest or detention. Germany has made similar updates to its travel advisory, after several Germans were recently detained for weeks by US border officials.

    Multiple European countries, including France, Germany, Denmark and Norway have also issued specific travel warnings to transgender and non-binary citizens, as US authorities demand tourists declare their biological sex at birth on visa applications. This comes as the US has stopped issuing of passports with a X marker – commonly used by those identifying as non-binary – for its own citizens.

    Alternative destinations

    As thousands of travellers cancel their trips to the US, other destinations are seeing a spike in interest. Hotels in Bermuda have reported a surge in enquiries as Canadians relocate business and leisure trips away from the US, with some predicting a 20% increase in revenue from Canadian visits.

    Europe too has reported increased bookings from Canada, with rental properties experiencing a 32% jump in summer reservations when compared to last year, according to some reports.

    There are already growing concerns that visa and entry restrictions will disrupt fans and athletes from enjoying 2026 men’s Fifa World Cup, held on sites in the US, Canada and Mexico. Visitors from some countries, such as Brazil, Turkey and Colombia, could wait up to 700 days to obtain visas. The International Olympic Committee has also raised concerns over the 2028 Olympics Games in Los Angeles, although US officials have insisted that “America will be open”.

    With mounting visa delays, stricter border enforcement and growing concerns over human rights and anti-minority rhetoric, the United States risks losing its appeal as a top holiday destination. The long-term impact on its tourism industry may prove difficult to reverse.

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

    – ref. Tourists are cancelling trips to the US – here’s how this could affect its economy – https://theconversation.com/tourists-are-cancelling-trips-to-the-us-heres-how-this-could-affect-its-economy-252858

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –