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  • MIL-OSI Africa: Steering SA’s environmental legislation to better prospects  

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Steering SA’s environmental legislation to better prospects  

    With the climate change challenge gaining momentum around the world, South Africa, like other countries is taking steps to mitigate the effects of climate change and pollution.

    This as President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment Bill into law in January. The bill ushers in stronger measures to better protect South Africa’s oceans from ship-related pollution.

    “The signing of the Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment Bill is a significant step for South Africa in addressing the effects of marine pollution, aligned to the Sustainable Seas Trust’s [SST] mission and vision. This bill presents a positive shift in enhancing the country’s capacity to address marine pollution while aligning with international standards under MARPOL,” SST Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Janine Osborne told SAnews.

    According to the International Marine Organization (IMO), the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the main international convention covering the prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes.

    The MARPOL convention was adopted in November 1973 at the IMO, which is the United Nations specialised agency tasked with the responsibility “for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships.”

    The signing of the amendment bill is vital to safeguarding the country’s environmental and economic security, given that South Africa is endowed with a coastline stretching over 3 000 kilometres from Namibia on the Atlantic Ocean to Mozambique on the Indian Ocean. 

    The Presidency said the legislation is also a contribution to global efforts to protect the marine environment and sustainable economic exploitation. 

    The law amends the Marine Pollution Act to incorporate Annex IV and Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. 

    Annex IV regulates the activities for treatment and safe disposal of sewage from ships while Annex VI is the main global instrument that addresses ship energy-efficiency management and greenhouse gas emissions.

    “By including Annex IV (sewage management) and Annex VI (air pollution and energy efficiency), the bill strengthens environmental protection and supports the sustainability of South Africa’s marine economy, which is vital for both biodiversity and job creation,” Osborne said in the interview with SAnews.

    The amended legislation further broadens the powers of the Minister of Transport to make regulations relating to, among others, the prevention of air pollution from ships and the prevention of pollution by sewage from ships.

    It also increases fines for any person convicted of serious offences under the Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act or the international Convention which forms part of South African law. The legislation also improves prison sentences from five to ten years.

    The legislation is also born out of the recognition that ships can pollute the oceans in various ways, from oil spills to harmful chemical sewage and garbage.

    Osborne welcomed the increase in fines for violations and expanded regulatory powers saying it reflects “the government’s commitment to safeguarding marine resources”.

    “Raising fines from R500 000 to R10 million and imprisonment from five to ten years, are a significant step towards deterring marine pollution. These penalties are financially and legally substantial enough to make non-compliance a serious risk for offenders, potentially changing behaviour in the sector. 

    “However, SST believes that their effectiveness will depend on consistent enforcement, monitoring, and judicial follow-through. Without these mechanisms, there is a risk that the penalties may not achieve the desired deterrent effect,” she said.
    Osborne added that while stricter penalties are essential, they cannot fully compensate for irreversible environmental damage caused by pollution.

    “That is why SST encourages immediate action to combat waste pollution both on land and at sea.”

    As a non-profit organisation (NPO) working to protect Africa’s seas and communities, the SST was one of the organisations that submitted comments into the bill.

    South Africa has a large exclusive economic zone at sea and a marine economy which, in 2022, supported about 400 000 jobs in areas across the existing marine economic sectors of shipping, associated construction, tourism and fisheries.

    Bordered by three oceans (South Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the Southern Ocean), South Africa faces significant marine pollution challenges due to plastic waste and inadequate waste management among others, which impact marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

    “Accurately assessing the full extent of this issue is challenging due to limited data. Recent estimates suggest that 15,000 to 40,000 tonnes of plastic waste enter South Africa’s oceans annually, a notable decrease from earlier projections of 90,000 to 250,000 tonnes, highlighting the need for improved research and monitoring,” said Osborne in response to how much of the country’s oceanic territory is affected by pollution.

    The organisation also added that education on various levels is crucial in addressing marine pollution. 

    This as the SST has several educational activities such as its Munch programme which encourages and enables the integration of environmental education into the school curricula and the African Waste Academy where free courses are available to the public to share critical information about pollution and proper waste management.

    Environment Month

    In June of every year, the country commemorates Environment Month where government and captains of industry place the awareness of environmental issues under the spotlight while also challenging all to become agents for change.
    Recently, government launched the National Clean Cities and Towns Campaign in Kliptown, Soweto.

    Launched by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, the campaign is a nationwide initiative aimed at fostering cleaner, greener, and more inclusive urban spaces, while advancing sustainability, equality, and solidarity among citizens. 

    The Deputy President who also engaged in clean-up activities at the launch, said the campaign goes beyond mere cleaning but addresses broader service delivery issues and creates opportunities for community employment. 

    “However, the idea is not really to employ people. It is a voluntary programme. People must clean where they live. There may be instances where the city may employ people here and there, but we want to create a culture of cleaning where people don’t have to be paid to clean where they live,” the Deputy President said at the launch in Soweto.

    Also recently, the country joined other countries in marking World Environment Day and World Oceans Day on 5 and 8 June 2025 respectively.

    Asked about the general status of the country’s marine sector and whether the Act will have a positive impact on the economy, Osborne said the country’s marine sector has “tremendous” potential while also facing challenges.

    “Despite its 3,000 km coastline and vast exclusive economic zone, the sector remains underutilised, with limited ship repair facilities, oil rig servicing, and no registered merchant fleet. Challenges such as skills shortages, port inefficiencies, and underinvestment in infrastructure hinder growth. 

    “However, initiatives like Operation Phakisa aim to unlock the oceans economy’s potential, targeting contributions of R177 billion to GDP [Gross Domestic Product] and up to one million jobs by 2033.”

    Earlier this month, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) launched the Climate Change Coastal Adaptation Response Plan which aims to effectively manage South Africa’s coastal assets. DFFE Minister, Dr Dion George, said having the plan is essential to supporting Operation Phakisa efforts to achieve a sustainable oceans economy.

    Operation Phakisa aims to unlock the full potential of South Africa’s ocean economy -spanning sectors such as marine transport, aquaculture, tourism, and offshore resources.

    “SST believes that the Marine Pollution Amendment Act can positively impact South Africa’s economy by promoting sustainable marine resource management. By safeguarding vital industries such as fisheries and tourism and aligning with international environmental standards, the Act supports economic growth while protecting marine biodiversity,” she explained.

    Collaboration 

    Additionally, the SST said it recognises that policies and legislation alone are not enough to drive meaningful change and that collaboration across all sectors of society is essential.

    “Every stakeholder has a role to play in the waste management value chain. By understanding and embracing these roles, each step of the chain can contribute positively to sustainable development.”

    Implementation 

    Osborne said the key to the success of the Act is implementation.

    “However, SST believes the key to the success of the bill lies in effective implementation and enforcement. To achieve its objectives, robust monitoring systems, sufficient resources, and transparent enforcement processes are essential. It will also be important to address any potential loopholes or exemptions in emissions regulations to ensure meaningful environmental outcomes.”
    Osborne cautioned that without strong enforcement mechanisms, the bill’s impact may not fully meet its intended goals.
    “We remain committed to working with stakeholders to support effective implementation and protect South Africa’s marine environment.”

    Protecting the environment

    On whether government is doing enough to protect the environment, Osborne is of the view that progress has been made.
    “The South African government has made valuable strides in environmental protection through initiatives such as advancing renewable energy projects, enacting the Climate Change Act, and promoting a circular economy. These actions reflect a commitment to sustainability and economic growth,” she said.

    The Climate Change Act is intended to enable the development of an effective climate change response and a long-term, just transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy and society in the context of sustainable development; and to provide for matters connected therewith.

    However, she added that significant challenges remain, including continued reliance on coal, slow renewable energy deployment, and enforcement gaps at local levels. 

    “To strengthen environmental protection, we believe there is a need to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, improve coordination among government entities, and invest in infrastructure for waste management and renewable energy. 
    “SST believes that increased public participation and transparency in environmental decision-making can strengthen efforts to achieve long-term sustainability.”

    She added that her organisation is committed to supporting these efforts through awareness campaigns and education, as well as “collaborative initiatives that protect the environment and marine heritage for future generations.”

    While government is not missing the boat in putting in place legislation to protect the environment, responsible human behaviour is also needed if future generations are to enjoy South Africa’s scenic natural endowments. –SAnews.gov.za

    Neo

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Increasing offshore wind ambition

    Source: Scottish Government

    Views sought on up to 40GW new energy by 2040.

    Views are being sought on proposals which would see Scotland’s offshore wind ambition increased to up to 40 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity by 2040 – enough to power the equivalent of around 45 million homes a year.

    Scotland’s current offshore wind capacity ambition is between 8 – 11 GW by 2030 and the new figure seeks to reaffirm the Scottish Government’s commitment to growing the offshore wind sector – giving certainty to investors.

    As well as supporting national climate targets, the increase being consulted upon reflects significant private sector interest in the ScotWind and the Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) seabed leasing rounds.

    The success of these leasing rounds symbolises the enormous economic potential of offshore wind and puts Scotland at the forefront of development globally.

    Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy Gillian Martin announced the opening of the consultation at the Global Offshore Wind Forum in London.

    Ms Martin said: “Scotland’s offshore wind sector is already creating significant opportunities, delivering jobs and attracting major investment across the country. 

    “As a result we need to update our ambition for offshore wind to reflect and firmly underline our commitment to economic growth and investment offered by the sector.

    “I would urge everyone with an interest in offshore wind to have a say in the consultation.”

    Background

    Update to the 2020 Offshore Wind Policy Statement: Scotland’s Offshore Wind ambition – Scottish Government consultations – Citizen Space

    The consultation will run until 13 August.

    The updated GW ambition will take into account the updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy (SMP-OWE) which is currently out for consultation. Once finalised, the SMP-OWE will set out a road-map for the sustainable development of the ScotWind and INTOG leasing rounds.

    The estimate that 40GW equates to enough energy to power 45 million homes assumes offshore wind capacity in 2040 will operate at load factors according to the previous five-year average. It also assumes median domestic consumption in Scotland at 2023 levels.

    —

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: RAF 60 Second Update Ep 5018 Jun 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Royal Air Force

    In this Royal Air Force 60 Second Update we’re at RAF Gibraltar, seeing how movers load aircraft that use one of the world’s most challenging runways.

    In this episode:

    As part of Op Highmast, the RAF worked with the Italian Strike Group on Exercise Med Strike, combining with 21 warships, three submarines, 41 fast jets and over 8,000 personnel, testing air defence capabilities against aerial drone threats.

    The RAF’s own Air Show took place at RAF Cosford, the sold-out event celebrates the work of the RAF, NATO Allies and partner nations, aiming to inspire the next generation of aviators.

    RAF Scuba Divers are in Gibraltar taking part in training exercises on the newest Eagles Scheme, which uses adventurous training to produce resilient, motivated and agile personnel who thrive in work, at home and on operations.

    A big congratulations to everyone in the RAF recognised in the latest King’s Birthday and Op Honours Lists.

    How did you find this week’s episode? 

    Thanks for watching and see you next time!

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Hot weather guidance18 June 2025 Temperatures are due to reach the high 20s by Thursday, and there is a chance they may exceed 30°C on Saturday. Some simple steps Islanders can take to stay cool during this hot spell include:… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    18 June 2025

    Temperatures are due to reach the high 20s by Thursday, and there is a chance they may exceed 30°C on Saturday. 

    Some simple steps Islanders can take to stay cool during this hot spell include: 

    • avoid going outside during the heat of the day (midday to 6pm) 
    • leave strenuous activities for the evening when it is cooler 
    • take cold baths and showers 
    • drink plenty of water and avoid coffee and alcohol 
    • keep your home cool by closing curtains, opening windows and using fans 
    • wear a hat and loose light clothing, try to stay in the shade and carry water with you.

    Director of Public Health, Professor Peter Bradley, said: “While we welcome the warm weather, extreme heat can cause harm to health including heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration. There are a number of events happening this weekend and I encourage all Islanders attending, to take precautions and stay safe in the hot weather.” 

    Islanders can stay up to date with the latest weather forecast at gov.je/weather​.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Baby Western Lowland Gorilla Named Kvito at Moscow Zoo

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Muscovites have chosen a name for the new inhabitant of the Moscow Zoo – a cub of a red-listed species Western Lowland GorillaMore than 216 thousand people shared their opinions.

    The vote resulted in the young male being named Quito, with 35 percent of the votes cast for the name. Quito is the name of a city in Angola, a country where a stable population of western lowland gorillas has been preserved.

    The name Zuberi (meaning “strong” or “powerful” in Swahili) was chosen by 25 percent of “active citizens.” The third most popular name was Kuango, which refers to a river in the Congo Basin. These rare primates also live there. This option was chosen by 18 percent of city residents.

    The baby gorilla was born in early February. He is always in the arms of his mother, who sometimes allows other family members to come and meet him. Visitors to the Moscow Zoo can observe the young male in the Primates pavilion.

    ‘Active Citizens’ to Choose Name for Baby Western Lowland Gorilla

    The voting was prepared by the capital Department of Culture and the Active Citizen project. Its users have already chosen names for many animals, including Papuan Kalao Bird, Malayan bears Masha, Luchik and Zvezdochka, Alpaca Zephyra, hyena Akela, panda Katyusha AndTiger Amur.

    Project “Active Citizen” has been operating since 2014. During this time, more than seven million people have joined it, and more than seven thousand votes have been held. Every month, 30–40 decisions made by Muscovites are implemented in the city. The project is being developed by the capital Department of Information Technology and the State Institution “New Management Technologies”.

    The creation, development and operation of the e-government infrastructure, including the provision of mass socially significant services, as well as other services in electronic form, correspond to the objectives of the national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State” and the Moscow regional project “Digital Public Administration”.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155369073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow Fashion Week experts give advice to future fashion university students

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In anticipation of the admissions campaign, Moscow Fashion Week experts told us which areas in the fashion industry are currently the most promising, what universities pay attention to when applicants are admitted, how to prepare a competitive portfolio, and what skills will be in demand in the coming years. Among the experts are teachers from leading Moscow educational institutions, curators of online courses, and famous designers.

    About the main misconceptions

    The founder of the fashion house Sergey Sysoev and Sergey Sysoev Fashion School, Sergey Sysoev, noticed that many applicants have a misconception that the work of a designer involves organizing fashion shows, filming, and participating in fashion weeks.

    “In reality, 80 percent of the time is research, technical assignments, sample adjustments, endless fittings, correspondence and the human factor. And shows, filming and trips take place in a state of chronic fatigue. In addition, the path to success lies through strict deadlines, working nights and the economic factor,” said Sergey Sysoev.

    Olga Sysoeva, the creative director of the same fashion house, notes the confidence of yesterday’s schoolchildren in their endless creative potential. However, according to her, the university provides a huge resource of professional supervision, and the student buys mannequins, fabrics, accessories, prints and sometimes even software licenses himself. For those who believe that fashion is primarily glamor, the constant reworking of projects 10 times, carrying rolls of fabric and working with equipment, which requires enormous physical strength, is a revelation.

    Anna Rykova, fashion editor, stylist, creative consultant, curator and teacher at the British Higher School of Art and Design, points out that the main mistake fashion applicants make is a frivolous attitude towards their chosen specialty. Often, students who come to study fashion design do not expect to have to do anything with their hands, such as sewing and cutting, and few are prepared for this.

    About a successful portfolio

    When entering Sergey Sysoev Fashion School, Sergey Sysoev recommends that applicants pay attention to improving their visual thinking: sense of proportions, color, composition and trends. The ability to explain why a particular shade or silhouette was chosen when creating collection sketches will be a plus. Olga Sysoeva advises developing cultural awareness and flexible skills.

    Anzor Kankulov, head of the Fashion department at the School of Design at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, first of all expects future students to have not so much specific skills as a desire to engage in fashion and the ability to think. They will be taught the rest — how to make sketches, draw, understand cutting. During their studies, the students will master sewing skills and become familiar with the methodology of developing and creating collections.

    When evaluating a portfolio, an important criterion for Anzor Kankulov is the general concept, seriality and thinking about the collection as a specific line of clothing, and not as individual wardrobe items.

    Anna Chernykh, the curator of the Fashion Design course at the British Higher School of Art and Design, and the head of the Project Workshops center, notes several key qualities that together provide an understanding of the applicant’s potential: creative thinking, technical training, good eyesight, efficiency and motivation, as well as an original vision. She believes that a strong portfolio is a story about the path of the future designer, his interests, experience and potential. It should be logical, structured and reflect the person as an individual and a professional.

    When entering any university for the fashion direction, Anna Rykova advises not only to develop your observation skills and take your studies seriously, but also to consult with graduates or students of the relevant direction from each university that was chosen. The criteria in educational institutions may differ. In addition to providing a portfolio, it is possible that you will have to pass entrance exams in drawing, and in the style that is taught at the university. Somewhere you need to be able to create a constructive, technical image, and somewhere – decorative or classical painting. You need to study the university requirements well and collect in the portfolio those works that are most suitable for admission.

    Applications for participation in the fifth Moscow Fashion Week have begunFashion as a part of culture. Experts on the IV Moscow Fashion Week

    About important skills for the future

    The fashion industry is constantly changing, and to always keep up with the times, you need to not just be interested in clothing design, but literally live it, Anzor Kankulov is sure. It is necessary to skillfully implement traditional techniques, and combine them with knowledge of graphic programs and the latest technologies. According to him, on the one hand, you need to create an original product. And on the other hand, you need to understand production and ensure its correct process, achieve the ideal product.

    Anna Chernykh notes that the training programs are actively being updated: modules on digital fashion, smart textiles, brand management, as well as special courses on digital modeling, NFT clothing and artificial intelligence in design are appearing. More and more attention is paid not only to technical skills, but also to the ability to adapt, think flexibly and on a brand scale.

    “Develop the basics: the ability to draw, design, work with technology and create layouts. But don’t forget about digital tools – from Adobe and Clo3D to AI generators. Learn to analyze, formulate and talk about your creativity – today this is as important a skill as creating patterns,” emphasizes Anna Chernykh.

    Olga Sysoeva advises learning how to quickly absorb information. In the modern world, soft skills change at a tremendous speed, so remaining teachable is the most important skill. Sergey Sysoev draws attention to the need not to stop at classical training, but to follow technologies, introducing them into the process of creating a collection. He calls for combining creativity with technology, since the design of the future is high-tech and business-oriented. It is necessary to learn how to create a media resonance now, since publicity is the best skill today.

    Moscow is a city of youth. The capital offers wide opportunities for its development, creative self-expression, comfortable life and interesting leisure. The city has a developed infrastructure, thousands of events of different scale and focus are held.

    In honor of Youth Day, themed events will be held at more than 250 city venues. As Sergei Sobyanin reported earlier, the flagship event will be festival, which will take place on June 28 and 29 at Bolotnaya Square. You can find detailed information and a map with all city events on the portal “Youth of Moscow”.

    More information about opportunities for young residents of the capital can be found on the portal “Youth of Moscow” and its pages insocial networks.

    Moscow Fashion Week will be held from August 28 to September 2. Guests of the event will be able to attend shows, an open market, lectures by leading industry experts and the World Fashion Shorts festival of short films about fashion. A showroom will be open for business negotiations. Details of the event are onofficial website.

    The organizer of Moscow Fashion Week is the Fashion Fund with the support of the Moscow Government.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155391073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS attends 2025 Lujiazui Forum (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, attended the 2025 Lujiazui Forum in Shanghai today (June 18) and witnessed the signing of the Action Plan for Collaborative Development of Shanghai and Hong Kong International Financial Centres.
     
         The Lujiazui Forum is an international high-level dialogue platform that discusses major issues in the financial sector. This year, the forum was jointly organised by the Shanghai Municipal Government, the People’s Bank of China, the National Financial Regulatory Administration, and the China Securities Regulatory Commission. Themed “Financial Opening-Up and Cooperation for High-Quality Development in a Changing Global Economy”, the forum has brought together government officials, financial regulators, industry leaders, renowned think tanks and scholars from multiple countries to discuss topics such as global monetary policy, capital market development, financial technology and innovation, and inclusive finance. The plenary session this afternoon will include a session on deepening the co-operation and development of Shanghai and Hong Kong as international financial centres. 
     
         Mr Chan, as one of the key guests, attended the forum’s opening ceremony and morning plenary session. 
     
         Before the opening ceremony, Mr Chan and the Executive Vice Mayor of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, Mr Wu Wei, jointly witnessed the signing of the Action Plan for Collaborative Development of Shanghai and Hong Kong International Financial Centres, by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, and the Director-General of the Shanghai Office for Advancing International Financial Center Development and Director of the Shanghai Municipal Financial Regulatory Bureau, Mr Zhou Xiaoquan.
     
         The Action Plan covers six areas with a total of 38 measures, including deepening the interconnectivity between Mainland and Hong Kong financial markets, enhancing the linkage and co-operation of the two places’ capital markets, supporting eligible Shanghai enterprises to list and raise funds in Hong Kong, and strengthening collaboration in areas such as commodity trading, reinsurance, green finance and fintech. The aim is to further leverage the financial opening up, development and risk management advantages of the two cities, enhance cross-boundary and offshore financial co-operation, and promote the co-ordinated development of the two international financial centres. 
     
         In his speech at the ceremony, Mr Chan said that the Action Plan further specifies the directions of co-operation between Hong Kong and Shanghai, thereby injecting new and richer content into multi-level and multi-field financial collaboration. It includes, first, new measures to deepen financial interconnectivity; second, highlighting support for Mainland enterprises to go global; and third, promoting standard alignment and financial innovation. With strong support from the country, Hong Kong and Shanghai, as two international financial centres, will join forces to create greater synergy and collaborative benefits, thus making greater contributions to the country’s development as a financial powerhouse while also injecting Chinese wisdom and strength into the development of the global financial market. 
     
         Yesterday (June 17), upon arriving in Shanghai, Mr Chan attended an international exchange dinner hosted by the China Finance 40 Forum. Attendees included leaders from domestic and international financial institutions, regulatory bodies, think tanks and academia. At the dinner, Mr Chan shared how Hong Kong is striving to promote high-quality financial development amid global political and economic changes. This includes advancing financial market reforms to better attract global capital to support the development of the real economy, supporting the prudent advancement of Renminbi internationalisation, embracing financial innovation including digital assets, and providing comprehensive, high value-added services for Mainland enterprises’ international development. The goal is to better contribute to the country’s financial reform and high-level opening up while creating opportunities for global investors and businesses. 
     
         Mr Chan departed for Hong Kong around noon today.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic graduate from Gabon: “St. Petersburg has become my second home”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Atonfak Donfak Etienne Gaetan graduated from the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport of SPbPU. As a student, he wanted to “just finish his studies.” Now Etienne works as an engineer and services one of the most complex subways in the world. In an interview, he talked about how perseverance and respect for other cultures break stereotypes.

    — Etienne, tell us how your studies at the Polytechnic went?

    — I entered the IMMiT bachelor’s program in 2015, majoring in Mechanical Engineering Technology, and before that I studied for a year at the preparatory faculty to learn Russian. This is my first higher education. Before going to Russia, I studied economics at a university in Gabon for two years, but because of constant teacher strikes, my studies were going poorly. Then I decided to try to enroll abroad.

    — Why did you choose Russia?

    — At school I was interested in history, and I was surprised by how often Western media criticized Russia. I wanted to understand for myself what it was really like. Although my family was shocked — all my relatives studied in Europe or the USA. But I insisted: I said that I wanted to see Russia with my own eyes.

    — Was it difficult to adapt?

    — Very much! When I arrived, I saw almost no foreigners. I was surprised that students are not allowed to work part-time here — in Gabon, it’s the norm. The first few months, I even wanted to go home, but I decided not to give up.

    — Share your impressions of what Polytechnic has become for you?

    — The university is strong, but demanding. If you don’t pass the exams, you can be expelled, even if you are a fee-paying student. The teachers were understanding: if something was unclear because of the language, we stayed after classes to have it explained to us in English. My most vivid memories are defending my diploma. There were only three of us in the department, but the committee highly appreciated the work we had done.

    — Was it difficult to master the Russian language?

    – Yes, I studied poetry at the preparatory department to pass the exams. But now I speak fluently, albeit with an accent.

    — What cities did you manage to visit in Russia?

    — Only in St. Petersburg. This is my comfort zone: my son was born here, my friends live here, I got a job in this city. I consider St. Petersburg my second home. My family still doesn’t believe that I stayed in Russia. But I love this country: everything is honest here. If you work, you are respected.

    — What advice would you give to foreign students?

    — Prepare yourself for serious study. Polytechnic is not an easy option. But if you endure, all doors will open for you. And don’t be afraid to dream. I, a guy from Gabon, became an engineer in the metro. So, everything is possible!

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Launches “PRO” Mode with Customized Services for Institutional Clients and VIP Traders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced the launch of Bitget PRO, a new program designed to support institutional and VIP trading needs. Built to meet the operational requirements of high-volume market participants, the program delivers an optimized trading environment with access to lower fees, better interests, custody and loan services along with higher API frequency limits, and increased withdrawal limits.

    These enhancements aim to facilitate efficient capital deployment and support complex trading strategies across various market conditions. As for the eligibility criteria, Bitget PRO requirements are automated, making qualifying traders gain easy access to its benefits. The cutoff for qualification occurs automatically at 9:00AM (UTC+8) daily, with varying benefits and fees according to the different PRO levels. PRO 1 requires 20% of users’ trading volume from the past 30-days to come from API trades. Conversely, users who do not meet these criteria will revert to VIP status. Bitget also offers market-making and broker programs, providing additional opportunities for users to engage with the platform’s ecosystem.

    “Institutional traders are increasingly driving the momentum of crypto’s adoption, shaping its narrative through scale, precision, and strategy. Bitget PRO is built to serve as the home base for crypto’s top-tier participants—offering advanced security and a playground to experiment with products that match the evolving demands of high frequency traders,” said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget.

    Bitget PRO is an extension of VIP offerings. While the VIP tier is structured for manual and retail traders, the PRO program is engineered for institutional-grade trading via APIs. PRO users benefit from technical advantages including increased rate limits, priority access to technical operations support, and direct engagements with Bitget’s API team for ongoing optimization. Besides higher API rate limits, Bitget PRO users will also unlock institutional loan programs, higher withdrawal limits, a secure private link connection as well as more sub accounts, further adding The new program will unlock a more efficient trading experience for high volume trading, aligning with Bitget’s goal of serving institutional clients and VIP traders at scale.

    Earlier this year, Bitget introduced an Institutional Lending service with up to 5x leverage on spot trading and plans to extend it to derivatives. The platform also upgraded its OTC services and partnered with custodians like Cobo and Fireblocks to enhance security and support. Additionally, Bitget improved its Unified Accounts feature, enabling live trading across multiple pairs within a single account for advanced traders. These steps show Bitget’s strategic plans in providing a comprehensive, institution-ready trading ecosystem.

    Bitget PRO marks the latest development in Bitget’s efforts to provide infrastructure suited for the next era of digital asset trading. As institutional participation in crypto markets deepens, Bitget remains focused on delivering tools and services that align with the requirements of programmatic, high-frequency, and high-volume traders.

    For more information about Bitget PRO, visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

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    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ebdbcc63-2ca1-42cc-a119-ca6e51437ee0

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Iran’s long history of revolution, defiance and outside interference – and why its future is so uncertain

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University; and Vice Chancellor’s Strategic Fellow, Victoria University

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has gone beyond his initial aim of destroying Iran’s ability to produce nuclear weapons. He has called on the Iranian people to rise up against their dictatorial Islamic regime and ostensibly transform Iran along the lines of Israeli interests.

    United States President Donald Trump is now weighing possible military action in support of Netanyahu’s goal and asked for Iran’s total surrender.

    If the US does get involved, it wouldn’t be the first time it’s tried to instigate regime change by military means in the Middle East. The US invaded Iraq in 2003 and backed a NATO operation in Libya in 2011, toppling the regimes of Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gaddafi, respectively.

    In both cases, the interventions backfired, causing long-term instability in both countries and in the broader region.

    Could the same thing happen in Iran if the regime is overthrown?

    As I describe in my book, Iran Rising: The Survival and Future of the Islamic Republic, Iran is a pluralist society with a complex history of rival groups trying to assert their authority. A democratic transition would be difficult to achieve.

    The overthrow of the shah

    The Iranian Islamic regime assumed power in the wake of the pro-democracy popular uprising of 1978–79, which toppled Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi’s pro-Western monarchy.

    Until this moment, Iran had a long history of monarchical rule dating back 2,500 years. Mohammad Reza, the last shah, was the head of the Pahlavi dynasty, which came to power in 1925.

    In 1953, the shah was forced into exile under the radical nationalist and reformist impulse of the democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh. He was shortly returned to his throne through a CIA-orchestrated coup.

    Despite all his nationalist, pro-Western, modernising efforts, the shah could not shake off the indignity of having been re-throned with the help of a foreign power.

    The revolution against him 25 years later was spearheaded by pro-democracy elements. But it was made up of many groups, including liberalists, communists and Islamists, with no uniting leader.

    The Shia clerical group (ruhaniyat), led by the Shah’s religious and political opponent, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, proved to be best organised and capable of providing leadership to the revolution. Khomeini had been in exile from the early 1960s (at first in Iraq and later in France), yet he and his followers held considerable sway over the population, especially in traditional rural areas.

    When US President Jimmy Carter’s administration found it could no longer support the shah, he left the country and went into exile in January 1979. This enabled Khomeini to return to Iran to a tumultuous welcome.

    Birth of the Islamic Republic

    In the wake of the uprising, Khomeini and his supporters, including the current supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, abolished the monarchy and transformed Iran to a cleric-dominated Islamic Republic, with anti-US and anti-Israel postures. He ruled the country according to his unique vision of Islam.

    Khomeini denounced the US as a “Great Satan” and Israel as an illegal usurper of the Palestinian lands – Jerusalem, in particular. He also declared a foreign policy of “neither east, nor west” but pro-Islamic, and called for the spread of the Iranian revolution in the region.

    Khomeini not only changed Iran, but also challenged the US as the dominant force in shaping the regional order. And the US lost one of the most important pillars of its influence in the oil-rich and strategically important Persian Gulf region.

    Fear of hostile American or Israeli (or combined) actions against the Islamic Republic became the focus of Iran’s domestic and foreign policy behaviour.

    A new supreme leader takes power

    Khomeini died in 1989. His successor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has ruled Iran largely in the same jihadi (combative) and ijtihadi (pragmatic) ways, steering the country through many domestic and foreign policy challenges.

    Khamenei fortified the regime with an emphasis on self-sufficiency, a stronger defence capability and a tilt towards the east – Russia and China – to counter the US and its allies. He has stood firm in opposition to the US and its allies – Israel, in particular. And he has shown flexibility when necessary to ensure the survival and continuity of the regime.

    Khamenei wields enormous constitutional power and spiritual authority.

    He has presided over the building of many rule-enforcing instruments of state power, including the expansion of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its paramilitary wing, the Basij, revolutionary committees, and Shia religious networks.

    The Shia concept of martyrdom and loyalty to Iran as a continuous sovereign country for centuries goes to the heart of his actions, as well as his followers.

    Khamenei and his rule enforcers, along with an elected president and National Assembly, are fully cognisant that if the regime goes down, they will face the same fate. As such, they cannot be expected to hoist the white flag and surrender to Israel and the US easily.

    However, in the event of the regime falling under the weight of a combined internal uprising and external pressure, it raises the question: what is the alternative?

    The return of the shah?

    Many Iranians are discontented with the regime, but there is no organised opposition under a nationally unifying leader.

    The son of the former shah, the crown prince Reza Pahlavi, has been gaining some popularity. He has been speaking out on X in the last few days, telling his fellow Iranians:

    The end of the Islamic Republic is the end of its 46-year war against the Iranian nation. The regime’s apparatus of repression is falling apart. All it takes now is a nationwide uprising to put an end to this nightmare once and for all.

    Since the deposition of his father, he has lived in exile in the US. As such, he has been tainted by his close association with Washington and Jerusalem, especially Netanyahu.

    If he were to return to power – likely through the assistance of the US – he would face the same problem of political legitimacy as his father did.

    What does the future hold?

    Iran has never had a long tradition of democracy. It experienced brief instances of liberalism in the first half of the 20th century, but every attempt at making it durable resulted in disarray and a return to authoritarian rule.

    Also, the country has rarely been free of outside interventionism, given its vast hydrocarbon riches and strategic location. It’s also been prone to internal fragmentation, given its ethnic and religious mix.

    The Shia Persians make up more than half of the population, but the country has a number of Sunni ethnic minorities, such as Kurds, Azaris, Balochis and Arabs. They have all had separatist tendencies.

    Iran has historically been held together by centralisation rather than diffusion of power.

    Should the Islamic regime disintegrate in one form or another, it would be an mistake to expect a smooth transfer of power or transition to democratisation within a unified national framework.

    At the same time, the Iranian people are highly cultured and creative, with a very rich and proud history of achievements and civilisation.

    They are perfectly capable of charting their own destiny as long as there aren’t self-seeking foreign hands in the process – something they have rarely experienced.

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

    – ref. Iran’s long history of revolution, defiance and outside interference – and why its future is so uncertain – https://theconversation.com/irans-long-history-of-revolution-defiance-and-outside-interference-and-why-its-future-is-so-uncertain-259270

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Israel-Iran Conflict Enters Sixth Day with Escalating Military Action

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The conflict between Israel and Iran has entered its sixth day, with sustained missile strikes, air raids, and cyber warfare raising fears of a broader regional conflagration. Diplomatic channels remain frozen as hostilities intensify across multiple fronts.
     
    On Wednesday morning, the Israeli military reported intercepting three drones launched from Iranian territory, triggering air raid sirens in the Golan Heights. No casualties or material damage were reported.
     
    Overnight, Iran launched a fresh barrage of ballistic and hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles targeting Israel. Explosions were reported over Tel Aviv, with sirens sounding across northern Israel. In retaliation, Israeli forces conducted a series of high-intensity airstrikes on military installations in Tehran and the nearby city of Karaj. The targets reportedly included facilities linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and a university campus believed to be housing sensitive research.
     
    The conflict has also expanded into cyberspace. Iranian banking systems reportedly experienced widespread disruptions, attributed to cyberattacks believed to originate from Israel or its allies. Satellite imagery released by intelligence sources indicates substantial damage to Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure following five days of sustained Israeli bombardment.
     
    Iran has framed its strikes as retaliation for what it calls acts of terrorism by the ‘Zionist regime’. Israel issued evacuation warnings to residents of Tehran’s District 18, ahead of targeted strikes. Israeli officials claim they now have, ‘very good control over the skies of Tehran’.
     
    Former U.S. President Donald Trump has weighed in, calling for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and warning that “American patience is wearing thin.” While stopping short of announcing direct military action, Trump confirmed phone calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and proposed sending Vice President JD Vance, along with a special envoy, for exploratory talks with Iran. Global financial markets have responded nervously, with U.S. stock indices falling amid fears of wider regional escalation. Regional airspace remains restricted, disrupting commercial aviation and heightening security alerts across much of West Asia.
     

  • Israel-Iran Conflict Enters Sixth Day with Escalating Military Action

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The conflict between Israel and Iran has entered its sixth day, with sustained missile strikes, air raids, and cyber warfare raising fears of a broader regional conflagration. Diplomatic channels remain frozen as hostilities intensify across multiple fronts.
     
    On Wednesday morning, the Israeli military reported intercepting three drones launched from Iranian territory, triggering air raid sirens in the Golan Heights. No casualties or material damage were reported.
     
    Overnight, Iran launched a fresh barrage of ballistic and hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles targeting Israel. Explosions were reported over Tel Aviv, with sirens sounding across northern Israel. In retaliation, Israeli forces conducted a series of high-intensity airstrikes on military installations in Tehran and the nearby city of Karaj. The targets reportedly included facilities linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and a university campus believed to be housing sensitive research.
     
    The conflict has also expanded into cyberspace. Iranian banking systems reportedly experienced widespread disruptions, attributed to cyberattacks believed to originate from Israel or its allies. Satellite imagery released by intelligence sources indicates substantial damage to Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure following five days of sustained Israeli bombardment.
     
    Iran has framed its strikes as retaliation for what it calls acts of terrorism by the ‘Zionist regime’. Israel issued evacuation warnings to residents of Tehran’s District 18, ahead of targeted strikes. Israeli officials claim they now have, ‘very good control over the skies of Tehran’.
     
    Former U.S. President Donald Trump has weighed in, calling for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and warning that “American patience is wearing thin.” While stopping short of announcing direct military action, Trump confirmed phone calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and proposed sending Vice President JD Vance, along with a special envoy, for exploratory talks with Iran. Global financial markets have responded nervously, with U.S. stock indices falling amid fears of wider regional escalation. Regional airspace remains restricted, disrupting commercial aviation and heightening security alerts across much of West Asia.
     

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK House Price Index for April 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK House Price Index for April 2025

    The UK HPI shows house price changes for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

    1000 Words/Shutterstock.com

    The April data shows:

    • on average, house prices have fallen 2.8% since March 2025
    • there has been an annual price rise of 3.5% which makes the average property in the UK valued at £265,000

    England

    In England the April data shows, on average, house prices fell by 3.7% since March 2025. The annual price rise of 3% takes the average property value to £286,000.

    • London experienced the most significant monthly increase with a movement of 2.6%
    • The North East saw the biggest monthly price fall, with a reduction of -8.1%
    • The North East experienced the greatest annual price rise, up by 6.4%
    • The South West saw the lowest annual price growth, with a rise of 0.9%

    The regional data for England indicates that:

    Price change by region for England

    Region Average price April 2025 Annual change % since April 2024 Monthly change % since March 2025
    East Midlands £237,000 3.8 -3.6
    East of England £332,000 2 -3.8
    London £567,000 3.3 2.6
    North East £156,000 6.4 -8.1
    North West £205,000 3.1 -6.4
    South East £380,000 3 -2
    South West £301,000 0.9 -3.8
    West Midlands £240,000 2.6 -4.6
    Yorkshire and the Humber £200,000 4 -6.1

    Repossession sales by volume for England

    The lowest number of repossession sales in February 2025 was in the South West.

    The highest number of repossession sales in February  2025 was in the North East.

    Repossession sales February 2025
    East Midlands 5
    East of England 2
    London 10
    North East 22
    North West 9
    South East 10
    South West 1
    West Midlands 11
    Yorkshire and the Humber 9
    England 79

    Average price by property type for England

    Property type April 2025 April  2024 Difference %
    Detached £467,000 £447,000 4.5
    Semi-detached £283,000 £270,000 4.7
    Terraced £234,000 £229,000 2.2
    Flat/maisonette £222,000 £223,000 -0.4
    All £286,000 £278,000 3

    Funding and buyer status for England

    Transaction type Average price
    April 2025 Annual price change % since April 2024 Monthly price change % since March 2025
    Cash £272,000 2.2 -4
    Mortgage £292,000 3.4 -3.5
    First-time buyer £239,000 2.7 -4.7
    Former owner occupier £350,000 3.5 -2.4

    Building status for England

    Building status* Average price February 2025 Annual price change % since February 2024 Monthly price change % since January 2025
    New build £446,000 26.5 12.1
    Existing resold property £286,000 4.3 0.5

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    London

    London shows, on average, house prices increased by 2.6% since March 2025. House prices have shown an annual price increase of 3.3% meaning the average price of a property is £567,000.

    Average price by property type for London

    Property type April 2025 April 2024 Difference %
    Detached £1,189,000 £1,108,000 7.3
    Semi-detached £729,000 £680,000 7.2
    Terraced £638,000 £609,000 4.8
    Flat/maisonette £449,000 £445,000 0.9
    All £567,000 £548,000 3.3

    Funding and buyer status for London

    Transaction type Average price
    Apr 2025 Annual price change % since April 2024 Monthly price change % since March 2025
    Cash £617,000 3.5 5.4
    Mortgage £556,000 3.3 1.8
    First-time buyer £481,000 2.2 0.9
    Former owner occupier £716,000 1.2 5.4

    Building status for London

    Building status* Average price February 2025 Annual price change % since February 2024 Monthly price change % since January 2025
    New build £596,000 19.1 10.3
    Existing resold property £555,000 1.2 -1.3

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    Wales

     Wales shows, on average, house prices rose by 0.3% since March 2025. An annual price increase of 5.3% takes the average property value to £210,000.

    There were 5 repossession sales for Wales in February 2025.

    Average price by property type for Wales

    Property type April 2025 April 2024 Difference %
    Detached £330,000 £313,000 5.5
    Semi-detached £211,000 £197,000 7.1
    Terraced £166,000 £159,000 4.9
    Flat/maisonette £128,000 £128,000 -0.1
    All £210,000 £200,000 5.3

    Funding and buyer status for Wales

    Transaction type Average price April 2025% Annual price change % since April 2024 Monthly price change % since March 2025
    Cash £208,000 4 -0.4
    Mortgage £211,000 5.9 0.6
    First-time buyer £180,000 5.5 -0.3
    Former owner occupier £251,000 5.1 1

    Building status for Wales

    Building status* Average price
    February 2025 Annual price change % since February 2024 Monthly price change % since January 2025
    New build £377,000 25.6 10.8
    Existing resold property £204,000 3.4 -0.6

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    UK house prices

    UK house prices rose by 3.5% in the year to April 2025, down from the revised estimate of 7% in the 12 months to March 2025. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, average house prices in the UK decreased by 2.7% between March 2025 and April 2025, compared with a increase of 0.5% from the same period 12 months ago (March 2024 and April 2024).

    The UK Property Transactions Statistics showed that in April 2025, on a seasonally adjusted basis, the estimated number of transactions of residential properties with a value of £40,000 or greater was 65,000. This is 28% lower than a year ago (April 2024). Between March 2025 and April 2025, UK transactions decreased by 63.5% on a seasonally adjusted basis.

    The highest house price monthly increase was in London, where prices rose by 2.6% since March 2025. The highest annual growth was in the the North East, where prices increased by 6.4% in the year to April 2025.

    See the economic statement.

    The UK HPI is based on completed housing transactions. Typically, a house purchase can take 6 to 8 weeks to reach completion. As with other indicators in the housing market, which typically fluctuate from month to month, it is important not to put too much weight on one month’s set of house price data.

    Access the full UK HPI.

    Background

    1. We publish the UK House Price Index (HPI) on the second or third Wednesday of each month with Northern Ireland figures updated quarterly. We will publish the May 2025 UK HPI at 9:30am on Wednesday 16 July 2025. See the calendar of release dates.
    2. We have made some changes to improve the accuracy of the UK HPI. We are not publishing average price and percentage change for new builds and existing resold property as done previously because there are not currently enough new build transactions to provide a reliable result. This means that in this month’s UK HPI reports, new builds and existing resold property are reported in line with the sales volumes currently available.
    3. The UK HPI revision period has been extended to 13 months, following a review of the revision policy (see calculating the UK HPI section 4.4). This ensures the data used is more comprehensive.
    4. Sales volume data is available by property status (new build and existing property) and funding status (cash and mortgage) in our downloadable data tables. Transactions that require us to create a new register, such as new builds, are more complex and require more time to process. Read revisions to the UK HPI data.
    5. Revision tables are available for England and Wales within the downloadable data in CSV format. See about the UK HPI for more information.
    6. HM Land Registry, Registers of Scotland, Land & Property Services/Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency and the Valuation Office Agency supply data for the UK HPI.
    7. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Land & Property Services/Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency calculate the UK HPI. It applies a hedonic regression model that uses the various sources of data on property price, including HM Land Registry’s Price Paid Dataset, and attributes to produce estimates of the change in house prices each month. Find out more about the methodology used from the ONS and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency.
    8. We take the UK Property Transaction statistics  from the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) monthly estimates of the number of residential and non-residential property transactions in the UK and its constituent countries. The number of property transactions in the UK is highly seasonal, with more activity in the summer months and less in the winter. This regular annual pattern can sometimes mask the underlying movements and trends in the data series. HMRC presents the UK aggregate transaction figures on a seasonally adjusted basis. We make adjustments for both the time of year and the construction of the calendar, including corrections for the position of Easter and the number of trading days in a particular month.
    9. UK HPI seasonally adjusted series are calculated at regional and national levels only. See data tables.
    10. The first estimate for new build average price (April 2016 report) was based on a small sample which can cause volatility. A three-month moving average has been applied to the latest estimate to remove some of this volatility.
    11. The UK HPI reflects the final transaction price for sales of residential property. Using the geometric mean, it covers purchases at market value for owner-occupation and buy-to-let, excluding those purchases not at market value (such as re-mortgages), where the ‘price’ represents a valuation.
    12. HM Land Registry provides information on residential property transactions for England and Wales, collected as part of the official registration process for properties that are sold for full market value.
    13. The HM Land Registry dataset contains the sale price of the property, the date when the sale was completed, full address details, the type of property (detached, semi-detached, terraced or flat), if it is a newly built property or an established residential building and a variable to indicate if the property has been purchased as a financed transaction (using a mortgage) or as a non-financed transaction (cash purchase).
    14. Repossession sales data is based on the number of transactions lodged with HM Land Registry by lenders exercising their power of sale.
    15. For England, we show repossession sales volume recorded by government office region. For Wales, we provide repossession sales volume for the number of repossession sales.
    16. Repossession sales data is available from April 2016 in CSV format. Find out more information about repossession sales.
    17. We publish CSV files of the raw and cleansed aggregated data every month for England, Scotland and Wales. We publish Northern Ireland data on a quarterly basis. They are available for free use and re-use under the Open Government Licence.
    18. HM Land Registry is a government department created in 1862. Its vision is: “A world-leading property market as part of a thriving economy and a sustainable future.”
    19. HM Land Registry’s purpose is: “We protect your land ownership and provide services and data that underpin an efficient and informed property market.”
    20. HM Land Registry safeguards land and property ownership valued at £8 trillion, enabling over £1 trillion worth of personal and commercial lending to be secured against property across England and Wales. The Land Register contains more than 26.5 million titles showing evidence of ownership for more than 89% of the land mass of England and Wales.
    21. For further information about HM Land Registry visit www.gov.uk/land-registry.
    22. Follow us on @HMLandRegistry, our blog, LinkedIn and Facebook

    Contact

    Press Office

    Trafalgar House
    1 Bedford Park
    Croydon
    CR0 2AQ

    Email HMLRPressOffice@landregistry.gov.uk

    Phone (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm) 0300 006 3365

    Mobile (5:30pm to 8:30am weekdays, all weekend and public holidays) 07864 689 344

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beyond blind boxes: What’s behind Labubu’s global craze?

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

    A resident takes photos of a Labubu toy at the Taipa exhibition area of “POP MART MACAO CITYWALK” in south China’s Macao, June 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    In the pre-dawn chill outside a New York mall, young fans camped overnight, eager to get their hands on a Labubu doll. In Paris, shoppers carrying Labubu shopping bags posed for photos in front of the Louvre. In Seoul’s Myeongdong shopping area, long queues formed not for K-pop stars, but for Labubu. Its theme song echoed in Spanish streets.

    At the center of this global craze is a small, sharp-eared figure with jagged teeth and an ambiguous expression — Labubu, a curious creation from China that is capturing the imagination of global youth.

    The frenzy surrounding Labubu has sparked long queues, thriving secondary markets, and rental services, with some transactions standing out due to their scale. A one-of-a-kind mint-green, human-sized Labubu sold for 1.08 million yuan (about 150,531 U.S. dollars) at a Beijing auction last week, setting a new record for the blind box toy as it transitions from pop craze to coveted collectible.

    From “world factory” to “global creative center”

    This nine-toothed, punk-cute creature from Pop Mart is more than just a toy. It has become a cultural and commercial force. In 2024, Pop Mart’s “The Monsters” series swept through global markets, generating over 3 billion yuan in revenue, a 726.6 percent increase from the previous year and the company’s most successful IP to date.

    It is rare for a comic or toy IP to break the culture wall and be embraced by both Asian cultures as well as mainstream Western pop stars and sports stars, according to Jessie Xu, an analyst at Deutsche Bank, which significantly raised its target price for Pop Mart shares on the strength of Labubu’s performance.

    Labubu’s rise marks more than a viral toy trend: it signals a broader shift in China’s role on the global stage. No longer just a manufacturing hub, China is emerging as a source of original cultural exports. “Labubu’s success marks China’s transition from ‘world factory’ to ‘global creative center’,” noted a recent commentary on the website of China’s Qiushi Journal, the flagship magazine of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, reflecting on the nation’s economic evolution beyond low-cost production.

    What makes this spiky-toothed imp resonate from Seoul to Spain? Designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, Labubu defies the traditional traits that are associated with being cute. With large ears and a fixed grin featuring nine pointy teeth, its oddball charm resonates with a young generation that sees itself in its mischievous, soft-hearted persona.

    “Labubu’s image aligns closely with the way today’s consumers express themselves,” said Yu Yiqi, an associate researcher at Fudan University, adding that its blend of mild rebellion — defiant yet harmless — has made this unconventional IP more recognizable, accepted, and embraced by consumers.

    Pop Mart amplified Labubu’s appeal on a global scale. In Thailand, the furry doll was granted the title of “Amazing Thailand Experience Explorer” by tourism authority. In Singapore, a Merlion-themed edition sold out almost instantly. What began as a toy has evolved into a kind of cultural conduit, quietly connecting young people across borders.

    Toys themed on Labubu, a popular furry doll from Chinese toy company Pop Mart, are pictured during the opening ceremoy of a new offline store of Pop Mart in Bangkok, Thailand, July 5, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The long game of patience, precision 

    Labubu’s explosion wasn’t overnight.

    “In 2010, Beijing got its first Pop Mart store. I was 23,” 38-year-old Pop Mart’s CEO Wang Ning recalled. Early days were fraught. With little recognition, the startup struggled to secure collaborations with established IPs.

    Yet it developed a simple method to spot potential hits. At art fairs, artist booths with the longest lines were seen as a clear sign of consumer interest. By gathering strong creative talent early on, the little-known company quickly made a name for itself.

    As the youngest self-made founder on Forbes’ 2024 list of Best CEOs in China, Wang’s age has led many to view Pop Mart as a young company. In reality, it has been quietly building its presence in the designer toy space for 15 years. Since launching its international expansion in 2018, Pop Mart has steadily advanced its global strategy, with operations now spanning nearly 100 countries and regions.

    Labubu’s success would not have been possible without meticulous iteration. Pop Mart and Lung spent a considerable amount of time refining Labubu, from the initial “Forest Concert” series to the recently released “Big into Energy” series, gradually shaping its “punk-cute” identity into a distinct cultural symbol.

    The toymaker is not alone in embracing the long game. The animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 took five and a half years to complete, with more than 4,000 people involved and nearly 2,000 visual effects shots. The hit video game Black Myth: Wukong was developed for over six years, with its creators pouring vast artistic resources into delivering high-end visuals and performance for players.

    Precision matters. Wang fixated on the smallest details, from store layouts designed to guide browsing flow, to display case placement intended to catch the eye, and maintenance schedules aimed at enhancing the customer experience. “Innovation is the fundamental guarantee for enterprises to withstand storms and achieve sustainable development,” the Qiushi website commentary noted, underscoring the relentless focus behind Labubu’s success.

    Made in China, designed for the world 

    Labubu’s rise to becoming a globally coveted product is rooted in China’s vast manufacturing ecosystem. “As a global manufacturing powerhouse, China has a complete industrial chain and a mature industrial environment, offering significant comparative advantages,” Wang said.

    More than 70 percent of Pop Mart’s production comes from factories in Dongguan, south China’s Guangdong Province, the heart of China’s toy manufacturing industry. The city is home to some 4,000 toy companies and 1,500 supporting suppliers. It is responsible for producing a quarter of the world’s animation merchandise and 85 percent of China’s designer toys.

    When Labubu introduced an innovative blend of vinyl and plush materials, factories in Dongguan delivered with remarkable precision. They even created separate molds for each individual component. “If you can make Pop Mart, you can make any designer toy in the world,” a manufacturing partner said.

    As a leading arts hub in Asia and a regular host of Art Basel, Hong Kong provided the artistic foundation. It was here that Wang discovered talented illustrators like Lung. This model of collaboration between art and manufacturing has propelled China’s designer toy industry from contract production to value creation.

    Customers purchase products at a POP MART store in London, Britain, on May 21, 2025. The trendy toys recently launched by Chinese pop culture brand POP MART have drawn fans worldwide, which stands as a prime example of a new wave of innovative Chinese products, revolutionizing global perspectives on “Made in China” within the toy industry. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s pro-consumption policies have provided strong tailwinds for the designer toy industry. A national action plan released in March calls for cultivating “trendy domestic goods,” while the Ministry of Commerce has been promoting “IP plus consumption” by developing creative retail spaces and cultural landmarks. The country’s designer toy market, valued at roughly 60 billion yuan in 2023, is projected to reach 110.1 billion yuan by 2026, with annual growth rate exceeding 20 percent.

    Greater openness is also fueling the cultural exchange crucial to IP growth. China has expanded its unilateral visa-free access program, allowing travelers from 47 countries to stay for up to 30 days. This has drawn a growing number of international visitors seeking firsthand experiences of Chinese culture. The immersive contact not only deepens global understanding of China’s lifestyle, but also fosters an environment where homegrown IPs like Labubu can flourish and succeed on the international stage.

    Yet, white-hot demand breeds challenges. Frenzied queues in London reportedly led to scuffles, forcing Pop Mart to briefly suspend UK Labubu sales. Similar safety concerns prompted a temporary halt in the Republic of Korea.

    Pop Mart has publicly distanced itself from speculative frenzy in the second-hand market, reiterating that the company has never — and will never — participate in any form of resale activities involving collectible toys. It also urged consumers to approach purchases with rational expectations.

    Though often attributed to psychological triggers like unpredictable rewards and fear of missing out, the fascination with blind boxes, according to Wang, stems from something deeper.

    “What really matters is the designer toy, the IP, and the story behind blind boxes,” he said, noting that Pop Mart is in the business of trendy designer toys, not just surprise packaging. “It’s not the blind box that hooks people — it’s the characters inside, which represent some of China’s most attractive consumer IPs.”

    “Not every IP will become a hit,” said Yu. “What matters is that Pop Mart takes a systematic approach to selecting, managing, and supporting IPs, grounded in its role as a trendsetter. Trends rise and fall, but a company needs a steady pipeline to consistently deliver value and meet consumer demand.”

    From scouting more than 350 artists worldwide to growing 13 IPs with each’s annual revenue exceeding 100 million yuan, Pop Mart has a clear goal: to keep its IPs alive and constantly evolving. Once aspiring to be “Disney of China,” the company is now working to become “Pop Mart of the world.”

    “Labubu isn’t Pop Mart’s first red-hot IP,” Yu said. “Nor will it be the last.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: River Plate cruise, Dortmund and Inter draw at Club World Cup

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

    European sides were left frustrated at the FIFA Club World Cup on Tuesday as Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan shared the points with Fluminense and Monterrey, respectively.

    South America’s River Plate claimed the day’s most emphatic victory with a 3-1 defeat of Urawa Red Diamonds while Mamelodi Sundowns edged Ulsan 1-0.

    Marcel Sabitzer (R) of Borussia Dortmund vies for the ball during the Group F match between Fluminense FC of Brazil and Borussia Dortmund of Germany at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in New Jersey, the United States, June 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)

    In New Jersey, Brazil’s Fluminense was left to rue its profligacy in a goalless draw with Germany’s Borussia Dortmund.

    The Rio de Janeiro outfit looked more likely to score at MetLife Stadium but could not find a way past Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who made a series of fine saves.

    “We showed that we are a great club and that we are going to be difficult opponents for anyone,” Fluminense’s Colombian midfielder Jhon Arias told reporters.

    “We were aware of Borussia’s quality and the level of European football, but we were superior for most of the match. That gives us peace of mind and confidence to continue playing like we did today.”

    Argentina’s River Plate began its Group E campaign with a 3-1 victory over Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds in Seattle.

    The Buenos Aires club opened the scoring when Facundo Colidio timed his run to perfection to meet Marcos Acuna’s cross with a thumping header from the edge of the six-yard box.

    Sebastian Driussi doubled the advantage shortly after, nodding home following a defensive miscue.

    Urawa pulled a goal back through Yusuke Matsuo, who converted from the penalty spot after Takuro Kaneko was brought down by Acuna.

    Substitute Maximiliano Meza restored the two-goal cushion, rising to meet Acuna’s corner with a bullet header that beat goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa at his near post.

    “The most important thing was to win, but we know we have to improve,” River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo said.

    “We suffered from nerves, which is understandable. But our upcoming matches are going to be more demanding and we have to be ready.”

    In Orlando, a first-half goal from Iqraam Rayners gave South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns a 1-0 win over South Korean side Ulsan.

    Rayners ran onto Lucas Ribeiro’s inch-perfect pass before calmly toe-poking a right-footed shot into the far corner.

    “In this competition, it’s not easy to achieve victories,” Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso said. “Today, I think we released a lot of energy in the right way.”

    In the day’s late match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Inter Milan was held to a 1-1 draw by Monterrey after Lautaro Martinez cancelled out an early Sergio Ramos goal.

    The Mexican side struck first when former Real Madrid defender Ramos rose highest to send a header past Argentine goalkeeper Esteban Andrada after Oliver Torres’ corner.

    Martinez leveled just before halftime, combining with Carlos Augusto to slot home from point-blank range.

    The Italian Serie A giants dominated possession after the break but were denied by Monterrey’s disciplined defensive block. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Premises in the Lanceray house have been put up for city auction

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Investors can buy four rooms in a historic building in the Krasnoselsky District. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “Investors can purchase four premises with a total area of about two thousand square meters in the Lanceray house on Milyutinsky Lane. The corresponding objects are already available for purchase on the investment portal. Another premises in this architectural monument are planned to be put up for auction in the near future. The building has the status of a cultural heritage site of regional significance. The new owners will have to carry out restoration and reconstruction work, as well as use the premises in accordance with the security obligation to ensure the protection of the architectural heritage of the capital,” Vladimir Efimov noted.

    The cultural heritage site is located at the address: Milyutinsky Lane, Building 20/2, Building 1. The building in the Gothic Art Nouveau style began to be built in 1915 under the direction of architect Valentin Dubovsky. After the October Revolution, the house was completed according to the design of architect Alexander Kalmykov.

    “The largest of the premises put up for auction has an area of over 1.7 thousand square meters and occupies the basement of an eight-story residential building. The sizes of the other three objects vary from 72.6 to 129.3 square meters. The building is located on the second line of the Boulevard Ring, a three-minute walk from the Turgenevskaya metro station. The area with developed public and business activity will be a good place to open a store, office or business in the restaurant and hotel industry,” she noted.

    Ekaterina Solovieva, Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Moscow Department of City Property.

    As the head of the Moscow City Department for Competition Policy said Kirill Purtov, the acceptance of applications for participation in electronic auctions for the purchase of four properties in Milyutinsky Lane will end on July 10, 14 and 16, depending on the lot. The auctions will take place on July 22, 23 and 25, respectively.

    All information about the premises put up for auction is presented on the capital’s investment portal. You can learn more about them, study the lot documentation and the rules for conducting auctions in the section “Property from the city”.

    The development of electronic services for entrepreneurs is carried out within the framework of the national project “Data Economy”.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155377073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ21: Resumption of public rental housing units and Well-off Tenants Policies

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Elizabeth Quat and a written reply by the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, in the Legislative Council today (June 18):
     
    Question:
     
         According to government information, 15 000-odd public rental housing (PRH) units were recovered by the Housing Department for various reasons in 2023, which was 55 per cent more than the annual number of about 10 000 units in the past. Regarding the recovery of PRH units and the Well-off Tenants Policies, will the Government inform this Council of the following information in the past five financial years:
     
    (1) the number of PRH units recovered each year for the following reasons:
    (i) death of principal tenants or principal tenants being admitted to residential care homes;
    (ii) principal tenants having purchased subsidised sale flats;
    (iii) tenants moving out due to breach of tenancy agreements (e.g. ‍accruing 16 points within two years under the Marking Scheme for Estate Management Enforcement or defaulting on rent payment);
    (iv) tenants moving out due to failure or refusal to return the declaration form on income and assets as required;
    (v) tenants moving out as their family income/total household net asset value exceeded the limits prescribed under the Well-off Tenants Policies;
    (vi) tenants were asked to move out as their household members owned domestic properties in Hong Kong;
    (vii) voluntary surrender of units by tenants (including moving to other regions/countries, moving to other residences, or for unknown reasons);
    (viii) tenants moving out upon application for transfer; and
    (ix) other reasons;
     
    (2) the number of recovered PRH units used for allocation to applicants on the PRH Waiting List each year;
     
    (3) the number of Notices-to-quit (NTQs) issued by the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) to PRH tenants each year and, among them, the number of tenants who lodged appeals in this regard, together with a breakdown by the outcome of the appeals (e.g. ‍cancellation of NTQs, amendment of NTQs and setting of conditions for the tenants lodging appeals to rectify the violations, as well as unsuccessful appeals);
     
    (4) the number of cases received by the HA in which applications for granting of new tenancy agreements were made by authorised members of the units due to the death or moving out of the original principle tenants and, among such cases, the number of those which were approved and rejected; among the approved cases, the number of those in which the PRH units involved were granted approval for addition of household members to the tenancy in the past three years;
     
    (5) the number of PRH tenants who had successfully applied for deletion of household members from the tenancy each year and, among them, the number of those who were well-off tenants; and
     
    (6) the respective numbers of PRH tenants who were required under the Well-off Tenants Policies to pay (i) 1.5 times net rent plus rates and (ii) double net rent plus rates each year?
     
    Reply:

    President,
     
         In response to the questions raised by the Hon Elizabeth Quat, our reply is as follows:

    (1) In the past five financial years (i.e. 2020/21 to 2024/25), the numbers of public rental housing (PRH) units recovered by the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA), categorised by reasons for recovery, are listed in Annex 1.
     
    (2) Based on the established allocation policies and programmes, the HA allocates newly completed and refurbished recovered PRH units to meet the needs of applicants under various categories. We will allocate most of the units to PRH applicants and closely monitor the actual allocation figures of other categories (e.g. Compassionate Rehousing) to ensure that any units in excess of the estimated demand under other categories would be allocated to PRH applicants by the end of the year. In the past five financial years, the actual numbers of recovered PRH units allocated to PRH applicants and applicants under other categories are tabulated in Annex 2.
     
    (3) In the past five financial years, the numbers of Notices-to-quit issued by the HA, the numbers of appeal cases received by the Appeal Panel (Housing), and the numbers of appeal cases heard by the Appeal Panel (Housing) as well as the rulings are set out by category in Annex 3.
     
    (4) According to the HA’s existing Policy on Grant of New Tenancy (GNT), upon the death or moving out of the principal tenant of a PRH unit, the tenancy can be granted to his/her spouse who has been listed in the tenancy. If there is no surviving spouse listed in the tenancy, one of the authorised family members currently living in the unit can be granted a new tenancy, provided that the Comprehensive Means Test and Domestic Property Test set at the level of Well-off Tenants Policies are passed. In the past five financial years, there were approximately 32 000 GNT cases approved upon the death or moving out of the original principal tenant. The Housing Department (HD) does not keep statistics on the number of rejected applications for GNT and the number of approved GNT cases which involved addition of household members.
     
    (5) In the past five financial years, the HA approved an average of about 44 000 cases per year on the deletion of family members from PRH tenancies. Among these cases, around 16 700 cases arose from death or admission to elderly homes, while the remaining of about 27 300 cases resulted from moving out or other reasons. The HD does not keep statistics on the number of aforesaid cases which involved “well-off tenants”.
     
    (6) In the past five financial years, the numbers of PRH tenants under the HA required to pay 1.5 or double net rent plus rates are listed in Annex 4.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Lufthansa baggage collection and Check-in service now also available in the greater Cologne area

    Source: Lufthansa Group

    Lufthansa is further expanding its innovative baggage collection and check-in service for its passengers. In cooperation with its technology partner ‘Airportr’, Lufthansa already offers this convenient service to all travelers departing from Frankfurt. As of today, the service is also available to passengers traveling to Frankfurt Airport by train from the Cologne and Siegburg/Bonn areas. In addition, travelers with Discover Airlines can now also enjoy this innovation – both in the Frankfurt and Cologne areas.

    The idea is simple and convenient: passengers can have their suitcases and luggage collected from their home or hotel. The luggage is sealed, brought securely to the airport and checked in there. Travelers receive real-time updates via a personalized tracking link and a digital baggage tag receipt. Passengers can travel to the airport conveniently and without heavy luggage and go straight to the security checkpoint – they only collect their checked baggage at their destination.

    The convenient premium service saves time, is comfortable and makes travel easier, especially by public transport.

    Interested guests can book the offer via https://www.lufthansa.com/de/de/prepare-for-your-trip/baggage  up to 36 hours before departure. The service has been available to customers from the greater Frankfurt, Mannheim, Heidelberg, Hanau, Aschaffenburg, Wiesbaden, Mainz, Darmstadt and Bensheim areas since February. With immediate effect, passengers at Lufthansa Express Rail locations in Cologne and Siegburg/Bonn can also take advantage of the service: the service region has been extended to include the greater Cologne, Bonn, Leverkusen, Hürth and Brühl areas. The baggage collection service is available from as little as 29 euros, with prices varying depending on location and collection time.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Environmental justice Fashion waste from top UK brands found polluting endangered turtles’ habitat in Ghana Discarded clothes from Next, Asda and M&S found in protected wetlands threatened by fast-growing waste dumps Clothes discarded by UK consumers and exported to Ghana have been found in a… by Stefano Gelmini June 18, 2025

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Discarded clothes from Next, Asda and M&S found in protected wetlands threatened by fast-growing waste dumps

    Clothes discarded by UK consumers and exported to Ghana have been found in a huge new dumpsite growing inside internationally protected wetlands, an Unearthed and Greenpeace Africa investigation reveals. 

    Stills and footage of the waste dumps and the UK-branded clothing available here.

    Unearthed reporters have found garments from UK high-street brands Next, George at Asda, and Marks & Spencer inside the protected nature site home to rare birds and three species of turtles.

    The clothes were located at or close to two open-air waste dumps that have recently appeared inside the wetlands. Clothing items from M&S, Zara, H&M, and Primark were also found at a sprawling third dump just on a riverbank just outside the nature reserve, from where fashion waste often floats downstream, polluting the wetlands.

    Scientists are concerned about the impact on local wildlife of the microplastics and chemicals released from textile waste. Locals complain that their fishing nets, waterways and beaches are clogged with synthetic fast fashion exported to Ghana from the UK and Europe.

    Ghana is the world’s largest importer of used clothing, with 15 million items of discarded garments arriving each week [1]. The UK sent more fashion waste to Ghana last year – 57,000 tonnes according to UN trade data – than to any other country except the UAE [2]. But local officials estimate about 40% of each bale is unusable – torn, stained, or unsuitable for the climate. 

    This overspill has overwhelmed Accra, resulting in new waste dumps appearing just outside the capital. Unearthed reporters found two fast-growing tips inside a critical biodiversity area, the Densu Delta, designated a “Ramsar site”: a wetland of “international importance” under the Convention on Wetlands. One of the dumps, Glefe, has been established for just four years, according to Google Earth historical images, and it already looms taller than a two-storey building in places. The second, Akkaway, is less than a year old but rapidly expanding.

    The protected nature site provides a habitat for birds such as rare roseate terns, which migrate from the UK, and curlew sandpipers, which visit from the Arctic tundra. The endangered leatherback and green turtles lay their eggs on the conservation area’s beach, as does the Olive Ridley turtle, known for nesting en masse on the same beach where it hatched [3]. 

    Local people rely on the ecosystem for fishing and salt production. Unearthed has spoken to local fishermen who describe hauling in textile waste in their nets and blame it for a decline in fish stocks.

    Commenting on the findings, Greenpeace UK’s plastic campaigner Laura Burley said:

    “It’s heartbreaking to see a protected nature site turning into a waste dump because of our addiction to fast fashion. A dress designed to be worn just once or twice before being thrown away could pose a threat to rare birds and marine turtles in these protected wetlands for decades to come, while also harming people’s livelihoods. And with the majority of these garments made of plastic fibres, our throwaway clothes are adding to the plastic pollution choking our oceans. The UK government should force fashion retailers to take some responsibility for the waste they create while backing strong targets to cut plastic production in the UN Global Plastics Treaty.”

    Dr Jones Quartey, a wetland ecologist at the University of Ghana, told Unearthed that disposing of textiles in wetlands could cause irreparable harm. “This is dangerous – more so when we don’t know what chemicals are in the textile waste,” he said. “The bioaccumulation and biomagnification of microplastics in aquatic organisms and humans could pose risks such as physical damage, chemical exposure and disruption of biological processes.”

    When contacted by Unearthed, the fashion labels acknowledged that the industry faces challenges around processing textile waste. M&S, George, and Primark said they run “take-back” schemes to help address the issue. H&M, Zara, and George said they would support an extended producer responsibility framework to hold labels accountable for their products’ end-of-life impact.  

    Read the full investigation here.

    ENDS

    Contact: Greenpeace UK news team at press.uk@greenpeace.org and on 020 7865 8255

    Stills and footage of the waste dumps and UK-branded clothes, as well as interviews with local people, can be downloaded here.

    Notes

    1. From a Greenpeace Africa report: https://www.greenpeace.org/africa/en/press/56381/fast-fashion-slow-poison-new-report-exposes-toxic-impact-of-global-textile-waste-in-ghana/
    2. UN trade data:
      https://comtradeplus.un.org/TradeFlow?Frequency=A&Flows=X&CommodityCodes=6309&Partners=all&Reporters=826&period=2024&AggregateBy=none&BreakdownMode=plu
    3. https://ghanawildlife.org/densu.html

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Hilton to Triple its Presence in Africa to More Than 160 Hotels

    • Hilton expects to open more than 100 hotels in the coming years in markets including Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Angola and Madagascar
    • Most recent hotel openings include Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof, Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston and DoubleTree by Hilton Addis Ababa Airport
    • Hilton to make its Ghana debut later this year with the opening of Hilton Accra Cantonments
    • Hilton is currently hiring for 600 new hospitality jobs in Africa and expects to create 18,000 new positions as it expands its portfolio.

    Coinciding with Future Hospitality Summit Africa 2025, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced plans to almost triple its presence in Africa to more than 160 hotels trading in the coming years. Across its portfolio of market-leading brands, Hilton expects to open more than 100 hotels on the continent, supporting Africa’s burgeoning hospitality sector and creating approximately 18,000 jobs for local people.

    Carlos Khneisser, chief development officer, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said, “We are thrilled to announce several new hotel agreements which significantly expand our footprint in Africa, a continent brimming with potential and opportunity. Our development strategy underscores our commitment to supporting Africa’s hospitality sector as we partner with owners to grow our footprint, deliver exceptional stays for our customers and create jobs for local people. Africa offers incredible opportunity, from thriving business hubs to vibrant cultures, wildlife, and natural landscapes. We are excited to unveil a host of new destinations building on Hilton’s legacy of hospitality across Africa for over 65 years.”  

    Hilton Debuts in Angola

    Hilton has made its Angolan debut with the signing of three properties – two in the capital city of Luanda under its flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand and affordable and upscale Hilton Garden Inn brand, as well as one in Cabinda with a property under its award-winning DoubleTree by Hilton brand.

    Hilton Luanda Hotel Godinho

    Hilton has signed Hilton Luanda Hotel Godinho in partnership with Servicab S.A. The hotel is expected to open in 2027 and will feature 220 guest rooms and suites. Stretched along an 11,250-square-metre beachfront with unobstructed views of the ocean, the property will feature multiple dining options and over 1,000 square metres of event space.

    Hilton Garden Inn Luanda Airport

    Hilton has signed Hilton Garden Inn Luanda Airport in partnership with Crestigo. Set to open in 2028, Hilton Garden Inn Luanda Airport will feature 200 guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant and terrace, flexible meeting rooms, a fitness centre, a pool, and a rooftop bar. The hotel’s proximity to Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport and corporate business hubs makes it an ideal choice for business travellers.

    DoubleTree by Hilton Cabinda Futila Residences

    Hilton has also signed an agreement with Prodoil S.A. to debut its DoubleTree by Hilton brand in Angola. The property is expected to open in 2026 and will provide 290 contemporary apartments, including studio rooms, two and three-bedroom suites, as well as 10 three-bedroom oceanfront villas. It will also feature a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a natural lake.

    Additional Hilton Market Debuts

    Hilton Cotonou

    In Benin, Hilton has signed an agreement to open Hilton Cotonou in partnership with the Republic of Benin, through the Société de Développement Hôtelier du Bénin (SDHB). This landmark project marks Hilton’s official entry into the Beninese market.

    Scheduled to open in 2028, Hilton Cotonou will be strategically located on the Boulevard de la Marina, next to the Congress Palace, key government offices, and several international embassies. The hotel will feature 233 contemporary guest rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, a signature destination bar and terrace, a pool bar, a spa, an outdoor pool, and flexible meeting spaces designed for both business and social events.

    The project is expected to generate several hundred direct and indirect jobs across hospitality and related sectors. It will also enhance Benin’s capacity to host international conferences and events, reinforcing the country’s ambition to become an African hub for business and high-end tourism.

    Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn Antananarivo 

    Hilton has signed agreements to open two properties in Madagascar, marking Hilton’s re-entry into the country. Located in the heart of Madagascar’s capital and expected to open in 2028, Hilton Antananarivo will feature 170 guest rooms, multiple dining options, a ballroom, six meeting rooms, a fitness centre, spa and outdoor pool. Further South, Hilton Garden Inn Antananarivo will be part of a mixed-use development with retail and office spaces, making it ideal for business and leisure travellers. Set to open in 2027, the 120-guest room hotel will offer a restaurant, bar, flexible meeting rooms, a fitness centre, and an outdoor pool.

    Hilton’s Nigeria Expansion

    The Wave Hotel Abuja Jabi, Curio Collection by Hilton

    Located in Jabi, one of the capital’s most popular districts, The Wave Hotel Abuja Jabi, Curio Collection by Hilton, will feature 93 stylishly appointed guest rooms, upscale dining venues, an outdoor pool, and a wellness centre. Developed in partnership with The Wave Hotel Limited (OpCo), the hotel is set to open in 2026 and benefits from being a short 10-minute drive from Abuja’s Commercial Business District. Each hotel in Curio Collection is hand-picked to immerse guests in one-of-a-kind moments in the world’s most sought-after destinations, evoking a bespoke story through distinctive architecture and design, world-class food and beverage, and curated experiences. 

    Hilton Lagos Ikeja

    Hilton has signed Hilton Lagos Ikeja in partnership with Cornfield Group. Located in Ikeja’s government and residential hub, the hotel is strategically situated near corporate and governmental offices and in proximity to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Slated to open in 2029, the hotel will feature 200 modern guest rooms and suites – and offers elevated dining options such as an all-day dining restaurant, a signature restaurant, a lobby bar, a pool bar & grill, and a destination bar. The hotel will also include a spacious ballroom, four meeting rooms, and a fully equipped fitness centre.

    Hilton Garden Inn in Kano

    Marking Kano’s first internationally branded hotel, Hilton Garden Inn in Kano is being developed in partnership with Akhim Plus Limited. The hotel will offer 100 guest rooms, flexible meeting rooms, an outdoor pool, and a fitness centre. Expected to open in 2029, the hotel’s location near key sites including the Government House, Emir’s Palace, National Museum, Kano Race Course, Kano Golf Club, and Meena Event Centre makes it an ideal choice for business and leisure travellers alike.

    West Africa and East Africa

    Hampton by Hilton Accra Airport

    Hilton has signed Hampton by Hilton Accra Airport with Amani International Hospitality Limited – bringing Hampton by Hilton’s award-winning hospitality to Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport. Opening in 2026, Hampton by Hilton Accra Airport will include 170 guest rooms, a fully equipped fitness centre, an outdoor pool, and meeting spaces. The hotel will also offer a dynamic open-concept social space and a round-the-clock snacks shop. It will be a part of Airport Area Accra, a mixed-use development featuring malls and corporate offices.

    In Ethiopia, Hilton recently announced agreements with Brighton Hotels and Business Plc. to open two properties – DoubleTree by Hilton Adama and DoubleTree by Hilton Dire Dawa (http://apo-opa.co/4lbtHv2) – marking the first internationally branded hotels in the cities. Opening in 2028, these hotels further reaffirm Hilton’s commitment to expanding its presence in Ethiopia, with plans to reach eight trading properties across the country in the coming years.

    Hilton has also announced its Tanzanian re-entry with the signing of Canopy by Hilton Zanzibar The Burj (http://apo-opa.co/3ST8aeB), in partnership with CPS Live Limited. Expected to open in 2027, the lifestyle hotel will feature 162 inviting and sophisticated guest rooms and suites, elevated dining spaces, and a wide array of facilities. Located in the heart of Fumba Town and part of a mixed-use development, ‘BURJ Zanzibar,’ the property will offer unique experiences tailored to guests seeking authentic local experiences.

    North Africa

    Hilton continues to grow across North Africa, with plans to triple its portfolio in Egypt (http://apo-opa.co/4l58VNw) to more than 40 trading hotels across the country in the coming years. In Morocco, Hilton is set to more than double its portfolio (http://apo-opa.co/3G2a75u), with plans to bolster its luxury presence and introduce new brands. Hilton also recently signed a new DoubleTree by Hilton property in Fes, an ancient city whose medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    DoubleTree by Hilton Fes Golf

    In partnership with Le Clos de l’Atlas, Hilton is set to open DoubleTree by Hilton Fes Golf in 2028. The 109-guest room property will be located next to a golf course and will offer easy access to Fes’s many cultural attractions. The hotel will also be in close proximity to Fes’s industrial quarter and an upcoming convention centre, making it ideal for business travellers as well.

    Recent & Upcoming Openings

    In South Africa, Hilton recently opened Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof (http://apo-opa.co/4l4zrXe) in partnership with Growthpoint Properties, marking the lifestyle brand’s debut in South Africa. Located in the vibrant Longkloof precinct, the hotel features 154 spacious and modern guest rooms. Each hotel room reflects the country’s cultural richness through bold local art and design and colourful prints throughout its interiors. Ideally situated in Cape Town’s City Bowl, the property offers easy access to Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and the V&A Waterfront. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s signature restaurant, Ongetem, led by renowned chef Bertus Basson, celebrating South African culinary heritage with bold, contemporary flair.

    Hilton also recently opened DoubleTree by Hilton Addis Ababa Airport (http://apo-opa.co/44lFtgD) in Ethiopia. Located just minutes from Bole Addis Ababa International Airport, the property offers a complimentary airport shuttle, a rooftop restaurant, and proximity to the various events at Millenium Hall. Last year, Hilton opened the first Hampton by Hilton in Africa in South Africa with Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston (http://apo-opa.co/4lfuafR), bringing the brand’s friendly and authentic service to Johannesburg’s financial and shopping district.

    Later this year, Hilton expects to open its first hotel in Ghana with Hilton Accra Cantonments in partnership with High Street Development Company. Located in Cantonments, an upscale suburb which is home to multiple embassies and high commissions, the hotel will feature 145 guest rooms and a range of dining options including an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge and pool bar. The hotel will offer a gym, spa, and outdoor swimming pool, as well as more than 900 square metres of event space including a ballroom, seven meeting rooms and an executive boardroom.

    Hilton currently operates 63 hotels in Africa, with more than 100 under development. All hotels will be part of Hilton Honors, Hilton’s award-winning loyalty programme with over 218 million members globally. 

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench.

    Contact:
    Maya Chacko
    Hilton
    maya.chacko@hilton.com

    Connect with Hilton on: 
    Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/4lhOgGl
    X: http://apo-opa.co/40b5fSe
    LinkedIn: http://apo-opa.co/4lbh2Ij
    Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/40bQpeh  
    YouTube: http://apo-opa.co/3Ti1Uxf

    About Hilton:
    Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio (http://apo-opa.co/3G4U0nJ) of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 8,600 properties and nearly 1.3 million rooms, in 139 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 218 million Hilton Honors (http://apo-opa.co/3Ti1Q0t) members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy. With the free Hilton Honors app (http://apo-opa.co/4lf8yjz), guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit http://stories.Hilton.com for more information.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Marriott International announces plans to add more than 50 properties and over 9,000 rooms to its Africa portfolio by the end of 2027

    From the Future Hospitality Summit Africa in Cape Town, South Africa, Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) today announced plans to expand its operations in Africa with the anticipated addition of over 50 properties and more than 9,000 rooms by the end of 2027.  The company’s growth strategy includes the expected entry into five markets – Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and Mauritania. The planned expansion aims to further strengthen the company’s footprint across the continent where its current operating portfolio encompasses nearly 150 properties and 26,000 rooms across 20 countries and 22 brands.

    “We are witnessing a transformation of Africa’s tourism sector driven by visionary government agendas, substantial infrastructure development, enhanced regional and international connectivity and diversified travel experiences, all of which are laying the foundation for a thriving hospitality sector,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “With our renowned portfolio of brands, world-class distribution platform and award-winning travel programme, Marriott Bonvoy, we continue to drive robust expansion opportunities with owners and franchisees across Africa and remain committed to supporting the growth of its tourism sector.”

    Marriott’s planned expansion aims to enhance the strategic development of the company’s luxury, premium and select-service portfolio across key and emerging destinations in Africa. The company’s growth across the continent is expected to be largely driven by its select-service brands, including Protea Hotels by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton, and a strong consumer demand for distinctive, high-quality hospitality experiences. Tanzania, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya and Nigeria are the highest growth markets for the company in the continent, making up more than half of the projects slated to open in the next two years. Conversions and adaptive reuse opportunities are also anticipated to continue to drive meaningful growth for the company, representing more than 30 percent of the anticipated African additions by the end of 2027.  The company is also seeing an increased appetite for branded residential projects across the continent.

    Karim Cheltout, Senior Vice President – Development, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International added, “Africa is home to emerging marketplaces that offer significant growth opportunities across major gateway cities, commercial centres, safari circuits and resort destinations. Through our diverse range of extraordinary brands, we are in a position to work with developers to offer high quality accommodations along with distinct and innovative travel experiences that resonate with today’s rapidly evolving consumer.”

    North and East Africa Fuel Expansion Plans for the Continent

    Marriott is witnessing strong growth momentum in the North and East Africa regions, which together account for more than 60 percent of the company’s planned additions in Africa by the end of 2027.  Egypt and Morocco are expected to lead the expansion for Marriott in North Africa. Plans in Egypt include the anticipated debut of Aloft Hotels in the continent, with the opening of Aloft Ghazala Bay situated in the North Coast of the country expected in 2027.  More than 50 percent of the company’s expected additions in Egypt by the end of 2027 are conversion or adaptive reuse projects. Expansion highlights for Morocco include the anticipated market debut of AC Hotels by Marriott with a scheduled opening in Casablanca in 2027.

    In East Africa, the company continues to see growth momentum with safari lodges and camps spurred by a growing appeal for adventure and outdoor travel. Following the successful opening of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in 2023, the company is slated to open six safari properties across the region by the end of 2027, including The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp (Kenya), and Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection (Tanzania) – both of which are scheduled to open this year.

    Marriott’s portfolio in Tanzania is anticipated to more than double by the end of 2027 while in Kenya the company plans to open five properties including the debut of Courtyard by Marriott with two expected openings in Nairobi in 2027. Growth plans in Uganda include the country’s first Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments with scheduled openings in Kampala by the end of this year.

    Demand for Premium and Select Accommodation Remains Strong in West Africa

    By the end of 2027, the company expects to add six properties in Nigeria, its largest growth market in the West Africa region. Plans include the introduction of Courtyard by Marriott in the country with anticipated openings in Abuja within the next two years, and the continued expansion of Protea Hotels by Marriott and Marriott Hotels.

    Marriott is also slated to enter three new markets in West Africa in the next two years. Four Points by Sheraton Sao Vicente Resort is anticipated to open this year, marking the company’s debut in Cape Verde. Marriott is also expected to enter Côte d’Ivoire in 2027, with an Autograph Collection Hotel located in Assinie-Mafia, and Mauritania with a Sheraton Hotel situated in Nouakchott, which is expected to open later this year.

    Growth across Southern and Central Africa Remains Steady

    The company’s largest market in Africa, South Africa, is expected to see an expansion of the Autograph Collection Hotels brand portfolio with the opening of Morea House in Cape Town this year, followed by the anticipated addition of a property within Kruger National Park in 2026.  Marriott also plans to enter The Democratic Republic of Congo by the end of this year with a Protea Hotel by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton in Kinshasa. The company is also expected to make its debut in Madagascar with the opening of a Delta Hotels by Marriott this year and a Protea Hotel by Marriott anticipated in 2026 in Antananarivo. The company’s planned expansion also includes the anticipated debut of Le Méridien in Cameroon in 2027.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench.

    Note on Forward-Looking Statements:
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of United States federal securities laws, including statements related to expected property openings, additions and portfolio growth; entry into new markets and brand debuts in certain markets; our expectations regarding growth opportunities; demand trends and expectations, including demand for certain offering types; and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the risk factors that we identify in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this press release and undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Media contacts:
    Chandan Belani
    Senior Director of Communications
    MEA & Development PR, EMEA
    Marriott International
    Chanan.Belani@marriott.com

    Birgit Deibele
    Senior Director of Communications
    Sub-Saharan Africa
    Marriott International
    Birgit.Deibele@marriott.com

    Connect with us on:
    Facebook: (https://apo-opa.co/4n4mOxc)
    X: (https://apo-opa.co/4ebSpcr)
    Instagram: (https://apo-opa.co/43O8p0J)

    About Marriott International:
    Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 9,500 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 144 countries and territories. Marriott operates, franchises, and licenses hotel, residential, timeshare, and other lodging properties all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel platform. For more information, please visit our website at www.Marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.MarriottNewsCenter.com. 

    Marriott encourages investors, the media, and others interested in the company to review and subscribe to the information Marriott posts on its investor relations website at www.Marriott.com/investor or Marriott’s news center website at www.MarriottNewsCenter.com, which may be material. The contents of these websites are not incorporated by reference into this press release or any report or document Marriott files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and any references to the websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lesley Cowley OBE appointed as Chair of Building Digital UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Lesley Cowley OBE appointed as Chair of Building Digital UK

    Lesley Cowley OBE has been appointed by Technology Secretary Peter Kyle to chair Building Digital UK (BDUK).

    Lesley Cowley OBE has been appointed by Technology Secretary Peter Kyle to chair Building Digital UK (BDUK) – the government agency responsible for rolling out fast and reliable broadband and mobile coverage to hard-to-reach places across the UK.

    The British businesswoman is widely regarded as an accomplished leader in the digital and technology sectors, offering decades of experience leading a variety of public services and businesses.

    The role will see Lesley advise and support BDUK’s executive team on the delivery of BDUK’s two main programmes: Project Gigabit, the government’s rollout of lightning-fast broadband to areas that would otherwise be stuck with slower speeds, and the Shared Rural Network, a joint programme with mobile network operators to boost 4G mobile coverage in rural communities all over the country.

    Chair of BDUK Lesley Cowley OBE said:

    It is a privilege to join Building Digital UK at such a pivotal moment in its journey. The challenge of ensuring every corner of the UK benefits from fast, reliable digital infrastructure is one I am deeply passionate about.

    BDUK is a critical enabler of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, helping to grow the economy while ensuring communities are not left behind in the digital age. Working alongside the talented team at BDUK, we will continue to deliver on our mission of creating a more connected, inclusive, and digitally empowered nation.

    Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

    Lesley’s commitment to making a positive difference to public facing services, together with her track record in leading digital transformation and delivering innovative solutions, make her an outstanding choice for Chair of Building Digital UK.

    She will be instrumental in helping us deliver on our growth mission, by continuing to drive forward our ambitious plans for better connectivity across the every part of UK, making communities and businesses better off.

    Lesley will take up the post on 1 July 2025, taking over from Hazel Hobbs who has served as interim Chair since August 2024.

    Her previous executive career culminated in her role as Chief Executive Officer of Nominet, the .uk domain name registry, where for over a decade she led significant growth and evolution from a technical organisation into a key player in the global internet space. She was appointed OBE in recognition of her services to the internet and digital economy.

    In her subsequent career, Lesley was the first Chair of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Chair of Companies House and Lead Non-Executive Director and then first ever Chair of The National Archives. Her current roles include Chair of ACL Ltd and a Non-Executive Director of Public Digital Ltd., both private companies.

    She was the Institute of Directors UK NED of the Year Winner, 2019 and has a strong track record of driving technology transformation and customer-first approaches.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors

    Chair appointment

    The appointment is for a term of three years.

    Building Digital UK

    Building Digital UK (BDUK) is an executive agency of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). It is responsible for the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband and the expansion of 4G mobile coverage in hard-to-reach areas of the UK. BDUK works with suppliers and communities to ensure that people can access fast and reliable digital connectivity that can transform their lives and drive economic growth.

    Project Gigabit

    Project Gigabit is a government-funded programme to enable hard-to-reach communities to access fast, reliable gigabit-capable broadband. It targets homes and businesses that are not included in broadband suppliers’ commercial plans, reaching parts of the UK that might otherwise miss out on upgrades to next-generation speeds.

    The connections delivered by Project Gigabit will benefit rural and remote communities, as well as tackling pockets of poor connectivity in urban areas. Project Gigabit is crucial to the government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity and kickstart economic growth across the country.

    Shared Rural Network

    Jointly funded by the government and the UK’s main mobile network operators, the Shared Rural Network is delivering new 4G coverage to places where there is either limited or no 4G coverage at all.

    The public and private investment in a shared network of phone masts is driving increases in coverage across all four nations, with the biggest coverage improvements in rural parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SIXEP at 40

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    SIXEP at 40

    A workhorse of the Sellafield site is celebrating 40 years of reducing our environmental impact.

    Site Ion Exchange Effluent Plant (SIXEP), Sellafield site

    Sellafield’s Site Ion Exchange Effluent Plant (SIXEP) reached a historic milestone this month as it clocked up four decades of safe, dependable operations.

    Best described as the kidney of Sellafield, the plant plays a vital role in receiving and filtering contaminated water from a range of nuclear buildings and processes.

    Water used to store spent nuclear fuel and effluents from legacy waste stores and clean-up operations is piped into the plant and filtered to remove radioactive ions like caesium and strontium.

    As a result, SIXEP has had a huge positive impact on our environmental performance at Sellafield, removing 99.9% of the radioactive ions from the water so it can be safely discharged to sea.

    Learn more about SIXEP and the ion exchange process

    Originally constructed with a 30-year lifespan, teams operate the plant 24 hours per day, 365 days per year and have kept it operational with minimal down time since it first came online in May 1985.

    They’ve processed more than 30 million cubic metres of water—enough to supply every household in the UK for three days – and removed over 130,000 TBq of radioactivity.

    They’ve also had to adapt to changing priorities and regulations at the site over the years but have risen to every challenge to meet demand and keep the site safe and productive.

    Roddy Miller, Sellafield Ltd’s chief operating officer, said:

    For four decades SIXEP has been a constant at Sellafield, quietly doing its job and making a big difference in protecting the environment and supporting operations across the site.

    This anniversary is a chance to reflect on everything that’s been achieved in that time, not just by the plant but by the people behind it.

    I want to congratulate and thank everyone who has contributed to the safe and successful operation of SIXEP in the past and today. I know its future is in good hands.

    Mark Wareing, programme manager at the NDA, has been with the NDA since its inception and has been closely involved in SIXEP at Sellafield during that time. He said:

    Since the inception of the NDA 20 years ago, SIXEP performance has been central to NDA’s mission in supporting electricity generation and addressing some of the UK’s and Europe’s most significant nuclear clean-up challenges.

    The performance of the plant over the last 40 years of operations is a testament to the engineers who designed the facility and the dedication, expertise and ingenuity of the people who operate and maintain it.

    I have dedicated a large portion of my career to supporting the remediation of the legacy ponds and silos at Sellafield and, without SIXEP, the great progress that has been delivered to date could not have been achieved.

    Demand for SIXEP is set to continue until the 2060’s as the site’s clean-up mission and fuel storage programmes progress, so we’re constructing the SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP) to ensure it can keep doing its vital work.

    SCP will integrate seamlessly with the existing plant to provide new sand bed filters and ion exchange vessels, as well as additional storage and waste management capabilities.

    It’s one of our major construction projects at Sellafield being delivered by the Programme and Project Partners and is on course to be operational in 2029.

    The SCP project team recently celebrated a significant delivery milestone as they completed the manufacture of 14 bespoke pump and valve modules that will form the inner workings of the plant.

    This was supported by an extensive supply chain including West Cumberland Engineering Ltd who completed the final module manufacturing, intricate connecting pipework, and welds.

    Once commissioned, these key components will work together to treat effluent from legacy buildings across the site including the First-Generation Magnox Storage Pond and Magnox Swarf Storage Silo.

    This will help us to maintain our high standards of environmental safety and operational efficiency for many years to come.

    Further reading

    SIXEP case study

    SIXEP Continuity Plant case study

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ18: Bona vacantia properties

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ18: Bona vacantia properties 
    Question:
     
    There are views that along with the demographic changes in Hong Kong, it is expected that the number of bona vacantia properties will continue to increase, which could pose potential challenges to the allocation and management of social resources. It has been reported that in recent years, some gangs have exploited bona vacantia properties to obtain benefits illegally, such as by committing unlawful alienation of the properties, using them for loans or even applying for adverse possession of them, indicating that there are gaps in the regulation of bona vacantia properties. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the specific number of bona vacantia properties currently under the management of the Lands Department (i.e. those properties originally held by a company that has been dissolved under the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32) or the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622)); the details of the Government’s disposal of such properties in the past five years (including the progress of disposal);
     
    (2) whether it has compiled statistics on the number of bona vacantia properties in Hong Kong which were once held in personal names; whether the Government has currently put in place a relevant mechanism to dispose of such properties; if not, whether it will consider introducing dedicated measures or mechanisms to prevent such bona vacantia properties from being used for unlawful acts; if so, of the details, and whether the Government will impose administrative charges in the process of disposing of such bona vacantia properties and set clear charging standards in this regard; and
     
    (3) as there are views that the management of bona vacantia properties (including those bona vacantia properties which were once held by private individuals or companies) involves the powers and responsibilities of a number of government departments, whether the Government has put in place a cross-departmental co-ordination mechanism to enhance the efficiency of such work; if not, whether it has plans to further strengthen the cross-departmental collaboration on such work?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    Bona vacantia properties (BVPs) generally refer to some real properties originally owned by individuals or companies, but the individual owners of properties subsequently dies and no one claims the estate, or the companies were liquidated and dissolved. In accordance with the prevailing laws, real properties owned by individuals or companies are handled by different ordinances to ensure that the rights and interests of the legal owners or successors of the properties will not be infringed and that the properties are properly handled when they become BVPs.
     
    Regarding the properties owned by individuals, the Probate and Administration Ordinance (Cap. 10) provides the jurisdiction of the court to handle matters relating to probate and administration of deceased’s estates, including the handling of unclaimed estates of a deceased person. If unclaimed estates involve property assets, the property will be disposed of in an appropriate manner, including sale.
     
    For properties owned by companies, in the course of winding up and dissolution, liquidators will sell properties owned by the companies to pay off outstanding liabilities. If a company, pursuant to the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) or the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32), completes the procedures for winding up and is about to dissolve, every property and right (such as including some properties that are yet to be sold in the market) vested in or held on trust for the company immediately before the dissolution is vested in the Government as bona vacantia. If such bona vacantia property is a land property, it will be managed by the Lands Department on behalf of the Government.
     
    In the past five years (from June 2020 to May 2025), records from the Land Registry show that the number of sales and purchase agreements for building units in Hong Kong was close to 260 000, while the Lands Department received about 50 new cases of BVPs. It can be seen that BVPs only account a very small portion of the overall property market.

    In response to the question raised by the Hon Doreen Kong, our reply in consultation with the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau is as follows:
     
    (1) As of now, the Lands Department has taken over 411 BVPs previously owned by companies, of which about 30 per cent cases are residential units, industrial units, shops and parking spaces. The remaining 70 per cent are the parts jointly owned with other property owners but inseparable, most of which have no market value and cannot be sold, such as external walls, rooftops, platforms, other common parts. As BVPs, especially the abovementioned 30 per cent cases, often involve unclear ownership, encumbrances or the need to first handle problems such as occupation of units, the Lands Department will carefully clarify the relevant legal rights and seek legal advice after receiving referrals from the Companies Registry, other government departments and the Court, etc. After confirming that the property is a BVP, the Lands Department will notify the Land Registry to add a remark that the property has been vested in the Government as bona vacantia, and choose the most appropriate means to dispose of the property. Generally speaking, if the BVPs are suitable for sale in the market (the appropriate cases among the abovementioned 30 per cent cases), the Lands Department will sell the property by tender. In the past five years (from June 2020 to May 2025), the Lands Department received about 50 new cases of BVPs. The Lands Department also sold 16 BVPs through tendering process in the past five years. As for the properties that cannot be sold (i.e. the abovementioned 70 per cent cases), these will continue to be managed by the Lands Department on behalf.
     
    (2) Section 16 of the Probate and Administration Ordinance (Cap. 10) stipulates the cases in which the Official Administrator, assisted by the Probate Registry, is entitled to administer the unclaimed estate of a deceased person as granted by the Court. If the unclaimed estate concerned involves property asset, the property will be disposed of as appropriate. For any unclaimed balance of deceased’s estate, including the money received from the sale of properties, the Official Administrator shall cause an advertisement to invite any claims to be made in accordance with section 23B of the Ordinance. If at the expiration of a period of five years from the date of first publication of such advertisement, the Official Administrator is of the opinion that no claim can reasonably be expected against the estate, the balance of the estate will be transferred to the general revenue of the Government. 
     
    Regarding the property fraud issue that the Hon Doreen Kong is concerned about, the current number of cases is still at a low level. Nevertheless, in response to some past fraud cases, the Land Registry will continue to maintain contact and collaboration with the Hong Kong Police Force to exchange information on suspected fraudulent transactions to prevent registrations for properties suspected to have been acquired through fraudulent means. The Property Alert service of the Land Registry will also send email notifications to registered users when the instruments for the sale or mortgage of properties are delivered to the Land Registry for registration.
     
    Besides, the Legislative Council is scrutinising the Registration of Titles and Land (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2025. Under the Land Titles Ordinance (Cap. 585), the title registration system will be implemented on newly granted land first and the Land Registry will be empowered to take measures to reduce the risk of property fraud. Adverse possession will also not be applicable to newly granted land.
     
    (3) As mentioned above, it is not common for BVPs to arise. For BVPs previously owned by companies, the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) currently in force has clearly stipulated the circumstances under which the Government will take over BVPs, and the Lands Department, which is responsible for taking over BVPs, also has a well-established mechanism to properly handle these properties. Therefore, we believe that there is no need to set up an inter-departmental mechanism.
    Issued at HKT 15:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Unmasking the ‘hidden curriculum’

    Source:

    18 June 2025

    They’re the subtle cues and behaviours that shape student success – easily picked up by local students, but often unfamiliar for those from refugee backgrounds.

    This Refugee Week, human rights and education experts at the University of South Australia are shining a light on the less visible challenges faced by students from refugee backgrounds: the ‘hidden curriculum’.

    In a recent study, UniSA researchers explain the ‘hidden curriculum’ as a set of implicit rules, values and behaviours that quietly shape the university experience – never formally taught, but essential for academic and social success

    “The ‘hidden curriculum’ is very real,” says UniSA’s Dr Snjezana Bilic. “It’s the unwritten, unspoken rules that guide student success – things like classroom behaviours, university processes, and what’s expected through group work, or where and how to seek help – these are key parts of the student experience.

    “Local students, who are acquainted with the dominant culture, are generally more familiar with aspects of the ‘hidden curriculum’; but refugee students have significantly different experiences with different ways of knowing and learning.

    “We know that refugee students have strong aspirations, but we also know that these can be offset by a range of obstacles, for example trauma, interrupted education, competing family priorities and language barriers. The last thing they need is to start university from a deficit position, so that’s where we are trying to help.”

    Globally, more than 123 million people have been forced to flee their homes due to persecution, conflict and violence.

    The researchers say that the ‘hidden curriculum’ should be explicitly taught to all students, but especially those from refugee backgrounds.

    To offset barriers created by the ‘hidden curriculum’ and enhance meaningful outcomes for students of refugee backgrounds, UniSA has created a Refugee Student Support Group with a team of Peer Support Officers who also act as ‘cultural brokers’ – helping students from refugee backgrounds navigate academic expectations and social norms.

    “We’ve seen how powerful peer support can be,” says co-researcher Dr Heidi Hetz.

    “When Peer Support Officers connect with our refugee students, they help build trust, strengthen engagement and help breakdown some of the barriers that students from refugee backgrounds face. And because this is peer-to-peer learning, both the student ‘teacher’ and the refugee student can connect and share knowledge.

    “Importantly, our Peer Support Officers also help refugee students understand the nuances of the ‘hidden curriculum’. They explain where to ask for help, how to access supports for assignment writing, as well as how to access other university services like counselling. They also explain how tutorials work, how you are encouraged to share your opinion or experiences, and how your point of view truly counts.”

    Dr Bilic says that tackling the hidden curriculum requires 360-degree support.

    “To embrace diversity, we must prioritise a more culturally responsive curriculum,” Dr Bilic says.

    “Not only do we need to incorporate examples, stories and traditions from a range of cultures, but we need to provide explicit instructions about what students need to do to engage in learning as well as scaffold their learning by providing support in structuring their assignments, teaching them how to study in classroom, to ask for help of teaching staff, as well as time management’.

    “We also need to recognise that learning the hidden curriculum takes time, especially for those who have experienced resettlement, trauma or disrupted education.

    “Critically, we need to recognise and acknowledge that a student’s lack of familiarity with the hidden curriculum reflects cultural differences, not their deficiency.”

    As Australia marks Refugee Week, UniSA experts say it’s time to recognise that the refugee experience doesn’t end at resettlement, and that belonging must be actively built, especially in educational settings.

    “Learning to study in a new country, in a new language, with new rules especially after trauma – is not easy,” Dr Bilic says. “But with understanding, structure and explicit support, we can decode the hidden curriculum and help all students feel like they belong.”

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Contacts for interview:  Dr Snjezana Bilic E: snjezana.bilic@unisa.edu.au
    Dr Heidi Hetz E: heidi.hetz@unisa.edu.au
    Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Sellafield Site Ion Exchange Effluent Plant (SIXEP)

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Case study

    The Sellafield Site Ion Exchange Effluent Plant (SIXEP)

    Thanks to the Site Ion Exchange Plant at Sellafield, we can remove the majority of radioactive isotopes from water used in our nuclear operations, ensuring that any water we discharge into the sea is safe and well within permitted discharge limits.

    What is the Site Ion Exchange Plant (SIXEP)?

    SIXEP filters and removes radioactive isotopes – such as Caesium and Strontium – from water that’s been used in nuclear operations across the Sellafield site so that those isotopes aren’t discharged into the sea.

    It is because of this work that people working at Sellafield affectionately refer to the plant as the kidneys of the site.

    SIXEP also keeps the pond in our Fuel Handling Plant cool, provides storage for sludge and spent ion exchange material, and processes sludge-rich, active liquors generated from hazard reduction activities in legacy facilities.

    The Fuel Handling Plant pond

    How does SIXEP work?

    We use water in many of our nuclear operations at Sellafield. For example, we use it to cool used nuclear fuel held in storage ponds, and we also utilise it for domestic purposes, such as heating and providing hot water within site facilities.

    Because it has been in contact with radioactive materials, it is inevitable that the water will contain radioactive isotopes and so it sent via an extensive system of pipes across the site to SIXEP.

    Inside SIXEP

    Once inside the plant, the water goes through 2 processes:

    • Sand Bed Filters: the water is collected in a tank, then pumped through large containers filled with sand. The sand acts as a filter, removing tiny particles. We capture and store these particles on the site.

    • Ion Exchange Beds: After sand filtration, the water passes through containers filled with Clinoptilolite, a natural mineral from the Mojave Desert in California. These ion exchange beds are highly effective, removing over 99.9% of the remaining radioactive caesium and strontium from the water.

    The impact of SIXEP

    SIXEP had an immediate impact on our environmental performance, massively reducing our radioactive discharges as soon as it started operations in 1985.

    Since then, SIXEP has processed more than 30 million cubic metres of water – enough to supply every household in the UK with water for around 3 days, or over 85 million household-days of use.

    The construction of SIXEP

    Our challenge

    • aging infrastructure: as a facility that has been operational since 1985, maintaining and upgrading aging infrastructure is a continuous challenge.
    • storage limitations: managing the storage of spent clinoptilolite waste and other by-products is an ongoing issue.
    • operational efficiency: ensuring the plant operates efficiently while meeting stringent environmental and safety standards requires constant attention and adaptation.

    Protecting the environment in the future – extending SIXEP

    To ensure we can continue to minimise our impact on the environment, we are extending SIXEP.

    The project – known as the SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP) will integrate seamlessly with the existing plant, ensuring continued operations for decades to come by providing new sand bed filter and ion exchange vessels.

    The construction of SCP

    It also includes new facilities to manage spent Clinoptilolite waste, addressing current storage limitations and will be operational by 2030.

    Timeline

    1979 – Construction

    1985 – Active operations started

    2021 – SCP construction started

    2029 – SCP active commissioning starts

    2030 – SCP enters full active operations

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Astana Declaration of the Second Central Asia-China Summit

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    ASTANA, June 18 (Xinhua) — The second China-Central Asia Summit was held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on June 17, 2025. Below is the full text of the Astana Declaration of the Second Central Asia-China Summit.

    Astana Declaration of the Second Central Asia-China Summit

    On June 17, 2025, the second Central Asia-China summit was held in Astana with the participation of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan K.K. Tokayev, the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic S.N. Japarov, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan E.Rahmon, the President of Turkmenistan S.G. Berdimuhamedov and the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh.M. Mirziyoyev.

    The heads of state of the Central Asia-China format, recognizing the strategic importance of the region and recognizing the importance of further deepening multilateral cooperation based on equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit, declare their commitment to further strengthening friendly relations, deepening political trust and expanding economic cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and China.

    In a friendly atmosphere, the parties summed up the results of comprehensive cooperation between the Central Asian states and China, summarized the experience of multifaceted mutually beneficial cooperation, outlined guidelines for further cooperation and stated the following.

    1. The Parties highly appreciate the results of the first Summit of Heads of State of the Central Asia-China format (May 19, 2023, Xi’an), the meeting of foreign ministers of the Central Asia-China format (December 1, 2024, Chengdu and April 26, 2025, Almaty), and also actively support the development of priority areas of cooperation at the level of heads of relevant ministries, departments and various forms of interaction.

    The Parties agree that the development of fruitful multifaceted cooperation between the Central Asian states and China meets the fundamental interests of all countries and their peoples. Against the backdrop of changes unprecedented in a century, the Parties, based on favorable prospects for the peoples of the region, confirm their desire to jointly create a closer community of common destiny for Central Asia and China.

    Based on a comprehensive review of the experience of cooperation between Central Asia and China, the Parties noted the formation of the “Central Asia-China spirit”, characterized by mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit, mutual assistance and the promotion of joint modernization through high-quality development. It is important to fully develop this spirit, which is intended to serve as a basis for the development of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the states of the Format.

    2. The Parties reaffirm their support for the protection of each other’s fundamental interests in the spirit of mutual understanding and respect.

    China firmly supports the development path of the Central Asian states, their efforts to safeguard their national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as their independent foreign and domestic policies. The Central Asian states reaffirm their commitment to the one-China principle and recognize that there is only one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory, and the PRC government is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China. The Central Asian states oppose “Taiwan independence” in any form and firmly support the Chinese government’s efforts to reunify the country.

    The parties reaffirmed their determination to strengthen centuries-old good-neighborliness, lasting friendship and reliable partnership, and noted the high relevance of signing a multilateral Treaty on Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, which will contribute to the long-term, healthy and sustainable development of relations between China and the Central Asian states.

    The Parties reaffirm their commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for the state independence, equality, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

    The Parties express their firm determination to uphold multilateralism, the generally recognized principles and norms of international law and international relations, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and accessible and inclusive economic globalization, and jointly defend international justice and equality.

    The parties will make efforts to further develop fruitful, multifaceted interaction within the framework of strengthening cooperation in various areas of the “Central Asia – China” format.

    3. The heads of state of the participating countries of the Secretariat of the Central Asia-China format note the important role of the Secretariat of the Central Asia-China format in implementing the initiatives and tasks set by the heads of state, and also expressed their readiness to fully support the work of the Secretariat and provide it with favorable conditions and guarantees for development.

    The Heads of State of the participating States of the Secretariat of the Central Asia-China format, on the basis of consensus, welcome the assumption of office of Secretary-General Sun Weidong from 1 May 2025.

    4. The Parties confirm their commitment to strengthening the central role of the UN in ensuring international peace, security and sustainable development, disseminating universal human values – peace, development, justice, equality, democracy and freedom, and oppose attempts to politicize human rights issues. In this regard, they agreed to co-author the UN General Assembly resolution “On world unity for a just peace, harmony and development.”

    The parties confirm their commitment to strengthening political dialogue and cooperation within the UN and other international organizations, exchanging views and coordinating positions on current regional and international issues.

    The Parties welcome the proclamation of 2025 as the “International Year of Peace and Trust” in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution No. 78/266 of 21 March 2024 and the holding of the “International Forum for Peace and Trust” in 2025 in Ashgabat.

    The parties welcomed the UN General Assembly Resolution declaring Central Asia a “Zone of Peace, Trust and Cooperation,” adopted at the initiative of Turkmenistan.

    The parties also welcome the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Resolution “Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan”, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the status of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.

    The Parties note the importance of developing a Global Security Strategy based on UN principles and generally recognized principles and norms of international law, taking into account current realities and trends in global inequality.

    The Parties reaffirm their strong commitment to the principles and objectives of international humanitarian law and highly appreciate the efforts of Kazakhstan and China as co-initiators of the Global Initiative to Strengthen Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law. The Parties take note of the Global Initiative aimed at strengthening the principles of humanity and creating conditions conducive to achieving peace and breaking the endless cycle of violence in armed conflicts.

    The parties participating in the SCO support China’s chairmanship of the SCO in 2024-2025 and are ready to provide all possible assistance in the successful holding of the SCO Summit in Tianjin.

    5. The parties highly value the “One Belt, One Road” initiative and will continue to increase work to align this initiative with their national development strategies for the Central Asian states.

    6. The Parties shall make efforts to strengthen the multilateral trading system based on WTO rules, support the adaptation of international trade rules to the changing world, and promote the liberalization and simplification of trade and investment procedures.

    The Parties reaffirm the importance of intensifying the WTO discussion on development issues and emphasize the need to support open, inclusive, sustainable, resilient, diversified and secure global supply chains.

    WTO member states also support the aspirations of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to join the WTO.

    The interested parties intend to develop cooperation in six priority areas, including unimpeded trade, industry, investment, infrastructure connectivity, green subsoil use and agricultural modernization, and simplification of mutual travel for citizens.

    The parties note the significant potential for trade and economic cooperation between the countries of the Format, express their readiness to use the role of the meeting of ministers of economy and trade “Central Asia – China”, promote high-quality development of trade, promote diversification of trade structure and simplification of trade procedures, update agreements on the promotion and mutual protection of investments between the countries of Central Asia and China, reveal the potential of the working group on unimpeded trade, the Roundtable on Digital Trade and the mechanism “Dialogue on Cooperation in the Field of Electronic Commerce”, as well as intensify interaction in new industries.

    The parties intend to strengthen investment and industrial cooperation in the field of “green” minerals, alternative energy sources and infrastructure projects, as well as in ensuring the stable and uninterrupted operation of the production chain in the region. The parties expressed interest in strengthening exchanges and cooperation in housing and communal construction, increasing the interconnectivity of digital and green infrastructure, and jointly developing cooperation in the field of infrastructure and engineering construction.

    The parties will continue their efforts to increase the contribution of the Central Asian states and China to ensuring international energy and food security, to develop international transport and logistics routes, and to prevent disruptions in the supply of key products.

    The parties intend to expand the possibilities of transport corridors and cargo containerization in every possible way to simplify transportation as much as possible, strengthen cooperation in the framework of container train movement along the China-Europe route through Central Asia, develop transit and logistics potential, and promote joint projects that serve the interests of the states in the region.

    The parties welcome the start of the implementation of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, which is of great importance for the Central Asian region and China.

    The Parties are interested in the active use of the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port and the Aktau International Sea Trade Port by large transport and logistics companies of the Parties when transporting goods.

    The parties, with the active participation of multimodal operators and based on geographical location, are developing a logistics mechanism for the railway, automobile and maritime industries in order to develop regular container transportation to expand the export of goods from Central Asian countries and further to world markets.

    The parties welcomed the holding of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) in Turkmenistan in 2025.

    The Parties support raising the level of favourable conditions for international road transport by digitalising permits for international road transport and jointly increasing the exchange of experience and cooperation in the field of sustainable transport.

    The parties noted the importance of the established Central Asia-China Business Council and expressed their readiness to support trade promotion agencies, chambers of commerce and interested organizations in strengthening cooperation in the areas of trade and investment in order to make a greater contribution to the development of trade and economic cooperation between the Central Asian states and China.

    The parties noted the important role of the Central Asia-China Industrial and Investment Cooperation Forum in promoting investment cooperation between the Central Asian states and China, expanding industrial cooperation, and ensuring the stability and efficiency of production and supply chains.

    The parties highly appreciate the mechanism of the meeting of heads of customs services within the framework of the “Central Asia-China” format, are ready to expand the exchange of experience and mutual cooperation in the implementation of the “Smart Customs, Smart Borders and Smart Communications” project, effectively promote practical cooperation in the field of interconnection of relevant services within the framework of the work of checkpoints, “single window”, risk management, simplification of customs procedures, mutual assistance in customs matters.

    7. The Parties believe that building and expanding scientific and technological partnerships and continuously deepening scientific and technological cooperation based on complementary advantages and mutual benefits are of great importance.

    The parties are ready to further intensify the dialogue on scientific and technological development, regularly exchange information on national strategies, priority areas and programs for scientific and technological development, share development experience, and support the holding of the China (XUAR)-Central Asia Cooperation Forum on Scientific and Technological Innovation.

    The parties will actively support exchanges between research institutes and employees, the establishment of a network of partner institutes for the implementation of joint and exemplary projects on the application of technologies, and the creation of platforms for interaction on this basis.

    The Parties support efforts to transfer technology and implement scientific and technological achievements in order to promote economic and social development through scientific and technological innovation.

    The parties shall strengthen cooperation in the field of science and technology, including the exchange of best practices.

    China welcomes the participation of the Parties in the Group of Friends of International Cooperation on AI Capacity Building. The Parties are willing to jointly promote the implementation of the UN General Assembly Resolution on Strengthening International Cooperation on AI Capacity Building.

    The parties noted the importance of the draft UN General Assembly Resolution “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Creating New Opportunities for Socioeconomic Development and Acceleration of the Achievement of the SDGs in Central Asia,” initiated by Tajikistan.

    8. The Parties express their readiness to utilize the potential of cooperation in the field of agriculture, including promoting investment in agriculture, industry interaction and cooperation in the field of trade in agricultural products. The Chinese side welcomes the active promotion of agricultural products of Central Asian countries, including through such important exhibitions as the China International Import Expo in Shanghai.

    The parties will intensify efforts in the development of “smart” agriculture, exchange of experience in the implementation of water-saving, green and other highly efficient technologies, as well as best practices in this area.

    The parties agreed to intensify the exchange of technologies and specialists in the field of melioration of arid, saline and alkaline soils, water-saving irrigation, pest control, livestock farming and veterinary medicine, and to strengthen the stress resistance of the agricultural sector with the aim of its sustainable development.

    The Parties reaffirm the need for concerted efforts to ensure food security in the context of a changing climate, and also note the importance of farming in the most environmentally friendly ways that support biodiversity and make efficient use of land resources.

    The parties welcomed the UN General Assembly Resolution “Central Asia Facing Environmental Challenges: Strengthening Regional Solidarity for Sustainable Development and Prosperity”, adopted at the initiative of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which confirms that climate change is one of the most complex problems of our time and creates serious difficulties on the path to sustainable development of all countries.

    The parties also welcomed the UN General Assembly Resolutions “Promoting sustainable forest management, including afforestation and reforestation, on degraded lands, including in drylands, as an effective solution to environmental problems” and “The United Nations Decade of Afforestation and Reforestation in accordance with the Principles of Sustainable Forest Management (2027-2036)”, adopted at the initiative of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

    The parties note the importance of consolidating efforts to improve policies in the area of poverty reduction, increasing employment and incomes of the population and creating jobs. The parties expressed their readiness to intensify cooperation in this area by implementing effective social support programs for the population, exchanging specialists and modern methodologies.

    9. The parties support the establishment of a Central Asia-China partnership on energy development, strengthening cooperation along the entire industrial chain, further expanding cooperation in traditional energy sources, including oil, natural gas and coal, strengthening cooperation in hydropower, solar, wind, hydrogen and other environmentally friendly energy sources, deepening cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, implementing projects using green technologies and clean energy sources, and implementing the concept of innovative, coordinated, green, open and common development.

    The Parties highlight cooperation in the energy sector as an important component of sustainable development of the region. The Parties express their readiness to continue deepening energy cooperation for the purpose of joint high-quality development of the energy industry of all countries in the spirit of mutually beneficial cooperation and taking into account the interests of the Parties.

    10. The interested parties support further expansion of cooperation between China and the Central Asian states along the entire industrial chain of development and use of mineral resources. The Parties will explore the possibility, within the framework of the current legislation of the Parties, of conducting joint work on geological research, exploration of mineral resources and the development of green subsoil use.

    11. The Parties confirm their readiness to hold joint events in such areas as culture, cultural heritage and tourism. The Parties also intend to expand youth exchange mechanisms, develop cooperation in conducting joint archaeological expeditions, research into the history and heritage of the Great Silk Road, preserving and restoring cultural heritage, museum exchanges, and searching for and returning missing and stolen cultural valuables.

    The parties highly appreciated the successful holding of the International High-Level Conference on Glacier Conservation, as well as the documents adopted following the results of this conference (Dushanbe, May 29-31, 2025).

    The parties also welcomed the decision of the UNESCO General Conference to hold its 43rd session in Samarkand in 2025. This event will be an important step in advancing UNESCO’s global agenda and promoting international dialogue in the field of cultural, educational and scientific cooperation.

    The Parties will support the holding of youth festivals, forums and sports competitions, including the organization of the World Nomad Games in 2026, initiated by the Kyrgyz Republic, as a unique event that promotes traditional sports and cultural diversity.

    Interested parties will continue their efforts to mutually establish cultural centers.

    The parties support the joint practice of declaring cultural and tourist capitals in the “Central Asia-China” format.

    The parties highly appreciate the successful holding of the first meeting of education ministers in the “Central Asia – China” format.

    The parties support cooperation between higher education institutions and businesses, the integration of production and education, and the acceleration of the implementation of international cooperation projects in vocational training, including within the framework of the Lu Ban Workshop.

    The Parties support joint scientific research by higher education institutions in such areas as energy, agriculture, medicine and healthcare, and artificial intelligence. The Parties support the establishment of Confucius Institutes and the teaching of the Chinese language in Central Asian countries.

    The parties highly appreciate the establishment by China of the Central Asia-China Poverty Alleviation Cooperation Center, the Central Asia-China Education Exchange and Cooperation Center, the Central Asia-China Desertification Cooperation Center, and the Central Asia-China Unimpeded Trade Cooperation Platform.

    The parties noted the initiative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to create a Global Coalition on Primary Health Care, the purpose of which is to support the fundamental reorientation of health systems towards primary health care throughout the world.

    12. The Parties reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, which are the main platform and legal basis for the international community to make joint efforts to combat climate change, and emphasized the need to comply with the goals, principles and institutional framework enshrined in the Framework Convention and the Paris Agreement, in particular the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and to promote the full and effective implementation of the provisions of the Framework Convention and the Paris Agreement with an emphasis on the formation of a fair, rational, cooperative and generally beneficial global climate governance system.

    The parties expressed their readiness to hold dialogues within the framework of the “Central Asia – China” format to study the issue of developing and implementing measures to preserve biological diversity and adapt to climate change.

    The parties noted the importance of implementing the Resolution adopted at the 77th session of the UN General Assembly “Sustainable Mountain Development”, which declared 2023-2027 the “Five Years of Action for Mountain Development”, in order to strengthen international cooperation on the mountain agenda and its further effective implementation.

    The parties welcomed the initiatives of the Kyrgyz side aimed at promoting the issues of the mountain agenda and climate change, as well as the holding of the “High-Level Dialogue: Advancing the Mountain Agenda and Mainstreaming the Theme of Mountains and Climate Change” on the sidelines of COP-29 on November 13, 2024 in Baku, and expressed their readiness to explore the possibility of joining the “Declaration on Climate Change, Mountains and Glaciers” initiated by the Kyrgyz side, presented during the said Dialogue.

    The parties took into account the proposal of the Tajik side to create transboundary specially protected natural areas, transboundary corridors and buffer zones for the conservation of individual species of fauna, the restoration and maintenance of populations of rare endangered and migratory species of animals, as well as the exchange of relevant experience and technologies.

    The parties welcomed the accession of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to the Mountain Partnership Negotiating Group, representing the interests of mountain countries on the basis of the UNFCCC.

    The Parties welcome the successful holding of the International Conference “Global Mountain Dialogue for Sustainable Development” in Bishkek on 24-25 April 2025, and also support the holding of the World Mountain Youth Festival (August 2025) and the Second Global Mountain Summit “Bishkek 25” (2027) in the Kyrgyz Republic.

    The parties welcome the initiative to open a regional climate technology center for Central Asia under the auspices of the UN in Ashgabat as a platform for the transfer of technologies for adaptation to climate change and mitigation of its consequences.

    The parties noted the significance of the results of the First Climate Forum, held in Samarkand on April 4-5, 2025, as an important step towards deepening regional dialogue and coordinating approaches to the climate agenda.

    The Parties welcome the successful holding of the Central Asian Climate Change Conference 2025 in Ashgabat in May 2025 on the theme “Achieving the global goal on climate finance through regional and national actions in Central Asia”.

    The parties support the holding of the Regional Climate Summit in Kazakhstan in 2026 under the auspices of the UN, which will give new impetus to climate action in Central Asia and consolidate the climate efforts of the countries of the region.

    In this regard, the Parties call for exploring ways of cooperation within the framework of the Project Office for Central Asia on Climate Change and Green Energy, whose work is aimed at accelerating the climate transition in Central Asia through support for policies, innovation and partnership.

    13. The Parties believe that stability, development and prosperity in Central Asia meet the common interests of the peoples not only of the six countries, but of the entire world community.

    While strongly condemning terrorism, separatism and extremism in all their forms and manifestations, the Parties expressed their readiness to work together to combat the “three forces of evil”, in particular the cross-border movement of terrorist groups, illegal drug trafficking, transnational organized crime and cybercrime, to ensure the stable and successful progress of cooperation projects and to jointly counteract security threats.

    The parties consider the platform for dialogue on security within the framework of the Dushanbe process on combating terrorism, as well as the initiative put forward by Tajikistan “Decade of Strengthening Peace for Future Generations”, to be important.

    The parties will take joint measures to strengthen cooperation in the field of environmental protection, prevention of large-scale disasters and crises, joint response to the epidemiological situation, as well as in other relevant areas of security.

    The parties confirmed the importance of UN General Assembly Resolution 72/283 of 22 June 2018 on strengthening regional and international cooperation to ensure peace, stability and sustainable development in Central Asia, adopted at the initiative of Uzbekistan.

    The parties welcomed the UN General Assembly Resolution “Readiness of Central Asian countries to act as a united front and cooperate to effectively address and eliminate drug-related problems,” adopted at the initiative of Uzbekistan.

    The parties noted the need to strengthen cybersecurity in the region against the backdrop of the rapid development of information technology and artificial intelligence. The parties intend to use the infrastructure of IT parks in Central Asian countries to implement innovations, launch startups, conduct joint projects and exchange experiences.

    The parties expressed their readiness to regularly exchange information, as well as to apply best practices and advanced experience aimed at ensuring the stable functioning of the information infrastructure in the region.

    The parties are ready, together with the international community, to continue to provide assistance to the people of Afghanistan in maintaining peace and stability, restoring social infrastructure, and integrating into the regional and global economic system.

    The Parties support and advocate the development of Afghanistan as a peaceful, stable, prosperous country free from terrorism and drugs.

    The Parties reaffirm their commitment to actively participate in the Doha process under the auspices of the UN and welcome the efforts in this area undertaken by UNAMA and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

    The parties welcomed the inclusion of the regional humanitarian logistics centre in Termez, Republic of Uzbekistan, into the UNHCR global network of warehouses for emergency humanitarian response, which will strengthen the ability of the international community to quickly deliver essential supplies to internally displaced persons around the world.

    The Parties highly appreciate the efforts of Kazakhstan to institutionalize the initiative to establish in Almaty the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan with the aim of accelerating the achievement of the SDGs in the region and addressing development challenges in Afghanistan, and also welcome the efforts of the Government of Tajikistan to provide its logistical capabilities for the delivery of international humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan.

    The Parties welcomed Turkmenistan’s efforts to create appropriate conditions for the transportation of goods to/from Afghanistan, as well as humanitarian aid through its territory. In this regard, the Parties highly appreciated the commissioning of the Serhetabat-Turgundi and Kerki-Imamnazar railway links, as well as the start of work on the construction of a warehouse complex in the dry port of the Turgundi railway station.

    The Parties note the need for joint efforts in combating the illegal trafficking of drugs and their precursors, the problem of the spread of new psychoactive substances, including through the use of new technologies and means for these purposes, and consideration of the possibility of developing a Joint Anti-Drug Action Plan with the participation of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

    14. The Parties are ready to actively cooperate within the framework of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and, through joint efforts, accelerate the implementation of the UN Agenda for Sustainable Development, ensure peace and security in the region and throughout the world, and promote the exchange and mutual enrichment of civilizations.

    The Parties express their readiness to jointly hold relevant events based on the Resolution of the International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations adopted by the UN General Assembly, and to jointly promote the exchange and mutual enrichment of civilizations.

    The Parties support the development of a peaceful, open, secure, cooperative and orderly cyberspace within the framework of the Global Data Security Initiative, emphasize the importance of jointly promoting the Central Asia-China Digital Data Security Cooperation Initiative, deepening practical cooperation in the field of ensuring international information security, jointly combating cybercrime and cyberterrorism, emphasize the key role of the UN in countering threats in the information space, in particular relevant rules in the field of data security, support the development within the UN of universal rules of responsible behavior of states in the information space, call on the international community to sign as soon as possible the UN Comprehensive Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communication Technologies for Criminal Purposes, approved by UN General Assembly Resolution 79/243 of December 24, 2024.

    The Parties emphasize the significant role of the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia in strengthening the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. In this regard, the Parties note the need for further development of cooperation between countries within the framework of the Treaty, as well as the establishment of interaction with other regional nuclear-weapon-free zones in the world.

    The parties note the importance of expanding cooperation in the field of biological safety.

    The parties noted Kazakhstan’s efforts to establish the UNESCAP Digital Solutions Centre for Sustainable Development in the Asia-Pacific region.

    15. The Parties declare that, starting from the Second Central Asia-China Summit, they will hold thematic years every two years, with 2025-2026 being declared the “Years of High-Quality Development of Central Asia-China Cooperation”.

    16. The parties express their gratitude to the Kazakh side for the high level of organization of the second Central Asia-China summit.

    The parties decided to hold the third Central Asia-China summit in 2027 in China.

    President of the Republic of Kazakhstan K. Tokayev

    Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping

    President of the Kyrgyz Republic S. Japarov

    President of the Republic of Tajikistan E.Rahmon

    President of Turkmenistan S. Berdimuhamedov

    President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh. Mirziyoyev

    Astana, June 17, 2025

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Contemporary Antiquity. Premiere of the play “Lysistrata” at the Shalom Theatre

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    “Lysistrata” is a story about women who spoke out against the situation of their time and backed up their words with deeds. A fantastic story for Ancient Greece, when women not only decided to intervene in state affairs, but also proposed a program of social transformation and achieved stunning success in this.

    After 75 years, the only professional Jewish theater in the country for all nationalities returned to the center of the capital, opening its second venue this winter at 23 Novoslobodskaya Street. As a basis for the first premiere in the new building, Shalom’s artistic director, director Oleg Lipovetsky, chose the ancient Greek comedy by Aristophanes, one of the most famous ancient authors whose works have survived to this day. We tell you what came of it.

    Antiquity is a synonym for eternity

    It is known that the ancient Greeks loved comedy and tragedy equally. Playwrights competed at the festivities in honor of Dionysus, showing the public the passions and twists of various plots. In comedies, buffoonery, obscenities and masks became the expression of acute social issues, allowing authors to express themselves in a satirical form, polemicizing with opponents – poets, politicians, philosophers. Aristophanes himself mercilessly ridiculed the public figure Cleon, whom his contemporaries suspected of corruption and theft, carrying out the feud with him through such works as “The Riders” and “The Babylonians”. And in “Clouds” the playwright mercilessly went over the teachings of the sophists, popular at that time. At the same time, comedy was supposed to entertain and distract the public from pressing problems, and therefore brought laughter and joy specific to its time. According to Oleg Lipovetsky, a person’s heart opens when he laughs, and if his heart is open, you can talk to him about serious things. This form of presentation remains relevant to this day.

    Aristophanes wrote Lysistrata during the protracted Peloponnesian War, when the Athenians were suffering from defeats in battle and misfortunes that had befallen the city. Ancient Greece was fragmented, the city-states formed coalitions and fought desperately among themselves. The peaceful inhabitants were struggling with hunger, their souls and bodies demanded circuses and bread. Then Aristophanes decided to invent a heroine who would change the course of history, at least in his imagination.

    Women’s revolt in ancient Greek

    Exhausted and enraged by the endless civil strife, Lysistrata gathers representatives of other cities for a women’s council to convince them of the need to take radical measures in the name of saving Greece: to refuse any intimacy with their chosen ones until they stop the bloodshed and return home in peace. Here one could reproach the comedy writer for manipulating basic instincts, but the ancient Greeks were not only not embarrassed by such details, but also encouraged them in every possible way, including detailed visual embodiments through props on the stage.

    Oleg Lipovetsky’s stage version culturally reworks Aristophanes’ plot, repeating and developing it. Here the beautiful Biotinians, Corinthians, Milesians and Thebans gather at the call of the Athenian Lysistrata, here they almost faint from her daring proposal, and here, following the mighty Spartan, they agree to support the uprising. Here it is necessary to note the brilliant performance of Yevgeny Ovchinnikov, who embodies the athlete Lampito, and the eloquent homage to the ancient Greek theater, where all roles, including female ones, were played by men.

    Then the comedy plays out like clockwork: in one corner of the ring there is a group of enraged and at the same time confused men in military uniform with a touch of Greek cyberpunk, in the other – gorgeous young ladies, stubbornly determined to hold the Acropolis at any cost. Their eclectic attire also refers to famous dystopias, eloquently hinting at the true timelessness of what is happening. Male and female collide like fire and water, and this battle of the elements shakes the rectangular space of the stage, supported by antique columns. The action, however, is not limited to these limits, boldly moving to the upper tiers of the hall, taking the heroes to the side benches and encouraging them to interact with the audience: at any moment the viewer can be asked about his health and asked for a glass of water for those in need. Thus, the director, as usual, gets rid of the fourth wall in the theatre, and this technique works without fail, involving the viewer even more in what is happening.

    “The Distaff of the Union” as a Powerful Symbol of Creation

    Aristophanes speaks of creation, and Elizaveta Potapova’s Lysistrata echoes him, calling for weaving a single canvas of peaceful coexistence from all the cities. Each character has individual traits, liveliness and depth thanks to the fine work of the actors, who create multi-layered images even in secondary roles, filigree playing out witty inserts-sketches that expand the action, but it is the main character who reveals her motivation most fully. Oleg Lipovetsky adds a detail to his version that makes the heart ache: at the peak of the farcical game, after an important scene at a meeting of politicians, where women have come to express their point of view, and the subsequent musical suffering for loved ones, there is suddenly silence. And in this silence appears little Lysistrata, together with her adult version, heartfeltly telling the backstory of the character. The reception against the background of the fast, energetic rhythm of the performance sounds deafening.

    There is no difference between the long past and the distant future, there is no greater thirst for man than the desire to live. In the play’s program, the compilers provide a brief historical background on other similar strikes, when women acted in a similar way to achieve social, political and cultural changes. The results are impressive!

    And who are the judges?

    There is an interesting character in the play, played by Sergei Shadrin. “Everything should work for the story, I work for it,” the actor emphasizes. The chorus, also a referee, also a mediator, also a celestial being in the literal and figurative sense, since it wears a gilded crown on its head, lives mainly on the upper tier of the hall and comes on stage only for short but bright performances (as was the case, for example, with the song “Call me, call” in the film “Carnival”). There are quite a few allusions from different areas of art here, which will be interesting for an attentive viewer. This helps to connect even more emotionally to the process through a cultural code that finds expression in recognizable references.

    The chorus does not simply direct the action, reworking the classical structure of the composition of ancient Greek comedy and intentionally preserving only certain parts of it so that modern audiences are more accustomed to watching. It asks important questions at the right time and supports the characters in the difficult task of finding a common language, becoming a meta-figure that does not condemn everyone else, but understands, accepts and reconciles. A higher power that gives meaning to what is happening.

    Oleg Lipovetsky said this about his play “My God!”: “There is a phrase there: “Believing is so painful that religion is like a pearl.” Do you know how a pearl is made? A grain of sand gets into a mollusk, and it envelops it because it hurts. It’s the same here: theater cannot exist without form, without the packaging in which we present these thoughts. Content is metal, and the form in which we forge the metal, the edge, is already form, it is theater.” In the play “Lysistrata,” the content is love, and its form only needs room for a step forward.

    You can buy tickets atMos.ru.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channelthe city of Moscow.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155384073/

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Active Citizens” will evaluate the venues of the “Teatralny Boulevard” festival

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The Active Citizen project has begun new vote, in which residents will evaluate the work of the sites of the International Open Festival “Theater Boulevard”Among them are the spaces on Pokrovsky, Tsvetnoy, Chistoprudny Boulevards and in the Polytechnic Museum Park.

    For the second year in a row, city streets and boulevards have become a venue for open-air performances by participants of the “Theater Boulevard”, which is taking place in the capital as part of a large-scale project “Summer in Moscow”This season will give residents and tourists even more vivid impressions: over 600 performances of various genres will be held at 12 venues – from classics to bold performances.

    From drama to circus performances

    All summer long, theatre companies from Russia, China, Mexico and other countries will delight guests with classical productions and surprise them with bold creative experiments. Thus, the fantasy space on Tsvetnoy Boulevard will immerse viewers in a carefree childhood. Here you can admire the skill of artists on stilts, laugh with talented clowns, and also watch performances with giant puppets or participate in immersive productions.

    Voters will also have to evaluate the beloved space of the amphitheater on Pokrovsky Boulevard. It has become a stage for dramatic productions, musicals and operettas. Here, viewers can meet foreign groups, Moscow and regional theaters, as well as actors and directors of theater and cinema.

    The space in the park of the Polytechnic Museum has become a new point of attraction for spectators. In the comfortable space of the amphitheater, student groups from leading creative universities of Russia, as well as Moscow and regional theaters, present their performances.

    The stage on Chistoprudny Boulevard differs from the stages on Pokrovsky Boulevard and in the Polytechnic Museum Park. According to Alina Pazhentseva, assistant stage producer, its main difference is the absence of an amphitheater and a chamber format. Puppet and solo show artists perform as close to the audience as possible, further immersing and involving guests in the creative process. In addition, lectures dedicated to the legends of Moscow theaters, meetings with theater and film stars, and other events are held here.

    More information about the events can be found on the festival website “Theater Boulevard” and the project page “Summer in Moscow”Many performances can be attended for free.

    The vote was prepared by the project “Active Citizen” together with the capital Department of Culture And By the Tourism CommitteeUsers with a full or standard account on the mos.ru portal can take part in it.

    Project “Active Citizen” has been operating since 2014. During this time, more than seven million people have joined it, and more than seven thousand votes have been held. Every month, 30 to 40 decisions made by Muscovites are implemented in the city. The project is being developed by the capital Department of Information Technology together with the State Institution “New Management Technologies”.

    The creation, development and operation of the e-government infrastructure, including the provision of mass socially significant services, as well as other services in electronic form, corresponds to the objectives of the national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State” and the regional project of the city of Moscow “Digital Public Administration”.

    “Book in the City”: from June 1, the capital will have places for reading, communication and creativity

    Project “Summer in Moscow” — the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports events are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and this season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155366073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK 🔴 LIVE: Prime Minister’s Questions with British Sign Language (BSL) – 18 June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.

    In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

    The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.

    Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:

    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqIXEma8sxc

    MIL OSI Video –