NewzIntel.com

Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI: GigaCloud Technology Inc Brings Curated Showroom Spotlighting Strategic Brand Partnerships to 2025 Summer Las Vegas Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EL MONTE, Calif., July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GigaCloud Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: GCT) (“GigaCloud” or the “Company”), a pioneer of global end-to-end B2B ecommerce technology solutions for large parcel merchandise, today announced its participation in the upcoming Las Vegas Market, held from July 27 to 31 at the World Market Center.

    From its showroom at A610, the Company will showcase its signature product lines alongside a curated selection of partner products. Key highlights include:

    Christopher Knight Home Showcases Modern Take on Signature Collections

    The brand will present its signature product line focused on a more modern, consumer-driven aesthetic, delivering stylish, affordable furniture to today’s design-conscious shoppers.

    Collaboration with Purple®

    GigaCloud will be featured in Purple Innovation’s showroom at C1554. As an integrated partner, GigaCloud supports Purple through the Supplier Fulfilled Retailing® (SFR®) model, helping expand buyer reach through streamlined fulfillment operations. Attendees can see firsthand how GigaCloud’s solutions drive growth and efficiency for leading brands like Purple.

    Broader Expansion into Sleep Solutions

    As part of its growing footprint in sleep solutions, GigaCloud is now featuring new product offerings from key partners in its showroom:

    • Zinus – Featuring its new Dreamvibe line, designed for next-generation sleep comfort.
    • Nubba Sleep – An exclusive mattress line developed for the GigaCloud Marketplace.
    • Instant Comfort® – Presenting its collection of adjustable comfort smart beds.
    • House & Home – Spotlighting signature upholstered beds and bunkbeds.

    “We are thrilled to return to Las Vegas Market with an expanded product portfolio and an increasingly diverse partner network,” said Iman Schrock, President of GigaCloud. “As the B2B landscape continues to evolve, we remain committed to delivering solutions that simplify cross-border commerce, reduce partner costs, and enable scalable growth across the value chain.”

    Email hello@gigacloudtech.com to arrange a meeting or demo at GigaCloud’s showroom (Building A610) during Las Vegas Market, July 27-31.

    About Las Vegas Market

    Las Vegas Market is the premier home furnishings and gift market in the western U.S., presenting 3,500 brands across furniture, home décor, bedding and gift categories, in three permanent showroom buildings and a purpose-built exhibit hall. This dynamic market destination attracts buyers from all 50 states and more than 80 countries, offering unmatched opportunities for cross-category commerce among these industries. Owned and operated by ANDMORE℠, Las Vegas Market is held semi-annually at World Market Center Las Vegas. https://www.LasVegasMarket.com.

    About Purple 

    Purple, the leading premium mattress company with the #1 gel grid technology in the world, GelFlex® Grid, thoughtfully engineers products that make restorative sleep effortless for every kind of sleeper. The result of over 30 years of innovation and 150 issued patents in comfort technologies, Purple’s GelFlex Grid is the most significant advancement in mattresses in decades and is proven to reduce aches and pains. It instantly adapts as you move, balances temperature, relieves pressure, and offers support in all the right places. Purple products, including mattresses, pillows, cushions, frames, sheets and more, can be found online at Purple.com, in over 57 Purple stores and over 3,000 retailers nationwide. Less Pain. Better Sleep.

    About GigaCloud Technology Inc

    GigaCloud Technology Inc. is a pioneer of global end-to-end B2B ecommerce technology solutions for large parcel merchandise. The Company’s B2B ecommerce platform, the “GigaCloud Marketplace,” integrates everything from discovery, payments and logistics tools into one easy-to-use platform. The Company’s global marketplace seamlessly connects manufacturers, primarily in Asia, with resellers, primarily in the U.S., Asia and Europe, to execute cross-border transactions with confidence, speed and efficiency. GigaCloud offers a comprehensive solution that transports products from the manufacturer’s warehouse to the end customer’s doorstep, all at one fixed price. The Company first launched its marketplace in January 2019 by focusing on the global furniture market and has since expanded into additional categories, including home appliances and fitness equipment. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: https://www.gigacloudtech.com/.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    GigaCloud Technology Inc.
    Investor Relations
    ir@gigacloudtech.com

    PondelWilkinson, Inc.
    Laurie Berman (Investors) – lberman@pondel.com
    George Medici (Media) – gmedici@pondel.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GigaCloud Technology Inc Brings Curated Showroom Spotlighting Strategic Brand Partnerships to 2025 Summer Las Vegas Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EL MONTE, Calif., July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GigaCloud Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: GCT) (“GigaCloud” or the “Company”), a pioneer of global end-to-end B2B ecommerce technology solutions for large parcel merchandise, today announced its participation in the upcoming Las Vegas Market, held from July 27 to 31 at the World Market Center.

    From its showroom at A610, the Company will showcase its signature product lines alongside a curated selection of partner products. Key highlights include:

    Christopher Knight Home Showcases Modern Take on Signature Collections

    The brand will present its signature product line focused on a more modern, consumer-driven aesthetic, delivering stylish, affordable furniture to today’s design-conscious shoppers.

    Collaboration with Purple®

    GigaCloud will be featured in Purple Innovation’s showroom at C1554. As an integrated partner, GigaCloud supports Purple through the Supplier Fulfilled Retailing® (SFR®) model, helping expand buyer reach through streamlined fulfillment operations. Attendees can see firsthand how GigaCloud’s solutions drive growth and efficiency for leading brands like Purple.

    Broader Expansion into Sleep Solutions

    As part of its growing footprint in sleep solutions, GigaCloud is now featuring new product offerings from key partners in its showroom:

    • Zinus – Featuring its new Dreamvibe line, designed for next-generation sleep comfort.
    • Nubba Sleep – An exclusive mattress line developed for the GigaCloud Marketplace.
    • Instant Comfort® – Presenting its collection of adjustable comfort smart beds.
    • House & Home – Spotlighting signature upholstered beds and bunkbeds.

    “We are thrilled to return to Las Vegas Market with an expanded product portfolio and an increasingly diverse partner network,” said Iman Schrock, President of GigaCloud. “As the B2B landscape continues to evolve, we remain committed to delivering solutions that simplify cross-border commerce, reduce partner costs, and enable scalable growth across the value chain.”

    Email hello@gigacloudtech.com to arrange a meeting or demo at GigaCloud’s showroom (Building A610) during Las Vegas Market, July 27-31.

    About Las Vegas Market

    Las Vegas Market is the premier home furnishings and gift market in the western U.S., presenting 3,500 brands across furniture, home décor, bedding and gift categories, in three permanent showroom buildings and a purpose-built exhibit hall. This dynamic market destination attracts buyers from all 50 states and more than 80 countries, offering unmatched opportunities for cross-category commerce among these industries. Owned and operated by ANDMORE℠, Las Vegas Market is held semi-annually at World Market Center Las Vegas. https://www.LasVegasMarket.com.

    About Purple 

    Purple, the leading premium mattress company with the #1 gel grid technology in the world, GelFlex® Grid, thoughtfully engineers products that make restorative sleep effortless for every kind of sleeper. The result of over 30 years of innovation and 150 issued patents in comfort technologies, Purple’s GelFlex Grid is the most significant advancement in mattresses in decades and is proven to reduce aches and pains. It instantly adapts as you move, balances temperature, relieves pressure, and offers support in all the right places. Purple products, including mattresses, pillows, cushions, frames, sheets and more, can be found online at Purple.com, in over 57 Purple stores and over 3,000 retailers nationwide. Less Pain. Better Sleep.

    About GigaCloud Technology Inc

    GigaCloud Technology Inc. is a pioneer of global end-to-end B2B ecommerce technology solutions for large parcel merchandise. The Company’s B2B ecommerce platform, the “GigaCloud Marketplace,” integrates everything from discovery, payments and logistics tools into one easy-to-use platform. The Company’s global marketplace seamlessly connects manufacturers, primarily in Asia, with resellers, primarily in the U.S., Asia and Europe, to execute cross-border transactions with confidence, speed and efficiency. GigaCloud offers a comprehensive solution that transports products from the manufacturer’s warehouse to the end customer’s doorstep, all at one fixed price. The Company first launched its marketplace in January 2019 by focusing on the global furniture market and has since expanded into additional categories, including home appliances and fitness equipment. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: https://www.gigacloudtech.com/.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    GigaCloud Technology Inc.
    Investor Relations
    ir@gigacloudtech.com

    PondelWilkinson, Inc.
    Laurie Berman (Investors) – lberman@pondel.com
    George Medici (Media) – gmedici@pondel.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: New Survey Shows Shoppers Are Showing Up This Holiday Season — Even Amid Tariffs and Turmoil

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Will tariffs deter holiday shoppers this year? Not according to a new consumer holiday shopping report from Salsify, the platform empowering brand manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to win on the digital shelf. The company released its inaugural 2025 Consumer Holiday Shopping Report today and the message is clear: even amid ongoing economic and political turbulence, shoppers are showing up this season — but they’re skipping the old playbook. From AI-curated gift guides and the digital takeover of Black Friday to the surprising rise of alcohol gifting and the decline of social media’s shopping influence, consumers are rewriting the rules of the holiday season.

    In fact, spreading good cheer seems to be on everyone’s list with 75% of consumers saying they’ll spend the same or more on gifts this year, with Gen Z and millennials leading the charge. But it’s not just about how much they spend. It’s about how, why, and where they do it.

    “Shoppers aren’t letting inflation, tariffs, or global turmoil steal their holiday spirit,” said Dom Scarlett (she/her), Research Director at Salsify. “Black Friday is thriving, but not in-store. Gift discovery is shifting from social to search, video, and even AI. And more than ever, consumers are choosing brands that reflect who they are, not just what they want.”

    Black Friday Just Swiped Cyber Monday’s Crown

    Black Friday is back, and now it’s digital. A record 73% of shoppers plan to participate this year, outpacing Cyber Monday’s 61%. Only 11% say they’ll shop Black Friday exclusively in stores, while nearly one in four will toggle between in-person and online deals. Millennials (46%) and Gen X (42%) are fueling the shift toward mobile-first shopping from the couch.

    Retailer Insight: Cyber Monday is no longer the peak. Retailers should treat Black Friday as the digital centerpiece and focus on app-based early access, flash sales, and omnichannel execution.

    AI Gift Guides Are the New Holiday Hero

    Half of all shoppers say AI tools, like chatbots and curated gift suggestions, would improve their holiday experience. Thirteen percent of millennials and 11% of Gen Z are already using AI to shop, making it more influential than blogs, podcasts, or print ads. For younger consumers, AI is more than a novelty, it’s expected.

    Sixty-three percent of millennials and 56% of Gen Z believe AI makes shopping easier and more personalized. Gen Z shoppers are also more likely to use voice assistants or chatbots for gift-finding help.

    Retailer Insight: Shoppers are asking AI what to buy. To show up in those results, brands must optimize product data for AI-powered search and recommendation engines.

    From TikTok to TV: Shoppers Are Changing the Channel

    Social media’s role in holiday discovery is fading. This year, only 28% of shoppers say it’s their go-to channel for finding gifts, down from 35% in 2024. In contrast, search engines (58%), online marketplaces (48%), and retailer websites (43%) now dominate the discovery landscape. Even traditional formats like TV and streaming video ads are resonating, influencing 12% of Gen X and 10% of millennials — outpacing blogs (7%) and podcasts (4%).

    TikTok and Instagram now rank lower than marketplace ads (38%) and email campaigns (34%) in their influence on gift discovery.

    Retailer Insight: Discovery is fragmenting. Shoppers are searching, streaming, and scrolling — but not necessarily where brands expect them to. Rebalance investments accordingly – return on retail media investments are dependent on quality product content.

    Boozy Gifts Take the Lead as Electronics Surge Stateside
    Alcohol is having a moment. This season, 36% of shoppers plan to gift beer, wine, or spirits, surpassing toys at 33%, pet products at 16%, and home improvement items at 19%. The trend is especially strong in the UK, where 46% plan to gift alcohol, compared to 25% in the U.S.

    Gen X leads the charge, followed by millennials. Domestic spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails are especially popular. With tariffs expected on imported liquor, prices may rise or availability may shrink by December.

    Fashion and apparel (54%), beauty and personal care (47%), and electronics (42%) remain among the top categories. But regional preferences stand out. U.S. shoppers are nearly twice as likely as their U.K. counterparts to gift electronics, while U.K. consumers favor food and drink.

    Retailer Insight: Booze has gone from bar cart to gift list. With global pricing pressures looming, now is the time to secure domestic supply and use creative messaging and bundling. Electronics brands should lean into U.S. demand, while U.K. retailers can win with premium food and beverage offerings.

    Shoppers Are Putting Their Money Where Their Values Are

    More than ever, shoppers are prioritizing meaning over markdowns. Sixty-one percent of consumers say they would pay more for holiday gifts from brands that reflect their values. That figure spikes to 75% for Gen Z, but the shift spans generations, even 50% of boomers say they’re willing to spend more on mission-aligned brands.

    Top value drivers include sustainability, ethical sourcing, social impact, and transparency.

    Retailer Insight: Shoppers are choosing gifts that reflect their identity. Don’t just say what you sell — show what you stand for.

    For more insights on the survey methodology and to download the full 2025 Consumer Holiday Shopping Report, visit here.

    About Salsify
    Salsify helps thousands of brand manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in over 140 countries collaborate to make every product experience matter. The company’s Product Experience Management (PXM) platform enables organizations to centralize all of their product content, connect to the commerce ecosystem, and automate business processes in order to deliver the best possible product experiences across every selling destination.

    Learn how the world’s largest brands, including Mars, L’Oreal, Coca-Cola, Bosch, and ASICS, as well as retailers and distributors, such as DoorDash, E.Leclerc, Carrefour, Metro, and Intermarché, use Salsify every day to drive efficiency, power growth, and lead the digital shelf. For more information, please visit: www.salsify.com.

    Media contact:
    Carolyn Adams
    carolyn@bluerunpr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Citywide Recycling Push: Preston City Council Beyondly and Recoup join forces to increase recycling and tackle contamination

    Source: City of Preston

    A targeted recycling education campaign spearheaded by Preston City Council and plastics recycling and resource efficiency charity RECOUP, with funding and support from environmental consultancy Beyondly, has reached over 265,000 residents, helping to cut recycling contamination reports by 13% and reduce material rejections at the sorting facility by 19%.

    The campaign, delivered under the RECOUP Pledge2Recycle Plastics programme, ran from September to December 2024 combining billboards, street hubs, school and community engagement, leaflet deliveries to all households in the Preston area, a radio campaign, and a fresh suite of social media assets.

    It aimed to clarify what can and cannot be recycled, with a particular focus on plastics, a key area of confusion for many households.

    Councillor Freddie Bailey, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety commented:

    “The outcomes of this campaign are brilliant. Preston residents want to do the right thing when it comes to recycling, and this campaign helped make that easier. By combining local pride with practical information, we empowered people to recycle more and better.”

    Preston City Council saw an 11 tonne increase in plastic, glass and cans collected in 2024/25 in comparison to 2023/24.

    The city also recorded fewer crew-reported contaminants such as general rubbish and plastic bags in recycling bins, an encouraging sign that consistent messaging is paying off.

    Key achievements

    • Total reach of over 265,000, covering all households in Preston.
    • 13% decrease in contamination in plastic, glass, and can bins.
    • 19% reduction in material rejections at sorting facilities.
    • Leaflet and campaign materials designed with accessibility in mind, including input from local disability groups and multilingual residents.
    • Engagement in priority wards, including Plungington, Deepdale and the City Centre, where housing types and language barriers present ongoing challenges.

    The campaign delivery included engaging directly with communities through school visits, supermarket events, and a dedicated recycling van at the city’s Flag Market. Surveys conducted during engagement revealed that while many residents want to recycle more, they often struggle with understanding what’s accepted and how to prepare materials properly.

    Katherine Fleet, Head of Sustainability and Circularity at RECOUP commented:

    “Education remains a vital part of the recycling puzzle. By using visuals, clear messages, and trusted community channels, this campaign helped to reduce confusion and increase confidence in recycling.”

    Beyondly, who supported delivery of the campaign as well as providing grant funding, also praised its impact and inclusive approach:

    “At Beyondly, we’re proud to support initiatives that empower communities to make lasting environmental change,” said Charlotte Davies, Senior Consultant Resource Efficiency and Circularity at Beyondly.

    “This campaign in Preston is a fantastic example of how collaboration and clear communication can reduce contamination, increase recycling, and build a more sustainable future.”

    Looking ahead, Preston City Council plan to build on these learning’s, including strengthening relationships with schools, improving access to recycling for households without kerbside bins, and considering the needs of neurodiverse residents.

    The Preston City Council Recycling Report 2025 provides a comprehensive review of the campaign’s outcomes, highlighting not just statistics, but also the lived realities of Preston’s diverse communities.

    To learn more or access the full report, visit the RECOUP website or join us at a webinar on 10 September 2025, register your interest for the event through Eventbrite – Preston City Council Recycling Campaign – Insights, Results and Learning’s.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Giant avian clean-up job is moa than meets the eye

    Source: City of Leeds

    The skeletal remains of a giant bird which last walked the earth more than 500 years ago have been given a clean bill of health by museum curators in Leeds.

    The incredibly rare and complete bones of the heavy-footed moa, a huge flightless bird which once roamed parts of New Zealand, were carefully cleaned by experts at Leeds City Museum this week.

    Each of the skeleton’s delicate bones was meticulously inspected for any signs of dust and deterioration during the condition check.

    Driven to extinction by hunting and deforestation around 570 years ago, the remarkable species was one of the largest birds which ever existed, standing almost six feet tall and weighing more than 300 lbs.

    Named for its distinctive and enormous feet, the specimen on display in Leeds came to the city in 1868, when it was acquired by the then curator of the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society Henry Denny.

    At that time the skeleton was known to be the only example of the species in the country outside the British Museum in London.

    Like many objects in the Leeds collection, it was damaged in 1941 after Philosophical Hall (the city’s museum), where it was originally on display, was bombed during World War II.

    In 2011, curators rediscovered the bird’s bones and after a full restoration, they were put on display in Leeds City Museum’s Collectors Cabinet.

    Clare Brown, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ curator of natural sciences, said: “The moa is a truly historic specimen which really captures the imagination and brings a completely different world inhabited by extinct and bizarre giants to life.

    “It’s also a tangible example of the potentially devastating impact which changing habitats, climates and hunting can have on fragile species and the ecosystems they live in. This was a species which walked the earth for thousands of years, but which completely disappeared within in a relatively short time of interacting with humans.

    “Having animals like this on display is not only a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era, it’s a thought-provoking reminder of our responsibility to do what we can to protect the natural world both now and in the future.”

    The moa is one of a number of extinct species on display at the museum including a dodo and giant Irish elk.

    Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “Having such an impressive collection of objects on display which capture the astonishing diversity of the animal kingdom both past and present can really help visitors understand our role in the natural world.

    “It’s important that these historic specimens are preserved and conserved for future generations to see, enjoy and be inspired by.”

    For more information about Leeds City Museum, please visit: Leeds City Museum | Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank Approves $17 Million to Rebuild Conflict-Affected Northern Mozambique

    Source: APO – Report:

    The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $17 million grant to support recovery and resilient-building efforts in conflict-affected northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province.

    The funding will support the Resilient Investment for Socio-Economic Empowerment, Peace, and Security (RISE-PS) Project, a bold new initiative to tackle the root causes of fragility through targeted economic empowerment. It will directly create 24,000 jobs, with 60% of opportunities earmarked for young people aged 18 to 35, and 50% reserved for women. Cumulatively, over 100,000 people are expected to benefit from the initiative.

    Since 2017, violent extremist attacks in Cabo Delgado have killed at least 4,500 people and displaced more than one million. Approximately 4,965 small businesses have been destroyed, leaving communities without livelihoods. Youth unemployment currently stands at 25% in the province, with 35% of young women neither employed nor enrolled in education or training.

    “This is about more than economic recovery – it’s about giving young people a reason to believe in their future,” said Babatunde Omilola, Manager for Human Capital, Youth and Skill Development at the African Development Bank’s Regional Office for Southern Africa. “The project emphasizes  youth as peacebuilding agents, unlocking their potential through skills development, entrepreneurship, and decent work opportunities to drive economic stabilization efforts.”

    A cornerstone of the RISE-PS project is the creation of a Peace and Security Investment Hub, coordinated by Mozambique’s Northern Integrated Development Agency (ADIN).

    “This hub will coordinate development work across the region and create investment opportunities for both public and private partners,” said Macmillan Anyanwu, the Bank’s Acting Country Manager for Mozambique. “By including local communities in planning and implementing projects — such as letting them choose which infrastructure gets rebuilt — we ensure development truly serves those who need it most.”

    Comprehensive Support for Vulnerable Populations

    • Rehabilitation of 150 community facilities, including 30 schools, 45 youth centers, 14 health posts, 10 rural markets, and 33 water systems — providing immediate employment for 4,500 vulnerable youth and women
    • Training for over 9,200 individuals in market-oriented vocational skills, with 2,000 women and youth-led enterprises receiving grants to restart destroyed businesses, and 5,400 local micro-enterprises equipped to expand or consolidate operations.
    • Construction of a climate-smart SME village in the Afungi Industrial Hub, designed to accommodate 100 small and medium enterprises with modern facilities, including warehouses, workshops, and business incubation centers
    • Private sector partnerships, including TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil, to provide 1,055 youth with 6-month internships, targeting 70% permanent job placement

    The total value of the project stands at $28 million, including the African Development Bank’s $17 million grant through its Transition Support Facility, $4.2 million from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), $2.4 million from Germany, $3.1 million in parallel financing from private sector partners, and $1.3 million counterpart contribution from the Government of Mozambique.

    MozParks, the national developer of sustainable economic zones, will lead the SME village construction, drawing on 23 years of experience that has attracted $4 billion in investments and created over 12,000 jobs nationwide.

    The project’s conflict-sensitive design specifically targets the drivers of violent extremism. Research shows that 40% of young men join rebel movements due to a lack of economic opportunities. At the same time, women face additional vulnerabilities, including limited education and high rates of gender-based violence.

    Implementation begins on 1 September 2025, under the leadership of the Government, with UNDP as the implementing partner. The project will run until August 2029.

    ADIN will serve as the executing agency, with enhanced institutional support to strengthen its coordination role across northern Mozambique, which is home to 11.6 million people.

    Recent security improvements, and a reduction in the number of internally displaced persons from over one million to 635,000 present an opportunity for sustained development investments and renewed investor confidence.

    The RISE-PS project aligns with Mozambique’s National Development Strategy (2025-2044) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1 – No Poverty;  SDG 4 – Quality Education;  SDG 5 – Gender Equality; SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth).

    It also aligns with the African Development Bank’s Strategy for Addressing Fragility and Building Resilience (2022-2026), the Bank’s Country Strategy Paper 2023-2028 for Mozambique, its Ten-Year Strategy 2024-2033, and many other strategies or action plans on jobs, gender, skills, private sector development and nutrition. In particular, the Bank’s Jobs for Youth in Africa strategy 2016-2025 aims to create 25 million jobs and positively impact 50 million African youth by 2025.

    – on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media contact:
    Emeka Anuforo
    Communication and External Relations Department
    media@afdb.org

    About the African Development Bank Group:
    The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets US State Department Senior Advisor for Africa

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Doha, July 17, 2025

    HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met on Thursday with HE Presidential Envoy and Senior Advisor for Africa at the US Department of State Massad Boulos, who is currently visiting the country.

    During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the close strategic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States and discussed ways to support and enhance them. They also discussed joint efforts to address the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, along with a number of issues of mutual interest.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: East African countries and open borders: great strides, but still a long way to go

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Alan Hirsch, Senior Research Fellow New South Institute, Emeritus Professor at The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape Town

    It’s not uncommon to find a Ugandan taxi driver in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, just as one regularly meets Zimbabwean Uber drivers in South Africa. But there is a big difference. A Ugandan working in Rwanda most likely has a secure legal right to be there, whereas Zimbabweans working in South Africa are often uncertain of their current or future legality.

    East Africa has made greater strides towards the free flow of people crossing borders and seeking work than most of Africa. Only the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) is in the same league.

    While the African Union’s Free Movement of Persons protocol has faltered at a continental level, some of the regional economic communities have made progress. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) allows visa-free travel across almost all its borders.

    Ecowas and the East African Community (EAC) have driven ambitiously towards regional common markets including the freeing up of job-seeking, residential settlement and business development across the borders of member states.

    The New South Institute, a think-tank focused on governance reforms in the global south, is nearing the end of a research programme on migration governance reform in Africa. Our new report is on East Africa.

    We have found that unlike much of the global north, the African continent is moving towards more open borders for people. In some of the global south the promise of economic growth outweighs political fears. Yet progress is slow, and not coordinated. Mostly migration reform happens in regions and between neighbours.

    The progress in the East African Community is particularly notable compared with other African regional communities. We identify a number of reasons for this, including strong leadership and co-operation between state and non-state actors.

    The commitment to free movement

    The East African Community adopted its Common Market Protocol in 2010. The bloc is made up of Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the DRC and Somalia.

    The regional body’s common market pact includes the movement of goods, services, capital and people. It gives people the right – on paper at least – to find employment across borders, the right to reside and the right to establish a business. There is also a commitment to the harmonisation and mutual recognition of academic and professional qualifications and labour policies to ease mobility.

    Even before the common market protocol, the regional bloc began to establish one-stop border posts on many of its internal borders to facilitate the flow of goods and people. Though they don’t all operate the same way or equally well, they have been successful at easing movement.

    Uneven outcomes

    The common market’s impact on the movement of people has been uneven within the region. Most integrated are Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda, which allow the cross-border movement of citizens with standardised identity documents – they do not need passports.

    It is also relatively easy to get jobs across these borders.

    Tanzania and Burundi are close to the inner circle but still require passports, though no visas. The three states which joined more recently, South Sudan, the DRC and Somalia, are all fragile states with governance systems that do not always meet the standards needed for acceptance into all the privileges of the regional bloc.

    In practice there is differential treatment. Generally, it is more difficult for citizens of the three latecomers to get regular access and jobs in their regional partners.

    Another limitation when it comes to the mobility of people is that little progress has been made in the formal harmonisation of education, health and social welfare systems between member states. This inhibits job seeking across borders.

    In addition, national labour laws, which tend to require permits for foreigners, still apply to varying degrees in the region. Some countries are more permissive. For example, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda have a reciprocal no-fee work permit agreement.

    Another shortcoming has been that the outcomes of court processes in enforcing the freedom of movement have been disappointing. This is so even though the regional bloc has an active East African Court of Justice. Its legal mandate includes the enforcement of the bloc’s treaty and its protocols.

    In some cases the court has found that national actions inhibiting the movement of persons were trumped by the regional protocol. It has instructed the errant governments to comply. But its ability to enforce the decisions is minimal.

    Reasons for success

    Leadership has been important. The fact that the strongest economy in the region, Kenya, has been part of the leading echelon is significant.

    Rwanda and Uganda have led by example too. Rwanda was one of the first countries on the continent to offer visa-free entry to all other African countries. For its part, Uganda is widely admired for its refugee inclusion programmes.

    Another factor outlined in our report has been the opportunity for collaboration fostered by relationships between formal institutions, such as governments, and non-state actors such as the International Organisation for Migration. Interactions between these various players have created opportunities for officials and policymakers from states of the region to meet, discuss issues of concern, and develop relationships of trust and understanding.

    Another non-state donor-funded actor, TradeMark Africa, which was established in 2010 to support in the implementation of the common market in east Africa, provided considerable support. For example it supported the implementation of the regional One-Stop Border Post programme..

    Way forward

    Based on our report we identified changes that could make a positive difference.

    Firstly, the development of reliable, harmonised systems in the region to collect and manage data on population mobility and employment. This would build confidence that policy was being made on the basis of reliable information.

    Secondly, reducing friction in cross-border monetary transactions, including migrants’ remittances. This would make it easier for migrants to send some of their income to their countries of origin.

    Thirdly, improvements to population registers, identity documents, passports and cross-border migration management systems. Improvements would build mutual trust in the integrity of systems and pave the way for further commitments to lowering migration barriers.

    Fourth, cooperation on cross-border access to social services such as health and education. This is one of the most important intermediate steps towards freeing up mobility for the citizens of the region.

    Fifth, reconsidering some of the amendments made to weaken the East African Court of Justice in 2007. This would strengthen the de jure powers of the court, adding considerably to the entrenchment of cross-border rights in the region.

    Ultimately, the key constraint in the region is political and security instability, which holds back social and economic development. Nevertheless, incremental progress on mobility is possible despite issues in the fragile states, even though it may result in asymmetric progress within the East African Community.

    – East African countries and open borders: great strides, but still a long way to go
    – https://theconversation.com/east-african-countries-and-open-borders-great-strides-but-still-a-long-way-to-go-261021

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Votes Against Defunding Global Health, Public Media 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Early this morning, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) voted against President Trump’s rescissions bill, which claws back more than $9 billion in congressionally-appropriated funding for global health, foreign aid, and public media:  
    “This federal funding was negotiated on a bipartisan basis, passed with bipartisan support in both the Senate and House, and signed into law by President Trump. The rescissions bill is a reckless abandonment of our obligation as an independent branch of government to set spending. Republicans have, yet again, willingly ceded even more power to President Trump and Elon Musk’s DOGE,” said Senator Welch. “This bill has far-reaching, devastating impacts—the cuts to public media, global health, peacekeeping missions, and international food aid will hurt hundreds of millions of people, at home and around the world. My colleagues have made it clear that they will turn their backs on rural American communities and starving children to appease Donald Trump.” 
    The bill passed around 2:30am on Thursday.
    Senator Welch voted in support of amendments to protect funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and to restore funding for global health and food and nutrition aid programs. 
    The rescissions package, requested by President Trump and supported by Senate Republicans, would claw back millions of dollars in humanitarian assistance, foreign aid, and global health initiatives. This bill cuts funding for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); the World Health Organization (WHO); United Nations peacekeeping missions; migration and refugee assistance programs; the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; international food aid missions; the United States Institute of Peace (USIP); the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); and more.  
    Earlier this week Senator Welch called on Republicans to drop efforts to cut funding for the Global Fund, as well as President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the latter of which was removed from the rescissions package Tuesday.
    The Corporation for Public Broadcasting supports National Public Radio (NPR), the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and member stations across the United States. This bill would cut more than $1 billion in funding from the CPB, and hurt over 1,500 public radio and television stations across the country. Vermont stations received more than $2 million from the CPB in Fiscal Year 2024. Rural communities, families, and farmers rely on CPB-funded systems and news stations for lifesaving emergency alerts, breaking news, and educational programming.  
    Last week, Senator Welch spoke out against the president’s request cut funding for CPB and public media, saying “We must not abandon the people we represent and the right they have to public broadcasting. And we cannot abandon the trust we must have in one another to keep our word. An agreement made must be an agreement kept.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Future in motion: India’s new dawn, powered by a new generation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    ndia’s growth story is a story of youthful ascent. The country’s demographic dividend is at the core of the fastest-growing major economy in the world. It is expected to play a significant role in India’s promising economic future, when the global economy is projected to slow down. The world’s most populous nation, India is also the youngest among the major economies, with a median age of around 28 years.

    A McKinsey assessment, published in July 2024, puts the median age of the population in India at 27.6 years, a full decade younger than the citizens of most other major economies. Apart from contributing to increased productivity, the demographic dividend has the potential to transform the growth story on a positive social scale. If the nation’s productivity is harnessed well with the demographic advantage it has, and the working-age population base is properly skilled and productively employed, millions could be lifted not only above the poverty line but also be economically empowered.

    “In India, as with other G-20 economies, economic growth and business innovations will be critical to future economic inclusion; in fact, these levers could erase more than 90 percent of the empowerment gap. To put that in human terms, accelerated economic growth and business-led innovation alone could lift about 700 million people above the threshold by 2030,” says the report.

    What is the line of economic empowerment? As defined by the McKinsey Global Institute, being economically empowered means having a decent economic condition that affords a nutritious meal, good education and healthcare, a house that is owned with water and sanitation, and access to energy sources such as a power connection and means of transportation.

    Being economically empowered means having the value addition that life needs, going beyond the economic inclusion threshold. With a minimum of $12 per day in PPP terms, a person, after fulfilling their needs to sustain a good lifestyle, can also save money, meaning they are a level above the risk of falling into the poverty cycle again. The report said that globally there were 4.7 billion people (or 60% of the world’s population) not economically empowered as per this benchmark.

    Harnessing the demographic dividend is a calculated task, demanding sustained investment in education and the promotion of industrial collaboration, together with a thriving skilling system. The foundational ingredients of this requirement prime the nation for an era of unprecedented human-led growth.

    According to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 65% of India’s population is under 35 years of age, and the country has seen a significant positive change in the last decade in the headcount ratio available for employability. Before 2014, the country had 33.9% employable final- or pre-final-year students. This increased by over 17% to 51.3% in 2024.

    The current government in the country is focused on harnessing this demographic dividend, creating a pool of skilled and talented youth to support its national and industrial growth on India’s journey of outstanding economic growth.

    With an aim to become a developed country by 2047, the 100th year of its independence, with an economy crossing the $30 trillion mark in real GDP terms, the focus is on creating millions of trained and skilled youth ready for different industrial sectors. Many flagship training initiatives have been launched for this, including the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) scheme, Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), and National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), under the Skill India Mission (SIM), creating millions of trained and skilled youth so far.

    To put it in absolute numbers, over 60 million Indians have been empowered through various government initiatives, says data from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the Government of India. PMKVY has trained over 16 million youth across different sectors including advanced emerging training fields like AI, Robotics, and IoT. Last year, in October, another flagship scheme was launched, known as the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS). Under the scheme, one crore youth will be given paid internships of 12 months in India’s top 500 companies over five years.

    Also, a young population base as the core of economic growth will have a dual advantage. An assessment published by EY in April 2023 on India’s demographic dividend deciphers this potential advantage. A young population base means more hands to be trained and skilled. A young population base also means a more consumption-based headcount, a factor that is good for markets and the overall economy. Consumption grows. Economy grows.

    By 2030, India’s working-age population, among the major economies, will be the highest in the world, at 68.9% of its total population say the assessment. The country, then, will have 1.04 billion working-age people. It is, and will remain, the largest provider of human resources in the world, with the largest pool of STEM graduates (STEM: science, technology, engineering and mathematics), says the assessment. And it is an ever-widening pool, with an average annual addition of 2.14 million STEM graduates. India is also the country with the largest number of female STEM graduates. Earlier, the Western world dominated in having STEM graduates. Now it is the turn of emerging economies led by India.

    WorldSkills International, a Netherlands-based not-for-profit organisation with 80 member countries, conducts the WorldSkills Competition every two years with participants under the age of 23. It is the largest skill competition in the world.

    Over 50 skills under six sectors are the main focus areas – construction and building technology, transportation and logistics, manufacturing and engineering technology, information and communication technology, creative arts and fashion, and social and personal services. The outcome of the competition tests vocational excellence and sets a benchmark for high performance, and India’s position has seen a consistent improvement in its overall score tally on the overall points scorecard, from 16th in 2013 to fifth in 2024.

    The roadmap to the $30 trillion target runs directly through India’s burgeoning urban centres. The 2024-25 annual report from the NITI Aayog notes that cities already function as the nation’s primary economic engines, generating between 70% and 80% of the entire national output. Cities are hubs of industrial clusters, housing small-, medium- and large-sized industries, run by manpower engaged directly and indirectly.

    To further amplify this growth tool, or “making city regions growth hubs that can unlock their full potential” as the annual report says, the government launched the Growth Hub (G-Hub) initiative in 2023. “The Growth Hub (G-Hub) initiative aims to redefine urban planning for liveability and sustainability with pilot projects launched in Surat, Mumbai, Varanasi, and Visakhapatnam and blueprints approved for Surat and Mumbai,” the annual report adds. An increase in productivity means more skilled hands at work.

    As one of the most important tools to drive India’s growth, the pool of the country’s skilled youth completes the growth curve of its resilient economy, solid macroeconomic fundamentals, and vast domestic market. While external shocks will inevitably arise, the direction of the journey points firmly upward.

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Micronesia: Regional collaboration strengthens SIDS disaster-risk resilience

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    This case study was collected through a Call for Good Practices on Reducing Risk across SDG Transitions, launched by the UNDRR Focal Points Group in 2024.

    SDGs addressed: 8 | 13

    The North-Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) – Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Marshall Islands, Nauru and Kiribati – share high climate- and disaster-risk exposure but limited technical capacity. After the UN Multi-Country Office for Micronesia (UN MCO) opened in 2021, UNDRR, UNDP and UN MCO initiated the first regional DRR technical-assistance programme covering all five countries. Using participatory workshops, qualitative risk mapping and a shared governance framework, the programme blended traditional ecological knowledge (e.g. mangrove planting, raised housing) with modern methods, aligning with Sendai Framework Priorities 1 & 2.

    Innovation & Success Factors

    • Multi-country strategy enabled peer learning, reduced redundancy and built shared accountability.
    • Community-centric design combined indigenous knowledge with scientific analysis, increasing cultural relevance and buy-in.
    • Innovative finance dialogue with entities such as the Global Green Growth Institute laid the groundwork for sustainable phase-two funding.

    Key impacts

    • Regional DRR framework adopted; inter-island steering group meets twice yearly.
    • Capacity built – 60+ officials trained in risk assessment, contingency planning and early-warning design.
    • Knowledge exchange – traditional practices documented and paired with hazard mapping for all five SIDS.
    • Cost efficiency – pooled workshops, procurement and M&E lowered travel and admin costs.
    • Financing pathway – engagement begun with the Pacific Resilience Facility and other donors for phase II.

    Lessons learned for replication or adaptation

    1. Regional collaboration magnifies UN technical support through mutual learning and lower overheads.
    2. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern tools strengthens community acceptance and policy relevance.
    3. Sustainable finance is essential; strong institutional links and human-resource development underpin long-term resilience.
    4. A regional lens fosters constructive peer pressure, accelerating national DRR commitments.

    Other resources / Explore further

    Organisations involved

    • UN entities: UNDRR; UNDP; UN Multi-Country Office for Micronesia (UN MCO)
    • Regional bodies: Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP); Pacific Community (SPC); Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF)
    • National agencies: Palau NEMO; FSM DECEM; Marshall Islands Office of the Minister in Assistance to the President for Environment; Nauru Ministry of National Emergency Services; Kiribati line ministries
    • Technical partner: Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)
    • Development partners: Governments of Australia, Ireland and Japan; Global Green Growth Institute (prospective phase II finance)

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Costa Rica: Multi-hazard probabilistic risk assessment for resilience

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    This case study was collected through a Call for Good Practices on Reducing Risk across SDG Transitions, launched by the UN DRR Focal Points Group in 2024.

    SDGs addressed: 2 | 4 | 6

    Costa Rica is exposed to earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and landslides. Historically, risk studies focused on direct physical losses, leaving indirect economic impacts invisible. In 2022-23 the National Commission for Emergencies (CNE), UNDRR and technical contractor ERN International completed an 18-month probabilistic, multi-hazard risk assessment-the first of its kind at national scale in the region. Through multi-sector data sharing and stakeholder workshops, the project produced validated loss curves for infrastructure, housing, water and sanitation, capturing supply-chain and public-service disruptions. The results now inform resilient-investment decisions and new disaster-risk-financing instruments.

    Innovation & Success Factors

    • Indirect-loss modelling revealed macro-economic ripple effects previously overlooked.
    • Peril-agnostic methodology-the same framework can add hurricanes or landslides when data mature.
    • Risk-literacy workshops turned complex outputs into decision-ready information for ministries and insurers.

    Key impacts

    • Authoritative national loss curves for earthquakes & floods (direct + indirect).
    • Financial innovation – data underpin risk-transfer tools (e.g., catastrophe bonds, Global Shield discussions).
    • Policy leverage – evidence feeds new regulations for resilient infrastructure and DRR financing.
    • Capacity built – 80+ officials, academics and private-sector actors trained in probabilistic analysis.
    • Replication path – same arithmetic can down-scale to provincial level, subject to data availability.

    Lessons learned for replication or adaptation

    1. Include indirect impacts to expose hidden vulnerabilities.
    2. Organised national datasets accelerate modelling.
    3. Embed capacity-building for sustained use and updates.
    4. Engage finance stakeholders early so risk data translate into investment criteria.
    5. Start with high-impact hazards, expand incrementally as data improve.

    Organisations involved

    • Lead UN entity: UNDRR
    • National lead: National Commission for Emergencies (CNE)
    • Technical partner: ERN International
    • Advisory group: RSTAG members in Costa Rica

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Programme management officer

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Org. Setting and Reporting

    Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disasters and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG), UNDRR has over 140 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and catalyzes action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with UN Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community.

    This position is located in the UNDRR Office in Bonn, Germany. The Programme Officer will report to the Head of the UNDRR Bonn Office under the overall guidance of the Chief, Risk Knowledge, Monitoring and Capacity-Development Branch.

    Responsibilities

    Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: – 

    • Develops, implements and evaluates assigned systems programmes/projects of significant importance for the Department; monitors and analyses programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions. In particular, oversees and supports the management and updating of the online monitoring system to track progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Tracks and monitors project progress against plan, requirements, quality measures, standard processes; liaises with users on all aspects and during all phases.
    • Provides expert advice on complex systems analysis and design; identifies the need for new systems (or modifications to existing systems) or responds to requests from users; develops plans for feasibility assessment, requirements specification, design, development and implementation, including project plans, schedules, time and cost estimates, metrics and performance measures. –
    • Provides expert advice and coordinates the roll-out of the Disaster Tracking System in all Member States, liaising with the concerned regional offices. Keeps abreast of developments in the field and determines the need for testing and evaluating new products and technologies. –
    • Leads and coordinates the official reporting on Sendai Framework and SDGs, among others, and organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, technical reports, including advance analytics using AI-based tools.
    • Develops, implements and monitors application of standards and guidelines. Oversees the preparation of technical and user documentation for systems; prepares training materials and detailed technical presentations including technical guidelines to support the reporting against the indicators to assess progress towards the targets of Sendai Framework, as recommended by the open-ended intergovernmental expert working group on indicators and terminology. Works in close collaboration with the UNDRR Global Education and Training Institute (GETI) in Incheon and contributes to the development of training modules on Sendai Framework Monitoring Process. Collaborates and coordinates closely with UNDRR Regional Offices in support of strengthening the capacity of Member States to use the online Sendai Framework Monitoring system and their ability to report against the indicators. –
    • Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. –
    • Participates in planning and preparation of the budget, work program and spending plan of the Section and of the Branch. Contributes to activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.). Develops cost proposals for contractual services, oversees the technical evaluation of proposals received and manages the contract service. Provides professional leadership and work direction to assigned project team, and/or mentor and supervises the work of new/junior officers, contract staff, etc. – Performs other duties as required.

    Competencies

    Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. 

    Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. 

    Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

    Education

    An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in social sciences, management, economics, statistics or a related field is required. A first-level degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

    Work experience

    • A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project planning, implementation and monitoring or a related area is required.
    • Experience in disaster risk assessment and monitoring, and disaster risk reduction is required.
    • Experience in data management and statistics is desirable.

    Languages

    English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

    Assessment

    Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

    Special notice

    The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. In line with the overall United Nations policy, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction encourages a positive workplace culture which embraces inclusivity and leverages diversity within its workforce. Measures are applied to enable all staff members to contribute equally and fully to the work and development of the organization, including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies and standards of conduct. Individual contractors and consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for professional and higher, temporary or fixed-term positions and their applications will not be considered.

    United Nations Considerations

    According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

    No Fee

    THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Construction tech pact signed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Housing Bureau signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Nano & Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI) today to establish a strategic partnership in innovative construction technologies.

    Leveraging NAMI’s cutting-edge expertise in advanced materials and the Housing Authority’s public housing practical verification platform, the partnership is expected to accelerate the validation and application of new building materials while creating a sustainable technology development model through patent protection and commercialisation mechanisms.

    The first batch of research technologies includes enhancements to the MiSmartLink co-developed by the Housing Authority and NAMI as well as the development of composite sealing rolls, advanced concrete materials and soundproof materials.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony, Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho said that the bureau hopes this co-operation can inject innovative and technological power into Hong Kong’s construction industry by providing a practical verification platform through public housing.

    She added that the bureau and NAMI will strive to build a broader partnership network, develop international markets, and position Hong Kong as a regional hub for construction technology intellectual property, reinforcing the city’s role as a “super connector”.

    Addressing the ceremony, Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong remarked that the MOU is a manifestation of positive interaction among the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors in innovation and technology as well as an exemplary model of collaboration between Government, industry, academia and research.

    He further noted that NAMI’s research and development in construction materials is tailored to the Housing Authority’s diverse application scenarios and production requirements, offering a practical implementation platform for NAMI’s research outcomes.

    This synergy is fostering an ecosystem-wide transformation within the industry and realising a more effective public housing supply, Prof Sun highlighted.

    The Government added that the collaboration will lead to the establishment of a complete intellectual property management mechanism, allowing research results to gain patent protection and create revenue through technology licensing and commercialisation.

    A portion of the revenue will be reinvested into a new round of research and development, in order to form a sustainable development model.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: InvestHK promotes Hong Kong’s business and supply chain management advantages at China International Supply Chain Expo (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) Ms Loretta Lee attended the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing today (July 17). There, Ms Lee delivered remarks at the Thematic Event on Supply Chain Service to promote Hong Kong’s business advantages and opportunities to Mainland and overseas companies and media representatives, encouraging enterprises to leverage Hong Kong’s unique position as an international financial, shipping, and trade hub to establish their multinational supply chain management expertise.

    Organised by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), the CISCE is the world’s first national-level expo focused on supply chains. InvestHK has joined the CISCE for two consecutive years and delivered speeches on Thematic Event on Supply Chain Service and Thematic Event on Advanced Manufacturing topics this year.

    The Thematic Event on Supply Chain Service topic focuses on upgrading the industrial supply chain and explores new global collaboration efforts. In her remarks, Ms Lee promoted Hong Kong’s unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” framework and the city’s role as a gateway connecting Mainland China and global markets under the national dual circulation strategy. She said, “Hong Kong as a ‘super connector’ and a ‘super value-adder’ can help Mainland enterprises better cope with the international market and balance the stability and flexibility of the supply chain. The city has rich experience in supply chain management. From infrastructure, professional service talent, international supplier networks to government policy support, Hong Kong can fully meet enterprises’ needs in different stages of business operation such as procurement, trade, and logistics. As a leading international financial centre, Hong Kong boasts a vibrant and diverse capital market. In the first half of this year, Hong Kong led the world in initial public offering fundraising, making it the ideal destination for corporate financing. I encourage Mainland enterprises to establish corporate treasury centres in Hong Kong to facilitate global expansion.”

    CCPIT Vice Chairman Mr Chen Jian’an also delivered a speech at the event.

    On the same day, the Head of Transport, Logistics and Industrials at InvestHK, Mr Benjamin Wong, joined a thematic forum at the Thematic Event on Advanced Manufacturing, sharing insights on the innovation-driven development through green and low-carbon technologies. He noted that the demand for green and low-carbon solutions in industries is currently experiencing a growth momentum. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been supporting the development of the local innovation and technology sector through various measures, including enhanced research and development support, expanded funding channels, and strengthened collaboration among academia, industry, and the Government, with the aim of accelerating Hong Kong’s transformation into a green tech hub. To further enhance green and sustainable economic development, InvestHK has established a dedicated sustainability team, which actively attracts overseas and Mainland enterprises with leading technologies and solutions in carbon neutrality to establish or expand their operations in Hong Kong.

    Following the CISCE, InvestHK will host a roundtable on July 18 to further discuss Hong Kong’s role as a multinational supply chain management centre, and conduct in-depth discussions and exchanges with representatives of Beijing-based companies interested in expanding their business in Hong Kong. Ms Lee will deliver welcome remarks, encouraging Beijing companies to use Hong Kong as their multinational supply chain management centre. In the sharing session, Mr Wong and the Managing Director of Li & Fung Development (China) Ltd, Mr Chang Ka-mun, will discuss the latest environment and trends of global trade and supply chains, and how Hong Kong can help Mainland and overseas enterprises build global supply chain management expertise. Experts from PricewaterhouseCoopers and China Merchants Bank will also share insights at the event on Hong Kong’s tax benefits and financial services for Mainland enterprises looking to expand internationally.

    During the visit, the InvestHK delegation will meet with various enterprises to provide the latest updates on Hong Kong’s latest policies and opportunities, thereby assisting them to leverage Hong Kong’s advantages to expand overseas.

    To download event photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720327606368.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Housing Bureau and NAMI sign MOU on innovative construction technologies (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Housing Bureau (HB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI) today (July 17) for the establishment of a strategic partnership to integrate the strengths of both parties and create a complete innovation ecosystem from research and development (R&D) to market application, building possibilities for the future with new ideas and technologies. This partnership will leverage the cutting-edge expertise of NAMI in advanced materials alongside the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA)’s public housing practical verification platform. This will accelerate the validation and application of new building materials while creating a sustainable technology development model through patent protection and commercialisation mechanisms, supporting the development of Hong Kong into a regional intellectual property trading centre.

    The HB and the HKHA have been committed to promoting innovative construction technologies to enhance the efficiency, quality, and safety levels of public housing construction. The HKHA leverages the vast supply, standardised designs, and highly repetitive nature of public housing to provide an ideal practical verification platform for new construction technologies. This diverse application scenario will accelerate technological advancement and marketisation, facilitating the rapid transformation of research results into practical applications. For example, the HKHA and NAMI co-developed the MiSmartLink innovative coupling technology for application in second-generation Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) projects, further simplifying on-site processes and enhancing construction productively. Relevant design patents will protect the research outcomes and promote technology applications in the industry market through technology licensing.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, said that the HB hopes this co-operation can inject more innovative and technological power into Hong Kong’s construction industry by providing a practical verification platform through public housing. At the same time, the collaboration with NAMI will explore the establishment of a broader partnership network to effectively utilise the innovation resources of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area by reinforcing connectivity, actively develop international markets, and position Hong Kong as a regional hub for construction technology intellectual property, reinforcing its role as a “super connector”.

    Addressing the ceremony, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, remarked that the MOU signed by the HB and NAMI effectively demonstrates positive interaction among the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors in innovation and technology in Hong Kong. It further stands as an exemplary model of highly effective collaboration between Government, industry, academia and research. NAMI’s R&D in construction materials is tailored to HKHA’s diverse application scenarios and production requirements, offering a practical implementation platform for outstanding R&D results. This synergy is fostering ecosystem-wide transformation within the industry and realising a more effective public housing supply.

    Witnessed by Ms Ho; Professor Sun; the Under Secretary for Housing, Mr Victor Tai; and the Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of NAMI, Professor Cheng Shuk-han, the MOU was signed by the Permanent Secretary for Housing/Director of Housing, Miss Charmaine Lee, and the Chief Executive Officer of NAMI, Mr Andy Fung. The first batch of research technologies includes further enhancements to the MiSmartLink, the development of composite sealing rolls, and advanced concrete materials and soundproof materials, which will help public housing achieve goals of enhancing speed, quantity, quality, and efficiency.

    The collaboration will establish a complete intellectual property management mechanism, allowing research results to gain patent protection and create revenue through technology licensing and commercialisation. A portion of the revenue will be reinvested into a new round of research and development, forming a sustainable development model that injects continuous momentum into the innovation and technology ecosystem.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS Statement on Capture of Violent Extremist Involved in Prairieland Attack on ICE Agents

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS Statement on Capture of Violent Extremist Involved in Prairieland Attack on ICE Agents

    Song, a former U

    S

    Marine Corps reservist, joined a violent group of at least 10 individuals in opening fire on officers at the federal facility just after 10:30 p

    m

    on Independence Day

    He is charged with three counts of attempted murder of federal agents and three counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence

    His capture brings the total number of arrests in the attack to 14

    Image

    “On Independence Day, as Americans were celebrating our freedoms, a group of violent extremists attempted to assassinate federal officers protecting us from violent criminals,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

    “Song’s arrest sends a clear message: under President Trump and Secretary Noem, if you lay a hand on an ICE agent, you will NOT walk free

    We will not forget, and we will not rest until every attacker is in custody

    ” 

    The Prairieland Detention Center, which housed more than 1,000 illegal aliens on the night of the attack, includes detainees with convictions for rape, child molestation, murder, kidnapping, arson, human trafficking, and terrorism

    Nearly 50 known members of MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and other transnational gangs were among the detainees, in addition to 13 Known or Suspected Terrorists (KSTs)

    This is just the latest in a disturbing pattern of politically motivated violence targeting DHS personnel

    Last week, ICE officers conducting enforcement operations in San Francisco were assaulted by violent protestors

    In June, rioters stormed an ICE field office in Portland

    ICE agents are now facing an 830% increase in assaults against them

    DHS and its law enforcement partners continue working around the clock to identify, arrest, and prosecute anyone involved in the July 4 ambush or other coordinated attacks against federal officers

     
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS Statement on Capture of Violent Extremist Involved in Prairieland Attack on ICE Agents

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS Statement on Capture of Violent Extremist Involved in Prairieland Attack on ICE Agents

    Song, a former U

    S

    Marine Corps reservist, joined a violent group of at least 10 individuals in opening fire on officers at the federal facility just after 10:30 p

    m

    on Independence Day

    He is charged with three counts of attempted murder of federal agents and three counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence

    His capture brings the total number of arrests in the attack to 14

    Image

    “On Independence Day, as Americans were celebrating our freedoms, a group of violent extremists attempted to assassinate federal officers protecting us from violent criminals,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

    “Song’s arrest sends a clear message: under President Trump and Secretary Noem, if you lay a hand on an ICE agent, you will NOT walk free

    We will not forget, and we will not rest until every attacker is in custody

    ” 

    The Prairieland Detention Center, which housed more than 1,000 illegal aliens on the night of the attack, includes detainees with convictions for rape, child molestation, murder, kidnapping, arson, human trafficking, and terrorism

    Nearly 50 known members of MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and other transnational gangs were among the detainees, in addition to 13 Known or Suspected Terrorists (KSTs)

    This is just the latest in a disturbing pattern of politically motivated violence targeting DHS personnel

    Last week, ICE officers conducting enforcement operations in San Francisco were assaulted by violent protestors

    In June, rioters stormed an ICE field office in Portland

    ICE agents are now facing an 830% increase in assaults against them

    DHS and its law enforcement partners continue working around the clock to identify, arrest, and prosecute anyone involved in the July 4 ambush or other coordinated attacks against federal officers

     
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom calls on Trump to end Los Angeles militarization, shares community resources

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 16, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom visited local businesses in the Los Angeles area that have been impacted by the federal government’s indiscriminate immigration raids, called on Trump to end his deployment of soldiers, and shared new “know your rights” resources with the community.

    LOS ANGELES – Providing support to local communities impacted by federal immigration enforcement actions, Governor Gavin Newsom today met with business owners and faith leaders in the Los Angeles area.

    Enough is enough – Stephen Miller and Trump’s chaos campaign needs to end now. They are violating constitutional rights, terrorizing neighborhoods and businesses, and targeting people because of their skin color and the language they speak. These heartless and cruel actions have real consequences for our economy and society.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Visiting with community members

    Governor Newsom met with local restaurant owners of Cuernavaca’s Grill in the City of Bell to discuss the economic impact these indiscriminate immigration actions have had on their small business.

    The Governor then stopped by a church in Downey that recently was targeted by federal immigration agents. 

    Economic impact of this cruel policy

    Trump’s actions have a chilling effect – the state’s economy is likely to contract later this year due to fallout from global tariffs and immigration raids in Los Angeles and other cities that have rattled key sectors, including construction, hospitality, and agriculture, according to a UCLA Anderson forecast.

    Mass deportations in California could slash $275 billion from the state’s economy and eliminate $23 billion in annual tax revenue. The loss of immigrant labor would delay projects (including rebuilding Los Angeles after the wildfires), reduce food supply, and drive up costs.

    Undocumented immigrants contributed $8.5 billion in state and local taxes in 2022 — a number that would rise to $10.3 billion if these taxpayers could apply to work lawfully.

    New resource for community 

    Trump’s militarization of Los Angeles has also led to increasingly concerning tactics by federal immigration enforcement, including violating the law and people’s constitutional rights. Families are being terrorized by the broad enforcement efforts targeting Latino neighborhoods, harming U.S. citizens, and racially profiling families and workers. That’s why it’s important to remember the following if you are affected by a federal immigration action:

    • You can observe and record public immigration arrests, but stay calm and at a safe distance to avoid risk to yourself and others.
    • Do not interfere or argue with federal agents. Physical obstruction or verbal escalation can put your safety at risk and may lead to criminal charges.
    • Agents don’t need a judge-signed warrant to arrest someone in public — but do need one to enter non-public areas of private property.
    • Prepare yourself and your family in case you are arrested. Memorize the phone numbers of your family members and your lawyer. Make emergency plans if you have children or take medication. 

    For more information on helpful community resources, the Governor’s Office has released new factsheets here in English and here in Spanish.

    End the militarization of LA now

    For over a month, about 4,000 National Guard members have been serving as political pawns for the President in Los Angeles, pulled away from their families, communities, and civilian jobs. While half are just now beginning to demobilize, many remain without a clear mission, direction, or a timeline for returning to their communities. California urges Trump and the Department of Defense to end this theatrical deployment and send all remaining guardsmembers home immediately.

    The federal government can enforce immigration laws and keep us safe without violating our rights, terrorizing entire communities, breaking the law, disrupting the economy, and raising costs for families. 

    Recent news

    Jul 16, 2025

    News What you need to know: Residents impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires have an opportunity to help directly shape the next steps of rebuilding their communities. The first phase of the engagement with fire survivors has led to a series of early actions guided…

    Jul 16, 2025

    News What you need to know: On July 17, the LGBTQ support option on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will end thanks to the Trump administration – but California is stepping up and doubling down on life-saving support for young gay people in crisis.  LOS…

    Jul 16, 2025

    News LOS ANGELES COUNTY — Governor Gavin Newsom will hold a media availability to speak on the federal government’s demobilization of 2,000 National Guard members, as well as the effect of immigration raids on immigrant communities across California.WHEN: Wednesday,…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom invites LA Fire survivors to continue shaping rebuilding efforts through Engaged California

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 16, 2025

    What you need to know: Residents impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires have an opportunity to help directly shape the next steps of rebuilding their communities. The first phase of the engagement with fire survivors has led to a series of early actions guided by residents’ input, including streamlined permitting technology for local communities.

    LOS ANGELES – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom is urging anyone who was affected by the LA fires in January to sign up for the Engaged California platform and use their voice to shape the rebuilding of their community. This call to action is for anyone who has lived or worked in, or was impacted by the evacuation zones in the path of the Eaton and Palisades fires.

    “Recovery isn’t something that happens to you, it happens with you. The feedback generated from the Engaged California process is reflective of residents’ experiences and is needed for leaders to understand their vision for rebuilding the future. Engaged California is designed to build trust and understanding of what actions need to be taken. I am very grateful to everyone who has participated so far. We are just getting started.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    After signing up, individuals affected by the evacuation zones will be invited to the program’s platform to share ideas on rebuilding Altadena and the Palisades, weighing choices that can guide recovery in both the short and long term.

    “Engaged California has given us valuable insight into how people are feeling in a moment of unimaginable tragedy,” said California Government Operations Secretary Nick Maduros. “This next step will be pivotal for us to listen and learn about how rebuilding should look according to those who experienced it firsthand.”

    You spoke. We listened.

    Engaged California was piloted as part of the administration’s response to the fire recovery, and nearly 8,000 people have signed up. It marks the first time California has used a dedicated, open digital tool to gather wildfire survivor input at this scale

    Launching in February, participants began to share comments as they prioritized topics for wildfire recovery from mid-March through May 16. Residents were asked to weigh in on 10 recovery topics, including housing and infrastructure, emotional well-being, and wildfire prevention.

    “This is a significant milestone in a brand-new program for the State of California,” said Office of Data and Innovation Director Jeffery Marino. “The voices of Californians impacted by the fires are being heard by their government and used to make data-driven decisions. This early action shows it is possible to have a two-way conversation between Californians and their government that results in meaningful, impactful outcomes.” 

    Early actions

    Here are a few examples of the early actions taken that deliver on what survivors said they need

    Provide clear and affordable rebuilding pathways

    Residents said they want an easier permit process and less red tape for rebuilding.

    ✅ Action taken: The state launched Archistar, a new artificial intelligence-driven software tool to aid Los Angeles City and County in accelerating the approval process for rebuilding permits. This week marked the beta launch of the new AI permitting tool made possible by a partnership between the state and philanthropic partners, including LA Rises. The tool aims to fast-track the approval process for rebuilding permits to help Angelenos get back into their homes following the Eaton and Palisades fires. 

    ✅ Action taken: Launched the CalAssist Mortgage Fund to assist homeowners whose homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable.

    Mental health

    Residents expressed a need for mental health support.

    ✅ Action taken: There are many resources available now on the ca.gov/lafires recovery website, including immediate assistance, ongoing support, and care for all age groups and language needs. Yesterday, the Governor also announced a new public outreach campaign with LA Rises, which will connect and support impacted Angelenos with key resources and share stories of community efforts to recover and rebuild for the long term in the aftermath of the Eaton and Palisades fires.

    Efficient, effective, and engaged

    Since the start of his administration in 2019, Governor Newsom has made efficiency and engagement a top priority, implementing new technologies and practices that make government more efficient and responsive to the people it serves. In 2019, the Governor established the Office of Data Innovation to help advance this important work and yesterday announced a new effort through the California Breakthrough Project —  which brings together innovators and leaders from the Golden State’s top tech companies to help guide this work

    As the birthplace of the tech industry, California is at the forefront in the study and implementation of AI in government. In 2023, Governor Newsom issued an executive order directing the state to utilize Generative AI technologies to improve state services and help solve important issues. Since that time, the state has integrated AI and other efficiency solutions to make state government work faster and even more effectively.

    Engaged California is a bold, new state program that elevates the voices of survivors through a digital platform. They opt in and share their thoughts while connecting with other people in their communities on topics that are important to them. The comments are anonymous and will remain anonymous. You can read all comments in full here.

    To get involved in the rebuilding conversation, visit engaged.ca.gov and sign up. 

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jul 16, 2025

    News What you need to know: On July 17, the LGBTQ support option on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will end thanks to the Trump administration – but California is stepping up and doubling down on life-saving support for young gay people in crisis.  LOS…

    Jul 16, 2025

    News LOS ANGELES COUNTY — Governor Gavin Newsom will hold a media availability to speak on the federal government’s demobilization of 2,000 National Guard members, as well as the effect of immigration raids on immigrant communities across California.WHEN: Wednesday,…

    Jul 15, 2025

    News What you need to know: Productions filmed in California are raking in the nominations in this year’s Emmy bids.  SACRAMENTO –  Today, the nominees for the 77th Emmy Awards were announced, with California-based television productions securing at least 104…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMERICA/BRAZIL – Father Mario Lanciotti, Xaverian missionary, among myths, tales, and legends of the indigenous people of the Amazon

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Thursday, 17 July 2025

    by Gianluca FrinchillucciRome (Agenzia Fides) – A new light is shining on missionary witness among the peoples of the Amazon. Professor Mario Polia, anthropologist, historian of religions, and profound expert on Andean cultures, has published a valuable collection of oral accounts collected by Father Mario Lanciotti, a Xaverian missionary active in Brazil in the 1960s, and a former missionary in China and Japan.The work brings together myths, tales, legends, and cosmogonic tales passed down orally for generations by the indigenous people of the Amazon. Father Lanciotti heard them directly from the faithful of his missions, during long evenings in the villages, often by moonlight, to the sound of crickets and night frogs. “For me,” he wrote, “it was not a pastime: I considered it indispensable for my missionary work.” “I have always tried to better understand the people to whom I was sent and to help them according to my abilities and capabilities. I have tried to love and accept them as they are, avoiding noise and paternalism,” he recounted in one of his testimonies. Furthermore, in a letter to a friend, he wrote words of luminous serenity: “I am here, in the middle of the Amazon rainforest, on the banks of the Xingu River. I am happy. When I came to work in this abandoned place, I was over 71 years old, but now I feel rejuvenated by 40. Here I truly feel at home as a missionary. The Lord has been so good to me in my old age! If you want to be happy, come with me!”“Father Lanciotti,” Polia affirms, “knew how to compile these oral testimonies, even though he was aware that, for many, these beliefs needed to be overcome. As he himself said, old superstitions remain in the deepest layers of the soul, like posters glued one on top of the other: when you tear off the first one, the previous one reappears. Lanciotti’s great intelligence was understanding that, to evangelize, you must first understand the other’s way of thinking. His compilation is an act of respect and listening.”“I spent a long period in the Xingu River area, on the border between the lands occupied by the whites and the forests where the indigenous tribes still live,” Father Lanciotti noted in another account. “I spent many afternoons with the ‘civilized’ Indians. We sat on the grass, in the moonlight, while crickets, toads, and night birds accompanied us. After religious instruction, I encouraged my indigenous interlocutors to tell me stories of the jungle and mythological events handed down through the centuries.” Father Mario Lanciotti (1901-1983), originally from Cupra Marittima (Ascoli Piceno, Italy), was a Xaverian missionary for fifty years in China, Japan, and finally Brazil. He worked in the most difficult areas of Pará and the Xingu, dedicating his life to serving the most disadvantaged. Almost blind, he asked to live out his final years in a nursing home in Belém, “the poorest among the poor.” He was buried in Abaetetuba, on the banks of the Amazon River. (Agenzia Fides, 17/7/2025)

    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Landmark partnership puts Met officers closer to communities

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A landmark agreement with a housing developer and a London local authority will bring frontline offices closer to communities as part of the Met’s focus on neighbourhood policing.

    The opening of the Kidbrooke Village Community Police Hub provides local officers with a dedicated base to enhance their response to issues that matter most in the area.

    The space was jointly funded by Berkeley Homes, the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the Met, demonstrating how businesses and other agencies can work together to improve community safety at a time when budgets are stretched.

    Up to 24 officers covering six wards will be stationed at the hub which puts them closer to the areas they serve and will help the Met build on reductions in theft, burglary, robbery, anti-social behaviour and retail crime across London.

    Six neighbourhood teams will now be within a 20-minute walk of their wards. A further two will be based nearer to the areas they serve. They were previously spread between bases in Mottingham, Sidcup and Woolwich – which are both at least 20 minutes away by car.

    The hub was formally opened by Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes on Tuesday, 15 July.

    Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes said:

    “Across the Met we are focused on tackling the crimes that matter most to Londoners and we have made significant progress in reducing neighbourhood crime – with a 19 per cent reduction in offences since April.

    “House building is important for London – but as the city grows it inevitably puts extra pressure on local policing teams at a time when we’re having to make tough choices.

    “Working closely with councils and developers will be key to ensuring more officers can be based near to the areas they serve – and I’d like to thank Berkeley Homes and the Royal Borough of Greenwich for their support in ensuring our teams remain at the heart of their communities.”

    Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said:

    “We’ve invested, alongside Berkeley Homes and the police, to bring a new police base to Kidbrooke. This means more police on our streets, supporting the community and understanding the patch. They’ll be able to respond quicker and be more of a presence, which we know residents really care about. This investment is part of our wider work to make sure Greenwich is kept safe.”

    Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement, said:

    “We know how much residents care about having local police in their communities, available to respond to calls and get on the scene quickly. That’s why, along with our partners, we’ve put funding into making this a reality in Kidbrooke, a growing area that more and more people are calling home. This is part of our wider work to target area specific crime like anti-social behaviour and theft, and we’re so pleased to see it open.”

    Paul Pritchard, Berkeley’s Development Director, said:

    “Berkeley would like to thank those involved in the opening of the new Community Policing Hub at Kidbrooke Village, from the Met Police, our local MP, the Mayor of Greenwich, councillors, officers, representatives from our local schools, and other key residents and stakeholders from the community.

    “After the closure of many facilities, it is a tribute to all who have helped ensure we have been able to open this new facility. We look forward to the Met’s presence once again, helping to reinforce a safer neighbourhood for Kidbrooke and the wider area and further strengthening this already resilient and sustainable community.”

    Police buildings are an important part of the fabric of London underpinning all Met activity and offering reassurance, functionality and a constant presence for communities in an ever-changing city.

    Our estate also needs to adapt to the changing nature of policing. To meet the needs of Londoners, it is imperative to have good quality buildings, where there are not leaking roofs and crumbling walls, in the right locations close to communities, and ones which are as reasonably accessible for victims as possible.

    The Met’s relentless focus on driving down crimes that matter most to the public in first six weeks of this financial year has seen promising reductions in a number of crime types compared to the same period last year across London:

    MIL Security OSI –

  • Syria’s Sharaa vows to protect Druze rights as ceasefire holds

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa accused Israel of trying to fracture Syria and promised to protect its Druze minority on Thursday, after U.S. intervention helped end deadly fighting between government forces and Druze fighters in the south.

    Overnight, the Islamist-led government’s troops withdrew from the predominantly Druze city of Sweida, where scores of people have been killed in days of conflict.

    One local journalist said he’d counted more than 60 bodies in the streets of Sweida on Thursday morning. Ryan Marouf of Suwayda24 told Reuters he had found a family of 12 people killed in one house, including women and an elderly man. “People are looking for bodies,” he said in a voice recording.

    Violence in Syria escalated sharply on Wednesday as Israel launched airstrikes in Damascus,while also hitting government forces in the south, demanding they withdraw and saying Israel aimed to protect Syrian Druze -part of asmall but influential minority that also has followers in Lebanon and Israel.

    Israel, which bombed Syria frequently under the rule of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, has struck the country repeatedly this year, describing its new leaders as barely disguised jihadists and saying it will not allow them to deploy forces in areas of southern Syria near its border.

    Addressing Syrians on Thursday, interim President Sharaa accused Israel of seeking to “dismantle the unity of our people”, saying it had “consistently targeted our stability and created discord among us since the fall of the former regime”.

    Sharaa, who was commander of an al Qaeda faction before cutting ties with the group in 2016, said protecting Druze citizens and their rights was “our priority” and rejected any attempt to drag them into the hands of an “external party”.

    He also vowed to hold to account those who committed violations against “our Druze people”.

    The Syrian Network for Human Rights said it had documented 193 dead in four days of fighting, among them medical personnel, women and children.

    The Network’s head Fadel Abdulghany told Reuters the figure included cases of field executions by both sides, Syrians killed by Israeli strikes and others killed in clashes but that it would take time to break down the figures for each category.

    A Reuters reporter saw government fighters loot and burn homes during this week’s violence, including just before they departed Sweida overnight. Fighters also shaved off the moustaches of Druze men.

    Moustaches are worn by Druze sheikhs and many other Druze men as a symbol of religious and cultural identity with spiritual significance.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said late on Wednesday the United States had engaged all the parties involved and that steps had been agreed that would end “this troubling and horrifying situation”.

    Sharaa credited U.S. Arab and Turkish mediation for saving “the region from an uncertain fate”. A Turkish security source said Ankara played a crucial role in securing the ceasefire.

    The violence has underlined the challenges that Sharaa faces in stabilizing Syria and exerting centralised rule over the country, despite his warming ties with the United States and his administration’s evolving security contacts with Israel.

    Sharaa faces challenges to stitch Syria back together in the face of deep misgivings from groups that fear Islamist rule. In March, mass killings of members of the Alawite minority exacerbated the mistrust. The Druze follow a religion that is an offshoot of Islam.

    ISRAELI STRIKES

    Israel’s airstrikes on Wednesday blew up part of Syria’s defence ministry and hit near the presidential palace as it vowed to destroy government forces attacking Druze in southern Syria.

    “We will not allow southern Syria to become a terror stronghold,” said Eyal Zamir, Israel’s military chief of staff.

    The United Nations Security Council will meet on Thursday to address the conflict, diplomats said.

    “The council must condemn the barbaric crimes committed against innocent civilians on Syrian soil,” said Israel’s ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon. “Israel will continue to act resolutely against any terrorist threat on its borders, anywhere and at any time.”

    Scores of Israeli Druze broke through the border fence on Wednesday, linking up with Druze on the Syrian side.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Israeli Druze citizens not to cross the border. The Israeli military said it was working to safely return civilians who had crossed.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Villagers at flood risk in Pett receive new flood warning service

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Villagers at flood risk in Pett receive new flood warning service

    59 properties in Pett, in East Sussex, to benefit. Households urged to register for new, more targeted service.

    The Marsham Sewer, which will benefit from a new flood warning service.

    The Environment Agency has announced a new flood warning service to 59 householders in Pett for the Marsham Sewer, a drainage channel, or ditch, that flows eastwards through the parish.

    Pett is at risk of flooding from both the sea and the Marsham Sewer. The village has a flood warning service which covered the coastal risk, but not for the risk from the sewer.

    But a new flood warning service area has now been created by targeting groups of households where, during periods of flood-risk, the chances of flooding might be greater than the larger surrounding area. This will make the flood warnings they receive more targeted and enable the homeowners to take the steps they need to respond in good time. 

    Flood warnings tell people about an imminent risk of flooding to their home or business and helps people make informed decisions about how to respond. There are three types of warning – flood alert, flood warning and severe flood warning. Each warning type is triggered by particular weather, river or sea conditions which cause flooding.

    Householders are encouraged to prepare if they receive a flood alert, which could mean packing a bag that includes medicines, insurance documents and anything else they wouldn’t want to lose if flooding were to take place.

    A flood warning calls on people to act now which means turning off gas, water and electricity and moving family and pets to safety.

    A severe flood warning means you are in immediate danger and to follow advice from emergency services.

    Henry Bethell, Environment Agency flood resilience team leader for Kent, said:

    We know the devastating impact that flooding can have, which is why protecting people and communities is our top priority. However, the climate emergency means we cannot prevent all flooding – so we’re working to make communities resilient to future flooding.

    We want to ensure that everyone has as much time as possible to prepare for flooding, which is why we’re pleased that people in Pett will now be able to receive our free flood warning service for the Marsham Sewer.

    Home and business owners will be automatically enrolled to the flood warning service via their mobile network. However, to get the most benefit out of the service the Environment Agency is encouraging people to register directly with them by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188, or visiting www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings where they can register preferred contact details. 

    Background:

    • 6.3 million properties in England are at risk of flooding.
    • With climate change projections, 8 million properties could be at risk of flooding by mid-century.
    • The average cost of flood damage to a home is £30,000.
    • The average cost of flooding to a business is £82,000.
    • If you are flooded, temporary accommodation costs on average £10,000.
    • If you are flooded you are likely to be out of your home for an average of 5 months.
    • Know what to do when you receive a flood warning and download a personal flood plan – www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-alerts-and-warnings-what-they-are-and-what-to-do.

    All Environment Agency news releases, both area and national, can be found under Announcements at www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency.

    Follow us on Twitter, now known as X: @envagencyse

    Contact us:

    Journalists only: 0800 141 2743 or communications_se@environment-agency.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Infrastructure Pipeline kicks off new era of infrastructure delivery

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Infrastructure Pipeline kicks off new era of infrastructure delivery

    New tool gives investors and industry clarity they need to plan for the long term and support the delivery of the government’s infrastructure ambitions.

    • UK’s major infrastructure projects published giving investors and British business the certainty to plan for the long term.
    • NISTA’s new interactive Pipeline website sets out 780 planned projects including transport, energy, schools and hospitals.
    • Follows publication of government’s landmark 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy setting out new approach to infrastructure and vital reforms to ensure planning and delivery is joined up.

    Construction firms have been given the certainty and confidence they need to invest in major UK infrastructure projects as the government publishes details of hundreds of live schemes, underpinning the delivery of the government’s landmark 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy.

    This Infrastructure Pipeline will provide real time updates on 780 planned private and public sector projects, giving industry the clarity needed to plan for the long term and creating good quality jobs and supply chain capacity necessary to deliver the government’s infrastructure ambitions and the Plan for Change. It will support our modern Industrial Strategy, boosting business investment and driving growth across the country.

    Building on data from 40 government departments, public bodies and regulated businesses, the new interactive online tool provides details of around 780 public and privately led infrastructure projects under construction, in development, or at an early stage of planning including transport, energy, schools and hospitals.

    The pipeline outlines £530 billion of projects and programmes over the next ten years, which includes £285 billion funded solely by the public sector.

    It comes as the government announced last month at least £725 billion of government funding over the coming decade, as part of a new approach to how projects are planned and delivered.

    Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones MP said:

    Last month, I set out a comprehensive ten-year strategy to restore confidence in the UK’s capacity to provide the infrastructure we need to renew Britain.

    Delivering that ambition will require support from the private sector to invest in the jobs and training opportunities workers need to help us rebuild the country.

    This pipeline brings industry on that journey with us – by giving business leaders and investors confidence about future work and therefore the confidence to invest in their workforce.

    By providing a more consistent picture of significant infrastructure investments planned by both government and the private sector, the pipeline also aims to improve the quality of policy making, spending decisions and the delivery of major projects – replacing the previously erratic and uncoordinated nature of infrastructure planning with a more certain picture.

    This is backed by a new online pipeline tool allowing users to see the national and regional picture of planned investments by both the government and private sector in real time. As well as providing details of individual projects, users will also be able to look at the full range of planned investments.

    The pipeline will managed by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) and updated on a regular basis. 

    Becky Wood, Chief Executive Office of NISTA, said:

    We’ve listened to a wide range of voices to ensure this pipeline is designed to give the infrastructure sector the information and insights needed to plan with confidence and to build the skills, workforce and supply chains required.

    NISTA is committed to working with investors, operators and construction firms on future iterations to ensure the pipeline is where private and public sector partners will stand firmly behind a shared ambition to do things better.

    John Foster, Chief Policy and Campaigns Officer at CBI said:

    A dynamic, forward-looking infrastructure pipeline is exactly what business needs to plan, invest, and build with confidence. This announcement responds to long-standing calls from industry and sends a strong signal that government is serious about long-term infrastructure planning. Greater clarity and certainty on upcoming projects will unlock investment in nationally significant schemes, strengthen supply chains, and support high-value jobs across the UK.

    Sam Gould, Director of policy and external affairs at the Institution of Civil Engineers said:

    The ICE has promoted the importance of an up-to-date, credible project pipeline for some time, so NISTA’s publication of the new Infrastructure Pipeline is a welcome step forward.

    Having an agreed list of projects provides essential clarity for the industry to plan – not just for delivery, but to enable better workforce planning and attract necessary finance.

    The commitment from NISTA to regularly update the Pipeline with insights and data from across industry is also positive, and the ICE looks forward to working with NISTA to refine and develop this Pipeline.

    This joined-up, systematic approach is what’s needed to plan for and deliver the infrastructure the UK needs.

    Mark Reynolds, Mace’s Executive Chair and Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council and Co-Chair of the Construction Skills Mission Board, said:

    The construction industry cannot invest in new skills, capacity and technology without clarity on our future workload. The government’s pipeline plays a critical role in allowing us to scale up to deliver 1.5m new homes and a revitalisation of our national infrastructure.

    NISTA’s new dynamic approach is a major step forward; and the inclusion of employment data will make a significant difference to firms across the country as they plan for the next few years of growth. The Construction Skills Mission Board will be working with our members from government, industry, training bodies, the devolved authorities and the unions to build the skilled workforce we need to realise the ambitious plans laid out in the pipeline.

    More information

    • Additional comments:

    Leo Quinn, Group Chief Executive of Balfour Beatty, said:

    The new Infrastructure Pipeline is a big step forward, giving industry the clarity and confidence to invest in skills, grow capability and deliver sustainable, digital solutions. It’s what Balfour Beatty has been calling for: funded schemes, greater detail and transparency, and real-time updates to support business planning. The challenge now is keeping up momentum and making it a trusted tool for long-term UK infrastructure planning.

    Suzannah Nichol OBE, Chief Executive, Build UK said:

    The new Infrastructure Pipeline is another step towards much needed visibility and stability for the construction supply chain and private sector investors. This dynamic approach showing a clear and updated pipeline of work will give our members more confidence to invest in the skills, resources and technology required to deliver and maintain the social and economic infrastructure we all rely on.

    Build UK is committed to working with the Treasury and NISTA to ensure the pipeline is an effective tool, supporting improved performance and productivity and driving economic growth.

    Jon Phillips, Chief Executive, Global Infrastructure Investor Association said:

    This is a positive step towards strengthening the UK’s appeal as a destination for private finance of critical infrastructure.

    Global investors will value a clear pipeline of projects that shows the full scope of the UK’s investment potential.

    We look forward to working closely with the government to ensure the pipeline meets investors’ needs and has the greatest possible impact on UK economic growth.

    David Allen, spokesperson for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), and Executive Director of CECA Southern, said:

    The long-term certainty provided by the pipeline published today – and the ease of access that the online tool provides – will boost the infrastructure sector’s delivery capacity, at a time when we need the UK economy to be firing on all cylinders.

    CECA members have consistently argued that key to delivering the best results is providing industry with clear visibility of the forward pipeline of investment.

    This is essential to maintaining confidence across our sector, and enables businesses to plan efficiently, invest in skills and innovation, and deliver the economic and social outcomes the UK needs.

    • The Infrastructure Pipeline is a dynamic online tool, developed after extensive engagement with a wide range of industry stakeholders.
    • It provides both an interactive and downloadable information about each scheme, including details of anticipated spend, the current project status and its expected completion date, together with information on the Pipeline’s methodology and how it will evolve in future. 
    • This first iteration of the pipeline reflects public spending settlements agreed across government as part of the recent Spending Review. The next update planned for early 2026 will add further details following the completion of business planning across government resulting from Spending Review decisions..
    • The Pipeline is not an announcement of new government policy or project investments – it is an update on the latest position on each project.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: East African countries and open borders: great strides, but still a long way to go

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Alan Hirsch, Senior Research Fellow New South Institute, Emeritus Professor at The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape Town

    It’s not uncommon to find a Ugandan taxi driver in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, just as one regularly meets Zimbabwean Uber drivers in South Africa. But there is a big difference. A Ugandan working in Rwanda most likely has a secure legal right to be there, whereas Zimbabweans working in South Africa are often uncertain of their current or future legality.

    East Africa has made greater strides towards the free flow of people crossing borders and seeking work than most of Africa. Only the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) is in the same league.

    While the African Union’s Free Movement of Persons protocol has faltered at a continental level, some of the regional economic communities have made progress. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) allows visa-free travel across almost all its borders.

    Ecowas and the East African Community (EAC) have driven ambitiously towards regional common markets including the freeing up of job-seeking, residential settlement and business development across the borders of member states.

    The New South Institute, a think-tank focused on governance reforms in the global south, is nearing the end of a research programme on migration governance reform in Africa. Our new report is on East Africa.

    We have found that unlike much of the global north, the African continent is moving towards more open borders for people. In some of the global south the promise of economic growth outweighs political fears. Yet progress is slow, and not coordinated. Mostly migration reform happens in regions and between neighbours.

    The progress in the East African Community is particularly notable compared with other African regional communities. We identify a number of reasons for this, including strong leadership and co-operation between state and non-state actors.

    The commitment to free movement

    The East African Community adopted its Common Market Protocol in 2010. The bloc is made up of Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the DRC and Somalia.

    The regional body’s common market pact includes the movement of goods, services, capital and people. It gives people the right – on paper at least – to find employment across borders, the right to reside and the right to establish a business. There is also a commitment to the harmonisation and mutual recognition of academic and professional qualifications and labour policies to ease mobility.

    Even before the common market protocol, the regional bloc began to establish one-stop border posts on many of its internal borders to facilitate the flow of goods and people. Though they don’t all operate the same way or equally well, they have been successful at easing movement.

    Uneven outcomes

    The common market’s impact on the movement of people has been uneven within the region. Most integrated are Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda, which allow the cross-border movement of citizens with standardised identity documents – they do not need passports.

    It is also relatively easy to get jobs across these borders.

    Tanzania and Burundi are close to the inner circle but still require passports, though no visas. The three states which joined more recently, South Sudan, the DRC and Somalia, are all fragile states with governance systems that do not always meet the standards needed for acceptance into all the privileges of the regional bloc.

    In practice there is differential treatment. Generally, it is more difficult for citizens of the three latecomers to get regular access and jobs in their regional partners.

    Another limitation when it comes to the mobility of people is that little progress has been made in the formal harmonisation of education, health and social welfare systems between member states. This inhibits job seeking across borders.

    In addition, national labour laws, which tend to require permits for foreigners, still apply to varying degrees in the region. Some countries are more permissive. For example, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda have a reciprocal no-fee work permit agreement.

    Another shortcoming has been that the outcomes of court processes in enforcing the freedom of movement have been disappointing. This is so even though the regional bloc has an active East African Court of Justice. Its legal mandate includes the enforcement of the bloc’s treaty and its protocols.

    In some cases the court has found that national actions inhibiting the movement of persons were trumped by the regional protocol. It has instructed the errant governments to comply. But its ability to enforce the decisions is minimal.

    Reasons for success

    Leadership has been important. The fact that the strongest economy in the region, Kenya, has been part of the leading echelon is significant.

    Rwanda and Uganda have led by example too. Rwanda was one of the first countries on the continent to offer visa-free entry to all other African countries. For its part, Uganda is widely admired for its refugee inclusion programmes.

    Another factor outlined in our report has been the opportunity for collaboration fostered by relationships between formal institutions, such as governments, and non-state actors such as the International Organisation for Migration. Interactions between these various players have created opportunities for officials and policymakers from states of the region to meet, discuss issues of concern, and develop relationships of trust and understanding.

    Another non-state donor-funded actor, TradeMark Africa, which was established in 2010 to support in the implementation of the common market in east Africa, provided considerable support. For example it supported the implementation of the regional One-Stop Border Post programme..

    Way forward

    Based on our report we identified changes that could make a positive difference.

    Firstly, the development of reliable, harmonised systems in the region to collect and manage data on population mobility and employment. This would build confidence that policy was being made on the basis of reliable information.

    Secondly, reducing friction in cross-border monetary transactions, including migrants’ remittances. This would make it easier for migrants to send some of their income to their countries of origin.

    Thirdly, improvements to population registers, identity documents, passports and cross-border migration management systems. Improvements would build mutual trust in the integrity of systems and pave the way for further commitments to lowering migration barriers.

    Fourth, cooperation on cross-border access to social services such as health and education. This is one of the most important intermediate steps towards freeing up mobility for the citizens of the region.

    Fifth, reconsidering some of the amendments made to weaken the East African Court of Justice in 2007. This would strengthen the de jure powers of the court, adding considerably to the entrenchment of cross-border rights in the region.

    Ultimately, the key constraint in the region is political and security instability, which holds back social and economic development. Nevertheless, incremental progress on mobility is possible despite issues in the fragile states, even though it may result in asymmetric progress within the East African Community.

    Alan Hirsch’s work on migration governance is part of his responsibilities while employed as a Senior Research Fellow at the New South Institute.

    – ref. East African countries and open borders: great strides, but still a long way to go – https://theconversation.com/east-african-countries-and-open-borders-great-strides-but-still-a-long-way-to-go-261021

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: DT Midstream to Announce Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results, Schedules Earnings Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DETROIT, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DT Midstream, Inc. (NYSE: DTM) plans to announce second quarter 2025 financial results before the market opens on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

    DT Midstream has scheduled a conference call to discuss results for 9:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. CT) the same day. Investors, the news media and the public may listen to a live internet broadcast of the call at this link. The participant toll-free telephone dial-in number in the U.S. and Canada is 888.596.4144, and the toll number is 646.968.2525; the passcode is 9881735. International access numbers are available here.

    The webcast will be archived on the DT Midstream website at investor.dtmidstream.com. 

    About DT Midstream

    DT Midstream (NYSE: DTM) is an owner, operator and developer of natural gas interstate and intrastate pipelines, storage and gathering systems, compression, treatment and surface facilities. The company transports clean natural gas for utilities, power plants, marketers, large industrial customers and energy producers across the Southern, Northeastern and Midwestern United States and Canada. The Detroit-based company offers a comprehensive, wellhead-to-market array of services, including natural gas transportation, storage and gathering. DT Midstream is transitioning towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, including a plan of achieving 30% of its carbon emissions reduction by 2030. For more information, please visit the DT Midstream website at www.dtmidstream.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tatyana Golikova spoke at government hour in the State Duma.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova spoke at the government hour in the State Duma on the topic “On priorities in the implementation of the demographic policy of the Russian Federation.” It was also attended by Minister of Labor and Social Protection Anton Kotyakov, Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, Minister of Construction and Housing and Utilities Irek Faizullin and Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova.

    The Deputy Prime Minister thanked the deputies for choosing the topic of the government hour and the detailed expert discussion. She emphasized that in the course of preparation for the government hour, 128 questions were received, to which written answers were given.

    “Of all the components of demographic development, and today’s discussion has also shown this, increasing the birth rate is the most difficult task. We see, based on accumulated experience, that the birth rate does not directly depend on the amount of funds that we invest in social benefits. Our citizens have become more concerned about their health, and for expectant mothers, accessibility, including transportation, of medical care, a perinatal center, and a medical organization is important. Living standards have changed significantly – in the issue of birth rate, the importance of comfortable housing and sufficient space has increased. And the insufficient development of infrastructure in the regions, its inadequacy to the needs of small children is the main limiting challenge to birth rate. The life cycle is transforming – this is an extension of the period of obtaining an education, the desire to realize oneself in the professional sphere, ensuring career growth and financial independence. All this postpones the birth of a child. Another consequence of this transformation is loneliness. Quite a large number of young people cannot find a partner,” said Tatyana Golikova.

    The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the average age of mothers at birth in Russia is 29. In addition, it is important to correctly assess the factor of the country’s growing urbanization: more than 80% of all births today occur in cities.

    “Indirectly, through the use of maternity capital for education, we see that 70% of recipients in this area choose universities in large cities: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Krasnodar, Kazan. Young people leave their cities and, as a rule, do not return. Thus, the uniform territorial development of the country, the construction of housing, social and engineering infrastructure – these are all key things that need to be developed, and not only in cities, but also in rural areas. The strategy for the spatial development of Russia and its correct construction are of key importance for achieving the indicators set by the President. And of course, this is the work of all executive authorities at both the federal and regional levels, the maximum involvement of employers,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

    Tatyana Golikova emphasized that demographic issues were discussed in detail at faction meetings and with relevant committees in the run-up to the government hour.

    The first block of questions is housing.

    “There are many support measures in place today. This is the Young Family program, preferential mortgage programs, the validity of which has been extended: family mortgage at 6%, rural mortgage at 3%, Far Eastern or Arctic mortgage at 2%. To help families pay off mortgages, a payment of 450 thousand rubles is provided at the birth of a third or subsequent child. In eight regions of the Far East, its size has been increased to 1 million rubles. Another eight have established a similar measure within the framework of regional programs to increase the birth rate. As a result, there are 16 of them. A separate topic is the development of the preferential rental housing market. Currently, 12 thousand rental apartments are being built in the Far East. In addition, there is the My Private Home initiative, which combines measures to support individual housing construction. The comprehensive rural development program also includes housing construction models in rural areas. It is important for us to jointly assess how all current housing programs are interconnected, how they affect the family, ”said Tatyana Golikova.

    An analysis of the use of maternity capital over the entire period of its existence confirms that housing is the main focus (69%) and more than 67% of funds used for housing, or 3.1 trillion rubles, are directed toward mortgages.

    In addition, the high level of indebtedness of families, both mortgage and consumer loans, becomes an obstacle to the birth rate.

    The second is support for families with many children.

    Today, there are almost 2.8 million large families in Russia. Over the past two years, the number of large families has increased by 17.4%, and the number of children in them has reached 8.9 million.

    As Tatyana Golikova noted, given the importance of this topic, a separate federal project, Large Families, has been formed within the national project Family. It combines federal and regional measures – both those that have proven their effectiveness and those introduced since 2025.

    The Presidential Decree on social support for large families established the permanent status of a large family and defined the concept of a large family for receiving support measures. At the same time, the decree retained the right of regions to expand the category of a large family and also established a recommended list of regional support measures.

    At the federal level, basic guarantees in the sphere of labor relations, early assignment of an insurance pension, vocational training and retraining for parents with many children, and the provision of state benefits in connection with the birth and upbringing of children are enshrined. In 2024, a single benefit covered more than 1.5 million large families raising 5.3 million children.

    “Since 2025, for the first time, a priority procedure for concluding a social contract with large families has been established. More than 25% of social contracts have been concluded with large families. A register of large families has been formed. Since October 1 of last year, an electronic certificate for large families has been launched. 2.2 million certificates have already been issued,” noted Tatyana Golikova.

    As part of the “demographic menu”, which is co-financed from the federal budget, 41 regions with low birth rates have provided additional support measures for large families.

    “The problem remains that when establishing the status of a large family, regions require permanent registration in the region of all family members. This leads to the fact that the father, registered in another region, is not included in the family and, accordingly, in the certificate. And, as a result, he cannot take advantage of not only regional, but also federal support measures – go with children to a museum for free, buy goods or tickets at a discount. This approach must be eliminated. It is important that all regions have a responsible, informal attitude to the topic of supporting large families,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

    Thirdly, the health of citizens.

    Within the framework of the new national projects “Family” and “Long and Active Life”, an active range of measures in the field of healthcare will be continued.

    “Special attention will be paid to psychological, legal and social assistance to pregnant women, as well as the use of assisted reproductive technologies to treat infertility: 485 thousand IVF cycles will be performed,” said Tatyana Golikova.

    Fourth – strengthening value systems with a focus on strong families and having many children among young people.

    The promotion of family values in the media, literature, through family competitions, forums and festivals such as “Family of the Year”, “It’s Family for Us”, the All-Russian Wedding Festival and a number of others, gives its results, forms traditions, and a respectful attitude towards the family.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Materials for the Government meeting on July 17, 2025.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The following issues are planned to be considered at the meeting:

    1. On the allocation of budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation for the provision of one-time financial assistance in the form of a subsidy from the federal budget to the budget of the Republic of Tatarstan

    The draft order is aimed at providing financial support for the implementation of the investment project “Complex for the production of large-tonnage LNG compressor units” in the single-industry town of Zelenodolsk.

    2. On the allocation of budgetary allocations to Rosaviatsia in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation for the purpose of providing subsidies from the federal budget to Russian airports

    The draft order is aimed at partial reimbursement of expenses for ordinary activities and interest on credit agreements or loan agreements during the period of introduction of the temporary flight restriction regime to airports in the southern and central parts of Russia for December 2024 – June 2025.

    3. On the allocation of budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Transport of Russia in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation within the framework of the state program of the Russian Federation “Development of the transport system”

    The funds are needed to implement the project “Construction of the Bagaevsky hydroelectric complex on the Don River. Objects of the 2nd stage (main period).”

    4. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations to the Ministry of Construction of Russia in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation for the purpose of providing another inter-budget transfer from the federal budget to the budget of the Orenburg Region

    The draft order is aimed at reimbursing the regional budget for the costs incurred in financial support for the implementation of social support measures for citizens whose residential premises were lost and/or damaged as a result of the emergency caused by the spring floods of 2024.

    5. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations to the Ministry of Construction of Russia in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation for the provision of a subsidy from the federal budget within the framework of the federal project “Assistance to the development of infrastructure of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation (municipalities)” to the budget of the Saratov region for the purpose of implementing the project “Bank protection of the Volgograd reservoir on the section from the first berth to the solarium “Zaton” city of Saratov (stages 2, 3)”

    The adoption of the draft order will ensure the creation of a full-fledged coastal protection belt and the use of the embankment as a center of public and cultural activity in Saratov.

    6. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation to the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia in 2025

    The draft order is aimed at providing the Federal Corporation for the Development of Small and Medium-Sized Entrepreneurship joint-stock company with a subsidy from the federal budget for the implementation of projects aimed at developing special economic zones and single-industry municipalities of the Russian Federation (single-industry towns).

    Moscow, July 16, 2025

    The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Amur Region’s exposition at the Far East Street exhibition within the framework of the Eastern Economic Forum will tell about the development of Russian-Chinese cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The largest investment projects, industrial achievements and development prospects of the transboundary agglomeration Blagoveshchensk – Heihe will be presented by the Amur Region at the exhibition “Far East Street”, which will be held from September 3 to 9 as part of the tenth, anniversary Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. The main slogan of the region is “Amur Region – the center of Russian-Chinese cooperation”. The organizer of the exhibition is the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the Far Eastern Federal District.

    “The Amur region is the territory of the largest infrastructure projects. To attract investments, the Amur Region is one of the leading regions. Among the largest investment projects of the region are the construction of a logistics complex, a gas -chemical cluster, an international bridge across the Amur, a cross -border cable car and modern infrastructure facilities. Projects are actively developing in the field of agriculture, energy, mining industry and forestry complex. This is the region from which Russia enters into space. Here the first civilian cosmodrome eastern cosmodrome works here. Recently, the Russian-Chinese Economic Forum “Amuraxpo“, which is the field platform of the Eastern Economic Forum, was completed. This year, the VEF takes place in the anniversary, the tenth time. The forum will be given special attention, as the development of international cooperation with friendly countries. Relations between Russia and China are an important stabilizing factor in world politics and economics. With every year, every year between every year. Our countries are more than economic and cultural. Our task is to help the region attract investors, develop partnerships with friendly countries, to build new enterprises, the quality of life of people was created, ”said the deputy chairman of the government, the Presidential Plenipotentiary Committee, and the Chairman of the Organizational Committee of the Eastern Economic Forum Yuri Trutnev.

    The main color accent in the design of the Amur pavilion is red, since this color is present in the national flags of both countries – the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China. The facade of the building is made of red perforated panels, on which you can read individual words and phrases about the achievements of the Amur Region.

    “The Eastern Economic Forum is the key event of the year for us. This unique venue allows us to conclude dozens of profitable agreements, agree on the implementation of promising investment projects in the region, and outline new directions for the region’s development. And the regional pavilion on Far East Street plays a huge role in attracting new investors, partners, and tourists. It should present all the region’s achievements, its prospects, and key projects in various fields in the most visual way possible. When developing the expositions, we try to introduce new details every year, using the most modern means, infographics, and multimedia,” said Vasily Orlov, Governor of the Amur Region.

    The first floor of the Amur Region pavilion is dedicated to Russian-Chinese cooperation. The stand will present existing and prospective joint projects. Among them are the Golden Mile, an international automobile bridge and a cross-border cable car. Guests of the pavilion will be able to learn about key Russian-Chinese cultural, sports and economic events that have taken place over the past ten years. The work of the competence center created under the President’s instructions will also be shown.

    The second floor of the region’s exposition is designed as a chemical laboratory, with an emphasis on polymer processing and products obtained from them. The walls will display information about the anchor projects of the region’s gas chemical industry – the Amur Gas Chemical Plant and the Amur Gas Chemical Complex. The third floor will traditionally become a meeting place for representatives of the region with partners and potential investors, a negotiation area and signing of agreements.

    In addition, in a separate pavilion “Made in Amur Region”, visitors to the exhibition will be able to purchase kvass, honey, dried fruits, snacks, sausages and confectionery, green tea, as well as souvenirs from Amur craftsmen. The adjacent territory will house a tourist zone with a geodome “Tourism in Amur Region”. At the site, representatives of the Hospitality Agency of Amur Region will talk about the tourism potential of the region in an interactive space.

    In honor of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, a thematic interactive stand will be installed near the regional pavilion. The exhibition will include unique historical materials, photographs, veterans’ memories and interactive elements allowing visitors to delve deeper into the events of those years. Also this year, a concert stage will return to the territory of the Amur Region pavilion.

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

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –