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Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo – RC-B10-0102/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Ingeborg Ter Laak, Michael Gahler, Lukas Mandl, Sebastião Bugalho, Wouter Beke
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Marit Maij
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Waldemar Tomaszewski, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Cristian Terheş
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Hilde Vautmans, Abir Al‑Sahlani, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Raquel García Hermida‑Van Der Walle, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Jan‑Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann, Yvan Verougstraete
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Sara Matthieu
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Marc Botenga, Rudi Kennes, Manon Aubry, Rima Hassan, Damien Carême
    on behalf of The Left Group
    European Parliament resolution on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

    (2025/2553(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),

    – having regard to the statement by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on behalf of the EU of 25 January 2025 on the latest escalation in eastern DRC,

    – having regard to the statement by G7 foreign ministers of 2 February 2025 on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo,

    – having regard to the press statement of the UN Security Council of 26 January 2025 on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

    – having regard to the special session of the UN Human Rights Council of 7 February 2025 on the human rights situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

    – having regard to the communiqué of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union of 28 January 2025 on the recent developments in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo,

    – having regard to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women of 18 December 1979,

    – having regard to the Partnership Agreement of 15 November 2023 between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, of the other part[1],

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas in January 2025, the armed rebel group M23, backed by Rwandan forces, further advanced in the eastern DRC and seized the regional capital city of Goma; whereas violence between rebel groups and the Congolese army increased sharply, causing a high number of civilian casualties; whereas an estimated 3 000 deaths occurred during the offensive on Goma; whereas approximately 800 000 internally displaced people were sheltering at that time in densely populated displacement sites around the city;

    B. whereas M23 announced a unilateral ceasefire to begin on 4 February 2025; whereas fighting has nonetheless continued, Goma airport remains closed, air traffic management equipment is damaged and humanitarian access is still limited; whereas there are reports that the mining town of Nyabibwe in South Kivu has been captured by M23; whereas M23 leaders have declared their intention to continue advancing in the DRC; whereas the latest advances of M23 mark an alarming escalation of the devastating conflict in the eastern DRC, a violation of territorial integrity and an escalation in violence, leading to a dire humanitarian crisis, human rights violations and the further destabilisation of the country;

    C. whereas the region has been plagued by decades of cyclical violence, causing a security and humanitarian crisis; whereas after a ceasefire that lasted several years, the M23 fighters took up arms again at the end of 2021; whereas martial law has been in force since 2021 in the eastern DRC and the civilian government has been replaced by the military; whereas the M23 forces have been expanding their presence in the eastern DRC, setting up new governance administrations and taxation systems, establishing military training camps and exporting minerals directly to Rwanda; whereas the long-term consequences of the terrible 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi are still fuelling violence, hatred and forced displacements today;

    D. whereas on 23 and 24 January 2025, M23 fired on positions of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), which resulted in the deaths of 13 peacekeepers deployed with MONUSCO and the peacekeeping mission led by the Southern African Development Community (SADC);

    E. whereas the UN Group of Experts concluded in its June 2024 report that the deployment of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) ‘violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’ and that the RDF’s ‘de facto control and direction over M23 operations also renders Rwanda liable for the actions of M23’;

    F. whereas the seizing of Goma has led to significant displacement of civilians; whereas over 500 000 people are estimated to have been displaced since early January 2025; whereas thousands of Congolese people had previously fled to the city to escape violence and have been further driven from camps for internally displaced people into makeshift tents or forced to sleep out in the open; whereas the safety of internally displaced people is now seriously threatened, with women and girls suffering disproportionately;

    G. whereas the deputy head of the UN peacekeeping force based in Goma has reported on the mass rape and killing of women inmates inside Goma’s Munzenze prison, and it is estimated that hundreds of women were raped and many burned alive in the prison;

    H. whereas women and girls in the DRC face increased levels of sexual and gender-based violence, resulting in there being one victim of rape every four minutes; whereas the staff of Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, which receives many survivors of sexual violence, is alarmed about the deteriorating security situation in the area and about the security of the staff and patients in Panzi Hospital itself;

    I. whereas the seizure of Goma triggered violent protests in Kinshasa, with dozens of protesters attacking embassies and calling on the international community to halt the advance of M23;

    J. whereas the conflict in the DRC is at risk of regional spillover; whereas a peacekeeping deployment from the East African Community Regional Forces withdrew in 2023; whereas the SADC deployed a peacekeeping mission to the DRC in December 2023 with troops from South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi; whereas at least 20 peacekeepers were killed during the M23 advance on Goma; whereas on 6 February 2025, Malawi announced the withdrawal of its troops from this mission;

    K. whereas it is widely acknowledged that Rwanda is active in the conflict in the eastern DRC, including through its de facto control of M23, to which it supplies weapons, logistical support and troops; whereas UN experts estimate that there are between 3 000 and 4 000 Rwandan troops operating with M23;

    L. whereas North Kivu is a resource-rich region, with vast supplies of critical raw materials including cobalt, gold and tin, which are necessary for the global digital and energy transition; whereas Goma is a major transport and trading hub for the export of minerals; whereas the UN estimates that around 120 tonnes of coltan are being moved by M23 to Rwanda each month; whereas UN experts further estimate that M23 is financed by around EUR 288 000 per month generated through its control of the mineral trade in the DRC; whereas the rebel groups often recruit child soldiers in a blatant violation of international law and humanity;

    M. whereas the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations in the DRC have focused on alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed mainly in the eastern DRC, in the Ituri region and the North and South Kivu Provinces, since 1 July 2002; whereas the DRC made a second referral to the ICC in May 2023 concerning alleged crimes committed in North Kivu since 1 January 2022;

    N. whereas on 8 February 2025 at a joint summit in Tanzania’s capital Dar es Salaam, the regional blocs of southern Africa, the SADC, and eastern Africa, the East African Community (EAC), called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, demanded the withdrawal of uninvited foreign armed forces from the DRC territory, urged all warring parties to hold peace talks within five days, and demanded the reopening of Goma airport and other key routes to facilitate humanitarian aid; whereas the African Union is set to address the matter at a meeting in Addis Ababa on 14 February 2025; whereas other mediation efforts are ongoing, notably by France, which aims to bring all actors to the negotiation table;

    O. whereas the Foreign Affairs Council of the Council of the EU is expected to exchange views on the situation in the DRC on 24 February 2025;

    P. whereas between 2021 and 2024, the EU provided EUR 260 million in funding to Rwanda, with an additional EUR 900 million pledged under the Global Gateway strategy; whereas following the latest developments in the eastern DRC, the EU declared that it stood ready to boost emergency assistance, particularly for the newly displaced populations in and around Goma, and on 28 January 2025, the Commission announced new humanitarian support for the DRC with an initial amount of EUR 60 million for 2025; whereas the EU is trying to intensify its presence in the region, including through its recent support for the ‘Green Corridor Kivu-Kinshasa’ programme via a Global Gateway initiative, which aims to help establish a sustainable 2 600 km corridor connecting the eastern DRC to Kinshasa and the Atlantic Coast, covering 540 000 km2;

    Q. whereas the EU has formed raw materials partnerships with several countries, including the DRC, Rwanda and other countries in the region; whereas these partnerships are focused on, among other things, advancing due diligence and traceability, cooperation in fighting against the illegal trafficking of raw materials, and alignment with international environmental, social and governance standards; whereas Parliament, unlike the Council, was not given the opportunity by the Commission to share its political assessment of the decision to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rwanda or to provide technical feedback on the draft MoU;

    R. whereas the DRC Foreign Affairs Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Nobel Prize laureate Denis Mukwage briefed Parliament on 5 February 2025, at an extraordinary meeting of the Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly (DAFR) and the Committee on Development, on the occupation of the eastern DRC and the dire humanitarian impact on the local population and internally displaced people;

    S. whereas the Council appointed Johan Borgstam as the EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region on 1 September 2024; whereas on 30 January 2025, DAFR organised an extraordinary hearing with the EU Special Representative and Bintou Keita, Head of MONUSCO;

    T. whereas prior to recent developments, the DRC faced one of the largest displacement crises in Africa, with 6.7 million internally displaced persons, including 4.6 million in South and North Kivu; whereas the DRC also hosts over 520 000 refugees and asylum seekers from neighbouring countries, while 1.1 million refugees from the DRC are being hosted in neighbouring countries in the region, more than half of them in Uganda; whereas the recent surge in violence has internally displaced over half a million people since the beginning of the year; whereas given the severe overcrowding in the displacement sites where people remain and the lack of water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure, the risk of a cholera outbreak is extremely high, along with that of a rapid spread of the Mpox epidemic;

    1. Strongly condemns the occupation of Goma and other territories in the eastern DRC by M23 and the RDF as an unacceptable breach of the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity; urges the Rwandan Government to withdraw its troops from DRC territory, as they are in clear violation of international law and the UN Charter, and to cease cooperation with the M23 rebels; demands that Rwanda and all other potential state actors in the region cease their support for M23;

    2. Strongly condemns the indiscriminate attacks with explosive weapons in populated areas of North Kivu by all parties, including on displacement camps and other densely populated areas near Goma, as well as the unlawful killings, rapes and other apparent war crimes, forced labour, forced recruitment and other abusive practices committed by M23 with the support of the RDF and by the armed forces of the DRC, the FARDC;

    3. Is appalled by the shocking use of sexual violence against women and girls as a tool of repression and weapon of war in the eastern DRC as well as the unacceptable recruitment of child soldiers by the various rebel groups; demands that these matters be addressed by the international community without delay; strongly reiterates that any attack against UN-mandated forces is inexcusable and might be considered a war crime;

    4. Calls for an immediate end to the violence, particularly the mass killings and the use of rape as a strategic weapon of war; calls on the DRC and Rwanda to investigate and appropriately prosecute those responsible for war crimes, including sexual violence, under the principle of command responsibility;

    5. Is extremely concerned by the critical humanitarian situation in the country; calls for the immediate reopening of Goma airport to re-establish humanitarian operations and bring in supplies via the airport and the land border; calls for the creation and immediate opening of humanitarian corridors and for all parties, including armed groups operating in the eastern DRC, to allow and facilitate full humanitarian access based on needs and humanitarian principles, including ensuring that civilians and displaced people are not denied access to items essential for their survival;

    6. Emphasises that humanitarian workers must be able to operate safely to deliver life-saving assistance to Congolese civilians, and that the safety of medical facilities must be preserved; stresses that this is a central obligation under international humanitarian law, and that perpetrators violating these obligations should be held to account; underlines that Rwanda and the neighbouring countries have a special responsibility to facilitate humanitarian access to the region;

    7. Strongly condemns the attack on diplomatic institutions of the EU, its Member States and civil society organisations, such as political foundations in Kinshasa; underlines that the protection of civilians and diplomatic staff must be guaranteed;

    8. Expresses concern over the lack of coherence in the EU response to the Great Lakes region’s crises and calls on the Council to reassess the implementation of its renewed EU Great Lakes strategy; recalls that the EU and its special representative for the region are ready to assist all mediation efforts;

    9. Welcomes the increased humanitarian support pledged by the EU, notes that this still falls far short of meeting the basic needs for food, water, medical assistance and shelter in the eastern DRC, especially in the light of the recent termination of support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); calls on the Commission and the international community to significantly step up financial support for urgent and life-saving assistance;

    10. Regrets that the EU has not taken appropriate measures to sufficiently address the crisis and effectively press Rwanda to end its support for M23, and that it has instead taken steps – including the signing in February 2024 of an MoU on sustainable raw materials value chains without sufficiently discussing the conflict, and the decision to top up support for Rwanda’s deployment in Mozambique under the European Peace Facility (EPF) – that have failed to demonstrate sufficient safeguards and that have contributed to sending an inconsistent message to the Rwandan authorities;

    11. Urges the Commission and the Council to immediately suspend the EU-Rwanda MoU on sustainable raw materials value chains until Rwanda proves that it is ceasing its interference and its exportation of minerals mined from M23-controlled areas; calls on all actors to increase transparency and to effectively ban the entry of all blood minerals into the EU;

    12. Calls on the Commission to render the future re-activation of cooperation on critical raw materials conditional upon Rwanda joining the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, which the DRC is already part of;

    13. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that the current Conflict Minerals Regulation[2] is strongly enforced and on the Commission to propose a revision of the EU rules, with the aim of ensuring the highest standards of traceability and transparency;

    14. Notes that parliamentary oversight and civil society involvement in the preparation, signing and implementation of raw material MoUs and roadmaps are essential for an inclusive process with adequate scrutiny, and must become part of the MoU;

    15. Calls on the Commission, the Member States and the international financial institutions to freeze direct budget support to Rwanda subject to it meeting conditions on, among other things, humanitarian access and the breaking of all links with M23; urges the Commission and the Member States to freeze their military and security assistance to the Rwandan armed forces to ensure that they do not contribute directly or indirectly to abusive military operations in the eastern DRC; calls strongly, in particular, for a review of the EU’s renewed support under the EPF to ensure that troops deployed in northern Mozambique and benefiting from EPF support, as well as their commanders, have been properly vetted and have not been involved in the eastern DRC or in other human rights violations, with a view to suspending the support if it is found to contribute directly or indirectly to abusive military operations in the eastern DRC;

    16. Urges the Commission and all Member States to ban the transfer of weapons to the Rwandan forces and M23 and to ensure greater transparency of trade in EU weapons;

    17. Urges the Council to expand sanctions against senior M23 commanders, leaders of other armed groups and senior officials from the DRC and Rwanda, including Major-General Eugene Nkubito, the commander of the RDF’s 3rd Division Major-General Ruki Karusisi, RDF Special Force Commander, and Major-General Emmy K. Ruvusha, Commander of the Rwanda Security Forces, all identified in the June 2024 report of the UN Group of Experts and in reports from other countries across the region as being responsible for or complicit in recent serious abuses by their forces or those for which they have command responsibility;

    18. Urges the European External Action Service (EEAS), the Member States and the Government of the DRC to take immediate action to prevent sexual violence and improve care for survivors, including by adapting the national legal framework to guarantee access to medical abortion care; draws attention to the health needs of pregnant women, notably those who are displaced and out of reach of medical support; calls on the EEAS and the Member States to further prioritise the disbursement of humanitarian support for women and girls in the region;

    19. Calls on the Commission to continue supporting anti-corruption efforts and the strengthening of governance in the DRC;

    20. Commends the Prosecutor of the ICC’s announcement that the ICC will continue to investigate alleged crimes committed by any person, irrespective of affiliation or nationality; reiterates the EU’s unwavering support for the ICC and calls on the Council and Commission to fulfil their obligations to ensure the functioning and effectiveness of the ICC;

    21. Reiterates its full support for MONUSCO in protecting civilians and stabilising the region; urges the EU to cooperate with all actors on the ground, in particular MONUSCO, to ensure the protection of civilians in the eastern DRC; calls on the UN to work towards a stronger mandate for MONUSCO in order to enable peacemaking; calls on the UN to ensure the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law, particularly given the increased risk of gender-based violence, and to preserve the safety of humanitarian staff, health workers and medical facilities;

    22. Calls on the UN to take immediate and specific measures to protect Panzi Hospital and its patients and staff;

    23. Welcomes the special session of the UN Human Rights Council of 7 February 2025 on the human rights situation in the east of the DRC; supports the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry into serious violations committed since January 2022;

    24. Reiterates its condemnation of hate speech and xenophobia, as well as ethnic-based politics; underlines that all those responsible for sustaining armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC must be held accountable;

    25. Is concerned about the consequences of Russian interference in the conflict and more widely in the region, and about the increasing presence of disinformation campaigns; condemns, in particular, efforts by Russia to foster anti-Western sentiment through the dissemination of fake news on social media about Western players;

    26. Expresses its concern about the increasing presence of Chinese actors in the mining sector of the DRC and the region acting without respect for economic and social responsibilities, and recalls that European industries and companies in the region will only have long-term security of supply if a long-lasting and peaceful solution to the conflict is found;

    27. Recalls that only an inclusive and regional approach will be able to address and tackle the multifaceted, long-standing problems in the region; strongly welcomes the joint SADC and EAC peace summit in Dar es Salaam on 8 February 2025; reiterates, in this regard, its full support for the Luanda and Nairobi processes and calls upon all Great Lake countries, in particular the DRC and Rwanda, to urgently pursue negotiations within these frameworks; emphasises that any solution must also address the root causes of the conflict, including, but not limited to, the illicit trafficking of natural resources; calls on the Commission and the Member States to fully support national and regional initiatives, such as the initiative of the Congolese Catholic and Protestant leaders, and the Luanda Process; underlines that regional organisations, such as the African Union, the SADC and the EAC, must play a central role in all of these efforts; underlines also that a lasting solution requires a reform of the DRC security sector, with a better organised DRC army and administration;

    28. Calls on the international community and all actors involved to use the Addis Ababa framework agreement and to organise an international conference for peace in the eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region; stresses that this ‘Business for Peace’ conference will have the unique feature of having the private sector around the peace negotiation table, since the war is about strategic minerals; underlines that business people can have significant leverage to push their countries to act for peace; believes that the business for peace approach can help us move forward in finding a solution;

    29. Calls for the cancellation of the 2025 International Cycling Union (UCI) Road World Championships in Kigali if Rwanda does not change course;

    30. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Government and Parliament of Rwanda and of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the African Union, the secretariats of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Southern African Development Community and the East African Community, and other relevant international bodies.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – SANT Exchange of views with the Polish Council Presidency – Committee on Public Health

    Source: European Parliament

    On 20 February, Members of the SANT Committee will hold an exchange of views with Izabela Leszczyna, Minister of Health, on the priorities of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the field of public health.

    On 1 January, Poland started its presidency of the Council of the European Union. Ms Izabela Leszczyna, Polish Minister of Health, will present the priorities of the Polish Presidency in the field of public health, as well as the plans for the work of the Council during the coming months.

    Denmark will take over from Poland on 1 July 2025 and will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union until 31 December 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – EoV with Dr Hans Kluge on the current challenges in the area of Public Health – Committee on Public Health

    Source: European Parliament

    On 19 February, Members of the SANT Committee will have an exchange of views with Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, on the current challenges in the area of Public Health.

    Public Health has been facing important challenges, in particular in the European region. The m-pox health emergency in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, the impact of the climate crisis, and antimicrobial resistance are only three on the many examples we can give.

    WHO is an international organisation of 194 Member States aiming at coordinating the world response to health emergencies, promoting well-being, preventing disease and expanding access to health care.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: York furniture charity gets a boost through council-funded scheme

    Source: City of York

    Through a partnership between City of York Council and York Centre for Voluntary Services (CVS), charities across the city can access expert support to maximise their social impact.

    One of the charities that has benefited from the project is York Community Furniture Stores (CFS), which has tackled furniture and digital poverty across North Yorkshire for over three decades by collecting pre-loved home furnishings and selling them back to the community at an affordable price, with additional discounts availble for those on means-tested benefits.

    Through the Organisational Health Check programme, supported by the council through the nationwide UK Shared Prosperity Fund, York charities can access the services of freelance, expert consultants to take a detailed look at all aspects of their organisation and understand which areas could be improved. They then work with the consultants on issues that could include fundraising, HR, structure and governance, and develop strategies to help the charities run more smoothly, become more cost-effective and build future resilience in the face of the challenges currently facing the voluntary sector.

    York CFS initially sought help with a merger process, combining their three branches in York, Selby and Scarborough, but through working with Adrian Ashton, a consultant specialising in voluntary sector governance, developed a broader plan for the organisation’s future.

    Speaking in a new video celebrating the project, Katy Ridsdill-Smith, CEO of York CFS, explained:

    What I thought would be a relatively straightforward project – merging the three charities into one – has transformed into a larger organisational change programme which will include a rebrand, the launch of a bold anti-poverty strategy and a new organisational structure.

    “The support has enabled to us to think critically about the level of support we provide to our local communities and how we can be more effective in our work. It’s a really exciting time for CFS!”

    Alison Semmence, Chief Executive of York CVS, said:

    Our work with York Community Furniture Store provides an excellent example of how the partnership has enabled us to connect voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector organisations in York with specialist expertise, to not only support the sector’s ability to navigate challenges, but so that organisations can seize opportunities, grow their impact, and continue to deliver meaningful change across our city.

    Cllr Pete Kilbane, Executive Member for Economy and Culture at City of York Council, said:

     Like so many of York’s voluntary organisations, York Community Furniture Store plays a vital role in supporting the whole community, especially those  who need great quality furniture at an affordable price.

    “Through this partnership with York CVS, who are experts in our city’s voluntary sector, we’re delighted to have helped organisations like York CFS become more resilient and run more efficiently, meaning they’ll be better able to support our communities for years to come.”

    To find out more about how York CFS benefited from the scheme, watch our video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk5hvOroZb8
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Director of Public Health appointed for Birmingham

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Published: Wednesday, 12th February 2025

    Birmingham City Council has appointed a new Director of Public Health.

    Sally Burns is currently Director of Public Health and Regulatory Services at West Northamptonshire Council.

    She previously served as Corporate Director of Communities and Neighbourhoods at City of York Council before moving into public health. She developed her career in public health in authorities in East London.

    Sally is an experienced local authority director with a strong background in community and regulatory services.

    Throughout her career, Sally has overseen a wide range of services, including housing and housing maintenance, homelessness, environmental services, community safety, leisure, culture, community development, emergency planning, and regulatory services. Her extensive experience gives her a deep understanding of the statutory and regulatory framework governing local government.

     She said: “I am very excited to join the team in Birmingham and really look forward to working to improve health and wellbeing in the city with all colleagues, both in the authority and the wider Birmingham system, and particularly all our residents and communities.”

    Managing Director Joanne Roney said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Sally to the city council and to Birmingham. A stable and experienced top team is vital to the continued transformation and improvement of our services and I know she will be a great asset as we strive to help improve health and wellbeing outcomes for our citizens.”

    Councillor Mariam Khan, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, added: “This is great news for the people of Birmingham. Sally has extensive experience dealing with public health issues across a range of authorities and communities and I look forward to working with her.”

    Sally will start at Birmingham City Council later in the year.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Yuri Trutnev visited the Jewish Autonomous Region

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    As part of a working visit to the Jewish Autonomous Region, Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev held a meeting on issues of socio-economic development of the Jewish Autonomous Region, inspected the regional hospital, and familiarized himself with the construction of a new bridge across the Bira.

    Yuri Trutnev held a meeting on the socio-economic development of the Jewish Autonomous Region

    February 12, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev held a meeting on the socio-economic development of the Jewish Autonomous Region

    February 12, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev held a meeting on the socio-economic development of the Jewish Autonomous Region

    February 12, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev inspected the regional hospital in the Jewish Autonomous Region

    February 12, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev inspected the regional hospital in the Jewish Autonomous Region

    February 12, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev inspected the regional hospital in the Jewish Autonomous Region

    February 12, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev inspected the regional hospital in the Jewish Autonomous Region

    February 12, 2025

    Construction of a motorway

    February 12, 2025

    Construction of a motorway

    February 12, 2025

    Working visit of Yuri Trutnev to the Jewish Autonomous Region

    February 12, 2025

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    Yuri Trutnev held a meeting on the socio-economic development of the Jewish Autonomous Region

    “A new team has arrived in the Jewish Autonomous Region, headed by Maria Fedorovna Kostyuk. We have already had the opportunity to communicate with colleagues some time ago, exchange opinions, and highlight the main development priorities. The region is not simple. It needs to be supported, it needs to be helped. At the same time, some prerequisites for future development in the region are already visible today. The constructed cross-border railway bridge Nizhneleninskoye – Tongjiang creates opportunities for new logistics routes and cargo handling. We are preparing to implement the President’s instruction on master plans for Far Eastern cities. It is planned to allocate 554 billion rubles for 57 events of all Far Eastern master plans, 115 billion rubles have already been allocated. Further work will be carried out within a month,” Yuri Trutnev opened the meeting.

    Acting Governor of the region Maria Kostyuk reported on the main directions of socio-economic development of the Jewish Autonomous Region. “First of all, investments in the Jewish Autonomous Region should bring real benefits to residents. It is important not only to replenish the regional budget, but also to solve people’s problems: to build residential buildings, create new jobs and convenient infrastructure. The priority is precisely those projects that, with the involvement of federal funds, will help to significantly improve life in the autonomy,” said Maria Kostyuk.

    The regional investment projects were presented, which envisage the development of the bridgehead area near the Nizhneleninskoye – Tongjiang railway bridge, the development of a port cluster for handling bulk cargo and containers on the Amur River, the development of the Topolikhinsky section of the Soyuznoye graphite deposit (OOO Dalgrafit), the creation of a single metallurgical cluster based on the Kimkano-Sutarsky Mining and Processing Plant (OOO Kimkano-Sutarsky GOK), and the development of the Savkinskoye brucite deposit (OOO Russian Mining and Chemical Society).

    The meeting reviewed the implementation of the construction of multi-apartment residential buildings in the region under the Far Eastern Quarter program. In June 2023, JSC KRDV and the winner of the competitive selection, DV-Region Invest LLC, signed an agreement on the implementation of activities for the construction of capital construction projects intended for the placement of residential premises in the Amuro-Khinganskaya advanced development area. The project provides for the construction of multi-apartment residential buildings with a total area of 178.9 thousand square meters, including 176.7 thousand square meters of social housing. In total, the project provides for 72 residential sections with a variable number of storeys – 7-10 floors. The approximate number of apartments is 2945 for 8834 people.

    As part of the state support for the implementation of the Far Eastern Quarter program in the Jewish Autonomous Region, it is envisaged to finance the construction of infrastructure – water drainage and water supply networks, a highway and technological connection to utility networks at the expense of the federal budget. The project is being implemented in three stages. The commissioning of the first stage (at least 44 thousand square meters) is expected by the end of 2028. The commissioning of the entire residential complex is planned for the end of 2032. Currently, design and estimate documentation is being developed.

    “To implement the Far Eastern Quarter program, it is important to adjust the rules in the area of pricing per square meter. According to the Ministry of Construction, a solution will be found – so that the target price allows the investor to implement this project,” noted the Minister for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic, Alexey Chekunkov.

    The implementation of the Far Eastern Concession program in the region was discussed. “We will continue to support large-scale projects that have already been approved under the Far Eastern concession. This includes the reconstruction of the bridge across the Bira River and the construction of an overpass,” explained the head of the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East.

    Summing up, Yuri Trutnev emphasized the importance of attracting investments to the Jewish Autonomous Region. “The development of the Far East regions is based on new investment projects and attracting investments. Such work is being carried out in the Jewish Autonomous Region, but the region is not yet among the leaders in this indicator. This means only one thing: work with investors must be continued and every project must be helped. Therefore, Maria Fedorovna and the entire team that she leads have a lot of work ahead of them, in which we will obviously help in any way we can,” Yuri Trutnev concluded.

    In Birobidzhan, the Deputy Prime Minister inspected the main medical institution of the region. The modernization of the material and technical base of the Regional Hospital has been implemented since 2018 as part of the social development plan for economic growth centers in the Jewish Autonomous Region. The presidential unified subsidy was used to repair and equip the regional vascular center, X-ray diagnostic rooms, purchase medical equipment to open a second-stage neonatal care department, purchase a CT machine, other high-tech equipment and furniture, and ambulances. Six out of 12 clinical departments of the regional hospital have been renovated. The roof has been repaired, windows have been replaced, construction and installation work on the oxygen supply system has been completed with the installation of equipment, the facade has been repaired, special clothing and soft inventory, kitchen utensils, furniture, and equipment have been purchased.

    The modernization of the main medical institution of the autonomy will continue. More than 300 million rubles have been allocated from the federal budget for 2024-2026. At the moment, the diagnostic department and the central entrance group are being renovated. The elevators have already been launched. Furniture is being purchased for the full functioning of the renovated departments. The measures taken have significantly improved the quality of medical care in the institution.

    On the same day, Yuri Trutnev visited the construction site where a new bridge across the Bira is being built and a modern transport corridor is being constructed from the federal highway “Amur” to the bridge crossing Nizhneleninskoye – Tongjiang. Both projects are part of the long-term plan for the development of the urban agglomeration.

    The decision to allocate federal funds to the region for the modernization of transport infrastructure was made in September 2024 at a meeting of the Presidium of the Government Commission on the Socioeconomic Development of the Far East, headed by Yuri Trutnev. More than 18.9 billion rubles are needed for the construction of transport infrastructure facilities. Most of these funds – 17.1 billion rubles – were allocated to the region from the federal budget. This includes design work for all facilities.

    The first project is the construction of a new bridge across the Bira River, which will connect the two parts of Birobidzhan. The old bridge was built in 1962, traffic on it is limited. Now the infrastructure of the existing bridge is also used for heat supply, a heating main has been installed under it to provide heat to 20 thousand residents of the southern part of the city, as well as to provide new housing construction. The new bridge will be located on the site of the old one. Its length will be 350 m, access roads will be built and coastal protection works will be carried out.

    The second project is the construction of a transport corridor from the federal highway “Amur” to the bridge crossing Nizhneleninskoye – Tongjiang. A road will be built that will directly connect the regional highway with the federal highway “Amur”. The project also provides for the construction of a bridge crossing over the Ikura River, overpasses over the Trans-Siberian Railway on the Birobidzhan-1 – Ikura section and the Leninskaya railway line on the Birobidzhan-1 – Birobidzhan-2 section, as well as the construction of an overpass in the area of the village of Ptichnik near Sovetskaya Street.

    The concession agreements were signed in December last year. The concession agreement on the reconstruction of the Birobidzhan-Ungun-Leninskoye road (km 0 – km 8) and the construction of an overpass in the area of the village of Ptichnik was signed between the government of the Jewish Autonomous Region and IFR-Vostok 2 LLC. The concession agreement on the design, construction and operation of the bridge crossing over the Bira River in Birobidzhan was concluded with IFR-Vostok 1 LLC. Since January 2025, the designers have begun design and survey work.

    It is expected that the implementation of the projects will have a positive impact on transport accessibility, will reduce the time of arrival of emergency services and the level of accidents on the roads, will increase the pace of construction in the region, including under the Far Eastern Quarter program. Also, within the framework of the implementation of concession agreements, new jobs will be created in the region.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New district officer named

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government today announced that Jeanne Cheng will assume the post of District Officer (Central & Western) tomorrow, succeeding David Leung.

    Since joining the Administrative Service in 2002, Miss Cheng has served in various bureaus and departments, including the Home Affairs Department, the then Economic Development & Labour Bureau, the Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau, the Education Bureau, the then Food & Health Bureau and the Chief Executive’s Office.

    She was the Principal Assistant Secretary for Labour & Welfare (Children) at the Labour & Welfare Bureau before taking up the new post.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Chris Hedges: The US empire self-destructs

    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. –

    The United States shares the pathologies of all dying empires with their mixture of buffoonery, rampant corruption, military fiascos, economic collapse and savage state repression.

    ANALYSIS: By Chris Hedges

    The billionaires, Christian fascists, grifters, psychopaths, imbeciles, narcissists and deviants who have seized control of Congress, the White House and the courts, are cannibalising the machinery of state. These self-inflicted wounds, characteristic of all late empires, will cripple and destroy the tentacles of power. And then, like a house of cards, the empire will collapse.

    Blinded by hubris, unable to fathom the empire’s diminishing power, the mandarins in the Trump administration have retreated into a fantasy world where hard and unpleasant facts no longer intrude. They sputter incoherent absurdities while they usurp the Constitution and replace diplomacy, multilateralism and politics with threats and loyalty oaths.

    Agencies and departments, created and funded by acts of Congress, are going up in smoke.

    The rulers of all late empires, including the Roman emperors Caligula and Nero or Charles I, the last Habsburg ruler, are as incoherent as the Mad Hatter, uttering nonsensical remarks, posing unanswerable riddles and reciting word salads of inanities. They, like Donald Trump, are a reflection of the moral, intellectual and physical rot that plague a diseased society. Cartoon: Mr Fish/The Chris Hedges Report

    They are removing government reports and data on climate change and withdrawing
    from the Paris Climate Agreement,. They are pulling out of the World Health Organisation.

    They are sanctioning officials who work at the International Criminal Court — which issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant over war crimes in Gaza.

    They suggested Canada become the 51st state. They have formed a task force to “eradicate anti-Christian bias.” They call for the annexation of Greenland and the seizure of the Panama Canal.

    They propose the construction of luxury resorts on the coast of a depopulated Gaza under US control which, if it takes place, would bring down the Arab regimes propped up by the US.

    Uttering nonsensical remarks
    The rulers of all late empires, including the Roman emperors Caligula and Nero or Charles I, the last Habsburg ruler, are as incoherent as the Mad Hatter, uttering nonsensical remarks, posing unanswerable riddles and reciting word salads of inanities. They, like Donald Trump, are a reflection of the moral, intellectual and physical rot that plague a diseased society.

    I spent two years researching and writing about the warped ideologues of those who have now seized power in my book American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America. Read it while you still can. Seriously.

    These Christian fascists, who define the core ideology of the Trump administration, are unapologetic about their hatred for pluralistic, secular democracies. They seek, as they exhaustively detail in numerous “Christian” books and documents such as the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, to deform the judiciary and legislative branches of government, along with the media and academia, into appendages to a “Christianised” state led by a divinely anointed leader.

    They openly admire Nazi apologists such as Rousas John Rushdoony, a supporter of eugenics who argues that education and social welfare should be handed over to the churches and Biblical law must replace the secular legal code, and Nazi party theorists such as Carl Schmitt.

    They are avowed racists, misogynists and homophobes. They embrace bizarre conspiracy theories from the white replacement theory to a shadowy monster they call “the woke.” Suffice it to say, they are not grounded in a reality based universe.

    Christian fascists come out of a theocratic sect called Dominionism. This sect teaches that American Christians have been mandated to make America a Christian state and an agent of God. Political and intellectual opponents of this militant Biblicalism are condemned as agents of Satan.

    “Under Christian dominion, America will no longer be a sinful and fallen nation but one in which the 10 Commandments form the basis of our legal system, creationism and ‘Christian values’ form the basis of our educational system, and the media and the government proclaim the Good News to one and all,” I noted in my book.

    “Labour unions, civil-rights laws and public schools will be abolished. Women will be removed from the workforce to stay at home, and all those deemed insufficiently Christian will be denied citizenship. Aside from its proselytising mandate, the federal government will be reduced to the protection of property rights and ‘homeland’ security.”


    Chris Hedges talks to Marc Lamont Hill on Up Front on why “democracy doesn’t exist in the United States” today.   Video: Al Jazeera

    Comforting to most Americans
    The Christian fascists and their billionaire funders, I noted, “speak in terms and phrases that are familiar and comforting to most Americans, but they no longer use words to mean what they meant in the past.”

    They commit logocide, killing old definitions and replacing them with new ones. Words — including truth, wisdom, death, liberty, life and love — are deconstructed and assigned diametrically opposed meanings.Life and death, for example, mean life in Christ or death to Christ, a signal of belief of unbelief. Wisdom refers to the level of commitment and obedience to the doctrine.

    Liberty is not about freedom, but the liberty that comes from following Jesus Christ and being liberated from the dictates of secularism. Love is twisted to mean an unquestioned obedience to those, such as Trump, who claim to speak and act for God.As the death spiral accelerates, phantom enemies, domestic and foreign, will be blamed for the demise, persecuted and slated for obliteration.

    Once the wreckage is complete, ensuring the immiseration of the citizenry, a breakdown in public services and engendering an inchoate rage, only the blunt instrument of state violence will remain. A lot of people will suffer, especially as the climate crisis inflicts with greater and greater intensity its lethal retribution.

    The near-collapse of our constitutional system of checks and balances took place long before the arrival of Trump. Trump’s return to power represents the death rattle of the Pax Americana. The day is not far off when, like the Roman Senate in 27 BC, Congress will take its last significant vote and surrender power to a dictator. The Democratic Party, whose strategy seems to be to do nothing and hope Trump implodes, have already acquiesced to the inevitable.

    The question is not whether we go down, but how many millions of innocents we will take with us. Given the industrial violence our empire wields, it could be a lot, especially if those in charge decide to reach for the nukes.

    The dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) — Elon Musk claims is run by “a viper’s nest of radical-left marxists who hate America” — is an example of how these arsonists are clueless about how empires function.

    Foreign aid is not benevolent. It is weaponised to maintain primacy over the United Nations and remove governments the empire deems hostile. Those nations in the UN and other multilateral organisations who vote the way the empire demands, who surrender their sovereignty to global corporations and the US military, receive assistance. Those who don’t do not.

    Building infrastructure projects
    When the US offered to build the airport in Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince, investigative journalist Matt Kennard reports, it required that Haiti oppose Cuba’s admittance into the Organisation of American States, which it did.

    Foreign aid builds infrastructure projects so corporations can operate global sweatshops and extract resources. It funds “democracy promotion” and “judicial reform” that thwart the aspirations of political leaders and governments that seek to remain independent from the grip of the empire.

    USAID, for example, paid for a “political party reform project” that was designed
    “as a counterweight” to the “radical” Movement Toward Socialism (Movimiento al Socialismo) and sought to prevent socialists like Evo Morales from being elected in Bolivia. It then funded organisations and initiatives, including training programmes so Bolivian youth could be taught the American business practices, once Morales assumed the presidency, to weaken his hold on power.

    Kennard in his book, The Racket: A Rogue Reporter vs The American Empire, documents
    how US institutions such as the National Endowment for Democracy, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Inter-American Development Bank, USAID and the Drug Enforcement Administration, work in tandem with the Pentagon and Central Intelligence Agency to subjugate and oppress the Global South.

    Client states that receive aid must break unions, impose austerity measures, keep wages low and maintain puppet governments. The heavily funded aid programmes, designed to bring down Morales, eventually led the Bolivian president to throw USAID out of the country.

    The lie peddled to the public is that this aid benefits both the needy overseas and us at home. But the inequality these programmes facilitate abroad replicates the inequality imposed domestically. The wealth extracted from the Global South is not equitably distributed. It ends up in the hands of the billionaire class, often stashed in overseas bank accounts to avoid taxation.

    Our US tax dollars, meanwhile, disproportionately funds the military, which is the iron fist that sustains the system of exploitation. The 30 million Americans who were victims of mass layoffs and deindustrialisation lost their jobs to workers in sweatshops overseas. As Kennard notes, both home and abroad, it is a vast “transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich globally and domestically”.

    Legitimises theft at home
    “The same people that devise the myths about what we do abroad have also built up a similar ideological system that legitimises theft at home; theft from the poorest, by the richest,” he writes. “The poor and working people of Harlem have more in common with the poor and working people of Haiti than they do with their elites, but this has to be obscured for the racket to work.”

    Foreign aid maintains sweatshops or “special economic zones” in countries such as Haiti, where workers toil for pennies an hour and often in unsafe conditions for global corporations.

    “One of the facets of special economic zones, and one of the incentives for corporations in the US, is that special economic zones have even less regulations than the national state on how you can treat labour and taxes and customs,” Kennard told me in an interview.

    “You open these sweatshops in the special economic zones. You pay the workers a pittance. You get all the resources out without having to pay customs or tax. The state in Mexico or Haiti or wherever it is, where they’re offshoring this production, doesn’t benefit at all. That’s by design. The coffers of the state are always the ones that never get increased. It’s the corporations that benefit.”

    These same US institutions and mechanisms of control, Kennard writes in his book, were employed to sabotage the electoral campaign of Jeremy Corbyn, a fierce critic of the US empire, for prime minister in Britain.

    The US disbursed nearly $72 billion in foreign aid in fiscal year 2023. It funded clean water initiatives, HIV/Aids treatments, energy security and anti-corruption work. In 2024, it provided 42 percent of all humanitarian aid tracked by the United Nations.

    Humanitarian aid, often described as “soft power,” is designed to mask the theft of resources in the Global South by US corporations, the expansion of the footprint of the US military, the rigid control of foreign governments, the devastation caused by fossil fuel extraction, the systemic abuse of workers in global sweatshops and the poisoning of child labourers in places like the Congo, where they are used to mine lithium.

    The demise of American power
    I doubt Musk and his army of young minions in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — which isn’t an official department within the federal government — have any idea about how the organisations they are destroying work, why they exist or what it will mean for the demise of American power.

    The seizure of government personnel records and classified material, the effort to terminate hundreds of millions of dollars worth of government contracts — mostly those which relate to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), the offers of buyouts to “drain the swamp” including a buyout offer to the entire workforce of the Central Intelligence Agency — now temporarily blocked by a judge — the firing of 17 or 18 inspectors generals
    and federal prosecutors, the halting of government funding and grants, sees them cannibalise the leviathan they worship.

    They plan to dismantle the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Education
    and the US Postal Service, part of the internal machinery of the empire. The more dysfunctional the state becomes, the more it creates a business opportunity for predatory corporations and private equity firms. These billionaires will make a fortune “harvesting” the remains of the empire. But they are ultimately slaying the beast that created American wealth and power.

    Once the dollar is no longer the world’s reserve currency, something the dismantling of the empire guarantees, the US will be unable to pay for its huge deficits by selling Treasury bonds. The American economy will fall into a devastating depression. This will trigger a breakdown of civil society, soaring prices, especially for imported products, stagnant wages and high unemployment rates.

    The funding of at least 750 overseas military bases and our bloated military will become impossible to sustain. The empire will instantly contract. It will become a shadow of itself. Hypernationalism, fueled by an inchoate rage and widespread despair, will morph into a hate-filled American fascism.

    Relentless hunt for plunder, profit
    “The demise of the United States as the preeminent global power could come far more quickly than anyone imagines,” the historian Alfred W. McCoy writes in his book In the Shadows of the American Century: The Rise and Decline of US Global Power:

    Despite the aura of omnipotence empires often project, most are surprisingly fragile, lacking the inherent strength of even a modest nation-state. Indeed, a glance at their history should remind us that the greatest of them are susceptible to collapse from diverse causes, with fiscal pressures usually a prime factor. For the better part of two centuries, the security and prosperity of the homeland has been the main objective for most stable states, making foreign or imperial adventures an expendable option, usually allocated no more than 5 percent of the domestic budget. Without the financing that arises almost organically inside a sovereign nation, empires are famously predatory in their relentless hunt for plunder or profit — witness the Atlantic slave trade, Belgium’s rubber lust in the Congo, British India’s opium commerce, the Third Reich’s rape of Europe, or the Soviet exploitation of Eastern Europe.

    When revenues shrink or collapse, McCoy points out, “empires become brittle.”

    “So delicate is their ecology of power that, when things start to go truly wrong, empires regularly unravel with unholy speed: just a year for Portugal, two years for the Soviet Union, eight years for France, 11 years for the Ottomans, 17 for Great Britain, and, in all likelihood, just 27 years for the United States, counting from the crucial year 2003 [when the US invaded Iraq],” he writes.

    The array of tools used for global dominance — wholesale surveillance, the evisceration of civil liberties, including due process, torture, militarised police, the massive prison system, militarised drones and satellites — will be employed against a restive and enraged population.

    The devouring of the carcass of the empire to feed the outsized greed and egos of these scavengers presages a new dark age.

    Chris Hedges is a Pulitzer Prize–winning author and journalist who was a foreign correspondent for 15 years for The New York Times. This article was first published on his Substack page. Republished from the Chris Hedges X page.

    This article was first published on Café Pacific.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tatyana Golikova: The main objective of the national project “Family” is to ensure sustainable growth in the birth rate, increase the number of large families and the growth of their well-being

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova addressed the participants, guests and organizers of the forum “Social Priorities in the Development of Responsible Business – Contribution to Achieving National Goals” with a video greeting.

    Video greeting from Tatyana Golikova to the participants, guests and organizers of the forum “Social priorities in the development of responsible business – contribution to the achievement of national goals”

    12 hours ago

    From the transcript:

    T.Golikova: Dear colleagues! I am pleased to welcome the participants, guests and organizers of the forum “Social Priorities in the Development of Responsible Business – Contribution to Achieving National Goals”, which is being held by the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs.

    Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has defined the key national goal as preserving the population, strengthening health and improving the well-being of people, and supporting families. To solve these problems, new national projects have been launched since January 2025.

    The work that was done within the framework of the national projects “Demography”, “Healthcare”, “Culture”, as well as the Year of the Family, laid a reliable foundation that allows us to build and strengthen a system of comprehensive support for motherhood, fatherhood and childhood, care for the older generation and the preservation of our traditional cultural values within the framework of the national project “Family”. Its main task is to ensure a sustainable increase in the birth rate, increase the number of large families and the growth of their well-being.

    Thanks to the measures taken, the poverty level is gradually decreasing. Compared to 2018, the decrease was 37% – to 8% by the end of the third quarter of 2024.

    At the same time, within the framework of the national project “Family”, we set ourselves a more serious task – reducing the level of poverty among large families.

    In conditions where more and more young people are focused on building a career, the issue of combining family responsibilities, education and professional prospects is becoming increasingly relevant. Both social and financial support measures for families with children, accessibility of preschool education, and the opportunity to maintain competencies and receive additional education while on maternity leave are important.

    Within the framework of the national project “Demography”, almost 1 million citizens received free training, including 260 thousand women with preschool-age children.

    We continue this event within the framework of the national project “Personnel”, which is aimed at training specialists for the needs of the economy. Its goal is to coordinate the efforts of educational institutions, employment centers, companies and the state. We need to form a flexible, effective system of training specialists, focused on the needs of the economy.

    The national projects “Long and Active Life” and “New Health Preservation Technologies” are aimed at increasing life expectancy, increasing the duration of healthy and active life, improving the availability and effectiveness of medical care, introducing modern medical technologies, and preserving the life and health of our citizens.

    To successfully solve problems of this scale, it is necessary to consolidate the efforts of the state, business and the whole society.

    We are pleased to note the desire of businesses to participate in social projects. In order to maintain the health of workers and stimulate a healthy lifestyle within the framework of the national project “Demography” in 85 regions, enterprises implemented corporate programs to improve the health of workers.

    To increase the birth rate and large families, companies are actively implementing healthy lifestyle programs, introducing measures to support employees with family responsibilities, which are aimed not only at employees, but also at creating favorable conditions in the territories where the organizations are present.

    The most common corporate social practices are assistance in organizing summer vacations for children, organizing leisure activities for families with children, additional leave in connection with the birth of a child, the possibility of remote work for employees with children, and one-time financial assistance in connection with the birth of a child.

    The head of state has made a number of decisions to develop corporate family policy: payments by employers in the amount of up to 1 million rubles at the birth of children have been exempted from personal income taxes, and a decision has been made to introduce a national ranking of employers based on the number of employees with preschool-age children.

    On behalf of the President of the country, the National Award “Leaders of Responsible Business” was established in 2023, which emphasizes the importance of social responsibility of business and its contribution to improving the demographic situation, supporting families with children, youth, and developing human capital.

    Responsible business leaders invest significant resources in creating jobs based on advanced technologies, training personnel, improving working conditions, providing social guarantees to employees, and participate in solving socially significant problems in the regions where they operate.

    Best practices are encouraged within the nominations of the All-Russian competition “Russian Organization of High Social Efficiency” and the All-Russian competition of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs “Business Flagships: Dynamics, Responsibility, Sustainability”. Based on the best practices of our companies, recommendations of the Russian Tripartite Commission for the Regulation of Social and Labor Relations to the parties to social partnership on the development and implementation of corporate social policy measures to support employees with family responsibilities by employers have been developed and approved.

    By acting responsibly, companies strengthen their market positions, their reputation as a responsible employer, entrepreneur, partner, use opportunities related to sustainable development, and at the same time contribute to positive changes not only in the economy, but also in the social sphere, in the implementation of national projects and the achievement of national development goals.

    I wish you interesting discussions, constructive communication, expansion of the circle of responsible companies and new successes!

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University presented the book “Peter the Great: Meanings and Discourses of Time”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On February 7, in anticipation of two important dates in Russian history – the 300th anniversary of the death of Russian Emperor Peter I and Russian Science Day, the House of Books hosted a presentation of the monograph “Peter the Great: Meanings and Discourses of Time”, written by Marina Arkannikova, Director of the Higher School of Media Communications and Public Relations of the SPbPU Institute of Geography.

    The Arts Hall of the Book House brought together students and teachers of the Polytechnic University, residents and guests of the city for an important conversation about the legacy of the first Russian emperor. The discussion combined a historical assessment and analysis of existential threats, geopolitical challenges to Russia’s sovereignty, as well as tools for protecting the Russian world. Introducing her scientific work, Marina Sergeevna spoke about the idea of the publication and emphasized that the key task of the book was to rethink the contours of Russia’s civilizational future through the prism of Peter’s legacy.

    “Three centuries later, the genius of Peter the Great not only continues to amaze and excite the imagination, but has also determined the development of Russian social and political thought throughout this time, and has been the starting point for discussions about the historical fate of Russia and discussions about Russian civilization. His geopolitical vision and political rhetoric today, more than ever, are in tune with the country’s national security strategy, which defends sovereign rights to identity and statehood, the preservation of the nation’s cognitive code, and the protection of the mentality of the Russian world,” Marina Arkannikova addressed the meeting participants. “And today, on the eve of the date of Peter I’s death, this is not only a tribute to his memory, but also a relevant dialogue with the past, which helps us understand the present and future of our country.”

    The research conducted by Marina Sergeevna is fundamentally important for modern science, since it is a calm constructive attitude to the colossal potential of the Peter the Great theme, which records the museumification of Peter’s legacy, the politics of memory. Therefore, this book is very important today, – noted the author of the preface to the publication, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation Grigory Tulchinsky.

    Speaking about the empirical part of the study, Marina Sergeevna thanked the Director General of the State Hermitage, Honorary Doctor of SPbPU Mikhail Piotrovsky for the opportunity to carry out sociological research of visitors to the Peter the Great Gallery, as well as for the provided photo materials from the exhibition. She expressed sincere gratitude for the support in the work on the publication to the reviewers, designer, editor, and administration of the Publishing and Printing Center of the Polytechnic University.

    Marina Arkannikova emphasized the value of the fact that the book presentation took place in the year of the 115th anniversary of the Polytechnic being given the name “St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute of Emperor Peter the Great”. She told the audience that on January 19, 1910, Emperor Nicholas II signed a decree on assigning this status, which the university held until 1918, and only in 2015, on the initiative of SPbPU Rector Andrei Rudskoy, the Polytechnic was returned to its historical name.

    After the presentation, the audience asked questions. They noted the multifaceted and contradictory nature of Peter’s image, the influence of his reforms on Russian society and culture. Concluding the meeting, the presenter reminded that the book can be purchased at the Dom Knigi store.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: From Declaration to action: Antimicrobial resistance initiatives centre stage at Jeddah conference

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Health

    Antimicrobial resistance initiatives are back in the spotlight as stakeholders gather in Jeddah, on the Saudi Arabian coast, a few months after a high-level meeting in New York led to the unanimous adoption of a political declaration by the UN General Assembly. With that declaration the 193-member body pledged concerted action against the under-recognized but serious health concern.

    Concerned parties from around the world gathered on Thursday at the Ritz-Carlton in the Red Sea city ahead of the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on AMR for a session focused on non-state actors – non-governmental organizations, private sector, academia and others – to work across sectors to address “one of the most urgent global health threats and development challenges”.

    The conference is expected to bring together representatives of 57 states, including 48 Ministers and Vice-Ministers, and more than 450 participants from leading international and civil society organizations, including UN offices and agencies.

    The aim is to move from “declaration to implementation” through multisectoral partnerships in the combat against antimicrobial resistance, which has had disastrous effects on health, economies, and societies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

    A silent pandemic

    When bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites stop responding to antimicrobial medications, it’s known as antimicrobial resistance. Drug resistance raises the risk of disease transmission, serious sickness, disability, and death by making antibiotics and other antimicrobial medications ineffective and making it harder or impossible to treat infections.

    In the political declaration adopted by the General Assembly, world leaders agreed to reduce the estimated five million human deaths associated with AMR annually by 10 per cent by 2030. They further called for sustainable national financing and $100 million in catalytic funding, to help achieve a target of at least 60 percent of countries having funded national action plans on AMR by 2030.

    It also formalized the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on Antimicrobial Resistance, which includes the UN World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Development Programme (UNEP) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) along with the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), as the central coordinating structure to support the global response.

    Minsitry of Health/Saudi Arabia

    Opening session of AMR, the urgent global health and socioeconomic crisis that threatens all age groups in all regions, especially with low- and middle-income countries most affected.

    Saudi Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel has stressed the need to adopt a “One Health” approach that systematically addresses the obstacles hindering progress as AMR impacts humans, animals, and the environmental alike. “The Jeddah meeting is a crucial opportunity to strengthen our collective global response to the risks of this growing, silent pandemic”, he has said.

    The meeting will address priorities, including surveillance and stewardship, capacity building, funding provision, governance, innovation, research and development.

    UN News/Nabil Midani

    Political commitment at the highest level

    UN News is in Jeddah covering this global conference and spoke to Kathrine Urbaez, Executive Director of the Geneva-based non-governmental organization (NGO), Health Diplomacy Alliance.

    The Alliance focuses on advocacy and diplomacy to advance global health issues. She told us that the COVID-19 pandemic has proven the vital importance of ‘One Health’ policies and of garnering cooperation and awareness across sectors and stakeholders.

    Ms. Urbaez underscored the need to move from commitments to practical actions and added that the General Assembly’s Political Declaration and the Jeddah Conference are great steps in the right direction, and what is needed is to ensure that the political momentum continues. The Executive Director insisted that implementing commitments is feasible if there is a political will to do so, and establishing “a monitoring and accountability mechanism” is key.

    She added: “We have to see antimicrobial resistance from a really holistic global health perspective. I think it is important to have the involvement of politicians at the highest level, not only Ministers of Health, Environment, Agriculture or Finance. We really need political commitment to advance AMR policies and to engage in the one health approach”.

    More than a health threat

    The complexity of the issue, a lack of funding, and political will in some nations “with the competing health issues that governments have to grapple with” have made it difficult to move from policy documents to action, according to Julian Nyamupachitu, Deputy Director of ReAct Africa, a global network that works to catalyze action on AMR primarily in low- and middle-income countries.

    UN News/Nabil Midani

    As countries are reviewing and weighing new national plans, Ms. Nyamupachitu said ReAct Africa is helping them prioritize activities that are more practical, and use tools that are available to them to help inform their policy making, such as the WHO costing and budgeting tool.

    The Deputy Director said the Political Declaration was an improvement over its 2016 predecessor, but it would have been “good to see commitments, and not just targets” on funding.

    She said the theme “moving from declaration to implementation” is very timely and she hoped to see a serious commitment by Ministers in Jeddah.

    “I believe awareness has been raised. They have appreciated the statistics that have been shared. This is indeed a global health threat, not just affecting the health sector, not just affecting the agriculture, environment, and animal sectors, but it’s actually an economic problem as well”, she added.

    ‘The antibiotics market is broken’

    Michiel Peters is the Secretariat Representative of the AMR Industry Alliance, which includes companies and industry organizations in the fields of research and development (R&D), pharmaceuticals, generics, biotech and diagnostics. He also represents the broader private sector on the AMR Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Platform Steering Committee, which was established and is facilitated by the four organizations supporting the global response.

    UN News/Nabil Midani

    Mr. Peters said antibiotics are “fundamentally different” than any other product brought to market “where your goal would be to sell as much of it as possible”. He said with antibiotics, the goal is to get the “right drug to the right person when they need it”, which is not always a lucrative business. He also noted that developing antibiotics requires an “incredible amount of time and investment” and in many cases the drugs don’t reach the market, and so “the marketplace for antibiotics is broken”.

    Mr. Peter’s added that there is a serious lack of government funding and incentives for antibiotic R&D, but the larger concern is that “the researchers actually needed to do the science in the laboratories are leaving this field”, as opposed to diseases like cancer, for example, where research is strong.

    The private sector representative said a lot of progress was made since the first High-Level Meeting on AMR took place in 2016, but there is still so much more to do and “nobody can tackle this problem alone”. 

    He said the Jeddah conference and the plenary meeting for the Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Platform, running in parallel on the closing day, are both very important to see “not just what we can put on paper, but what it is that we are actually going to do”.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – $1.4m for research on childhood wheeze – UoA

    Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

    An HRC grant of $1.4m will support research into a promising new oral medicine for childhood wheeze.
    A Health Research Council grant of $1.4m will support research into a promising new oral medicine for childhood wheeze, a condition that sees more than 3,000 preschoolers admitted to hospitals in New Zealand each year.
     
    Of children hospitalised with preschool wheeze, one-in-five will return to hospital within the next year for the same condition, typified by a shrill, coarse whistling or rattling sound when the child tries to breathe.
    “Childhood wheeze is a disease for which our current treatments are not very effective,” says paediatrician and researcher at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland Professor Cameron Grant, also head of the Department of Paediatrics, Child, and Youth Health.
    The research project is called ‘Assessing the Reduction of Recurrent admissions using OM-85 for the treatment of preschool Wheeze’, or ‘ARROW’.
    Grant is co-leading the New Zealand arm of the Australasian project with nurse researcher Marisa van Arragon, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Paediatrics at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.
    The trial of OM-85 will involve more than 1,000 children under five who have repeatedly visited a hospital in New Zealand or Australia with childhood wheeze, a condition where airways are partially blocked, usually triggered by a cold, flu, RSV, or other viruses.
    “We treat childhood wheeze in preschool aged children with asthma medicines, even though the pathophysiology is different from asthma,” Grant says.
    “Plus, asthma medicines have limitations, including environmental harms and side effects, which are particularly concerning in younger children.”
    The medicine being used in this study, OM-85, can be taken as a drink. OM-85 contains several killed respiratory bacteria, which prime the immune system to fight respiratory viruses.
    The pressing issue Grant sees in his clinical work is a tendency for these children to make repeated visits to hospital with wheeze, creating enormous stress for families.
    “Some of the children who are involved in the project have already had over 20 admissions to hospital,” Grant says.
    Two pilot research projects show Māori and Pacific families are over-represented in children being re-admitted to hospital with wheeze.
    An audit of visits to Waitakere Hospital in Auckland showed Māori children were twice as likely to be admitted with wheeze, and 30 percent of Māori children came back to hospital with wheeze compared with 16 percent of non-Māori.
    An audit in Waikato Hospital of patients aged one to five years admitted to the emergency department with wheeze, showed the rate of re-admission was twice as high for Māori and Pacific compared with ‘European and other’.
     
    Funding from Te Niwha in 2024 enabled Grant and van Arragon to take the project into the community and to develop relationships with primary care practices, kōhanga reo, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers in Auckland and Waikato.
     
    Grant says developing relationships within the community and with Māori whānau has been a project highlight.
    The study also creates opportunities for nurses and emerging researchers. As an example of this, Claudia Reid, a Māori medical student at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, is doing a project interviewing wāhine Māori, whose children attend kōhanga reo in the Waikato, around access to care when their tamaiti has a respiratory illness.
    The ARROW study started in 2022 in Australia and a little later in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
    So far, more than half of the more than 160 children enrolled in the study in New Zealand are Māori or Pacific. In Australia and New Zealand, about 600 children have already been enrolled in the trial. The trial uses a randomised, placebo-controlled and double-blinded design.
    In addition to preventing hospital admissions and other healthcare visits, the research team hopes that OM-85 will reduce antibiotic prescribing and the use of propellant inhalers, which are highly polluting.
    “The molecules in the propellants used in inhalers are 3,000 times more globally warming than carbon dioxide,” Grant says.
    “The World Health Organization says we must reduce the use of propellant inhalers, but young children can’t use the alternative dry-powder inhalers, because the technique required to use them is too complicated for young children.
    “So, the only way to reduce the use of propellant inhalers in young children is to reduce the number of wheezing episodes they get, through interventions such as OM-85.”
    Data from the study will be used to create a cost-benefit analysis which will be submitted to Pharmac as an evidence base for potentially funding the OM-85 treatment.
    The ARROW research team includes research nurses from Starship, KidzFirst, Waitakere, Waikato and Tauranga involved in the project.
    Grant and van Arragon say the nurses’ professionalism, passionate approach and whānau-centred care are driving this promising research towards making a difference for whānau suffering from the frightening condition of childhood wheeze.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – EP TODAY, Wednesday, 12 February

    Source: European Parliament 3

    Commission 2025 Work Programme and new competitiveness strategy

    At 9.00, Commissioner Śefčovič will present the Commission’s 2025 work programme, followed by a discussion with MEPs and Polish EU Affairs Minister Szłapka. In an afternoon debate, starting around 14.00, plenary will review the recently tabled proposal for a new competitiveness roadmap, with Commission Vice-President Séjourné and Minister Szłapka.

    Andreas KLEINER

    (+32) 498 98 33 22

    EuroParlPress

    Estefania NARRILLOS

    (+32) 498 98 39 85

    EuroParlPress

    Repression in Russia one year after Navalny’s murder

    MEPs will examine the Kremlin’s continued repression of Russia’s political opposition a year after the murder of Alexei Navalny, in a debate starting around 10.30.

    US withdrawal from WHO and the Paris deal and suspension of external aid

    Starting around 16.30, MEPs and Commissioner Lahbib will debate the consequences of the US Administration’s decision to pull out of the World Health Organisation and the Paris Agreement on climate change, as well as the impact of the suspension of US humanitarian and development aid.

    Dana POPP

    (+32) 470 95 17 07

    EP_Environment

    Thomas HAAHR

    (+32) 470 88 09 87

    EP_Environment

    Eoghan WALSH

    (+32) 485 39 94 43

    EP_Development

    In brief

    Support to EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. From around 15.00, plenary will debate with Commission Vice-President Fitto and Minister Szłapka EU support to regions sharing borders with Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.

    Seven years after the Kuciak murders: threats to journalists in the EU. MEPs will assess with Commissioner McGrath the state of media freedom across the EU and discuss how to ensure the protection of journalists.

    Mental health of Europe’s youth. MEPs and Commissioner Micallef will discuss how to tackle increasing mental health issues among European young people.

    Human rights in Türkiye, Nicaragua and Nigeria. MEPs and Commissioner Micallef will consider the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye, repression in Nicaragua and the risk of the death penalty in Nigeria for blasphemy charges. Three draft resolutions will be put to a vote by plenary on Thursday.

    Collaboration between conservatives and far right. In this session’s topical debate at 13.00, MEPs will discuss with Commission Vice-President Séjourné and Polish Minister Szłapka whether collaboration between conservatives and far right threatens competitiveness in the EU.

    Votes

    At noon, plenary will vote, among others, on:

    • New VAT rules for the digital age, and
    • Improved administrative cooperation in the field of taxation.

    Live coverage of the plenary session can be found on Parliament’s webstreaming and on EbS+.

    For detailed information on the session, please also see our newsletter.

    Find more information regarding plenary.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What’s the difference between ageing and frailty? One is inevitable – the other is not

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julee McDonagh, Senior Research Fellow of Frailty Research, University of Wollongong

    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    Ageing is a normal part of the life course. It doesn’t matter how many green smoothies you drink, or how many “anti-ageing” skin care products you use, you can’t stop the ageing process.

    But while we’re all getting older, not everyone who ages will necessarily become frail. Ageing and frailty are closely related, but they’re not the same thing.

    Let’s break down the difference between the two.

    What is ageing?

    On a biological level, ageing is the result of the build-up of cellular and molecular damage in the body over time.

    The ageing process causes a gradual decline in physical and mental function, a higher risk of disease, and eventual (and unavoidable) death.

    Still, some people think they can cheat the system, spending millions trying to stay young forever. While we may be able to reduce the appearance of ageing, ultimately there’s no magic pill to increase our longevity.

    Around one in six Australians are over the age of 65 (16% of the total population). Yet as individuals and a society many of us still have a fear of ageing.

    But what is it about ageing we are so afraid of? When it comes down to it, many people are probably less afraid of ageing, and more afraid of becoming frail.

    Ageing is inevitable – but frailty isn’t.
    Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

    What is frailty?

    Frailty is defined as a state of vulnerability characterised by a loss of reserve across multiple parts of the body.

    Frailty is generally characterised by several physical symptoms, such as weakness, slow walking speed, exhaustion, unintentional weight loss, and low activity level.

    Lower bone density and osteoporosis (a condition where the bones become weak and brittle) are also associated with frailty, increasing the risk of falls and fractures.

    Notably, someone who is frail is less able to “bounce back” (or recover) after a stressor event compared to someone who is not frail. A stressor event could be, for example, having a fall, getting a urinary infection, or even being admitted to hospital.

    Frailty is more common in older people. But in some cases, frailty can affect younger people too. For example, people with advanced chronic diseases, such as heart failure, can develop frailty much younger.

    Frailty is more common in people who are older.
    Fit Ztudio/Shutterstock

    Frailty is dynamic. While it can get worse over time, in some cases frailty can also be reversed or even prevented through health and lifestyle changes.

    For example, we know physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle can significantly increase a person’s risk of becoming frail. On the flip side, evidence shows doing more exercise can reduce frailty in older adults.

    There are other lifestyle modifications we can make too. And the earlier we make these changes, the better.

    Preventing frailty

    Here are some key things you can do to help prevent frailty:

    1. Get moving

    Exercise more, including resistance training (such as squats and lunges, or grab some stretchy resistance bands). Many of these sorts of exercises can be done at home. YouTube has some great resources.

    You might also consider joining a gym, or asking your GP about seeing an accredited exercise physiologist or physiotherapist. Medicare subsidies may be available for these specialists.

    The physical activity guidelines for older Australians recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most days or preferably every day.

    The guidelines also highlight the importance of incorporating different types of activities (such as resistance, balance or flexibility exercises) and reducing the time you spend sitting down.

    2. Stay socially active

    Social isolation and loneliness can contribute to the progression of frailty. Reach out to friends and family for support or contact local community groups that you may be able to join. This might include your local Zumba class or bridge club.

    3. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to regularly check your medications

    “Polypharmacy” (when someone is prescribed five or more medications) is associated with an increased risk of frailty. The presence of frailty can also interfere with how the body absorbs medicines.

    Home medicine reviews are available for older adults with a chronic medical condition or a complex medication regimen. These reviews aims to help people get the most benefit from their medicines and reduce their risk of experiencing adverse effects.

    Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your current medications.

    4. Eat a protein-rich diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables

    Low nutrient intake can negatively impact physical function and may increase your risk of becoming frail. There’s some evidence to suggest eating more protein may delay the onset of frailty.

    A food-first approach is best when looking to increase the protein in your diet. Protein is found in foods such as lean meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy products, legumes and nuts.

    Adults over 50 should aim to eat 64 grams of protein per day for men and 46g per day for women. Adults over 70 should aim for 81g per day for men and 57g per day for women.

    Ask your GP for a referral to a dietitian who can provide advice on a dietary regime that is best for you.

    Supplements may be recommended if you are struggling to meet your protein needs from diet alone.

    Dr Julee McDonagh receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council and the NSW Office of Health and Medical Research. She is also a member of the executive committee of the Cardiovascular Nursing Council of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand and the Emerging Leaders Committee of the Australian Cardiovascular Alliance.

    Professor Caleb Ferguson receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Medical Research Future Fund, Heart Foundation (Australia) and Stroke Foundation (Australia). He is a Board Director of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand and Chair of the Cardiovascular Nursing Council. He is Associate Editor for European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing and Heart Lung and Circulation. He was a co-author of the Australian Heart Foundation & Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand clinical guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation. He is co-leads the Western Sydney Clinical Frailty Registry, a clinical quality registry of older adults.

    – ref. What’s the difference between ageing and frailty? One is inevitable – the other is not – https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-ageing-and-frailty-one-is-inevitable-the-other-is-not-247450

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla of the Kingdom of Eswatini

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-02-08
    Presidential Office thanks US and Japan for joint leaders’ statement
    On February 7 (US EST), President Donald Trump of the United States and Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru of Japan issued a joint leaders’ statement reiterating “the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity for the international community.” In the statement, the two leaders also “encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues, and opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion” and “expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations.” Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) on February 8 expressed sincere gratitude on behalf of the Presidential Office to the leaders of both countries for taking concrete action to demonstrate their firm support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and for Taiwan’s international participation. Spokesperson Kuo pointed out that there is already a strong international consensus on the importance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The spokesperson emphasized that Taiwan, as a responsible member of the international community, is capable and willing to work together with the international community and will continue strengthening its self-defense capabilities as it deepens its trilateral security partnership with the US and Japan and works alongside like-minded countries to uphold the rules-based international order. The spokesperson said that Taiwan will work toward ensuring a free and open Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific region, as well as global peace, stability, and prosperity, as it continues to act as a force for good in the world.

    Details
    2025-02-08
    President Lai’s response to Pope Francis’s 2025 World Day of Peace message  
    President Lai Ching-te recently sent a letter to Pope Francis of the Catholic Church in response to his message marking the 58th World Day of Peace. The following is the full text of the president’s letter to the pope: Your Holiness, In your message for the 2025 World Day of Peace entitled Forgive us our trespasses: grant us your peace, you called for a cultural change that would bring an end to the governance of interpersonal and international relations by a logic of exploitation and oppression and herald true and lasting peace. I wholeheartedly admire and identify with your point of view. Since transitioning from a medical career to politics, I have remained true to my original intentions in the sense that, while a doctor can help only one person at a time, a public servant can simultaneously assist many people in resolving the difficulties affecting their lives. In my inaugural address in May 2024, I pledged that every day of my term, I would strive to act justly, show mercy, and be humble, which accord with the teachings of the Bible. I promised to treat the Taiwanese people as family and prove myself worthy of their trust and expectations. With an unwavering heart, I have accepted the people’s trust and taken on the solemn responsibility of leading the nation forward and building a democratic, peaceful, and prosperous new Taiwan. In this new year, the changing international landscape continues to present many grave challenges to democratic nations around the world. As the Russia-Ukraine war persists, the steady convergence of authoritarian regimes, including China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, threatens the rules-based international order and severely impacts peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and the world at large. Your Holiness has stated that war is a defeat for everyone. I, too, firmly believe that peace is priceless and that war has no winners. A high level of consensus has formed in the international community on upholding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The Taiwanese people also maintain an unyielding commitment to safeguarding a way of life that encompasses freedom, equality, democracy, and human rights. Taiwan will continue to spare no effort in preserving regional peace and stability and serving as a pilot for global peace. In your World Day of Peace message, you urged prosperous countries to assist poorer ones. This compassion is truly touching. Taiwan is proactively implementing values-based diplomacy and, under the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, enhancing allies’ development through a range of initiatives. Over many years, Taiwan has accumulated abundant and unique experience of providing foreign assistance. Seeking to foster self-reliance among disadvantaged countries, we have extended genuine support to help alleviate poverty through such avenues as strengthening basic infrastructure, transferring technology, and cultivating talent. In your message, you reminded countries worldwide that assistance should not be merely an isolated act of charity and pointed to the need to devise a new global financial framework so that food crises, climate change, and other challenges could be jointly addressed. I hold this view in high regard. I therefore earnestly hope that international organizations will stop excluding Taiwan for political reasons. Taiwan is willing to shoulder its international responsibilities so that it can contribute and share its valuable experience through many global platforms.  On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I again express our interest in collaborating with the Holy See to advance world peace through concrete action. We also aspire to demonstrate Taiwanese values and the Taiwanese spirit and work together with the Holy See to uphold the core values of justice, democracy, freedom, and peace.  Please accept, Your Holiness, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration, as well as my best wishes for your good health and the continued growth of the Catholic Church.

    Details
    2025-02-08
    President Lai meets former US Vice President Mike Pence
    On the afternoon of January 17, President Lai Ching-te met with former Vice President of the United States Mike Pence. In remarks, President Lai thanked former Vice President Pence for his contributions to the deepening of Taiwan-US relations, noting that he actively helped to strengthen Taiwan-US cooperation and facilitate the normalization of military sales to Taiwan, and did his utmost to deepen the Taiwan-US economic partnership. The president indicated that former Vice President Pence also spoke up for Taiwan on numerous occasions at international venues, backing Taiwan’s international participation. President Lai expressed hope for a stronger Taiwan-US partnership to maintain peace and stability throughout the world, and that the two sides can advance bilateral exchanges in such areas as the economy, trade, and industry. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to welcome former Vice President Pence and Mrs. Karen Pence to the Presidential Office. Former Vice President Pence is not only an outstanding political leader in the US, but also a staunch supporter of Taiwan on the international stage. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would like to take this opportunity to extend our deepest gratitude to former Vice President Pence for his contributions to the deepening of Taiwan-US relations. Thanks to former Vice President Pence’s strong backing, ties between Taiwan and the US rose to unprecedented heights during President Donald Trump’s first administration. Former Vice President Pence actively helped to strengthen Taiwan-US security cooperation and facilitate the normalization of military sales to Taiwan, helping Taiwan reinforce its self-defense capabilities. He also did his utmost to deepen the Taiwan-US economic partnership. Former Vice President Pence also paid close attention to the military threats and diplomatic isolation faced by Taiwan. He spoke up for Taiwan on numerous occasions at international venues, taking concrete action to back Taiwan’s international participation. We were truly grateful for this. As we speak, China’s political and military intimidation against Taiwan persist. China and other authoritarian regimes, such as Russia, North Korea, and Iran, are continuing to converge and present serious challenges to democracies around the globe. At this moment, free and democratic nations must come together to bolster cooperation. I believe that a stronger Taiwan-US partnership can be an even more powerful force in maintaining peace and stability throughout the world. Former Vice President Pence has previously supported the signing of a trade agreement between Taiwan and the US. Taiwan looks forward to continuing to work with the new US administration and Congress to advance bilateral exchanges in such areas as the economy, trade, and industry. This is the first time that former Vice President Pence and Mrs. Pence are visiting Taiwan, and their visit is significantly meaningful for Taiwan-US exchanges. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to extend a warm welcome. Moving forward, I hope we will jointly realize even more fruitful achievements through Taiwan-US cooperation. Former Vice President Pence then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai for his hospitality on his and his wife’s first visit to Taiwan, saying that it is an honor to be here to reaffirm the bonds of friendship between the people of America and the people of Taiwan, which are strong and longstanding. The former vice president indicated that the American people admire the people of Taiwan and all that has been accomplished in a few short decades for Taiwan to rise to one of the world’s preeminent economic powers and free societies. He said that he is grateful for President Lai’s courageous and bold leadership of Taiwan, and grateful to be able to express the support of the overwhelming majority of the American people for this alliance. Former Vice President Pence indicated that the values shared by Taiwan and the US, including freedom, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, bind us together in a partnership that transcends geographic boundaries and cultures. He then assured President Lai that China’s increasingly aggressive posture in the Taiwan Strait and across the Indo-Pacific, for the values and interests that both sides share, is deeply concerning to the American people. Former Vice President Pence stated that America is a Pacific nation, and is committed to the status quo, adding that they recognize it is China that wants to change the status quo that America, Taiwan, and other allies in the region want to preserve, which has created an environment of extraordinary growth and prosperity. The former vice president concluded by once again thanking President Lai and his team for their gracious hospitality and conveying best wishes to him and the people of Taiwan. Former Vice President Pence then assured President Lai that just as Taiwan will never surrender its freedom, he will continue to be a voice for a strong US-Taiwan relationship in the defense and the benefit of Taiwan, the US, and the free world. Later that day, Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao hosted a banquet for former Vice President Pence and his delegation at Taipei Guest House to thank him for his longstanding friendship and staunch support for Taiwan-US ties.  

    Details
    2025-02-08
    President Lai meets delegation to 60th Inaugural Ceremonies of US president and vice president
    On the morning of January 16, President Lai Ching-te met with Taiwan’s delegation to the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies of the President and Vice President of the United States. In remarks, President Lai stated that democratic Taiwan stands united, working hard to deepen Taiwan-US ties together. He then entrusted the delegation with three missions: to convey best wishes from the people of Taiwan, convey our firm commitment to democracy, and help Taiwan-US relations reach a new milestone. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: The 60th Inaugural Ceremonies of the President and Vice President of the US will be held on January 20. I want to thank Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), president of the Legislative Yuan, for accepting my invitation to lead our nation’s representative delegation to the event. I also thank Legislative Yuan Members Ko Chih-en (柯志恩), Wang Ting-yu (王定宇), Ko Ju-chun (葛如鈞), Lee Yen-hsiu (李彥秀), Chen Kuan-ting (陳冠廷), Kuo Yu-ching (郭昱晴), and Chen Gau-tzu (陳昭姿) for joining this visit to the US to attend the inauguration of President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. We have gathered together today despite differences in party affiliation because in democratic Taiwan, while parties may compete domestically, when it comes to engagement externally, they stand united and share responsibility, working hard to deepen Taiwan-US ties and strive for the best interests of the nation. We share the value of defending freedom and democracy, and we share the goal of advancing peace and prosperity. Today, we engage with the world together as those from the same country – the Republic of China (Taiwan). In this complex and volatile new international landscape, and as the nation faces difficulties and challenges, I want to stress that in Formosa, there is no hostility that cannot be let go, and no hardship that cannot be overcome. Unity is the most important, and I hope that Taiwan can stand united, because there is true strength in unity. Democratic Taiwan must stand united in engaging with the world and initiate exchanges with confidence. On that ground, I am entrusting this delegation with three key missions. First, convey best wishes from the people of Taiwan. Just last year, Taiwan and the US celebrated the 45th anniversary of the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act. And on May 20, the US sent a senior bipartisan delegation to congratulate me and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao on our inauguration. As the leader of this cross-party delegation, Speaker Han must clearly convey the well-wishes of the people of Taiwan, congratulate President Trump and Vice President Vance on their inauguration, and wish success to the new administration and prosperity to the US. Second, clearly convey the firm commitment of the people of Taiwan to democracy. The theme of these inaugural ceremonies is “Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise.” Taiwan and the US share the universal value of democracy and are staunch allies. I hope that the delegation can faithfully convey the firm commitment to democracy that the people of Taiwan have, which will not change even in the face of authoritarian threats. Taiwan is willing to stand side by side with the US and other members of the democratic community to defend the sustainable development of global democracy and prevent the expansion of authoritarianism. Third, help Taiwan-US relations reach a new milestone. In recent years, Taiwan-US relations have continued to grow, with the first agreement under the Taiwan-US Initiative on 21st Century Trade having formally taken effect last month. This morning, the House of Representatives also passed the US-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act. I hope that the delegation can help Taiwan-US relations reach a new milestone through these exchanges so that our relations continue to grow, our cooperation expands even more, and so that we can achieve even greater success after the new administration takes office. Four years ago, Taiwan’s representative to the US inaugural ceremonies was Vice President Hsiao, who was then our representative to the US. Everyone has a lot to learn from her. I have specially invited everyone here to converse so that you can draw from Vice President Hsiao’s experience and ensure an even smoother visit. Washington, DC was also hit by a rare blizzard recently, and the weather has been very cold, so make sure to stay warm. I am sending everyone off with hand warmers and thermoses so that you can bring some warmth from Taiwan with you on your journey. And I ask that Speaker Han exercise his wisdom to help generate some warmth between the ruling and opposition parties through cooperation, which they can then bring back to Taiwan. Let us unite to give our all for diplomacy so that we can unite to give our all for Taiwan. I wish the delegation a smooth and safe trip, and hope your missions can be carried out successfully. Speaker Han then delivered remarks, stating that it was an honor to be invited by President Lai to organize a delegation to represent our nation at the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies of the President and Vice President of the US in Washington, DC, and express the Republic of China’s sincere and cordial best wishes. The Legislative Yuan’s president has assumed this important task numerous times in the past, he said, not only to represent the government of the Republic of China, but also to take on the mission of conveying the voices of 23 million people. He went on to say that he is honored to take up the baton, lead eight legislators to the US to attend this celebration that will attract global attention, and express sincere best wishes to newly elected President Trump, Vice President Vance, and the new administration’s team. As enjoined by President Lai, he hopes the delegation’s trip will help open a new chapter in Taiwan-US exchanges. Speaker Han stated that the US is the most free and democratic country in the world. He noted that in 1776 in the US Declaration of Independence, founding father Thomas Jefferson propounded the concept of “unalienable rights,” and emphasized that the people have a right to freedom and the pursuit of happiness, democratic ideas that have long been rooted in the people’s hearts. Today, he said, democracy is also embedded in the DNA of Taiwan’s 23 million people, and this hard-won democratic achievement is a result of the concerted efforts of our pioneering predecessors, thinkers, and activists over the past 100 years. Speaker Han stated that during this visit, the Legislative Yuan delegation hopes to convey the voice of Taiwan as a democratic country. Taiwan’s security, he said, is like the four legs of a table: The first leg is defending the Republic of China, the second is defending freedom and democracy, the third is maintaining Taiwan-US relations, and the fourth is maintaining cross-strait peace. The delegation will travel to the US amidst severe cold weather to show that we value our relationship with the US, and our citizens have great hopes and expectations. Speaker Han stated that this will be a cross-party delegation of eight legislators, all of whom have a strong sense of mission. He hopes that all democratic nations will acknowledge Taiwan’s importance, and pay attention to Taiwan’s 23 million people. The delegation, he said, will do its utmost to convey the goodwill and warmth that the people of Taiwan give to each and every one of our good friends.

    Details
    2025-02-08
    President Lai confers decoration on former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis
    On the morning of January 14, President Lai Ching-te conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon upon former Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis of the Republic of Lithuania in recognition of his remarkable contributions to deepening Taiwan-Lithuania relations. In remarks, President Lai thanked former Minister Landsbergis for standing firmly with Taiwan and remaining a staunch defender of democratic values, yielding fruitful cooperative results. The president expressed hope that the two countries will engage in even more cooperation and exchanges in such areas as the economy, trade, technology, and culture, and continue to advocate for the values of freedom and democracy so that together we can contribute even more to our nations’ development and to peace and prosperity throughout the world. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Today, by conferring the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon upon former Minister Landsbergis, we recognize his outstanding contributions during his time as foreign minister of Lithuania. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I thank him for the key role he has played in deepening Taiwan-Lithuania relations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the efforts of former Minister Landsbergis, Lithuania was the first European nation to donate vaccines to Taiwan. On that occasion, he stated that “freedom-loving people should look out for each other.” His statement was very moving and left a deep impression on many Taiwanese people. We will never forget it. Former Minister Landsbergis has continued to express the spirit of those words through his concrete actions. With his staunch support, Taiwan and Lithuania have mutually established representative offices. Moreover, our representative office in Lithuania was the first in Europe to incorporate “Taiwan” in its name. As for bilateral cooperation, Taiwan and Lithuania have seen fruitful results in such fields as semiconductors, laser technology, finance, and medicine. Be it overcoming the challenges posed by the pandemic or resisting expanding authoritarianism, former Minister Landsbergis has stood firmly with Taiwan and remained a staunch defender of democratic values. We greatly admire and appreciate his spirit. Today, authoritarian regimes continue to converge, posing threats and challenges to democracies around the world. Taiwan, Lithuania, and other democratic countries must come closer together, drawing on the strength of unity, so as to jointly safeguard freedom and democracy and uphold the rules-based international order. Looking ahead, we hope that Taiwan and Lithuania will engage in even more cooperation and exchanges in such areas as the economy, trade, technology, and culture. Let us continue to advocate for the values of freedom and democracy. Together, we can contribute even more to our nations’ development and to peace and prosperity throughout the world. In closing, I once again thank you, former Minister Landsbergis, for your support and for all that you have done for Taiwan. We welcome you and your wife to visit often. I wish you both a smooth and successful visit in Taiwan, and hope you leave with lasting memories.    Former Minister Landsbergis then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great honor to receive the decoration today. He noted that only partially can he accept the honor, as there have been many people who worked together with him in the ministry and in the whole country who support the people of Taiwan and see the benefit of supporting democracy in Taiwan. He often says that in Lithuania they remember well the fight for their freedom, and just today, he mentioned, he was shown the permanent exhibition in the Presidential Office, where he saw similar pictures of Taiwanese people fighting for democracy. He emphasized that not even one generation has passed since these events took place here in Taipei or similar events took place in Vilnius. Former Minister Landsbergis said that decision-makers in the Lithuanian government are either people who were themselves fighting for freedom, or, as in his case, those who were sitting on the shoulders of parents who were fighting for freedom. So for them, he underlined, freedom, democracy, liberty, and sovereignty are very real concepts that they cherish, not just things read about in a history book. He said that this is the main connector between Lithuania and Taiwan, a feeling of freedom and support for each other. Former Minister Landsbergis stated that in the face of authoritarians who do not wish us prosperity, who do not wish us freedom and future achievements, what he expects from the future is that the friendship, collaboration, and mutual support between Lithuania and Taiwan will inspire others to join in. This, he said, will make other countries not be afraid to support freedom and democracy, and will allow our group of friends to continue to grow. Lithuanian history, the former minister said, is difficult, and a big part of it was fighting for their freedom. He explained that during the 19th century when Lithuania was part of Russia’s empire, they had several revolutions and uprisings with the aim of becoming free, and that they were fighting for that freedom alongside Poland and Belarus. He then applied a phrase that they used in the revolution of 1864 – “for your freedom and ours,” meaning that they will continue to fight for their freedom while helping Taiwan fight for ours. Also in attendance at the ceremony were former Minister Landsbergis’ wife Dr. Austėja Landsbergienė and Lithuanian Representative to Taiwan Paulius Lukauskas.

    Details
    2025-01-01
    President Lai delivers 2025 New Year’s Address
    On the morning of January 1, President Lai Ching-te delivered his 2025 New Year’s Address, titled “Bolstering National Strength through Democracy to Enter a New Global Landscape,” in the Reception Hall of the Presidential Office. President Lai stated that today’s Taiwan is receiving international recognition for its performance in many areas, among them democracy, technology, and economy. In this new year, he said, Taiwan must be united, and we must continue on the right course. The president expressed hope that everyone in the central and local governments, regardless of party, can work hard together, allowing Taiwan sure footing as it strides forward toward ever greater achievements.  President Lai emphasized that in 2025, we must keep firm on the path of democracy, continue to bolster our national strength, make Taiwan more economically resilient, enhance the resilience of supply chains for global democracies, and continue working toward a Balanced Taiwan and generational justice, ensuring that the fruits of our economic growth can be enjoyed by all our people. The president said that Taiwan will keep going strong, and we will keep walking tall as we enter the new global landscape. A translation of President Lai’s address follows: Today is the first day of 2025. With a new year comes new beginnings. I wish that Taiwan enjoys peace, prosperity, and success, and that our people lead happy lives. Taiwan truly finished 2024 strong. Though there were many challenges, there were also many triumphs. We withstood earthquakes and typhoons, and stood firm in the face of constant challenges posed by authoritarianism. We also shared glory as Taiwan won the Premier12 baseball championship, and now Taiwanese people around the world are all familiar with the gesture for Team Taiwan. At the Paris Olympics, Wang Chi-lin (王齊麟) and Lee Yang (李洋) clinched another gold in men’s doubles badminton. Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷) took home Taiwan’s first Olympic gold in boxing. At the International Junior Science Olympiad, every student in our delegation of six won a gold medal. And Yang Shuang-zi’s (楊双子) novel Taiwan Travelogue, translated into English by King Lin (金翎), became a United States National Book Award winner and a tour de force of Taiwan literature on the international level. Our heroes of Taiwan are defined by neither age nor discipline. They have taken home top prizes at international competitions and set new records. They tell Taiwan’s story through their outstanding performances, letting the world see the spirit and culture of Taiwan, and filling all our citizens with pride. My fellow citizens, we have stood together through thick and thin; we have shared our ups and downs. We have wept together, and we have laughed together. We are all one family, all members of Team Taiwan. I want to thank each of our citizens for their dedication, fueling Taiwan’s progress and bringing our nation glory. You have given Taiwan even greater strength to stand out on the global stage. In this new year, we must continue bringing Taiwan’s stories to the world, and make Taiwan’s successes a force for global progress. In 2025, the world will be entering a new landscape. Last year, over 70 countries held elections, and the will of the people has changed with the times. As many countries turn new pages politically, and in the midst of rapid international developments, Taiwan must continue marching forward with steady strides. First, we must keep firm on the path of democracy. Taiwan made it through a dark age of authoritarianism and has since become a glorious beacon of democracy in Asia. This was achieved through the sacrifices of our democratic forebears and the joint efforts of all our citizens. Democracy’s value to Taiwan lies not just in our free way of life, or in the force driving the diverse and vigorous growth of our society. Democracy is the brand that has earned us international trust in terms of diplomacy. No matter the threat or challenge Taiwan may face, democracy is Taiwan’s only path forward. We will not turn back. Domestic competition among political parties is a part of democracy. But domestic political disputes must be resolved democratically, within the constitutional system. This is the only way democracy can continue to grow. The Executive Yuan has the right to request a reconsideration of the controversial bills passed in the Legislative Yuan, giving it room for reexamination. Constitutional institutions can also lodge a petition for a constitutional interpretation, and through Constitutional Court adjudication, ensure a separation of powers, safeguard constitutional order, and gradually consolidate the constitutional system. The people also have the right of election, recall, initiative, and referendum, and can bring together even greater democratic power to show the true meaning of sovereignty in the hands of the people. In this new year, the changing international landscape will present democratic nations around the world with many grave challenges. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and conflict between Israel and Hamas rage on, and we are seeing the continued convergence of authoritarian regimes including China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, threatening the rules-based international order and severely affecting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and the world at large. Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. Taiwan needs to prepare for danger in times of peace. We must continue increasing our national defense budget, bolster our national defense capabilities, and show our determination to protect our country. Everyone has a responsibility to safeguard Taiwan’s democracy and security. We must gather together every bit of strength we have to enhance whole-of-society defense resilience, and build capabilities to respond to major disasters and deter threats or encroachment. We must also strengthen communication with society to combat information and cognitive warfare, so that the populace rejects threats and enticements and jointly guards against malicious infiltration by external forces. Here at home, we must consolidate democracy with democracy. Internationally, we must make friends worldwide through democracy. This is how we will ensure security and peace. The more secure Taiwan, the more secure the world. The more resilient Taiwan, the sounder the defense of global democracy. The global democratic community should work even closer together to support the democratic umbrella as we seek ways to resolve the war in Ukraine and conflict between Israel and Hamas. Together, we must uphold stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific, and achieve our goal of global peace. Second, we must continue to bolster our national strength, make Taiwan more economically resilient, and enhance the resilience of supply chains for global democracies. In the first half of 2024, growth in the Taiwan Stock Index was the highest in the world. Our economic growth rate for the year as a whole is expected to reach 4.2 percent, leading among the Four Asian Tigers. Domestic investment is soaring, having exceeded NT$5 trillion, and inflation is gradually stabilizing. Export orders from January to November totaled US$536.6 billion, up 3.7 percent from the same period in 2023. And compared over the same period, exports saw a 9.9 percent increase, reaching US$431.5 billion. Recent surveys also show that in 2024, the average increase in salaries at companies was higher than that in 2023. Additionally, over 90 percent of companies plan to raise salaries this year, which is an eight-year high. All signs indicate that Taiwan’s economic climate continues to recover, and that our economy is growing steadily. Our overall economic performance is impressive; still, we must continue to pay attention to the impact on Taiwan’s industries from the changing geopolitical landscape, uncertainties in the global economic environment, and dumping by the “red supply chain.”  For a nation, all sectors and professions are equally important; only when all our industries are strong can Taiwan be strong as a nation. Our micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are the lifeblood of Taiwan, and the development of our various industrial parks has given Taiwan the impetus for our prosperity. We must carry the spirit of “Made in Taiwan” forward, bringing it to ever greater heights. Thus, beyond just developing our high-tech industry, our Executive Yuan has already proposed a solution that will help traditional industries and MSMEs comprehensively adopt technology applications, engage in the digital and net-zero twin transition, and develop channels, all for better operational structures and higher productivity. Taiwan must continue enhancing its economic resilience. In recent years, Taiwan has significantly increased its investments in the US, Japan, Europe, and the New Southbound countries, and such investment has already surpassed investment in China. This indicates that our efforts in diversifying markets and reducing reliance on any single market are working. Moving forward, we must keep providing assistance so that Taiwan industries can expand their global presence and market internationally from a solid base here in Taiwan. At the same time, Taiwan must use democracy to promote economic growth with the rest of the world. We must leverage our strengths in the semiconductor and AI industries. We must link with democratic countries so that we can together enhance the resilience of supply chains for global democracies. And through international cooperation across many sectors, such as UAVs, low-orbit communications satellites, robots, military, security and surveillance, or biopharmaceuticals, renewable energy technology, new agriculture, and the circular economy, we must keep abreast of the latest cutting-edge technology and promote diverse development. This approach will help Taiwan remain a leader in advancing global democratic supply chains, ensuring their security and stability. Third, we must continue working toward a Balanced Taiwan and generational justice, ensuring that the fruits of our economic growth can be enjoyed by all our people. Democracy means the people have the final say. Our nation belongs to all 23 million of us, without regard for ethnic group, generation, political party, or whether we live in urban or rural areas. In this new year, we must continue to pursue policies that promote the well-being of the nation and the people. But to that end, the central government needs adequate financial resources to ensure that it can enact each of these measures. Therefore, I hope that the ruling and opposition parties can each soberly reconsider the amendments to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures and find a path forward that ensures the lasting peace and stability of our country. For nine consecutive years, the minimum wage has continued to rise. Effective today, the minimum monthly salary is being raised from NT$27,470 to NT$28,590, and the hourly salary from NT$183 to NT$190. We hope by raising the pay for military personnel, civil servants, and educators for two consecutive years, coupled with benefits through wage increases and tax reductions, that private businesses will also raise wages, allowing all our people to enjoy the fruits of our economic growth. I know that everyone wants to pay lower taxes and rent. This year, we will continue to promote tax reductions. For example, unmarried individuals with an annual income of NT$446,000 or less can be exempt from paying income tax. Dual-income families with an annual income of NT$892,000 or less and dual-income families with two children aged six or younger with an annual income of NT$1,461,000 or less are also exempt from paying income tax. Additionally, the number of rent-subsidized housing units will also be increased, from 500,000 to 750,000 units, helping lighten the load for everyone. This year, the age eligibility for claiming Culture Points has been lowered from 16 to 13 years, so that now young people aged between 13 and 22 can receive government support for experiencing more in the arts. Also, our Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative is about to take effect, which will help more young people in Taiwan realize their dreams by taking part in education and exchange activities in many places around the world. We are also in the process of establishing a sports ministry to help young athletes achieve their dreams on the field, court, and beyond. The ministry will also be active in developing various sports industries and bringing sports and athletics more into the lives of the people, making our people healthier as a result. This year, as Taiwan becomes a “super-aged society,” we will launch our Long-term Care 3.0 Plan to provide better all-around care for our seniors. And we will expand the scope of cancer screening eligibility and services, all aimed at creating a Healthy Taiwan. In addition, Taiwan will officially begin collecting fees for its carbon fee system today. This brings us closer in line with global practices and helps us along the path to our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. We will also continue on the path to achieving a Balanced Taiwan. Last month, the Executive Yuan launched the Trillion NT Dollar Investment National Development Plan and its six major regional flagship projects. Both of these initiatives will continue to expand the investment in our public infrastructure and the development of local specialty industries, narrowing urban-rural and wealth gaps so that all our people can live and work in peace and happiness. My fellow citizens, today’s Taiwan is receiving international recognition for its performance in many areas, among them democracy, technology, and economy. This tells us that national development is moving in the right direction. In this new year, Taiwan must be united, and we must continue on the right course. We hope that everyone in the central and local governments, regardless of party, can work hard together to ensure that national policies are successfully implemented, with the people’s well-being as our top priority. This will allow Taiwan sure footing as it strides forward toward ever greater achievements. In this new year, we have many more brilliant stories of Taiwan to share with the world, inspiring all Taiwanese, both here and around the world, to cheer time and again for the glory of Taiwan. Taiwan will keep going strong. And we will keep walking tall as we enter the new global landscape. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Yaz and Yasmin contraceptive pills will be cheaper from March. How are they different from other pills?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nial Wheate, Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Macquarie University

    Miriam Alonso/Pexels

    The oral contraceptive pills Yaz and Yasmin will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from March 1 2025, meaning Australian women will pay less for them.

    This listing follows advice from the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, which recommended adding these pills to the PBS so women who find other contraceptive pills unsuitable have more options. These contraceptives also help manage acne and some other hormone-related conditions.

    So how do Yaz and Yasmin work? And how much will they cost once they’re on the PBS?

    What makes Yaz and Yasmin different?

    From March, a three-month box of Yaz or Yasmin will cost $31.60 (or $7.70 with a concession card).
    Nial Wheate

    Oral contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy primarily by stopping ovulation – the release of an egg from the ovaries.

    They also thicken mucus in the cervix, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg. And they thin the lining of the uterus, reducing the likelihood of implantation.

    Most combination oral contraceptive pills contain an oestrogen-based hormone (typically ethinylestradiol) and a progestogen hormone.

    Both Yaz and Yasmin contain ethinylestradiol and a synthetic progestogen, called drospirenone. They both contain 3 milligrams of drospirenone.

    They differ from each other in the amount of ethinylestradiol they contain. Yaz has 20 micrograms and Yasmin has 30 micrograms of the hormone. They also differ in the number of active and placebo pills a pack contains. Yaz has 24 active pills and 4 placebo pills while Yasmin has 21 active pills and 7 placebos.

    Both contraceptives are just as effective in preventing pregnancies as other oral contraceptives. The chance of getting pregnant while taking either medication is around 9%.

    In deciding which one is most suitable, a doctor will consider how their patient has responded to hormone treatment in the past and any other hormone-related conditions they have.

    Both Yaz and Yasmin have benefits beyond birth control. Drospirenone is thought to help reduce hormone-related acne and hirsutism (excessive facial hair growth).

    Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that causes intense mood swings, depression, anxiety, and irritability before menstruation. The hormonal stability provided by Yaz, with its short hormone-free interval, can help alleviate PMDD symptoms.

    Things to look out for if taking them

    All combined oral contraceptive pills have common side effects that women may experience, including nausea, vomiting, break-through bleeding, absent or missed periods, headaches, irritability and breast tenderness.

    There are some additional risks for the Yaz and Yasmin products. The drospirenone in the contraceptives has been associated with a slightly higher risk of blood clots when compared with other progestogens. The risk is low but may be higher in women who smoke, are over 35, or have other risk factors for clots.

    All contraceptive pills can cause side effects such as nausea, headaches and irritability.
    Mart Production/Pexels

    Drospirenone can also cause a build up of potassium in the blood. This is a particular risk for women with kidney problems, and for those who also take diuretics or blood pressure medications, which can also raise potassium levels.

    Elevated potassium can cause symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness and an irregular heart rhythm.

    What’s changing? How much will they cost?

    These approvals are the first contraceptive pills to be added to the PBS in 30 years and are part of a larger package of women’s health measures the government announced on the weekend.

    The government will also provide incentives for doctors and nurses to bulk bill services for implanting long-term contraceptives such as IUDs (intrauterine devices).

    Currently, pharmacies advertise three-months’ supply of Yaz and Yasmin for around A$79 dollars ($316 per year).

    Come March, the price women will pay will drop to $31.60 per box, or $126.40 per year. Concession card holders will pay $7.70 per box, or $30.80 per year.

    But the price of Yaz and Yasmin will still be higher than other combined oral contraceptives (containing the hormones levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol) on the PBS, which start at $22 for a four-month supply or $66 per year.

    How can you switch?

    If you are considering Yaz or Yasmin, speak to your doctor. They will take your medical history and discuss your lifestyle and any other specific health needs.

    They will also explain the potential side effects to watch out for and any precautions you may need to take.

    If you proceed, your doctor will outline a process for transitioning to the new medication, including timing and where to start in the pill sequence.



    Read more:
    What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder? And how is it different to PMS?

    Nial Wheate in the past has received funding from the ACT Cancer Council, Tenovus Scotland, Medical Research Scotland, Scottish Crucible, and the Scottish Universities Life Sciences Alliance. He is a fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, a member of the Australasian Pharmaceutical Science Association and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Nial is the chief scientific officer of Vaihea Skincare LLC, a director of SetDose Pty Ltd (a medical device company) and was previously a Standards Australia panel member for sunscreen agents. Nial regularly consults to industry on issues to do with medicine risk assessments, manufacturing, design, and testing.

    Shoohb Alassadi 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. Yaz and Yasmin contraceptive pills will be cheaper from March. How are they different from other pills? – https://theconversation.com/yaz-and-yasmin-contraceptive-pills-will-be-cheaper-from-march-how-are-they-different-from-other-pills-249480

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Do public health measures really make us happier? – UoA

    Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

    Do policies aimed at making people healthier also make them happier? And to what extent do they infringe on personal autonomy are questions central to a new book by Martin Wilkinson from the University of Auckland.

    Many of us accept public health policies relating to things deemed harmful, like alcohol, vapes, fatty or sugary food or cigarettes, without question.

    However a new book by Martin Wilkinson, a professor of politics and international relations and former chair of the New Zealand Bioethics Council, concludes that many public health interventions probably make people worse off, infringe on their autonomy and don’t have compensating benefits for others.

    Free to access, The Ethics of Public Health Paternalism (Oxford University Press, 2025) examines the various ways of making people healthier, according to whether they make it harder to be unhealthy, easier to be healthy, influence beliefs, or ‘nudge’ people towards certain choices.

    The book covers measures like taxes, label warnings, age limits and bans on sales and marketing, as well as health promotions like ‘five plus a day’, subsidies to gyms, enticements to stop unhealthy behaviour, product placement in stores and the provision of walking and cycling infrastructure.

    It features examples like the prohibition of alcohol in the US (from 1920 to 1933) or the Danish fat tax, a tax on saturated fat in food products, introduced in 2011, repealed in 2012, and the first of its kind in the world.

    It also defines the concept of ‘paternalism’ in relation to health policies.

    A main reason often given for the state to intervene in citizens’ health is because people would, if left to their own devices, make unhealthy choices that are bad for them, says Wilkinson.

    “But trying to stop people harming themselves sounds paternalistic, and paternalism in public health raises two main questions: Why think that getting people to make healthier choices would make them better off? And should people not be free to choose for themselves?”

    He specifies that adults, rather than children, are the focus of the book and that smoking is the one area where he believes the sheer weight of evidence supports efforts to discourage it.

    Otherwise, he is on a collision course with the majority of public health advocates, he admits.

    “I’m doubtful about the merits of many of the interventions they want. I argue that adults ought to be free to run their own lives, and that some, but not all, public health interventions would infringe on their autonomy.”

    He says the book engages with ideas that writers and public health advocates have offered, found not only in books and academic articles but also in blogs, pamphlets, interviews, and health promotion campaigns.

    He believes public health advocates who want to steer people into healthier behaviour have not been good at giving convincing reasons for doing so.

    “They generally assume that to be healthier is to be better off, but this assumption is often wrong, because health is neither the only value nor the supreme value.

    “To decide when people would benefit from being healthier, we must consider the value of health in their lives, how their unhealthy behaviour might be mistaken, and the evidence about whether it is or not.”

    While the book is obviously critical of public health, Wilkinson says he’s not taking a free market or libertarian position
    .
    “I take no view about the size of the government, its role in the economy, or its duties to redistribute or to support a welfare state. Nor do I believe that paternalism towards adults is always wrong, only that it is questionable.”

    He believes in fact that perhaps paternalistic influences on people’s choices would make them better off, perhapsthey wouldn’t infringe upon people’s autonomy after all, or perhaps the infringement is justified.

    “Finally, however, I remain unconvinced,” he says. “A persistent theme of the book is that we often don’t have very good, or in fact competing, evidence on these issues. Because the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence, I don’t conclude that public health interventions are unjustifiable, only that they have not been justified.”

    The Ethics of Public Health Paternalism (Oxford University Press, 2025) by T M Wilkinson is
    open access and now published online and in print. (ref. https://academic.oup.com/book/59451 )

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters and Slotkin Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Extend Federal Funding and Protections for the Great Lakes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Elissa Slotkin (MI) are leading bipartisan legislation to extend federal funding and protections for the Great Lakes. The senators introduced the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2025 to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) through 2031 and increase the program’s annual authorized funding levels from $475 million to $500 million. The GLRI is the most significant investment ever made to restore and protect our Great Lakes. The GLRI combines federal and nonfederal efforts to stop the spread of carp and other invasive species, restore coastline and habitats connecting our streams and rivers, clean up environmentally damaged Areas of Concern, and prevent future contamination. While providing vital support for these efforts, the GLRI also helps ensure we can address new and emerging threats to the Great Lakes.    

    “The Great Lakes are a national treasure and central to our economy, environment, and way of life in Michigan. Since its creation, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has made significant headway in cleaning up Areas of Concern, protecting vital habitats, and restoring coastlines around the Great Lakes Basin,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan legislation will provide GLRI with the resources needed to build on that success and help protect and preserve the Great Lakes for future generations of Michiganders. I’m proud to again help lead the charge to strengthen this essential program.”  

    “Our Great Lakes power our Michigan economy, and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative ensures we are protecting our Lakes for generations to come,” said Senator Slotkin. “From controlling invasive species to responding to algal blooms to building up our waterways infrastructure – the GLRI is a critical tool. Time and time again the Trump administration has tried to zero out this program, and it’s more important than ever we protect it. It’s why I am honored to take up the mantle from Senator Debbie Stabenow, and work alongside Senator Peters to get this bill done.”   

    Since its inception, the GLRI has spurred tremendous progress in Michigan and throughout the Great Lakes region including nearly half of a million acres of habitat protected, restored, or enhanced, a five-fold increase in the successful cleanup and delisting of Areas of Concern, a ten-fold increase in the remediation of environmental and public health impairments, and reducing the threat of harmful algal blooms. The GLRI’s efforts have also resulted in economic returns of more than 3 to 1 across the region. 

    “The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is the most successful effort to protect and clean up our Great Lakes in U.S. history,” said Lisa Wozniak, Executive Director of Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “Our Great Lakes face emerging challenges, like toxic PFAS contamination, invasive species, rapidly warming temperatures and the impacts of climate change, which makes the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act of 2025 more important than ever. Protecting our treasured Great Lakes, the source of drinking water for millions of people, is something all Michiganders can get behind, and we look forward to working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to get this legislation signed into law.” 

    “The simple fact is the GLRI funds critical projects that make life better for the millions of Americans that depend on the Great Lakes. It also delivers a positive economic return on the government’s investment in cleaner water and healthier communities. Senator Peters and Senator Young along with other Great Lakes senators have our gratitude for introducing this important bill,” said Joel Brammeier, Alliance for the Great Lakes President and CEO. 

    “The GLRI is a landmark program that is making significant progress in restoring the waters, ecosystems, economies, and communities that make up the Great Lakes region,” said Erika Jensen, Executive Director of the Great Lakes Commission. “The Great Lakes Commission applauds Senators Peters and Young for introducing this important legislation, which will safeguard the economic and environmental health of the Great Lakes region for generations to come.” 

    “This bill is a winner for millions of people in the region,” said Laura Rubin, Director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “We thank Sens. Gary Peters and Todd Young for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to tackle the serious threats to our region’s drinking water, public health, jobs, and quality of life. Federal investments to restore the Great Lakes have been producing results, but serious threats remain. We look forward to working with the Great Lakes congressional delegation to pass this bipartisan bill that supports common sense solutions. If we scale back investments now, the problems will only get worse and more expensive to solve.” 

    “The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative provides critical investments in the health of the Great Lakes and the communities and businesses that rely on clean water. Communities across the region realize the lasting benefits of clean and healthy lakes, which attract visitors, create jobs, and sustain the Great Lakes way of life,” said Peter Laing, Great Lakes Business Network Co-Chair.  

    The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2025 is also supported by the League of Conservation Voters, National Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club, National Parks Conservation Association, Council of Great Lakes Governors, Great Lakes Fishery Commission, American Great Lakes Ports Association, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, American Sportfishing Association, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, National Audubon Society – Great Lakes,  Environmental Law & Policy Center, and other key stakeholders in Great Lakes protection.  

    Peters and Slotkin have been champions for the GLRI. Peters and Slotkin helped enact the single-largest-ever investment in the GLRI through the bipartisan infrastructure law to accelerate the restoration of nine high-priority areas in Michigan whose lakes, rivers and watersheds flow into the Great Lakes.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘No life without land’, says campaigning athlete at UN desertification meeting

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Climate and Environment

    There can be “no life without healthy land as we cannot survive,” according to an Olympic athlete who has been attending a global meeting being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focused on halting desertification and land loss and promoting the restoration and sustainable use of land.

    Asmaa Niang, who is from Morocco, spoke to UN News at the UN Convention to Control Desertification (UNCCD) meeting known as COP16 and explained why as an athlete she has the “responsibility to give back and inspire others to protect the land.”

    As a five-time African judo champion and Olympic athlete in Rio de Janeiro (2016) and Tokyo (2020) she knows a lot about resilience and how to defeat adversaries, experience she has used to fight desertification in Morocco and across the world.

    “Judo is a sport based on the philosophy of leading a positive life, it is also a sport of resilience,” she said. “So, I have a responsibility to give back to society by using this experience to inform people about desertification issues and inspire them to action.”

    MINUSMA/Marco Dormino

    Mali, in the Sahel, is facing desertification challenges

    Globally, UNCCD says that “the future of our land in on the line,” as 100 million hectares (the size of Egypt) of healthy and productive land is degraded each year.

    Droughts are hitting harder and more often and three out of four people in the world are projected to face water scarcity by 2050.

    That loss of land is affecting people across the world and specifically nomad peoples in Morocco and other countries that Asmaa Niang has visited.

    “Nomadic groups are a symbol of freedom,” she said, because of their peripatetic lifestyle.  “In Morocco, Kenya and Mongolia, I have seen how desertification and drought has driven them to extreme vulnerability and changed their way of life,” adding that “their freedom is linked to our freedom, as we are all dependent on the land for our survival.”

    ©Asmaa Niang

    UNCCD has been working with athletes since the Paris Olympic Games as part of its Sport4Land campaign, leveraging their celebrity and influence to advocate for communities affected by desertification and land loss, but also to highlight the local and global solutions to restore land  and use it in a more sustainable way.

    “Healthy land provides nearly 95 per cent of the food we eat. It gives us shelter, provides livelihoods and protects us from escalating droughts, floods and forest fires,” said UNCCD.

    The policy makers, experts, the private and civil society sectors as well as youth and sportspeople who are coming together in Riyadh are focusing on a number of goals including accelerating the restoration of degraded land by 2030 and beyond.

    “Restoring our land is about more than improving the environment,” according to UNCCD, “it’s about creating better quality of life, ensuring food security, and driving sustainable growth.”

    © UNCCD/Mwangi Kirubi

    Turkana County in the north of Kenya regularly faces drought conditions.

    As droughts, floods and forest fires become more regular and intense across the world, population growth and unsustainable production and consumption patterns are fueling demand for natural resources.

    By 2050, 10 billion people will share the planet and depend on healthy land for their livelihoods.

    “I see people are engaged at this meeting,” said Judo Olympian Asmaa Niang, “and if everyone makes even just small changes, for example, changing their consumption patterns, eradicating plastic, then we can treat the earth in a kinder way and build greater resilience.” 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Successful localization of disaster risk reduction efforts in Nepal is supported through well-coordinated UN partners present at the provincial levels, and innovative research partnership

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Nepal is exposed to a range of natural hazards, such as floods, landslides, droughts, and severe weather events including lightning storms. Nepal’s population is very vulnerable to the impacts of climate change as it largely relies on agriculture, tourism and natural resources, with a shift towards services and away from agriculture in recent years. The accelerated melting of the glaciers in the Himalayas increases the risk from related hazards such as glacial lake outburst floods and avalanches. It also impacts the availability of water and hydropower for 2 billion people downstream of major Asian rivers originating in the Himalayas in the longer term. Nepal is further prone to earthquakes as it is located above the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Environmental sustainability, climate and disaster resilience are a priority of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027 for Nepal, including a focus area on the reduction of vulnerabilities, disaster risk reduction, preparedness and effective response and recovery. The Results Group on Disaster Risk Reduction is co-chaired by WFP and UNDP, who coordinate closely with the Resident Coordinator’s Office and the Humanitarian Country Team. Leaving no-one behind and the localization of sustainable development efforts cut across the four priorities of the Framework and translates into targeting the most vulnerable through household-level data gathering and supporting social protection systems.

    The United Nations organizations are supporting Nepal’s localised approach to resilience building and disaster risk reduction at the federal, provincial, and local levels of government. Close and sustained cooperation at all levels of government since the federalisation in 2017 has led to the creation of disaster risk reduction plans that are implemented with government resources, with the United Nations organizations mainly being requested to provide specialised technical support.

    An innovative system of providing single entry points for government officials is the Provincial Focal Point Agencies concept, which nominates one of the UN organizations present at the provincial level as the focal point to liaise with provincial governments, relay information, convene development partners around the request for support, and hold coordination meetings. The Provincial Focal Point Agencies are supported in their function through a direct line of communication with the UN Resident Coordinator. This concept has already demonstrated its efficiency for disaster risk governance and emergency management. For example, during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic when travel restrictions were in place and around 100,000 migrant workers were returning to Nepal at once, the conditions in more than 1,000 quarantine sites were assessed by locally-based development partners. At the request of the Government of Nepal, the Provincial Focal Points Agencies reached out to the partners, trained them on the survey provided by the Government, and the assessment of quarantine sites was completed within two weeks.

    In 2023, the Promoting Action for Disaster Risk Governance and Working to Achieve Preparedness for Risk Reduction through Technical Assistance in Nepal (PARIWARTAN) project concluded. It was implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in consortium with the National Society for Earthquake Technology – Nepal, Practical Action Consulting, and Lutheran World Federation. It provided technical assistance to the three tiers of government (federal level, 7 provinces, 753 local levels) in implementing the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act in a coordinated and inclusive manner. The Disaster Risk Management Localization Manual: An Operational Training Manual for Disaster Risk Management Capacity Building of Local Governments was developed in close coordination with the Government of Nepal. More than 19,900 government officials were trained on disaster risk reduction and management in all 753 local level municipalities that supported strengthening community resilience. The training has spurred local government actions such as the formulation or amendment of legal documents, standards and guidelines to implement disaster preparedness and response activities, the increase of budgets allocated for disaster risk management, the formation of disaster risk management committees, as well as a shift in focus from response to preparedness prioritizing multiple hazards prevalent in the local context.

    Over the last 10 years the United Nations Country Team has built a unique and innovative research partnership with a consortium of universities to provide new forms of evidence to guide disaster risk governance. This consortium, called Sajag-Nepal, includes organisations in Nepal, the UK, Canada, and New Zealand. Working together, the consortium and the Resident Coordinator’s Office have pioneered a new scenario ensemble[1] approach to understanding hazards, enabling risk-informed contingency planning for both the annual monsoon and for infrequent large earthquakes. For earthquakes, the Resident Coordinator’s Office worked with researchers to develop an ensemble of possible impacts in a future earthquake, irrespective of where that earthquake occurs. This ensemble now forms the basis of both cluster contingency plans and provincial preparedness planning. For the monsoon, Sajag-Nepal researchers are using data on past monsoon impacts recorded in the government’s portal to anticipate the possible pattern of impacts in the next monsoon, helping the humanitarian clusters and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) to develop a more informed preparedness plan. The research has also developed a novel way of anticipating landslide impacts during the monsoon using 14-day rainfall forecasts. The Resident Coordinator’s Office is exploring the use of this approach as a readiness trigger for possible anticipatory action. The project is also using participatory mapping in several landslide-prone areas of Nepal to understand how people move and how their exposure to landslides varies over different time scales – with the ultimate goal of being able to better map the risks that residents face in these communities.

    The Strengthening Urban Preparedness, Earthquake Preparedness and Response in Western Regions of Nepal (SUPER) project is being implemented by a UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women consortium along with local implementing partners across three provinces and four municipalities in Western Nepal. The project works in close coordination with the NDRRMA at the federal level, as well as with provincial and local level decision makers. The project uses the earthquake scenario ensembles that were co-created by the Resident Coordinator’s Office and the Sajag-Nepal team. It enhances and institutionalizes municipal and provincial preparedness for urban and earthquake risks in 3 provinces and 4 municipalities in the western regions of Nepal. It does so by enhancing the understanding of risk, preparedness measures, reducing risk, including through reinforcing building codes and retrofitting practices. The project works with multiple stakeholders at all three federal tiers, including the community, private ector, academia, international governmental organizations, UN organizations, the Nepal Red Cross Society, and international and national non-governmental organizations.

    As the government has ownership of the project and provides it with a budget in its annual plans the sustainability of the work is ensured. The project results are delivered under the leadership of respective government authorities and include impact modelling of potential earthquake scenarios, vulnerability and capacity assessments, strengthening Emergency Operation Centres and capacity building – for example supporting the development of earthquake contingency plans for clusters (such as Health, Protection, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), which were developed with the leadership of relevant provincial ministries and were referred to extensively during the 2023 Jajarkot earthquake response.

    The SUPER consortium collaborates with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, and partners such as WHO, WFP, and IFRC to strengthen humanitarian architecture and cluster mechanisms in provinces, also through the development of cluster contingency plans. This strengthening proved very effective in response to the Jajarkot earthquake in 2023. For example, the implementation of the Health Contingency Plan was endorsed within the same day, and all sectoral information was efficiently relayed by WFP as the Provincial Focal Point Agency. The project has been working towards enabling gender equality, disability and social inclusion mainstreaming in disaster risk reduction through developing a checklist for disaster preparedness, as well as a gender-responsive costing framework for earthquakes and urban flooding, conducting a women’s safety audit together with women-led community-based organizations, and a simulation exercise on resource pooling with gender-responsive considerations.

    UNICEF’s Child-Centred Disaster Risk Reduction Programme emphasizes the importance of disaster and climate risk assessments to take children’s vulnerabilities and special needs into account. This includes raising children’s awareness of hazards and what to do as prevention and preparedness measures and empowering them to act as multipliers within their communities.

    Nepal has a UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) Anticipatory Action pilot framework to provide collective anticipatory humanitarian action to people at risk of predicted severe monsoon flooding with delivery planned through UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women, WFP and WHO in partnership with the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) and national NGOs and in close collaboration with the federal, provincial and local authorities.

    Also, IOM, jointly with the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS), Tribhuvan University’s Central Department of Population Studies (CDPS) and the National Planning Commission have established a Migration School in 2023, a two-week academic forum to foster collaboration among educational institutions, policymakers and experts on human mobility, including climate and disaster displacement.

    [1] scenario ensembles: estimation of the likelihood and scale of future hazard impacts, determining locations where impacts are most likely to occur, along with the average and worst-case impacts for all locations, so that both emergency relief and disaster risk reduction activities can be prioritized; source: Robinson, T.; Rosser, N.; Densmore, A.; Oven, K.; Shrestha, S.; Guragain, R. (2018) Use of scenario ensembles for deriving seismic risk

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Making Cities Resilient 2030 initiative drives risk reduction and resilience building activities that are aligned with local, national, and regional priorities in Moldova

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Moldova is highly vulnerable to landslides, droughts, extreme temperature and severe weather events and floods, exacerbated by climate change, with droughts posing the greatest risk to communities and the economy. Water scarcity and forest fires are increasingly posing a threat to natural ecosystems, agriculture, and human settlements. Economic losses due to climate-induced disasters have caused economic losses of an estimated US$ 4 million per year, with scenarios indicating that the country could progressively trend towards a more arid environment, with the possibility of intensified droughts and fires.[1] Moldova was affected by 16 major earthquakes within the past 200 years. The area of its capital Chisinau is particular vulnerable to seismic risks due to its location and the structural vulnerability of its older buildings.[2]

    Chisinau municipality has been part of UNDRR’s Making Cities Resilient 2030 initiative aimed at enhancing local resilience through advocacy, knowledge sharing, and city-to-city learning networks since 2021 and is committed to increasing its resilience and readiness for forthcoming challenges, encompassing disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. Building on several multi-stakeholder workshops,[3] Chisinau municipality, in February 2023, initiated the development of a Resilience Strategy for the period of 2024-2030, including an action plan for 2024-2027. Over the course of the remainder of the year, local authorities, in collaboration with UNDRR, organized an interactive and participatory process involving diverse stakeholders, including central authorities, civil society, citizens, the private sector, and representatives of international development partners such as the International Organization for Migration, the World Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. These discussions and workshops helped to better understand the needs and of the local community, and to identify priority areas for resilience building: (1) strengthening governance, (2) enhancing critical infrastructure, and (3) fostering societal resilience. Chisinau is offering assistance and policy guidance to other cities and towns, both domestically and internationally. For example, within the framework of Making Cities Resilient 2030, Chisinau has already shared its experiences in resilience-building efforts with cities in Ukraine and Kazakhstan and has engaged in knowledge exchange with Portuguese municipalities.[4] The resilience building activities of Chisinau municipality align not only align with local and national priorities, but also with regional ones as strengthening disaster risk governance is prioritized in the National Implementation Plan of the European Union-Moldova Association Agreement. Since 2023, Moldova has access to the UN-supported INFORM Risk Index, a comprehensive assessment of subnational risk that facilitates the implementation of data-driven strategies for risk reduction, guiding decisions on prevention, preparedness, and response measures effectively.

    Given that early warning 24 hours before an event can reduce the ensuing damage by 30 per cent[5], multi-hazard early warning systems are crucial to reducing losses from hazard events. Such early warnings need to be broadcast through a public alert system that effectively transmits and reaches people with these warnings regarding imminent emergencies and disasters. The United Nations Country team is supporting the establishment by 2027 of an Early Warning System tailored to the requirements of the Moldova Inspectorate for Emergency Situations. For example, ITU undertook a feasibility study on the deployment and implementation of a Cell Broadcast Service solution for sending alert messages in Moldova in 2023.

    In 2023, Moldova implemented legislative reforms and policies to address climate change, with substantial support from UNCT. The adoption of the National Climate Change Adaptation Programme along with its Action Plan signifies a strategic commitment towards sustainable environmental governance, particularly in agriculture, forestry, health, energy, water and transport. Climate resilience was prioritized in the newly adopted National Strategy for Agricultural and Rural Development and the Migration and Asylum Programme.

    UN organizations in Moldova bolstered governance capacity by producing a guidance document on addressing human mobility challenges in the context of climate change, as well as a comprehensive analysis of disaster risk reduction in the agriculture sector, and a study on the role of migration role in climate adaptation in Moldova. Policy makers, statistical data producers, national experts, technical staff from public institutions, and academia representatives in Moldova have enhanced their knowledge and skills for sustainable resource management, energy efficiency, and climate resilience within the agriculture sector through diverse capacity-building activities supported by FAO, IFAD, IOM, UNDP, UNDRR, UNECE, UNESCO, ITU and UNIDO.

    UN expertise in disaster risk reduction and resilience building supported public and private institutions in enhancing energy efficiency and sustainable natural resource management, which resulted in photovoltaic panels of 600 kW capacity installed in five district hospitals. Six Farmer Field Schools promoting climate-smart agriculture enabled more than 700 farmers to apply their skills in sustainable agriculture practices across 5,700 ha of land, resulting in improved soil health and increased productivity. Moldovan farmers now have access to a Community of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices platform, promoting the adoption of climate-smart technologies and supporting local producers in implementing conservation agriculture.

    Thirty localities improved their public services and social infrastructure and have become more resilient to climate change. Inclusive disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation measures were advanced. Almost 27,000 persons (including 51% women, and 22% youth) benefited from land restoration efforts across 118 hectares inMoldova, including shelter[6] belts, grassland, and vegetation cover for agricultural purposes, and 30% women participation in bodies promoting land degradation neutrality was ensured. With support of UN organizations, 32 communities developed shelter belt management plans and five community-based action plans for climate change adaptation, promising increased resilience against extreme weather, improved environmental sustainability, enhanced agricultural productivity, and community engagement. The inclusive development of these plans engaged local public authorities, land users, and landowners.

    [1] United Nations Moldova (2021) Common Country Analysis Republic of Moldova

    [2] The last assessment of residential building conditions in was conducted in 2005, revealing that approximately 83% of the 25,000 examined buildings exhibited significant wear and tear. From: UNDRR (2024) Chisinau Municipality leads resilience efforts in Moldova

    [3] Local authorities utilised the Preliminary and Detailed Disaster Resilience Scorecard assessments, along with the Public Health System Resilience assessment scorecard for these multi-stakeholder workshops.

    [4] UNDRR (2024) Chisinau Municipality leads resilience efforts in Moldova

    [5] UNDRR (undated website) Early Warnings for All Initiative

    [6] shelter belt: a line of trees or shrubs planted to protect an area, especially a field of crops, from fierce weather.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: United Nations organizations’ support to community-driven recovery, risk knowledge and governance enhances disaster and climate resilience in Costa Rica

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Costa Rica is highly vulnerable to hydrometeorological hazards such as floods, hurricanes, storms, droughts and water scarcity[1], which are exacerbated by climate change. In 2023, Costa Rica was both affected by heavy rains and by drought. Due to its location in between two tectonic plates, it is also prone to tectonic and volcanic activity. Based on a co-creation exercise with UN organizations operating in Costa Rica, led by the United Nations Resident Coordinator, the resilience of people, communities, institutions and the territory has been made a strategic priority of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027. The results group for this priority is co-chaired by IOM and UNDP, and links to the inter-agency coordination group on Disaster Risk Management chaired by UNDP, the United Nations Emergency Team (UNETE). The United Nations organizations in Costa Rica are adopting an integrated approach to looking at climate and disaster risks and place importance on being attentive to the particular vulnerabilities of certain groups such as migrant populations, people with disabilities, indigenous people, etc.

    A pronounced local leadership on emergency response, recovery, and resilience building is evident in Costa Rica. After the canton of Acosta was devastated by Storm Nate in October 2017, the roughly 20,000 inhabitants of that mountain community were cut off for days, without water, electricity or access to food or medicine. As the rest of the country had also been affected, the Acosta community prioritised self-help and formed a solid local network that first focused on bringing food and medicine to those who were most affected by the storm and, once the emergency was over, mounted a community-led recovery process. At the beginning of 2018, more than 400 people, including community leaders, representatives of institutions, farmers, students, young people, and older adults, decided that the path to recovery should be oriented towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

    A Cantonal Development Plan was elaborated that focuses on recovering and rebuilding in a sustainable manner and on providing opportunities to all – especially to those most affected by climate and hazard events. A key component of the plan was the development of resilient infrastructure, while at the same time ensuring environmental protection. Experiences like Acosta’s inspired 32 municipalities (out of 82) to join a Network of Cantons Promoting the Sustainable Development Goals. This programme is led by the Ministry of Planning, the Municipal Development and Consulting Institute, with the support of the United Nations. Cantons are provided advice and toolboxes to articulate the Sustainable Development Goals at the local level, as well as a platform to share good practices with other participating local governments. This network has become a space for close cooperation between local governments and national government institutions, and international partners to identify solutions to the challenges of sustainable development in each community. Supporting communities to implement the Sustainable Development Goals at the local level is a priority commitment of the United Nations entities in Costa Rica. The support to the network also links with Child-Friendly Cantons and Senior-Friendly Cities initiatives that UNICEF and the Pan American Health Organization are promoting to strengthen the capacities of the cantons in addressing the needs of these groups.

    The United Nations development system is supporting the localized approach to recovery and resilience building in Costa Rica through programmatic activities such as UNDP’s recently completed multi-year programme for strengthening the capacities of Rural Aqueduct Associations (ASADAs) that was implemented with the leadership of the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA), with financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). In Costa Rica, more than 15,000 volunteer community water managers are engaged to secure the water supply to nearly 30% of the population. Often in steep, mountainous terrain, water pipes need to be installed above ground and sometimes across rivers. To make infrastructure more resilient, PVC pipes were replaced by polyethylene tubes, which are thicker, more flexible and more resistant. Hydrants were installed to attend to possible fires, meteorological stations were installed for better water availability forecasts and supporting existing watershed Early Warning systems. Communities were encouraged to take better care of their environment. Meters were installed in each home and users were subsequently charged by consumption, which reduced the overall water consumption. Capacity building for geolocating the water infrastructure was undertaken in order to facilitate monitoring and recovery operations in the future.

    Inter-agency contributions to disaster risk reduction and resilience building in 2023 further include IOM’s inputs on human mobility and climate change, and UNDRR’s partnership with Costa Rica’s National Commission for Risk Prevention and Emergency Response (CNE) and other national partners in carrying out a systemic risk assessment with the aim to inform risk governance and support efforts to ensure critical infrastructure resilience. More than 100 senior government officials, technical staff and practitioners worked together throughout 2023 to quantify risks associated with key hazards – such as floods and seismic events – across different sectors, including livelihoods, water and sanitation, energy and road infrastructure, schools, and health centres. This work helped the Government of Cost Rica to identify ways to safeguard public infrastructure and public services from future disaster risk. As a result of this thorough analysis, some 60% of Costa Rica’s critical road corridors, and a similar proportion of its bridges, were found to be vulnerable to flood risk – just one example of crucial information that will inform decisions about mitigation investments. Recommendations were formulated for enhancing the governance of strategic infrastructure such as electricity, hydrocarbons, roads and bridges, railroads, water and sanitation, health, education, and postal services. The integration of systemic risk analysis and the principles of infrastructure resilience into risk governance marks the inception of a transformative new stage in risk-informed and multistakeholder disaster risk reduction, empowering decision-makers with invaluable insights, fostering a paradigm shift towards risk-informed investment and robust multisectoral engagement.

    In September 2023, Costa Rica invited an inter-agency mission (with expert support from UNDP, IOM, UNOPS, UNHCR, UNDRR, UNFPA, UNICEF, and UNESCO) through the Capacity for Disaster Reduction Initiative (CADRI) to undertake a capacity assessment mission in Costa Rica. The aim of the mission was to provide actionable recommendations to assist the government in advancing its overall risk management agenda, with a particular focus on further enhancing cross-sectoral recovery efforts in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. The recommendations will serve as inputs for the development of the National Framework for Disaster Recovery, which is in the process of development under the leadership of the CNE with support from UNDP. The results and recommendations of the CADRI mission will further be reviewed by the United Nations Country Team with a view to identifying other actions where UN organizations may provide support to the national authorities in its disaster risk reduction and resilience building efforts.

    [1] United Nations Costa Rica (2022) Common Country Analysis

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: School of Medicine and Public Health (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    The UW School of Medicine and Public Health strives to improve the health and well-being of people in Wisconsin and beyond.

    The school began offering a 2-year medical curriculum in 1907 and welcomed the first class of medical students for a comprehensive 4-year degree in 1925. In 2006, it became the nation’s first school of medicine and public health, integrating social, environmental, economic and public policy issues into our teaching, research, clinical care and community service missions.

    The School’s goal is to train health, public health and research professionals who think broadly as they seek to solve society’s most pressing health challenges.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Ten actions to combat extreme heat

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    We need bold solutions to extreme heat – now. We are not going to be able to air-condition our way out of this.

    In July, UN Secretary-General Guterres issued a global call to action on extreme heat which was widely welcomed, and during the recent G20 Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction in Belém, Brazil, the Government of Brazil and UNDRR hosted a ministerial event to unpack it further.

    The extreme heat problem is enormous and requires transformational actions. We need an integrated short, medium and long-term approach to tackling mounting extreme heat disaster risks. At the Belém meeting, I laid out a ten-point DRR action plan for the consideration of G20 in response to the Secretary-General’s call:

    1. Establish heat thresholds: We need to establish location and sector-specific heat thresholds that take temperature, humidity, wind, diurnal variation and persistence into account. These must use the evidence generated by research bringing together meteorology, human and animal health, engineering, and economic sectors. When the Indian city of Ahmedabad applied this approach in 2010-11 it paid rich dividends, showing significant reductions of heat-related deaths.
    2. Develop and practice Heat Action Plans: Many countries have recently developed Heat Action Plans or Strategies. Such approaches are being explored by a number of countries, such as the US National Integrated Heat Health Information System, which brings together all government agencies to guide collective planning, education and action. Heat Action Plans must be localized and above all they must be practiced. Just as we do simulations for cyclones and earthquakes (such as mock drills and table-top exercise), we must run exercises for conditions of extreme heat. Germany, for example, is already planning a table-top simulation for extreme heat for 2025.
    3. Strengthen social protection systems: Extreme heat has immediate and debilitating impacts on those who have the least capacity to absorb any disruption. For example, activating a Heat Action Plan may reduce working hours or completely stop work on construction sites, and so disrupt the subsistence livelihood of the poorest daily-wage workers. We need innovative mechanisms in place to protect such groups. The Mahila Housing Trust in India, for example, launched parametric climate risk insurance for women working in the informal sector. We need to learn from and expand such initiatives.
    4. Heat-responsive building regulations: Building regulations – in the Global North as well as in the Global South – seldom account for extreme heat. We should revise building regulations to take more intense, more frequent extreme heat into account. This could incorporate both passive cooling solutions (appropriate design, orientation, roof and wall materials, and openings) as well as smarter active technology-based cooling solutions.
    5. Enhance the use of nature-based solutions: Natural facilities – green cover, water bodies – provide protection against extreme heat. Where possible, we must proactively incorporate nature-based solutions in development and urban design. Increasing tree cover in urban neighborhoods can improve the microclimate significantly and provide protection against extreme heat. A growing body of research shows that these measures can offer significant benefits beyond extreme heat and urban spaces – reducing risks from other hazards, increasing biodiversity and environmental resources, and improving quality of life
    6. Encourage market-based interventions to stimulate investment in heat resilient building and infrastructure technologies: We need to transform our built environment at scale. For example, to combat extreme heat in low-income settlements, we need cool-roof technologies over millions of square metres. However, the market hasn’t yet responded to such a need. We must find ways to stimulate a market for cool roofing: Governments could provide advance market commitments to encourage innovators and investors (for example, by advance purchases of roofing for low-income settlements).
    7. Go back to vernacular architecture for inspiration: Traditional building designs in historically hot regions can teach us a lot. But many of these practices are being lost to modernization. We must document these traditional building systems, revive, adapt and adopt these for present conditions. This could prompt a transformation of our built environment, particularly in rural settlements. In West Africa, the ‘Association la Voûte Nubienne‘ is doing precisely this with the ancient ‘Nubian vault’ building design, offering financial and practical assistance to locals to replace hot tin roofs with traditional cool designs.
    8. Recognize the connection between urban morphology and extreme heat: We need to adequately recognize the connection between extreme heat and how cities are laid out. Urban planners and climatologists need to join forces in planning heat-resilient towns and cities. We need to support the emerging discipline of urban meteorology.
    9. Exploit emerging technologies to combat extreme heat: Space based systems, sensor technologies, and AI offer exciting opportunities to understand patterns of extreme heat in real time. We can use these tools to identify distress signals, trigger early actions, and mobilize immediate public health response to protect people. SEEDS and Microsoft, for example, have been applying AI for targeted humanitarian action in India. These emerging technologies can also offer insights for heat-responsive architectural and urban design.
    10. Develop an ecosystem of vulnerability studies: While the impact of extreme heat on human health and other bio-physical systems – agriculture, animal husbandry – has been studied at length, we need to go further to examine how extreme heat affects other economic, social, ecological and infrastructure systems. This requires a vibrant research ecosystem that both broadens and deepens our understanding of risks associated with extreme heat.

    The Secretary-General’s Call to Action on extreme heat is timely and urgent. This plan to reduce the disaster risks associated with extreme heat is just part of a wider, global and ambitious response, requiring coordinated action across sectors and nations. But it is undeniable that we can’t waste a moment in making sure that everyone, everywhere, is protected from the impacts of intensifying extreme heat.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Regional Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction in the Arab Region 2024

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Regional Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction in the Arab Region 2024

    The Arab region is at a critical juncture, facing an increasingly complex and interconnected risk landscape. Climate change, urbanization, and socio-economic disparities are exacerbating these challenges, requiring urgent and cohesive action. The need for an integrated approach to disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate change adaptation (CCA), and sustainable development has never been greater. Achieving this requires strong regional collaboration because the challenges we face do not respect borders.

    The 2024 Regional Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (RAR) in the Arab Region sheds light on the complex interactions between different risks that have been made worse by systemic instability, conflict, and climate change. It also underscores the necessity for innovative strategies that address the multifaceted risks affecting our communities. Leading innovations that leverage technology and accelerate resilience-building are highlighted as key opportunities to enhance the region’s collective adaptive capacity.

    This report was officially launched at the 6th Arab Regional Platform for DRR, themed ‘Building Resilient Arab Communities: From Understanding to Action.’ Hosted by the State of Kuwait and organized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, in partnership with the League of Arab States.

    “This report serves as a vital resource for governments, policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders committed to DRR and sustainable development. It calls for collaborative efforts to transform our understanding of risk into actionable strategies that prioritize community well-being and environmental sustainability. With strategic investments in early warning systems, risk-informed development, and climate adaptation, the Arab region has the potential to build a future where resilience and sustainability go hand in hand.”
    — Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, and Head of UNDRR

    Key findings

    Risk landscape in the Arab states

    The Arab region is facing escalating climate-related risks, with temperature increases accelerating at +0.5 °C/decade, exacerbating water scarcity, heat-related deaths, crop failures and extreme flooding. The principal risk drivers of the region are related to natural resources and institutional domains. Improved governance and rule of law are critical to mitigating these impacts and addressing the region’s interconnected risk landscape.

    Progress in Disaster Risk Reduction at the mid of the Sendai Framework implementation

    The Arab region has made progress in DRR since adopting the Sendai Framework in 2015, but efforts must be stepped up to address gaps in risk governance, preparedness and investment. To accelerate progress, the region needs to strengthen institutional frameworks, invest in DRR and promote climate resilience, gender-responsive DRR and inclusive governance.

    The impact of changing climate on systemic risk drivers: Drought as a Systemic Risk Driver

    The Arab region is highly vulnerable to drought, exacerbated by climate change, population growth and unsustainable water management practices. Droughts are projected to increase in frequency and intensity, threatening food security, social stability and economic development, highlighting the need for urgent action and proactive measures to build resilience. To address this challenge, governments and stakeholders must adopt data-driven decision-making, invest in innovative technologies, and promote collaborative water management practices. 

    The impact of changing climate on systemic risk drivers: Weak Capacity for Governance of Systemic Risk

    The Arab region’s capacity to govern systemic risks is weakened by fragile institutions, corruption and lack of trust in governments, exacerbating the impacts of climate change and disasters. Strengthening governance, transparency and accountability is critical to building resilience and effectively managing risks, and can be achieved through a holistic and integrated approach to climate change and DRR policies.

    Climate Change-Disaster-Human Mobility Nexus

    Climate change is exacerbating displacement and human mobility concerns across the Arab region, where fragile contexts and conflict intersect with disasters and environmental degradation. A climate security perspective is crucial to understanding these intertwined risks, and regional efforts must prioritize immediate disaster response, long-term resilience and sustainable development. Effective policies and strategies must address the root causes of vulnerability and prioritize the safety, dignity, and rights of affected populations.

    Gender Inequality and Women’s Empowerment: Addressing the Gap 

    Somalia’s women face disproportionate impacts from climate change, conflict and migration, exacerbating existing gender inequalities. To address these challenges, it is critical to adopt a transformative and intersectional approach, integrating women’s priorities into policy and programming, and promoting women’s leadership, capacity building and access to resources, to build resilient and inclusive communities.

    Emerging Health Challenges and Related Systemic Risks

    Climate change poses an urgent public health emergency, threatening human health and wellbeing globally and in the Arab region in particular. To mitigate these impacts, collaborative efforts are necessary, including strengthening healthcare infrastructure, establishing early warning systems, and promoting climate-resilient health systems. International cooperation and targeted actions are crucial to addressing the health impacts of climate change.

    Rural – Agricultural Risk with Rising Water Scarcity and Food Insecurity

    The Arab region’s agrifood systems face multiple, interconnected risks, including droughts, floods, sand and dust storms, transboundary plant and animal pests and diseases, conflicts, and economic shocks, which threaten food security and undermine development efforts. To address these challenges, an integrated multi-risk management approach is necessary, incorporating risk-informed planning, DRR and CCA. This requires coordinated efforts from policymakers, researchers and practitioners to enhance the resilience of farmers and agriculture-dependent communities.

    Implementation Considerations: People Centred Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems

    Effective disaster management requires people-centred multi-hazard early warning systems (PCMHEWS) that prioritize community needs and engagement. The Arab region is vulnerable to climate-related hazards, and PCMHEWS can help reduce disaster risks. Leveraging digital technologies, community participation and inclusive communication channels is crucial for the success of PCMHEWS, ensuring timely and accurate warnings reach vulnerable populations.

    Implementation Considerations: Comprehensive risk management to tackle systemic risks

    Effective management of systemic risks requires comprehensive risk management (CRM) approaches that integrate DRR and CCA. The Arab region can foster policy coherence by enhancing strategic, conceptual, institutional, operational and financial coherence, ultimately driving sustainable development and inclusive growth.

    Implementation Considerations: Financing and de-risking investment

    Despite its natural advantages as a commerce hub, the region struggles to attract foreign investment. The League of Arab Nations (LAS) MA’AN Initiative towards DErisking investment offers a promising solution, promoting sustainable development and investment through regional cooperation. By addressing common challenges and promoting knowledge sharing, this initiative can help drive growth, job creation and energy transformation in the region.

    Conclusion and way forward

    • The focus of this RAR is on DRR in the context of climate change impact on systemic risks in the Arab region.
    • The Arab region may be on the brink of catastrophe, beset by a perfect storm of risks that imperil its very foundations, jeopardizing stability, development and the future of its people.
    • The principal drivers of risk in the Arab region are related to natural resources and institutions. Climate change increases the risk in both these areas, especially through rising water scarcity and a demanding need for institutions that can effectively tackle climate impacts.
    • These drivers are not isolated, but highly interwoven, thus increasing, cascading and compounding risks, which may lead to systemic failures in the Arab region.
    • Effective governance, characterized by transparency, accountability and inclusivity, is paramount in addressing these challenges and enhancing resilience across the Arab region.
    • Many cities and other areas in the Middle East might become uninhabitable before the century’s end.
    • The findings emphasize the need for innovative solutions and the adoption of multi-hazard, multi-sectoral approaches to resilience-building. This includes investing in risk-informed planning, enhancing data collection and analysis and harnessing cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence to drive predictive analytics, optimize decision-making and foster proactive resilience.
    • The path forward requires a collective commitment to addressing the root causes of vulnerability in the Arab region and fostering resilience in the face of uncertainty.
    • The recommendations of this report serve as a roadmap for policymakers and stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the region’s risk landscape.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WRRC Webinar: Reflecting on the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami: Shaping the Future of Disaster Resilience

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Venue

    Online participation via Zoom

    This webinar serves as a cornerstone event for the 2025 World Resilient Recovery Conference (WRRC), playing a critical role in advancing the global agenda for disaster risk reduction and recovery readiness. By reflecting on the legacy of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, it aims to inspire collective action and drive progress toward a more resilient future. As a foundational event leading up to the WRRC, which will take place just before the opening of the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction on 3 June 2025, this discussion will generate key insights and recommendations. These outcomes will directly inform the Global Call to Action for Investing in Readiness for Resilient Recovery, to be adopted at the WRRC and contribute to shaping global recovery strategies.

    This webinar is co-organized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR).

    Background

    The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami was one of the most devastating disasters in modern history, claiming over 230,000 lives and causing widespread destruction across 14 countries in Asia and Africa. The disaster revealed significant gaps in global disaster preparedness and response, but also catalyzed transformative changes in disaster risk management, recovery strategies and early warning systems.

    Over the past two decades, global efforts have led to critical advancements in DRR, including the establishment of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS), the adoption of the Hyogo Framework for Action (2005-2015) and its successor, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030). However, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring inclusive, sustained and adequately funded disaster recovery efforts.

    Objectives 

    This webinar will reflect on the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami as a turning point for global disaster risk reduction and recovery readiness. By examining the lessons learned, progress made and gaps that remain, this discussion will generate key insights to advance resilient recovery efforts. The session will explore governance, financing, early warning systems and the role of inclusive recovery in shaping disaster resilience.

    The outcomes of this session will directly contribute to the Global Call to Action for Investing in Readiness for Resilient Recovery and inform the broader agenda of the 2025 World Resilient Recovery Conference (WRRC). By reflecting on the long-term impacts of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, this discussion will provide actionable recommendations for accelerating progress on the principles of “Building Back Better” and strengthening disaster resilience. The insights gathered will contribute to shaping inclusive recovery frameworks, emphasizing the need to address vulnerabilities, integrate community voices, and ensure equitable recovery processes in future disaster preparedness and recovery strategies.

    The session further aims to:

    1. Understand how the Indian Ocean Tsunami became a turning point on greater investments in disaster risk reduction and related areas, via the Hyogo Framework and the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction, reflecting upon how large-scale resource mobilization was realized.  
    2. Understand how the establishment of an Indian Ocean Tsunami Early Warning Systems was made possible across the region and reflect on the progress made since then in terms of governance to reach the last mile of early warning systems
    3. Reflect on lessons learnt in Building Back Better following the Tsunami and where progress is still needed to accelerate.

    How to Register  

    Online (Zoom): https://undrr.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wmu1bSjLQYOgsaYRkA4v8w 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Hamas report to mediators accuses Israel of pervasive Gaza ceasefire violations

    As Benjamin Netanyahu threatens to resume war, Hamas outlines widespread Israeli ceasefire violations in document sent to the mediators.

    By Jeremy Scahill and Sharif Abdel Kouddous of Dropsite News

    Hamas officials submitted a two-page report to mediators yesterday listing a wide range of Israeli violations of the Gaza ceasefire since the agreement went into effect on January 19 — including the killing of civilians, repeated ground and air incursions, the beating and humiliation of Palestinian captives during their release and the deportation of some without their consent, and the denial of humanitarian aid.

    Drop Site News obtained a copy of the report delivered to mediators from Qatar and Egypt.

    “Hamas is committed to the ceasefire agreement if the occupation is committed to the agreement,” Hamas said in a statement.

    “We confirm that the occupation is the party that did not abide by its commitments, and it bears responsibility for any complications or delays.”

    The move comes in response to accusations by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Hamas had violated the agreement, threatening a full resumption of the war — yet it was Israel’s nearly daily breaches of the deal that prompted Hamas to announce it would postpone the next release of Israeli captives.

    On Monday, Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for the Al Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing, announced the next planned release of three Israeli captives, scheduled for Saturday, would be “postponed indefinitely”.

    Abu Obeida cited “delays in allowing displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, targeting them with airstrikes and gunfire across various areas of the Strip, and failing to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid as agreed”.

    Israel violating ceasefire agreement
    Hamas issued a statement soon afterwards reiterating that Israel was violating the agreement by blocking aid, attacking civilians, and restricting movement in Gaza, and warning that the next release of captives would be postponed until it complied.

    “By issuing this statement five full days ahead of the scheduled prisoner handover, Hamas aims to grant mediators sufficient time to pressure the occupation to fulfill its obligations,” the statement said.

    Three Israeli officials and two mediators speaking anonymously to The New York Times confirmed that Israel had not fulfilled its obligations to send humanitarian aid into Gaza. This fact was mentioned in the 9th paragraph of the Times story.

    In response, President Trump, on Monday told reporters that the ceasefire should be cancelled if Hamas did not release all the remaining captives it was holding in Gaza by midday Saturday, warning “all hell is going to break out”.

    Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doubled down on Trump’s comments.

    “If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon,” Netanyahu said in a video statement, “the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated.”

    Netanyahu reportedly ordered the military to add more troops in and around Gaza to prepare for “every scenario” if the captives were not released.

    It was not immediately clear if he was referring to the three Israelis originally scheduled for release Saturday, all remaining captives, or all living Israelis slated for release in Phase 1.

    Document submitted to mediators
    The two-page document submitted by Hamas to mediators yesterday divided the violations into five separate categories: Field Violations, Prisoners, Humanitarian Aid, Denial of Essential Supplies, and Political Violations.

    Israel has repeatedly violated the ceasefire deal since it came into effect, targeting Palestinians in Gaza on an almost daily basis. The document outlines 269 “field violations” by the Israeli military, including the killing of 26 Palestinians and the wounding of 59 others.

    Page 1 of the Hamas report of ceasefire violations by Israel. Image: Hamas screenshot APR/DDN

    The number of people killed appears to be a dramatic undercount compared to the official toll documented by the Ministry of Health in Gaza.

    The Director-General of the Health Ministry, Dr Monir al-Barsh, announced separately yesterday that 92 Palestinians had been killed and 822 wounded in “direct targeting” by the Israeli military since January 19, when the ceasefire came into effect.

    The report also lists repeated ground incursions into Gaza beyond the designated buffer zone, particularly in the Philadelphi corridor — the 14km strip of land that runs along the border of Egypt.

    These incursions “were accompanied by gunfire and resulted in the deaths of citizens and the demolition of homes,” the report said.

    It also accused Israeli authorities of subjecting Palestinian captives to beatings and humiliation during their release, forcibly deporting released captives to Gaza without their coordination or consent, preventing families of deported prisoners from leaving the West Bank to join them, and delaying prisoner releases by several hours.

    The report also says that fewer than 25 fuel trucks per day have been allowed into Gaza, which is half of the allotted 50 fuel trucks per day, as outlined in the deal. The entry of commercial fuel was blocked entirely, the report says, again in violation of the agreement.

    Only 53,000 tents allowed
    Just over 53,000 tents were allowed into Gaza, the reports says, out of the 200,000 allotted and no mobile housing units out of the 60,000 agreed on.

    Heavy machinery for the removal of massive amounts of debris and retrieval of bodies was similarly blocked, with only four machines allowed in.

    Israel also blocked the entry of supplies to repair and operate the power plant and electrical grid, the report said.

    No medical supplies, ambulances have been allowed in and no equipment for civil defense teams. Meanwhile banks were not allowed to receive cash to replenish a severe currency shortage.

    The report ends on “Political Violations” criticising statements by the “Israeli Prime Minister and ministers openly calling for the expulsion of Gaza’s population, sending a clear message that the occupation does not wish to honour the agreement and aims to implement Trump’s plan to displace Gaza’s residents”.

    It also criticises the “deliberate delay” in starting the negotiations on Phase 2 of the ceasefire and “the introduction of impossible conditions.”

    A summary of the Israeli ceasefire violations. Image: QudsNews

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 11 February 2025 Departmental update WHO’s Executive Board reviews progress on defeating meningitis by 2030

    Source: World Health Organisation

    During the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board, Member States, including delegations from each of the WHO regions, acknowledged the progress made on the Global road map on  defeating meningitis by 2030 recognizing the effectiveness of the evidence-based, practical, and scalable road map. Member States also emphasized the strong commitment of national leaders, partners, civil society organizations and the dedicated teams supporting the initiative at all levels of WHO.

    Many Member States reaffirmed their dedication to the achieving the goal, highlighting the broader benefits of the programme. They noted that the approach for defeating meningitis will strengthen primary health care, health systems and overall health security, contribute to the success of the Immunization Agenda 2030 and enhance the advocacy for the rights of persons with disabilities. The initiative also complements other global health strategies aimed at addressing neurological disorders, sepsis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and HIV.  

    Member States called for increased support from WHO to enhance the implementation of the road map’s pillars including the introduction of comprehensive immunization programmes with affordable vaccines including Men5CV to eliminate seasonal outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations including those displaced by conflicts and environmental disasters.

    Member States also called for training, support and innovations in the early detection, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of people affected by meningitis. In addition, they called for strengthened communication and advocacy efforts to raise awareness among both communities and health care workers. Member States also expressed the need for adequate funding and resources, particularly in low-resource settings.

    The collaborative efforts of partners coordinated by the Defeating Meningitis 2030 Technical Taskforce, were strongly appreciated. The importance of the taskforce in facilitating regional information exchange was highlighted.

    In their statements, WHO Assistant Directors-General emphasized the significance of this initiative and how it benefits from a cross-departmental approach to prevent and control the disease and provide care to those affected, while highlighting the notable successes of 2024, particularly the first high-level meeting on defeating meningitis in raising the awareness of the disease, and the pre-qualification of Men5CV and its implementation which will be critical for ending outbreaks within the meningitis belt.

    The progress report on the Global road map for defeating meningitis by 2030 will now be discussed by all Member States at the seventy-eighth World Health Assembly in May 2025.

     —-

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 10 February 2025 Departmental update WHO and Anesvad Foundation to extend collaboration on skin NTDs in sub-Saharan Africa

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Anesvad Foundation (Bilbao, Spain) have signed a 2-year agreement valued at €1.4 million to support activities on skin-related NTDs (skin NTDs) in a number of countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This agreement builds on the previous agreement from 2019 to 2024 to the tune of close to €1 million.

    The skin NTD strategic framework, published in June 2022 as a companion document to the WHO road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030, assists endemic countries implement integrated activities in reducing the morbidity, disability and psychosocial impacts of skin NTDs through a people-centred approach. More than half of the 21 NTDs listed by WHO are skin-related.

    The purpose of this new agreement is to build on the progress made during the previous agreement and contribute to the achievement of the road map target, namely at least 40 countries adopt and implement integrated skin NTD strategies by 2030.

    The activities focus on three strategic areas:

    1. WHO’s global coordination role to promote the skin NTDs approach
    2. Procurement of health commodities to support implementation in selected countries
    3. Operational research, surveillance, monitoring and evaluation

    The activities will be implemented by WHO headquarters, the WHO Regional Office for Africa and WHO country offices in the targeted countries, in close collaboration with the relevant national programmes.

    The targeted skin NTDs include Buruli ulcer, leprosy, cutaneous leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis (lymphoedema and hydrocele), mycetoma, scabies and yaws.

    The beneficiary countries are Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. Other countries in the WHO African Region will benefit from the technical and logistical support to strengthen their work on skin NTDs.

    “It remains to be seen what the effect of recent political developments will be, but it looks like private actors will have to step up their contribution to global health. A sudden stop in mass drug administration or case-management programmes could have catastrophic consequences for NTDs all around the world. We won’t allow the good work of recent years go to waste”, said Iñigo Lasa, Chief Executive Officer, Anesvad Foundation.

    WHO and Anesvad Foundation collaboration started in 2001. Initially focused on Buruli ulcer only, since 2016 the collaboration has extended to cover a larger number of skin NTDs. Today, the Anesvad Foundation is the first organization to support large-scale implementation of the WHO-recommended integrated approach for control and management of skin NTDs. It also supports WHO’s skin NTD global coordination activities.

    “WHO is grateful for its 24 years of partnership with the Anesvad Foundation to address neglected tropical diseases that cause immense suffering to the poor”, said Dr Ibrahima Socé Fall, Director, WHO Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme. “This renewed agreement comes at a critical time as we conduct the road map mid-term review (2021−2025) and develop an accelerated implementation plan (2026−2030).”

    The Anesvad Foundation is a Non-State Actor in official relations with WHO.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 31 January 2025 A family affair: Traversing the seas to bring vital immunizations to island communities

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Though Mimi stayed home while her mother was at work, she’d often spend her free time playing doctor. Years later, Rabiah, a single mother, would send Mimi to midwifery school following in her footsteps. Her three other siblings would also become health workers.  

    “She is the greatest inspiration in my life,” says Mimi. “Since I was a child, I saw her fighting for the community. So, I also feel the desire to be like her, to be dedicated to the island communities.” 

    Braving big waves to prevent diseases 

    With over 17 500 islands in Indonesia, many people face challenges accessing sufficient medical care, including routine immunizations. As a result, the risk of disease is very high, especially for vaccine-preventable diseases, like measles. 

    On Sanane Island in South Sulawesi Province, where Mimi provides care, more than 95% of children have received their routine immunizations, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the country’s health workers and health cadres. 

    Because some islands are small and remote, it is difficult for each one to have a dedicated immunization centre or clinic. Without an immunization centre, some islands lack the ice or refrigeration needed to keep vaccines cold.  

    Midwife Rahmi (Mimi) prepares vaccines at Baring Primary Health Care Centre in Pangkep, Indonesia, for transport to a remote island, while her daughter watches. © WHO / Harrison Thane 

    However, the District Health Office organizes specific vaccination days in the communities where Mimi works. On those occasions, Mimi wakes up well before dawn, gathers her vaccine carrier and collects the vaccines she needs from the primary health care centre. She then boards a boat and starts her long journey to the island, storing her vaccine carrier within the boat’s ice box to further keep the vaccine vials cold—the same journey her mother took throughout her career before retiring in 2013.  

    Once she arrives on the island, she and other health workers and volunteers spend the afternoons educating families and caregivers about the importance of immunization, and building trust among the community, a skill Mimi’s mother handed down to her.  

    “When you go to an island, first, be nice to the people,” advises Rabiah to Mimi. “Be kind to them. Promote your work well, using gentle words. If they don’t accept your promotion the first time, try again.” 

    The efforts to build trust in the community have paid off. On this day, Mimi is vaccinating children at Pala Island Public School #24 in South Sulawesi against human papillomavirus (HPV) and measles and rubella depending on each child’s immunization schedule. 

    Kurniati Yasin, Pala Island Public School #24 headmistress says, “When the health workers came to our school, braving the big waves, I felt happy, moved, proud. The programme at our school has helped our students understand the importance of health, how to take care of themselves, how to protect themselves, especially through the immunizations they received.” 

    Rahmi (Mimi), a midwife, applies an adhesive bandage to 10-year-old Fitriani, after she receives her vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV). © WHO / Harrison Thane 

    The immunizations have improved the children’s health, says Mimi. “I see that the children are healthier. The diseases that usually affect children who aren’t vaccinated don’t affect the children who are vaccinated. That’s why I continue this immunization programme.” Besides providing immunization for children, Mimi also provides immunization for pregnant women, protecting them against tetanus and diphtheria.  

    Reaching all children with immunizations 

    The Government of Indonesia has been intensifying efforts to address the decline in immunization rates caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on reaching un- and under-vaccinated children, particularly in remote and underserved areas like Pangkep, where Mimi operates. The pandemic caused significant disruptions to routine immunization services in the country, resulting in a drop in immunization coverage from 85% in 2019 to 67% in 2021. 

    In response, the government has implemented comprehensive and multi-faceted strategies to restore immunization coverage. A new electronic immunization registry has been introduced to ensure accurate tracking and improve follow-up efforts.  

    To catch up on missed vaccinations, three rounds of nationwide periodic intensification of routine immunization have been conducted, targeting children under age 5 who missed their doses. Technical assistance has been strengthened for priority provinces, and WHO’s Sustainable outreach services approach ensures immunization services are delivered to even the most remote communities, such as those on isolated islands.  

    “Every child, no matter where they live, has the right to immunization to protect them from life-threatening diseases. Together, let’s ensure no child is left behind—because every dose matters, and every child counts,” says Dr Prima Yosephine, Director of Immunization at the Indonesia Ministry of Health. These combined efforts aim to rebuild immunization coverage, strengthen health systems, and protect every child in Indonesia from preventable diseases.  

    ———–

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    MIL OSI United Nations News –