MIL-OSI United Kingdom: How to support and strengthen your pelvic floor

Source: Anglia Ruskin University

By Holly Ingram, Anglia Ruskin University

Did you know that around one in two women in the UK will experience symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction at some point in their lives? And for women who engage in high-intensity exercise, that figure rises to 63%.

The female pelvic floor is a remarkable yet often overlooked structure: a complex “hammock” of muscles and ligaments that stretches from the front of the pelvis to the tailbone.

These muscles support the bladder, bowel and uterus, wrap around the openings of the urethra, vagina and anus, and work in sync with your diaphragm, abdominal and back muscles to maintain posture, continence and core stability. It’s not an exaggeration to say your pelvic floor is the foundation of your body’s core.

Throughout a woman’s life, various events can challenge the pelvic floor. Pregnancy, for example, increases the weight of the uterus, placing added pressure on these muscles. The growing baby can cause the abdominal muscles to stretch and separate, naturally increasing the load on the pelvic floor. Childbirth, particularly vaginal delivery, may result in perineal trauma, directly injuring pelvic floor tissues.

However, contrary to popular belief, pelvic floor problems aren’t only caused by pregnancy and childbirth. In fact, research shows that intense physical activity, even in women who have never been pregnant or given birth, can contribute to dysfunction.

Exercise is essential for overall health and is often recommended to ease symptoms of menopause and menstruation. But one side effect that’s not talked about enough is the effect that repeated strain, such as heavy lifting or high impact movement, can have on the pelvic floor. The increased intra-abdominal pressure during these activities can gradually weaken the pelvic floor muscles, especially if they’re not trained to cope.

Pelvic floor dysfunction often results when these muscles aren’t strong enough to match the workload demanded of them, whether from daily life, exercise, or other core muscles. And it’s a growing issue, affecting more women than ever before.

Common symptoms include leaking urine or faeces when coughing, sneezing or exercising, a dragging or heavy sensation in the lower abdomen or vaginal area, painful sex, changes in bowel habits, and visible bulging in the vaginal area (a sign of prolapse). The emotional toll can also be significant, leading to embarrassment, anxiety, low confidence and a reluctance to stay active – all of which affect quality of life.

Prevention

The good news? Help is available and, better yet, pelvic floor dysfunction is often preventable.

If you’re experiencing symptoms, speak to your GP. You may be referred to a women’s health physiotherapist, available through both the NHS and private services. But whether you’re managing symptoms or hoping to avoid them in the first place, there are practical steps you can take:

Stay active and maintain a healthy weight

Drink enough water to encourage healthy bladder function

Go to the toilet only when your body signals the need; avoid going “just in case”

Prevent constipation through a high-fibre diet and good bowel habits

Don’t hold your breath when lifting or exercising

Most importantly, build strength with regular pelvic floor exercises. Here’s how to do a basic pelvic floor contraction:

Imagine you’re trying to stop yourself passing wind – squeeze and lift the muscles around your back passage.
Then, imagine stopping the flow of urine mid-stream – engage those muscles too.
Now, lift both sets of muscles upwards inside your body, as if pulling them into the vagina.
Hold the contraction for a few seconds, then fully relax. Repeat.

If you’re just starting, it may be easier to practise while sitting. With time and consistency, you’ll be able to hold contractions for longer and incorporate them into your daily routine, like brushing your teeth or waiting for the kettle to boil.

Like any muscle, the pelvic floor gets stronger with training, making it more resilient to strain from childbirth, ageing, or strenuous activity. Research shows that a well-conditioned pelvic floor recovers faster from injury.

So be proud of your pelvic floor. Support it, strengthen it – and don’t forget to do those squeezes.

Holly Ingram, Midwifery Lecturer, Anglia Ruskin University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The opinions expressed in VIEWPOINT articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARU.

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MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: About two thousand managers will undergo training under the Presidential program in 2025–2026

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The competitive selection of participants in the Presidential Management Training Program has been completed. The training will begin in September 2025 and will help strengthen the human resources potential of the regions of Russia.

“The presidential program is aimed at training highly qualified personnel for the real sector of the economy in order to solve key problems of the country’s socio-economic development. During the competitive selection, about 2.5 thousand applications were received from 62 subjects of the Russian Federation. More than 1.7 thousand specialists will undergo the educational program,” noted Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Tatyana Ilyushnikova.

The Presidential Program studies various aspects of enterprise development: financial management, strategic management, marketing, logistics. Participants apply the knowledge they gain when developing their own project, which they defend at the end of their studies.

This year, 78 leading educational organizations of the country are participating in the implementation of the program. The largest number of participants will be hosted by RANEPA, as well as the Southern Federal University, St. Petersburg State University of Economics, Penza State University and Siberian Federal University.

The program participants represent 21 sectors of the economy, among which the most widely represented are manufacturing, professional, scientific and technical activities, wholesale and retail trade, and construction.

Upon successful completion of their studies, graduates will have the opportunity to undergo internships in friendly countries, including China, Egypt, India, Belarus, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Yuri Trutnev: Volcanoes, ocean and man: Kamchatka is preparing for the exhibition “Far East Street” within the framework of the VEF

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Kamchatka Krai will present its exposition at the exhibition “Far East Street”, which will be held from September 3 to 9 as part of the tenth, anniversary Eastern Economic Forum. The exhibition is organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in the Far Eastern Federal District.

The central zone of the space – “The Will of Man” – will be dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan, and in particular to the legendary Kuril landing operation. It will act as an interactive museum of Kamchatka military glory, and will harmoniously weave in stories about the Great Patriotic War and the special military operation.

“We are celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. I believe that it is impossible not to touch upon the topic of the victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War. Kamchatka made a significant contribution to the victory. This is not only the supply of products, but also the mobilization of human resources, the heroic defense of borders and preparation for strategically important operations. It is important to always remember and honor the heroic and selfless feat of home front workers, soldiers and officers, indigenous peoples – all who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of the Motherland. It is necessary to show what heroic feats and efforts were needed to create the victory,” said Deputy Prime Minister – Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Eastern Economic Forum Yuri Trutnev.

“80 years ago, ordinary residents of the Kamchatka Region played a decisive role in ending World War II by conquering, as it seemed then, the impregnable islands of the Kuril Ridge. Then 306 Kamchatka residents gave their lives in the fight against Japanese militarism. We will never forget the price of this victory. And the main task that we set for ourselves is not to allow the events of those years to be distorted: every young resident of our region and the country as a whole should know and honor the pages of history that turned the tide of the war. That is why, on the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation, an open-air museum will be opened on Shumshu Island, and young people from all over the country, including Kamchatka guys, will go on a search expedition to the places of glory of our soldiers. The play “Ballad of the Kuril Landing” will be staged in Kamchatka, which will be presented to viewers on August 18,” said Vladimir Solodov, Governor of the Kamchatka Region.

The exhibition will introduce guests and participants of the EEF-2025 to the unique features of Kamchatka, including its natural beauty.

“Kamchatka is a unique region, the pearl of our country. It is truly a land of fire and ice. Active volcanoes, geysers, thermal springs form a unique landscape. This is one of the most promising territories of our country for tourism development. New hotels open every year. Thanks to the implementation of the master plan, the urban environment of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is gradually changing. A new modern airport welcomes guests of the peninsula,” concluded Yuri Trutnev.

The pavilion will feature a “Traveler’s Passport” zone, designed in the style of a travel agency. At the entrance to the pavilion, visitors will receive a personal traveler’s passport with information about tours, discounts from Kamchatka operators, and gifts from restaurants and shops.

A separate zone, “The Power of the Ocean”, will be dedicated to demonstrating the natural and economic potential of Kamchatka as a unique oceanic territory. The big screen will systematize and present such areas as marine logistics, the fishing industry, scientific ocean research, tourism, sea cruises and yachting, and Pacific cuisine.

In the “Volcano Energy” space, visitors will be able to get acquainted with the region’s potential for implementing projects in the fields of tourism, construction, agriculture, education and science. In the “New Kamchatka Facilities in 360” zone, it will be possible to take a full 3D tour of the Kamchatka Regional Hospital, airport and greenhouse complex.

The “Specially Protected Natural Areas” area will feature the heroes of the documentary “Fire Fox”. Visitors to the stand will also be able to familiarize themselves with information about the “Far East – Land of Adventure” competition and learn about new tourist routes in the region. In addition, the area will display images from street cameras, supplemented with elements of wild nature.

A souvenir pavilion and a stage will be opened next to the main exposition of the Kamchatka Territory. In addition, the Falcon House will be open, where the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Russia will prepare its own exposition.

The 10th Eastern Economic Forum will be held on September 3–6 at the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok. During these days, the exhibition will be available to forum participants, and on September 7, 8, and 9, it will be open to everyone. The EEF is organized by the Roscongress Foundation.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: Budget loans attracted 3.4 trillion rubles of private investment into the economy

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The program of infrastructure budget and special treasury loans helps to create comfortable living conditions for people and stimulates the development of Russian regions. Thus, thanks to infrastructure projects at the expense of IBC and SKK, almost 31.4 million square meters of housing were put into operation in Russia and about 3.4 trillion rubles of private investment were attracted to the economy, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin reported.

“The main goal of the large-scale interdepartmental national project “Infrastructure for Life” is the comprehensive development of populated areas and the creation of high-quality and modern infrastructure for people to live, work and relax. Infrastructure budget and special treasury loans have become effective tools in solving the problems of improving the quality of life of Russians. Thanks to them, new schools, kindergartens, clinics and roads are opened in the regions, utility infrastructure and public transport are updated. This, in turn, contributes to the development of territories and their economic growth. Thus, only thanks to the IBC projects, since 2022, it has been possible to commission about 28.8 million square meters of housing, create 155.3 thousand jobs and attract 3.15 trillion rubles of extra-budgetary funds to the economy. In addition, the SCC program stimulated the commissioning of another 2.6 million square meters of housing and attracted 230.6 billion rubles of private investment. Considering the effectiveness and demand for these mechanisms, on behalf of The President, within the framework of the national project “Infrastructure for Life”, the program continues in the form of treasury infrastructure loans,” said Marat Khusnullin.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the largest volume of housing thanks to infrastructure projects financed by budget loans was put into operation in the Republic of Tatarstan – 4.4 million sq. m, St. Petersburg– 3.3 million sq. m, Moscow region – 2.6 million sq. m, Sverdlovsk region – 2.5 million sq. m and Moscow – 1.3 million sq. m.

The IBC and SKK program is supervised by the Russian Ministry of Construction, and the operator is the public-law company Territorial Development Fund. Such loans are issued to regions at 3% per annum for a period of up to 15 years.

“Infrastructure budget and special treasury loans are an accessible financial mechanism through which socially significant projects are implemented. This work, among other things, has allowed for tax and non-tax budget revenues in the amount of 250.7 billion rubles. The Territorial Development Fund, as an operator, provides support to regions – it helps in preparing applications for financial assistance, in launching the necessary processes, and monitors the projects themselves. We will also take part in monitoring the implementation of projects through treasury infrastructure loans,” said Vasily Kupyzin, CEO of the Territorial Development Fund.

Currently, applications from regions for financing projects within the framework of treasury infrastructure loans are being accepted. The regions mainly plan to use these funds for the modernization of housing and communal services, as well as the implementation of social, road transport, and tourism infrastructure projects.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin appointed Vladimir Komarov as the head of the Department of Expertise and Planning of the Government of Russia

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has appointed Vladimir Komarov as head of the Department of Expertise and Planning of the Government of Russia. The order to this effect has been signed.

Vladimir Komarov was born in 1985. In 2008 he graduated from the Lomonosov Moscow State University, PhD in Economics.

He worked in various positions at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration and the Ministry of Economic Development. He participated in the development of the Russia Development Strategy 2018–2024, the Strategy for Innovative Development of Russia until 2020, the Strategy for the Development of Small and Medium-Sized Entrepreneurship until 2030, the preparation of state programs, national and federal projects, as well as initiatives for the socio-economic development of Russia until 2030.

Until now, he held the position of head of the strategic group of the Center for National Projects of the ANO “Analytical Center under the Government of the Russian Federation”.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: Southside Bancshares, Inc. Announces Financial Results for the Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Second quarter net income of $21.8 million;

Second quarter earnings per diluted common share of $0.72;

Tax-equivalent net interest margin⁽¹⁾linked quarter increased nine basis points to 2.95%;

Annualized return on second quarter average assets of 1.07%;

Annualized return on second quarter average tangible common equity of 14.38%⁽¹⁾; and

Nonperforming assets remain low at 0.39% of total assets.

TYLER, Texas, July 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Southside Bancshares, Inc. (“Southside” or the “Company”) (NYSE: SBSI) today reported its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. Southside reported net income of $21.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, a decrease of $2.9 million, or 11.6%, compared to $24.7 million for the same period in 2024. Earnings per diluted common share decreased $0.09, or 11.1%, to $0.72 for the three months ended June 30, 2025, from $0.81 for the same period in 2024. The annualized return on average shareholders’ equity for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was 10.73%, compared to 12.46% for the same period in 2024. The annualized return on average assets was 1.07% for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 1.19% for the same period in 2024.

“We reported excellent financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, which included earnings per share of $0.72, a return on average assets of 1.07%, and a return on average tangible common equity of 14.38%,” stated Lee R. Gibson, Chief Executive Officer of Southside. “Linked quarter, the net interest margin⁽¹⁾ increased nine basis points to 2.95%, net interest income increased $414,000 to $54.3 million, and deposits net of public fund and brokered deposits increased $90.1 million. The linked quarter total loans increased $35 million, while average loans decreased $106 million due primarily to heavy payoffs during the first two months of the quarter. Total loan growth during the month of June was $104 million. Our loan pipeline is solid and we currently anticipate three to four percent loan growth for all of 2025. During the quarter we expensed $1.2 million related to the write-off and demolition of an existing branch that was replaced with a new building.”

Operating Results for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025

Net income was $21.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $24.7 million for the same period in 2024, a decrease of $2.9 million, or 11.6%. Earnings per diluted common share were $0.72 for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $0.81 for the same period in 2024, a decrease of 11.1%. The decrease in net income was a result of increases in noninterest expense and provision for credit losses, partially offset by increases in net interest income and noninterest income and a decrease in income tax expense. Annualized returns on average assets and average shareholders’ equity for the three months ended June 30, 2025 were 1.07% and 10.73%, respectively, compared to 1.19% and 12.46%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2024. Our efficiency ratio and tax-equivalent efficiency ratio⁽¹⁾ were 55.67% and 53.70%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 54.90% and 52.71%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2024, and 57.04% and 55.04%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

Net interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was $54.3 million, an increase of $0.7 million, or 1.2%, compared to the same period in 2024. The increase in net interest income was due to decreases in the average rate paid on and average balance of our interest bearing liabilities, partially offset by decreases in the average yield of and average balance of our interest earning assets. Linked quarter, net interest income increased $0.4 million, or 0.8%, compared to $53.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, due to the decrease in the average balance of interest bearing liabilities, the increase in the average yield on our interest earning assets and the decrease in the rate paid on interest bearing liabilities, partially offset by the decrease in the average balance of our interest earning assets.

Our net interest margin and tax-equivalent net interest margin⁽¹⁾ increased to 2.82% and 2.95%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 2.74% and 2.87%, respectively, for the same period in 2024. Linked quarter, net interest margin and tax-equivalent net interest margin⁽¹⁾ increased from 2.74% and 2.86%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

Noninterest income was $12.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $0.6 million, or 5.1%, compared to $11.6 million for the same period in 2024. The increase was primarily due to a decrease in net loss on sale of securities available for sale (“AFS”) and increases in other noninterest income and trust fees, partially offset by a decrease in bank owned life insurance income (“BOLI”). On a linked quarter basis, noninterest income increased $1.9 million, or 18.8%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025. The increase was primarily due to an increase in other noninterest income, a decrease in net loss on sale of securities AFS, and increases in deposit services income, trust income and brokerage services income. The increase in other noninterest income was primarily due to an increase in swap fee income for the three months ended June 30, 2025.

Noninterest expense increased $3.5 million, or 9.8%, to $39.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $35.8 million for the same period in 2024, primarily due to increases in other noninterest expense, professional fees and salaries and employee benefits expense. On a linked quarter basis, noninterest expense increased by $2.2 million, or 5.8%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025, due to increases in other noninterest expense and net occupancy expense. The increase in other noninterest expense was primarily due to a one-time charge of $1.2 million on the demolition of an old branch facility following completion of the new branch during the three months ended June 30, 2025.

Income tax expense decreased $0.5 million, or 9.5%, for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. On a linked quarter basis, income tax expense remained the same at $4.7 million. Our effective tax rate (“ETR”) increased slightly to 17.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 17.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2024, and decreased slightly from 18.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The higher ETR for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, was primarily due to an increase in state income tax expense.

Operating Results for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2025

Net income was $43.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $46.2 million for the same period in 2024, a decrease of $2.9 million, or 6.2%. Earnings per diluted common share were $1.42 for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $1.52 for the same period in 2024, a decrease of 6.6%. The decrease in net income was a result of increases in noninterest expense and provision for credit losses, partially offset by increases in net interest income and noninterest income and a decrease in income tax expense. Returns on average assets and average shareholders’ equity for the six months ended June 30, 2025 were 1.05% and 10.65%, respectively, compared to 1.11% and 11.74%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2024. Our efficiency ratio and tax-equivalent efficiency ratio⁽¹⁾ were 56.34% and 54.36%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 56.41% and 54.11%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2024.

Net interest income was $108.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $107.0 million for the same period in 2024, an increase of $1.2 million, or 1.1%, due to decreases in the average rate paid on and average balance of our interest bearing liabilities, partially offset by the decrease in the average yield of interest earning assets.

Our net interest margin and tax-equivalent net interest margin⁽¹⁾ were 2.78% and 2.91%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 2.73% and 2.87%, respectively, for the same period in 2024.

Noninterest income was $22.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $1.1 million, or 5.1%, compared to $21.3 million for the same period in 2024. The increase was primarily due to increases in trust fees, other noninterest income and gain on sale of loans, partially offset by a decrease in BOLI income.

Noninterest expense was $76.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $72.6 million for the same period in 2024, an increase of $3.7 million, or 5.1%. The increase was primarily due to increases in other noninterest expense and professional fees, partially offset by a decrease in salaries and employee benefits expense.

Income tax expense decreased $0.4 million, or 4.0%, for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. Our ETR was approximately 17.9% and 17.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The higher ETR for the six months ended June 30, 2025, as compared to the same period in 2024, was primarily due to an increase in state income tax expense.

Balance Sheet Data

At June 30, 2025, Southside had $8.34 billion in total assets, compared to $8.52 billion at December 31, 2024 and $8.36 billion at June 30, 2024.

Loans at June 30, 2025 were $4.60 billion, an increase of $12.6 million, or 0.3%, compared to $4.59 billion at June 30, 2024. Linked quarter, loans increased $34.7 million, or 0.8%, due to increases of $28.8 million in commercial real estate loans, $12.3 million in construction loans and $9.0 million in commercial loans. These increases were partially offset by decreases of $7.5 million in municipal loans, $5.3 million in 1-4 family residential loans and $2.5 million in loans to individuals.

Securities at June 30, 2025 were $2.73 billion, an increase of $18.1 million, or 0.7%, compared to $2.71 billion at June 30, 2024. Linked quarter, securities decreased $6.2 million, or 0.2%, from $2.74 billion at March 31, 2025.

Deposits at June 30, 2025 were $6.63 billion, an increase of $136.0 million, or 2.1%, compared to $6.50 billion at June 30, 2024. Linked quarter, deposits increased $41.1 million, or 0.6%, from $6.59 billion at March 31, 2025.

At June 30, 2025, we had 178,970 total deposit accounts with an average balance of $34,000. Our estimated uninsured deposits were 38.5% of total deposits as of June 30, 2025. When excluding affiliate deposits (Southside-owned deposits) and public fund deposits (all collateralized), our total estimated deposits without insurance or collateral was 21.1% as of June 30, 2025. Our noninterest bearing deposits represent approximately 20.6% of total deposits. Linked quarter, our cost of interest bearing deposits decreased one basis point from 2.83% in the prior quarter to 2.82%. Linked quarter, our cost of total deposits remained at 2.26%.

Our cost of interest bearing deposits decreased 16 basis points, from 2.99% for the six months ended June 30, 2024, to 2.83% for the six months ended June 30, 2025. Our cost of total deposits decreased 11 basis points, from 2.37% for the six months ended June 30, 2024, to 2.26% for the six months ended June 30, 2025.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

Our capital ratios and contingent liquidity sources remain solid. During the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, we purchased 424,435 shares of the Company’s common stock at an average price of $28.13 per share, pursuant to our Stock Repurchase Plan. Under this plan, repurchases of our outstanding common stock may be carried out in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or pursuant to any trading plan that might be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company has no obligation to repurchase any shares under the Stock Repurchase Plan and may modify, suspend or discontinue the plan at any time. Subsequent to June 30, 2025, and through July 23, 2025, we purchased 2,443 shares of common stock at an average price of $30.29 pursuant to the Stock Repurchase Plan.

As of June 30, 2025, our total available contingent liquidity, net of current outstanding borrowings, was $2.33 billion, consisting of FHLB advances, Federal Reserve Discount Window and correspondent bank lines of credit.

Asset Quality

Nonperforming assets at June 30, 2025 were $32.9 million, or 0.39% of total assets, an increase of $26.0 million, or 375.7%, compared to $6.9 million, or 0.08% of total assets, at June 30, 2024, due primarily to an increase of $27.4 million in restructured loans. The increase in restructured loans was due to the extension of maturity in the first quarter of 2025 on a $27.5 million commercial real estate loan to allow for an extended lease up period. Linked quarter, nonperforming assets increased $0.7 million, or 2.2%, from $32.2 million at March 31, 2025.

The allowance for loan losses totaled $44.4 million, or 0.97% of total loans, at June 30, 2025, compared to $44.6 million, or 0.98% of total loans, at March 31, 2025. The allowance for loan losses was $42.4 million, or 0.92% of total loans, at June 30, 2024. The increase in allowance as a percentage of total loans compared to June 30, 2024 was primarily due to an increase in economic uncertainty forecasted in the CECL model.

For the three months ended June 30, 2025, we recorded a provision for credit losses for loans of $0.7 million, compared to a reversal of provision of $0.9 million and a provision of $42,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and March 31, 2025, respectively. Net charge-offs were $0.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to net charge-offs of $0.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and March 31, 2025. Net charge-offs were $1.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to net charge-offs of $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024.

We recorded a reversal of provision for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures of $19,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to provision for losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures of $0.4 million and $0.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and March 31, 2025, respectively. We recorded a provision for losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures of $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to a reversal of provision for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures of $0.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The balance of the allowance for off-balance-sheet credit exposures was $3.8 million and $3.2 million at June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and is included in other liabilities.

Dividend

Southside Bancshares, Inc. declared a second quarter cash dividend of $0.36 per share on May 8, 2025, which was paid on June 5, 2025, to all shareholders of record as of May 22, 2025.

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(1)	Refer to “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below and to “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” at the end of the financial statement tables in this Earnings Release for more information and for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest GAAP financial measure.

Conference Call

Southside’s management team will host a conference call to discuss its second quarter ended June 30, 2025 financial results on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. CDT. The conference call can be accessed by webcast, for listen-only mode, on the company website, https://investors.southside.com, under Events.

Those interested in participating in the question and answer session, or others who prefer to call-in, can register at https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIad8374913fda48e3a6a27e230e7c4225 to receive the dial-in number and unique code to access the conference call seamlessly. While not required, it is recommended that those wishing to participate, register 10 minutes prior to the conference call to ensure a more efficient registration process.

For those unable to attend the live event, a webcast recording will be available on the company website, https://investors.southside.com, for at least 30 days, beginning approximately two hours following the conference call.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Our accounting and reporting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States and prevailing practices in the banking industry. However, certain non-GAAP measures are used by management to supplement the evaluation of our performance. These include the following fully taxable-equivalent measures (“FTE”): (i) Net interest income (FTE), (ii) net interest margin (FTE), (iii) net interest spread (FTE), and (iv) efficiency ratio (FTE), which include the effects of taxable-equivalent adjustments using a federal income tax rate of 21% to increase tax-exempt interest income to a tax-equivalent basis. Interest income earned on certain assets is completely or partially exempt from federal income tax. As such, these tax-exempt instruments typically yield lower returns than taxable investments.

Net interest income (FTE), net interest margin (FTE) and net interest spread (FTE). Net interest income (FTE) is a non-GAAP measure that adjusts for the tax-favored status of net interest income from certain loans and investments and is not permitted under GAAP in the consolidated statements of income. We believe that this measure is the preferred industry measurement of net interest income and that it enhances comparability of net interest income arising from taxable and tax-exempt sources. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our net interest income. Net interest margin (FTE) is the ratio of net interest income (FTE) to average earning assets. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our net interest margin. Net interest spread (FTE) is the difference in the average yield on average earning assets on a tax-equivalent basis and the average rate paid on average interest bearing liabilities. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our net interest spread.

Efficiency ratio (FTE). The efficiency ratio (FTE) is a non-GAAP measure that provides a measure of productivity in the banking industry. This ratio is calculated to measure the cost of generating one dollar of revenue. The ratio is designed to reflect the percentage of one dollar which must be expended to generate that dollar of revenue. We calculate this ratio by dividing noninterest expense, excluding amortization expense on intangibles and certain nonrecurring expense by the sum of net interest income (FTE) and noninterest income, excluding net gain (loss) on sale of securities available for sale and certain nonrecurring impairments. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our efficiency ratio.

These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered alternatives to GAAP-basis financial statements and other bank holding companies may define or calculate these non-GAAP measures or similar measures differently. Whenever we present a non-GAAP financial measure in an SEC filing, we are also required to present the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP and reconcile the differences between the non-GAAP financial measure and such comparable GAAP measure.

Management believes adjusting net interest income, net interest margin and net interest spread to a fully taxable-equivalent basis is a standard practice in the banking industry as these measures provide useful information to make peer comparisons. Tax-equivalent adjustments are reflected in the respective earning asset categories as listed in the “Average Balances with Average Yields and Rates” tables.

A reconciliation of our non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures is included at the end of the financial statement tables.

About Southside Bancshares, Inc.

Southside Bancshares, Inc. is a bank holding company with approximately $8.34 billion in assets as of June 30, 2025, that owns 100% of Southside Bank. Southside Bank currently has 53 branches in Texas and operates a network of 71 ATMs/ITMs.

To learn more about Southside Bancshares, Inc., please visit our investor relations website at https://investors.southside.com. Our investor relations site provides a detailed overview of our activities, financial information and historical stock price data. To receive email notification of company news, events and stock activity, please register on the website under Resources and Investor Email Alerts. Questions or comments may be directed to Lindsey Bailes at (903) 630-7965, or lindsey.bailes@southside.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements of other than historical fact that are contained in this press release and in other written materials, documents and oral statements issued by or on behalf of the Company may be considered to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of and subject to the safe harbor protections of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management’s views as of any subsequent date. These statements may include words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “anticipate,” “appear,” “believe,” “could,” “should,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “would,” “seek,” “intend,” “probability,” “risk,” “goal,” “target,” “objective,” “plans,” “potential,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are statements with respect to the Company’s beliefs, plans, expectations, objectives, goals, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions and future performance and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. For example, benefits of the Share Repurchase Plan, trends in asset quality, capital, liquidity, the Company’s ability to sell nonperforming assets, expense reductions, planned operational efficiencies and earnings from growth and certain market risk disclosures, including the impact of interest rates and our expectations regarding rate changes, tax reform, inflation, tariffs, the impacts related to or resulting from other economic factors are based upon information presently available to management and are dependent on choices about key model characteristics and assumptions and are subject to various limitations. By their nature, certain of the market risk disclosures are only estimates and could be materially different from what actually occurs in the future. Accordingly, our results could materially differ from those that have been estimated. The most significant factor that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated by our forward-looking statements include the ongoing impact of higher inflation levels, interest rate fluctuations, including the impact of changes in interest rates on our financial projections, models and guidance, and general economic and recessionary concerns, as well as the effects of declines in the real estate market, tariffs or trade wars (including reduced consumer spending, lower economic growth or recession, reduced demand for U.S. exports, disruptions to supply chains, and decreased demand for other banking products and services), high unemployment and increasing insurance costs, as well as the financial stress to borrowers as a result of the foregoing, all of which could impact economic growth and could cause a reduction in financial transactions and business activities, including decreased deposits and reduced loan originations, and our ability to manage liquidity in a rapidly changing and unpredictable market.

Additional information concerning the Company and its business, including additional factors that could materially affect the Company’s financial results, is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, under “Part I – Item 1. Forward Looking Information” and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” and in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any factors or to announce publicly the result of revisions to any of the forward-looking statements included herein to reflect future events or developments.

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Consolidated Financial Summary (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)

	As of
		2025						2024
	Jun 30,			Mar 31,			Dec 31,			Sep 30,			Jun 30,
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	109,669		$	103,359		$	91,409		$	130,147		$	114,283
Interest earning deposits		260,357			293,364			281,945			333,825			272,469
Federal funds sold		20,069			34,248			52,807			22,325			65,244
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		1,457,124			1,457,939			1,533,894			1,408,437			1,405,944
Securities held to maturity, at net carrying value		1,272,906			1,278,330			1,279,234			1,288,403			1,305,975
Total securities		2,730,030			2,736,269			2,813,128			2,696,840			2,711,919
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost		24,384			34,208			33,818			40,291			32,991
Loans held for sale		428			903			1,946			768			1,352
Loans		4,601,933			4,567,239			4,661,597			4,578,048			4,589,365
Less: Allowance for loan losses		(44,421	)		(44,623	)		(44,884	)		(44,276	)		(42,407	)
Net loans		4,557,512			4,522,616			4,616,713			4,533,772			4,546,958
Premises & equipment, net		147,263			142,245			141,648			138,811			138,489
Goodwill		201,116			201,116			201,116			201,116			201,116
Other intangible assets, net		1,333			1,531			1,754			2,003			2,281
Bank owned life insurance		138,826			137,962			138,313			137,489			136,903
Other assets		148,979			135,479			142,851			124,876			133,697
Total assets	$	8,339,966		$	8,343,300		$	8,517,448		$	8,362,263		$	8,357,702

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Noninterest bearing deposits	$	1,368,453		$	1,379,641		$	1,357,152		$	1,377,022		$	1,366,924
Interest bearing deposits		5,263,511			5,211,210			5,297,096			5,058,680			5,129,008
Total deposits		6,631,964			6,590,851			6,654,248			6,435,702			6,495,932
Other borrowings and Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings		611,367			691,417			808,352			865,856			763,700
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		92,115			92,078			92,042			92,006			91,970
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		60,277			60,276			60,274			60,273			60,272
Other liabilities		137,043			92,055			90,590			103,172			144,858
Total liabilities		7,532,766			7,526,677			7,705,506			7,557,009			7,556,732
Shareholders’ equity		807,200			816,623			811,942			805,254			800,970
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	8,339,966		$	8,343,300		$	8,517,448		$	8,362,263		$	8,357,702

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Consolidated Financial Summary (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)

	Three Months Ended
		2025						2024
	Jun 30,			Mar 31,			Dec 31,			Sep 30,			Jun 30,
Income Statement:
Total interest and dividend income	$	98,562		$	100,288		$	101,689		$	105,703		$	104,186
Total interest expense		44,296			46,436			47,982			50,239			50,578
Net interest income		54,266			53,852			53,707			55,464			53,608
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses		622			758			1,384			2,389			(485	)
Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit losses		53,644			53,094			52,323			53,075			54,093
Noninterest income
Deposit services		6,125			5,829			6,084			6,199			6,157
Net gain (loss) on sale of securities available for sale		—			(554	)		—			(1,929	)		(563	)
Gain (loss) on sale of loans		99			55			138			115			220
Trust fees		1,879			1,765			1,773			1,628			1,456
Bank owned life insurance		833			799			848			857			1,767
Brokerage services		1,219			1,120			1,054			1,068			1,081
Other		1,990			1,209			2,384			233			1,439
Total noninterest income		12,145			10,223			12,281			8,171			11,557
Noninterest expense
Salaries and employee benefits		22,272			22,382			22,960			22,233			21,984
Net occupancy		3,621			3,404			3,629			3,613			3,750
Advertising, travel & entertainment		950			924			884			734			795
ATM expense		405			378			378			412			368
Professional fees		1,401			1,520			1,645			1,206			1,075
Software and data processing		3,027			2,839			2,931			2,951			2,860
Communications		342			383			320			423			410
FDIC insurance		955			947			931			939			977
Amortization of intangibles		198			223			249			278			307
Other		6,086			4,089			4,232			3,543			3,239
Total noninterest expense		39,257			37,089			38,159			36,332			35,765
Income before income tax expense		26,532			26,228			26,445			24,914			29,885
Income tax expense		4,719			4,721			4,659			4,390			5,212
Net income	$	21,813		$	21,507		$	21,786		$	20,524		$	24,673

Common Share Data:
Weighted-average basic shares outstanding		30,234			30,390			30,343			30,286			30,280
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding		30,308			30,483			30,459			30,370			30,312
Common shares outstanding end of period		30,082			30,410			30,379			30,308			30,261
Earnings per common share
Basic	$	0.72		$	0.71		$	0.72		$	0.68		$	0.81
Diluted		0.72			0.71			0.71			0.68			0.81
Book value per common share		26.83			26.85			26.73			26.57			26.47
Tangible book value per common share		20.10			20.19			20.05			19.87			19.75
Cash dividends paid per common share		0.36			0.36			0.36			0.36			0.36

Selected Performance Ratios:
Return on average assets		1.07	%		1.03	%		1.03	%		0.98	%		1.19	%
Return on average shareholders’ equity		10.73			10.57			10.54			10.13			12.46
Return on average tangible common equity ⁽¹⁾		14.38			14.14			14.12			13.69			16.90
Average yield on earning assets (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		5.25			5.23			5.24			5.51			5.45
Average rate on interest bearing liabilities		2.98			3.03			3.12			3.28			3.32
Net interest margin (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		2.95			2.86			2.83			2.95			2.87
Net interest spread (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		2.27			2.20			2.12			2.23			2.13
Average earning assets to average interest bearing liabilities		129.33			128.10			129.55			128.51			128.62
Noninterest expense to average total assets		1.92			1.78			1.80			1.73			1.72
Efficiency ratio (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		53.70			55.04			54.00			51.90			52.71

(1)	Refer to “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” at the end of the financial statement tables in this Earnings Release for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest GAAP financial measure.

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)

	Three Months Ended
		2025						2024
	Jun 30,			Mar 31,			Dec 31,			Sep 30,			Jun 30,
Nonperforming Assets:	$	32,909		$	32,193		$	3,589		$	7,656		$	6,918
Nonaccrual loans		4,998			4,254			3,185			7,254			6,110
Accruing loans past due more than 90 days		—			—			—			—			—
Restructured loans		27,512			27,505			2			—			145
Other real estate owned		380			388			388			388			648
Repossessed assets		19			46			14			14			15

Asset Quality Ratios:
Ratio of nonaccruing loans to:
Total loans		0.11	%		0.09	%		0.07	%		0.16	%		0.13	%
Ratio of nonperforming assets to:
Total assets		0.39			0.39			0.04			0.09			0.08
Total loans		0.72			0.70			0.08			0.17			0.15
Total loans and OREO		0.72			0.70			0.08			0.17			0.15
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to:
Nonaccruing loans		888.78			1,048.97			1,409.23			610.37			694.06
Nonperforming assets		134.98			138.61			1,250.60			578.32			613.00
Total loans		0.97			0.98			0.96			0.97			0.92
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans outstanding		0.08			0.03			0.08			0.04			0.02

Capital Ratios:
Shareholders’ equity to total assets		9.68			9.79			9.53			9.63			9.58
Common equity tier 1 capital		13.36			13.44			13.04			13.07			12.72
Tier 1 risk-based capital		14.41			14.49			14.07			14.12			13.76
Total risk-based capital		16.91			17.01			16.49			16.59			16.16
Tier 1 leverage capital		10.03			9.73			9.67			9.61			9.40
Period end tangible equity to period end tangible assets ⁽¹⁾		7.43			7.54			7.33			7.38			7.33
Average shareholders’ equity to average total assets		9.94			9.75			9.76			9.67			9.52

(1)	Refer to the “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” at the end of the financial statement tables in this Earnings Release for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest GAAP financial measure.

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)

	Three Months Ended
		2025						2024
Loan Portfolio Composition	Jun 30,			Mar 31,			Dec 31,			Sep 30,			Jun 30,
Real Estate Loans:
Construction	$	470,380		$	458,101		$	537,827		$	585,817		$	546,040
1-4 Family Residential		736,108			741,432			740,396			755,406			738,037
Commercial		2,606,072			2,577,229			2,579,735			2,422,612			2,472,771
Commercial Loans		380,612			371,643			363,167			358,854			359,807
Municipal Loans		363,746			371,271			390,968			402,041			416,986
Loans to Individuals		45,015			47,563			49,504			53,318			55,724
Total Loans	$	4,601,933		$	4,567,239		$	4,661,597		$	4,578,048		$	4,589,365

Summary of Changes in Allowances:
Allowance for Securities Held to Maturity
Balance at beginning of period	$	64		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Provision for (reversal of) securities held to maturity		(9	)		64			—			—			—
Balance at end of period	$	55		$	64		$	—		$	—		$	—

Allowance for Loan Losses
Balance at beginning of period	$	44,623		$	44,884		$	44,276		$	42,407		$	43,557
Loans charged-off		(1,194	)		(613	)		(1,232	)		(773	)		(721	)
Recoveries of loans charged-off		342			310			277			365			444
Net loans (charged-off) recovered		(852	)		(303	)		(955	)		(408	)		(277	)
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses		650			42			1,563			2,277			(873	)
Balance at end of period	$	44,421		$	44,623		$	44,884		$	44,276		$	42,407

Allowance for Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposures
Balance at beginning of period	$	3,793		$	3,141		$	3,320		$	3,208		$	2,820
Provision for (reversal of) off-balance-sheet credit exposures		(19	)		652			(179	)		112			388
Balance at end of period	$	3,774		$	3,793		$	3,141		$	3,320		$	3,208
Total Allowance for Credit Losses	$	48,250		$	48,480		$	48,025		$	47,596		$	45,615

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)

	Six Months Ended
	June 30,
		2025			2024
Income Statement:
Total interest and dividend income	$	198,850		$	206,944
Total interest expense		90,732			99,988
Net interest income		108,118			106,956
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses		1,380			(427	)
Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit losses		106,738			107,383
Noninterest income
Deposit services		11,954			12,142
Net gain (loss) on sale of securities available for sale		(554	)		(581	)
Gain (loss) on sale of loans		154			(216	)
Trust fees		3,644			2,792
Bank owned life insurance		1,632			2,551
Brokerage services		2,339			2,095
Other		3,199			2,498
Total noninterest income		22,368			21,281
Noninterest expense
Salaries and employee benefits		44,654			45,097
Net occupancy		7,025			7,112
Advertising, travel & entertainment		1,874			1,745
ATM expense		783			693
Professional fees		2,921			2,229
Software and data processing		5,866			5,716
Communications		725			859
FDIC insurance		1,902			1,920
Amortization of intangibles		421			644
Other		10,175			6,631
Total noninterest expense		76,346			72,646
Income before income tax expense		52,760			56,018
Income tax expense		9,440			9,834
Net income	$	43,320		$	46,184
Common Share Data:
Weighted-average basic shares outstanding		30,311			30,271
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding		30,397			30,310
Common shares outstanding end of period		30,082			30,261
Earnings per common share
Basic	$	1.43		$	1.52
Diluted		1.42			1.52
Book value per common share		26.83			26.47
Tangible book value per common share		20.10			19.75
Cash dividends paid per common share		0.72			0.72

Selected Performance Ratios:
Return on average assets		1.05	%		1.11	%
Return on average shareholders’ equity		10.65			11.74
Return on average tangible common equity ⁽¹⁾		14.26			15.99
Average yield on earning assets (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		5.24			5.42
Average rate on interest bearing liabilities		3.01			3.27
Net interest margin (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		2.91			2.87
Net interest spread (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		2.23			2.15
Average earning assets to average interest bearing liabilities		128.71			128.16
Noninterest expense to average total assets		1.85			1.74
Efficiency ratio (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		54.36			54.11

(1)	Refer to “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” at the end of the financial statement tables in this Earnings Release for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest GAAP financial measure.

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)

	Six Months Ended
	June 30,
		2025			2024
Nonperforming Assets:	$	32,909		$	6,918
Nonaccrual loans		4,998			6,110
Accruing loans past due more than 90 days		—			—
Restructured loans		27,512			145
Other real estate owned		380			648
Repossessed assets		19			15

Asset Quality Ratios:
Ratio of nonaccruing loans to:
Total loans		0.11	%		0.13	%
Ratio of nonperforming assets to:
Total assets		0.39			0.08
Total loans		0.72			0.15
Total loans and OREO		0.72			0.15
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to:
Nonaccruing loans		888.78			694.06
Nonperforming assets		134.98			613.00
Total loans		0.97			0.92
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans outstanding		0.05			0.02

Capital Ratios:
Shareholders’ equity to total assets		9.68			9.58
Common equity tier 1 capital		13.36			12.72
Tier 1 risk-based capital		14.41			13.76
Total risk-based capital		16.91			16.16
Tier 1 leverage capital		10.03			9.40
Period end tangible equity to period end tangible assets ⁽¹⁾		7.43			7.33
Average shareholders’ equity to average total assets		9.84			9.43

(1)	Refer to the “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” at the end of the financial statement tables in this Earnings Release for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest GAAP financial measure.

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)

	Six Months Ended
	June 30,
Loan Portfolio Composition		2025			2024
Real Estate Loans:
Construction	$	470,380		$	546,040
1-4 Family Residential		736,108			738,037
Commercial		2,606,072			2,472,771
Commercial Loans		380,612			359,807
Municipal Loans		363,746			416,986
Loans to Individuals		45,015			55,724
Total Loans	$	4,601,933		$	4,589,365

Summary of Changes in Allowances:
Allowance for Securities Held to Maturity
Balance at beginning of period	$	—		$	—
Provision for (reversal of) securities held to maturity		55			—
Balance at end of period	$	55		$	—

Summary of Changes in Allowances:
Allowance for Loan Losses
Balance at beginning of period	$	44,884		$	42,674
Loans charged-off		(1,807	)		(1,355	)
Recoveries of loans charged-off		652			791
Net loans (charged-off) recovered		(1,155	)		(564	)
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses		692			297
Balance at end of period	$	44,421		$	42,407

Allowance for Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposures
Balance at beginning of period	$	3,141		$	3,932
Provision for (reversal of) off-balance-sheet credit exposures		633			(724	)
Balance at end of period	$	3,774		$	3,208
Total Allowance for Credit Losses	$	48,250		$	45,615

The tables that follow show average earning assets and interest bearing liabilities together with the average yield on the earning assets and the average rate of the interest bearing liabilities for the periods presented. The interest and related yields presented are on a fully taxable-equivalent basis and are therefore non-GAAP measures. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” for more information.

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Average Balances and Average Yields and Rates (Annualized) (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)

	Three Months Ended
	June 30, 2025							March 31, 2025
	Average Balance			Interest		Average Yield/Rate ⁽³⁾		Average Balance			Interest		Average Yield/Rate ⁽³⁾
ASSETS
Loans ⁽¹⁾	$	4,519,668		$	67,798	6.02	%	$	4,625,902		$	68,160	5.98	%
Loans held for sale		1,108			16	5.79	%		752			11	5.93	%
Securities:
Taxable investment securities ⁽²⁾		735,669			6,205	3.38	%		749,155			6,363	3.44	%
Tax-exempt investment securities ⁽²⁾		1,130,903			10,351	3.67	%		1,134,590			10,253	3.66	%
Mortgage-backed and related securities ⁽²⁾		1,003,887			13,040	5.21	%		1,041,038			13,523	5.27	%
Total securities		2,870,459			29,596	4.14	%		2,924,783			30,139	4.18	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost, and equity investments		31,169			524	6.74	%		43,285			483	4.53	%
Interest earning deposits		259,617			2,753	4.25	%		319,889			3,370	4.27	%
Federal funds sold		27,778			308	4.45	%		43,813			478	4.42	%
Total earning assets		7,709,799			100,995	5.25	%		7,958,424			102,641	5.23	%
Cash and due from banks		84,419							89,703
Accrued interest and other assets		452,573							457,948
Less: Allowance for loan losses		(44,747	)						(45,105	)
Total assets	$	8,202,044						$	8,460,970
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Savings accounts	$	596,125			1,451	0.98	%	$	593,953			1,429	0.98	%
Certificates of deposit		1,407,017			14,905	4.25	%		1,336,815			14,406	4.37	%
Interest bearing demand accounts		3,311,330			21,071	2.55	%		3,406,342			21,412	2.55	%
Total interest bearing deposits		5,314,472			37,427	2.82	%		5,337,110			37,247	2.83	%
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings		394,119			3,721	3.79	%		614,897			5,837	3.85	%
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		92,097			935	4.07	%		92,060			932	4.11	%
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		60,276			1,015	6.75	%		60,275			1,014	6.82	%
Repurchase agreements		72,295			634	3.52	%		75,291			666	3.59	%
Other borrowings		28,022			564	8.07	%		33,061			740	9.08	%
Total interest bearing liabilities		5,961,281			44,296	2.98	%		6,212,694			46,436	3.03	%
Noninterest bearing deposits		1,339,463							1,334,933
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		85,827							88,450
Total liabilities		7,386,571							7,636,077
Shareholders’ equity		815,473							824,893
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	8,202,044						$	8,460,970
Net interest income (FTE)				$	56,699						$	56,205
Net interest margin (FTE)						2.95	%						2.86	%
Net interest spread (FTE)						2.27	%						2.20	%

(1)	Interest on loans includes net fees on loans that are not material in amount.
(2)	For the purpose of calculating the average yield, the average balance of securities do not include unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities.
(3)	Yield/rate includes the impact of applicable derivatives.

Note: As of June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025, loans totaling $5.0 million and $4.3 million, respectively, were on nonaccrual status. Our policy is to reverse previously accrued but unpaid interest on nonaccrual loans; thereafter, interest income is recorded to the extent received when appropriate.

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Average Balances and Average Yields and Rates (Annualized) (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)

	Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2024							September 30, 2024
	Average Balance			Interest		Average Yield/Rate ⁽³⁾		Average Balance			Interest		Average Yield/Rate ⁽³⁾
ASSETS
Loans ⁽¹⁾	$	4,604,175		$	70,155	6.06	%	$	4,613,028		$	72,493	6.25	%
Loans held for sale		1,562			23	5.86	%		871			11	5.02	%
Securities:
Taxable investment securities ⁽²⁾		784,321			6,949	3.52	%		791,914			7,150	3.59	%
Tax-exempt investment securities ⁽²⁾		1,138,271			10,793	3.77	%		1,174,445			11,825	4.01	%
Mortgage-backed and related securities ⁽²⁾		1,031,187			12,043	4.65	%		886,325			11,976	5.38	%
Total securities		2,953,779			29,785	4.01	%		2,852,684			30,951	4.32	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost, and equity investments		37,078			591	6.34	%		41,159			582	5.63	%
Interest earning deposits		273,656			3,160	4.59	%		281,313			3,798	5.37	%
Federal funds sold		43,121			508	4.69	%		33,971			488	5.71	%
Total earning assets		7,913,371			104,222	5.24	%		7,823,026			108,323	5.51	%
Cash and due from banks		102,914							100,578
Accrued interest and other assets		454,387							455,091
Less: Allowance for loan losses		(44,418	)						(42,581	)
Total assets	$	8,426,254						$	8,336,114
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Savings accounts	$	594,196			1,456	0.97	%	$	598,116			1,490	0.99	%
Certificates of deposit		1,187,800			13,537	4.53	%		1,087,613			12,647	4.63	%
Interest bearing demand accounts		3,459,122			23,468	2.70	%		3,409,911			24,395	2.85	%
Total interest bearing deposits		5,241,118			38,461	2.92	%		5,095,640			38,532	3.01	%
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings		572,993			5,557	3.86	%		618,708			6,488	4.17	%
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		92,024			945	4.09	%		91,988			937	4.05	%
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		60,274			1,095	7.23	%		60,273			1,180	7.79	%
Repurchase agreements		80,891			782	3.85	%		83,297			899	4.29	%
Other borrowings		61,196			1,142	7.42	%		137,482			2,203	6.37	%
Total interest bearing liabilities		6,108,496			47,982	3.12	%		6,087,388			50,239	3.28	%
Noninterest bearing deposits		1,383,204							1,344,165
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		112,320							98,331
Total liabilities		7,604,020							7,529,884
Shareholders’ equity		822,234							806,230
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	8,426,254						$	8,336,114
Net interest income (FTE)				$	56,240						$	58,084
Net interest margin (FTE)						2.83	%						2.95	%
Net interest spread (FTE)						2.12	%						2.23	%

(1)	Interest on loans includes net fees on loans that are not material in amount.
(2)	For the purpose of calculating the average yield, the average balance of securities do not include unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities.
(3)	Yield/rate includes the impact of applicable derivatives.

Note: As of December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, loans totaling $3.2 million and $7.3 million, respectively, were on nonaccrual status. Our policy is to reverse previously accrued but unpaid interest on nonaccrual loans; thereafter, interest income is recorded to the extent received when appropriate.

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Average Balances and Average Yields and Rates (Annualized) (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)

	Three Months Ended
	June 30, 2024
	Average Balance			Interest		Average Yield/Rate ⁽³⁾
ASSETS
Loans ⁽¹⁾	$	4,595,980		$	70,293	6.15	%
Loans held for sale		1,489			24	6.48	%
Securities:
Taxable investment securities ⁽²⁾		783,856			7,009	3.60	%
Tax-exempt investment securities ⁽²⁾		1,254,097			12,761	4.09	%
Mortgage-backed and related securities ⁽²⁾		830,504			11,084	5.37	%
Total securities		2,868,457			30,854	4.33	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost, and equity investments		40,467			573	5.69	%
Interest earning deposits		300,047			4,105	5.50	%
Federal funds sold		75,479			1,021	5.44	%
Total earning assets		7,881,919			106,870	5.45	%
Cash and due from banks		110,102
Accrued interest and other assets		424,323
Less: Allowance for loan losses		(43,738	)
Total assets	$	8,372,606
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Savings accounts	$	604,753			1,454	0.97	%
Certificates of deposit		1,020,099			11,630	4.59	%
Interest bearing demand accounts		3,513,068			25,382	2.91	%
Total interest bearing deposits		5,137,920			38,466	3.01	%
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings		606,851			6,455	4.28	%
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		92,017			936	4.09	%
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		60,271			1,171	7.81	%
Repurchase agreements		88,007			955	4.36	%
Other borrowings		143,169			2,595	7.29	%
Total interest bearing liabilities		6,128,235			50,578	3.32	%
Noninterest bearing deposits		1,346,274
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		101,399
Total liabilities		7,575,908
Shareholders’ equity		796,698
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	8,372,606
Net interest income (FTE)				$	56,292
Net interest margin (FTE)						2.87	%
Net interest spread (FTE)						2.13	%

(1)	Interest on loans includes net fees on loans that are not material in amount.
(2)	For the purpose of calculating the average yield, the average balance of securities do not include unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities.
(3)	Yield/rate includes the impact of applicable derivatives.

Note: As of June 30, 2024, loans totaling $6.1 million were on nonaccrual status. Our policy is to reverse previously accrued but unpaid interest on nonaccrual loans; thereafter, interest income is recorded to the extent received when appropriate.

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Average Balances and Average Yields and Rates (Annualized) (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)

	Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2025							June 30, 2024
	Average Balance			Interest		Average Yield/Rate		Average Balance			Interest		Average Yield/Rate
ASSETS
Loans ⁽¹⁾	$	4,572,492		$	135,958	6.00	%	$	4,577,791		$	139,142	6.11	%
Loans held for sale		931			27	5.85	%		5,162			42	1.64	%
Securities:
Taxable investment securities ⁽²⁾		742,375			12,568	3.41	%		782,139			13,976	3.59	%
Tax-exempt investment securities ⁽²⁾		1,132,736			20,604	3.67	%		1,270,010			25,929	4.11	%
Mortgage-backed and related securities ⁽²⁾		1,022,360			26,563	5.24	%		797,608			21,203	5.35	%
Total securities		2,897,471			59,735	4.16	%		2,849,757			61,108	4.31	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost, and equity investments		37,194			1,007	5.46	%		40,265			906	4.52	%
Interest earning deposits		289,586			6,123	4.26	%		340,114			9,307	5.50	%
Federal funds sold		35,751			786	4.43	%		69,039			1,859	5.41	%
Total earning assets		7,833,425			203,636	5.24	%		7,882,128			212,364	5.42	%
Cash and due from banks		87,046							112,241
Accrued interest and other assets		455,245							432,904
Less: Allowance for loan losses		(44,925	)						(43,356	)
Total assets	$	8,330,791						$	8,383,917
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Savings accounts	$	595,045			2,880	0.98	%	$	604,641			2,878	0.96	%
Certificates of deposit		1,372,110			29,311	4.31	%		981,023			21,971	4.50	%
Interest bearing demand accounts		3,358,573			42,483	2.55	%		3,574,001			51,815	2.92	%
Total interest bearing deposits		5,325,728			74,674	2.83	%		5,159,665			76,664	2.99	%
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings		503,898			9,558	3.83	%		606,942			12,405	4.11	%
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		92,079			1,867	4.09	%		92,956			1,892	4.09	%
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		60,275			2,029	6.79	%		60,271			2,346	7.83	%
Repurchase agreements		73,785			1,300	3.55	%		90,092			1,922	4.29	%
Other borrowings		30,528			1,304	8.61	%		140,228			4,759	6.82	%
Total interest bearing liabilities		6,086,293			90,732	3.01	%		6,150,154			99,988	3.27	%
Noninterest bearing deposits		1,337,210							1,342,329
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		87,131							100,558
Total liabilities		7,510,634							7,593,041
Shareholders’ equity		820,157							790,876
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	8,330,791						$	8,383,917
Net interest income (FTE)				$	112,904						$	112,376
Net interest margin (FTE)						2.91	%						2.87	%
Net interest spread (FTE)						2.23	%						2.15	%

(1)	Interest on loans includes net fees on loans that are not material in amount.
(2)	For the purpose of calculating the average yield, the average balance of securities is presented at historical cost.

Note: As of June 30, 2025 and 2024, loans totaling $5.0 million and $6.1 million, respectively, were on nonaccrual status. Our policy is to reverse previously accrued but unpaid interest on nonaccrual loans; thereafter, interest income is recorded to the extent received when appropriate.

The following tables set forth the reconciliation of return on average common equity to return on average tangible common equity, book value per share to tangible book value per share, net interest income to net interest income adjusted to a fully taxable-equivalent basis assuming a 21% marginal tax rate for interest earned on tax-exempt assets such as municipal loans and investment securities, along with the calculation of total revenue, adjusted noninterest expense, efficiency ratio (FTE), net interest margin (FTE) and net interest spread (FTE) for the applicable periods presented.

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Unaudited) (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended															Six Months Ended
		2025						2024									2025			2024
	Jun 30,			Mar 31,			Dec 31,			Sep 30,			Jun 30,			Jun 30,			Jun 30,
Reconciliation of return on average common equity to return on average tangible common equity:
Net income	$	21,813		$	21,507		$	21,786		$	20,524		$	24,673		$	43,320		$	46,184
After-tax amortization expense		157			176			196			220			243			333			509
Adjusted net income available to common shareholders	$	21,970		$	21,683		$	21,982		$	20,744		$	24,916		$	43,653		$	46,693

Average shareholders’ equity	$	815,473		$	824,893		$	822,234		$	806,230		$	796,698		$	820,157		$	790,876
Less: Average intangibles for the period		(202,569	)		(202,784	)		(203,020	)		(203,288	)		(203,581	)		(202,676	)		(203,745	)
Average tangible shareholders’ equity	$	612,904		$	622,109		$	619,214		$	602,942		$	593,117		$	617,481		$	587,131

Return on average tangible common equity		14.38	%		14.14	%		14.12	%		13.69	%		16.90	%		14.26	%		15.99	%

Reconciliation of book value per share to tangible book value per share:
Common equity at end of period	$	807,200		$	816,623		$	811,942		$	805,254		$	800,970		$	807,200		$	800,970
Less: Intangible assets at end of period		(202,449	)		(202,647	)		(202,870	)		(203,119	)		(203,397	)		(202,449	)		(203,397	)
Tangible common shareholders’ equity at end of period	$	604,751		$	613,976		$	609,072		$	602,135		$	597,573		$	604,751		$	597,573

Total assets at end of period	$	8,339,966		$	8,343,300		$	8,517,448		$	8,362,263		$	8,357,702		$	8,339,966		$	8,357,702
Less: Intangible assets at end of period		(202,449	)		(202,647	)		(202,870	)		(203,119	)		(203,397	)		(202,449	)		(203,397	)
Tangible assets at end of period	$	8,137,517		$	8,140,653		$	8,314,578		$	8,159,144		$	8,154,305		$	8,137,517		$	8,154,305

Period end tangible equity to period end tangible assets		7.43	%		7.54	%		7.33	%		7.38	%		7.33	%		7.43	%		7.33	%

Common shares outstanding end of period		30,082			30,410			30,379			30,308			30,261			30,082			30,261
Tangible book value per common share	$	20.10		$	20.19		$	20.05		$	19.87		$	19.75		$	20.10		$	19.75

Reconciliation of efficiency ratio to efficiency ratio (FTE), net interest margin to net interest margin (FTE) and net interest spread to net interest spread (FTE):
Net interest income (GAAP)	$	54,266		$	53,852		$	53,707		$	55,464		$	53,608		$	108,118		$	106,956
Tax-equivalent adjustments:
Loans		565			581			598			608			633			1,146			1,289
Tax-exempt investment securities		1,868			1,772			1,935			2,012			2,051			3,640			4,131
Net interest income (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		56,699			56,205			56,240			58,084			56,292			112,904			112,376
Noninterest income		12,145			10,223			12,281			8,171			11,557			22,368			21,281
Nonrecurring income ⁽²⁾		—			554			(25	)		2,797			(576	)		554			(558	)
Total revenue	$	68,844		$	66,982		$	68,496		$	69,052		$	67,273		$	135,826		$	133,099

Noninterest expense	$	39,257		$	37,089		$	38,159		$	36,332		$	35,765		$	76,346		$	72,646
Pre-tax amortization expense		(198	)		(223	)		(249	)		(278	)		(307	)		(421	)		(644	)
Nonrecurring expense ⁽³⁾		(2,090	)		(1	)		(919	)		(219	)		2			(2,091	)		19
Adjusted noninterest expense	$	36,969		$	36,865		$	36,991		$	35,835		$	35,460		$	73,834		$	72,021

Efficiency ratio		55.67	%		57.04	%		56.08	%		53.94	%		54.90	%		56.34	%		56.41	%
Efficiency ratio (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		53.70	%		55.04	%		54.00	%		51.90	%		52.71	%		54.36	%		54.11	%

Average earning assets	$	7,709,799		$	7,958,424		$	7,913,371		$	7,823,026		$	7,881,919		$	7,833,425		$	7,882,128

Net interest margin		2.82	%		2.74	%		2.70	%		2.82	%		2.74	%		2.78	%		2.73	%
Net interest margin (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		2.95	%		2.86	%		2.83	%		2.95	%		2.87	%		2.91	%		2.87	%

Net interest spread		2.15	%		2.08	%		1.99	%		2.10	%		2.00	%		2.11	%		2.01	%
Net interest spread (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		2.27	%		2.20	%		2.12	%		2.23	%		2.13	%		2.23	%		2.15	%

(1)	These amounts are presented on a fully taxable-equivalent basis and are non-GAAP measures.
(2)	These adjustments may include net gain or loss on sale of securities available for sale, BOLI income related to death benefits realized and other investment income or loss in the periods where applicable.
(3)	These adjustments may include foreclosure expenses, branch closure expenses and other miscellaneous expense, in the periods where applicable.

The MIL Network –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Africa: Drive for energy efficiency sees registration of 7 000 buildings

Source: Government of South Africa

The Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré, has announced that over 7 000 public and private buildings have registered for an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

An EPC is a certificate that indicates how much energy is being used to operate a building, which is indicated through a performance scale of A-G, with A indicating a building is most energy efficient and G being least energy efficient.

The requirement of having an EPC will play a key role in greenhouse gas emissions reduction, which is a key requirement to improve energy efficiency and saving costs.

As part of the Department of Electricity and Energy’s (DEE) and South African Energy Development Institute’s (Sanedi) priority to drive energy efficiency in South Africa, organisations have until 7 December 2025 to register for the certificate.

“With only five months left before registrations close, large building owners need to prioritise this. We aim to reach 60 000 registrations by the closing date. I am working with the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Mcpherson, and will also be working with Premiers and Mayors to ensure that this issue gets immediate attention.

“There is an opportunity for all South Africans to play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and benefit from the programme,” said the Deputy Minister.

Since its launch in December 2020 until 21 July 2025, a total of 7 113 buildings have registered, and 3 884 EPCs have been issued.

“I urge all building owners, both public and private, to adopt and implement alternative and energy-saving methods. We need to be creative and innovative so that we save on energy.

“Some practical ways to do this include installing LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs and smart geysers, fitting solar panels, and turning off appliances when they are not in use. I encourage anyone to engage my department about the programme and how they can implement this initiative,” Graham-Maré said.

The purpose of EPCs:

Indicates the energy performance of a building,
Serve as regulatory tools/instruments targeting inefficient buildings, encouraging transformation towards energy-efficient buildings,
Are indicators for building owners to note and change their consumption patterns to benefit financially and comply with regulations, and
In the long term, they promote the reduction of Greenhouse gas emissions through the implementation of energy efficiency interventions using reliable data from existing EPCs. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI United Nations: At UN High-Level Political Forum, UNECE calls for engagement of all enablers and partnerships to achieve SDGs

Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

With just five years remaining to realize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the world faces a deepening social crisis. Economic insecurity, widening inequalities, and declining social trust undermine progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and threaten the foundations of peaceful, inclusive societies.

Taking part in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York (14 – 23 July), UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean outlined the tools, initiatives and partnerships from the UNECE region that can help develop efficient and inclusive policy solutions for some of the most pressing issues, including demographic pressure, education, employment, housing, and social care. This requires the full engagement of all of society and harnessing of several key enablers.

Enablers and partnerships to advance SDGs

To advance the 2030 Agenda, and identify efficient and inclusive policy solutions, UNECE engages key enablers and all relevant stakeholders:

These enablers and stakeholders play a strong role in co-creating and implementing standards and policies, guiding progress in many technology-driven areas, such as autonomous vehicles, the smart energy transition, cross-border connectivity, but also in environmental governance, namely transboundary water cooperation, noted the Executive Secretary at the HLPF regional session.

To unlock financing for the SDGs, UNECE prioritizes bringing together the public and private sectors through its PPP and Infrastructure Evaluation and Rating System (PIERS), a quality assurance tool that helps governments and stakeholders ensure that PPP and infrastructure projects are well designed and aligned with the SDGs and can therefore attract investors. They are crucial for building resilient infrastructure and maintaining public services.

Given the importance of local policies and action in advancing SDGs, UNECE’s Forum of Mayors promotes exchanges between cities and gives them a voice at the multilateral level.

Finally, with their valuable perspectives, civil society and youth play an important role in finding and devising policy solutions across many areas of UNECE work, which is why they are an important pillar of the UNECE Regional Forum on Sustainable Development. 

Strengthening social inclusion and adequate housing

Despite considerable wealth and innovation, the UNECE region is witnessing deep and growing disparities: between urban and rural areas, generations, and different groups. Social protection systems facing significant demographic pressures, fiscal constraints, and new labour dynamics. This requires investing in inclusive education, training and re-skilling initiatives, especially for disadvantaged groups, such as youth, women and older people, noted the Executive Secretary at the UNDESA global policy dialogue “Accelerating Social Progress to Boost SDG Implementation.”

UNECE’s work in this area shows that investing in adequate care infrastructure is not only a social imperative but also economically beneficial as it empowers people to participate in society and the economy. The upcoming World Summit for Social Development in Doha offers an important opportunity to act on commitments from the recent 4th International Conference on Financing for Development and to align both public spending and private finance with inclusive objectives.

Access to adequate and affordable housing has emerged as an issue central to achieving social inclusion and the SDGs. Through its Committee on Housing, Urban Development and Land Management, as well as the Forum of Mayors, UNECE supports national and local governments to design and implement inclusive, energy-efficient and climate-responsive urban policies and help them transform housing into a pillar of social stability, the Executive Secretary stressed at the high-level dialogue on adequate housing, co-hosted by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and UN-Habitat.

The upcoming UNECE Forum of Mayors in October 2025 will feature a dedicated segment on adequate housing, with discussion feeding into a Ministerial Meeting on Housing Affordability and Sustainability on 8 October in Geneva.

Role of UNECE and other UN Regional Commissions

The UN Regional Commissions play a key role in convening, coordinating and driving innovative policy solutions. As the custodian of several global conventions, agreements and treaties with strong implications for multiple industries, UNECE plays a unique role in helping UN Member States to achieve social and economic wellbeing.

UNECE’s policy, standard-setting and capacity-building work across areas, such as energy, environment, trade, transport and many more, helps to boost predictability, investor confidence, as well as institutional, regulatory and policy conditions to facilitate bankable projects.     

In that respect the UN80 initiative, which aims to strengthen efficiencies and coordination across the UN system, can unlock further benefits for member States, noted the Executive Secretary during her exchanges with representatives of Denmark, France, The Netherlands, Slovenia, United States, and Uzbekistan.

Photo credits: UN / UNECE

MIL OSI United Nations News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP concludes El Nino Emergency Drought Relief Response through the global humanitarian fund in Namibia

Source: World Food Programme

WINDHOEK – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in collaboration with partner organisations, has successfully wrapped up a critical a nine-month emergency response in support of the Government of Namibia’s Emergency Drought Response Plan to the El Niño-induced drought.

With a contribution of US$3 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (UN-CERF), WFP supported the government in delivering life-saving food and nutrition assistance to over 63,000 vulnerable people across Kavango East, Kavango West, and Omaheke regions between October 2024 and June 2025.

In addition to food assistance, the project served as a platform for integrated service delivery. At food distribution sites, UNICEF provided outreach and basic health screenings for more than 83,500 people and facilitated referrals for malnourished children. UNFPA reached more than 22,400 people with Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) services through daily mobile outreach in schools and communities. A community feedback mechanism system was also established, enabling affected populations to share their needs, concerns and suggestions to help shape and improve the response.

“This emergency response was about more than just delivering food, it was about restoring dignity and hope to communities hit hardest by the drought,” said Naouar Labidi, WFP Country Representative in Namibia. “Thanks to the generous support from UN-CERF and our collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister and UN partners, namely the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), we reached tens of thousands of people with vital humanitarian assistance. But we also used this moment to invest in local capacity, strengthen partnerships, and helping communities build the resilience they need to face climate shocks.”

The contribution from CERF allowed over 41,000 people (nearly 7000 households) to receive three rounds of food vouchers, enabling them to purchase essential items such as maize meal, canned fish and cooking oil from 25 participating retailers. This not only supported immediate needs, but also helped boost the local economy, laying the groundwork for longer-term resilience by supporting local businesses, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening local supply chains. At the same time, 22,000 children received hot and nutritious meals from 155 conveniently located soup kitchens.

WFP remains committed to working closely with the Government of Namibia, UN agencies and partners to strengthen food systems, build community resilience and enhance emergency preparedness to future climate shocks.

# # #

About the World Food Programme

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.

Follow us on Twitter; @wfp_media, @WFP_SAfrica, @WFPNamibia

MIL OSI United Nations News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: InvestHK visits UK to forge stronger Hong Kong-UK partnerships on sustainability and green tech innovation (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

â€‹Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) completed a fruitful visit to the United Kingdom (UK) from July 13 to 20, championing Hong Kong as a premier international green technology hub for UK companies seeking growth and collaboration opportunities in Asia and beyond.

During the visit, the Senior Vice President (Sustainability) for Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at InvestHK, Ms Olivia To, engaged with key stakeholders in London and Cambridge to foster two-way business opportunities and deepen co-operation in sustainability and green tech innovation.

In London, Ms To held extensive discussions with leading UK’s new energy, new materials and digital companies, as well as UK Research and Innovation, the national funding agency investing in science and research, Sustainable Ventures, a leading green tech hub and ecosystem provider, Generation Investment Management, a sustainable investment management firm, London & Partners, London’s business growth and destination agency, and London GreenCity, a clean technology entrepreneurs accelerator providing prototyping lab and collaborative community.

In Cambridge, Ms To spoke at the event titled “Powering Tomorrow: Deep Tech Innovations for a Sustainable Energy Future”, co-organised by the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and Full Vision Capital, highlighting the competitive advantages Hong Kong offers energy and technology companies to grow and thrive across the region. The conference featured dynamic keynotes on growth strategies for clean energy start-ups, panel discussions on disruptive energy innovations, and a start-up demo where over 30 start-ups showcased their cutting-edge solutions. The event culminated in the announcement of the 4th TERA-Award Winner receiving a prize of US$1 million and a celebratory Gala Dinner, fostering further global networking and collaboration opportunities.

Ms To said, “Hong Kong’s unparalleled status as a global financial powerhouse connects the East and West markets, bolstered by its dynamic green tech ecosystem and visionary government initiatives like the Green Tech Fund, the Innovation and Technology Fund and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation’s GreenTech Hub, and positions it as the premier gateway for UK companies to amplify green innovations across Asia. This visit underscores our dedication to fostering collaboration in sustainability and green technology between Hong Kong and the UK. We look forward to supporting more UK companies in establishing and expanding their presence in Hong Kong, utilising our robust financial infrastructure to facilitate financing and IPO listings that attract international capital.”

The Executive Chairman of the TERA-Award, Mr Alan Chan, stated, “It was our pleasure to have InvestHK’s participation in our TERA-Award event. Together, we are building a stronger global innovation ecosystem that connects investors, start-ups, and green organisations, fostering groundbreaking solutions in smart energy. We look forward to working closely with InvestHK to further expand our promotion of the TERA-Award to the global market and establish a bridge between the international energy contexts.”

The Chief Innovation Officer from the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, Mr James Cole, said, “We are delighted to welcome InvestHK’s participation in our event, enhancing the collaboration between the UK and Hong Kong economies, supporting sustainability start-ups and strengthening the ecosystem. This collaboration ignites our commitment to forge global partnerships that will propel deep tech innovations, fostering a greener and more resilient future. Together, we anticipate to deepen our collaboration to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future and empower the next generation of innovators.”

Co-Founder of London GreenCity Mr Laith Anezi said, “Both Hong Kong and the UK share a strong commitment to driving innovation in green technology. InvestHK’s visit has forged a robust foundation for strengthening ties between Hong Kong and British sustainability and green tech companies. We are excited to deepen our partnership with InvestHK, driving innovation to shape a sustainable world together.”

Hong Kong, as the world’s third-largest financial hub, is well positioned to be the global leader in green tech and finance. The city is transitioning to cleaner energy sources, targeting carbon neutrality by 2050, supported by the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong and significant investments in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.

In green mobility, Hong Kong’s roadmap for electric vehicles has seen 70 per cent of newly registered private cars in 2024 be electric, with plans to establish the city as a green maritime fuel bunkering centre.

This visit to the UK is a testament to Hong Kong’s dedication to fostering international collaboration and driving the global transition to a sustainable future. By attracting more UK companies in sustainable technology and innovation, Hong Kong aims to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions that address the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: District care teams increase to 455

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The total number of District Services & Community Care Teams will be increased from 452 to 455 when the teams enter into second-term services, the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau announced today.

The first-term service agreements for the District Services & Community Care Teams will conclude between late September and mid-October.

Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak said the Government is confident that all 452 care teams will meet or even surpass the key performance indicators by the end of the first-term service period.

The second-term services will be optimised in the three key directions of “seamless continuity, tailored to district needs, and deeper and broader services”, she added.

Following an assessment of the service coverage and demographic changes in each sub-district, the bureau will make appropriate refinements to the service boundaries.

Specifically, Sha Ta (North District) will be split into two sub-districts, while Sheung Shui Rural (North District) and Hang Hau West (Sai Kung District) will each add a new team. The boundaries of six sub-district clusters will also be fine-tuned.

These adjustments will bring the total number of care teams from 452 to 455.

District offices will first invite existing operating organisations to submit proposed project plans for the second term. For the three new sub-districts as well as individual teams unable to continue their services, district offices will invite the previously shortlisted organisations to submit proposals.

All proposed project plans and related forms must reach the respective district offices by August 15.

By the end of the second quarter this year, the care teams visited about 530,000 elderly or other needy households, provided about 76,000 times of basic home or other support services, and organised about 38,000 district-level activities.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/VIETNAM – “Vietnamese Catholic medical staff admired by the people and praised by the Vietnamese State”

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Friday, 25 July 2025

by Andrew Doan Thanh PhongHanoi (Agenzia Fides) – Right before the mass, the priest was asked to celebrate the mass as quickly as possible, due to the health of the patients from the Oncology Hospital who are attending the mass. The patients tried to walk step by step into the church with the help of volunteers and relatives to meet Christ. Despite the inconvenience, the mass still remained more fervent than ever, and with the singing of nuns combined with prayers made by the mass participants in their weak voices, the mass was celebrated in a sacred and beautiful atmosphere.It was the 9am Sunday mass held every week at Phan Thon parish in Vinh diocese in central Vietnam, dedicated to serious patients being treated at the hospital. After the mass, the patients, the priest, and the volunteers gathered together to share meals filled up with love and comfort.Also in Vinh diocese, on July 13, 2025, 83 medical staff across the country, most of them Catholics, in coordination with the Medical Team Organization which is founded by Vietnamese priests and religious living in the United States, examined and provided free medicine to many poor people regardless of religion in Ru Dat Parish and neighboring areas. With good expertise and a dedicated working spirit, along with many modern medical examination equipments, the medical volunteers of the Medical Team helped hundreds of elderly men, women and children of the community of Ru Dat in protecting their health and distributing them medicine.The beautiful images of the devotion in serving patients of Catholic medical staff have been trusted and admired by the Vietnamese people and government, not only in treating illnesses but also in healing spiritual wounds.As mentioned in a report of the National Committee for Religious Affairs (a governmental organization of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in charge of the government’s religious affairs): “In fact, the contribution of religion in today’s society is not only in terms of morality but also in many other social fields, especially in the field of healthcare. Catholicism is a religion that actively participates in healthcare to share and help the poor, the sick, the disadvantaged, and to testify to the values of love and charity of Christianity.”According to statistics, there are currently 113 medical facilities owned be religious organizations across the Country that have been under operation, of which 56 are from the Catholic Church of Vietnam, specializing in medical examination and treatment and care for the elderly, the mentally ill, orphans, abandoned children, and people with HIV/AIDS. And also according to the report of the Government’s Committee for Religious Affairs, many charitable activities regarding to healthcare are regularly performed by Catholic religious orders and parishioners in many parishes, dioceses all over the Country to help poor patients including non-Catholics such as free distribution of medicine to patients, buying health insurance for them, examining health; cooperating with specialists in hospitals to perform eye surgery freely for poor patients; organizing charity kitchens for providing foods to patients in hospitals, and helping people in specially difficult circumstances in society, caring for and educating HIV-infected children, and helping disabled, poor, homeless children, and autistic children.According to the State newspaper of Dai Doan Ket: “For decades, Kim Long Charity Clinic has become a trusted address of examination and treatment for patients with difficult circumstances in Thua Thien Hue province”. Mr. Nguyen Van Long, a regular patient, frequently receive examination and treatment at Kim Long clinic run by the nuns from the Congregation of the Daughters of the Immaculate Conception of Hue in central Vietnam, shared: “Since I learned that the clinic provides free medical treatment to people, I have come here every month for examination and treatment. Thanks to that, my illness has improved a lot. The nuns here, in addition to their expertise, are also very dedicated, they always ask questions about health and take good care of patients, so all the patients who come here feel happy and love the nuns”.“Healthcare workers are not simply doctors, nurses or paramedics, but first of all, are children of God who are called to collaborate with God in the mission of protecting and caring for life. They are not only physical healers, but also witnesses of hope in the midst of suffering and illness. Following the example of Saint John of God, that is, is dedicated yourself to serving the sick with compassion, under the accompaniment of the Church and the grace of God.” said by Father Joseph Phan Anh Dung, from the Camilô Order specializing in care for patients in Vietnam, during the recent pilgrimage of the Holy Year 2025 in the Da Nang diocese with the presence of more than 60 Catholic doctors and medical staff.Besides those good images, challenges and temptations for Catholic medical staff still exist in Vietnamese society nowadays, and Father Dung reminded: “Temptations in the medical environment, from professional pressure, material benefits, compromises in medical intervention contrary to Christian ethics are still present here and there. When losing that ethical principle, the physician risks no longer being a collaborator with God in protecting life, but inadvertently becoming an agent for the decline of medical ethics”. (Agenzia Fides, 25/7/2025)
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MIL OSI Europe News –

July 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Woman jailed for manslaughter after death of landlord

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A woman has been sentenced after pleading guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility and animal cruelty, following the death of her friend and landlord, as well as their pet cat.

Habiba Naveed, 34 (16.10.1989) appeared at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 24 July where she was given a hospital order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act and a restriction order under Section 41. This means she can be detained indefinitely.

Naveed previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn of Specialist Crime, who led the investigation, said:

“Today’s sentencing concludes our investigation into the death of a man killed in his own home by a woman he lived with, trusted and considered his friend.

“Habiba Naveed has an established history of paranoid schizophrenia. The circumstances of this case highlight the dangers of the illicit use of cannabis and non-compliance with medication prescribed to manage serious mental health conditions.

“Christopher, who was Naveed’s landlord, still worked as a solicitor. He was an incredibly private and well-respected man within the community who is sorely missed by his family and loved ones. Our thoughts are with them today.”

An investigation was launched on Thursday, 15 August 2024 after the body of a man was found at a residential address on Polsted Road, SE6.

The victim, who was later identified as 72-year-old Christopher Brown, had sustained a serious head injury. A post-mortem examination found the cause of Christopher’s death to be blunt force trauma to the head, neck and chest.

Inside the address, officers also found Christopher and Habiba’s pet cat, named Snow, which had been stabbed in the neck and killed. When searching the address, officers located multiple blood stains along with a kitchen knife covered in blood.

Habiba Naveed, a woman who rented a room inside Christopher’s property, was quickly identified as a suspect and arrested later that day. Neighbours reported to police that they heard a female voice shouting from inside the property.

Naveed was charged with murder on Friday, 16 August.

The only account as to why she killed Christopher was given by her to a psychiatrist while on remand. She described believing Christopher was evil and hearing a voice telling her to kill him three times. She recounted hitting him with a pan she was holding which caused him to fall, before strangling him until she thought he was unconscious.

Christopher then asked her to stop and she describes realising her actions were wrong, but hitting him again. She believed the evil spirit had jumped out of Christopher and into Snow the cat. She got a knife and cut the cat’s neck.

On Monday, 27 January Naveed pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

MIL Security OSI –