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  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers pre-recorded remarks at the 2nd China-ASEAN International Conference on Physical Fitness & Health Promotion

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn today delivered pre-recorded remarks at the 2nd China-ASEAN International Conference on Physical Fitness and Health Promotion, held in Xi’an, China. In his remarks, Dr. Kao highlighted the importance of addressing aging population challenges and integrating innovative health technologies for overall wellness. The convening of the conference helps foster regional collaboration in improving health and wellness in communities across ASEAN and China.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers pre-recorded remarks at the 2nd China-ASEAN International Conference on Physical Fitness & Health Promotion appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi encourages Red Cross Society of China to enhance humanitarian services

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    President Xi Jinping has encouraged the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) to focus on high-quality development and further improve its capability in providing humanitarian services.
    Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a letter to the RCSC on the occasion of its 12th general congress, which opened in Beijing on Wednesday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKMA and HKAB support ICAC’s launching of Banking Industry Integrity Charter

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

         The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) fully support the Banking Industry Integrity Charter (Integrity Charter) introduced by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). The two organisations co-hosted today (October 9) a launching ceremony for the Integrity Charter together with the ICAC. Senior management from 30 banks, including those from major retail banks and private wealth management banks in Hong Kong, attended the ceremony. Representatives of the Chinese Banking Association of Hong Kong and the Private Wealth Management Association also attended the event (see Annex).
          
         The HKMA has long been encouraging banks to further their work in integrity building. The ICAC launched the Integrity Charter to create a platform for communication through public-private partnership, helping banks to implement effective integrity management and anti-corruption measures. The ICAC will provide anti-corruption recommendations tailored for the banking industry, share anti-corruption cases with the industry, and arrange regular thematic training for banks to further support the industry’s efforts in integrity building and promoting honest and responsible business practices. Banks participating in the Integrity Charter will commit to further strengthening their internal anti-corruption capabilities and promoting an integrity culture among their business partners.
          
         The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue; the Commissioner of the ICAC, Mr Woo Ying-ming; and the Chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Banks, Ms Luanne Lim, officiated at the ceremony to mark the launch of the Integrity Charter. During the event, the ICAC also showcased for the first time the logo specially designed for the Integrity Charter.
          
         In his welcome remarks, Mr Yue said, “Customer trust is an important pillar for the sustainable development of the banking industry. The professionalism and ethical conduct of banks and their frontline staff are key to building customer trust. The launch of the Integrity Charter by the ICAC is conducive to maintaining the stability of the Hong Kong banking system, and also helps to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre. It provides strong support for the Hong Kong banking industry to develop new markets, including the Middle East and Southeast Asia.”
          
         Mr Woo said in his welcome remarks, “Hong Kong is widely recognised as one of the most corruption-free places in the world and its financial sector is vibrant and thriving. The Integrity Charter combines the two advantages of Hong Kong – integrity and finance – underlining the banking industry’s commitment to integrity and enhancing its anti-corruption capabilities, to maintain and develop Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre.”
          
         Ms Lim said, “The Integrity Charter will help the public better understand banks’ determination to maintain a clean society and combat corruption collectively.” She encouraged members of the association to participate in the Integrity Charter.
          
         For further information about the Integrity Charter, please visit the webpage of the ICAC’s Corruption Prevention Advisory Service at cpas.icac.hk/EN/Info/TP_Library?cate_id=10046.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 19th Meeting of Hong Kong/Guangdong Expert Group on Co-operation in Informatisation held in Guangzhou

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Hong Kong/Guangdong Expert Group on Co-operation in Informatisation convened its 19th meeting in Guangzhou today (October 9) to deepen sustained co-operation in informatisation between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Guangdong Province.

         The Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Tony Wong, and the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangdong Province (GDDIIT), Mr Qu Xiaojie, reviewed the work progress and achievements of the Expert Group over the past year. They discussed and exchanged views on the work plan in the coming year, and agreed to continue strengthening co-operation in five areas of informatisation:

    1. accelerating development of a Guangdong-Hong Kong smart city cluster;
    2. deepening collaboration on cross-boundary e-commerce between Hong Kong and Guangdong;
    3. enhancing informatisation for cross-boundary customs clearance;
    4. continuing to deepen the innovation and technology (I&T) co-operation; and
    5. expediting co-operation in telecommunications business and infrastructure between Hong Kong and Guangdong.

         Mr Wong said in the meeting that “Guangdong’s Research Report on Development of New Quality Productive Forces 2023” revealed that Guangdong has established significant competitive advantages in three major sectors including artificial intelligence (AI), high-end manufacturing, and biomedicine. This resonated well with the emphasis of the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint that Hong Kong should focus on the development of I&T industries of strategic importance such as life and health technology, AI and data science, as well as advanced manufacturing and new energy technology industries. He hoped that the Digital Policy Office (DPO) and the GDDIIT could jointly explore avenues for promoting collaboration in the development of AI and digital industries between the two places.

         Officials from relevant departments, including the DPO, the Office of the Communications Authority, the Innovation and Technology Commission, the Marine Department, and Hong Kong Customs attended the meeting on behalf of the HKSAR Government. Mainland representatives who attended the meeting included officials from the GDDIIT, the Guangdong Provincial Administration of Government Service and Data, the Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province, the Radio and Television Administration of Guangdong Province, the Guangdong Communications Administration, the Guangdong Sub-Administration of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China, the Department of Transport of Guangdong Province, the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province, the Guangdong Provincial Development and Reform Commission, and the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee. Members of the HKSAR delegation also comprised representatives from research institutions and industry organisations, including the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute, the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre, the Cyberport, and GS1 Hong Kong.

         With the arrangement of the GDDIIT, the Hong Kong delegation visited the Guangzhou Digital Technology Group after the meeting to learn more about the enterprise’s developments on AI, smart city solutions and its exploration of data elements.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Refugees in east Africa suffer from high levels of depression, making it harder to rebuild lives – new study

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Olivier Sterck, Senior Research Officer, University of Oxford

    By the end of 2023, more than 100 million people globally had been forced to flee their homes due to war, violence, fear of persecution, and human rights violations.

    The majority are hosted in low- and middle-income countries, where many live in overcrowded camps or urban settlements, with limited access to food, employment and essential services. Many endure traumatic experiences not only before their displacement but also during and after it. They face armed conflict, marginalisation and poverty at every stage of their journey.

    These experiences may increase the likelihood of developing mental health disorders, which can persist years after displacement. This makes it harder for refugees to earn a living and integrate into society.

    As World Health Organization (WHO) director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at the 2019 Global Refugee Forum:

    It’s a hidden epidemic and a silent killer. News reports show us the devastation of war. They show us refugees on the move, refugees in cities and refugees in large camps. But they don’t show us inside the minds of the people and how it affects their lives … Wounds heal. Homes are rebuilt. News cycles move on. But the psychosocial scars often go unnoticed and untreated for years.

    Despite this recognition, there are gaps in what’s known about the mental health of refugees.

    Most studies focus on refugees hosted in high-income countries, even though 75% of refugees live in low- and middle-income countries.

    We conducted a multi-country survey of 16,000 refugees and host community members in cities and camps across Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia. At the time of our research (between 2016 and 2018), these three countries hosted around 40% of Africa’s refugees – about 1.8 million people. The survey included Congolese and Somali refugees across most sites, as well as South Sudanese refugees in the Kenyan camps.

    Our study found that refugees in east Africa experienced higher rates of depression (31%) and functional impairment (62%) compared to the host population (10% and 25%, respectively).

    Prevalence was even higher among those exposed to violence and extended periods of displacement. They also faced greater economic hardship, such as higher unemployment, lower wages and poor diets.

    Our findings highlight the profound impact of mental health on refugees’ ability to rebuild their lives. It highlights the urgent need for targeted screening and evidence-based treatments to prevent a vicious cycle of mental disorders, economic hardship and poor social integration.

    What we studied

    Our study had three main goals.

    First, we wanted to see how common depression was among different refugee groups and how it compared to the local host communities. We measured depressive symptoms using a questionnaire that could evaluate moderate to severe depression. We also measured how well people were able to carry out daily activities, such as moving around, completing tasks and participating in community life – abilities that are often affected by depression.

    Second, we wanted to understand how past experiences of violence – before refugees fled their home countries – affected their mental health. This used event data which tracked violent events in refugees’ home districts during the three years before they fled and a subjective, self-reported measure of violence experiences. This allowed us to study the correlation between exposure to violence and depressive symptoms.

    And third, we explored the hidden toll depression takes across different life domains, including employment, health and overall well-being.

    High levels of depression

    The study found that 31% of refugees were depressed, compared to 10% of people in nearby host communities.

    A staggering 62% of refugees reported difficulties in functioning, compared to 25% of host community members. For example, many refugees reported moderate to severe difficulties in walking (35%), doing household chores (31%), concentrating (22%), or joining community activities (24%).

    Women, older refugees, and those who had been in exile longer were particularly vulnerable to worse mental health.

    More than half of the refugees in the survey reported experiencing or witnessing violence, either in their home countries or while fleeing. Refugees who experienced violence were about 17 percentage points more likely to experience depression, and 18 percentage points more likely to report functional impairment.

    We also found a “dose-response” relationship between violence and depression. This means the more severe the violence refugees experienced, the worse their mental health became over time.

    The impact of violence and depression extended far beyond mental health. Refugees with higher levels of depression and those exposed to violence also faced significant economic challenges. They were more likely to be unemployed, earn lower wages, have poorer diets, and report lower life satisfaction.

    This shows that depression directly affects individuals by limiting their ability to function. It also indirectly hinders their chances of rebuilding a stable, fulfilling life.

    Mental health interventions

    Our results highlight that refugees – particularly those exposed to violence and prolonged exile – are disproportionately affected by depression. It’s harder for them to achieve economic stability and integrate into their host communities.

    We also found that mental health issues get worse the longer refugees remain in exile, underscoring the need for early screening for mental illness.

    Based on our findings, we hypothesise that effective treatment of depression could potentially create a virtuous cycle, improving both refugees’ mental health and other broader economic outcomes. This makes a strong case for investing in refugees’ mental health in low- and middle-income countries.

    – Refugees in east Africa suffer from high levels of depression, making it harder to rebuild lives – new study
    – https://theconversation.com/refugees-in-east-africa-suffer-from-high-levels-of-depression-making-it-harder-to-rebuild-lives-new-study-240815

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Two new non-executive directors join HMRC Board

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Digital transformation expert Mike Bracken and tax specialist Bill Dodwell have joined the HM Revenue and Customs Board.

    The pair have been appointed as non-executive directors to the board, which is chaired by the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, James Murray MP.

    They will bring fresh expertise and experience to the board as it focuses on the minister’s 3 strategic priorities for HMRC:

    • closing the tax gap
    • improving customer service
    • modernising and reforming HMRC

    Jim Harra, HMRC First Permanent Secretary and Chief Executive, said:

    I’m delighted Mike and Bill are joining the board and adding their expert knowledge to the considerable expertise that already exists on the board.

    They will help HMRC to deliver on the minister’s priorities of closing the tax gap, improving customer service, and modernising and reforming HMRC.

    Mike Bracken has led digital operations and transformations in large-scale public and private sector organisations in the UK and Europe. He was the founder and executive director of the UK Government Digital Service (GDS) and the UK’s first Government Chief Data Officer.

    He has advised more than 30 governments and global financial institutions on digital transformation, from Australia to Argentina.

    Mike will chair the board’s Modernisation and Reform Committee.

    Bill Dodwell was Tax Director of the Office of Tax Simplification having been head of tax policy at Deloitte. He has law degrees from King’s College London and Queens’ College Cambridge and is a chartered accountant and chartered tax adviser.

    Bill is a former president of the Chartered Institute of Taxation and was a member of the General Anti-Abuse Rule Advisory Panel.

    Bill will chair the board’s Closing the Tax Gap Committee.

    Both Mike and Bill have been appointed board members by the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs for a fixed term of one year in accordance with the relevant guidance.

    The HMRC Board provides scrutiny, challenge and advice to the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs on HMRC’s operational strategies, performance, capability and risks. It is not decision-making and does not advise on policy development or the affairs of individual taxpayers.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: DDPS cedes anti-tank guided missile delivery date to Germany

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport

    Bern, 09.10.2024 – The DDPS has agreed to Germany’s request to postpone the delivery of some of the RGW90 shoulder-launched anti-tank guided missiles ordered by both countries. This is compatible with Switzerland’s neutrality. The Federal Council was informed of this decision at its meeting on 9 October

    The decision to procure RGW90 shoulder-launched anti-tank guided missiles from German manufacturer Dynamit Nobel Defence GmbH was made as part of the 2016 armament programme. Delivery will be staggered, with batches to be delivered in  2024 and 2025. The first two batches will be delivered according to plan, after which the troops will be trained on the systems. The third batch will now be supplied to Germany, which intends to deliver the anti-tank guided missiles to Ukraine. Because of this arrangement, Switzerland will receive its last batch about a year later than planned, in 2026.

    This change in delivery dates is compatible with Switzerland’s neutrality. The systems in the third batch will not be on Swiss territory at any time and are therefore not subject to the export provisions of the War Materiel Act. The DDPS is responsible for setting delivery dates.

    Continuation of practice

    The DDPS has agreed to a similar request in the past: in 2022, it gave precedence to the UK on an order for NLAW shoulder-launched multi-purpose weapons. Such requests are an opportunity for Switzerland to support important partners in specific areas within the framework of neutrality and without interfering with the introduction of weapons systems. In this way, Switzerland is underlining its intention to strengthen international security cooperation.

    Address for enquiries

    armasuisse Communication
    +41 58 464 62 48
    info@ar.admin.ch

    Publisher

    The Federal Council
    https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html

    General Secretariat DDPS
    https://www.vbs.admin.ch/

    Defence
    http://www.vtg.admin.ch

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama Alerts Public to Charity Scams Involving Hurricane Relief Efforts

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

                Montgomery, Alabama – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson issued a public safety alert today advising the public to be vigilant to hurricane relief fraud attempts in the wake of Hurricane Helene and future storms.

                “Criminals will use any situation, including natural disasters, to profit from the kindness and generosity of others,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “I encourage all Alabamians to be mindful as they consider participating in donation requests for disaster relief. Using the suggestions listed below will help ensure that donations reach their intended recipient and do not get diverted to those who seek only to enrich themselves.”

                On Sept. 26, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend Region and quickly caused major devastation there and across states including Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and others. Currently, Hurricane Milton is making its way across the Gulf of Mexico and will impact Florida’s west coast this week. As we have seen in the wake of previous national disasters, fraudsters will target victims of the storm along with citizens across the country who want to do what they can to assist individuals affected by the storm. Unfortunately, criminals exploit disasters for their own gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating deceiving websites designed to solicit contributions.

                The public should exercise diligence before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations or individuals offering to assist those affected by Hurricane Helene or any other natural disaster. Solicitations can originate from phone calls, texts, social media, e-mail, door-to-door collections, flyers, mailings, and other similar methods. Before making a donation to benefit victims of a disaster, individuals should adhere to certain guidelines, including:

    • Make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
    • Do not be pressured into making contributions as reputable charities do not use such tactics.
    • Do not respond to any unsolicited communications (e.g., e-mails and texts), and never click links contained within those messages because they may be targeting your personal information, to include bank and credit card account information, and other identifiers such as dates of birth and social security numbers.
    • Rather than clicking on a purported link to a charity, verify its legitimacy by utilizing various internet-based resources that may assist in confirming whether the organization is a valid charity.
    • Beware of organizations with copy-cat names similar to but not exactly the same as those of reputable charities.
    • Avoid cash donations if possible. Pay by credit card or write a check directly to the charity. Do not make checks payable to individuals.
    • Know that legitimate charities do not normally solicit donations via money transfer services, and their website will normally end in .org rather than .com.
    • Be cautious of e-mails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files because the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.

                The U.S. Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to deter, investigate, and prosecute fraud in the wake of disasters. More than 50 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which reminds the public to be aware of and report any instances of alleged fraudulent activity related to relief operations and funding for victims. Complaints of fraud may be reported online at http://www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm. Complaints may also be reported to the NCDF at (866) 720-5721, a hotline that is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Prime Minister’s Questions with British Sign Language (BSL) – 9 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

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

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

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

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

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

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iomhval_0IA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Solutions for a Triple Planetary Crisis in Cities – Forum of Mayors

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    As part of the Forum of Mayors, the side event “Solutions for a Triple Planetary Crisis in Cities” was organized by UNECE, Global Cities Hub, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The event addressed the urgent challenges posed by climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, especially as cities grow at an unprecedented rate. It specifically featured a range of discussions on how nature-based solutions can enhance resilience and reduce the effects of urbanization. Presentations from various experts highlighted the importance of local and subnational governments in these efforts.

    The UNECE’s Trees in Cities Challenge, for instance, encourages mayors to commit to tree planting and sustainable urban forestry, providing a meaningful way to confront the triple planetary crisis while boosting public health, creating green jobs, and securing access to vital ecosystem services.

    UNECE’s urban forestry initiatives aim to harness the potential of trees and green spaces to meet global targets related to climate action, biodiversity, and sustainable development. During an interactive session, mayors were invited to reflect on their own urban forestry efforts, answering questions about the number of trees planted, the costs involved, and the broader cost-benefit impact. In the face of a rapidly urbanizing future, one key factor will determine whether cities thrive or fail, how effectively they integrate nature into their development plans. UNECE’s initiatives provide the tools, guidance, and support needed to help cities achieve this and contribute to the goals of the Rio Conventions.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Family office collaboration unveiled

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau today announced the establishment of the Hong Kong Family Office Nexus, a strategic collaboration between the bureau and Bloomberg L.P.

    The partnership is aimed at attracting family offices from around the world to establish or expand their presence in Hong Kong, and at reinforcing the city’s status as a leading global asset and wealth management hub, the bureau said.

    Specifically, it will focus on four “pillars”, namely community building, knowledge sharing, technological support, and philanthropic collaboration. Together with Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy, the bureau will work with Bloomberg on various initiatives designed to bolster Hong Kong’s family office ecosystem.

    The bureau said the alliance was forged following a pivotal meeting in New York, in April, between Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui and Founder of Bloomberg L.P. & Bloomberg Philanthropies Michael Bloomberg. Their discussions centred on Hong Kong’s initiatives to establish itself as a global hub for family offices and philanthropy, and how the two parties might collaborate on achieving this goal.

    Mr Hui said: “Michael and I share a common vision to develop Hong Kong into a global centre for family offices and philanthropists. His insights, together with Bloomberg’s extensive international reach and its expertise in financial data and technology, will be invaluable to further enhance Hong Kong’s appeal to family offices worldwide.

    “We look forward to working closely with Bloomberg to create an environment where family offices and philanthropic initiatives will thrive.”

    Additionally, the bureau said Bloomberg will inaugurate a new wealth management summit in Hong Kong next March. With a view to sustaining and building on growing momentum in Hong Kong’s family office sector, the event will coincide with the bureau’s Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit. 

    Other Hong Kong Family Office Nexus initiatives will commence in phases from late 2024, the bureau stated.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Michael Kaumeyer Joins Nicola Wealth to Drive Ultra-High-Net-Worth Business

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Vancouver, BC, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nicola Wealth, one of Canada’s fastest-growing private investment counsel firms, is pleased to announce that Michael Kaumeyer, founder and former CEO of Grayhawk Wealth, has joined Nicola Wealth to help develop and grow its ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) division.

    For over 30 years, Nicola Wealth has served some of Canada’s most successful and wealthiest families with over $3 billion of the firm’s $16 billion in assets under management (AUM) stewarded for this segment. Recognizing the opportunity to expand in the UHNW space, Michael’s new role reflects Nicola Wealth’s commitment to this market segment. His leadership will help the firm grow while assisting clients in building meaningful legacies for themselves and their communities. 

    Michael, an accomplished business leader, brings a proven track record of success in working with Canadian families and foundations, emphasizing strong, multigenerational relationships to support the growth of their legacies. His complementary skill set in connecting with clients, understanding their distinctive values and challenges, and delivering exceptional service aligns with Nicola Wealth’s approach to advanced financial planning and pension fund-style investing.

    “Michael’s decision to join us speaks volumes about our approach to wealth and legacy management,” said Vanessa Flockton, President, Private Wealth. “We don’t just serve our clients; we care deeply about them, their families, and their communities. Michael shares our belief that the key to lasting success is building strong, personal relationships. He will help us build upon our proven track record of long-term performance, sophisticated planning and enduring relationships.” 

    Prior to joining Nicola Wealth, Michael founded Grayhawk Wealth in 2015 and successfully grew the firm to manage $1.5 billion in AUM. His relationship-driven approach led to a highly successful business, resulting in the sale of the majority stake in 2020. At Nicola Wealth, Michael will have a national mandate to further define and expand the firm’s UHNW services, ensuring clients receive the highest level of personalized and innovative wealth management solutions. 

    “I am thrilled to join Nicola Wealth, a firm that prioritizes relationships and truly understands the complex needs of ultra-high-net-worth families,” said Kaumeyer. “This is a unique opportunity to build on the firm’s legacy of trust and care, and I look forward to working with Canadian families to help them grow and protect their wealth across generations.” 

    Based in Calgary, Michael will work nationally to contribute to Nicola Wealth’s ongoing mission to deliver exceptional client experiences. His deep Alberta roots and commitment to the community further align with Nicola Wealth’s dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of its clients and the communities they care about. 

    Nicola Wealth’s approach to serving clients centers on the ability to integrate wealth planning with investment management and personal legacy-building. By bringing Michael on board, Nicola Wealth will continue to grow its UHNW client base and serve Canadian families with the care, time, and expertise they deserve. 

    About Nicola Wealth

    Nicola Wealth Management Ltd. is an independent wealth management firm dedicated to serving the complex needs of high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions. Today, the firm manages over $16.4 billion in assets for clients across Canada, with advisors in BC, Alberta and Ontario. Nicola Wealth delivers a level of diversification; building upon a foundation of publicly traded securities, the Nicola Wealth portfolio is truly diversified to include access to a wide range of private asset classes including hard asset real estate, private equity, private debt, commercial mortgages and more. For more information, please visit http://www.nicolawealth.com. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: New IPU report: Parliaments embrace technology but digital divide persists

    Source: Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

    Wednesday 9 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland. The latest edition of the IPU’s World e-Parliament Report 2024 highlights significant progress in the digital landscape of legislatures worldwide.

    However, the report also points out an increasing digital divide between rich and poor parliaments, which can have an impact on the quality of democracy.

    This is the eighth edition of the biennial IPU report, produced by the IPU’s Centre for Innovation in Parliament. The findings are based on survey responses from 115 parliamentary chambers in 86 countries and supranational parliaments.

    Key findings

    Accelerating digital transformation

    Digital transformation in parliaments is gaining momentum. Over two-thirds (68%) of parliaments now have multi-year digital strategies, and 73% have formal modernization programmes.

    Digital divide

    Country income level is the most significant predictor of digital maturity. Parliaments in high-income countries rank highly but about two-thirds of parliaments in low-income countries fall into the category of least digitally mature.

    Emerging technologies

    Cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly being adopted in parliaments, with 68% using cloud services and 29% embracing AI tools.

    Cybersecurity is a top priority, with 70% of parliaments adopting national cybersecurity standards and 53% having internal cybersecurity strategies.

    Importance of inter-parliamentary cooperation

    The share of parliaments participating in the IPU’s Centre for Innovation in Parliament has increased from 27% in 2020 to 45% in 2024.

    Seventy per cent of parliaments surveyed expressed willingness to provide support to others.

    New: The IPU Digital Maturity Index

    This edition of the report introduces the IPU Digital Maturity Index, a pioneering tool to help parliaments assess their progress across six key areas including governance, infrastructure and public engagement.

    Legislatures in Europe and the Americas lead the way on digital maturity, while those in the Pacific region and sub-Saharan Africa are struggling to keep pace.

    Recommendations

    The report makes the following recommendations for parliaments:

    Develop clear digital strategies
    Allocate adequate resources
    Establish robust governance frameworks
    Invest in capacity-building
    Prioritize public engagement
    Strengthen inter-parliamentary collaboration

    Quote

    IPU Secretary General, Martin Chungong, said: “Parliaments cannot afford to fall behind as society embraces new technology. The future quality of democracy and its institutions are at stake. A digitally advanced parliament is a stronger, more effective, more transparent and more accountable parliament. This report shows how innovation and technology in parliaments can help them deliver better outcomes for the people.”

    The report will be presented at next week’s 149th IPU Assembly from 13-17 October 2024 in Geneva under the overarching theme: Harnessing science, technology and innovation for a more peaceful and sustainable future.

    The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. It was founded more than 130 years ago as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 180 national Member Parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies. It promotes democracy and helps parliaments develop into stronger, younger, greener, more gender-balanced and more innovative institutions. It also defends the human rights of parliamentarians through a dedicated committee made up of MPs from around the world.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Education at the intersection of disciplines: Polytechnic University hosts youth pedagogical council

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    The city youth pedagogical council called “Beyond the disciplines” was held at the Polytechnic. It brought together young specialists from various educational institutions of St. Petersburg.

    School is one of the first steps in the formation of highly qualified specialists. A modern person must have versatile skills and knowledge to adapt to constantly changing realities. Therefore, the leitmotif of the meeting was an interdisciplinary approach to education.

    The participants were addressed with welcoming speeches by the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Education of St. Petersburg Pavel Rozov, the Rector of the St. Petersburg Academy of Postgraduate Pedagogical Education Andrey Bogdantsev, the Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies of SPbPU Maxim Pasholikov, and the Head of the Press Service of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia for St. Petersburg Andrey Litovka.

    The Polytechnic University is the best place to hold a pedagogical council dedicated to the implementation of an interdisciplinary approach. Our scientists and teachers constantly work at the intersection of various sciences and industries, which allows them to find original solutions to current economic problems, ensuring a synergistic effect, – noted Maxim Pasholikov.

    The panel discussion was chaired by Ekaterina Kalinina, Vice-Rector for Project Development at SPb APPO, and Irina Mushtavinskaya, Head of the Department of Primary, Basic and Secondary General Education at SPb APPO. The participants discussed current issues of implementing an interdisciplinary approach in the educational process, as well as its impact on the development of a student’s personality. Particular attention was paid to issues of professional development and support for young teachers. The experts also presented programs and projects aimed at improving qualifications and developing meta-subject competencies.

    Thematic workshops were organized for the participants, dedicated to the issues of applying an interdisciplinary approach in education. Teachers were able to discuss and demonstrate how seemingly unrelated subjects can be combined.

    The Polytechnic University’s Centre for Work with Applicants held a tour for teachers and introduced them to the career guidance work that is carried out for schoolchildren and in which schools can participate.

    The City Youth Pedagogical Council “Beyond Disciplines” allowed young specialists to exchange experiences, gain new knowledge and ideas, and establish contacts with colleagues.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/education/education-at-the-junction-of-disciplines-polytechnic-adopted-youth-teaching-council/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CJ to attend 19th Conference of Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific in Malaysia

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:
     
         Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, will leave Hong Kong tomorrow (October 10) to attend the 19th Conference of Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

         The Conference will be held from October 11 to 14. It is a biennial event which seeks to provide the Chief Justices and senior judges of the Asia and Pacific region with a forum to discuss various issues of common interest to judiciaries in the region. It will cover a number of legal and judicial issues, including the rule of law, cross-border judicial co-operation and use of technology in court. Chief Justice Cheung will be the moderator-cum-speaker of a discussion session on international co-operation and cross-border issues. He will also attend the opening ceremony of the 37th LAWASIA Conference (Note), which will be held in Kuala Lumpur on October 13.

         Chief Justice Cheung will return to Hong Kong on October 14. During his absence, Mr Justice Roberto Alexandre Vieira Ribeiro, Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, will be the Acting Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal.
     
    Note: LAWASIA, or the Law Association for Asia and the Pacific, is a regional association of lawyers, judges, jurists and legal organisations. It holds annual conferences to provide a platform to facilitate the discussion of regional developments in various legal issues. All Chief Justices participating in the Conference of Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific are, in line with tradition, invited to join part of the LAWASIA Conference.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Time of Science” at the “Knowledge Day” of the Rosatom Corporation

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    The regional part of the career guidance event “Knowledge Day” of the Fuel Division of the Rosatom State Corporation was held at the Advanced Engineering School of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University “Digital Engineering” (AES SPbPU).

    The main goal of the event is to develop and strengthen the human resources potential of the nuclear industry, provide regional enterprises with the necessary personnel and timely career guidance work with young people to prepare a new generation of nuclear workers as part of the implementation of the Rosatom-2030 strategy. More than 700 representatives of enterprises of the Fuel Division of the Rosatom State Corporation, educational organizations, students and schoolchildren from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Kaliningrad, Elektrostal, Glazov, Seversk, Zelenogorsk, Vladimir, Novouralsk, Angarsk and other cities took part in the large-scale Knowledge Day in person and remotely.

    The Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” and Centrotech-Engineering LLC acted as co-organizers of the regional stage of the event in St. Petersburg. Let us recall that Rosatom, consisting of seven divisions, including the Fuel Division, actively supported the program of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” with letters of guarantee for co-financing for the development of joint scientific and technological project activities and the development of common educational programs, as well as the expansion of educational infrastructure.

    Thus, in the SPbPU PISh “Digital Engineering” training of master’s students is conducted according to the educational program “System digital engineering in nuclear engineering” (direction “Applied Mechanics”), developed jointly with OOO “Tsentrotekh-Engineering” (part of the management circuit of the Fuel Company of JSC “TVEL” of “Rosatom”). Also for the organization of effective training of “engineers of the future” in the interests of the nuclear industry PISh SPbPU and the Fuel Division of “Rosatom” opened joint Scientific and Technological Educational Space “TVEL – SPbPU” in 2023.

    The program of the “Day of Knowledge” included a presentation by the management of the Fuel Division of Rosatom, representatives of schools, colleges and universities to exchange experiences and combine best practices in attracting young people to choose engineering professions in the nuclear industry and developing the potential of young engineering personnel, as well as an exciting game “Time of Science” for students and schoolchildren.

    Natalia Sobakinskaya, Vice President for Human Resources Management at TVEL Fuel Company of Rosatom State Corporation, greeted the participants of the Knowledge Day and spoke about their professional path in the nuclear industry. She noted a wide range of Rosatom events and initiatives aimed at developing a personnel reserve, including expanding the network of specialized schools and colleges, creating thematic communities for young people and their parents, where they can learn more about growth opportunities in the corporation in four vectors: Science, Technology, Production, Projects.

    One of our tasks is to create new science-intensive technologies that no one in the world will be able to repeat. This is exactly what Rosatom’s competitive advantage is based on. Therefore, everyone who works in our science is the creator of the future, namely new materials, designs, products that the world has never seen before. Technologists at our enterprises are actively involved in digitalization. This role combines the knowledge of an engineer, technologist and programmer. Thus, several areas of development are opening up for young specialists at once, – concluded Natalia Sobakinskaya.

    On behalf of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, Deputy Director of the Department of State Policy in the Sphere of Secondary Vocational Education and Training Marina Safronova spoke, highlighting the training of qualified personnel in the SPO system in the context of technological leadership and national sovereignty.

    It is necessary to think about choosing a future profession already at school. Within the framework of the federal project “Professionality”, which has been successfully implemented for three years, we tried to form a student’s career map so that each young person has a clear understanding of the goals he wants to achieve, as well as the necessary steps and knowledge on the way to them. Consistency in choosing a career path is the value that is in the focus of the development of the entire system of secondary vocational education, – explained Marina Innokentyevna.

    Deputy General Director for Digital Engineering of Centrotech-Engineering LLC Viktor Duranichev shared his experience of cooperation with PISh SPbPU.

    We are working on solving urgent frontier tasks of the nuclear industry, which require multidisciplinary knowledge from us. In this regard, the established partnership with the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” helps us a lot. Even during their studies, master’s students of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU have the opportunity to join those science-intensive projects that we conduct jointly with the Advanced Engineering School of the Polytechnic University, and continue working on them after graduation, but already in the team of OOO “Centrotech-Engineering”. We already have examples when a graduate of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU heads his own project in our company, which, without exaggeration, is aimed at the technological leadership of the country at the present time. I thank the team of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” and invite all the guys to join our innovative projects in due time, – said Viktor Duranichev.

    Deputy Head of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” Oleg Rozhdestvensky spoke about admission to the school’s master’s program, cooperation with industrial partners and invited everyone to attend career days at the Polytechnic University.

    When admitting to the Master’s program, we start from the fact that we are looking not just for students, but for potential colleagues — highly qualified engineers who will ensure the development of industries, take part in the digital transformation of production and conduct breakthrough research in the next five years. During the admission campaign to the Master’s program, we focus on assessing the portfolio, which reflects not only the student’s formalized knowledge, but also applied research, during which he gained real experience in project activities, calculations and modeling. After admission to the SPbPU PISh, we actively develop these skills and competencies of the student together with industrial partners as part of common project activities. Most often, our graduates continue this truly complex and important research, but already full-time in the partner’s company, — Oleg Igorevich summed up.

    The participants of the educational game “Time of Science” from Polytechnic University were 3rd-5th year students of the Physics and Mechanics Institute, the Institute of Power Engineering of SPbPU and the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” in four mixed teams. The game process was divided into three rounds with ten tasks in each. The guys demonstrated their knowledge and erudition, logic and attentiveness, answered questions on physics, chemistry, mathematics, geometry. Read more about this here.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/partnership/time-of-science-at-the-day-of-knowledge-of-rosatom-corporation/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Polytechnic History Museum has won a prestigious national award

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    The final stage of the VI national award “Corporate Museum” was held in Nizhny Novgorod. It was attended by more than 250 delegates from all over Russia and neighboring countries. The participants of the competition competed in the following nominations: “New Exposition”, “Exhibition of the Year”, “Museum for All”, “Corporate Social Responsibility”, “Development of Territories”, “Best Educational Projects of a Corporate Museum”, “Discovery of the Year”, “Best Industrial Route of a Museum”, “Best Museum Event”.

    The Polytechnic History Museum was nominated as the “Best Educational Project”. This is a joint project of museum laboratories, implemented with the support of the St. Petersburg Initiatives Fund. As a result, the Polytechnicians received a third-degree diploma.

    The laboratories, designed for students of both the humanities and technical specialties, made it possible to create popular content on the topic of the national history of science and technology using modern digital tools. This project united art, science, education and cultural heritage. It received well-deserved attention both among colleagues and in the expert community.

    It was nice to be at such a large-scale event, where museums of large enterprises not only from Russia but also from other countries present their projects. This is an invaluable experience that allows us to exchange knowledge, share our developments and learn more about the achievements of our colleagues, – shared her impressions the deputy director of the SPbPU History Museum Tatyana Novitskaya.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/achivments/museum-of-history-politekna-became-a-diploma-recipient-of-the-prestigious-national-award/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: CMA cautions will writing and legal service providers as new guidance launched

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    CMA issues letters to businesses alongside new guidance following an investigation into unregulated providers of will writing, online divorce and pre-paid probate services.

    iStock

    The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is taking action to protect the growing number of UK consumers who are opting for alternatives to high street solicitors when making a will or getting divorced. Businesses which provide these unregulated legal services are a growing part of the legal sector and it is crucial they understand and comply with their consumer protection obligations. People buying these services need to be sure they are getting a fair deal. 

    The CMA has written to seven providers of unregulated legal services cautioning them against using particularly concerning practices such as aggressive upselling, the refusal of refunds and failing to respond to complaints. 

    Those who receive a letter should acknowledge it and act on any recommendations to review and revise their contract terms and practices. With the CMA set to receive stronger enforcement powers from next spring, if concerns are not addressed, the businesses could face a formal investigation. 

    As these types of services are not purchased very often, the CMA is concerned that consumers may not have a clear idea of what they may be expected to pay or the different options available to them. So, to help boost compliance levels across unregulated legal services, the CMA is also issuing new tailored guidance for businesses in the sector. This follows a consultation which received widespread support from consumer bodies, trade associations and the firms offering these services.  

    To complement the guidance for businesses, the CMA has published consumer guides for people making a will or going through a divorce. The significant consumer risks associated with pre-paid probate services are also highlighted. 

    Hayley Fletcher, CMA’s Interim Senior Director for Consumer Protection, said:

    Alternatives to conventional high street law firms can offer convenient services for people – and when day-to-day budgets are already under pressure, they can be a more cost-effective option.  

    Those offering these types of legal services often meet their customers at some of the most challenging times in life, so it’s particularly important that a difficult time is not made harder by misleading or unfair practices.   

    Our new guides will help empower consumers to ask businesses the right questions before they buy and give businesses an opportunity to get their house in order. 

    To ensure they comply with the law, we expect businesses in the sector to read the new guidance and make the necessary changes to their terms and practices. Those who don’t could face enforcement action.

    The new guidance explains how businesses can ensure they: 

    • draft fair terms and conditions and provide consumers with the information they need to make informed decisions 

    • provide services with reasonable care and skill 

    • use sales practices that are not misleading or aggressive 

    To raise business awareness of the CMA’s new guidance, an open letter has been sent to providers and published online. The CMA will continue to monitor the sector and expects to conduct a formal compliance review in due course. 

    Guides for consumers 

    The CMA’s new guides for consumers outline the options available when choosing a will writer or a divorce service provider, including the key things people need to keep in mind when buying these services and the potential sources of help if things go wrong after purchase.  

    Consumers are cautioned to think carefully before buying pre-paid probate plans as they come with significant consumer protection risks, including that the company could cease trading before the consumer’s death. A consumer warning on pre-paid probate services is already available via the Financial Conduct Authority and sets out the key issues for consumers to be aware of in relation to these services. 

    More information can be found on the unregulated legal services case page.  

    Notes to editors:  

    1. The CMA’s work in this area relates to consumer protection law, which applies across the UK. The separate laws relating specifically to wills, probate and divorce and the provision of legal advice in those areas differ across the nations of the UK: 

      • In England and Wales, only certain legal services (‘reserved legal activities’) are restricted to regulated legal services professionals (such as solicitors or chartered legal executives). Reserved legal activity is a defined term in the Legal Services Act 2007. 

      • In Scotland, certain legal services are restricted to professionals authorised to conduct those services based on the qualification they hold (such as solicitors, advocates and certain other professionals including commercial attorneys, notaries public and conveyancing practitioners). They are subject to statutory regulation: see Section 32 of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980. Note that the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill is currently before the Scottish Parliament, which if enacted will affect the regulation of legal professionals in Scotland. 

      • Similarly, in Northern Ireland, certain legal services are restricted to qualified persons such as solicitors: see Article 23 of the Solicitors (Northern Ireland) Order 1976.  

    2. The focus of the new guidance is unregulated providers, where the additional requirements of professional regulation do not apply. However, regulated providers must also meet their legal obligations including compliance with consumer law.  

    3. The CMA has a range of enforcement powers under consumer protection law, and these are shared with other bodies, such as local Trading Standards Services.  

    4. This consumer enforcement investigation was initiated by the CMA in July 2023 to protect consumers following complaints about unregulated providers offering will writing, online divorce, and pre-paid probate services. Since then, the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act 2024 has received royal assent. When relevant provisions come into force, the CMA itself will be empowered to determine whether consumer law has been breached and will have the ability to impose fines and order firms to pay compensation to affected consumers.  

    5. The providers of unregulated legal services that have received one of the seven advisory letters from the CMA will not be named. 

    6. For media enquiries, contact the CMA press office on 020 3738 6460 or press@cma.gov.uk  

    7. All enquiries from the public should be directed to the CMA’s General Enquiries team on general.enquiries@cma.gov.uk or by phone on 020 3738 6000.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Open letter to unregulated legal services providers

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments

    The CMA has published an open letter to unregulated providers of will writing, online divorce and pre-paid probate services outlining their consumer law obligations.

    Documents

    Open letter to the unregulated legal services sector

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    Open letter to the unregulated legal services sector (printable version)

    PDF, 238 KB, 4 pages

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    Request an accessible format.
    If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email general.enquiries@cma.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

    Details

    This letter reminds unregulated businesses offering will writing, online divorce and pre-paid probate services of their existing obligations under UK consumer law, and points readers to compliance guidance published by the CMA.  

    Businesses who provide these services should read this letter together with the final guidance.

    Read more on our  unregulated legal services case page.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 October 2024

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) – 9 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Watch PMQs with British Sign Language (BSL) – https://www.youtube.com/live/Iomhval_0IA

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

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

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

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

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

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4NgmapjGIk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Netball’s triumphant return to Liverpool set for 2025!

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Netball will make a triumphant return to Liverpool in May next year when M&S Bank Arena team up with Manchester Thunder to host a highly anticipated Netball Super League (NSL) match, reaffirming the city’s status as a destination for top-tier sporting events.

    The event will see some of the UK’s finest netball talent compete against each other in front of passionate netball fans. Fixtures, announced today, reveal Manchester Thunder will meet Birmingham Panthers in Liverpool.  The return to the city is particularly exciting for local supporters, as it was the host city for the unforgettable 2019 Vitality Netball World Cup, where fans packed the stands to create an electric atmosphere.

    M&S Bank Arena, one of the UK’s leading sports and entertainment venues, is thrilled to welcome Manchester Thunder for what promises to be an exhilarating match. The venue’s state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to creating memorable fan experiences ensure it will be a spectacular showcase for netball fans across the Liverpool city region.

    Ben Williams, Commercial & Business Development Manager for M&S Bank Arena said, “We are delighted to be welcoming netball back to the city. Liverpool has a rich sporting history, and local fans always create a special atmosphere. We are proud to host this prestigious event and can’t wait to see the arena buzzing with excitement as the players take to the court.”

    Karen Greig, Head Coach and Franchise Director for Manchester Thunder said, “We are delighted to be bringing a game to Liverpool and the M&S Bank Arena. We recognise as a North West based franchise that we have a responsibility to develop both local and elite netball across our region. It’s important for us to engage with netballers in the whole of the North West to get more people watching netball and coming to Liverpool is an exciting move for us. We will be working closely with Liverpool and its surrounding areas to engage not only young aspiring netballers but reaching out to netballers across the city. We are excited to see this new partnership drive forward and help develop partnerships and netball.”

    Manchester Thunder, four-time Netball Super League champions, are playing in Liverpool for the first time in their history. The sport’s return to Liverpool in 2025 comes at a time when netball continues to grow in popularity across the UK, inspiring a new generation of players and fans alike. With a strong history of hosting international sporting events, Liverpool is ready to bring netball to new heights and once again show why it’s the premiere destination for top-tier sporting events.

    Event Details:

    • Location: M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool
    • Date: 18 May 2025
    • Tickets: On sale from 12th October 2024

    For more information, please visit mandsbankarena.com or follow us on social media for the latest updates.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: An exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of Doctor of Philological Sciences, Professor Maya Ivanovna Cheremisina has opened at NSU

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    The hall in front of auditorium 2322 of the NSU Academic Building No. 1 (Pirogov, 1) was filled to capacity with students, teachers, guests and participants conference “Languages of the peoples of Siberia and adjacent regions”, which began work today. They all came to the opening of the exhibition about the life and work of the outstanding linguist, doctor of philological sciences, professor Maya Ivanovna Cheremisina.

    Maya Ivanovna’s career spans several decades and many aspects of scientific activity. From 1950 to 1951, she began her teaching career at Tomsk State Pedagogical University, and then continued it at Tula Pedagogical Institute until 1965. Since 1965, she became a professor in the Department of General Linguistics at Novosibirsk State University, where she made a significant contribution to the development of linguistic science. One of her achievements was the founding of the Department of Languages and Folklore of the Peoples of Siberia, which contributed to the study and preservation of the unique linguistic traditions of the region.

    — Maya Ivanovna has done a lot for NSU, for the Humanities Institute, for training personnel, for the indigenous peoples of Siberia. Today I congratulate you all on the opening of the conference and the opening of such a wonderful exhibition, I wish you successful work and productive exchange of knowledge. It seems to me that such an open format of the exhibition will be very useful and interesting for our students, for teachers. This is a great era in the life of the Humanities Institute and our university, — the rector of NSU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Mikhail Petrovich Fedoruk opened the exhibition.

    Maya Ivanovna was actively involved in training personnel, and many dissertations were defended under her supervision, including about half of the PhD theses of native speakers of Siberian languages. Her scientific research covers such areas as vocabulary, syntax, and typology of languages. She developed a theory of syntax for various language systems, which became an important contribution to linguistics.

    For her achievements, Maya Ivanovna has been awarded numerous prizes, including honorary diplomas from the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, as well as medals for her contribution to friendship between the USSR and China. Her work has been recognized with the titles of “Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation” and other republics, which underlines her importance in the scientific community. Maya Ivanovna has left a bright mark in the field of linguistics and continues to inspire new researchers to study languages and cultures.

    — This is our second exhibition. We held the first one 5 years ago at the same time in the Exhibition Center of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It was called “The Karpov Sisters: Maya Cheremisina and Tatyana Zaslavskaya” because two conferences dedicated to the memory of each of them were held at the same time. This time the occasion is even more significant — a centenary! We started preparing for the exhibition in the spring, and in the last two months we have been working on the final touches. The institutes of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences have provided us with great support, for which we are very grateful, — said one of the organizers of the exhibition, leading translator at the Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the eldest granddaughter of the Cheremisin family, Ekaterina Vladimirovna Shiplyuk.

    According to her, people are interested in history and stories, first of all, stories of people, when there is something to cling to and compare with it something more personal.

    — The purpose of the exhibition is to show a living person, not a textbook in which complex ideas are expressed and discussed. A living woman with women’s problems, warm family stories, with her experiences, worries, fears went and did. Work, labor — this is what Maya Ivanovna always had. She looked for salvation from worries in her work, she also looked for and received inspiration there and, as paradoxical as it may sound, she relaxed in her work. Any work, respect for any work, I saw it and still remember it, — Ekaterina Vladimirovna emphasized.

    From October 8 to 12 Humanitarian Institute of NSU jointly with the Institute of Philology of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences All-Russian scientific conference with international participation “Languages of the peoples of Siberia and adjacent regions“, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of Maya Ivanovna Cheremisina.

    In October, students and university staff will be able to visit an exhibition dedicated to the life and work of Maya Ivanovna. Information stands and exhibits are located in the light window opposite auditorium 2322 (NSU academic building, ul. Pirogova, 1).

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.nsu.ru/n/media/nevs/science/an-exhibition-dedicated-to-the-100th-anniversary-of-the-birth-of-the-doctor-of-philological-sciences/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Witness account secures another fly-tip prosecution for Winchester City Council

    Source: City of Winchester

    A Hampshire man has been ordered to pay over £4,000 following a witness account of him committing a fly-tipping offence. 

    The fly-tipped waste in Boarhunt 

    Timothy James O’Keefe, aged 58 years-old and a resident of Arundel Street, Portsmouth, was found guilty by a jury following a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court on 3 October 2024.

    Evidence was supplied by a passing motorist who saw Mr O’Keefe in Ashley Down Lane, Boarhunt on 28 September 2022 with distinctive bags at his car, bags which were subsequently found dumped in undergrowth a few yards away.

    The case was prosecuted by Winchester City Council and Mr O’Keefe was found guilty of depositing controlled waste without an environmental permit.

    The judge sentenced Mr O’Keefe to a fine of £1,000 and ordered him to pay prosecution costs of £3,000, a compensation order for clearance costs of £67.64 and a victim surcharge of £400, making a total of £4,467.64. He has also received a criminal record.

    Winchester City Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance Cllr Neil Cutler said: “We are very grateful to the witness for reporting this crime – we rely on reports from the public to prosecute so I’d encourage anyone who witnesses or captures footage of someone dumping waste illegally in our district to report it, just as this motorist has done.

    “This successful prosecution just goes to show how important eyewitnesses are in our mission to clamp down on fly-tipping and sends the clear message that we will not tolerate this type of environmental crime in our district.”   

    Reports of fly-tipping can be made on the council’s website at http://www.winchester.gov.uk/report, via the Your Winchester app or by calling 0300 300 0013. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Successful adult learners celebrated at annual awards ceremony 9 October 2024 Successful adult learners celebrated at annual awards ceremony

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    Successful adult learners who completed courses with the Isle of Wight Council were celebrated at an awards event last week.

    The Adult Community Learning Service handed out 11 awards, recognising the achievements of individuals across a range of subjects.

    Rob Brindley, service manager for the Adult Community Learning Service, said: “I was humbled to hear the learners’ individual stories and share the journeys they have taken to achieve their learning goals.

    “I know these achievements will impact their lives and their families, whether it is for volunteering, employment, college or university, or well-being and enjoyment.

    “Congratulations to all the winners who should be proud of their awards; I know your achievements will inspire others to give learning a try.

    “I would like to thank all the friends and families who have provided support, and the tutors and partner organisations who worked to help learners to reach their full potential.”

    A special award, the Laura Groves Award for Community and Family Involvement, was presented in memory of former Downside Middle School teacher Laura Groves.

    Wootton Primary School’s Jade Harrison won this accolade for going above and beyond in her role in supporting children in the classroom and at home, ensuring families know how to access support, and bringing together a group of young carers to share their feelings and experiences.

    Find out more about Adult Community Learning opportunities on the Isle of Wight. You can also email acl@iow.gov.uk

    Other winners included:

    Learning through Functional Skills Award — Anna Gudgin.

    Anna struggled academically and did not sit her exams at school, however, she found Adult Community Learning classes perfect for her.

    Classes were a friendly size with a good mix of people and cater for all styles of learning and individual needs.

    A highly commended award in this category was awarded to Heather Venables-Smith.

    Learning Through Technology Award — Jo Hofmann.

    Jo has successfully completed the essential digital skills for work qualification, presentation and word courses. Jo’s confidence and abilities have grown immensely since she started attending courses with our service, which has had a positive impact on her life and resulted in her gaining employment.

    Highly commended was presented to Catrina Millington.

    Learning for Work Award — Natalie Thomas.

    Natalie had started a degree level apprenticeship but found the maths quite challenging. She says the community style of teaching is incredibly powerful, with peer support around you and teachers that change their approach to suit your learning style.

    A highly commended award in this category went to Martha Erasmus.

    Learning for Personal Achievement Highly Commended Award — Alison McCarthy.

    Alison completed courses in spreadsheets and presentations. With the welcoming and calm support of her tutor John, Alison overcome her anxieties and gained confidence in all aspects of computing.

    Learning Within the Family Award — Laura Williams.

    Laura is a young foster carer and felt she did not know much about parenting, but wanted to do the best she could for her brother. She soon become an active member of the ‘families living and learning together’ group, asking questions and gaining in confidence. Laura says the course was a wonderful way to bond and it was a joy to see her brother respond to the activities in the classroom and put them into action at home.

    Staff Award — Norman Spence.

    Norman volunteers to support functional skills classes in Ryde and Sandown. After a career that has involved maths in one form or another, Norman was keen to use his skills in a voluntary capacity.

    Norman has learned a lot about the learning support role and values seeing the ‘lightbulb’ moment when adults learn new skills and grow in confidence.

    Picture shows: Laura Groves Award winner, Jade Harrison, from Wootton Primary School, with headteacher Jane Wilford presented by Steve Groves and Peter Groves.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 57: UK Statement for UPR Adoption on Afghanistan

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UK Statement for Universal Periodic Review Adoption on Afghanistan. Delivered at the 57th HRC in Geneva.

    Thank you, Madame Vice-President.

    We welcome the outcome of this review, which reflects the appalling human rights situation in Afghanistan.

    We are pleased that many of the recommendations were accepted, including the UK’s recommendation to lift the draconian restrictions on education and employment for women and girls.

    But sadly, Kabul has apparently taken no note.

    Instead, the Taliban’s so-called “vice and virtue” laws have dealt yet another severe blow to women’s rights in Afghanistan. Now the sound of a woman’s voice is deemed a moral violation, their faces are banned in public, and they are forbidden to look at men to whom they are not related. As our Foreign Secretary has said, these laws mark another tragic setback for the country.

    The UK condemns the recent attacks on the majority Shia Hazara community, which are utterly appalling. We echo the Special Rapporteur’s call for the protection of minority communities in Afghanistan.

    The UK will continue to shed light on human rights abuses in Afghanistan, especially against women and girls. The despicable decrees targeting their most basic rights must be overturned.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Improved support for crime victims

    Source: Scottish Government

    New Victim Contact Team to be set up.

    Victims of crime will receive improved support, advice and information as part of planned reforms to the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS).

    Under proposed changes to the scheme – which entitles victims or close relatives of victims to certain information about the person responsible for the crime – a new Victim Contact Team will be set up to give personalised support to victims, based on their individual needs.

    Victims will automatically be referred to the team for a trauma-informed discussion about their options for registering for the VNS and for an explanation of their rights. The amount of information available to victims about the offender(s), which includes information about their release, will also be expanded.

    The Scottish Government will introduce the reforms as part of its response to recommendations in the Independent Review of the Victim Notification Scheme, which heard directly from victims about their experiences of the justice system and the VNS. Recent experiences with how the VNS operated in relation to measures to manage the prison population have also informed the response to the Review.

    The Scottish Government has agreed the majority of the Review’s recommendations, including the central proposal of creating a Victim Contact Team, with plans developed following discussions with justice and victim support organisations. Legislation to underpin the creation of the Contact Team will be progressed through the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, which is continuing its passage through Parliament.

    Victims Minister Siobhian Brown said:

    “These reforms will put the needs of victims firmly at the heart of the Notification Scheme. By increasing the information available to victims, improving communication across justice agencies and making the system more accountable, we can ensure the scheme continues to be as effective and trusted as possible.

    “We have already begun work to implement the Independent Review’s recommendations, including to create a Victim Contact Team to provide personalised support for victims. Each victim has different needs that deserve to be handled sensitively and victims will automatically be referred to the team, who will explain their rights and provide support.

    “This is a priority for the Scottish Government and we will use the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill already progressing through Parliament to ensure the reforms are taken forward at pace.

    “I am grateful to all those who shared their experiences during the Independent Review, particularly victims and their families. We will continue to listen to their voices as we continue strengthening support for them and progress these latest reforms to the Victim Notification Scheme.”

    VNS Independent Review Chair Alastair MacDonald and Vice Chair Fiona Young said:

    “The agreement to establish a Victim Contact Team to help victims understand what information they may receive and to get that information in a way that helps them is welcome. It is hoped that implementation of other recommendations will also be prioritised.”

    Ann Fehilly, of domestic abuse court advocacy service ASSIST, said:

    “ASSIST has long advocated for the Victim Notification Scheme to be victim-centred, trauma-informed and responsive to the needs of victims.

    “We welcome the Scottish Government’s acceptance of almost all of the Review recommendations and look forward to working collaboratively with them to put into effect the plan. We are pleased that choice for victims is at the heart of the process, alongside a commitment to work with organisations which support victims to access the right information timeously. It is crucial that victims of domestic abuse are kept informed to ensure they are safe from further harm.”

    Background

    Scottish Government response to the Independent Review of the Victim Notification Scheme

    Victim Notification Scheme: Independent Review

    The Independent Review made recommendations in relation to the three victim notification/information schemes. In the Independent Review and the Scottish Government response, the term VNS refers to all three schemes, unless otherwise specified.

    Victim notification/information schemes:

    • the VNS provides victims of offenders sentenced to more than 18 months’ imprisonment with the right to certain information (such as when an offender is released) and in some cases with the right to make representations when a decision is being made to release an offender on licence
    • the Compulsion Order and Restriction Order VNS provides victims of offenders subject to a Compulsion Order and Restriction Order with similar rights to information, and to making representations
    • the Victim Information Scheme is available for victims of offenders who are sentenced to less than 18 months’ imprisonment.

    The planned reforms will be implemented in partnership with victim support organisations and justice agencies. The Scottish Government will produce an annual report to review progress of the key VNS reforms.

    Victim Notification Scheme: guidance for victims of crime

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU introduces new sanctions regime against Russian hybrid activity

    Source: Government of Sweden

    EU introduces new sanctions regime against Russian hybrid activity – Government.se

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    Press release from Ministry for Foreign Affairs

    Published

    The EU decided on 8 October to introduce a new sanctions regime in response to Russia’s destabilising activities. The sanctions aim to counter Russia’s hybrid activity against the EU, its Member States and international partners.

    “Sweden has been a driving force in establishing a new sanctions regime in connection with Russia’s destabilising activities. This is a concrete step the EU is now taking in response to Russian hybrid activity. This means establishing a sanctions regime directed at those who are responsible for, support or benefit from Russian’s hybrid activity in the EU and globally,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard.

    Russian hybrid activity has intensified and is high on the agenda for the EU, as it is for NATO. Within the framework of the EU Strategic Compass for Security and Defence, tools have been developed to detect and respond to various hybrid threats. These threats include sabotage, disruptive actions, foreign information manipulation, disinformation, malicious cyberactivity and the instrumentalisation of migration. Tools to counter these threats are being developed continuously, with the aim of making the most of all available instruments to strengthen EU resilience and prevent, deter and respond to Russia’s hybrid activity. The restrictive measures now being adopted are part of these efforts. 

    New EU sanctions regime against Russia’s destabilising activity

    In response to Russia’s intensified hybrid activities, the EU is introducing a new sanctions regime. The sanctions regime was adopted in light of the European Council’s conclusions of 27 June, which condemned all types of Russian hybrid activity.
    The new restrictive measures are aimed at natural or legal persons, entities or bodies that are responsible for carrying out or supporting policies or actions by the Russian Government that undermine or threaten:

    – the EU’s fundamental values and its security, independence and integrity;
    – the Member States’ and international organisations’ or third countries’ stability, security or independence; or
    – the sovereignty of Member States and third countries.

    These restrictive measures are targeted and include the freezing of assets and prohibition to make funds available, including travel bans for individuals entering or through the European Union’s territory.

    Press contact

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: AIS and Huawei Launch RAN Intelligence Pioneers Program to Expedite AN L4 Evolution

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: AIS and Huawei Launch RAN Intelligence Pioneers Program to Expedite AN L4 Evolution

    [Bangkok, Thailand, October 9, 2024] AIS Thailand and Huawei have jointly launched the RAN Intelligence Pioneers Program, a collaborative initiative aimed at driving wireless intelligence innovation and building robust, high-quality intelligent wireless networks.
    AIS is dedicated to realizing its strategic goal of Autonomous Networks (AN) L4 by 2025. In collaboration with Huawei, AIS has made substantial progress in wireless intelligence over the past two years, successfully developing applications like base station outage detection and compensation, and intelligent traffic burst optimization. These innovations have boosted network traffic and operational efficiency while significantly improving user experience and satisfaction. As a result, AIS has achieved its strategic goal of AN L3 in critical wireless scenarios.
    The RAN Intelligence Pioneers Program unites Huawei, telecom operators, and industry partners to develop innovative intelligent wireless network applications and business models through state-of-the-art intelligence technologies like foundation models and digital twins. The goal is to uncover new business opportunities and economic value in the wireless sector. As a vital partner, AIS is considered an important partner of this program, marking a significant step towards achieving the strategic vision of a Level 4 Autonomous Network, where the system can manage the network almost 100% on its own.
    AIS and Huawei have announced their intention to collaborate on three key subjects.
    First, they will work together on how to leverage decision-making intelligence technologies to deliver a reliable and unique experience for 5G and future 5G-A users.
    Second, how to apply digital twin technology to improve the ability of making decisions with multiple objectives in mind for intelligent energy saving features, achieving optimal energy saving while ensuring more performance counters.
    Third, how to use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies to acquire network operation and maintenance expertise, diagnose issues, and offer expert advice for resolution and forecasting.
    Kitti Ngarmchatetanarom, Chief Technology Officer AIS said: “Through our partnership with Huawei, we have achieved significant advancements in the AN field over the past few years. By fully embracing the RAN Intelligence Pioneers Program, we have poised to further enhance our network operations, provide a tailored and exceptional user experience for each individual, accelerate our transition to AN L4, and evolve from a conventional communications service provider to a pioneering force in cognitive technology.”
    Calvin Zhao, President of Huawei Wireless Network MAE Product Line, stated: “Huawei has always been committed to working closely with operators and industry partners to improve network productivity and unlock new business prospects and value for the industry. Through the RAN Intelligence Pioneers Program, Huawei will team up with AIS to pioneer innovations in foundation models and digital twin technologies. Huawei will also support AIS in setting a new standard for AN L4 in 5G network deployment, driving the wireless intelligence revolution together.”
    The RAN Intelligence Pioneers Program has gained significant recognition from operators since its launch at MWC Shanghai in June 2024. With continued operator and industry partner involvement, this program will propel intelligent innovation in the industry, offering a robust technical framework and real-world case studies to accelerate the wireless AN sector’s progress toward L4 capabilities. This initiative will support the global development of intelligent wireless networks.
    AIS Thailand and Huawei have jointly launched the RAN Intelligence Pioneers Program

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Refugees in east Africa suffer from high levels of depression, making it harder to rebuild lives – new study

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Olivier Sterck, Senior Research Officer, University of Oxford

    By the end of 2023, more than 100 million people globally had been forced to flee their homes due to war, violence, fear of persecution, and human rights violations.

    The majority are hosted in low- and middle-income countries, where many live in overcrowded camps or urban settlements, with limited access to food, employment and essential services. Many endure traumatic experiences not only before their displacement but also during and after it. They face armed conflict, marginalisation and poverty at every stage of their journey.

    These experiences may increase the likelihood of developing mental health disorders, which can persist years after displacement. This makes it harder for refugees to earn a living and integrate into society.

    As World Health Organization (WHO) director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at the 2019 Global Refugee Forum:

    It’s a hidden epidemic and a silent killer. News reports show us the devastation of war. They show us refugees on the move, refugees in cities and refugees in large camps. But they don’t show us inside the minds of the people and how it affects their lives … Wounds heal. Homes are rebuilt. News cycles move on. But the psychosocial scars often go unnoticed and untreated for years.

    Despite this recognition, there are gaps in what’s known about the mental health of refugees.

    Most studies focus on refugees hosted in high-income countries, even though 75% of refugees live in low- and middle-income countries.

    We conducted a multi-country survey of 16,000 refugees and host community members in cities and camps across Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia. At the time of our research (between 2016 and 2018), these three countries hosted around 40% of Africa’s refugees – about 1.8 million people. The survey included Congolese and Somali refugees across most sites, as well as South Sudanese refugees in the Kenyan camps.

    Our study found that refugees in east Africa experienced higher rates of depression (31%) and functional impairment (62%) compared to the host population (10% and 25%, respectively).

    Prevalence was even higher among those exposed to violence and extended periods of displacement. They also faced greater economic hardship, such as higher unemployment, lower wages and poor diets.

    Our findings highlight the profound impact of mental health on refugees’ ability to rebuild their lives. It highlights the urgent need for targeted screening and evidence-based treatments to prevent a vicious cycle of mental disorders, economic hardship and poor social integration.

    What we studied

    Our study had three main goals.

    First, we wanted to see how common depression was among different refugee groups and how it compared to the local host communities. We measured depressive symptoms using a questionnaire that could evaluate moderate to severe depression. We also measured how well people were able to carry out daily activities, such as moving around, completing tasks and participating in community life – abilities that are often affected by depression.

    Second, we wanted to understand how past experiences of violence – before refugees fled their home countries – affected their mental health. This used event data which tracked violent events in refugees’ home districts during the three years before they fled and a subjective, self-reported measure of violence experiences. This allowed us to study the correlation between exposure to violence and depressive symptoms.

    And third, we explored the hidden toll depression takes across different life domains, including employment, health and overall well-being.

    High levels of depression

    The study found that 31% of refugees were depressed, compared to 10% of people in nearby host communities.

    A staggering 62% of refugees reported difficulties in functioning, compared to 25% of host community members. For example, many refugees reported moderate to severe difficulties in walking (35%), doing household chores (31%), concentrating (22%), or joining community activities (24%).

    Women, older refugees, and those who had been in exile longer were particularly vulnerable to worse mental health.

    More than half of the refugees in the survey reported experiencing or witnessing violence, either in their home countries or while fleeing. Refugees who experienced violence were about 17 percentage points more likely to experience depression, and 18 percentage points more likely to report functional impairment.

    We also found a “dose-response” relationship between violence and depression. This means the more severe the violence refugees experienced, the worse their mental health became over time.

    The impact of violence and depression extended far beyond mental health. Refugees with higher levels of depression and those exposed to violence also faced significant economic challenges. They were more likely to be unemployed, earn lower wages, have poorer diets, and report lower life satisfaction.

    This shows that depression directly affects individuals by limiting their ability to function. It also indirectly hinders their chances of rebuilding a stable, fulfilling life.

    Mental health interventions

    Our results highlight that refugees – particularly those exposed to violence and prolonged exile – are disproportionately affected by depression. It’s harder for them to achieve economic stability and integrate into their host communities.

    We also found that mental health issues get worse the longer refugees remain in exile, underscoring the need for early screening for mental illness.

    Based on our findings, we hypothesise that effective treatment of depression could potentially create a virtuous cycle, improving both refugees’ mental health and other broader economic outcomes. This makes a strong case for investing in refugees’ mental health in low- and middle-income countries.

    Olivier Sterck receives funding from the IKEA Foundation.

    Julia R Pozuelo receives funding from the National Institute of Mental Health.

    Maria Flinder Stierna receives funding from the Norwegian Research Council.

    Raphael Bradenbrink received funding from the Heinrich Böll Foundation.

    – ref. Refugees in east Africa suffer from high levels of depression, making it harder to rebuild lives – new study – https://theconversation.com/refugees-in-east-africa-suffer-from-high-levels-of-depression-making-it-harder-to-rebuild-lives-new-study-240815

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Maturity of Riksbank Certificates

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Prolonged maturity of Riksbank certificates in December 2024

    The maturity of the certificates announced on December 17, 2024 will be

    prolonged. The settlement day for the certificates will be December

    18, and the certificates will mature on January 8, 2025.

    For more information please contact Markets Department, Front Office desk

    phone +46 8 6966970

    The MIL Network –