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  • MIL-Evening Report: A new campaign rewards young gamers on Roblox for engaging with the US election. What does it mean for global politics?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joanne Orlando, Researcher: Digital Literacy and Digital Wellbeing, Western Sydney University

    Alex Photo Stock/Shutterstock

    If historical trends are anything to go by, most young people in the United States will not vote at this week’s presidential election. For example, at the 2016 presidential election, less than half of Americans aged 18 to 29 cast their ballot.

    But a new campaign on the hugely popular online gaming platform Roblox aims to encourage young people in the US to get out and exercise their democratic right on Tuesday.

    The “Virtual Vote” initiative is a partnership between Roblox game developers and a national political non-profit organisation called HeadCount.

    It has already engaged thousands of Roblox users – and it may mark the beginning of an entirely new way young people worldwide learn about and engage with real-life politics.

    The ultimate virtual universe

    Roblox is an online gaming platform where people can create an avatar, play a library of user-created games and socialise. Its developers describe it as the “the ultimate virtual universe”.

    It has roughly 79.5 million reported daily users globally and is valued at US$38 billion.

    The online gaming platform is especially popular among young people. However, it also poses a number of safety risks, including grooming and cyberbullying.

    Because of this, some governments have cracked down on Roblox. For example, earlier this year, it was banned in Turkey.

    Now the 2024 US presidential election has also entered the Roblox virtual gaming universe.

    From games to politics

    Virtual Vote is billed as the “first immersive civic engagement campaign”.

    Justin Hochberg, CEO of Virtual Brand Group (which develops games for Roblox) and the founder of Virtual Vote stated that his goal was simple:

    With 57% of gamers discovering global fashion, sports and entertainment brands while playing, this initiative meets Gen Z where they are to make a difference for the world’s biggest brand — #America.

    Virtual Vote was launched just four weeks ago in partnership with Headcount, a long-standing, not-for-profit youth voter engagement platform in the US. Other organisations – many of which are prominent in the online brand and content space – have also come on board.

    Players engage with Virtual Vote via popular games on Roblox, such as Livetopia, which has 4.7 billion user visits, and Karlie Kloss’s Fashion Klossette, which has 33.1 million total visits.

    Upon entering Virtual Vote, players meet Sam the Eagle, a guide who encourages them to check their voter registration status. Through Sam, players explore interactive maps showing state-specific voting rules and timelines.

    Virtual Vote is also a form of gaming and entertainment with big rewards and prizes for players who engage with it. Up for grabs is a trip to Hollywood to meet television presenter Jimmy Kimmel, VIP tickets to see musician Sabrina Carpenter, a snowboarding trip with champion American snowboarder Jamie Anderson, as well as limited-edition merchandise and content to play within Roblox.

    In the four weeks since its launch, Virtual Vote has had a strong response from Roblox users. More than 500,000 people have played the mini game so far – almost 4,000 of whom subsequently checked their voter registration status.

    Shaping political viewpoints online

    Platforms like Roblox, with their massive global youth audiences, are becoming increasingly important for shaping political views and real-world political engagement.

    Children and young adults immersed in these virtual worlds may be unknowingly absorbing information and perspectives that could influence their future voting decisions.

    Right now, the focus is on voter registration. However, given the huge impact it’s having, there is clear potential for such campaigns to become much more persuasive and biased.

    In future, we could see kids vying for rewards within online games or social media that may subtly shape their political viewpoints, which they then carry into how they vote as adults.

    This phenomenon has flown under the radar for the current US election. But its impact could be significant. Even more so since young people currently get so much of their news from social platforms.

    For example, the current trend on TikTok of women “cancelling out” the pro-Trump votes of their partners reinforces a gender binary for voting habits. These trending videos are fun, comedic, give minimal factual information. But some of them are getting up to two million views each.

    Similarly, election-themed videos – many of which have been identified as misinformation – on the popular online video platform YouTube have racked up millions of views in recent weeks.

    Exacerbating this situation is that young people often use social media, watch YouTube and play games on Roblox in combination. This can mean triple the impact of how these platforms can shape their political views.

    Online games and platforms are constantly shape-shifting and looking for new ways to engage with ever bigger global audiences.

    So wherever we live in the world, a campaign like Virtual Vote – seeking to achieve real-world political influence through an online video game platform – are important to pay attention to.

    Given the impact of Virtual Vote on so many young people, in such a short period of time, we can expect to see more political influence in their play. Shaping elections in the online space has just taken a new step.

    Joanne Orlando has received funding from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

    – ref. A new campaign rewards young gamers on Roblox for engaging with the US election. What does it mean for global politics? – https://theconversation.com/a-new-campaign-rewards-young-gamers-on-roblox-for-engaging-with-the-us-election-what-does-it-mean-for-global-politics-242901

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SJ at Second Legal Forum on Interconnectivity and Development (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following are the closing remarks by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the Second Legal Forum on Interconnectivity and Development under the Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 today (November 5):

    Your excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

         Thank you very much again for participating in this year’s Second Legal Forum on Interconnectivity and Development. I would first like to express my gratitude to the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong SAR (OCMFA) for co-organising this forum with the Department of Justice (DoJ) of the Hong Kong SAR. OCMFA’s support and contribution are invaluable to the success of this event.

         I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and especially to their General Counsel, Mr Alberto Ninio, who delivered an impactful keynote address on promotion of good governance and high-quality development under international law earlier this morning. Hong Kong, China became a member of AIIB in 2017. Our arrangement for secondment of DoJ counsel to the legal department of AIIB in the past few years has been conducive to enhancing our collaboration with AIIB and strengthening the development of Hong Kong international legal and dispute resolution services, especially in the financial fields.

         Following the keynote address from AIIB, the two Panel Sessions examined the critical importance of legal connectivity in our increasingly globalised landscape, as well as its impact across various fields, from international trade and commerce, dispute resolution, sanctions to emerging domains such as the governance of artificial intelligence (AI). The experience and practice of Hong Kong in connecting with high-standard international legal rules provide a good illustration for our discussion. Allow me to reflect briefly on today’s discussions and Hong Kong’s role in these vital developments.

    Cross-border legal connectivity and China’s foreign-related rule of law

         Legal connectivity transcends borders, bringing jurisdictions closer and promoting shared prosperity. As President Xi Jinping has noted, the fundamental purpose of advancing foreign-related rule of law is to better safeguard the interests of the country and the people, promote the progress of international rule of law and the development of a community with a shared future for mankind. China’s institutional opening-up progresses alongside its development of foreign-related legal frameworks. The rule of law forms the foundation of a favourable business environment.

         The first session explored Hong Kong’s evolving legal landscape, where, under the “one country, two systems” framework, it serves as a strategic nexus for trade and commerce and dispute resolution, regionally in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as well as internationally. In this era of ever-changing global business norms, as China’s institutional opening-up progresses, Hong Kong serves not only as a “super-connector” but also provides unique legal services under its legal and international arbitration framework.

    Rule of law to safeguard sustainable development

         On the importance of the rule of law to mitigate risks and to safeguard Hong Kong’s and national sustainable development, the learned speakers have shared their insights into the global developments in financial sanctions and anti-sanctions, as well as legislative trends on anti-interference in major western countries.

         As AI rapidly advances, it transforms industries and economies in a revolutionary way. This also brings with it complex global regulation and governance issues and related risks. As the final report on this subject by the United Nations Secretary-General appointed panel concludes, “the very nature of the technology itself – transboundary in structure and application – necessitates a global approach”. The discussions on this topic today are timely and relevant as we consider how to safeguard sustainable development in an increasingly inter-connected world with AI.

         As President Xi stressed during the 16th BRICS Summit, “as the world becomes more turbulent, it is even more important to uphold the banner of peace, development, co-operation and win-win outcomes”. It is my sincere hope that the discussions in today’s forum could bring out a spirit of co-operation and collaboration in traditional fields like economy and trade, as well as emerging areas like artificial intelligence, with our sustainable development safeguarded by the rule of law.

    Hong Kong as a global legal and dispute resolution hub

         On co-operation and development, aligned with Hong Kong’s development of “eight centres” as outlined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan, the Department of Justice has taken forward policies to strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a leading legal and dispute resolution hub.

         The staunch support of the Central People’s Government in strengthening the city as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region under the National 14th Five-Year Plan can be demonstrated by the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) Preparatory Office last year. The IOMed Preparatory Office has successfully facilitated the conclusion of negotiations on the Convention on Establishment of the IOMed last month. A decision has also been made by all the negotiating parties that a signing ceremony of the Convention will be held in Hong Kong next year and the IOMed headquarters will also be situated in Hong Kong once the Convention has entered into force.

         As the world’s first intergovernmental international legal organisation dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation, IOMed is important for the implementation of settling international disputes by peaceful means as set out in the United Nations Charter. Upon its establishment, the IOMed will provide friendly, flexible, economical and efficient mediation services, thereby building Hong Kong as a capital for international mediation.

         Apart from exciting development on IOMed, we also continue to enhance our collaboration with prominent law-related international organisations, such as the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT), with which we co-organised this year’s Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit yesterday. We are also in active discussion with UNIDROIT for the possible establishment of its liaison office in Hong Kong in the near future. These forms of collaborations enable Hong Kong to contribute to and align with international standards, thus enhancing its appeal as a global hub for dispute resolution.

         In addition, with the support of the Central People’s Government and the assistance of the OCMFA, the Department of Justice has put in place programmes to second local legal talents to several law-related international organisations including the UNIDROIT. Through participating in the work of such international organisations, local legal professionals can enhance their knowledge of international legal matters and develop global vision. Nurturing Hong Kong’s legal talents is crucial for the sustainable development of the legal community, for consolidating our position as a leading international legal and dispute resolution services centre and for the long-term development of the rule of law, matters to which the Central Authorities and the HKSAR Government have attached great importance.

    Fostering legal talent: Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy

         Following the announcement in the Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address, the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy will be officially launched on this Friday, Day five of Hong Kong Legal Week. To make good use of Hong Kong’s bilingual common law system and international legal status, the Training Academy will regularly organise practical training courses, seminars, international exchange programmes and more to promote exchanges among talents in regions along the Belt and Road region. It will also provide training for talents in the practice of foreign-related legal affairs for the country, and cultivate legal talents to be familiar with international law, common law, civil law, national legal systems and other legal areas. In future, our Department will make use of this capacity building platform to enable practitioners from different jurisdictions to exchange ideas on promoting the culture of harmony.

    Looking ahead: Hong Kong’s future role as an international legal hub

         Looking to the future, we are reminded of the traditional Chinese saying by Confucius, in Chinese is “å�›å­�和而ä¸�å�Œ and in English “a gentleman seeks harmony, not uniformity”. This philosophy encourages us to pursue a shared vision despite our differences, and is crucial for enhancing interconnectivity and development in building a community of shared future for mankind. In our interconnected world, such harmony through diversity is essential for achieving lasting success and mutual respect across boundaries. Hong Kong’s dedicated efforts in aligning with and contributing to international legal standards, its experience in international dispute resolution, as well as its commitment to legal capacity-building could leave a positive impact as the world navigates through complex challenges. As China moves towards deeper institutional opening-up, Hong Kong has a significant role to play in facilitating international engagement and promoting the progress of international rule of law.

         In closing, my sincere thanks to all speakers, participants, supporting organisations, colleagues at the OCMFA and the DoJ for making this forum a success. I look forward to your support for the Third Legal Forum on Interconnectivity and Development next year. Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Employer update: WGEA publishing gender pay gaps

    Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

    The Gender Pay Gap is closing.

    It’s the lowest it’s ever been.

    But there’s still a long way to go to close it!

    Here’s what you as employers need to know, to do your part.

    I’m Mary Wooldridge, the CEO of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency.

    And I’ve got some key information to help you improve fairness in your workplace.

    [What’s coming?]

    In late February, WGEA will again publish the gender pay gaps for private sector employers who report to us – those of you with more than 100 employees.

    That’s more than seven thousand six hundred employers and over sixteen-hundred corporate groups – if you’re one of them, thank you for your work.

    And a reminder: the gender pay gap isn’t the same as equal pay.

    It’s the difference between the average or median pay of women and men across organisations, industries and the workforce as a whole.

    [What will be published?]

    The data will include everything that we published last year…and more.

     That means we will publish each employer’s median gender pay gap, for total remuneration and for base salary.

    For the first time, WGEA will also publish gender pay gaps as an average.

    This will also be for total remuneration as well as base salary.

     The data is going to be broken up into pay quartiles – dividing employees into four groups by the amount they are paid.

    This will show the proportion of men and women in each pay quartile. We’ll also publish average total remuneration for each of these quartiles.

    The breakdown of the combination of pay and workforce composition gives important insights into what could be driving your gender pay gap.

    [Why is this important?]

    Transparency enables accountability. It means that you as employers and your employees can look at your results and the results of your peers.

    The data is important to help employers – you – to understand what is driving your gender pay gap so you can begin to take action to close it.

    Gender equality isn’t just ‘nice to have’, it’s a basic human right. The added benefit is it’s also good for business.

    [What’s new?]

    For the first time data on CEO pay has been reported to WGEA and will be included in the calculations.

    [Why does that matter?]

    Almost 80 per cent of CEOs in Australia are men, and these roles usually pay the most.

    The inclusion of this data will help give a more accurate picture of Australia’s gender pay gap.

    Adding this in, isn’t going to impact your median gender pay gaps – but it can have a significant impact on your average gender pay gaps.

    This was the reason why we only published median gender pay gaps last year.

    And, in order to see what’s changed since last year, we should only compare median-to-median pay gaps.

    [Do employers see the data before it’s published?]

    Yes. As an employer you’ll each receive an Executive Summary when you lodge your WGEA report.

    This includes your gender pay gap data.

    From early November you will also be able to access your Industry Benchmark Report, showing how your results compare with other similar sized employers in your industry.

    Legally you must provide both these reports to your Board or governing body. They can be downloaded from the WGEA reporting portal.

    Now that reporting has finished, we are compiling the Executive Summaries for entire Corporate Groups – these will be available from the reporting portal in December.

    [Where will WGEA publish gender pay gaps?]

    You’ll be able to find your gender pay gap– and the results for thousands of other employers, industries and the nation – on WGEA’s Data Explorer on our website.

    The data will be for each individual employer, as well as corporate groups as a whole.

    [What’s an Employer Statement?]

    Like last year, every employer can choose to provide a link to an Employer Statement.

    This is your chance to give context to your results, and update the public about the steps you’re taking to continue to improve.

    WGEA will publish this link alongside your gender pay gap result. You will be able to upload your link after the new year.

    [What can I do to prepare?]

    Good question! The most important thing you can do is a gender pay gap analysis of your organisation.

    This analysis can tell you a lot about the workplace experience for women and men.

    It can help you see whether everyone’s experiencing it equally or if there’s an imbalance that needs to be addressed.

    It’s important to identify the issues so you can make a plan to fix them.

    Our team can support you to do this – you can read our guide, sign up to one of our free masterclasses or for some one-on-one advice via the website.

    Once you’ve done the analysis there are tools that can help you – like our action planning tool and the playbook outlining the exact steps you can take to improve.

    Its also important that you communicate your results, what’s driving them and the action you plan to take with your employees before the next release.

    [What should we be aiming for?]

    MARY: There’s a lot of different factors to consider. So we recommend an average total remuneration gender pay gap between minus five to plus five.   

    If it’s less than minus 5%, this means you have an imbalance in favour of women – as the pay for women, on average, is more than men’s.

    If it’s more than 5% this means you have an imbalance in favour of men – as the pay for men is, on average, more than women’s.

    All this information helps you understand where you’re performing well and where there are gaps.

    These gaps point to the places where action is most meaningful to close your gender pay gap and improve equality in your workplace.

    And the reason why that’s important is… it’s not only fair and just – it will also increase your productivity, your profitability and employee morale.

    Improving gender equality is good for everyone.

    Now is the time to be getting ready for the next round of gender pay gaps being published in late February 2025!

    Thanks for listening – you’ll find a lot of extra guides and resources on our website – or reach out and sign up for our masterclasses or some one-on-one advice.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Capital Southwest Announces Pricing of Convertible Notes Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALLAS, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Capital Southwest Corporation (Nasdaq: CSWC) (“Capital Southwest”) today announced the pricing of $200,000,000 principal amount of 5.125% Convertible Notes due 2029 (the “notes”) in an underwritten offering (the “offering”). Capital Southwest also granted the underwriters of the notes an option to purchase up to an additional $30,000,000 principal amount of notes, solely to cover over-allotments. The sale of the notes is expected to close on November 8, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions.

    The notes will be senior unsecured obligations of Capital Southwest and will accrue interest payable quarterly in arrears on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning on February 15, 2025 at a rate of 5.125%. The notes will mature on November 15, 2029, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased.

    Noteholders may convert their notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date.

    Upon conversion, Capital Southwest will pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of Capital Southwest’s common stock or a combination of cash and shares of Capital Southwest’s common stock, at Capital Southwest’s election. The conversion rate will initially be 40.0000 shares of Capital Southwest’s common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of $25.00 per share of Capital Southwest’s common stock). The initial conversion price of the notes represents a premium of approximately 12% over the last reported sale price of Capital Southwest’s common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on November 4, 2024. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment in some events. In addition, following certain corporate events that occur prior to the maturity date or if Capital Southwest delivers a notice of redemption, Capital Southwest will, in certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate for a noteholder who elects to convert its notes in connection with such a corporate event or notice of redemption, as the case may be.

    Capital Southwest may not redeem the notes prior to November 20, 2027. Capital Southwest may redeem for cash all or any portion of the notes (subject to certain limitations), at Capital Southwest’s option, on a redemption date on or after November 20, 2027 and on or before the 45th scheduled trading day immediately prior to the maturity date if the last reported sale price of Capital Southwest’s common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during any 30 consecutive trading day period (including the last trading day of such period) ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date on which Capital Southwest provides notice of redemption at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. No sinking fund is provided for the notes.

    If Capital Southwest undergoes a fundamental change, then, subject to certain conditions, noteholders may require Capital Southwest to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their notes at a fundamental change repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.

    Capital Southwest estimates that the proceeds from the offering will be approximately $193.6 million (or approximately $222.7 million if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional notes in full), after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated expenses payable by Capital Southwest. Capital Southwest expects to use the net proceeds from the offering to redeem in full its 4.50% Notes due 2026, to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under its senior secured revolving credit facility with ING Capital LLC, and for general corporate purposes.

    Oppenheimer & Co. is acting as sole book-running manager for the offering.

    The proposed offering is being conducted pursuant to Capital Southwest’s automatic shelf registration statement on Form N-2, including a base prospectus, that was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on October 29, 2024 and became effective upon filing. A preliminary prospectus and accompanying prospectus relating to the proposed offering were filed with the SEC and are available for free on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov. A final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the proposed offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available for free on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the final prospectus supplement relating to this offering and the accompanying prospectus may be obtained, when available, from: Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., Attention: Syndicate Prospectus Department, 85 Broad Street, 26th Floor, New York, NY 10004, by telephone at (212) 667-8055, or by email at EquityProspectus@opco.com.

    This press release, the pricing term sheet, the preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall they constitute an offer, solicitation or sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Capital Southwest

    Capital Southwest Corporation (Nasdaq: CSWC) is a Dallas, Texas-based, internally managed business development company with approximately $1.5 billion in investments at fair value as of September 30, 2024. Capital Southwest is a middle market lending firm focused on supporting the acquisition and growth of middle market businesses with $5 million to $50 million investments across the capital structure, including first lien, second lien and non-control equity co-investments. As a public company with a permanent capital base, Capital Southwest has the flexibility to be creative in its financing solutions and to invest to support the growth of its portfolio companies over long periods of time.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking” statements, as that term is defined under the federal securities laws, including statements concerning the closing of the offering of the notes, the anticipated use of proceeds from the offering, the potential impact of the foregoing or related transactions on dilution to holders of Capital Southwest’s common stock or the market price of Capital Southwest’s common stock or the notes. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond Capital Southwest’s control. Capital Southwest’s actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to whether Capital Southwest will consummate the offering of notes on the expected terms or at all, which could differ or change based upon market conditions or for other reasons, and the other risks detailed in Capital Southwest’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the year ended March 31, 2024, in Capital Southwest’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 and in other filings and reports that Capital Southwest may file from time to time with the SEC. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent Capital Southwest’s views as of the date of this press release. Capital Southwest anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause Capital Southwest’s views to change. Capital Southwest undertakes no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Capital Southwest’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Michael S. Sarner, Chief Financial Officer
    214-884-3829

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The Gambia: International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on the Second Review of the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, November 5, 2024/APO Group/ —

    • IMF staff and the Gambian authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on economic policies to conclude the second review of the program under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement.
    • Economic recovery is strengthening while inflation has decelerated significantly.
    • The Gambia’s reform agenda is advancing despite challenges to fiscal policy.

    An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Ms. Eva Jenkner, held discussions in Washington DC with the Gambian authorities. The discussions followed those in Banjul from September 30 to October 11, 2024 (see PR 24/367). A staff-level agreement was reached on the second review of the program supported under the 36-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement approved in January 2024 for total access of SDR 74.64 million (about US$99.4 million). Subject to approval by the IMF’s Executive Board, the completion of the review would enable a disbursement of SDR 8.29 million (about US$11.04 million), bringing the total disbursement under the arrangement to about US$33.1 million. The Board date is tentatively scheduled for December 20, 2024.

    At the conclusion of the discussions, Ms. Jenkner issued the following statement:

    “The authorities remain committed to their reform agenda and program objectives.

    “Economic activity is strengthening. Economic growth remains estimated at 5.8 percent for 2024, supported by agriculture, services, telecom, and construction sectors. Inflation reached 10 percent at end-September 2024, from a peak of 18.5 percent at end-September 2023, remaining above the central bank’s medium-term objective of 5 percent.

    “Continued policy discussions mainly focused on the fiscal trajectory for 2024 and 2025 with the aim of maintaining fiscal responsibility. This includes increasing the room for responding to large social and developmental needs, protecting the most vulnerable, addressing climate related risks and vulnerabilities, and ensuring gradual clearance of central government arrears and unsettled commitments.

    “The ECF supported program is anchored on a medium-term fiscal framework aiming to reduce debt vulnerabilities and to maintain overall macrofinancial stability.

    “The mission would like to thank its counterparts for candid and constructive discussions.”

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi congratulates Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu on election as president of Fiji

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday congratulated Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu on election as Fijian president.

    In his congratulatory message, Xi said that Fiji was the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.

    Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 49 years ago, the two countries have made substantial progress in their relations, improved the wellbeing of the two peoples and promoted peace, stability and development of the region and the world at large, he said.

    The Chinese president said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Fiji relations and stands ready to work with Lalabalavu to promote the sustained, sound, and steady development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal Statement Celebrating Machinists Vote

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    SEATTLE, WA – U.S. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement after the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) voted to ratify Boeing’s recent contract offer.

    “Tonight, I congratulate the workers in the IAM for winning a hard-fought victory after going on strike for seven weeks to stand up for core principles. Their solidarity in going on strike – a legitimate step in America’s collective bargaining process – ensured a contract with 38 percent wage increases, sizable increases in retirement plans and job security. I also congratulate Machinists President Jon Holden as well as Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg for working to reach a deal that ensures Boeing will continue to build quality planes that contribute to our country’s security and mobility while valuing and respecting the fact that there is no Boeing without the IAM.  I also thank Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su for her skilled leadership in bringing both parties to the table and to an agreement.

    “Boeing has a long history of building the middle class in Seattle, with generations of workers committed to their jobs and to the company. This contract is a promising sign that the new leadership is committed to returning to that role as a business that is contributing to our region, state and country’s well-being for current and future generations.”

    Jayapal has supported IAM Machinists throughout the strike, joining them on the picket line and rallying with them. She also sent a letter urging all parties to return to the bargaining table to reach a fair contract and stood behind the Machinists after they rejected Boeing’s initial contract offer.

    Issues: Jobs, Labor, & the Economy

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Rain wreaks havoc again in Hainan province

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Following strong, widespread rainfall that hit the entire island at the end of October, Hainan province encountered a new round of heavy precipitation on Sunday, triggering road closures and class suspensions in many areas.
    Influenced by cold air colliding with warm, humid air currents from the southeast, multiple cities and counties in Hainan experienced sustained heavy rainfall on Monday of between 150 to 200 millimeters, leading to a level four rainstorm warning and a level four emergency response for flood and wind prevention, the lowest-level in the country’s four-tier emergency response system.
    Classes in kindergartens and primary and secondary schools were forced to suspend classes in hard-hit regions such as Qiongzhong and Wanning on Monday.
    Due to the impact of the rainfall, sections of some highways in Hainan have been closed to traffic because of road damage such as bridge deck cracks.
    In Qiongzhong, Tunchang and Wanning, some provincial roads and village roads have been closed to traffic due to landslides.
    From 8 am to 6 pm on Sunday, 11 townships in Qionghai experienced heavy rainfall, with eight hit by severe storms.
    “The water in the paddy fields at the end of October hadn’t completely receded, and they’re all flooded again,” said Yang Dongqing, a resident of Xinchao village in Tanmen town, Qionghai.
    He said the rain had been falling throughout the day, starting from moderate showers in the morning and escalating to a severe downpour around noon.
    According to the Qionghai emergency management bureau, as of Sunday, 1,285 people have been relocated from flood prone areas of the city.
    A spokesperson from the Qionghai fire and rescue brigade said members have intensified inspections on water rescue equipment and drainage facilities, and are replenishing rescue supplies comprehensively.
    All fire and rescue personnel are on standby 24 hours a day and are adequately prepared for emergency rescue operations.
    At a meeting on Sunday, provincial authorities emphasized the need to strive toward the goal of “zero casualties, minimal injuries and reduced losses” in the face of the latest round of heavy rainfall.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: VTR Biotech Unveils Upgraded National Technology and Innovation Center：A Leap Forward in Biotech Innovation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHINA, ZHUHAI, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Recently, VTR Biotech proudly announces the comprehensive upgrade of its National Enterprise Technology Center, a landmark achievement reflecting its commitment to advancing the biotechnology sector. The history of VTR Biotech began in the early 1990s when the company was founded with a vision to revolutionize the biotechnology landscape in China. From its inception, VTR Biotech has prioritized innovation and scientific excellence, rapidly establishing itself as a leader in the field. In the years that followed, the company made significant strides in research and development, resulting in groundbreaking advancements in biotechnology solutions.

    The upgraded center features five state-of-the-art technology platforms: the Genetic Engineering Platform, High-Throughput Screening Platform, Biosynthesis Platform, Technology Transfer Platform, and Technical Support Platform. These platforms are designed to enhance VTR Biotech’s R&D capabilities, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in biotechnology.

    Key investments in high-performance artificial intelligence computing servers, advanced microbial selection robots, liquid handling workstations, and an expanded fully automated fermentation tank system are poised to enhance VTR Biotech’s independent R&D capabilities. These improvements aim to increase research efficiency and facilitate the practical application of research outcomes, ensuring that VTR Biotech remains at the forefront of biotechnological innovation.

    “The upgrade of our National R&D Center is a monumental achievement for VTR Biotech,” said Mr. Chen, Chairman of the company. “We are proud to lead a global team of scientists and engineers working on transformative biotechnology solutions in life sciences, including genetic modification, microbiology, biosynthesis technology, and enzyme engineering. This upgrade elevates our R&D capabilities and strengthens our ability to provide innovative solutions to the global market.”

    VTR Biotech’s National Enterprise Technology Center is recognized as one of China’s most prestigious enterprise technology innovation platforms, evaluated jointly by the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Finance, the General Administration of Customs, and the State Taxation Administration. This recognition underscores VTR Biotech’s significant contribution to technological advancement in China.

    In recent years, VTR Biotech has demonstrated its dedication to research and development by employing over 200 professional R&D personnel, more than 30% of whom hold postgraduate degrees. The center also boasts a team that includes 15 PhDs and 10 senior engineers. Collaborative projects with leading research institutions such as the University of Sydney, South China University of Technology, and South China Agricultural University further emphasize VTR Biotech’s commitment to transforming scientific discoveries into practical applications for the global market.

    The company has undertaken four national key R&D program projects and four key R&D projects in Guangdong Province, in addition to establishing 15 national, industry, and group standards. VTR Biotech has been recognized for its innovative efforts, receiving the China Patent Excellence Award for five consecutive years.

    As VTR Biotech embarks on this new chapter with the upgraded National Enterprise Technology Center, the company is poised to set new standards in the biotechnology industry, driving innovation and delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers. For more information about VTR Biotech and its upgraded National Enterprise Technology Center, please visit www.vtrbiotech.com

    About VTR Biotech

    VTR Biotech is a leading biotechnology company dedicated to advancing the field through innovative research and development. With a commitment to scientific excellence and sustainability, VTR Biotech aims to deliver high standard biosolutions that address the challenges faced by the biotechnology industry.

    Media Contact

    Brand Name: VTR Biotech

    Contact Person: Marketing Team

    Email: vtrbiotech@vtrbio.com

    Tele: +86-756-8676888

    Website: www.vtrbiotech.com

    SOURCE: VTR Biotech

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the 2-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction held on November 05, 2024

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 2-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 1,25,000
    Total amount of offers received (in ₹ crore) 70,825
    Amount accepted (in ₹ crore) 70,825
    Cut off Rate (%) 6.49
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 6.49
    Partial Acceptance Percentage of offers received at cut off rate NA

    Ajit Prasad           
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1430

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s message on World Tsunami Awareness Day [scroll down for French version]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami – one of the deadliest disasters in recent history.  More than 230,000 people lost their lives.   

    On this World Tsunami Awareness Day, we honour the victims and recommit to protecting the 700 million people around the world who are at risk from tsunamis.

    The best way to do so is by all partners delivering on the United Nations Early Warnings for All initiative that helps ensure every person on Earth is alerted when tsunamis and other disasters are on the way.

    Education is vital to saving lives, and as this year’s theme reminds us, the participation of children and young people is critical. I urge governments and partners in coastal communities to raise awareness, so children and young people know how and where to evacuate to higher ground.

    Together, let’s ensure people’s futures are not swept away by tsunamis.  Let’s build resilience – now. 

    ***

    Cette année marque le vingtième anniversaire du tsunami survenu dans l’océan Indien, l’une des catastrophes les plus meurtrières de l’histoire récente, qui a coûté la vie à plus de 230 000 personnes.

    En cette Journée mondiale de sensibilisation aux tsunamis, nous honorons la mémoire des victimes et nous renouvelons notre engagement à protéger les 700 millions de personnes dans le monde qui sont menacées par les tsunamis.

    Le meilleur moyen d’y parvenir est que tous les partenaires mettent en œuvre l’initiative « Alertes précoces pour tous » des Nations Unies, qui permet d’alerter chaque personne sur Terre à l’approche de tsunamis ou d’autres catastrophes.

    L’éducation est essentielle pour sauver des vies et, comme le rappelle le thème de cette année, la participation des enfants et des jeunes est cruciale. J’invite les gouvernements et les partenaires dans les zones côtières à sensibiliser les populations, afin que les enfants et les jeunes sachent comment procéder, en cas d’évacuation, pour regagner des zones plus élevées.

    Ensemble, agissons pour que l’avenir de nos semblables ne soit pas balayé par les tsunamis. Renforçons la résilience, maintenant !
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s video message to COP29 Religious Leaders’ Summit

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Download the video: https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+1+Nov+24/3298308_MSG+SG+COP29+RELIGIOUS+LEADERS+SUMMIT+01+NOV+24.mp4

    Excellencies, dear friends,

    I want to thank you for coming together across faiths to help push for a successful outcome at COP29 in Baku.

    Our climate is in crisis — extreme temperatures, raging fires, droughts, and epic floods.

    No country is spared.

    And the poorest and most vulnerable are hardest hit.

    As faith leaders, your voices are essential to drive climate action and climate justice. 

    Action to ensure countries produce — by next year — new national climate action plans aligned with the imperative to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.

    And justice so all countries have the resources to adapt to our changing planet and can transition — fast and fairly — to a sustainable and renewable future.

    This includes a much stronger flow of financial resources to developing countries, and a well-funded Loss and Damage Fund that supports those hardest hit by disasters.

    By standing together, you’re standing up for the future of the world we share.

    Thank you for being part of this vital effort for people and planet.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Inslee statement on Boeing Machinists contract vote

    Source: Washington State News

    Story Body

    Gov. Jay Inslee released the following statement in response to the approval of a new contract by Boeing Machinists.

    “Tonight’s vote by the Machinists puts Boeing’s future back on more solid footing. Washington is home to the world’s most skilled aerospace workers and they understandably took a stand for the respect and compensation they deserve. Congratulations to IAM District 751 and Boeing on reaching an agreement.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: CoinShares Announces Q3 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    5thNovember 2024 | SAINT HELIER, Jersey | CoinShares International Limited (“CoinShares” or “the Group”) (Nasdaq Stockholm: CS; US OTCQX: CNSRF), the leading European investment company specialising in digital assets, has today published its results for the quarter ending 30th September 2024.

    Jean-Marie Mognetti, Chief Executive Officer of CoinShares said:

    “In Q3 2024, we concentrated on executing our strategy and preparing for a promising Q4 and the upcoming year. A key achievement was the change in our accounting policy for digital assets. We now record movements on digital assets at fair value through profit and loss, enhancing the transparency of our financial statements. This change enables a wide range of investors to have a better understanding of CoinShares’ financial performance and health.

    We have concurrently implemented bitcoin as a treasury management instrument, thus demonstrating our commitment to our investment thesis. Consequently, we now rank among the select few publicly traded companies globally that have opted to maintain bitcoin holdings (78 BTC at the end of Q3) on our balance sheet.”

    Q3 2024 financial highlights

    • Total Revenue, Gains & Other Income for Q3 2024 of £25.8 million (Q3 2023: £15.2 million)
    • EBITDA for Q3 2024 of £15.4 million (Q3 2023: £8.3 million)
    • Net profit for Q3 2024 of £14.2 million (Q3 2023: £6.7 million)

    Q3 2024 operational highlights

    • Asset Management: The CoinShares Physical ETP platform closed the quarter with nearly $80 million in net flows, marking its second-largest quarterly inflow since 2021. We launched a new multi-asset ETP in partnership with finanzen.net to enhance our visibility in the German retail market. In the United States, the CoinShares-Valkyrie business line had its second-best quarter, achieving $61 million in net inflows, mainly from BRRR and WGMI products. Integration of this business line into the wider CoinShares Group is largely complete, and we anticipate it becoming a meaningful contributor to overall Group value, with full stride expected in 2025.
    • Capital Markets & Hedge Fund Solutions: Following the successful rollout of our algorithmic trading platform, MATRIX, our development team is optimising its performance and connectivity, enabling signal ingestion from multiple sources and opening doors to new collaborations. This allows our quantitative research team to focus on new alpha generation strategies to drive future performance for our Capital Markets and Funds divisions. Concurrently, our Hedge Fund Solutions division is preparing to launch an equity long-short fund focused on crypto equities, leveraging our BLOCK Index expertise; the product is ready to launch pending market demand, currently being assessed by our sales teams in the United States and Europe. 
    • Principal Investments: Despite a decrease of approximately £1.9 million in the Group’s Principal Investment portfolio during Q3—primarily due to an extension of the CS2 fund’s life that delays the receipt of our recognized carried interest and results in a corresponding discount—we have observed positive developments in some of our smaller investments. These include the conversion of one of our SAFEs (Station 70) and the change in status of GTSA to that of an Electronic Money Institution.
    • Accounting Policy Change: An important development this quarter concerns our accounting policies for digital asset holdings; historically, our financial statements were distorted by classifying digital assets as intangibles under IFRS, resulting in profit or loss after tax figures that differed markedly from our total comprehensive income and impacting the readability of our accounts. As our organisation has evolved and our activities have diversified significantly, we are now able to classify our digital assets so that their fair value movements are taken through profit and loss, allowing us to present financial statements that provide a more understandable view of our financial performance—easily reconciled to our EBITDA—a transition we’ve been eager to make and are pleased to have finally achieved.

    Full details of the Q3 results, inclusive of financial information on each of the Group’s business units, are included within the full report, available here.

    Download the Swedish Executive Summary here.

    ABOUT COINSHARES

    CoinShares is the leading European investment company specialising in digital assets, that delivers a broad range of financial services across investment management, trading and securities to a wide array of clients that includes corporations, financial institutions and individuals. Focusing on crypto since 2013, the firm is headquartered in Jersey, with offices in France, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the US. CoinShares is regulated in Jersey by the Jersey Financial Services Commission, in France by the Autorité des marchés financiers, and in the US by the Securities and Exchange Commission, National Futures Association and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. CoinShares is publicly listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker CS and the OTCQX under the ticker CNSRF.

    For more information on CoinShares, please visit: https://coinshares.com
    Company | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com
    Investor Relations | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com

    This information is information that CoinShares International Limited (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Securities Markets Act.

    The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 07:00 CEST on November 5, 2024.

    PRESS CONTACT

    CoinShares
    Benoît Pellevoizin
    bpellevoizin@coinshares.com

    M Group Strategic Communications
    Peter Padovano
    press@coinshares.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: WISe.ART Announces “MINDREAMER” Exhibition from Ylan Anoufa

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WISe.ART Announces “MINDREAMER” Exhibition from Ylan Anoufa

    Exhibition accompanied by Ylan Anoufa art sales benefiting foundation for childhood education

    Geneva, Switzerland – November 5, 2024: WISeKey International Holding Ltd. (“WISeKey” or the “Company”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and Internet of Things (IoT) innovations, today announced that its subsidiary WISe.ART is proud to support Ylan Anoufa’s upcoming “MINDREAMER’ exhibition and new collection of twin phygital art packages. The exhibition is set to premiere November 13 at Geneva-based gallery Gallery Re Source. Proceeds from sale of the packages will benefit Ylan’s foundation for childhood education.

    “MINDREAMER” at Gallery Re Source

    Internationally renowned French contemporary artist Ylan Anoufa captivates the art world with his bold and socially engaged works. For the first time in Switzerland, his creations, including his famous AnoufaBear, will be showcased in the groundbreaking exhibition “MINDREAMER”.

    An Immersive and Interactive Exhibition

    After conquering cities such as New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Nice, Marbella, Monaco, and Paris, Ylan Anoufa will unveil “MINDREAMER” in Geneva’s Old Town from November 13, 2024, to February 10, 2025.

    The exhibition will feature several editions of his iconic AnoufaBear, a symbol of unity and strength, alongside a selection of ultra-dynamic and powerful urban and pop art pieces. By pushing the boundaries of traditional art, Ylan invites the public to dive into a universe oscillating between vulnerability and collective strength, while addressing contemporary issues and celebrating the beauty of human diversity.

    Performances, Digital Art, and Education

    As part of the exhibition, Ylan Anoufa will present a live art performance titled “REALOVE,” offering the audience a unique and captivating experience that combines emotion and interaction.

    Additionally, he will unveil his digital creativity through a series of NFT artworks. To further explore the digital realm, Gallery Re Source and WISe.ART will host two conferences dedicated to blockchain and NFTs during the exhibition.

    Committed to passing on his knowledge, Ylan also plans to lead AnoufaBear creation workshops for children at the Gallery, fostering artistic expression and creativity from an early age. “MINDREAMER” promises to be a participatory experience.

    AnoufaBears & The Digital Revolution
    In collaboration with WISeKey subsidiaries WISe.ART and SEALSQ, AnoufaBears are part of an exciting project set to embrace the digital realm of art. Through incorporation of the SEALSQ VaultIC155 semiconductor, a contactless solution designed to ward off counterfeiting, AnoufaBears will boast features like Open Detection and Privacy mode.

    WISe.ART’s CEO Carlos Moreira, commented “We believe in a future where digital assets are as valuable, if not more so, than physical ones. Our mission at WISe.ART is to ensure that this future is authentic, secure, and accessible to all.”

    Ylan Anoufa – An Artist on the Rise

    Ylan Anoufa’s talent continues to make waves in the contemporary art world. In January 2024, he was named Artist of the Year at the WISe.ART Excellence Awards during the prestigious World Economic Forum week in Davos. This accolade comes in addition to being named NFT Artist of the Year, cementing his status as a major player in the digital art world.

    His works, now fetching record prices at auctions, reflect growing interest from collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide. His unique approach and commitment to social causes have earned him increasing international recognition, making him one of the most influential emerging artists of our time.

    Ylan Anoufa is set to participate in several upcoming major international events, including Art Together at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art on November 18, the Telethon on November 30, and Art Basel Miami from December 2 to 15.

    About Gallery Re Source
    Nestled in Geneva’s Old Town, Gallery Re Source is a space dedicated to contemporary art and design, regularly hosting artistic, cultural, and holistic events. The “MINDREAMER” exhibition, enriched with workshops, performances, and conferences, aligns with the co-founders’ vision to make art a living and accessible experience for all.

    Stay connected with Gallery Re Source on social media to follow the latest updates and discover upcoming surprises.

    About Ylan Anoufa: The Maestro Behind AnoufaBears
    Ylan, born in 1980, is an embodiment of perpetual evolution. His art, found across global cities from Paris to Hong Kong, beams with modernity, humour, and a thought-provoking narrative. With a heart that radiates positivity, Ylan’s artwork becomes a vibrant fusion of colour, harmony, space, and form. Combining his stylistic finesse in painting and sculpture, Ylan’s graphics are a testament to his poetic inspiration. His collaborations with music legends like Lenny Kavitz and the Rolling Stones, as well as commercial endorsements with brands such as Porsche and Barbie, further enhance his global statue.

    About WISeKey
    WISeKey is a Swiss-based computer infrastructure company specializing in cybersecurity, digital identity, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, and post-quantum semiconductors. As a computer infrastructure company, WISeKey provides secure platforms for data and device management across industries like finance, healthcare, and government. It leverages its Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to ensure encrypted communications and authentication, while also focusing on next-generation security through post-quantum cryptography.

    WISeKey’s work with post-quantum semiconductors is aimed at future-proofing its security solutions against the threats posed by quantum computing. These advanced semiconductors support encryption that can withstand the computational power of quantum computers, ensuring the long-term security of connected devices and critical infrastructure. Combined with its expertise in blockchain and IoT, WISeKey’s post-quantum technologies provide a robust foundation for secure digital ecosystems at the hardware, software, and network levels.

    About WISe.ART

    Established in September 2020, our marketplace is a forward-thinking digital art platform pioneering the intersection of blockchain technology and artistic and/or visionary creativity. With a strong commitment to democratizing access and ownership to unique innovative products, WISe.ART provides a vibrant marketplace for buying, selling, preserving, and discovering original digital creations. By embracing blockchain and NFT technology, WISe.ART ensures provenance, artist recognition, heritage preservation and secure, transparent transactions.

    WISe.ART platform leverages WISeKey’s strong cybersecurity expertise, digital identity technology. As a part of our mission to empower creators and collectors, the launch of the WISe.ART token marks a significant milestone in our journey. By creating a unique digital currency, we aim to foster an inclusive, engaging, and rewarding ecosystem that transcends traditional boundaries of the art world.

    Press and Investor Contacts

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd
    Company Contact:  Carlos Moreira
    Chairman & CEO
    Tel: +41 22 594 3000
    info@wisekey.com     		 WISeKey Investor Relations (US)
    Contact: The Equity Group Inc.

    Lena Cati
    Tel: +1 212 836-9611
    lcati@equityny.com

    Katie Murphy

    Tel: +1 212 836-9612 / kmurphy@equityny.com

    		 Gallery Re Source
    Véronika Saporta Tel: +41 78 227 32 70
    Stéphanie Jacob Tel: +41 76 508 03 99
    Instagram.com/lagalleryresource
    lagallery.ch
    info@lagallery.ch
    Gallery Re Source – rue Etienne-Dumont, 5 – 1204 Geneva, Switzerland

    Disclaimer
    This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hehe Culture ambassadors honored for promoting cultural exchange

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The 2024 Global Forum on Hehe Culture was held in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, on Saturday. 

    Essam Sharaf (C), former Egyptian prime minister and Orchid Awards recipient, Erik Solheim (R), former U.N. under-secretary-general, and Piet Steel (L), honorary chairman of the Europe-Asia Center and a member of the Board of Directors of Special Olympics, are honored ambassadors of Hehe Culture during a forum in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, on Nov. 2, 2024. [Photo/China.org.cn]
    To honor the contributions of those in promoting Chinese cultural values and facilitating cultural exchange, the forum’s organizing committee named three distinguished global figures as ambassadors of Hehe Culture. They were Essam Sharaf, former Egyptian prime minister and Orchid Awards recipient, Erik Solheim, former U.N. under-secretary-general, and Piet Steel, honorary chairman of the Europe-Asia Center and a member of the Board of Directors of the Special Olympics .
    Launched at the 2023 Global Forum on Hehe Culture, the Cultural Ambassadors of Hehe Culture program is a joint initiative by China International Communications Group, the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Zhejiang Provincial Committee, the CPC Taizhou Municipal Committee, and the Taizhou municipal government, as part of their efforts to implement the Global Civilization Initiative. Every year, the program honors individuals who champion Chinese traditional culture, foster cultural exchange, and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from President Joe  Biden on the Contract Between the International Association of Machinists and  Boeing

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    I congratulate the International Association of Machinists and Boeing for coming to an agreement that reflects the hard work and sacrifices of 33,000 Machinist workers. This contract provides a 38% wage increase over four years, improves workers’ ability to retire with dignity, and supports fairness at the workplace. This contract is also important for Boeing’s future as a critical part of America’s aerospace sector. And it was achieved with the support of my economic team, including Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su and National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard.
    Over the last four years, we’ve shown collective bargaining works. Good contracts benefit workers, businesses, and consumers—and are key to growing the American economy from the middle out and the bottom up.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Feel China’ cultural days open in Mongolia

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A series of cultural events promoting northern China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region officially kicked off in Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia, on Monday.

    The “Feel China” cultural days, co-organized by the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth of Mongolia, and the Information Office of the People’s Government of Inner Mongolia, aim to deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Mongolia, enhance their longstanding friendship, and celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

    The opening ceremony was attended by Jiang Xinhui, director of the Information Office of the People’s Government of Inner Mongolia, Zhang Muxing, acting ambassador and minister counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia, Adiyasuren Davaajargal, state secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth of Mongolia, as well as other officials and representatives from both countries.

    Davaajargal said he hopes that the series of events will further enhance cultural relations between China and Mongolia and promote cross-border tourism.

    Jiang said that, as a neighboring region, the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has leveraged its geographical proximity and cultural affinity to serve as a crucial bridge for cooperation between China and Mongolia across various fields, including economic and trade exchanges, cultural collaborations, medical and health care, and ecological conservation.

    “With our joint efforts, the ‘Feel China’ event has been successfully held in Mongolia for many consecutive years. We have consistently adhered to our mission of promoting people-to-people exchanges and strengthening friendship, allowing Mongolian friends to better understand China and Inner Mongolia,” he said.

    The five-day series of events includes Shaolin martial arts performances, the inauguration of a Chinese book reading classroom at a Mongolian university, free health check-ups, and screenings of Chinese movies on Mongolian television and in cinemas, among other activities.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New virtual project introduces a bee’s perspective

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    X Virtual Gathering: Honey, a new project of X Museum’s digital art platform X Virtual, was launched on Thursday in Beijing with an exhibition and a video game featuring commissions of multiple creatives from home and abroad.

    Upon entering the exhibition, visitors are first grabbed by the electronic music laced with a buzzing noise playing in the game, the interface of which is projected on the wall. They are invited to pick up the controller to start the game, becoming a bee busy gathering honey.

    As the worker bee, depicted in a futuristic, robotic and metallic style, flies through various apocalyptic landscapes, including a mysterious jungle and an erupting volcano, eight music pieces, which each represents a specific event, are triggered as it moves through different levels within the game, immersing the player in an adventure with a bee’s perspective.

    On view is also an installation by London-based artist Zhang Ling, better known as 00 Zhang, who designed the video game and its visual art. The audience can also enjoy the eight music works, individually displayed and each paired with a music video. Ranging from experimental electronic and dance music to free jazz and ambient, the intentionally diverse music tracks were composed by eight musicians, including 33EMYBW, Gooooose, Jana Rush, and Hyph11E.

    “As an abstract medium, music alters and challenges the participant’s senses, urging them to rethink ecological justice and species justice,” said Wu Dongxue, X Museum’s chief curator, who co-curated the show with 33EMYBW, a Shanghai-based producer and artist.

    According to the curators, this project explores the vast, interconnected world of bees and how it influences ideas around ecology, human civilization, and capitalism. It is an urgent response to crises such as resource depletion and a net loss of biodiversity that we humans are faced with, as well as the slowly widening division between civilization and nature through technological revolutions.

    “Once viewed with reverence, nature is now often exploited, stripped of its mystery and spirituality. Inorganic structures replace organic ones, pushing a capitalist narrative that centers on consumption and production,” Wu said.

    The game Honey will be available for download through X Museum’s online platform. At the end of 2024, the project will also release an eponymous vinyl record, which will be distributed globally.

    Launched by X Museum in 2019, X Virtual fosters new artistic 3D spaces within virtual worlds by commissioning artists to create new digital works and organizing online and offline exhibitions, workshops, and talks. X Virtual aims to promote new thoughts, discussions, and interdisciplinary practices in relation to emerging Web3-centered technologies, including XR, AI, and game engines.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Books explore ancient Greek influences on Asia and emerging Silk Road

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Some 2,100 to 1,800 years ago in what is today’s northwestern Pakistan, the Gandharan civilization produced sculptures of Buddha and other Buddhist figures with the features of Greek gods wrapped in aristocratic robes.

    The Gandhara art persisted until the 7th century and had some influence on the Buddhist sculptures seen in China and other East Asian countries.

    “The Buddhist art of Gandhara has amazed and puzzled modern observers since its rediscovery in the 19th century, for the artists of Gandhara … took imagery and styles that ultimately originated in ancient Greece, and they made them Buddhist and Asian, and thereby introduced them into the later traditions of Chinese Buddhist art,” says Peter Stewart, professor of ancient art and director of the Classical Art Research Centre at the University of Oxford.

    “They, and that story (of Gandhara), are emblematic of the fascinating filaments that run through all the periods and places explored in this publication,” Stewart says, speaking of the six-volume publication of From Mediterranean to the Yellow River: Hellenistic Civilization and the Silk Road, via video during the book’s signing ceremony for the production of an English version at this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair in October.

    Stewart is coeditor of the fourth volume, From Apollo to Buddha: Hellenistic Art and the Silk Road Arts, which deals with the dissemination and fusion of art, and which according to him, “traces Western classical art traditions from its Greek origins, looking at how it was disseminated and transformed in the Hellenistic world, how it became the heritage of the Roman Empire, and how it eventually became deeply embedded in the cultures of Central Asia and the steppe”.

    Stewart is among the 40-odd researchers and contributors from across the world, who spent almost 10 years finishing the interdisciplinary studies, which were published by the Zhonghua Book Company as a series of books containing around 1,500 pictures.

    “The project was vast, but at its heart was a simple proposition — that two distinct areas (the Hellenistic civilization and the Silk Road) of study were intimately connected and could usefully be researched and explained alongside each other,” Stewart says.

    “Hellenistic civilization and the Silk Road seem to be two unrelated research fields, but in fact, there is an intrinsic logical relationship between them,” says Yang Juping, the book’s chief editor and a leading professor of Hellenism at Nankai University.

    Yang says that the vast empire established by Alexander the Great, and the Hellenistic world he created that extended from the Mediterranean to Central Asia and the borders of India, laid the foundation for the opening of the Silk Road later on. Meanwhile, the ambitions of the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) rulers to manage the western regions of their territory and the “exploration” of Central Asia by Zhang Qian ushered in a new era of cultural exchange and mutual learning between the Chinese and Hellenistic civilizations.

    “The series is one of the first comprehensive studies of the relationship between the Hellenistic civilization and the Silk Road in China and abroad,” Yang says, adding that the perspective the book brings opens up a new field of research, and has allowed the voices of Chinese scholars to be heard on a global stage on matters that were little known or long disputed.

    Each volume has a specific theme, but they are interconnected, and examine the general picture, the historical background, the cities, the currencies and the economic overview of the two areas, along with the Hellenistic heritage in China and along the Silk Road.

    The publishing group Springer Nature will serve as an amplifier of these voices by bringing the series to a wider international audience with an English version.

    “Today, we are not just releasing a book series, but also launching a dialogue that spans continents and centuries,” says Niels Peter Thomas, Springer Nature’s managing director for books.

    Zhang Jihai, deputy editor-in-chief of the Zhonghua Book Company, believes that the series will provide valuable historical references for the Belt and Road Initiative, and be a delight to general readers, providing a glimpse of the overall picture of ancient cultural exchanges between China and the West.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Satellite payload items go on display

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Security Bureau, together with the disciplined services and auxiliary forces under its umbrella, will hold an exhibition to showcase the cultural and creative items carried by the Shijian-19 satellite during a recent mission.

    This six-day exhibition, due to commence tomorrow at the Space Museum foyer, aims to enhance citizens’ sense of national pride and deepen their understanding of the disciplined and auxiliary services.

    The items selected by the bureau include a national security-themed comic, a Security Bear plush toy, and promotional items featuring the cultural characteristics of Sha Tau Kok.

    Meanwhile, other items sent into space that were selected by the disciplined and auxiliary services comprise mascots of different services, samples of a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport and identity card, as well as departmental souvenirs.

    Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung earlier officiated at an unboxing ceremony, during which he presented the items and space payload certificates to the heads of the respective services.

    Apart from noting that the space programme involved China’s first reusable and returnable test satellite, which successfully accomplished its return mission, Mr Tang highlighted that the programme marks a significant breakthrough in aerospace technologies, demonstrating the nation’s remarkable progress in space exploration.

    The payloads also symbolised the spirit of the disciplined services in embracing the pursuit of dreams and innovation, he added.

    The Shijian-19 satellite was launched on September 27 and returned safely on October 11.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sun Dong begins Canada visit

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong began his visit to Toronto, Canada, by touring an innovation hub, the University of Toronto and a startup.

    In the morning of November 4, Prof Sun visited MaRS Discovery District and met its Chief Executive Officer Alison Nankivell to receive a briefing on the innovation hub’s successful experience in nurturing an innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem.

    Located close to major universities and hospitals in downtown Toronto, MaRS focuses on nourishing deep technology industries including clean technology and life science.

    It is also the largest urban innovation centre in North America, which supports 1,200 enterprises and renders direct assistance to enterprises, with a view to building communities of innovators and promoting the adoption of new solutions.

    Prof Sun then visited the University of Toronto and toured the Centre for Analytics & Artificial Intelligence Engineering of the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering.

    He met Faculty Dean Prof Christopher Yip and Acting Associate Vice-President International Partnerships Prof David Wolfe, and was briefed on the centre’s latest developments and research and development (R&D) achievements.

    The centre brings together universities and industries to translate the latest advances of artificial intelligence and data analytics into technologies in areas ranging from advanced manufacturing to human health.

    Its team also delivers ongoing guidance for advanced analytics projects in industry settings.

    Prof Sun encouraged the university to co-operate with universities in Hong Kong to participate in the InnoHK research clusters to strengthen global R&D collaboration.

    In the afternoon, the technology chief visited a startup that provides storage and delivery services in North America.

    Apart from adopting a smart platform that automatically processes orders and updates inventory levels in real time, the startup also utilises robotic shuttles to manage inventories automatically, thereby reducing the overall cost for logistics and delivery services.

    In the evening, Prof Sun attended a networking dinner organised by the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (Toronto Chapter), where he had an exchange with Hong Kong young people studying and working in Toronto to learn more about their studies and work life.

    Prof Sun shared with them Hong Kong’s efforts to develop as an international I&T centre and build an international hub for high-calibre talent.

    He noted that it is of paramount importance to enlarge the talent pool for Hong Kong’s I&T development, adding that the city is an ideal destination for young people to develop their careers.

    He also encouraged Hong Kong youngsters to seize the myriad opportunities.

    Prof Sun will proceed to Ottawa and continue his visit.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: International Petroleum Corporation Announces Third Quarter 2024 Financial and Operational Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Nov. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — International Petroleum Corporation (IPC or the Corporation) (TSX, Nasdaq Stockholm: IPCO) today released its financial and operational results and related management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.

    William Lundin, IPC’s President and Chief Executive Officer, comments: “We are pleased to announce another positive quarter of operational performance. IPC achieved average net daily production during the third quarter of 45,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), following planned maintenance shutdowns during the quarter. We also continue to purchase IPC common shares under the normal course issuer bid (NCIB). We have now almost completed the 2023/2024 NCIB, reducing the outstanding number of common shares by over 6% since the beginning of December 2023. We intend to seek Toronto Stock Exchange approval to renew the NCIB in December 2024. We are also pleased to report on the progress achieved at the Blackrod Phase 1 development in Canada, which remains on schedule and on budget.”

    Q3 2024 Business Highlights

    • Average net production of approximately 45,000 boepd for Q3 2024, in line with guidance (49% heavy crude oil, 17% light and medium crude oil and 34% natural gas).(1)
    • Successful completion of planned maintenance shutdowns at Onion Lake Thermal (OLT) in Canada and the Bertam field in Malaysia.
    • Drilling activity at the Suffield area in Canada continued with four wells drilled in Q3 2024 and completed by October 2024.
    • Development activities on Phase 1 of the Blackrod project continue to progress on schedule and on budget, with forecast first oil in late 2026.
    • 2.6 million IPC common shares purchased and cancelled during Q3 2024 under IPC’s normal course issuer bid (NCIB), on track to complete the 2023/2024 NCIB during November 2024.
    • IPC plans to seek Toronto Stock Exchange approval for the renewal of the NCIB in December 2024.

    Q3 2024 Financial Highlights

    • Operating costs per boe of USD 17.9 for Q3 2024, below guidance.(3)
    • Operating cash flow (OCF) and Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) of MUSD 73 and MUSD 68 respectively in line with guidance for Q3 2024.(3)
    • Capital and decommissioning expenditures of MUSD 102 for Q3 2024, in line with guidance.
    • Free cash flow (FCF) for Q3 2024 amounted to MUSD -38 (MUSD 44 pre-Blackrod Phase 1 project funding).(3)
    • Gross cash of MUSD 299 and net debt of MUSD 157 as at September 30, 2024.(3)
    • Net result of MUSD 23 for Q3 2024.

    Reserves and Resources

    • Total 2P reserves as at December 31, 2023 of 468 MMboe, with a reserves life index (RLI) of 27 years.(1)(2)
    • Contingent resources (best estimate, unrisked) as at December 31, 2023 of 1,145 MMboe.(1)(2)

    2024 Annual Guidance

    • Full year 2024 average net production guidance range maintained at 46,000 to 48,000 boepd.(1)
    • Full year 2024 operating costs guidance revised to below USD 18 per boe.(3)
    • Full year 2024 OCF guidance estimated at between MUSD 335 and 342, assuming Brent USD 70 to 80 per barrel for the remainder of 2024.(3)
    • Full year 2024 capital and decommissioning expenditures guidance forecast maintained at MUSD 437.
    • Full year 2024 FCF guidance estimated at between MUSD -140 and -133 (between MUSD 222 and 229 pre-Blackrod Phase 1 project funding), assuming Brent USD 70 to 80 per barrel for the remainder of 2024.(3)
      Three months ended
    September 30    		   Nine months ended
    September 30
    USD Thousands 2024   2023     2024   2023  
    Revenue 173,200   257,366     598,659   655,446  
    Gross profit 39,505   93,429     167,397   210,559  
    Net result 22,875   71,681     101,804   143,269  
    Operating cash flow (3) 72,589   119,142     263,831   279,414  
    Free cash flow (3) (38,269 ) 34,703     (74,021 ) 67,379  
    EBITDA (3) 68,313   123,054     259,304   284,334  
    Net cash/(debt) (3) (157,228 ) 83,097     (157,228 ) 83,097  
                       

    Oil prices softened in the third quarter with Brent prices averaging USD 80 per barrel compared with USD 85 per barrel in the second quarter. Volatility during the quarter was high with Brent prices ranging from USD 89 per barrel in July to USD 70 per barrel in September. Notwithstanding the volatility in prices, the crude market was in a deficit through the third quarter, aided by the proactive supply management by the OPEC+ group. The continued conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine led to increased oil prices, though these were partially offset by concerns over global oil demand growth, in particular consumer and industrial demand in China. Despite some of these negative factors, the physical market remains tight with OECD crude stock levels below the five-year average, with oil demand expected to be at an all-time high in 2024 and continue to grow in 2025. Approximately 50% of IPC’s forecast 2024 oil production is hedged at USD 80 per barrel WTI or USD 85 per barrel Dated Brent through to the end of 2024.

    The third quarter 2024 WTI to Western Canadian Select (WCS) price differentials averaged just under USD 14 per barrel, in line with the second quarter and approximately USD 5 per barrel lower than the first quarter differential average of USD 19 per barrel. The Trans Mountain expansion (TMX) pipeline continues to support tighter differentials with the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) now having excess spare pipeline capacity for the first time in more than a decade. Crude exports from the new TMX pipeline are flowing off the coast of British Columbia, with deliveries to the US West Coast and Asia creating new end destinations for Canadian heavy oil. Around 70% of our forecast 2024 Canadian WCS production volumes are hedged at a WTI/WCS differential of USD 15 per barrel.

    Natural gas prices in Canada remained suppressed in the third quarter, with AECO pricing averaging CAD 0.67 per Mcf during the period, compared to CAD 1.17 per Mcf average for the second quarter. This has led to some Canadian natural gas producers curtailing production as western Canada gas storage levels continue to sit above the five-year range. IPC implemented hedges during the third quarter for approximately 14,500 Mcf per day at CAD 1.57 per Mcf from August to year end 2024.

    Third Quarter 2024 Highlights and Full Year 2024 Guidance

    IPC delivered average daily production rates of 45,000 boepd for the third quarter. The average daily production for the first nine months of 2024 was 47,400 boepd and the full year Capital Markets Day (CMD) production guidance of 46,000 to 48,000 boepd is maintained. During the third quarter, planned maintenance shutdowns at the Onion Lake Thermal (OLT) asset in Canada and at the Bertam field in Malaysia were successfully completed. High uptimes were achieved across all major producing assets in our portfolio during the quarter and the business benefited from the oil wells drilled within our Southern Alberta assets and the new wells brought on stream from sustaining Pad L at the OLT asset.(1)

    Operating costs in the third quarter of 2024 were below forecast at USD 17.9 per boe. The lower costs were largely driven by lower energy input costs within our Canadian asset base. Full year 2024 operating costs guidance is revised to less than USD 18 per boe, below the CMD guidance range of USD 18 to 19 per boe.(3)

    Operating cash flow (OCF) for the third quarter of 2024 was USD 73 million in line with forecast. Full year 2024 OCF guidance is revised to USD 335 to 342 million (assuming Brent USD 70 to 80 per barrel for the remainder of 2024).(3)

    Capital and decommissioning expenditure for the third quarter was in line with plan at USD 102 million. Our full year 2024 capital and decommissioning expenditure guidance is unchanged at USD 437 million.

    Free cash flow (FCF) was USD -38 million (or USD 44 million pre-Blackrod Phase 1 development funding) during the third quarter of 2024. Full year 2024 FCF guidance is revised to USD -140 to -133 million (or USD 222 to 229 million pre-Blackrod Phase 1 development funding) assuming Brent USD 70 to 80 per barrel for the remainder of 2024.(3)

    Net debt was increased during the third quarter of 2024 by approximately USD 69 million to USD 157 million.(3) This is due to the growth capital expenditure at the Blackrod Phase 1 project and continued funding of the normal course issuer bid (NCIB) share repurchase program. The gross cash position as at September 30, 2024 was USD 299 million. In the third quarter, IPC enhanced its financing position by entering into a letter of credit facility in Canada to cover all of its existing operational letters of credit, giving full availability under IPC’s undrawn CAD 180 million Revolving Credit Facility.

    With a robust balance sheet and strong cashflow generation from the producing assets, IPC is strongly positioned to deliver on our three strategic pillars of organic growth, shareholder returns and pursue value-adding M&A.

    Blackrod Phase 1 Project

    The Blackrod asset is 100% owned by IPC and hosts the largest booked reserves and contingent resources within the IPC portfolio. After more than a decade of pilot operations, subsurface delineation and commercial engineering studies, IPC sanctioned the Phase 1 development in the first quarter of 2023. The Phase 1 development targets 218 MMboe of 2P reserves, with a multi-year forecast capital expenditure of USD 850 million to first oil planned in late 2026. The Phase 1 development is planned for plateau production of 30,000 bopd which is expected by early 2028.(1)(2)

    2024 marks a peak investment year at the Blackrod Phase 1 project for IPC, with USD 362 million planned to be spent in the year. Project progress has advanced according to plan, with approximately USD 245 million spent through the first nine months of 2024. All major third-party contracts have been executed, including but not limited to, the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) agreements for the central processing facility (CPF) and well pad facilities, midstream agreements for the input fuel gas, diluent and oil blend pipelines, and drilling rig and stakeholder agreements. All major long lead items have been procured and pre-operations onboarding continues as the asset undergoes rapid change from a pilot steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) operation to a commercial SAGD operation. IPC’s core operational philosophy is to responsibly develop and commission projects with the staff that are going to manage and operate the asset to ensure the seamless transition from development to operations.

    As at the end of the third quarter of 2024, over half of the Blackrod Phase 1 development capital had been spent since the project sanction in early 2023. All major work streams are progressing as planned and the focus continues to be on executing the detailed sequencing of events as facility modules are safely delivered and installed at site. The total Phase 1 project guidance of USD 850 million capital expenditure to first oil in late 2026 is unchanged. IPC intends to fund the remaining Blackrod Phase 1 development costs with forecast cash flow generated by its operations and cash on hand.

    Stakeholder Returns: Normal Course Issuer Bid

    Under the current 2023/2024 NCIB, IPC has the ability to repurchase up to approximately 8.3 million common shares over the period of December 5, 2023 to December 4, 2024. IPC repurchased and cancelled approximately 7.5 million common shares up to the end of September 2024. The average price of common shares purchased under the 2023/2024 NCIB was SEK 132 / CAD 17 per share. IPC expects to complete the 2023/2024 NCIB during November 2024, resulting in the cancellation of 6.5% of the total number of common shares outstanding as at the beginning of December 2023.

    As at September 30, 2024, IPC had a total of 120,751,038 common shares issued and outstanding and IPC held 30,000 common shares in treasury. As at October 31, 2024, IPC had a total of 120,244,638 common shares issued and outstanding and IPC held 44,400 common shares in treasury.

    The IPC Board of Directors has approved, subject to acceptance by the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), the renewal of IPC’s NCIB for a further twelve months from December 2024 to December 2025. We expect that the 2024/2025 NCIB will permit IPC to purchase on the TSX and/or Nasdaq Stockholm, and cancel, up to a further approximately 7.5 million common shares, representing approximately 6.2% of the total outstanding common shares (or 10% of IPC’s “public float” under applicable TSX rules) following completion of the current 2023/2024 NCIB. IPC continues to believe that reducing the number of common shares outstanding while in parallel investing in material production growth at the Blackrod project will prove to be a winning formula for our stakeholders.

    Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Performance

    As part of IPC’s commitment to operational excellence and responsible development, its objective is to reduce risk and eliminate hazards to prevent occurrence of accidents, ill health, and environmental damage, as these are essential to the success of our business operations. During the third quarter of 2024, IPC recorded no material safety or environmental incidents.

    As previously announced, IPC targets a reduction of our net GHG emissions intensity by the end of 2025 to 50% of IPC’s 2019 baseline and IPC remains on track to achieve this reduction. During the first quarter of 2024, IPC announced the commitment to remain at end 2025 levels of 20 kg CO2/boe through to the end of 2028.(4)

    Notes:

    (1) See “Supplemental Information regarding Product Types” in “Reserves and Resources Advisory” below. See also the annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2023 (AIF) available on IPC’s website at www.international-petroleum.com and under IPC’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
    (2) See “Reserves and Resources Advisory“ below. Further information with respect to IPC’s reserves, contingent resources and estimates of future net revenue, including assumptions relating to the calculation of NPV, are described in the AIF.
    (3) Non-IFRS measures, see “Non-IFRS Measures” below and in the MD&A.
    (4) Emissions intensity is the ratio between oil and gas production and the associated carbon emissions, and net emissions intensity reflects gross emissions less operational emission reductions and carbon offsets.

    International Petroleum Corp. (IPC) is an international oil and gas exploration and production company with a high quality portfolio of assets located in Canada, Malaysia and France, providing a solid foundation for organic and inorganic growth. IPC is a member of the Lundin Group of Companies. IPC is incorporated in Canada and IPC’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange under the symbol “IPCO”.

    For further information, please contact:

    Rebecca Gordon
    SVP Corporate Planning and Investor Relations
    rebecca.gordon@international-petroleum.com
    Tel: +41 22 595 10 50    		       Or       Robert Eriksson
    Media Manager
    reriksson@rive6.ch
    Tel: +46 701 11 26 15
             

    This information is information that International Petroleum Corporation is required to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Securities Markets Act. The information was submitted for publication, through the contact persons set out above, at 07:30 CET on November 5, 2024. The Corporation’s unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements (Financial Statements) and management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 have been filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and are also available on the Corporation’s website (www.international-petroleum.com).

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains statements and information which constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable securities legislation). Such statements and information (together, “forward-looking statements”) relate to future events, including the Corporation’s future performance, business prospects or opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, unless otherwise indicated. IPC does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.

    All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, forecasts, guidance, budgets, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “forecast”, “predict”, “potential”, “targeting”, “intend”, “could”, “might”, “should”, “believe”, “budget” and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be “forward-looking statements”.

    Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to:

    • 2024 production ranges (including total daily average production), production composition, cash flows, operating costs and capital and decommissioning expenditure estimates;
    • Estimates of future production, cash flows, operating costs and capital expenditures that are based on IPC’s current business plans and assumptions regarding the business environment, which are subject to change;
    • IPC’s financial and operational flexibility to continue to react to recent events and navigate the Corporation through periods of volatile commodity prices;
    • The ability to fully fund future expenditures from cash flows and current borrowing capacity;
    • IPC’s intention and ability to continue to implement strategies to build long-term shareholder value;
    • The ability of IPC’s portfolio of assets to provide a solid foundation for organic and inorganic growth;
    • The continued facility uptime and reservoir performance in IPC’s areas of operation;
    • Development of the Blackrod project in Canada, including estimates of resource volumes, future production, timing, regulatory approvals, third party commercial arrangements, breakeven prices and net present value;
    • Current and future production performance, operations and development potential of the Onion Lake Thermal, Suffield, Brooks, Ferguson and Mooney operations, including the timing and success of future oil and gas drilling and optimization programs;
    • The potential improvement in the Canadian oil egress situation and IPC’s ability to benefit from any such improvements;
    • The ability to maintain current and forecast production in France and Malaysia;
    • The intention and ability of IPC to acquire further common shares under the NCIB, including the timing of any such purchases;
    • The ability of IPC to renew the NCIB and the number of common shares which may be purchased under a renewed NCIB;
    • The return of value to IPC’s shareholders as a result of the NCIB;
    • The ability of IPC to implement further shareholder distributions in addition to the NCIB;
    • IPC’s ability to implement its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity and climate strategies and to achieve its net GHG emissions intensity reduction targets;
    • IPC’s ability to implement projects to reduce net emissions intensity, including potential carbon capture and storage;
    • Estimates of reserves and contingent resources;
    • The ability to generate free cash flows and use that cash to repay debt;
    • IPC’s continued access to its existing credit facilities, including current financial headroom, on terms acceptable to the Corporation;
    • IPC’s ability to maintain operations, production and business in light of any future pandemics and the restrictions and disruptions related thereto, including risks related to production delays and interruptions, changes in laws and regulations and reliance on third-party operators and infrastructure;
    • IPC’s ability to identify and complete future acquisitions;
    • Expectations regarding the oil and gas industry in Canada, Malaysia and France, including assumptions regarding future royalty rates, regulatory approvals, legislative changes, and ongoing projects and their expected completion; and
    • Future drilling and other exploration and development activities.

    Statements relating to “reserves” and “contingent resources” are also deemed to be forward-looking statements, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves and resources described exist in the quantities predicted or estimated and that the reserves and resources can be profitably produced in the future. Ultimate recovery of reserves or resources is based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.

    Although IPC believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because IPC can give no assurances that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks.

    These include, but are not limited to general global economic, market and business conditions; the risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general such as operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to reserves, resources, production, revenues, costs and expenses; health, safety and environmental risks; commodity price fluctuations; interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations; marketing and transportation; loss of markets; environmental and climate-related risks; competition; innovation and cybersecurity risks related to our systems, including our costs of addressing or mitigating such risks; the ability to attract, engage and retain skilled employees; incorrect assessment of the value of acquisitions; failure to complete or realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions or dispositions; the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; failure to obtain required regulatory and other approvals; geopolitical conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia and the conflict in the Middle East, and their potential impact on, among other things, global market conditions; and changes in legislation, including but not limited to tax laws, royalties, environmental and abandonment regulations.

    Additional information on these and other factors that could affect IPC, or its operations or financial results, are included in the MD&A (See “Risk Factors”, “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” and “Reserves and Resources Advisory” therein), the Corporation’s Annual Information Form (AIF) for the year ended December 31, 2023, (See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information”, “Reserves and Resources Advisory” and “Risk Factors”) and other reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including previous financial reports, management’s discussion and analysis and material change reports, which may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca) or IPC’s website (www.international-petroleum.com).

    Management of IPC approved the production, operating costs, operating cash flow, capital and decommissioning expenditures and free cash flow guidance and estimates contained herein as of the date of this press release. The purpose of these guidance and estimates is to assist readers in understanding IPC’s expected and targeted financial results, and this information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

    Non-IFRS Measures
    References are made in this press release to “operating cash flow” (OCF), “free cash flow” (FCF), “Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization” (EBITDA), “operating costs” and “net debt”/”net cash”, which are not generally accepted accounting measures under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable with similar measures presented by other public companies. Non-IFRS measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS.

    The definition of each non-IFRS measure is presented in IPC’s MD&A (See “Non-IFRS Measures” therein).

    Operating cash flow
    The following table sets out how operating cash flow is calculated from figures shown in the Financial Statements:

      Three months ended September 30   Nine months ended September 30
    USD Thousands 2024   2023     2024   2023  
    Revenue 173,200   257,366     598,659   655,446  
    Production costs (100,984 ) (130,765 )   (328,110 ) (364,889 )
    Current tax 373   (7,459 )   (6,718 ) (16,045 )
    Operating cash flow 72,589   119,142     263,831   274,512  
                       

    The operating cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 including the operating cash flow contribution of the Brooks assets acquisition from the effective date of January 1, 2023 to the completion date of March 3, 2023 amounted to USD 279,414 thousand.

    Free cash flow
    The following table sets out how free cash flow is calculated from figures shown in the Financial Statements:

      Three months ended September 30   Nine months ended September 30
    USD Thousands 2024   2023     2024   2023  
    Operating cash flow – see above 72,589   119,142     263,831   274,512  
    Capital expenditures (99,100 ) (76,844 )   (308,457 ) (183,904 )
    Abandonment and farm-in expenditures1 (2,575 ) (2,755 )   (4,938 ) (7,683 )
    General, administration and depreciation expenses before depreciation2 (3,903 ) (3,547 )   (11,245 ) (11,124 )
    Cash financial items3 (5,280 ) (1,293 )   (13,212 ) (3,593 )
    Free cash flow (38,269 ) 34,703     (74,021 ) 68,208  

    1 See note 16 to the Financial Statements
    2 Depreciation is not specifically disclosed in the Financial Statements
    3 See notes 4 and 5 to the Financial Statements

    The free cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 including the free cash flow contribution of the Brooks assets acquisition from the effective date of January 1, 2023 to the completion date of March 3, 2023 amounted to USD 67,379 thousand.

    EBITDA
    The following table sets out the reconciliation from net result from the consolidated statement of operations to EBITDA:

      Three months ended September 30   Nine months ended September 30
    USD Thousands 2024   2023     2024   2023  
    Net result 22,875   71,681     101,804   143,269  
    Net financial items 4,124   4,257     23,942   16,227  
    Income tax 8,257   25,451     29,473   50,671  
    Depletion and decommissioning costs 30,491   31,687     96,305   71,488  
    Depreciation of other tangible fixed assets 2,023   1,509     6,503   6,503  
    Exploration and business development costs 197   (24 )   344   2,007  
    Depreciation included in general, administration and depreciation expenses 1 346   405     933   1,180  
    Sale of Assets –   (11,912 )   –   (11,912 )
    EBITDA 68,313   123,054     259,304   279,433  

    1 Item is not shown in the Financial Statements

    The EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 including the EBITDA contribution of the Brooks assets acquisition from the effective date of January 1, 2023 to the completion date of March 3, 2023 amounted to USD 284,334 thousand.

    Operating costs
    The following table sets out how operating costs is calculated:

      Three months ended September 30   Nine months ended September 30
    USD Thousands 2024   2023     2024   2023  
    Production costs 100,984   130,765     328,110   364,889  
    Cost of blending (29,818 ) (39,836 )   (116,699 ) (128,523 )
    Change in inventory position 2,755   (8,067 )   3,160   2,228  
    Operating costs 73,921   82,862     214,571   238,594  

    The operating costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 including the operating costs contribution of the Brooks assets acquisition from the effective date of January 1, 2023 to the completion date of March 3, 2023 amounted to USD 245,395 thousand.

    Net cash/(debt)
    The following table sets out how net cash/(debt) is calculated:

    USD Thousands September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023  
    Bank loans (6,431 ) (9,031 )
    Bonds1 (450,000 ) (450,000 )
    Cash and cash equivalents 299,203   517,074  
    Net cash/(debt) (157,228 ) 58,043  

    1 The bond amount represents the redeemable value at maturity (February 2027).

    Reserves and Resources Advisory
    This press release contains references to estimates of gross and net reserves and resources attributed to the Corporation’s oil and gas assets. For additional information with respect to such reserves and resources, refer to “Reserves and Resources Advisory” in the MD&A. Light, medium and heavy crude oil reserves/resources disclosed in this press release include solution gas and other by-products. Also see “Supplemental Information regarding Product Types” below.

    Reserve estimates, contingent resource estimates and estimates of future net revenue in respect of IPC’s oil and gas assets in Canada are effective as of December 31, 2023, and are included in the reports prepared by Sproule Associates Limited (Sproule), an independent qualified reserves evaluator, in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (NI 51-101) and the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (the COGE Handbook) and using Sproule’s December 31, 2023 price forecasts.

    Reserve estimates, contingent resource estimates and estimates of future net revenue in respect of IPC’s oil and gas assets in France and Malaysia are effective as of December 31, 2023, and are included in the report prepared by ERC Equipoise Ltd. (ERCE), an independent qualified reserves auditor, in accordance with NI 51-101 and the COGE Handbook, and using Sproule’s December 31, 2023 price forecasts.

    The price forecasts used in the Sproule and ERCE reports are available on the website of Sproule (sproule.com) and are contained in the AIF. These price forecasts are as at December 31, 2023 and may not be reflective of current and future forecast commodity prices.

    The reserve life index (RLI) is calculated by dividing the 2P reserves of 468 MMboe as at December 31, 2023 by the mid-point of the 2024 CMD production guidance of 46,000 to 48,000 boepd.

    IPC uses the industry-accepted standard conversion of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil (6 Mcf = 1 bbl). A BOE conversion ratio of 6:1 is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. As the value ratio between natural gas and crude oil based on the current prices of natural gas and crude oil is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a 6:1 conversion basis may be misleading as an indication of value.

    Supplemental Information regarding Product Types

    The following table is intended to provide supplemental information about the product type composition of IPC’s net average daily production figures provided in this press release:

      Heavy Crude Oil
    (Mbopd)    		 Light and Medium Crude Oil (Mbopd) Conventional Natural Gas (per day) Total
    (Mboepd)
    Three months ended        
    September 30, 2024 21.9 7.8 91.9 MMcf
    (15.3 Mboe)    		 45.0
    September 30, 2023 25.8 7.1 103.4 MMcf
    (17.3 Mboe)    		 50.2
    Nine months ended        
    September 30, 2024 23.7 7.9 94.8 MMcf
    (15.8 Mboe)    		 47.4
    September 30, 2023 25.9 8.6 102.4 MMcf
    (17.1 Mboe)    		 51.6
    Year ended        
    December 31, 2023 25.8 8.1 102.8 MMcf
    (17.1 Mboe)    		 51.1
             

    This press release also makes reference to IPC’s forecast total average daily production of 46,000 to 48,000 boepd for 2024. IPC estimates that approximately 50% of that production will be comprised of heavy oil, approximately 16% will be comprised of light and medium crude oil and approximately 34% will be comprised of conventional natural gas.

    Currency
    All dollar amounts in this press release are expressed in United States dollars, except where otherwise noted. References herein to USD mean United States dollars and to MUSD mean millions of United States dollars. References herein to CAD mean Canadian dollars.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sampo plc’s share buybacks 4 November 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Sampo plc, stock exchange release, 5 November 2024 at 8:30 am EET

    Sampo plc’s share buybacks 4 November 2024

    On 4 November 2024, Sampo plc (business code 0142213-3, LEI 743700UF3RL386WIDA22) has acquired its own A shares (ISIN code FI4000552500) as follows:                

    Sampo plc’s share buybacks Aggregated daily volume (in number of shares) Daily weighted average price of the purchased shares* Market (MIC Code)
      3,246 41.34 AQEU        
      37,786 41.36 CEUX
      1,804 41.33 TQEX
      48,472 41.35 XHEL
    TOTAL 91,308 41.35  

    *rounded to two decimals                

    On 17 June 2024, Sampo announced a share buyback programme of up to a maximum of EUR 400 million in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052. On 16 September 2024, the Board of Directors of Sampo plc resolved to increase the share buyback programme to EUR 475 million. The programme, which started on 18 June 2024, is based on the authorisation granted by Sampo’s Annual General Meeting on 25 April 2024.

    After the disclosed transactions, the company owns in total 9,963,604 Sampo A shares representing 1.81 per cent of the total number of shares in Sampo plc, taking the issuance of shares on 16 September 2024 into account.

    Details of each transaction are included as an appendix of this announcement.

    On behalf of Sampo plc,
    Morgan Stanley

    For further information, please contact:

    Sami Taipalus
    Head of Investor Relations
    tel. +358 10 516 0030

    Distribution:
    Nasdaq Helsinki
    Nasdaq Stockholm
    Nasdaq Copenhagen
    London Stock Exchange
    The principal media
    FIN-FSA
    DEN-FSA
    www.sampo.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN visits the Royal Thai Police

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today visited the Royal Thai Police as part of his working visit to Thailand, where he met with high-ranking officials led by Acting Deputy Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police, Pol Lt Gen Prachuap Wongsuk, to discuss the current trends and challenges of transnational crime in Thailand and its contribution to regional efforts undertaken by the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) in addressing these threats. Dr. Kao commended Thailand’s proactive role as the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) Voluntary Lead Shepherd for illicit drug trafficking and illicit trafficking of wildlife and timber (ITWT) priority areas. Both sides also exchanged views on the rising threats of cybercrime, among others.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN visits the Royal Thai Police appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s video message to COP29 Religious Leaders’ Summit

    Source: United Nations – English

    strong>Download the video: https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+1+Nov+24/3298308_MSG+SG+COP29+RELIGIOUS+LEADERS+SUMMIT+01+NOV+24.mp4

    Excellencies, dear friends,

    I want to thank you for coming together across faiths to help push for a successful outcome at COP29 in Baku.

    Our climate is in crisis — extreme temperatures, raging fires, droughts, and epic floods.

    No country is spared.

    And the poorest and most vulnerable are hardest hit.

    As faith leaders, your voices are essential to drive climate action and climate justice. 

    Action to ensure countries produce — by next year — new national climate action plans aligned with the imperative to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.

    And justice so all countries have the resources to adapt to our changing planet and can transition — fast and fairly — to a sustainable and renewable future.

    This includes a much stronger flow of financial resources to developing countries, and a well-funded Loss and Damage Fund that supports those hardest hit by disasters.

    By standing together, you’re standing up for the future of the world we share.

    Thank you for being part of this vital effort for people and planet.
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s message on World Tsunami Awareness Day [scroll down for French version]

    Source: United Nations – English

    his year marks the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami – one of the deadliest disasters in recent history.  More than 230,000 people lost their lives.   

    On this World Tsunami Awareness Day, we honour the victims and recommit to protecting the 700 million people around the world who are at risk from tsunamis.

    The best way to do so is by all partners delivering on the United Nations Early Warnings for All initiative that helps ensure every person on Earth is alerted when tsunamis and other disasters are on the way.

    Education is vital to saving lives, and as this year’s theme reminds us, the participation of children and young people is critical. I urge governments and partners in coastal communities to raise awareness, so children and young people know how and where to evacuate to higher ground.

    Together, let’s ensure people’s futures are not swept away by tsunamis.  Let’s build resilience – now. 

    ***

    Cette année marque le vingtième anniversaire du tsunami survenu dans l’océan Indien, l’une des catastrophes les plus meurtrières de l’histoire récente, qui a coûté la vie à plus de 230 000 personnes.

    En cette Journée mondiale de sensibilisation aux tsunamis, nous honorons la mémoire des victimes et nous renouvelons notre engagement à protéger les 700 millions de personnes dans le monde qui sont menacées par les tsunamis.

    Le meilleur moyen d’y parvenir est que tous les partenaires mettent en œuvre l’initiative « Alertes précoces pour tous » des Nations Unies, qui permet d’alerter chaque personne sur Terre à l’approche de tsunamis ou d’autres catastrophes.

    L’éducation est essentielle pour sauver des vies et, comme le rappelle le thème de cette année, la participation des enfants et des jeunes est cruciale. J’invite les gouvernements et les partenaires dans les zones côtières à sensibiliser les populations, afin que les enfants et les jeunes sachent comment procéder, en cas d’évacuation, pour regagner des zones plus élevées.

    Ensemble, agissons pour que l’avenir de nos semblables ne soit pas balayé par les tsunamis. Renforçons la résilience, maintenant !
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: DUBOIS ROAD, WUDINNA (Grass Fire)

    Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia

    WUDINNA

    Pinkawillinie fire

    Issued for north of WUDINNA.

    The CFS is responding to a bushfire near Wudinna in the Pinkawillinie Conservation Park on the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia.

    CFS and Department for Environment and Water (DEW) firefighters are currently working in difficult terrain contain this fire and will remain on scene for some time. Observational aircraft have assisted with monitoring the spread of this fire.

    Smoke from the fire can be seen overhead and smoke may be impacting other roads in the area, and visibility may be reduced.

    This fire is believed to be caused by the lightning event which has caused a number of fires across the district. If you spot an unattended fire please report it to 000.

    Message ID 0007832

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Atos signs binding agreement to sell Worldgrid to ALTEN for an enterprise value of €270 million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Atos signs binding agreement to sell Worldgrid to ALTEN for an enterprise value of €270 million

    Paris, France – November 5, 2024 – Following its press release dated June 11, 2024, Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, high-performance computing and information technology infrastructure, today announces that it has signed a Share & Asset Purchase Agreement with ALTEN SA (“ALTEN”) for the sale of its Worldgrid business unit for an enterprise value of €270 million.

    Worldgrid provides consulting and engineering services to energy and utility companies. The business currently employs close to 1,100 employees and, in 2023, it generated revenue of circa €170 million from a diverse and longstanding client base.

    ALTEN is a well-recognized IT and engineering player with expertise and product offerings in the energy and utilities industry. The contemplated transaction would ensure full continuity of service for Worldgrid’s strategic clients and employees.

    Relevant social processes with employee representative bodies are completed and approvals from regulators have been received. The transaction is expected to close before the end of 2024.

    ***

    About Atos

    Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with circa 82,000 employees and annual revenue of circa €10 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 69 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Contacts

    Investor relations:
    David Pierre-Kahn | investors@atos.net | +33 6 28 51 45 96
    Sofiane El Amri | investors@atos.net | +33 6 29 34 85 67

    Individual shareholders: 0805 65 00 75

    Press contact: globalprteam@atos.net

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: US election day voting begins with first ballots cast in New Hampshire

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Voters in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, went to the polls early Tuesday morning, marking the official start of Election Day voting for the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

    Six registered voters of the tiny town in northeastern United States cast their ballots at midnight, following a tradition that dates back decades ago.

    Amid heightened security for fears of violence and chaos, the vast majority of polling stations across the country open on Tuesday morning and will remain open until the evening.

    Prior to this, tens of millions of voters across the country have already cast their ballots early, either by voting in person at polling stations or by mail. According to data from the University of Florida’s Election Lab, as of Monday night, more than 82 million voters had already cast their ballots.

    This election is widely regarded as one of the most divisive in American history. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump have repeatedly warned against potentially catastrophic consequences inflicted on the country if the other is elected. Voters hold vastly different views on key issues such as the economy, immigration, and abortion rights.

    According to an annual survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, 77 percent of U.S. adults said the future of the nation was a significant source of stress in their lives. Additionally, 74 percent said they were worried that the election results could lead to violence.

    “I would hope that whoever wins the presidential election will handle it gracefully, and whoever doesn’t win, likewise, will handle it gracefully,” Annmarie Pintal, one of the just six voters registered to vote in Dixville Notch, told Xinhua.

    “We need unity. We need to come together on the common ground, and, be willing to set aside our differences,” said Scott Maxwell, another voter in the small town. 

    MIL OSI China News –